Do I really have a soul?  Some of you may be saying I can’t see it.  So what does the Bible say?  The answer to that question comes right in the beginning of the Bible in Genesis 2:7.  This passage is about the creation of the first man: Adam.  God took two things and made man: the dust of the ground and His own breath of life. God formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and He breathed his own breath into the nostrils of Adam.  This is how Christians see the formation of a baby.  Yes, in Psalm 139:14 it says that: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  So we learn that God formed man.  Man was formed from the dust of the ground.  God breathed his own breath of life into man and man became a living soul.
 
Man was not formed by impersonal forces neither did he just appear out of nothing.  Neither did man evolve from other creatures that had come out of nothing.  This gives great dignity and honor to man.  Man is the product of God’s mind, His thoughts and His heart.  So man’s very body, mind, and spirit, came from the heart of God, from the intelligence and power of God Himself.
 
Man became a living soul.  Soul means an animated, breathing, conscious and living being.  It does not mean the spirit of man.  God had just breathed His Spirit and life into man.  Once God did this, man became a living soul: an animated, breathing, conscious and living creature.  He was a living soul just like all the other creatures of earth but with one  and unique  difference between the animals and man.  Man was given the very breath of God Himself.  Man did not become a living soul until God breathed His Spirit and life into man.

So what does this mean?  It means that man is the only living spirit upon the earth.  Man is both a spiritual and soulish or animate being.
 
You see plants live but they have no soul.  Animals live but they are only animate or soulish creatures.  They are not spiritual creatures.  They do not have the breath or Spirit of God within them.  Man is both animate and a spiritual creature.  Man is both soul and spirit.  Man is an animal, a soulish creature, but he is also a spiritual creature, a creature who worships God.  Man is made both of earth and heaven.
 
This is the uniqueness and individuality of man.  Man is the summit, the peak of God’s creation; the creature who possess both soul and spirit.  Man has the choice to live for either the earth or for God.  Man did not become a living soul until God breathed His Spirit and life into man.  God gave us His own breath and His own Spirit and life.   Because of this man can freely choose to love and worship God or not to love and worship God.
 
In the Old Testament the soul signifies that which is vital to humans in the broadest sense.  The words used by the Greeks and Hebrews are often translated as “life.”  In the New Testament the Greek word for soul also means  “life.” The followers of Jesus are said to have risked their lives (their souls) for His sake (Acts 15:26).
 
The human soul is the part of a person that is not physical. It is the part of every human being that lasts eternally after the body experiences death. Genesis 35:18 explains the death of Rachel, Jacob’s wife, saying she named her son “as her soul was departing.” From this we know that the soul is different from the body and that it continues to live on after physical death.
 
You are a Soul. You have a body and when you die the body perishes at death but the soul is indestructible.  In other words, personhood is not based on having a body. A soul is what is required when we die we leave behind that dead garment of a body but our soul moves on to eternity.
 
There is often confusion about the human spirit versus the human soul. In some places, Scripture seems to use the terms interchangeably, but there must be a subtle difference. Otherwise, how could the Word of God penetrate “even to dividing soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12)? When the Bible talks about man’s spirit, it is usually speaking of an inner force which stirs or stimulates a person in one direction or another. It is repeatedly shown as a mover, a dynamic force (Numbers 14:24).  The human spirit is the innermost being of the human person, corresponding with the nature of God, which is spirit.  At the time that a person accepts Christ into his or her life-a believer’s human spirit is united to Christ’s Spirit.  We sometimes call that having a kindred spirit: meaning someone with the same feelings or attitudes as ourselves.
 
It has been said that there are only two things that last: the Word of God (Mark 13:31) and the souls of men. This is because, like God’s Word, the soul is an imperishable,  enduring, eternal, everlasting,  never ending, permanent, undying, entity. That thought should be both sobering and awe-inspiring. Every person you meet is an eternal soul. Every human being who has ever lived is a soul, and all of those souls are still in existence somewhere. The question is, where? The souls that reject God’s love are condemned to pay for their own sin, eternally, in hell (Romans 6:23). But the souls who acknowledge their own sinfulness and accept God’s gracious gift of forgiveness will live forever beside still waters with their Shepherd, wanting for nothing (Psalm 23:2).

The human soul is distinct from the heart (Deuteronomy 26:16; 30:6) and the spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12) and the mind (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). The human soul is created by God (Jeremiah 38:16). It can be strong or unsteady (2 Peter 2:14); it can be lost or saved (James 1:21; Ezekiel 18:4). We know that the human soul needs atonement (Leviticus 17:11) and is the part of us that is purified and protected by the truth and the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:22). Jesus is the great Shepherd of souls (1 Peter 2:25).  Matthew 11:29 tells us that we can turn to Jesus Christ to find rest for our souls.
 
