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Wisdom In The Word Bible Studies
By Michael Mendola
Biblical knowledge is the beginning. Only through fine-grain detailed study, including Biblical and secular history, the sciences, sacred and secular writings and even mythology and more, can we achieve wisdom and skill in using the Word of God.
New to the Cover-to-Cover Bible studies? Listen to the 'Introduction' and 'What Shapes YOUR Worldview?' podcasts first. You'll be glad you did!
We hope these studies deepen your understanding of God's Heart, Mind, Character, His plan and His point-of-view.
Questions? Comments? Want a copy of the notes?
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Where to listen
Special session: At The Very Edge Of The Age: Where We Really Are Now And What Is Coming Next
I am posting this very timely message that will help you understand how we got to where we are RIGHT NOW in this extremely critical and absolutely unique point in world history. This IS the time Jesus spoke to when he said "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."Luke 21:28. Make no mistake, these things HAVE BEGUN to pass! Please listen and take to heart the message to you in this podcast. Please take stock of your position with God right now. Is your redemption drawing near, or is it your time of judgment that is drawing near? You still can choose rightly if you have not. I hope that this message helps you see the urgency. This special podcast is by Pastor J.D. Farag. You can find his sermons, Bible studies and weekly prophecy updates on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkz3m787ygph7Uvjxzngl-g
July 1, 2020
Daniel: God Answers Daniel's Profound Prayer to Understand His Will For The Future
We continue in chapter 9, parsing Daniel's writings and the deep prophecies of world rule until our time now, the end of the age. The main point of this piece is using Daniel as a prime example of the most effective way of drawing close to God in prayer. We learn from his example, that the righteous and humble, fervent, from-the-heart prayer does avail much! We'll see the result of prayer that is weighted with evidence that we are fully aware of the God to Whom we are speaking, the great, one and only true God. Daniel prays from the standpoint that prayer is willful submission and worship of the One and only God, the One who only can answer prayer. It becomes even more clear as we enter chapter 9 that we - you who are reading this now - are the only generation to have the ability to fully understand the book of Daniel's (and Revelation's) deepest and most mysterious secrets, now revealed to us - as part of this terminal generation!
March 7, 2020
Daniel: The Goat and The Two-Horned Ram - Hellenization Sets The World Stage For The Final Antichrist
Join us as we continue parsing Daniel's vision of Gentile world rule. Here, he describes the battle between a goat and a two-horned ram for supremacy. This imagery describes world rule being transitioned from the Medo-Persian to the Greek empire. It's describes the beginning of the end-times thrust of the Hellenization of the world. The modern world we live, in its final phase before the end of the Age, is very heavily based on this transition. What is Hellenism? Why is it considered the fulcrum point of world governance history? Hellenization is the historical spread of ancient Greek culture, religion, and, to a lesser extent, language over peoples conquered by the Greeks, or brought into their sphere of influence, particularly during the Hellenistic period following the campaigns of Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC. The result of Hellenization was that elements of Greek origin combined in various forms and degrees with local elements, and these Greek influences spread from the Mediterranean basin as far east as modern-day Pakistan. In modern times, Hellenization has been associated with the adoption of modern Greek culture and the ethnic and cultural homogenization of Greece - and the world. Prophetically, the Hellenization of the world set the stage for the final act before the end. What is the final act? It is the crescendo of the Times Of The Gentiles through the follow-on Roman culture, and then it's rapid crash and destruction under the final Antichrist - who will be an export of this Hellenization/Roman system - when he comes on the scene. The stage has been set. The curtain has risen. The play continues... Make no mistake: YOU and I are alive and in this theater by God's will, for such a time as this. We ARE witnessing the end of the Age and how it comes about. We ARE that terminal generation, And we have been assigned front-row seats! Keep you eyes open and keep watch! Christians are commanded to do so!
January 25, 2020
Special Session: What REALLY Is The Point Of All This?
I am joyful and very honored that you are finding value in this Bible study series. It truly is my fondest labor of love for God and for you! But, I must ask, what do you perceive is God's primary motive in offering the truth of His Word to me, to us - to YOU, personally? You, as I, are well aware that we each have only one life to live on this earth. Period. We come in with nothing, but, contrary to popular belief, we each do come out with something. And, what we each exit this life with will be judged by the God who brought you here. The "thrust" of your life shows what your will is for yourself. What you and I do with our free will does not lie - and God will allow us what we truly want for ourselves in eternity. None can say they did not freely make their own choice, when they receive the result of what they set their hearts to at the end of life! Please listen to this special podcast and take it to heart. It truly is the MOST important one in the entire Bible study series! It is by Pastor J.D. Farag. You can find his sermons, Bible studies and weekly prophecy updates on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkz3m787ygph7Uvjxzngl-g
January 17, 2020
Daniel: Unlocking The Fullness Of The Four Beasts Of Daniel's Vision (Part 3)
Join us In part 3 of this lesson as we continue to parse Daniel's key vision of the four beasts that rise up out of the sea of humanity.
January 9, 2020
Daniel: Unlocking The Fullness Of The Four Beasts Of Daniel's Vision (Part 2)
Join us In part 2 of this lesson as we continue to parse Daniel's key vision of the four beasts that rise up out of the sea of humanity.
December 25, 2019
Daniel: Unlocking The Fullness Of The Four Beasts Of Daniel's Vision (Part 1)
In this lesson, we move forward to Daniel chapter 7, which chronicles Daniel's vision of the four beasts that rise up out of the sea of humanity. The images of the beasts speaks to four Gentile kingdoms to rule, in turn, as the world runs through to the end of this Age. If you have been learning with us, you understand that the chapters of the book of Daniel are not all in chronological order. Because of this, chapter 7 brings us back in time to before the the handwriting on the wall that officially ended Belshazzar's time, and that of the Babylonian empire. As we further allow Scripture to give the full truth and correct our worldview through it, learn with the class now, as we examine this major prophetic vision and its implications in history and for the end of the Age. The very time you and I live in now. Chapter 7 brings us back to the first year of Belshazzar's role as the king of Babylon. It is about 555 B.C. At that time, Daniel was given a highly prophetic dream as visions passed through his mind, while he was lying on his bed. God gave him this key vision and had him record the fullness of the dream. As he begins to write, we are immediately told that he sees four beasts rising out of the sea of nations of the earth: DA 7:2~3... "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea (of nations). Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea...
December 16, 2019
Daniel: Called To Persecution: Understanding How Satan Uses His System and His People To Destroy God's Own
There are only a handful of constants throughout history that affect all people. The greatest of these is persecution. This is especially true, and most intense for those who are of God's chosen, whether Jew or Christian. This being the case, it is no wonder that the Scriptures have much to say about persecution, exhaustively detailing what it is, how it works and how it is dealt with by God and all those of God. Join the class as we continue in the book of Daniel and other places in the Bible to examine the why and how of persecution, its intended results and, most importantly, how God uses it to accomplish good in and for those affected by it. It is important that you and I learn about the 'how's' and 'why's' of persecution because, if you are of God's people especially, you will experience it - sometimes extremely severely - in this life.: 2Ti 3:12~13 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2Ti 3:11...But out of them all the Lord delivered me. 2Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
December 8, 2019
Daniel: King Darius And The Irrevocable Decree That Turns Daniel Over To The Lions' Den
Join the class as we encounter one of the most popular stories of the Bible, Daniel and the lions' den. Most people have heard of this, but very few actually know what took place and even fewer understand the what and why behind it. In this session we deeply examine and parse the entire important story. We review its greater meaning and purposes as one of a number of similar incidents in Scripture that help us understand a key, "scorched earth" battle plan of Satan. We'll learn what he still, to this very day, knows he must accomplish to win God's throne and destroy His rule forever. We already know that he will never be allowed victory. But more importantly, we learn through the Bible's historical documentation how God works in and through Satan's schemes to show His complete sovereignty and mastery over all. Continue to learn with us and experience God's heart, mind, character and power in using all things to His glory and to effect His perfect plan of this age. We begin as Darius sets up his kingdom on behalf of the Persians and yet again, God bring Daniel into his "cabinet" as one of his top officials...
December 4, 2019
Daniel: The Final Party Of Belshazzar And The Siege Of Babylon
The handwriting is on the wall. Babylon's end has finally come. Join us as we learn in detail about how God timed and triggered the Gentile world government transition from the Babylonian kingdom "head of gold" to the Medo-Persian "chest and arms of silver". In this session, we study in full the fascinating back story of Belshazzar, the final king of Babylon, who was unceremoniously ousted by God's decree, written in His own Hand. We'll let Daniel introduce us to the end of the line of ancient Babylon's kingdom: Dan 5:23 But (you, Belshazzar) hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: Dan 5:24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. Dan 5:25 And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN...
November 24, 2019
Daniel: The Insanity Of Nebuchadnezzar, The Handwriting On The Wall And The Defeat Of Ancient Babylon
Join the class as we move forward in our study of the book of Daniel. We continue as Daniel describes the disposition of king Nebuchadnezzar as the time is growing close to the demise of ancient Babylon. We examine God's long-range plan for Babylon and its system as He brings king Nebuchadnezzar to insanity, but preserves him through it. We'll also continue to follow ancient Babylon's illustrious history through its decline and transition to the Medo-Persian empire - with its system still preserved. Finally, we'll take a look at the view of the Babylonian system from Nebuchadnezzar, through to the end of the age, where we are today. We'll see how the the insane madness of Nebuchadnezzar continued as part of that system into the time of the end, as governments try to bring about the final, state of a one world "tree" of dominion and religion under their Babylonian system.
November 9, 2019
Daniel: Understanding Babylon, Its Culture and Her Kings Of The Earth: Nimrod, Nebuchadnezzar And Antichrist (Part 3)
The key to understanding what Daniel offers requires two main things: A functionally Hebraic mindset of the reader, and to understand Babylon, the key player of the Times of the Gentiles chronicled in the book. We have already, and now spend more time preparing the class to get the most out of the book of Daniel as we do these things. Join us now, as we continue to parse Babylon, and more specifically, king Nebuchadnezzar, in part 3 of this teaching.
November 1, 2019
Daniel: Understanding Babylon, Its Culture and Her Kings Of The Earth: Nimrod, Nebuchadnezzar And Antichrist (Part 2)
The key to understanding what Daniel offers requires two main things: A functionally Hebraic mindset of the reader, and to understand Babylon, the key player of the Times of the Gentiles chronicled in the book. We have already, and now spend more time preparing the class to get the most out of the book of Daniel as we do these things. Join us now, as we continue to parse Babylon, and more specifically, king Nebuchadnezzar, in part 2 of this teaching.
October 26, 2019
Daniel: Understanding Babylon, Its Culture and Her Kings Of The Earth: Nimrod, Nebuchadnezzar And Antichrist (Part 1)
The key to understanding what Daniel offers requires two main things: A functionally Hebraic mindset of the reader, and to understand Babylon, the key player of the Times of the Gentiles chronicled in the book. We have already, and now spend more time preparing the class to get the most out of the book of Daniel as we do these things. Join us now, as we continue to parse Babylon. If we consider that Babylon is to Satan as Jerusalem is to God, then we do well to understand Babylon, its culture, its system and its line of kings as it pursues domination the earth for Satan. Join the class as we continue to "front load" our understanding to better grasp the prophecies in the book of Daniel, and the fullness in their timeless meaning across the Age.
October 22, 2019
Daniel: Deeply Examining Babylon And Its Role Throughout The Timeline of The Age
Join the class again as we continue setting the stage for our better understanding of the key prophetic book for the times of the Gentiles, the book of Daniel. In this session we closely examine the Babylonian religious and economic system. The better you understand Babylon and its workings end-to-end, the better equipped you'll be to really understand the entire book of Daniel. The better equipped you'll be as you live your life as part of the final generation that is already seeing the now-open prophecies of this great book - and its mate, the book of revelation - come to pass! Prepare yourself to have your worldview corrected and greatly enhanced! As you listen to this, and the following lessons in this book, the world around you, right where you are, right now, will start to make a whole lot more sense! It's time to open your eye wide!
October 18, 2019
Daniel: Using Babylon - God's Wrath Against Judah Because Of Their Disregard For The Land
What made God so very angry that He poured out such wrath upon Judah? They not only broke His weekly Sabbath, but... LEV 25:1 The LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai, 2 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: `When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a Sabbath to the LORD. 3 For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. 4But in the seventh year the land is to have a Sabbath of rest, a Sabbath to the LORD. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards… The Sabbath is meant as a commanded restorative time. Not only for Israel, the people, but also for Israel, the land! The land cannot make a choice for itself, so God had to kick out the people to provide the Sabbath rest for the land, in spite of their disobedience. He warned them before hand with all solemnity: LEV 26:14 " `But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, 15 and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: … The "this" God used to punish Judah for breaking the land Sabbaths was to use Babylon to dispossess them from the land. Join the class as we continue our detail introduction to the times and seasons, and the evil Advisory of Babylon that set the stage for the book of Daniel.
October 14, 2019
Daniel: The Crushing Of Judah And The Beginning Of The Times Of The Gentiles
Join the class as we continue our deep look into king Nebuchadnezzar's infamous vision of the statue of the "Times of the Gentiles". The vision is a prophecy of the march of the Gentile world governments from his time, all the way to the time we're waiting for – the taking over of the Gentile-ruled world and the smashing of its legacy – The day of Jesus Christ! Listen-in as we learn about how God greatly used king Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylon as a tool to punish his people of Judea. We'll allow Daniel to help us understand how God arranged Babylon to be His agent to thoroughly crush Judea, destroy the Temple and cut off the line of the kings of Israel until the end of the Age. The times of Israel's burgeoning mastery of the world was paused in 605 B.C. It was given over to what we still are in to today: "The Times of the Gentiles". And, it begins at the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.
October 11, 2019
Daniel: Introduction To The Book Of Daniel
There are two major prophecy books in the Bible: Daniel in the Old Testament, and Revelation in the New Testament. Both are very detailed and dovetail into each other by design; To understand one, you need to understand the other. The book of Daniel and the book of Revelation are "book ends", in that the book of Daniel is a sealed Book until the time of the end, with the book of Revelation being the unsealing and the revealing of the complete general timeline of prophecy at the end. Indeed, we are told at the beginning of Revelation that the reader is particularly blessed if they read and understand this book. Both these books are to be used together - especially by the end-time generation that now has the book of Revelation - specifically to know and fully understand what was, what is now, and what is soon to be. It IS time. The sealed book of Daniel has been opened and we can know this. We are the final generation, actualizing Jesus' description of how to know this and what we are to do about it. YOU and I are meant to be here. Now. We are specifically blessed to be alive for such a time as this! God has given it to us to understand fully. So, we'll thankfully and soberly obey, taking advantage of this opportunity. Join the class as we embark on our intensive study of the exceptionally detailed, major prophetic book of Daniel...
October 4, 2019
Ezekiel: Presenting The Complete Details Of The Fourth Temple and Its Environs (Part 2)
This is part 2 of our examination of the portion of Ezekiel that gives EXACT details of the design of the 4th Temple and its environs.
September 30, 2019
Ezekiel: Presenting The Complete Details Of The Fourth Temple and Its Environs (Part 1)
Our class enters the portion of Ezekiel that gives EXACT details of the design of the 4th Temple. There really is no excuse for anyone to plead ignorance about this! Even after all of the details God has given us in His Word, the Rabbis and Orthodox Jews still say they are unable to resolve this "puzzle"! Also just as unfortunate, most Christians have no clue of any of this at all! There is no excuse for any to not know. God wants His own in Christ to know so much more that most of us want to know! Join us as we continue to seek knowledge and understanding and skill in the Word of God about this most fascinating subject. Let's now settle in with the class and get ready for a real "scripture burner"...
September 24, 2019
Ezekiel: Confounding Spiritually Blinded Israel: The Unique Design and Furnishings of The Fourth Temple
If you've been following along in our study of the book of Ezekiel, you are aware that there will be a fourth temple. This final building will be erected for Jesus' reign of 1,000 years, the Millennium. It has been given to Ezekiel by God to detail this final Temple as he describes the coming Millennium. As the world exits the invasion Gog and Magog invasion and its aftermath, the nations will have no choice but to acknowledge God's hand in it all. They will know that it was the One they denied that crafted this and the deliverance of His people. Even more important, is that Israel will no longer be able to deny their God either. They will see and know His protective power and plan for them are still in effect and always has been. Now, God begins to fulfill the remainder of his promises, just as he had restored them to the Land after two-thousand years. Hand-in-hand in this restoration, and an outcome of the invasion and God's deliverance will be their renewed reverence for God and the forsaking of their idolatry. Israel will finally acknowledge and accept that Yeshua, the one and only Jesus Christ of the Scriptures IS THEIR Messiah! Join the class as we again allow Ezekiel to speak to us about the post-Tribulation world: Jesus has come back and He prepares to take His place on the throne of David as king of the Jews in the fourth and final Temple on earth.