Some important information to consider.   There have been many over the years who have been happy to “sell their souls,”  for an earthly gain of some sort. You see that in books and stories and even in the movies and in all forms of entertainment.   You only have one choice; you either give or submit your soul to Jesus Christ as your Savior the One who died for your sin on the cross OR you sell your soul to Satan. You make the choice.  You see, the phrase that most Christians hear is God sent her or him  to hell.  Oh No YOU make that choice.  God is a gentleman He will never force you to do what you do not want to do.  Do you want to live eternally in Heaven or in Hell?  There is no purgatory, no middle room, you make the choice while you are alive and on the earth. 
 
But we do know that there are people who take very lightly the meaning of their souls and they are happy to sell their soul, for fame, money, sex, prestige, etc. I want to remind them that it’s limited and not a lifetime guarantee of freedom - you’re owned by the one to which you sold your soul.  You must remember that Jesus loves you and died for your soul.   satan really hates you and cares nothing about your soul, he cares nothing about you and does not care where you will spend eternity.

I choose to continue enjoying my God given freedoms and the hope, joy, peace that Christ provides for me and I am reminded how faithful He has been to me over the years.

Everybody wants or thinks they are going to go to Heaven when they die, but nobody wants to die.  Have you noticed that lately? We forget that we are all terminal.  You have to go through something to get to something. You have to go through death to get to Heaven, and you have to go through death to yourself (dying to self) to get to the victorious, abundant life. Heaven is a real place described in the Bible. The word “heaven” is found 276 times in the New Testament alone.
 
In the Bible in John 10:10 Jesus said: "I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.”  Jesus didn’t say, “I have come that you might have death,” but Jesus said, you might have life.   We won’t receive this life until we’re sick and tired of our old life. Not until we say, “Yes, to Jesus, because you died for me and I died with you. And I thank God, when you rose, because I will rise with you.”
 
People have different ideas about heaven. Many have no understanding of God at all, but still like to think of heaven as the "better place" where we all go when we die. If you asked people about their ideas about heaven their answers are often no more than vague hopes, similar to "maybe I’ll win the lottery some day."  Let’s face it most people don’t give heaven much thought until they attend a funeral or a loved one dies. It is popular to refer to heaven as the place where "the good people go." And of course, everyone they know and love is included in the category of "good people".
 
In the Bible those who were believers remind us that the funeral of Christians while filled with grief and the separation that comes with it also has bright hope.  For the Christian death is not the end.  We look forward beyond our own time on earth and realize that we have comfort in God and what is awaiting us.
 
Why is there so much interest in Heaven?  Well, the heavens are a creation of God along with the earth.  God made everything: the heavens and the earth.  The heavens belong to Him.  The Bible also refers to heaven as God’s dwelling place.  The Bible says that the heavens are His throne and the earth is His footstool.  Are you getting a picture of the greatness of God?  As awesome as the heavens are as they are described in the Bible, but God is not contained in them or even in the highest heavens.  He overfills the heavens and the earth!
 
But now that I said this about heaven the Bible also tells us that the heaven will disintegrate and disappear like smoke.  Then God will create a new heaven and a new earth that will exist eternally for His people.  But only if you have made a commitment to Christ while you are alive then you will spend eternity with Him in heaven.
 
Because of Jesus we understand even better than the Saints of the Bible what awaits us in Heaven.  Yes, death’s sting still hurts.  But we know that the death of the body is our induction into a full experience of eternal life.  The death of a loved one hurts but death is not life’s end, it is our entry into a full experience of that eternal life promised to us by the Lord Jesus Christ, Our Savior, Redeemer and soon coming Lord.
 
You want to get to heaven?  Then, while you are alive you must make your commitment to serve Him.  NOW is the time and please humble yourself before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Accept by faith what He did on that Cross for you.  Believe on Him and His Word and then Confess it to others.  That is sending your reservation ahead for your place at the King’s table and His Kingdom eternally.  Do it today!  That is how you make it to Heaven.  
 
The people who go to heaven are all alike in one way: they are all sinners who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). They have recognized their need for a Savior and humbly accepted God’s offer of forgiveness. They have repented of their old ways of living and set their course to follow Christ (Mark 8:34; John 15:14). They have not attempted to earn God’s forgiveness but have served him gladly from grateful hearts (Psalm 100:2). The kind of faith that saves a soul is one that transforms a life (James 2:26; 1 John 3:9-10) and rests fully on the grace of God.
 
Years ago, I heard someone say that Heaven is a place of “no mores”.   There will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). There will be no more separation, because death will be conquered (Revelation 20:6). The best thing about heaven is the presence of our Lord and Savior (1 John 3:2). We will be face to face with the Lamb of God who loved us and sacrificed Himself so that we can enjoy His presence in heaven for eternity.
 
Well, do you know for sure that you have eternal life and that you will go to heaven when you die? God wants you to be sure! The Bible says: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). Suppose you were standing before God right now and He asked you, “Why should I let you into heaven?” What would you say? You may not know what to reply. What you need to know is that God loves us and has provided a way that we can know for sure where we will spend eternity. The Bible states it this way: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). 
 