September 23, 2019
Ezekiel: Understanding The Battle Of Gog and Magog: The End-times Consortium Of Nations And The Invasion Of Israel (Part 2)
Continue along with the class as we cover the final, and most fascinating chapters of the entire book of Ezekiel. Join us as me move into chapter 39 and learn the details of the aftermath of the coming Gog and Magog invasion of Israel. Most people stop at trying to understand chapter 38. Let's ourselves not be so shortsighted! God gives us a complete snapshot of this major inflection point in history. The least we can do is take advantage of all He has freely given to us to understand! And here, we do!
September 22, 2019
Ezekiel: Understanding The Battle Of Gog and Magog: The End-times Consortium Of Nations And The Invasion Of Israel (Part 1)
Our study of the book of Ezekiel now moves past its historical coverage. From this point, we'll cover the final, and most fascinating chapters of the entire book. The final chapters detail what we, the final generation on God's timeline of this age, are witnessing as already in the process of coming to pass. It also details the cadence of events as the world exits the Great Tribulation and experiences the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Ezekiel describes Jesus coming back with His bride (the church) to quickly defeat His enemies. He'll details Jesus stopping the destruction of Israel and the Earth and begins to settle in as the final King of Kings and Lord of lords. We are shown details of how Jesus will prepare the fourth Temple and begins to establish His 1,000-year reign and restoration of the earth during the Millennium. Let's begin this wonderful study of near-future prophecy concerning Israel at the world famous chapter 38 of this book. Here, God, through Ezekiel offers the Jews, and all alive in the final generation, understanding of the final, end-time invasion of Israel by modern-day Russia, Iran and the band of nations that follow them. Like a swarm of locusts they will in unison come into the land of Israel itself. They are seeking to be "the final solution" that Hitler failed to be. Fasten your seat belts. It's gonna be a wild ride...
September 22, 2019
Ezekiel: "I will Settle You And Make You Prosper More Than Before. Then You Will Know That I Am The Lord"
If you've studied with us so far, you've learned that Ezekiel is a key prophetic book of retribution and restoration for Israel. As we approach the end of this amazing document, we have passed its transition from retribution and punishment into the promised, full restoration of Israel. What is amazing, is that for us, the actual last generation, we are not only seeing these things come, but some of the key miles stones to watch for have already passed many years ago! The restoration of Israel - the land and then her people back to possess it - completed over 70 years ago. We've seen the retaking of their capital, Jerusalem over 50 years ago. Now, we're at the point of the greatly prophesied third, or Tribulation Temple that the Antichrist will move into during the Great Tribulation being loudly called and planned for. Even the sacrificial system that drives the Temple liturgy is being actively and openly practiced in anticipation. As you join us in these final chapters of Ezekiel, consider all this! Consider how very prosperous Israel has become from literally nothing for 20 centuries, and that she is gaining in stature almost weekly as many nations are looking to moving to align themselves with her as the final days approach. The only main puzzle piece left to complete the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecies for Israel is that she finally is made to see the True Messiah. The remnant will come to know that their Messiah has already come and they will look to Jesus and repent and morn and then accept Him with joy! So, how close are we to the end of the age? How close are we to what the closing chapters of Ezekiel forecast? All I can say is: Lift up your heads (those truly in Christ only) - Your redemption draweth nigh! LET'S LEARN TOGETHER!...
September 19, 2019
Ezekiel: There is a FOURTH Temple Coming: Ezekiel Describes The Millennial Temple That Jesus, Himself Will Reign From
If you've been studying God's Word through our Cover-To-Cover: Overview Of The Bible podcast series, you'll already know that Jesus is coming back as King of kings and Lord of Lords at the conclusion of the seven-year Tribulation. His Second Coming will terminate the Tribulation before all life on earth is destroyed. He will rule as the redeeming second Adam, taking back what the first king Adam lost to Satan. He also comes as the final King of the Jews in the line of king David. But where will he reign from? Where will His throne be situated? It's almost certain that you've heard about the prophesied third Temple that is almost here. This is the "Tribulation Temple" that the Antichrist will attempt to rule from halfway through the Tribulation. It will be destroyed at the Second Coming of Jesus. There is coming afterward a FOURTH temple that Jesus, Himself will build and reign from! It was given to Ezekiel to describe this 4th temple in detail and also how Jesus will arrange the Jewish people in their tribes around it, as He sets up His Millennial Kingdom to reign for the next 1,000 years. Join us as we examine the final chapters of this book and learn the wonderful and amazing details given specifically for us who are alive at the very end of the age!
September 12, 2019
Ezekiel: "Do You See This, Son Of Man? Yet You Will See Still Greater Repulsive Acts Than These."
Join the class as we continue our study of Ezekiel and God actually showing the hidden detestable things still being done against Him by the remnant in Jerusalem. As we move forward into chapter nine and beyond, we'll see the scene shift from warning, to God actively executing His judgment against the evil and vile people who remained in the city after the Babylonian captivity was accomplished. As He did at the Passover when preparing to judge Egypt and set His people free from bondage, God first assigns a mark to those who remained faithful and grieve and are repulsed by the evil perpetrated against God: Ezekiel 9:1 Then [in Ezekiel's vision] I heard Him cry out with a thunderous voice, saying, "Approach now, executioners of the city, each with his weapon of destruction in his hand." 2 Behold, six men [angelic beings] came from the direction of the Upper Gate, which faces north, each with his battle-axe in his hand; and among them was a certain man clothed in linen, with a scribe's writing case at his side. They entered and stood beside the bronze altar. Then the glory and brilliance of the God of Israel (the cloud) went up from the cherubim on which it had rested, to [stand above] the threshold of the [Lord's] temple. And the Lord called to the man clothed with linen, who had the scribe's writing case at his side. The Lord said to him, "Go through the midst of the city, throughout all of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh [in distress] and grieve over all the repulsive acts which are being committed in it...
September 11, 2019
Ezekiel: The Fourth Sign Of Ezekiel Concerning God's Judgment
In this lesson, we continue to learn about the unique, intense way God uses Ezekiel to prophecy of what is coming to the captives in Babylon and now, even to those who stayed behind in the city of Jerusalem. In the fourth sign to the captives, God instructs Ezekiel to shave both his head and his beard. In that ancient economy, this indicated severe humiliation. The hair was to be separated into four clumps representing the coming catastrophe to Jerusalem and how it would be played out among the population who did not go to Babylon. These would be the ones to experience the complete fall and deconstruction of the beloved city. Join us as we read the description of how Ezekiel takes the model of Jerusalem that he built on a tile and uses it along with the hair that he is to remove from his head and his beard. We'll learn what he had to do to show the captives with him the hard destruction that those who they left in Jerusalem would soon experience.
September 8, 2019
Ezekiel: The Second And Third Signs Of Ezekiel Concerning God's Judgment
In this lesson, we continue to learn about the unique, intense way God uses Ezekiel to prophecy of what is coming to the captives in Babylon. After following God's instruction to lay on his left, then right side, he is told to make bread and eat it according to the number of the days that he lay on his sides. This was to be done for three hundred and ninety days. Join us as we continue to learn and understand what these unusual activities were about and what God was doing through Ezekiel ministering to His people in this way.
September 4, 2019
Ezekiel: "Son Of Man, Eat This Scroll, Then Go, Speak To The House Of Israel."
We move our study into of Ezekiel chapter 3 in this lesson. We'll examine that Ezekiel is instructed by God to "eat" a two-sided scroll. He would find the Words on the scroll were sweet as honey to his mouth, but bitter to his stomach as he consumed it. Unconventionally, this scroll was written using both sides. This was probably to make it known that whatever was written on it was a very long, and detailed message. Ezekiel is to completely and utterly consume this writing, making it a part of his very being. After this, he would bring it very personally - through his very soul - to the people of Israel in their captivity as the very Words of God that they are. Join the class as we learn how God used Ezekiel to bring very hard words to his people of what was to come upon them. To make it more personal, the prophet was made to taste of the severe bitterness coming for that very rebellious generation.
September 3, 2019
Ezekiel: Ezekiel Observes and Documents God Wonderfully Interloping Into Our Time-Space
Join us as we continue where our introduction to Ezekiel. We pick-up exploring and parsing the wondrous and glorious appearing of God into our physical time-space. We started in our last lesson detailing a major and well describe inflection point in the Scriptures, when God decides to come "down" from heaven into our physical reality. And He shows all of this spectacular wonder to Ezekiel for him to document. Ezekiel does his best to describe the indescribable in his scroll. Nonetheless, God does travel into our reality in a sort of heavenly vehicle with technological attributes that enable it to transit dimensions and provide thrust and articulation in our physical time-space. Yet, his vehicle still seems to defy the immutable laws of physics that God created as part of this universe - this time-space. Even Ezekiel thought of this as a vehicle that is God's "portable throne". When the prophets or anyone else described something in their day whether it be things or nations or anything else, they were constrained to couch them in terms that were familiar to themselves in their time. A portable type of throne was already a realty in Ezekiel's worldview. The idea and style of fixed, or portable thrones or vehicles of the pagan kings - and the gods of mythology - was already well known.
August 23, 2019
Ezekiel: Continuing The Introduction To The Book Of Ezekiel
Introduced in the final lesson in the book of Lamentations, we continue our introduction of the book of Ezekiel. We'll being to observe how the book walks through God's charges against His people and how he rebukes and forms his retribution. Just as much, we'll learn of the final, end-time restoration for Israel out of His love and covenant keeping, and for His holy name's sake. Join the class as we begin to cover the most important elements of this vast book. We'll seek to understand its full thrust and meaning for Israel - and the world - as it speaks prophetically to history and what is taking place even today. We, the final generation of this age, need to learn what God has prepared for us in this decidedly end-times focused book!
August 22, 2019
Lamentations: The Sharp Pain of Defeat Has Dulled Into The Chronic Ache Of Captivity
Join the class as we finalize our study of the book of Lamentations in chapter five. You'll recall that the Hebrew alphabet has twenty-two letters beginning with Aleph and ending with Tav. You'll remember, that Lamentations chapters one and two consist of twenty-two stanzas, the first word of each beginning with the appropriate letter of the alphabet. Chapter five does not map into Hebrew letters at all, although the twenty-two verses could be considered representative of the twenty-two-letter Hebrew alphabet because of their number. Moreover, verses 19-20 are themselves a mini-acrostic used to express the highest praise for Yahweh in the entire book followed by a tentative, but hopeful cry for help. Why this major difference between the final chapter and the rest book? Let's find out as we close our study of this heart-wrenching and doleful chronicle of Jeremiah, the weeping prophet.
August 21, 2019
Lamentations: God's Mercy and Faithfulness Intervene In Judah's Judgement
In this lesson we begin our study of chapter three. Where chapter two deals with God's judgment from the standpoint of how severe and all-consuming – and personal - His wrath is, chapter three speaks from the counter-point of God's mercy that tempers His judgments. Chapter three's shows a change in observational standpoint. In what could be considered a "personal psalm", Jeremiah supposes that the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem would have been total, had it not been for the intervention of the mercy and faithfulness in God's nature, especially toward his covenant people. Join us as we see Jeremiah's chronicle start to change its tone from shear lamentation to that that of hope for him and his people.
August 20, 2019
Lamentations: "The Lord Has Destroyed Without Pity"
In this lesson we move forward in chapter two, where this book starts to detail the effect of the judgment of God upon the remnant that remain. The emphasis in chapter two seems to be laid upon the very hand of God in the calamities which they were groaning under. The grief is not so much that these unspeakable things are being done to them, it is much more severe because it was that God, Himself had done this to them, that he appears so very angry with them. It is He that severely chastens them, and chastens them in wrath and in His great displeasure. Chapter two could be titled "The Lord Has destroyed Without Pity", as it is a doleful lament of the effects of the severe judgement of God upon the remnant of Judah. Let's begin...
August 20, 2019
Lamentations: Mourning The Devastation Of Jerusalem And The Captivity of The Judah
Join us as the class begins our study of the book of Lamentations. Where Jeremiah leaves off in the book of Jeremiah, he picks-up in this book, the book of Lamentations. It was written in the acrostic poetic form, and outwardly mourns the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and the captivity of the Jews. After delivering the most unwelcome message ever delivered to his people, and after being persecuted for it, Jeremiah writes again here out of extreme, heart-wrenching sorrow when what God prophesied through him had all taken place and been fulfilled.
August 15, 2019
Jeremiah: Preparing Judah For Their Captivity: Nebuchadnezzar's Rise To Becoming The King Of Babylon
In this lesson we'll take a look at the final thrust in the rise of Nebuchadnezzar to become the king of Babylon. We pick-up at the time where Nebuchadnezzar was already viceroy of his father's kingdom. Listen in as we learn what Jeremiah has to tell us about the rise of this fierce king. God was preparing him to eventually destroy the temple in Jerusalem, take its holy contents and drag Judah away into Babylon. This would also include the prophet Jeremiah. At the time Nebuchadnezzar was made viceroy, God revealed to Jeremiah that Nebuchadnezzar would become the master of Egypt. He would take Egypt in two phases. First, he would defeat them at the Euphrates River, then in their own country: Jer. 46:1 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the [Gentile] nations. 2 Concerning Egypt, against the army of Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates at Carchemish, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated [decisively] in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah: 3 "Line up the buckler (small shield) and [large] shield, And advance for battle!
August 11, 2019
Jeremiah: Introduction to the Book of Jeremiah and "The Weeping Prophet"
Join the class as we embark on our study of the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was probably one of the bravest, yet hardest pressed figures of Biblical history. He had the most dismal task of proclaiming to his own people that they were headed for destruction. Known as "The Weeping Prophet", he witnessed to his people for forty years yet never had a grateful or even favorable response from any of his kinsmen.
August 8, 2019
Isaiah: Examining The Structure and Thematic Properties Of This Multifaceted Book (Part 7)
Join the class as we continue to examine the details of the book of Isaiah's structure and thematic content.
August 7, 2019
Isaiah: Examining The Structure and Thematic Properties Of This Multifaceted Book (Part 6)
Join the class as we continue to examine the details of the book of Isaiah's structure and thematic content.
August 6, 2019
Isaiah: Examining The Structure and Thematic Properties Of This Multifaceted Book (Part 5)
Join the class as we continue to examine the details of the book of Isaiah's structure and thematic content.
August 6, 2019
Isaiah: Examining The Structure and Thematic Properties Of This Multifaceted Book (Part 4)
Join the class as we continue to examine the details of the book of Isaiah's structure and thematic content.
August 6, 2019
Isaiah: Examining The Structure and Thematic Properties Of This Multifaceted Book (Part 3)
Join the class as we continue to examine the details of the book of Isaiah's structure and thematic content.
August 6, 2019
Isaiah: Examining The Structure and Thematic Properties Of This Multifaceted Book (Part 2)
Join the class as we continue to examine the details of the book of Isaiah's structure and thematic content.
August 6, 2019
Isaiah: Examining The Structure and Thematic Properties Of This Multifaceted Book (Part 1)
Now that we've completed an overview, please continue with us as we dig into the details of this book's structure and thematic content. There are two main divisions, and we already understand this book as a virtual "map" of the final 66-book Scriptures containing the Old and New Testaments. In this lesson, we'll also examine the distinct change in style and message that logically separate the first part of the book, chapters 1 ~ 39, from the second part, chapters 40 ~ 66. Because of the stark diversity between the first and second parts, some scholars assume that the second part, that which maps into the New Testament books, must have been written by a second Isaiah who lived as late as the fourth century BC. Listen-in and begin to discover these key differences in this book. You'll learn more about both parts of the book, and that the second part speaks more to God's grace, comfort and prophetic completion that is the New Testament "Age of Grace" dispensation!
August 5, 2019
Isaiah: Why Did God Create An Outline Of The Final 66-Book Bible We Now Have?
God arranged and inspired His purposes in the Bible to be preserved throughout the timeline of this 7,000-year dispensation. The final form is in 66-books. The book of Isaiah was written well before most of the canonized, final Scriptures to be contained in the Bible were themselves written! Because the Lord uses His Word to prove His mastery of the temporal dimension of time, and also the spatial dimensions of the physical universe, we can stand in amazement and awe at our great God and gain faith as we study and discover these wonders. In the preceding lessons, we proved (and have been using) the dispensations model. It is the baseline for understanding the cadence of God's master timeline. Through this view we have laid out before us the sure past and future history of the earth's 7,000 year "creation week" temporal lifespan. As Christians aware of the God Who created all things, and being entitled to know His plans for them, we wait for the ultimate renewal of this broken universe. We look forward to the prophetic promises found in God's Word, the Scriptures. Now, let's begin our examination of the book of Isaiah as a "miniature Bible"!
August 4, 2019
Isaiah: Understanding The Dispensations In God's Plan: The Key To Unlocking Isaiah and Biblical Prophecy (Part 3)
Continue with the class as we discern more deeply why God's plan for the Age is based on, and articulated through the dispensations model.
August 4, 2019
Isaiah: Understanding The Dispensations In God's Plan: The Key To Unlocking Isaiah and Biblical Prophecy (Part 2)
Continue with the class as we discern more deeply why God's plan for the Age is based on, and articulated through the dispensations model.
August 3, 2019
Isaiah: Understanding The Dispensations In God's Plan: The Key To Unlocking Isaiah and Biblical Prophecy (Part 1)
To aid our study of the greatly prophetic "miniature Bible" that is the book of Isaiah - and to better understand God's general plan for the Age, we need to know how God executes that plan. God's mind and heart creates and executes His desires in a most intentional way. He is the God of order and not of chaos. His plans and His ways reflect this. To get the most out of His Word and our relationship with Him, and to build our fund of knowledge about His Word with wisdom, we must understand how God executes on them. God clearly bases All He does in time in dispensations. What does this mean? It simply means that God uses distinct, and sometimes recurring patterns in His dealing with His creation and the history of it, as based on the foundation of time. We can easily observe this, as it is seen many times and in many ways across His Word and its historical and prophetic story line. God makes His use of the dispensation model clear to us: Hebrews 1:1~2 God, who at sundry (different) times and in divers (various) manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days (the time frame of end of the Age) spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. We know that God, Himself does not change, but how He deals with the world and human beings through the age does modify as it rolls out on the linear timeline of this universe, according to what is required to accomplish His will. Join us to learn more about the importance of looking at the Bible in the revealing light of dispensations.
August 3, 2019
Isaiah: Introduction To The Prophetic, Complete "Miniature Bible" Of The Old Testament
Our study moves forward to the book of Isaiah. This book was written by the prophet named Isaiah in the 8th century BC. His was a sixty-year ministry in the 740~680 BC timeline. Known as the "Messianic Prophet", the name Isaiah means "salvation of the Jehovah". This title was actually the underlying main theme of his ministry and the book he authored. The Gospel message is so comprehensively laid out in this book that it was even called "the fifth Gospel" by such as Augustine. Please continue along with us as we embark on this very prophetic and relevant book of of the Old Testament. You'll learn why this book, with sixty-six chapters was planned by God to map into the final sixty-six books of the Bible! You also find this, along with the book of Daniel, a key resource to understanding God's plans for the dispensation of the very end of the age, beginning with the Church Age at the coming of Jesus Christ and the Cross and the lead up to the very near Time Of Jacob's Trouble - The final 7-year Tribulation. Are you ready to learn of Isaiah's broadcast of the complete Scriptures and the coming Messiah to Israel and all who would read and study his book?
August 2, 2019
Song Of Solomon: The Conclusion Of This Play Of Godly Passionate Love and Devotion
In this lesson we summarize and conclude our study of the beauty and depth of meaning of the Song Of Solomon. As you study with us now, remember the what you've already learned as we plumbed the depths of this emotionally strong book. As you listen, and if you are truly saved in Christ, ask yourself how you personally map into this love story. Compare the desire you personally have for your soon-coming Lord and King as a called-out one, a member of the very body of Jesus Christ and His betrothed - the "Eve" to His Second Adam. His coming for His Bride won't be long delayed now. How ready are you to be brought home to be joined to him in his Father's house?
August 1, 2019
Song Of Solomon: Parsing Chapters 3 Through 5
Join us as we continue examining chapters three through five of this deeply profound message of Godly love and desire.
August 1, 2019
Song Of Solomon: Meaningful Metaphors Used In The Song Of Songs
Very prominent throughout the Bible, especially in the emotion-provoking Song Of Solomon, is the use of metaphors. In addition to the face value of terms used to ascribe meaning and thrust to a dialog, metaphors are used for us to analyze in context and to cross reference. Metaphors are provided to help the reader understand the key meanings and nuances that the writer intends to be gained. Listen-in as we define key metaphors used by Solomon in this book, beginning with the Lily, the apple, the apple tree, and the Fig tree.
July 31, 2019
Song Of Solomon: My Love Must Go Away, But Promises To Return For Me!
Join us as we continue to examine this book's general story line and its basic chronology. We then move forward and find some very key comparisons to the truth of Jesus' plans for His church, and God's love and plan for His Old Testament bride, Israel. finally, we really start to dig in and parse the Song of Solomon itself in greater detail.
July 28, 2019
Song Of Solomon: Expressing God's Deep Love For His Own Throughout This Age
We begin our study of the Old Testament book Song of Solomon. (In Hebrew, "Song of Songs"). This book, like Ecclesiastes, Job, Psalm and Proverbs is one of the Bible's five poetical books. The poetical books are also considered more personal and experiential in nature as opposed to the historical or doctrinal, etc. books of the Bible. By its title we can easily know that it also was written by king Solomon. The Song of Solomon was the second of the three books of the Old Testament he wrote, which are Proverbs, Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. King David, who was Solomon's father wrote many of the Psalms which actually are songs. Being the wisest mortal that ever lived on this earth, history holds that Solomon composed many songs as well as wisdom-filled proverbs. Join the class as we embark on our study of this beautifully poetic and emotional "love song". At first glance, it seems to be a romantic record of the deep and pure love developing between a man and woman. However, like so many passages in all of the books of the Bible, the true meaning of it lies below the surface. Continue along with us as we seek the wonderful truths that await those who study in the depths of the Song Of Solomon.
July 27, 2019
Ecclesiastes: Solomon's Ignominious End - What Went Wrong With The Wisest Man Who Ever Lived?
As we conclude our study of the book of Ecclesiastes you'll find it difficult to believe the end of the matter with Solomon. Prepare to be shocked if you're unfamiliar with the full history and final end of king Solomon. God gave and invested greatly in Solomon. He cultivated all of Solomon's works under the sun with the gift of the greatest amount of Godly wisdom a human being would ever have. He not only gave Solomon the honor of building the first temple instead of his father, David, doing so, but to write three of the most personally impacting books of wisdom in the Bible. With all of that, what kind of end would one anticipate for such a truly blessed and fruitful life? The truth is stranger than fiction, and Biblical truth is not only so, but instructive even in its irony. Please join us and learn what happened with Solomon and why his life crashed and burned to destruction. We all will do well to learn the greatest of lessons about the human condition and take into account the full wickedness of our human heart. The Bible tells us that your heart, my heart. is so desperately wicked that we can't even plumb the depths of how evil we truly are. Even with God's direct blessings, we are apt to fail, and that most miserably. Paul tells us to discipline ourselves in sanctification and run as if in a race for first prize! So, what can we learn through Solomon's life and his horrible end? God wants you and I to learn and know so that we can be warned and avoid disaster - even from under a fully blessed life under God's direct care!
July 26, 2019
Ecclesiastes: Solomon's Research On The Meaning Of Morality and Philosophies
In this lesson we continue studying Solomon's research and documentation seeking to define the meaning of the human condition. In this part, we examine Solomon's research on personal morality and its true meaning in our lives. We also learn God's thoughts about various and vain philosophies. Scripture has made clear in many other places that we should work to keep our name – our personal reputation – in this life spotless. For Christians who are the Lord's property and profess His name, how we carry ourselves in In this world directly reflects our God's reputation. Man's wrong conclusions and philosophies in his ignorance, without God's word in His heart are then guided by his own ignorance, prejudices and false premises. This too plays a very large role in how our "name" is perceived. It is a big part of the reputation we build for ourselves among men. Solomon finds that Keeping a good name is like – or even better than - a precious ointment. With such a comparison given, let's allow the writings of the Ecclesiastes to help us really understand the meaning of a high moral character and the correct philosophical point of view in context of God's desire for those He designed and made to carry His image on the earth...
July 24, 2019
Ecclesiastes: Solomon's Research On The Meaning Of Wealth
In this lesson we continue studying Solomon's research and documentation seeking to define the meaning of the human condition. In this part, we examine Solomon's research on wealth. Solomon finds that wealth is not wrong in itself. It is the love of it – the deep desire to attain it - a life's focus on gaining it and the emotional attachment to spending one's life to increase it – that is destructive. Continue with us in part 5 as we continue examining Solomon's research and the documentation that is the book of Ecclesiastes.
July 23, 2019
Ecclesiastes: Examining Solomon's Research And The Documentation (Part 4)
Listen-in as we continue to dig deeply into Ecclesiastes to maximize its benefits in our lives.
July 17, 2019
Special Session: There IS a Hell To Shun and a Heaven To Gain: Where Will YOU Spend Eternity?
We so much appreciate the time you spend studying God's true and perfect revelation about Himself, His nature and His plan of the age with our class! It is a blessing for us to be a blessing to you in learning the things of God. As much as we hope you are gaining great knowledge and wisdom as you pursue studying the absolute truth, no one can make the assumption that all who are learning the Word of God are going to spend eternity with him in Heaven. Even Satan knows the Word of God very well, but just that is of no eternal value to him. If you died today, your body would be buried or burned, but where will your eternal soul be headed? By default you - every single human being - is a sinner and under judgment, headed for the eternal hell that God has prepared for the fallen angels and all human beings who are sinners along with them. The book of Romans says about all human beings: Rom 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned". If you are a human being, you are a sinner and headed to hell by default. No exceptions. ... BUT there is GOOD NEWS! God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ, who came to earth as fully God in fully human flesh 2,000 years ago) to pay the death penalty for ALL people who would in their free will call upon His name for the mercy and grace of eternal salvation! Listen to this very important message about the simple, but strict requirement of the Gospel of salvation. God made it simple and you can rest upon this assurance right now if you choose! Are you saved? Are you sure?! Listen and learn NOW to find out the most important fact about yourself you'll ever need to know. Special thanks to pastor J.D. Farag of Calvary Chapel Kaneohe for the elegantly simple and straightforward ABCs of salvation message! Calvary Chapel Kaneohe Website: https://calvarychapelkaneohe.com/
July 16, 2019
Ecclesiastes: Examining Solomon's Research And The Documentation (Part 3)
Listen-in as we continue to dig deeply into Ecclesiastes to maximize its benefits in our lives.
July 15, 2019
Ecclesiastes: Examining Solomon's Research And The Documentation (Part 2)
Listen-in as we continue to dig deeply into Ecclesiastes to maximize its benefits in our lives.
July 15, 2019
Ecclesiastes: Examining Solomon's Research And The Documentation (Part 1)
Now that we've well established the rational and general structure and flow of the book of Ecclesiastes, It's time to take a detailed look into the research and documentation of this key instructional book. Join the class as we dig into the "nuts and bolts" to maximize this books benefits in our lives.
July 13, 2019
Ecclesiastes: Solomon's Research Reaches Its Conclusion - The Purpose Of Life Is Revealed...
Spoiler alert! The meaning of life found! Join us as we skip to the end of the book of Ecclesiastes to the "end of the matter", the conclusion of Solomon's extended research into the meaning of life. Ironically, the "pay-off" to the exceeding amount of time and expense dedicated to finding the answer every single human being has asked since the beginning is almost disappointingly simple and straight-forward. It might seem that Solomon reached the wrong conclusion. So, what is the true meaning of life for each human being? What is it for you? Listen-in to find the answer to the biggest question ever asked by man...
July 13, 2019
Ecclesiastes: Only A Book About The Hard Labor And Toil Of The Human Condition?
Unfortunately, Ecclesiastes is a misunderstood book in that most readers only understand it as a book of the futility of the hard labor and toil of the human condition. While it seems not more than a sad book detailing a pessimistic observation of the human condition, this is not only an incomplete understanding, but greatly diminishes the value of it. This diminished assumption relegates the book to just a miserable "vanity, vanity, all is vanity" treatise on life here. Solomon's instruction to us in this book does not stop at death of the physical life. It looks beyond death in the physical life. In fact, the main thrust of the book is – by design – instructive, considering that NOTHING makes sense and NOTHING has real value in this life unless one is saved in Christ! Join the lesson to learn more about this most important aspect of the book of Ecclesiastes.
July 7, 2019
Ecclesiastes: "Vanity of Vanities, Saith The Preacher; Vanity of Vanities, All Is Vanity"
In this lesson we begin our study of the book of Ecclesiastes. This is one of the three books of the Bible that king Solomon – the wisest man that ever lived - wrote as a legacy for us. All three books, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon may be viewed as chronicling the course of person's life from a young man or woman on through to the twilight years. As such, his observations are very helpful and most relevant for each of us as we walk through the physical life that we must travel through in this mortal frame. The most prominent phrase of this book is "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity". Join us as we learn deeply form the wisdom of this book and allow it to prove to us how true this statement is,
July 6, 2019
Proverbs: The Poetic Structure Of The Book Of Proverbs (Part 8)
In this lesson we continue with our detailed look at the poetic structure of the book of Proverbs.
July 6, 2019
Proverbs: The Poetic Structure Of The Book Of Proverbs (Part 7)
In this lesson we continue with our detailed look at the poetic structure of the book of Proverbs.
July 6, 2019
Proverbs: The Poetic Structure Of The Book Of Proverbs (Part 6)
In this lesson we continue with our detailed look at the poetic structure of the book of Proverbs.
July 5, 2019
Proverbs: The Poetic Structure Of The Book Of Proverbs (Part 5)
In this lesson we continue with our detailed look at the poetic structure of the book of Proverbs.
July 1, 2019
Proverbs: The Poetic Structure Of The Book Of Proverbs (Part 4)
In this lesson we continue with our detailed look at the poetic structure of the book of Proverbs.
July 1, 2019
Proverbs: The Poetic Structure Of The Book Of Proverbs (Part 3)
In this lesson we continue with our detailed look at the poetic structure of the book of Proverbs.
July 1, 2019
Proverbs: The Poetic Structure Of The Book Of Proverbs (Part 2)
In this lesson we continue with our detailed look at the poetic structure of the book of Proverbs.
July 1, 2019
Proverbs: The Poetic Structure Of The Book Of Proverbs (Part 1)
We begin this lesson with a detailed look at the poetic structure of the book of Proverbs. We examine this structure, recognizing that in Hebrew poetry, words do not necessarily rhyme, but it is how the the ideas interface and thread together in them that rhyme. We examine the main structural devices used in the writing of the book: Titled contrasting, completive and comparative, these devices drive home a main point by using a sharply contrasting, vitally agreeing or analogous statement to help convey the full meaning and deeper intent of the proverb itself.
July 1, 2019
Proverbs: The Book Of "The Wisdom Of Israel"
Listen-in as we begin to discover why the book of Proverbs is known as The Wisdom of Israel. This book contains a treasury of timeless practical wisdom for everyday living, showing that vast difference between those who are wise - those that follow God's wisdom - and the fool, who does his own will in his own way and time, actually choosing to destroy their lives and in the end, themselves. Proverbs is arranged as a set of poetically constructed observations on life. Taken together, these are to be used as instruction which teach Godly wisdom, morality, success and practical truths to adhere to as life is lived on the earth. Let's continue to endeavor to learn these most valuable and God-honoring truths in His wisdom. He wants to benefit His people - you, if you are His in Christ - and through the age with Godly wisdom. As you proceed to learn deeply from the Proverbs, you'll marvel at how anyone can neglect such a wonderful offer!
June 29, 2019
Proverbs: Introduction To The Three Books God Inspired King Solomon To Compose (Part 2)
This lesson is the continuation of the introduction to the three books of the Bible that God inspired King Solomon to compose.
June 29, 2019
Proverbs: Introduction To The Three Books God Inspired King Solomon To Compose (Part 1)
We begin our study of the books the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song Of Solomon. These are the books of the Bible that God inspired the wisest man to ever live - except for Jesus, of course, but He also was the very God who infused that wisdom into Solomon - to write. These three books "follow" Solomon through his life. They are included for our benefit as we navigate this physical life on the stage of the earth in this age. More than offering information about Biblical history and the dispensations of God's plan, These are books of personal instruction to God's people of Israel and those who are His in Christ in the church age. We do well in our lives and glorifying God in them, to deeply and personally study each of these books of instruction - especially the Proverbs. As a chronicle of the life of the wisest man, son of King David and a king of Israel following him, these books follow Solomon: The Song Of Solomon (aka Song Of Songs): Portrays the "morning" of Solomon's life as set in a poetic book of the exhilaration of love and sensual romance framed in Godliness. The Proverbs: The "noontime" of Solomon's life. Fundamentally, a book of "heavenly rules for earthly living" from the stand point of the mature years in the life of the wisest man that ever lived. Ecclesiastes: The "evening" of Solomon's life, this book recounts from a regretful perspective the disillusionment in the waning years of life as Solomon revisits the wreckage of what resulted as a wasted lifetime on earth; This book pleads with us to be mindful of finishing well. Let's begin learning from the mind of God through the eyes of Solomon how to live the optimal that life He intends for each of us, and how to best glorify Him during our short stay on the Earth.
June 29, 2019
Psalms: Do The Prophetic Psalms Detail Key Events Preparing Israel For Her Restoration In the Mid-20th Century?
We continue to look closely at the prophetic Psalms in this lesson. Here, we investigate the Psalms which seem to foretell a major inflection point in God's end-times plan to prepare the land of Israel for the return of her people, and the people for the return to their land. It strongly seems that the key event of the holocaust of the mid-20th century was foretold by God in the Psalms. We know that nothing can happen to God's chosen unless it is actually done by God or allowed through His permissive will. We also know that, although we may not understand why, God allows certain events that are negative or downright evil in His peoples' lives to accomplish His good will in them. We do know for sure that these events always are for the good of His people and for His glory. Always. No doubt, the mid-20th century arrival of Hitler and the holocaust was allowed as part of God's end-time plan that started manifesting in the mid-1800's through out the mid-20th century to get the land of Israel ready for the return of His people, AND to make the people ready for the return to their land as the reconstituted nation of Israel. It culminated in 1948 as they became a nation again, and in 1967 when they regained Jerusalem as their own and the Mount Moriah (the Temple Mount) as well. The main thrust of this preparation of Israel commenced just after WWI with the General Allenby gaining Jerusalem back for the Ottoman Turks for the British Crown. Then came the Balfour Declaration and the British Mandate to beginning the process of bringing Israel back into her land. .Just as God did for Israel with the peoples of Egypt at the Exodus, people from around the world in the 20th century were finding it in their heart to have compassion on the dispersed Jewish people, to give them their own nation so that they may stop wandering and "finally" have a "new" place to call their own country. History is facinating and really does inform our understanding of God's plan and His Word that details it all!
June 28, 2019
Psalms: Psalm 48: Marking God's Restoration of Israel At The End Of The Age (Part 2)
This is part two of our study of Psalm 48. Join us again as we continue to learn of the beautifully poetic forward look to the surety of the final, restored nation of Israel in the 20th century. The valley of dry bones of Ezekiel were spoken of long before his time...
June 28, 2019
Psalms: Psalm 48: Marking God's Restoration of Israel At The End Of The Age (part 1)
We continue our study of the intrinsic prophecy written into the Psalms. In this lesson, we focus on Psalm 48. Join us as we see the beautifully poetic forward look to the surety of the final, restored nation of Israel in the 20th century. The valley of dry bones of Ezekiel was spoken of long before this time... EZE 37:11 Then he said to me: "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, `Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.' "
June 27, 2019
Psalms: Introduction To The Prophetic Psalms: Psalm 102
In this lesson, we continue our examining of the Psalms to those from the lesser-known, prophetic point-of-view. We begin with Psalm 102 and its prophetic application to the key end-time milestone, the reconstituted nation of Israel of today, after 2,000 years of exile. As your instructor, I want you to be assured that I am decidedly not a date-setter of the Rapture of the church nor the Second coming of Jesus at the end of the Tribulation period. What I am fully convinced of is that prophecy is intrinsically built-in to the Scriptures end-to-end, and that prophecy is like a "clockwork" that keeps perfect time for us of the past as well as yet future events in great detail. To unlock this treasure of information, we must use this key: All of Scripture relates God's plan for the age and His purposes, and ISRAEL - the Biblical nation and its people - are the master "timepiece". Let's continue to use all of the the Scriptures, including the Psalms, to help us - those alive right now, the final generation Jesus spoke of at the very end of this age - to watch for and anticipate the seasons and situations that mark the times in which all shall be fulfilled!
June 27, 2019
Psalms: Declaring Jesus As The Coming Suffering Savior and Exalted Sovereign God
In this lesson, we continue to focus on the Psalms that point to Jesus' coming in His work on earth as the suffering Savior and as well as our living Shepherd and sovereign God. Among these Messianic type Psalms, we'll look more closely at those that predicted, about seven-hundred years before crucifixion was even invented, that Jesus was destined to come to be the final, once-for-all, sacrifice through the horrific method of the Roman crucifixion, These Psalms show in a more experiential way, His sacrificial walk as He would cry out to the Father in the agony. Agony, not of the excruciating pain, but of the separation from the Father that the penalty of sin demands for all. We also discuss Psalms that point to Jesus Christ in His true and always holy position as the exalted and sovereign God of all creation.
June 25, 2019
Psalms: Proclaiming Jesus Coming In The Human Line Of Adam and Kingly Line Of David (Part 2)
In this lesson we continue our study of the book of Psalms. This is part 2, where we continue to examine Psalms 139 in the Psalms that speak to Jesus coming through the kingly line of Judah, as the Son of David to hold the throne of the nation of Israel.
June 25, 2019
Psalms: Proclaiming Jesus Coming In The Human Line Of Adam and Kingly Line Of David (Part 1)
In this lesson we continue our study of the book of Psalms. We'll take a look at Psalms 8 which looks forward to the nature of Jesus Christ coming in the fully human line of the first king of the world, Adam. We'll also examine Psalms 139, which speaks to Jesus coming through the kingly line of Judah, as the Son of David to hold the throne of the nation of Israel.
June 25, 2019
Psalms: Heralding Jesus Coming In The Flesh And As The Final King of Kings And Lord Of Lords
In this lesson we continue our opening study of the beautiful and uniquely personal book of Psalms. We'll take a look at both Psalms 45 and 102 which prophesy in undeniable detail the future coming of The Word in the flesh as Jesus Christ and again later, in glory as the final King of kings and Lord of lords. Listen in as we parse Psalm 45, which speaks to The Son of God as installed by His Father as the King, as well as the "final status" of the nation of Israel and also the church as His chosen possessions - specifically the church, as the King's bride. We'll conclude in the details of Psalm 102, which speaks to The Son of God coming as the Son of man – fully human in all aspects.
June 23, 2019
Psalms: A Personal and Experiential Book Exalting God's Power, Glory And Holy Nature
One of the books of poetry in the Bible, The book of Psalms intends to bring the believer nearer to the power, glory, and nature of God in a most deeply personal and experiential way. We'll study to learn about the book, as well as what is given to us through it. Approaching it in this way will afford us a better understanding of the surpassing greatness and value of the grace and mercy toward His own, that only our God is capable of. As you study the Psalms with us, you will marvel at God's nature from the high vantage point this book affords. Through the Psalms, we can actually sample the wonderful and holy nature of God and how He thinks, feels and moves, The Psalms is a major help for us as we learn more how to trust and exalt and worship Him in spirit and in truth. His love, grace and overweening care for us is so much better seen when we are able to place it in contrast against the awesome wonder, majesty and power of God, Psalms does this. God's power is tempered by His love and willful state of being sinless. We can better see what God means when He says that He IS love! So, let's begin to really understand that God is not only great - He is good!...
June 22, 2019
Job: God Masterfully And Powerfully Challenges Job Uniquely Revealing His Glory (Part 7)
This lesson is part seven of our study of the main portion of this book as God sets His countenance directly against Job's. We are taking our time walking through one of the most powerful sections in all of Scripture! Here, we are given the wonderful opportunity to learn deeply what God is laying open about Himself to us.
June 21, 2019
Job: God Masterfully And Powerfully Challenges Job Uniquely Revealing His Glory (Part 6)
This lesson is part six of our study of the main portion of this book as God sets His countenance directly against Job's. We are taking our time walking through one of the most powerful sections in all of Scripture! Here, we are given the wonderful opportunity to learn deeply what God is laying open about Himself to us.
June 21, 2019
Job: God Masterfully And Powerfully Challenges Job Uniquely Revealing His Glory (Part 5)
This lesson is part five of our study of the main portion of this book as God sets His countenance directly against Job's. We are taking our time walking through one of the most powerful sections in all of Scripture! Here, we are given the wonderful opportunity to learn deeply what God is laying open about Himself to us.
June 20, 2019
Job: God Masterfully And Powerfully Challenges Job Uniquely Revealing His Glory (Part 4)
This lesson is part four of our study of the main portion of this book as God sets His countenance directly against Job's. We are taking our time walking through one of the most powerful sections in all of Scripture! Here, we are given the wonderful opportunity to learn deeply what God is laying open about Himself to us.
June 20, 2019
Job: God Masterfully And Powerfully Challenges Job Uniquely Revealing His Glory (Part 3)
This lesson is part three of our study of the main portion of this book as God sets His countenance directly against Job's. We are taking our time walking through one of the most powerful sections in all of Scripture! Here, we are given the wonderful opportunity to learn deeply what God is laying open about Himself to us.
June 20, 2019
Job: God Masterfully And Powerfully Challenges Job Uniquely Revealing His Glory (Part 2)
This lesson is part two of our study of the main portion of this book as God sets His countenance directly against Job's. We are taking our time walking through one of the most powerful sections in all of Scripture! Here, we are given the wonderful opportunity to learn deeply what God is laying open about Himself to us.
June 20, 2019
Job: God Masterfully And Powerfully Challenges Job Uniquely Revealing His Glory (Part 1)
After all of Job's friends give their opinions and make their respective cases, and after Elihu reminds all of them of the sovereignty of God, God Himself now directly addressed Job, placing him on trial. Let's begin our study of the main portion of this book as God sets His countenance directly against Job's. This is one of the most powerful sections in all of Scripture! And as such, we are given the wonderful opportunity to learn deeply what God is laying open about Himself to us. As you study this part of the book of Job with us, you will do very well to concentrate and think hard, and pray for the fullest impact God intends to convey to you about Himself. Join us now as we begin... God now to take Job to task and in a most profound and pointed way. God is not allowing for a "pity party" at all here as He addresses Job (and, by extension his friends). This is indeed one of the few places in the Bible where God comes and presents Himself before a human being and directly chides, saying "who do you think you are?!". Do you dare to assume you know me and my thoughts?! Don't miss any of this these lessons! -THIS truly is the "meat" of the book of Job!
June 15, 2019
Job: The Young Elihu Speaks Wisdom To Job And His Three Friends
We have studied Job's three friends and each of their thoughts as they each rationalized what was happening to Job. Unfortunately, Job still remained inconsolable as he endures his most painful affliction; None of what his friends said was of true value to him. Finally, a fourth man who had been quietly listening to the exchanges between Job and the other three steps in and boldly offer his opinions on the matter. This man is Elihu, and is the youngest in this group of men. Listen-in and learn of the wisdom offered by this younger man. The Biblical account shows that Elihu takes a somewhat different tack, and chides Job for being self righteous in all of this, stating that Job needs to turn his focus to God as the source and conclusion of all things rather than on himself and his situation and his suffering through it. Great advice for us today, too! God shares so much about His heart, mind character and His point of view from the exchanges between these men and later,between Himself and them. We do particularly well when we study the entire book of Job deeply and cross-reference what is given throughout the rest of the Bible.
June 14, 2019
Job: How Could Job know About God's Plan Of Salvation Before There Was The Bible?
In the last lesson we concluded with this passage: JOB 19:26~27: And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! We easily see from what Job wrote that he already knew about and believed in God's plan of salvation. Most importantly, he was convinced of the key part of that Plan - the bodily resurrection of all believers at the end of the age. He somehow knew that the promised Messiah, God sojourning with human beings in the flesh, would be both the redeemer and the first fruits of this resurrection to come. As the Lamb of God, God with us would be the only acceptable sacrifice to purchase complete salvation - which includes individual resurrection into a gloried body as Messiah would have - for all who would believe in Him throughout history. How is it possible Job knew of these truths before Abraham, Isaac or Jacob, or any other prominent people such as Moses came on the scene? No one had yet written the Torah or any part of the Bible. Continue with us as we learn how the Holy Spirit teaches even those who didn't yet have the Scriptures.
June 13, 2019
Job: Learning The Exceeding Value Of Suffering Over Joy In Accomplishing God's Purposes In Those He Loves
As we continue our study of the book of Job, we'll see even more how Job suffers miserably and conveys his feeling that God has unfairly marked him out for suffering and that, in all of this, God won't even hear his desperation and cries for relief.. The Scriptures make it clear that Job will find (as must we, as well) that God will makes Himself better known and draws closest to His own through suffering and personal tribulation – many times in a much deeper and more meaningful way - than through seasons of joy and delight. Although, make no mistake, God does also work through joy and the delight of His people when it best suits the overall good for us and His glory in it. We will see much of this dichotomy exhibited in the wonderfully revealing account about God's heart, mind, character and point-of-view toward the human beings he has called into his Love forever as He fulfill His purposes, and takes His place in the midst of their suffering.
June 12, 2019
Job: Job's Deep Desperation and His Friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar
In this lesson, we start to dig into our study of the book of Job. The book hinges not only on Job's experience, but also the three friends who came to sympathize and assist him. JOB 2:11 When Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. Let's continue our study by first examining Job's own, heart-wrenching description of his desperation and introducing his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.
June 9, 2019
Job: It Begins - God Turns Job Over To The Hand Of Satan
Join us as we allow the Scriptures to deeply teach us, in one of the most detailed case studies ever, about the very real and tangible aspects of spiritual warfare. As you listen, please consider: Do you think that what God allowed and accomplished through Job happened only once in all history? Are you and I sure that God as never, ever instigated this more than once? Could it be that there are many, many times God allowed others of His people - even now - in the church age - to be directly thrashed by the hands Satan and his spiritual forces? JOB 1:13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!" JOB 1:16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!" JOB 1:17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!" JOB 1:18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
June 8, 2019
Job: "For Your Sake We Face Death All Day Long; We Are Considered As Sheep To Be Slaughtered."
In this lesson, we continue our detailed study of the book and the man it is named for, Job. Many people know of Job and his severe trials at the Hand of God, but unfortunately, most do not study to the level necessary that allows this book's greatest intent to come shining through. The book of Job is intended to reveal to His people - both the Jew and, especially the Christian - the deeper parts of the heart and the character of God. Truly, God offers this to us in this book: To know the book of Job well, is to know God well. Even Job stated that what God allowed Him to go through accomplished this very thing in him. As God began to allow Satan to buffet him, Job said of His relationship with Him: JOB 3:25 What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. At he end of the most severe trials that could ever allowed to befall a human being, Job admitted: JOB 42:5 My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. What a meaningful testimony to God best revealing Himself to those He loves through planned, targeted and well controlled trials. This works in the lives of all of God's people. We each have them. This is one of the key results God want to achieve in us through them! Study with us, and please don't miss a lesson, as we allow this book to deepen our relationship with God we've heard about - We want our eyes to see him, too!
June 7, 2019
II KIngs, I & II Chronicles: The Confusion And Brokenness Of The Divided Kingdom - Job: An Introduction
In this lesson we summarize II Kings, which describes the final outcome of the kingdom becoming divided. We then move forward into an overview of the books of I and II Chronicles. These books mainly emphasize the life and times of the southern kingdom of Judah and the preservation of the Davidic line throughout it's timeline. The first nine chapters of I Chronicles lists a genealogy from Adam to Jacob, Jacob to David, and David to Zedekiah. The last twenty chapters add more detail surrounding David's reign in Jerusalem. The book of II Chronicles includes a look-back into Solomon's time as king over the united kingdom, with more detail about his reign, building the Temple and his magnificence during his tenure. It also reviews the division of the nation, anticipates Judah's exile, and the twenty kings of Judah and their deportation to Babylon. After this, we begin our study in the deeply meaningful and revelatory book of Job.
June 6, 2019
II Kings: Examining The Fullness of Elijah's Ministry in God's Plan Throughout The Age (Part 2)
As we move into the book of II Kings, this lesson continues as part two of the "I Kings: Examining The Fullness of Elijah's Ministry in God's Plan Throughout The Age" teaching.
June 5, 2019
I Kings: Examining The Fullness of Elijah's Ministry in God's Plan Throughout The Age (Part 1)
Elijah's "rapture" was a strong fore type of the rapture of the church at the end of its commission (after which is scheduled the tribulation or "The Day of the Lord"). As we can see, Elijah's ministry has "long legs", What else about Elijah is important? Appearing as one of the three in the transfiguration: MT 17:1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. MT 17:4 Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Join this lesson to learn more about Elijah and his assignment by God as a general type of the prophets, in conjunction with Moses, and his function as the general type of the law. We'll take a closer look at these two men as teamed together by God to represent the Old Testament, also called "the law and the prophets".
June 4, 2019
I Kings: Elijah To Prepare for Messiah, Turning the Hearts Of The Fathers To The Children, And The Children's Hearts To The Fathers
The Scriptures state that the spirit of Elijah shall come just prior to the Tribulation, the Day of the Lord. The point of "the spirit of Elijah" is to prepare the way for Messiah - Jesus' Second Coming. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers to make a people prepared for God before that great and terrible Day of the Lord commences. Join the class as we analyze the Scriptures to understand this spirit and power of Elijah. We discover that this end-time function may be compared to the church's function; Elijah came to prepare a way before the Lord, as did his spiritual descendant, John the Baptist. The church is the final extension of this prime directive. The function of the church is to accomplish the SAME THING as Elijah and John the Baptist did.
June 3, 2019
I Kings: Elijah - A Key Herald of The Coming Retribution and Reconciliation For All Israel
In this lesson we continue with examining Elijah, and God's main purpose for sending this key prophet to his people. MAL 4:5 "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse." Continue with us as we allow God's Word to reveal how this prophecy was fulfilled. As we study, we'll tie together the concept and purposes of Elijah's ministry and the coming of Jesus Christ with the intent as stated in last book of the Old Testament, Malachi.
June 1, 2019
I Kings: King Ahab, Queen Jezebel and The Prophet Elijah
The once unified kingdom of Israel has been split into two, Israel to the north and Judah to the south. As the political intrigue continues, Ahab is made king over the northern kingdom. Being an extremely evil man, he takes an extremely evil woman named Jezebel as his queen. This debauched rulership was so impacting, that it's horrible repercussions still ring in the earth to this very day. Let's continue our study where Ahab, Jezebel and also Elijah come on the scene for such a time as this, a key juncture in the history of God's people - and the world. The main focal point is Elijah, and the great and powerful works God performed through him. His legacy is a key inflection point in history and rings through into the Millennium. The study of the life and times and impact of Elijah greatly reveals God's heart, mind and character and His plans for His people - and the world - into the coming Millennial Kingdom, where Jesus Christ will take His place as the final King of kings on the throne of David.
May 31, 2019
I Kings: The End Of Solomon's Reign And The Beginning of the Divided Kingdom, Israel And Judah
In the last lesson, we learned that Solomon, even after the was filled with the wisdom of God, became an utter failure. God rejected him now, and Rehoboam, Solomon's son, succeeded him as ruler over the nation, What God promised would happen because of Solomon's failure started to take hold through circumstances He planned to work through Rehoboam. There was about to be civil war in Israel. Join us in this lesson and learn about how the ignominious end of Solomon's became the beginning of a civil war in the nation of Israel that would split the the kingdom into two pieces. The northern kingdom fell into idolatry and called themselves "The House of Israel" (depending on the context, "Israel" now meant either the entire nation or just the northern kingdom). The capital of the northern kingdom was in Samaria. The southern kingdom still maintained Jerusalem as its capital and called itself "The house of Judah".
May 30, 2019
I Kings: The Completed Temple Is Officially Dedicated to God
The Temple is complete and ready. Now is the time for its dedication to the Great God as His dwelling place on earth among His chosen people, Israel. Listen to this lesson and learn of the magnificent ceremony that Solomon and all of the elders officiated over among all Israel. I Kings describes with great depth the dedication ceremony and all that was done as king Solomon and the leaders of Israel prepare for God to take ownership of, and begin to dwell in His Temple among His people. Solomon accomplished all he had set his hand to do. He and the nation were at the peak of prosperity and peace – and the pinnacle of this was that they now had the sovereign God of creation dwelling in the midst of them. Join us for the dedication ceremony and also as we start to learn about the rest of Solomon's history as king over Israel...
May 27, 2019
I Kings: Examining The Deeply Profound Meaning In The Design of The Temple of God
We pick-up in this lesson with the Temple construction being completed: 1KI 6:14 So Solomon built the temple and completed it. 15 He lined its interior walls with cedar boards, paneling them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and covered the floor of the temple with planks of pine. 16 He partitioned off twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. 17 The main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long. 18 The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was to be seen. The physical Solomon's Temple was designed and furnished to God's EXACT specifications for the particular purpose of describing the path of Salvation that Jesus would traverse to purchase a people to be God's own possession. Amazingly, It also is designed in its layout to map into the real temple God desires to dwell in - the human beings, HE made in His very image for this purpose! These are only of the group that are chosen and called into into full fellowship with God for eternity, These people - the church - are to rule and reign as the bride of The Savior who became flesh among us - the 'Eve' to Jesus' 'Adam' - through the Gospel of salvation in Him alone. THESE people EACH become the Temple of God as God dwells in them permanently. Enjoy this key lesson with us as we endeavor to properly understand the architecture chosen by God for His dwelling place, at first among, and then in the last days, in His chosen people on the earth.
May 27, 2019
I Kings: Prepared With Godly Wisdom and Prudence, Solomon Begins to Build The Temple Of God
With his position as the wise and prudent king over the nation of Israel firmly in place, Solomon begins the great work of building God's permanent dwelling place among His people, the Temple. 1KI 5:3 "You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD put his enemies under his feet. 4 But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. 5 I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, when he said, `Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.' Listen-in as we allow the Bible to reveal to us the truth and history about the preparations for, and the building of the first permanent dwelling place of God among His chosen people.
May 24, 2019
I Kings: Godly Wisdom - The Difference Between An Optimized, High-Value Life vs. A Debauched, Worthless Curse of a Life (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of the teaching about the importance of Godly wisdom. God wants us to fully understand the unfathomable value of attaining and consistently growing in Godly wisdom. He offers much about this in His Word, especially through documenting Solomon's experience. Mastering ANYTHING, including ruling our own selves, even up to an entire a nation as its king well, requires nothing short than attaining a high level of Godly wisdom directly from the Hand of God. Proof of this is given in many, many places in the Scriptures, but particularly here, it is given is in Solomon's reign over Israel. Solomon's time as king was the absolute zenith of the still fully unified kingdom of Israel. During his tenure, the kingdom stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River and from the Red Sea and Arabia to Lebanon and all of the states within these borders where held in subjection. Even the Canaanites were subdued during this time. However, we are also shown the dire results of the contrast, where wisdom is "traded in" in favor of foolishness and the pride that desires its own ways over Godly wisdom. Pride surely does come before a fall! It happens every time, and Solomon is our "poster boy" example for this Learn with us as we delve further into the life and times of Solomon, from his peak to his ultimate low. We must each strive to deeply learn the contrast between a life based on Godly wisdom and that based on worldly "wisdom", centered in pride - the foolishness of this world. Which do you and I prefer? Which type of wisdom are we consistently yielding to as the captain of our own lives?
May 22, 2019
I Kings: Godly Wisdom - The Difference Between An Optimized, High-Value Life vs. A Debauched, Worthless Curse of a Life (Part 1)
God wants us to fully understand the unfathomable value of attaining and consistently growing in Godly wisdom. He offers much about this in His Word, especially through documenting Solomon's experience. Mastering ANYTHING, including ruling our own selves, even up to an entire a nation as its king well, requires nothing short than attaining a high level of Godly wisdom directly from the Hand of God. Proof of this is given in many, many places in the Scriptures, but particularly here, it is given is in Solomon's reign over Israel. Solomon's time as king was the absolute zenith of the still fully unified kingdom of Israel. During his tenure, the kingdom stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River and from the Red Sea and Arabia to Lebanon and all of the states within these borders where held in subjection. Even the Canaanites were subdued during this time. However, we are also shown the dire results of the contrast, where wisdom is "traded in" in favor of foolishness and the pride that desires its own ways over Godly wisdom. Pride surely does come before a fall! It happens every time, and Solomon is our "poster boy" example for this Learn with us as we delve further into the life and times of Solomon, from his peak to his ultimate low. We must each strive to deeply learn the contrast between a life based on Godly wisdom and that based on worldly "wisdom", centered in pride - the foolishness of this world. Which do you and I prefer? Which type of wisdom are we consistently yielding to as the captain of our own lives?
May 18, 2019
I Kings: David Passes The Scepter and Throne Over Israel to Solomon
As we continue in our study of I Kings, we are at the point of the transition of the throne of Israel. David, nearing his death, officially transfers the scepter to his son Solomon and gives him the final instructions: 1KI 2:1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 1KI 2:2 "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man, 3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, 4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: `If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.' Join us as we see Solomon's response as he prepares to follow David to be the next king over Israel. The main attribute he asks of God as he takes the throne, is the gift of supernatural, Godly wisdom. We will see that Godly wisdom is the KEY attribute that ALL Christians should be asking our God for as we navigate this life, and as He trains and prepares us now to rule and rein with Jesus Christ forever! Jesus will be the final King of kings and Lord of Lords - We who are His during the church age will sit beside him as His bride at his throne for eternity. We are to use this life to intentionally prepare for that destiny. Godly wisdom is a MUST for each of us! God will grant wisdom to you if you have the wisdom now to desire it more than anything else here. The book of Proverbs speaks much about the shear value of wisdom! Asking for Godly wisdom with deep longing for it shows God that you understand its unmatched value in this, and the life to come in eternity. God wants YOU and I to be filled with Godly wisdom now! So, I ask, what's wisdom's worth to you?
May 17, 2019
I Kings: King David At The End Of His Life And The Battle For The Successor To The Throne
We transition to the study of the book of I Kings in this lesson. The books of I and II Kings, like I and II Samuel, were originally one book. I Kings is the portion that serves as the written record of the history of God's chosen people under its greatest kings – and also the failures of most of the kings who followed. I Kings opens with King David nearing his death and facing the immediate and very hard circumstances that will ensue as the successor to the throne of Israel rises. We'll see how the intrigue and battle for the throne is partly David's own fault in raising and preparing his sons to correctly at heart serve God and by extension, the people of Israel. Join us as I Kings begins teaching us the shameful history of the transition of power from David to his successor.
May 14, 2019
II Samuel: Why Is It Important To Thoroughly Document The Lineage of Messiah Back To King David?
In this lesson, we continue to build the case from the Scriptures that the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, must come through the line of King David. Actually, there are four key attributes that Messiah must be proven to have so that there can be no doubt in identifying Who the most important person to ever walk the Earth would - and is now known- to be. This is the reason there are exactly four Gospels in the New testament: - The Messiah must be the Rightful King of the Jews - The book of Matthew proves this true about Jesus Christ - The Messiah must be the most humble servant to God and man to ever walk the earth - The book of Mark proves this true about Jesus Christ - The Messiah must be fully a human being - The book of Luke proves this true about Jesus Christ - The Messiah must be fully God - The book of John proves this true about Jesus Christ In this lesson we cover the Scriptural proofs from the Old Testament perspective and in that time-frame. It is absolutely key for Christians to know - and be able to prove - that Jesus Christ IS Messiah and the ONLY ONE to ever fulfill all four requirements exactly!
May 9, 2019
II Samuel: The Davidic Covenant - Ensuring The Kingdom and Its Throne Succeeds To The True King Of Kings (Part 2)
This lesson is part 2....The Davidic Covenant is one of the most important passages of Scripture in the entire Old Testament because it affects all that follows in the history of mankind. It is the direct and divine confirmation of a throne in Israel and the eternal continuance of the Davidic Dynasty. God says that David's dynasty will endure forever, and indeed it will. Why is it so important, and why should you and I care to understand this prime mover in the plan of God'? As we've seen and will yet see as we move forward, Israel has had some very bad kings and a few good ones in its history, but God always preserved the kingly lineage as an unbroken thread because of His commitment to the covenant He made with and through David. It will do all Christians well to learn the full scope of the Davidic covenant and what is means to the very bride of Christ during the church age and beyond, into the Millennium. Join us now as we learn the details of this key covenant preserved for us in the book of II Samuel.
May 2, 2019
II Samuel: The Davidic Covenant - Ensuring The Kingdom and Its Throne Succeeds To The True King Of Kings (Part 1)
The Davidic Covenant is one of the most important passages of Scripture in the entire Old Testament because it affects all that follows in the history of mankind. It is the direct and divine confirmation of a throne in Israel and the eternal continuance of the Davidic Dynasty. God says that David's dynasty will endure forever, and indeed it will. Why is it so important, and why should you and I care to understand this prime mover in the plan of God'? As we've seen and will yet see as we move forward, Israel has had some very bad kings and a few good ones in its history, but God always preserved the kingly lineage as an unbroken thread because of His commitment to the covenant He made with and through David. It will do all Christians well to learn the full scope of the Davidic covenant and what is means to the very bride of Christ during the church age and beyond, into the Millennium. Join us now as we learn the details of this key covenant preserved for us in the book of II Samuel.
April 30, 2019
II Samuel: Peril In Transporting The Ark Of The Covenant - Why Did God Kill The Man Who Only Wanted To Help?
It is time for King David to bring the Ark Of The Covenant to Jerusalem. Although the intent is correct and he took great care in preparing it for transport, the first attempt resulted in God putting a man to death after he tried to stabilize the Ark as it was about to fall from its transport. This incident sounds peculiar and it seems to us that it is unlike our loving God to react this way to an innocent desire to keep the Ark from falling to the ground. Even King David was angry with God for killing this man. Why would God react this way to this incident while carrying the Ark to its rightful home in Jerusalem? An excellent question that you and I would do well to understand. This is precisely why the account is preserved in the Bible! Join the lesson and discover for yourself even more about how God' thinks and how He comes to do what He does. Especially when it makes little sense to us! Yes, God really DOES want YOU to know Him VERY intimately, if you are His in Christ. Continue you with us as we allow His Word to bring us closer to Him - because that is His intention through it!
April 29, 2019
II Samuel: Hades, Zeus, King David and The Church at Pergamum - What Do These Have In Common? What Should You Know About Them?
Join us as we examine these characters more closely, define who they are and their roles in history - and at this very time. There are a number of very important reasons why understanding these is vital for you and me. As you study God's Word and more deeply study the history and other facts surrounding the Scriptures that it supports, and that support the Scriptures, you cannot help but recognize why. Actually, if you've been studying with us since the first lessons in the Cover-To-Cover series, you are already understand more than you thought was possible for you to understand - and so easily! God's Word really does make perfect sense. For the true Christian (only), tutored by the Holy Spirit, as you study and follow His lead on what and how to study, you see that the Scriptures, for the most part really are not "rocket science" and easy to understand. This is by design. God must equip us to serve Him and He must do this for His Glory and your good and usefulness to Him and others in this present age. Also, we are at the very point at this time in earth's 7,000-year history where we will start to see the most blatant and striking manifestations of the things of Hades – and WE as the CHURCH ARE STILL HERE. We MUST understand what all this means…especially having the complete Old Testament as our guide. Understanding and wisdom in the things of God is NOT and option if you are truly His in Christ.
April 28, 2019
II Samuel: King David, The Philistines And The Gates Of Hell
Listen-in to this lesson as we continue learning about king David's early years. God is greatly blessing David and greater Israel under him because David is God's anointed king and his heart is for the Lord. Most importantly, he has proved that he truly desires to show his love and devotion through being obedient to God's will. Now that David has Jerusalem, he decides that this will be the capital of the nation of Israel and commences to have the king's palace designed and built. Understandably, this is not sitting well with one of the fieriest enemies of Israel and one of the main groups of Satan's forces, the Philistines… 2SA 5:17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; Follow along with us and learn what God desires and does through David, as he wholeheartedly follows God's will. Learn how David prepares to encounter these "special people", the Philistines, in the Valley of the Rephaim.
April 20, 2019
I Samuel: Saul's End: Consulting The Witch of Endor - David Rises to Become The Next King Over Judah and Israel
Join us as we will learn about the final fall of Saul and the beginning of the rise of David to replace him as king over Israel. We visit a most grievous "indulgence" of Saul's, the consulting of a medium to contact the dead prophet, Samuel. Previously, we saw that Saul also used Samuel as sort of a "soothsayer" while he was alive. This problem of Saul's – not consulting God, but other spirits – became even more amplified as his position as king was heading toward its final hours. Saul's reign as Israel's first monarch ends and has been transferred to David as he becomes king over Judah and later, king over Israel. We close the book of I Samuel and transition to the next book of the Bible, II Samuel, which chronicles David's forty-two-year reign as king over Israel.
April 19, 2019
I Samuel: David vs. Goliath - Humanity, Designed in God's Image vs. Non-Human Entities Designed by The Fallen Angels
As with all Scripture content, the historical account of David and Goliath is pregnant with meaning that is deeper and wider than any of us could ever know in this lifetime. Yet, if we desire to truly understand as much as possible about God's purposes and plans, His mind and point-of-view, we are commanded to plumb the depths of Scripture to find the pearls of truth and gain wisdom. Join us as we continue discussing the transition in the monarchy from Saul to David and his confrontation with the giant of the Nephilim race, Goliath of Gath. By the way, did you know that Goliath had brothers? One of them, also mentioned in Scripture, had six fingers on each hand and was just about as huge, was eliminated later in the narrative: II Sa 21:19 And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. Just why do the fallen angels even do this genetic chicanery? Why does God even allow these non-humans to come upon the earth at all? Are they among us now? What role did and do they play? Do they factor in at the very end of this age, the time we are in?
April 18, 2019
I Samuel: More About Goliath and His Race - Produced By The Angels Who 'Left Their First Estate'
We continue in this lesson the discussion about David and the infamous Goliath. An abnormally large and strong man with six fingers on each hand. Why does the Bible make these facts clear? Why do these special attributes of the Goliath and those of his kind matter so much that the Bible speaks directly about them? We find that Goliath was not fully human as he was a descendant of the Nephilim – the fallen ones – which were not planned creations of God. They were specifically developed by Satan and his angels for their purposes. Join us in this lesson as we continue learning more about how Satan and his angelic and demonic hoards are setting about to destroy humanity, leveraging God's creations against Him and you and me. Yes, this information is in the Bible, and historical fact, and Christians need to know this to understand better what God is allowing and why and how it affects us and this world even today as we enter the close of the Age and the world enter the Tribulation.
April 16, 2019
I Samuel: Saul's Is Rejected as King Over Israel Because of His Severe Rebellion
God said this would happen. He warned the Israelites through Samuel that having any human king over Israel would not go well for them. It sure was turning out that way, and this was Israel's first king! It did not take long for Saul to sour and fall into rebelliousness against God. Continuing forward from the last lesson, we see Saul rebelling yet again. This time He does so in a major way that crosses the line of no return. Saul was to destroy all of the Amalekites, but he again decided to hold back from fully performing what God told him to do. This was the "final straw" that broke the back of Saul's rulership. He's is soundly rejected by God and not only that, the Holy Spirit is removed from him as well. This went so badly, that God grieved He's selected Saul as a king over His people. Not destroying all of the Amalekites was not a rectifiable situation. It was to have "long legs" into Israel's future. God decreed that Saul was finished and was to be replaced. Join us in this lesson as we continue learning about the fascinating and very informative story of Saul's decline into almost a madness, as David, son of Jesse is hand-selected by God through Samuel to become the next king over Israel. The transition is not immediate. There is much richness and learning for us in the account of the selection and rise of David and the decline of Saul. 1SA 15:34 Then Samuel left for Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. 35 Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the LORD was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel. 1SA 16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his son to be king."
April 14, 2019
I Samuel: God Grants Israel Her Demand - Saul Is Selected As The First Human King of Israel
Listen-in as we continue to learn how God allows for the desire of the people of Israel and instructs Samuel to select and raise the first human king. The people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us". When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king." Samuel has is orders, and as much as he is repulsed by what God is going to allow, he obeys. There was a man of the tribe of Benjamin, a man in good standing, who had a son named Saul. Saul was an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites--a head taller than any of the others. We see that Saul had all of the "goods" of a kingly man: tall, dark and handsome. Human nature by default in prone to impart undue favor upon and assume higher intelligence, wisdom and character from those with physical beauty. We know this because we see beauty or other attractiveness used in advertising and propaganda, which seems almost always to work! We know this because even people today select leaders who "look" the part. Samuel locates and anoints Saul as the first king over Israel. Now, the people have what they aggressively demanded. As we see how the period of the monarchy rolls out for the nation, I hope it will instill in us the warning to be very careful to give way to God's will and never to demand anything from Him. He may just teach us a lesson by allowing us to have our way. Realize that you've asked for and will bet set up for trouble - that God just might allow - to teach you a hard lesson, as He had to do to with Israel. God had a point to prove to this people and this is exactly what was going to happen. Here, we'll start to allow the Bible to guide us down this hard, twisting road of pits and holes and traps in the period of the monarchy in the sordid history of Israel.
April 10, 2019
I Samuel: Rejecting God - Give Us A King Like All The Other Nations!
Through disorder and chaos and losing battle after battle, Israel realizes that they again need have a king, establish a monarchy, to reign over their debauched nation. A monarch affords a single point of national administration, law, justice and judgement. Wait a minute! Didn't they accept God as their King a long time ago ? Didn't they willingly enter an unbreakable covenant with Him as He was to be their King? They had a choice and they agreed to "elect" God as their King forever. But, they rejected their King a long time ago, too. Yes, they wanted a king again, but not God. They still rejected him. They wanted a human king this time, and that for the wrong reasons. This king was to go out and fight their enemies. They failed to fully realize and take to heart that God had been fighting their battles for them all along and when they were trounced, it was because they were out of fellowship with God. It was not because God was not able to win their wars. They knew this, but wanted reject living under that King's laws! Rebelliousness is a knife to your own throat. (We all need to learn this well!). It is no different with human begins through time and today, even in this modern age. We as peoples in our respective countries want "kings" over us to fight our battles and protect us. Even worse, many today now want their kings to feed and cloth and give them prosperity, too! However, in demanding this, we relinquish more and more of our freedoms in trade for this so-called protection. We desire to be slaves and don't care about this as long as the king gives us what we need and want. (So, how's that working for us? Look around and give this some serious thought!). The problem? Human kings, as all people, are evil. Not one is ever found righteous. Not one. History bears this out, but we, in our rebelliousness ignore this to our own peril time and time again because we are just as evil. Samuel is very upset and complains to God about Israel's desire. Join us as the Bible gives us God's response and His instructions to Samuel about how to handle this situation and what to tell Israel on His behalf. This may surprise you! Even more, God's words to Samuel are absolutely applicable to all peoples and nations, even until today. You will learn much about us as we live today. Solomon was correct: there truly is nothing new under the sun!
April 6, 2019
I Samuel: God Allows The Philistines To Capture The Ark Of The Covenant
Join us in this lesson as we learn about an incident that involves the holy Ark Of The Covenant. We learn how God allowed the Philistines to actually defeat Israel AND take the Ark Of The Covenant - for a time, that is... God makes a very strong point to all who were involved and all who learn of this from His Word. So, tune in... "Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines at Aphek. The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand of them on the battlefield. 3 When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, "Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the LORD's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies." So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. When the ark of the LORD's covenant came into the camp, all Israel raised such a great shout that the ground shook. Hearing the uproar, the Philistines asked, "What's all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?" When they learned that the ark of the LORD had come into the camp, the Philistines were afraid. "A god has come into the camp," they said. "We're in trouble! Nothing like this has happened before. Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert. Be strong, Philistines! Be men, or you will be subject to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Be men, and fight!" So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. 11 The ark of God was captured..." If you think this introduction is intriguing, listen in and learn how this all works out! If you have not studied this incident before, you may be amazed at what God does with the Philistines - and Israel - as He protects the honor of The Ark Of The Covenant.
April 5, 2019
I Samuel: From The Judges To The Kings: The Transition To The Monarchy of Israel
Continue along with us as we begin to learn about a major inflection point for the nation of Israel. The time of the Judges is waning as God prepares the transition to a monarchy. God begins to assign kings to rule over Israel. We are moving past the time of the judges into the time of the monarchy in Israel. The books of I and II Samuel, I and II Kings and I and II Chronicles map out this transitional and impacting period in the history of the nation. We begin our study with an introduction to a man named Samuel, destined to be the last Judge of Israel. Biblical history bears him out as a leader of the stature of both Abraham (the patriarch) and Moses (Warrior and lawgiver). He also was the first great prophet to Israel and, although not of the tribe of Levi, was specifically called to be a priest. Samuel differed in his leadership as one of the judges of Israel in that his influence did not stand on military exploits, diplomatic skill or political shrewdness, but in personal integrity and unceasing loyalty to God. As the first great prophet of Israel, he established the "schools of the prophets" (I Sam. 19:20; I Kings 2:3~5; 4:38). Samuel starts the great monarchy period by anointing both Saul and afterward, David as the first two kings of Israel, Samuel gradually relinquishes his position of authority as a Judge of Israel to the rising monarchy that God caused to commence.
April 2, 2019
Ruth: Six Measures of Barley - A Signal of The Coming Redemption for Ruth and Naomi
RU 3:15 He (Boaz) also said (to Ruth), "Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out." When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and put it on her. Then he went back to town. RU 3:16 When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, "How did it go, my daughter?" Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her and added, "He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, `Don't go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.' " RU 3:18 Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." As we continue in the book and story of Ruth, we see that there is a problem that Boaz must be deal with first. There exists a kinsman of closer relationship to Naomi, and he had to be given first right of refusal to redeem his relative. Understanding how all of this works, Naomi assures Ruth that Boaz would not rest until the matter was settled. She knew that Boaz was an influential man and that he also was sure that things would go his way. How did she know this? because Boaz sent the extra provision to Naomi of six measures of barley via Ruth as a signal. Join us in this lesson to learn more about these concepts and most importantly, what they mean prophetically in God's overall plan of salvation for Jew and Gentile.
March 31, 2019
Ruth: "Spread The Corner of Your Garment Over Me, Since You Are a Kinsman-Redeemer."
We begin this study at an important juncture. Ruth, as a Gentile under the tutelage of Naomi, is aware that the "corner" or hem a garment of an Israelite man has important and specific meaning within their traditions. In the Israelite society, the hem of a garment was a symbol of stature and authority. This is similar to the placing of a badge of honor on a sleeve or stripes on a uniform of a person in the modern day. Keeping this key fact in mind, join us as we see Boaz and Ruth begin a most beautiful relationship together. Such is a fore-type of the coming church age, revealing the mystery of the relationship between Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords, and his chosen Gentile bride, whom he loves, redeems and marries.
March 25, 2019
Ruth: Destined to Glean In The Fields of The Lord
As we move forward, we focus on Ruth. She is an almost destitute Gentile in need, that goes out as a gleaner of the fields to provide food for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. It "just so happens" that she finds herself working in the fields of a relative of Naomi, a man named Boaz. Boaz, who is lord of these fields, was one of the wealthiest landowners in the area of Bethlehem, and greater Judah. Why was Ruth directed by the Holy Spirit to go out to a field that the this particular man owned? In this lesson we take a close look at who Boaz was, and why it was imperative that Ruth obtain provision from his field.
March 24, 2019
Ruth: The Diamonds Of Redemption and Marriage In a Setting Of Devotion, Loyalty And Honor
The book of Ruth ties together and applies some of the key societal structures of the Israelites, such as the Laws of Gleaning, Redemption and Levirate marriage, and the pivotal concept of the "Kinsman Redeemer". Also, it is considered the ultimate love story, as the main characters of Ruth and Boaz display and effectively define pure, selfless devotion, loyalty and honor. Most importantly, it is the main book in the Old Testament that outlines the key concept and function of the church as the bride of Jesus Christ in the New Testament age. The history of Ruth and Boaz can be applied as a fore type of the love and self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ as provider, redeemer and loving husband to the church. The New Testament church is considered the specially chosen bride - the "Eve" to Jesus' position as the coming "Second Adam". Where the first Adam and Eve failed and gave up their reign of the earth to Satan, the Second Adam comes to redeem what they lost. The second Adam and Eve are destined to reign as King and queen during the coming 1,000-year Millennium on earth and the entire creation in eternity thereafter. Please join us as we begin our study of the richness of the book of Ruth.
March 23, 2019
Judges: The Implications of The Life and Times of Samson
Most of us know the basic story of Samson and dwell on the fact that God gave him superhuman strength. In this lesson we examine the full and rich life and times of this Judge of Israel. We examine what made him stand out so prominently in Israel's history, and the effects of his rather complicated and burdened life as a Judge of Israel. Samson's life has much for us today as well. We will do well to learn the details of it for a multitude of important reasons that apply to God's people today. Join us as we dive deeper now into our examination of this peculiar man and Judge of Israel. It is 1155 B.C. and Samson's mother, though barren, is granted her womb to be opened. At just the right time in history, she gives birth to a son, Samson. He is dedicated and then God begins to train him…
March 22, 2019
Judges: The Special Nazarite Vow and The Judge Named Samson
As we move forward in our study of the book of Judges, we discuss the special status of the Nazarite vow. This special condition is defined in the book of Numbers: If a man wants to make a special vow, a vow of separation to the LORD as a Nazirite, he must abstain from wine and other fermented drink and must not drink vinegar made from wine or from other fermented drink. He must not drink grape juice or eat grapes or raisins. As long as he is a Nazirite, he must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the seeds or skins... There are more to the requirements, but we can see that the term denotes men who specifically set themselves apart to God by taking this vow, or whose parents did that on thier behalf. Join this lesson as we learn more about this special Nazarite condition before God. This lesson also serves an an introduction to the life and purpose one of the most famous people in the Bible. A Nazarite Judge who's name is Samson.
March 18, 2019
Judges: Gideon Prepares To Defeat The Midianite Army With Three Hundred Men
In this lesson, we continue learning about Gideon as chosen of God to save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Gideon is fearful, even as God sends an angel to bolster him, calling him a mighty warrior! Then, as Gideon goes to prepare an army from the many men camped among him, the LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. God has Gideon use some unlikely methods to eliminate all but three-hundred men to go up against the entire Midianite army! Further, the LORD said to Gideon, "With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place." So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley. During that night the LORD said to Gideon, "Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. Too many men?! How does that hinder God from from defeating the Midianites? Join us in this lesson as we all ow the Scriptures to help us understand what God was really achieving with Gideon. After listening to this lesson, please consider: How does God want us to apply this historic account to our lives, the many times we are fearful, just like Gideon? Allow the Scriptures to further inform you of just Who God Is and enjoy learning what He desires to reveal to you about Him!
March 15, 2019
Judges: Who Were The Judges And How Did God Use Them To Influence Israel?
Join us as we learn more about the time of the judges and the personalities of these specially selected people. In this lesson, we begin to take a look at each individual and how they were used to influence Israel.
March 12, 2019
Judges: 'If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them' - Rejecting God As King, Israel Joins Themselves To The Heathen
Israel returns to rebellion. They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. Even after witnessing God's unceasing care and provision and His strong hand, conquering their enemies, they decided to turn from Him. Since they rejected God, in those days Israel had no king. The result? Everyone did as each saw fit. Sin and chaos further darkened Israel's soul as they chose to serve the other peoples and their gods rather than the True God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Rejecting Him as King, God decided no longer to do for them what a king does. He did not go out before them in battle. He no longer drive out Israel's enemies from before them. What was their response to losing their King and His forces? Instead of continuing to conquer the peoples to gain their promised land, they started to merge themselves with peoples around them through intermarriage. "If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them"! This caused worse sinning and even further rebellion to reign over them as they served the others' gods. The beginning of Judges begins to chronicle this period in Israel's history as they continue to settle into the Land. Judges witnesses to Israel's incomplete possession of the Land, their insufficient victory over evil, and their inconsistent manner of life. It lays open the history of God's chosen as infected by great spiritual decline after such great spiritual and physical blessings by their God. More importantly, it shows the character of God Who, though His unending grace and faithfulness, pursues and restores and preserves a remnant of these people through even this. Join us in this lesson to learn more about this early time in the history of God's plan for His people, Israel.
March 9, 2019
Purposes and History: A Review of The Books Of Genesis Through Joshua
The Cover-To-Cover podcasts started at the "beginning of beginnings", in the book of Genesis. Since then, we have covered a lot of Scriptural ground between Genesis and the book of Joshua. We're glad you joined us and hope you'll continue along, finding good value in our studies! We learned from God's own Word and allowed it to teach us so much about the beginning of this universe and the creation of the earth and all that is in it. Everything He created was very good (more akin to "excellent") as He spoke everything into existence – the most prominent of the physical creations were human beings, who He specifically formed into His likeness and gave the special position of being a ruler of all creation on earth (Gen. 1:26~28). We have read of the very special relationship God formed with man, the customized personal education about Himself as creator and God, and His overall plan for the purpose of life for man. Continue along with us in this lesson as we summarize Genesis through Joshua, then enter into the book of Judges.
March 6, 2019
Joshua: God Uses The Sun To Aid Israel in Battle Against Five Kings
Because God goes before them as they engage their enemies, the Israelites are fast becoming a military legend to the those dwelling in and around Canaan. The people called the Gibeonites also heard how Joshua destroyed both Jericho and Ai. What could they do to protect themselves from Israel? If you can't beat them, join them! They tricked Joshua and the Israelites into making a pact with them. They were able to get away with this, because Joshua and the people in their pride decided NOT to counsel with God about this seemingly "good natured" offer. Gibeon also was a great and city. To go up against it with enough strength, five opponent kings aligned themselves and their armies to take it. Now that Israel made a pact with the Gibeonites, they were bound as allies to help defend Gibeon. How Israel gets involved in this and what God does about it may surprise you. Listen to this podcast to learn how God works for Israel in this battle that completes their southern campaign against the inhabitants of The Land that God gave them to dwell in forever.
March 5, 2019
Joshua: Onward To The City of Ai - Another Victory or Defeat for Israel?
Israel knew that Jericho was won for them by God's Arm and not by their own power, but they still chalked this major victory up to their military prowess and might, even though the walls fell down without them actually doing anything to make this happen. Also, God told them that Jericho and all that was in it after they were defeated was to be dedicated to Him alone. After knowing what God said, one man still decided to disobey and steal from God. Achan of the tribe of Judah, took from Jericho a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels. This made God's anger burn against Israel for this sin and not just against this man. Join in as we study this story and learn how God, through Joshua deals with the people and this sin. See how this story impacts Israel and understand its timeless application for God's people throughout history.
March 3, 2019
Joshua: Faith That Can Move Mountains Crumbles The Walls Of Jericho
Continue with us as we observe Joshua readying the Israelites to begin taking possession of the land. The odds were stacked against them succeeding because God ensured that all of their soldiers were made to fall in the wilderness before entering the Land. Now, even without an army, the people are commanded to still be strong and courageous - and take the land. The city of Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men". Okay, but what is the battle plan? The LORD continued, "March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the Ark Of The Covenant. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in." What kind of a battle plan is this?! No invasion? No massacre? Yet, predicting complete and utter victory. Listen to this podcast to learn more about this amazing story of what true faith and its results look like. In the New Testament, rest assured that God has not changed! We are boldly told that, just as with the walls of Jericho, the gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Rock (Jesus Christ) and His church"!
March 1, 2019
Joshua: The Promised Land, The Beautiful Land, Flowing With Milk And Honey
As Israel crosses the Jordan River, they find themselves finally at the threshold of the Promised Land. Learn with us as we take a look at what they are about to inherit. This place is described by God as the beautiful land that flows with milk and honey. We know from the Scriptural account that it produced abundant food to support the population of giants already dwelling there. So, what about this land? How do we reconcile what we see as an arid desert land, with what God said was the state of this land ? Would God give His people an inheritance of barren desert? Would He lie about this by calling it what observably it is not - a land flowing with milk and honey? Listen-in to find out...
February 28, 2019
Joshua: The Ark Of The Covenant Leads Israel Across The Jordan River
As their new leader under God, Joshua tells the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." Joshua says to the priests, "Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people." And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. We continue our study as the people brake camp to cross the Jordan River. The priests, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, went ahead of them. Understanding that the Ark of the Covenant is emblematic of Jesus Christ as our sin bearer, we see why it was to go before the people to cross over to the entrance of the Promised Land. Further, we'll see that God promises to exalt Joshua among the Israelites in The Land, again as a type of Jesus Christ, Who would in the future be exalted as the Leader under God, The Father, among His people.
February 27, 2019
Joshua: Leadership Transitions From Moses to Joshua
Continue forward in the Bible with us as we move into the book of Joshua. Here, God's Word starts to chronicle the new life the Hebrews will build in the land of Canaan. It is theirs now, and they're starting to settle it. Moses has been left behind and replaced by Joshua. The name Joshua means "Jehovah saves" or "Jehovah is salvation". Think about this: Moses was a type of "the law" that could only lead the people so far. As a type of the physical law, Moses could not inherit the "Promised Land" (a type of Heaven) because of falling short in disobedience. Under the physical law of Moses, all must be judged and none can be justified. The contrast is Joshua, a type of the New Testament's Jesus Christ and His "better" Law in "spirit" and "truth" with mercy, grace and justification. It holds out the attainable Promised land of Heaven for those who obey. Like Christ, Joshua must be transitioned to as the leader who has the power to lead His people into the "Promised Land". Please enter your study with this in mind. Understanding this will serve you well! The main thrust of this book is the entrance to Canaan via Jericho and the military conquest of the peoples already dwelling in the Land.
February 25, 2019
Deuteronomy: The Song Of Moses, A Remembrance of Israel's Past and Guide For Their Future
The Song of Moses is considered his final blessing to Israel as they depart. Learn how he prepares them to go forward under a new leader to complete the possession of the Promised Land and to begin their rich and winding walk with God. Join us as we study this very meaningful passage. Discover the depth and breadth of this special dialog of Moses and consider that it is comparable to the final blessing of the dying Jacob to his twelve sons in the book of Genesis, that was key and prophetic for the twelve tribes.
February 24, 2019
Deuteronomy: Take To Heart All The Words I Declare To You This Day...
Join us as we continue our study in chapter thirty-two. Israel is being scolded for their corrupt ways toward the Lord as Moses begins to review their less-than-stellar history, from the beginnings of Jacob to just before they take possession of Canaan. The specific thrust is to remind and warn them them of continuing in the severe disobedience and persistent spiritual blindness. Unfortunately, they are to remain this way throughout the age, even until the coming Tribulation period, specifically known in the Scriptures as the time of "Jacob's trouble". This chapter also discusses God's chastisement and curse against Israel, then to His lovingly sparing and avenging and favoring Israel forever for His Great Name's sake. What better way to learn of God's heart, mind and character than to follow how He deals with His people throughout time. So, how is it going between Him and YOU?
February 23, 2019
Deuteronomy: Moses Administers "The Second Law"
Tune-in as Moses announces his final instructions to Israel, preparing them to cross into their Promised Land: "Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people'." Consider also as you listen, the important Song of Moses and its great prophetic meaning for Israel.
February 22, 2019
Deuteronomy: Israel is Prepared To Cross Over, Conquer and Possess The Land
Continue in Deuteronomy with us as we learn more about the strategy for the people to take the land. Moses instructed: "The LORD your God has given you this land to take possession of it. But all your able-bodied men, armed for battle, must cross over ahead of your brother Israelites". As Moses prepares the people to take and enter Canaan, Moses is told by God to look at the land with only his eyes, since he is not going to cross the Jordan. He now commissions Joshua and is instructed also to encourage and strengthen him, for God chose Joshua to lead His people now. Joshua will cross and will cause them to inherit the land that Moses will only see.
February 21, 2019
Deuteronomy: Transitioning The People From Wandering in The Desert to Settling in The Promised Land
Moses is still leading the people as they prepare to inhabit the Promised Land. God is ready now to give Moses a second set of laws for the Hebrews to observe designed to govern them as they inhabit and build their lives in their new home land, Canaan. The name Deuteronomy actually means "second law". This second set of laws gives more detail surrounding religious practices, but especially important is they announce the civil, or "day-to-day living " laws to be observed as the Israelites begin to build their lives as God's people in the land God promised to give them. Join us in this lesson as we learn how Moses prepares the people for transition in living from wandering to settling, and also leadership. He reviews the past history between God and them, then progresses to giving of the additional laws and commands which must be followed as they take possession of the Promised Land and settle in it under the leadership of Joshua.
February 19, 2019
Deuteronomy: Preparing The Bridge into The Promised Land
We enter the book of Deuteronomy which serves as a "bridge" linking the adventure of the chosen people outside of the Promised Land, as recorded in the first four books of the Bible, to taking possession of and living in the Promised Land. Learn with us how the Israelites, through the giving of the covenant, and God dwelling among them, the giving of the law and miracles of provision, sustenance and teaching and even stern rebuke, are prepared to enter and possess the Land promised by God. The One, True God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
February 18, 2019
Numbers: "Why Is The LORD Bringing Us To This Land Only To Let Us Fall By The Sword?"
As they were led by God through Moses, the Israelites turned from trusting God. They actually had it in mind to leave Him. They said, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt." Important to understanding God's nature is why He allows certain events and how He then chooses to deal with His people in them. Listen to this study to learn more of God as He, through his Word, demonstrates His unfailing love, mercy and grace through the way He acts, reacts - and even chastises - as he deals with His people - especially when they decide to not be easy to deal with and willfully disobey and begin to even despise Him. God wants YOU and ME to learn his nature because the more you learn of Him, the more wisely and circumspectly you'll be able to navigate your life on this earth - and become a greater and more glorifying asset to God. Warning To Those Who Study Without Choosing Salvation: All this ONLY applies if you are truly God's possession through choosing Jesus Christ as your Savior. Without the salvation through Christ alone, the more you learn, the more will be held against you at The Great White Throne Judgement, when you will stand before God at the end of the age and the books of judgment are opened. All you learned about Him and His Word can and will be used against you in God's court on that day.
February 15, 2019
Numbers: Who Were The Giants of The Land of Canaan? Where Did They Come From? Were They Human Beings?
When we consider that God is all-powerful and the Master of all things He created, why didn't He just dispose of Satan permanently after he and the angels that conspired with him sinned? Clearly, God's plan includes what can be considered a "chess game" with Satan. God creates the game and rules of engagement. Satan is sure that God's character binds Him to the rules just as Satan is bound to them. What we see then is a game of strategy. When God makes His move, Satan simply fashions his counter move. The main reason the Giants were fashioned by Satan was to pollute the pure line of human DNA so that the prophesied Messiah and Savior - Jesus Christ - could not fulfill the requirement of being the Second Adam. Since the first Adam was fully human, as humans are specifically made in God's image, the Second Adam had also to meet this requirement to redeem what the first Adam allowed Satan to take from him. In this game, winner takes all and the stakes are eternal. Something to keep in mind as you study the history and details of this "chess match" and the strategies that Satan is allowed to use. We know he looses, but God is keeping this game in play for 6,000 years. We are close to checkmate at this very time! Keep watch as you keep learning God's Word and of His plans and purposes in this age as it draws to a close. YOU can make sense of all this - and God wants you to understand - with wisdom. Keep learning with us as you listen to these podcasts!
February 14, 2019
Numbers: God Prepares His People In The Wilderness to Inherit the Land Of Canaan
We begin our study of the book of Numbers. A major feature of this book is the forging of the Hebrews to become a single, true nation of and for God. Numbers chronicles two national censuses taken of the people: The first census counted the multitude which came out of Egypt. The second counted the new generation that was to enter and inherit the Promised Land. Although named "Numbers", this book deals much more with the wanderings of Israel under God's direction. Picking-up where Exodus left off, in reality, it is more a story of the arrested progress of God's people after they were freed from Egypt to serve God in the land He was giving them. Join us as we continue to learn about Israel's beginnings and consider how God used their long journey in the desert to prepare His nation to conquer the giants inhabiting the land of Canaan.
February 12, 2019
Leviticus: The Depth Of Meaning in Sukkot, The Feast Of Tabernacles (Part 2)
In this lesson we continue our study of the full, end-to-end historic and prophetic meaning memorialized in the Feast of Tabernacles. We also take a look at the special Sabbath at the end of this appointed time, The Last Great Day.
February 9, 2019
Leviticus: The Depth Of Meaning in Sukkot, The Feast Of Tabernacles (Part 1)
The final appointed time in the recurring rehearsal of God's plan is the observance of Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles. Among the fall 'Holy Days', this observance takes place in November of our calendar. During this multi-day appointed time of rehearsal, the Israelites lived in tents or temporary dwellings. Today, observant Jews do the same, make temporary "dwellings" inside or outside of their homes. This was and still is done to commemorate the Israelites living in tents on their wilderness journey, as they made their way toward the Promised permanent home, the Land of Canaan. Among all of the appointed times, Sukkot also pointed to the time of the church age. Similar to them, we also "wander" in our temporary earthly sojourn as we make our way toward inheriting the eternal "Promised Land" of Heaven. Learn about this key observance, especially as its meaning is taken to its full end, where Sukkot observance prefigures when the church returns with Jesus to dwell with Him on the earth for a thousand years. During this promised Kingdom age, known more popularly as the Millennium, this key period - the 7,000th "day" in years of God's plan for this age, is the bringing of the long-awaited Kingdom of the Jews, with the True Messiah ruling from the Throne of David in the prophesied fourth temple.
February 8, 2019
Leviticus: Trumpets and Ceremonies - Marking The Milestone Events, Times and Seasons of God's Plan
In the book of Leviticus we start to see how God uses trumpets and ceremonies to signal the times, seasons and functional aspects of His plan. They also marked the beginning as well as ending of key assemblies and events. Listen-in to learn more about the use of trumpets and ceremonies to train the people of God and to rehearse, over time, their - and our - place in the overarching extent of the full plan of God. We also take a closer look at the meaning of the sixth appointed time mark on God's calendar, Yom Kippur, better known as The Day of Atonement. How does this apply to us and the Jews alive at the end of the Age?
February 7, 2019
Leviticus: Correctly Worshiping God In Truth - Instructions to The Priests and The People of Israel
Leviticus is the third volume of the five books of the Torah, or the Teachings, also known as the books of "Instructions" or "Law". Leviticus is a manual detailing the sacrificial system and a guidebook of required worship practices. It was mainly intended as an instruction manual for the Hebrew priests, but also taught the newly-formed nation of Israel the principles of spiritual holiness, physical cleanliness and dietary observation. The intent of this book is to instruct on how to correctly worship God in "truth". Why the quotes around the word truth? Because, the laws and feast days observance directives in Leviticus serve only to foreshadow how, in the coming church age, His people will completely worship God in spirit and in truth - as they prepare to reach the spiritual "promised land" of Heaven for eternity! In those early days, God came to earth to dwell with His people. At the end of the age, God's people go to heaven to dwell with God - finally, to worship God in both spirit and truth. Tune-in to this lesson as we set the stage for understanding the full intent and thrust of this third book of the Torah, the book of Leviticus.
February 6, 2019
Exodus: The Richness and Depth of The Passover - The First Feast of The Lord
As we prepare to transition out of the book of Exodus, we summarize the israelites' miraculous initial experiences so far with their God as led by Moses. Just as important, we are given detail of the institution that is the foundation of all the appointed feasts, the the cornerstone of them all, the Passover. Listen-in to learn of the depth, breadth and great prophetic meaning of this key appointed observance. It truly is a yearly rehearsal of the coming Jesus Christ as their Messiah and His work as the Only Sacrifice and Savior of the world and the entire creation under judgment! Please don't stop your study of the Passover and the other feast days here. It is strongly suggested to continue pursuing personally learning the wonder and richness and depth of meaning of them all. Passover, and all God's appointed times of observance are most beneficial to understand for us, especially today. Guarantee: Your own, personal studies will guide you to a much richer and more complete understanding of the heart, mind and plan of God. If this is what you truly desire, you shall have it. Resolve to study the whole council of God!
February 5, 2019
Exodus: Walking Through The Tabernacle - The Door, The Holy Place and The Most Holy Place
Join us as we continue learning about the Tabernacle. Here, we more closely observe the floor plan, the furnishings and the placement of the articles. All the major features of the Tabernacle rehearsed the "major features" of the One to Whom it pointed. The Menorah "mapped' the appointed times that depict the plan of salvation through the One Who would fulfill them all.
February 4, 2019
Exodus: The Meaning of The Intricate Construction of the Tabernacle
The key tie-in for the Tabernacle, this dwelling of God among the Israelites and its construction and furnishings, is that it's purpose was to point to Jesus Christ! When one understands this, the entire thing makes PERFECT SENSE! Conversely, those who cannot make this connection, and isolate this to just the Old Testament, cannot come to any conclusion other than just "this is what God wanted and it is a mystery, which He will reveal someday". Then it will all be made plain." It has already been made plain! The Scriptures themselves make it clear. Listen-in and learn how the major features of the Tabernacle predicted the "major features" of the One to whom it pointed, the coming Jesus Christ who would "tabernacle" with His church forever!
February 3, 2019
Exodus: God Reveals to Moses The Detailed Plan for His Tabernacle
Israel willingly enters their covenant with God. It is ratified and in effect. As Moses meets with God on Mount Sinai, In addition to the two tablets of the Law of the covenant, God gives him a very specific set of instructions for a portable sanctuary called the Tabernacle. God's begins to act on His desire to dwell among His own, covenant people. Other than the exodus and the giving of the Law, one of the most important accounts in the book of Exodus is the construction of the Tabernacle. God ensured that the detail of its design and construction was preserved for us here. Why is the Tabernacle so important? What is its significance? Does it hold meaning for us today? Listen-in to discover the deeply meaningful and highly prophetic meaning in the layout and fixtures of the Tabernacle, preserved for us in the book of the Exodus.
February 2, 2019
Exodus: Liberated From Egypt To Enter A Covenant With God
The Exodus from Egypt is accomplished. Israel is free, now being led under Moses as they begin their journey through the open desert. The next milestone event is the giving of the Ten Commandments, the moral law and the entering of the covenant with God at Mount Sinai. The covenant is ratified and administered under the terms of the law, as given through Moses. The Exodus and the forging of the covenant under the law transition the flow of time from the dispensation of Promise into that of the Law. Tune-in to learn of the authority and, just as important to understand, the purpose of the eternal Law of God. Discover why it was given and how it has authority and is actualized in spirit and in truth in the lives of those under the New Covenant through Jesus Christ in the church age. You may be amazed at the similarities!
February 1, 2019
Exodus: God Prepares Moses, Egypt and The Hebrews For The Exodus
God called Moses, plainly identified Himself to him and gave him his assignment – to deal with Pharaoh and lead His people from bondage to freedom and beyond. Moses' assignment was not just to free the Hebrews alone, but also to pronounce judgment on Egypt and, more specifically, the gods of Egypt. We know that God hardens Pharaoh's heart so that he does not release the Hebrews until the set of Ten Plagues is complete. The question is, why? Listen-in to learn about this key historic and prophetic story. So much is revealed about God and His plans, His heart and how he thinks and works as He releases the Hebrews to serve Him. We also see how God begins to reveal Himself and teaches about His nature, His character and His overarching plans. Using Moses to lead and intercede, God begins to prepare the people to be His very own possession and conduit to salvation through the institution of the Passover.
January 31, 2019
Exodus: The History and Destiny of Moses and the Hebrews Begins
In the midst of Satan's continued attempt to destroy the Hebrews, God brings forth the next powerful Chess piece in His plan, Moses. Next to Jesus Christ Himself, Moses is the most impacting figure in Biblical - and all - history. Although reluctant, Moses was called and trained by God, destined to take a race of slaves and mold them into a powerful nation of people that would drive the course of the history and bring the Scriptures and the Word of God into the world. Moses would grow-up in a privileged life and be subject to the highest education in the household of the Pharaoh. Yet, he still would maintain a strong connection to his Hebrew roots. He was destined to give his life up for his people and risk all to bring them from bondage to freedom in the Holy God of creation he'll bring them out to serve forever. Tune-in and listen to this podcast as we allow the Scriptures to tell us the fascinating story of Moses. It all begins in the book of Exodus.
January 30, 2019
Exodus: God Brings Israel from Bondage in Egypt to Freedom to Serve Him
In Genesis we began learning of the God who created all things and the beginning of history. Genesis began to reveal to us His purposes and plan for creation. We also were given a view into the future as He deals with sin, promises a Savior and manages His own people through His law forming and keeping covenants. We covered the unfolding of His plan for the first people for Himself, Israel, and leave Genesis with these twelve tribes firmly planted and growing in the land of Egypt. In this lesson we open the book of Exodus. The word Exodus in Hebrew means "the outgoing" and this book covers Israel being prepared, and released from severe bondage in Egypt to embarking on their miraculous journey with their God toward their own land as His own possession. We learn the beginning of their unique and peculiar history as they leave Egypt, now as a nation. For reference, Genesis covers the period from about 4004 B.C. (the creation of the world) to the death of Joseph in 1805 B.C., a period of 2,199 years. Enjoy as we move into this next rich book of the history of this age.
January 29, 2019
Genesis: Settled in Egypt - The History of The Twelve Tribes Begins
As second in command to Pharaoh, Joseph manages the land of Egypt through the prophesied seven years of famine. Using wisdom, he eventually takes the land away from the people and the people's labor and transfers it to Pharaoh's full ownership. The people are happy to be in bondage to Pharaoh for food now. Joseph is rewarded by allowing his family to settle in Egypt on the choicest land. They prosper and increase greatly in number. This is the rise of Israel and the beginning of their prophetic history. Listen to learn how the dying Jacob pronounces the future for each tribe as they are launched into history and are prepared for their exodus!
January 27, 2019
Genesis: Through the Dungeon to the Savior of Israel - The Rise of Joseph
The complete story of Joseph is a masterpiece from the Hand of God. It is at once a complete prophecy of the role and mission of the coming Jesus Christ as Messiah and God's end-to-end plan for the shepherding of the nascent twelve tribes through history. Cycles of disobedience, to bondage to freedom, on to their being the head of the nations in the Millennium are shown. Listen as we begin to learn of Joseph's rich history and how it so wonderfully reveals God's mastery through Jesus Christ over His covenant people and history, itself. God can and will do ALL His pleasure. Looking at the state of Israel and her restoration to the land in these end time is a witness to us. Prophecy is fulfilled though history - and YOU are alive for such a time as this! Learn!
January 25, 2019
Genesis: Wisdom and Prophecy From The Life and Times of Joseph
The dying Jacob pronounced a final, prophetic blessing on each of the heads of his twelves son that shows the general trajectory of each line. The prophetic course is set for the twelve tribes and God's plans for Israel begin to take foot. Listen to this podcast to begin to learn of one of the most prominent figures in the scriptures. Joseph's life is a major source of history and wisdom for us and a type of the coming life of Messiah, Jesus Christ.
January 24, 2019
Genesis: Jacob Wrestles with God and is Given a New Name: Israel
Jacob wrestles with God and his name is changed to eternally state that he struggled with God and men and overcame. How prophetic! Is this not the experience of Israel that history holds? They also are assured that they absolutely will overcome all in the end - God keeps His covenant, and this assurance is engraved in their name, Israel. Listen-in as we begin to trace this encounter forward. This is the official beginning of the twelve tribes of Israel. What a story - and we are alive now to see its full and final fulfillment. They are back in their land, but who do they trust to bring about what the Bible says is in store for them?
January 23, 2019
Genesis: Making Sense of Modern Times - Value in Tracing the Descendants of Key Biblical People
We now wrap-up our learning about Jacob, Laban, Rachel and Leah and move into the history of the nascent twelve tribes of Israel. As we begin, it is valuable to trace certain Scriptural history down into the modern day. Listen-in to learn the importance of the prominence of the city of Tyre and how the decedents of Laban who founded it mastered the art of world trade in the Babylonian system - the system that moved into what is now Lebanon and outward, to become the economic foundation of our world system today.
January 22, 2019
Genesis: Jacob, Laban, Leah and Rachel -The Beginning of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
Genesis moves us forward from the beginning of the dispute between Jacob and Esau. As Jacob departs he is given a dream of a stairway that spans between earth and heaven. God then reiterates the covenant between Him and Abraham, Issac and Jacob. Continue here to learn how God, through the key characters of Jacob, Laban, Leah and Rachel begins fulfilling His plan for a people and a land for His Holy name. No matter the situation or the players, rest assured. As you'll learn through this historical account, God's covenants are sure and will stand forever!
January 21, 2019
Genesis: Edom Through The Centuries - Those Who Seek to Destroy Israel Will Be Destroyed
The struggle between Jacob and Esau persists and even strengthens over the centuries. The Edomites have moved through the world's system throughout history to pursue the complete destruction of Israel. Esau's and his bloodline's hatred for his brother is unquenchable. The Bible tracks this in the Edomites as they intertwine with peoples though the centuries including the Greeks, the Romans (the Herods, European bloodlines) and down through to today's Jordanian Arab "Palestinians". God wants us to understand the unbiased truth about origins of antisemitism and how Satan uses his forces in the world to try to destroy God's people. We are at the end of the age. As you study, keep your eyes on Israel. The "Palestinians" are the final line of Esau before the day of judgment comes. A peace plan soon? Yes! But, "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape". (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
January 20, 2019
Genesis: The King's Highway - Ancient Route of Trade, Future Route To The King's Land
There is described in the book of Numbers an ancient highway named The King's Highway. At the time of Moses, this highway formed the major trade route that connected Cairo, Egypt, modern-day Jordan and Syria. It passed in front of the constricted opening to the City of Petra in Jordan, the land of Edom. The Edomites would wait for world traders to pass by, ransack their caravans, then retreat into the impregnable rock walls of their city, Petra. The book of Isaiah says that in the future, when Jesus returns to set-up His kingdom and resigns from David's throne in Jerusalem, God will prepare this highway again. It will run the same route as the King's Highway, again connecting Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Syria. This time, it serves the nations as the passage to Israel to trade with her as the head of the nations in the Millennium Kingdom's economic system. Yes, there will be a perfect economic system at that time headed by the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Learn more about this prophetic trade route and its importance in God's economy.
January 19, 2019
Genesis: Jacob's Cunning vs. Esau's Belly - The Birthright War that Will Usher In The End of The Age
God said the birthright would be Jacob's, that Jacob would prevail over Esau and the older shall serve the younger. God used both Jacob and Esau to make this happen. Esau wars with Jacob to gain it back. The war is fought over these thousands of years. Esau's progeny gains and then looses their nation. They are warned by God that because of their violence against Jacob's progeny that they would be covered with shame and destroyed forever. This is the destiny of the Edomites throughout the centuries - and their so-called "Palestinian" descendants. This is what you are living through at this time! As you learn the prophecies of the Bible: Keep your eyes on Jerusalem and those that surround her!
January 18, 2019
Genesis: The Twins Jacob and Esau - Two Peoples and Two Nations In Conflict
Through twins Jacob and Esau came the beginning of the nation of Israel and the people known as the Edomites. Arch enemies to this very day, they started in conflict while in Rebekah's womb. The battle is to the death. God said of them "the older shall serve the younger" and further, that He loved Jacob and hated Esau. God chooses whom he will for His purposes. Israel is eternally selected and the Edomites eternally rejected. Listen to learn this amazing foundation story of modern world history. Discover how Israel came to be, as Jacob swindles the birthright blessings from Esau, and Esau vows forever to kill Jacob. This conflict is the foundation of the history of Israel and the Edomites that are in battle to this very day - as Israel and the "Palestinians" war of the Promised Land.
January 16, 2019
Genesis: Isaac - Foreshadow of The Coming True Son of Promise
The promise of a son in old age? How could this possibly happen? Abraham doubted. He tried to 'help' God keep his promise but we know how badly that worked out. Sarah actually laughed when she heard about the promise, as she doubted too. All indications are that this is impossible. But God made it so. Then, God commands Abraham to sacrifice his beloved, promised son of the promise! But, now Abraham obeys in full faith without doubting God. Even Isaac submitted to being sacrificed. A father sacrificing His beloved son of promise. The son agreeing to be sacrificed. Does this sound familiar? There are even more amazing parallels between Abraham and Isaac and God the Father and His Son of Promise, Jesus Christ. Listen-in to learn how God lays out, in the lives of Abraham and Isaac, a foreshadow of the Himself, His plan and His coming Son of Promise, Jesus Christ.
January 15, 2019
Genesis: Learning The Hard Way - Helping God Keep Promises is Disobedience with Great Consequence
God makes promises and God cannot fail. Abraham knew this. We say we know this. But like Abraham, we often feel it is taking God too long, or in our situation the"odds" are simply against God keeping His promise. God teaches us through Abraham and Sarah that doubt is not only disobedience but the outcome of "helping God" has consequences that can have immediate and very long-lasting consequences. Israel still suffers today because of Abraham's doubt! Listen-in to learn and gain wisdom in right dealing with God as God deals with you.
January 14, 2019
Genesis: Transitioning to the Dispensation of Promise
Because God is sovereign, all in covenant with Him can rest assured in His promises. But, God's plan runs on the foundation of time. This forces faith alone as His plans unfolds over time - sometimes a very, very long time. In eternity, all is taking place at the present moment. But time is the problem for those living outside of eternity. This is the problem for all of Israel under the Old Covenant and us who are Christian, under the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. Listen as we learn more from Biblical accounts of God's sure resolve and His Heart and character as He works out His irrevocable plans for Israel and the church despite time - despite us!
January 13, 2019
Genesis: God Ratifies The Eternal Progeny and Land Covenant with Abraham
God cannot lie and no one can undo what God has decreed. Period. God unconditionally and irrevocably covenanted (contracted) with Abraham that He would give him the land of Canaan (Israel) and through him, a people with a heritage as God's own. These promises are eternal and irrevocable. In Genesis 15, the Bible specifically details the ratifying process that "sealed the deal" between God and His people through Abraham forever. If you're not sure when someone asks about Israel, "Who's land is it, anyway?". You can KNOW the answer. It is God's possession and He gave it only and eternally to the Israelites! Listen to learn more about God as covenant Maker and Keeper - and how this applies to you in the New Covenant in Christ if you are truly born-again and saved through Him alone.
January 12, 2019
Genesis: You Must Live in Mystery Babylon. You Must Come Out of Her, My People
Throughout Genesis, we learn that God allows Mystery Babylon to survive and flourish and have mastery over the earth in this age. Abraham lived well in Ur of the Chaldees as he worshiped pagan gods. God called him out of that system and into His system. By faith Abraham obeyed, but God did not take him to heaven at that time. Much later, Jesus prayed to the Father about His own called out ones saying, "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one." So it is with us today, who are truly saved in Christ. Listen-in to understand more about living in the System and still obeying the command to come out of it.
January 11, 2019
Genesis: Abraham Meets Melchizedek. Just Who Is This Peculiar King and Priest of God?
At this point we are introduced to a very peculiar character, Melchizedek King of Salem. Abraham meets this special king after returning from battle victoriously. Interestingly, this Melchizedek has no human lineage and also was identified as priest of God Most High! Who could he really be? Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5 and 7 all equate the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, with Melchizedek: Psalm 110:4 "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." Also stated in the book of Hebrews chapter 5. As the priest of God, Melchizedek brought out bread and wine and blessed Abraham, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Abraham then tithes to Melchizedek! Listen to learn about the beginning of law of Israel and the law of Grace! We must understand the difference between them to serve God in sincerity and in truth.
January 9, 2019
Genesis: Abraham's Life as The Father of Israel and The Faithful
In the last episode you were introduced to Abraham, Lot and Sarai. Abraham is a key, pivotal figure in Scripture and the history of God's plan of salvation and this Age. Abraham was chosen by God to leave his family and pagan religion to become the father of God's chosen race, Israel. He believed God and obeyed by faith alone. Further, through his faithfulness he's called to be the father of the faithful of many nations into the New Covenant-based church age. Listen-in to learn more about the life and times of this important man.
January 8, 2019
Genesis: Nephilim, Giants, Human Hybrids: Fallen Angels Conspire to Prevent The Second Adam
After the fall of Adam, God announces His remediation plan. The coming Savior who will be both fully God and fully human is announced. He must be fully human to rightfully retake the kingship of the world as the "second Adam". Now, the fallen angels knew the foundation of the redemptive plan of God. How to stop it? In Genesis six, the Bible tells us about fallen angels beginning to destroy the DNA of humanity to thwart the coming of Jesus Christ as fully human. This created the Biblical giants. Yes! The giants were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when some fallen angels went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
January 8, 2019
Genesis: The Tower of Babel Falls as The Modern World Rises
The Babylonian system had begun and Nimrod and Semiramis were king, queen and lord of the nascent new world system. Although God slowed its development and scattered the people through confusion of multiple languages, He did not stop it. Why? Listen-in to learn how the newly-formed Babylonian system survived and indeed prospers until this very day. It will climax as the final New World Order and then be utterly destroyed. When that time comes, it will be in an instant just like Sodom, after Lot and his family were removed immediately before destruction came from God.
January 7, 2019
Genesis: Nimrod and The Tower of Babel. Mystery Babylon World Governance is Born
Now more than ever we hear of The New World Order that is poised to overtake the entire world. Actually, it's not new at all. What you are seeing today is end-time culmination of the Mystery Babylon global religious and economic system that was formed thousands of years ago. Listen-in to learn about Nimrod, the direct agent of Satan and a hunter of men and His wife Semiramis. They built the first cities and a tower to reconnect to the pre-flood gods who gave them power and wealth. God paused his progress but did not stop it. This is how languages and nations and the Satanic, total world governance system we are living in right now came to be. Nimrod and the Tower of Babel is the post-flood kick-off of the Babylonian economic and religious system Satan is using to enslave humanity and then destroy God. Spoiler alert: This all ends badly after The Great Tribulation. Satan and all who followed Mystery Babylon in this Age will be judged and cast with Satan in hell for eternity.
January 6, 2019
Genesis: Noah, The Flood and The Dispensation of Human Government
You are probably familiar with the story of Noah and the Flood. As with all the Biblical narratives, there is much, much more to this story when studied in light of God's plan as set out for us in the Bible. Listen-in to begin to find out about the details of Noah, his family and the aftermath, after the ark landed and the waters receded...
January 5, 2019
Genesis: The Lives of Adam, Methuselah and Enoch: Prophetic Shadows of the New Testament
Continue your study in Genesis chapter five. Here, the lineage of Adam is presented along with an introduction to Methuselah and Enoch. God uses the lives of these key figures to shadow of His plan of salvation and the coming New Covenant and the New Testament. This is the portion of the Bible written many centuries later to chronicle the coming of Jesus Christ as Savior and His church in the closing years of this age.
January 4, 2019
Genesis: God's Plan to Restore Paradise and The Tree of Life to Earth at The End of The Age
The book of Genesis is not only about the history of creation and the fall of it into sin. It also is a brief history of the future! God has His plans for this age already laid out. Genesis gives us a solid introduction to the plan and final "end game" goal of God. Listen-in to continue to learn about God's overall plan of salvation, restoration and renewal of Paradise, The Tree of Life and how He is rolling it all out in this Age.
January 3, 2019
Genesis: What Happened to The Garden of Eden? Defining Hades, Paradise and Abraham's Bosom
The Garden of Eden was a physical place specially prepared by God as the home for the first human beings, Adam and Eve. We know that after they sinned, God thrust them out of that garden and set an angel to block re-entrance. Adam was now no longer king of the world. He willingly abdicated his rule of earth to Satan and lost access to the Garden and his throne. What happened to the Garden of Eden after that? Listen-in to learn more about Eden and the other closely related places of Hades, Paradise and Abraham's Bosom.
January 1, 2019
Genesis: Signs of Jesus as the Coming King and His Gospel Written in the Stars
With deeper study in Genesis and understanding simple cosmological concepts, we can extract many key details God offers us about the promises and prophesies of Jesus Christ, coming as Messiah and the final King of Kings. Listen-in as we dig a little deeper to extract more about the plan of salvation and the final age - and the focal point of it all, Jesus Christ!
January 1, 2019
Genesis: Signs and Times in God's 7,000-Year Plan for This Age
As a recurring witness to His plan for the world and humanity, God set in motion the heavens and the stars in them to continually reveal His end-to-end salvific plan. He uses "times and seasons" to mark key milestones and events in the 7,000-year plan for the current earth and its inhabitants. As the earth marches on its course around the sun, these signs actively review God's plan from beginning to end each year for all generations to learn. God included the why and the how of these times and season and heavenly markers in the book of Genesis. Listen-in to this teaching to learn more about the overall plan of God that includes you in such a time as this!
December 31, 2018
Genesis: The Corner Stone of The Biblical Doctrines
The book of Genesis chronicles the beginning of this age. It offers an overview of the creation of the earth and life on it as we know it. It also offers something very important that most do not understand. It introduces to the reader ALL of the key doctrines of the entire Bible! This podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the fullness of this introductory book of the Bible. Listen-in to learn the truth about the beginning of it all AND the "profile" of the Mind, Heart and Word of God He offers you in the book of Genesis!
December 31, 2018
What Shapes YOUR Personal Worldview?
Worldview is how you perceive and interact with the world around you. It is unique to you and pretty-much dictates what you believe and guides how you act and react as you live your life. It is who you are. So, what do you allow to shape yours? One of the Bible's main functions is to correctly shape your worldview! God wants you to understand the truth and live it. How does the Bible do this? Tune in to this podcast and enjoy finding out!
December 31, 2018
Cover-to-Cover Overview of The Bible - Introduction
This teaching is an introduction to the Bible as the unique, inspired, fully-integrated main communication from God to humanity. Whether you are a new, or well-seasoned Christian, or are just embarking on this wonderful path, you will find this introduction comprehensive, easy to understand and very insightful.
December 31, 2018