Accept His free gift today, so that you will know where you will be one blink after you die.

Many times, when we go to church or we listen to a church sermon on television and radio or we hear other Christians and they use phrases over and over again: it is important for us to understand what these phrases or words mean.  It helps us to get a true perspective of what it means to be a true Christian.  One of those phrases you may hear over and over again is the concept of “dying to self” which is found throughout the New Testament.  If you listen to that phrase some may say: “Do I have to kill myself if I become a Christian? No, No, No. It expresses the true heart of the Christian life, in which we take up our cross and follow Christ. Dying to self is part of being born again; the old self dies and the new self comes to life (John 3:3–7). Not only are Christians born again when we get saved, but we also continue “dying to self “as part of the process of sanctification. As such, dying to self is both a one-time event and also a life long daily process.
 
In John 12:24 (NKJV) we are told: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much."
 
Jesus had to die on the Cross so we could live and we have to die to our desires, our wishes, our wants so Jesus can live through us.  Jesus revealed His death to us by using the picture of a grain of wheat.  God would exalt Jesus as King because He did what the Father had wished; He died for the sins of the entire world.  That includes you and me and everyone all down through the ages.
 
If we follow through on that seed example we get a clearer picture of what the Bible is trying to tell us.  If you keep the seed out of the ground all you have is the seed. If you put a seed into a paper bag you still only have only a seed. But when that seed is planted in the ground and watered and given sun then it grows. You bury it in the ground, it dies and then it rises up. Sounds a lot like a resurrection!!! So it sounds like there better be some spiritual funerals.   Dying to self means dying to my agenda, and giving my all to  the plans that Jesus has for my life.  That means allowing His plans for me to take first place.
 
But… this seems to be so difficult!  We do not want to humble ourselves.  Why do we struggle so?  Why do we want to be in control???   The Bible says; Our lives are not our own.   It’s time to give up and give in to Him. The Master (Jesus) says: And when He had called the people unto Him with his disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34). He said that to the people and to us, His disciples, in case you were wondering.
 
When Jesus called them to "take up their cross," their 1st Century ears perked - up because they truly understood exactly what He meant: it was a call to die to themselves. In 1st Century Rome, the cross was not a lovely, gold decoration worn around the neck; it was a cruel instrument of torture and death. No one (besides Jesus) ever went to the cross and came back alive.   Let’s face it we can waste our lives saying this life is all about me, myself and I.  But do you know those 3 little words: me, myself and I, is the greatest roadblock for God to move and make a difference in our lives?  That is an issue of pride.
 
If you go back to Genesis 3 in the Bible, in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve sinned and it continues on today: our flesh fights God’s spirit.  You do know that the way we think things should be and the way we think things ought to happen and what the Word of God says…. is completely opposite.  You and I must die to our selves.   We have to die to our desires, wants and plans.
 
Then Galatians 2:20 should be our battle strategy:    "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
 
So, are we holding on to the things we want?  Just like a little child who has a temper tantrum and stamps his feet, holds his breath and won’t move or obey.  We all have choices to make.  You do know that we can live a life of obedience to God, or a life of disobedience. But remember, as Christians, we owe our flesh nothing. Your flesh hasn’t done a single thing for you. We all have this idea that when we die and we are before Jesus Christ that we are going to tell Him who we are, all we were, and what we did for Him, but that is not the truth.  There is no scripture to back that up.  Paul said you are not obligated to the flesh; you are obligated to the Spirit.
 
Well, which one are you feeding?  Are you feeding your flesh or your Spirit?  We have to stop feeding the flesh for when you kill the flesh you live. Most believers want to serve God and give him their all. But somehow, we manage to fall short. The spirit is willing – that is, the heart, the desire is there, but the flesh is weak – the ability to get it done falls short. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak it gets in the way. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is lazy. The spirit is willing, but the flesh makes excuses. Flesh and spirit constantly struggle for control of you. We must base everything we do on God’s Word.
 
You see in Galatians 2:20. Paul explains to the Galatian church the process of dying to self as one in which he has been “crucified with Christ,” and now Paul no longer lives, but Christ lives in him. Paul’s old life, with its leaning toward sin and to follow the ways of the world, is dead, and the new Paul is the dwelling place of Christ who lives in and through him. This does not mean that when we “die to self” we become inactive or insensible, nor do we feel ourselves to be dead. Rather, dying to self means that the things of the old life are put to death, most especially the sinful ways and lifestyles in which we were engaged.

Dying to self is never portrayed in the Bible as something optional in the Christian life. It is the reality of the new birth; no one can come to Christ unless he is willing to see his old life crucified with Christ and begin to live again in obedience to Him. Jesus describes lukewarm followers who try to live partly in the old life and partly in the new as those whom He will spit out of His mouth (Revelation 3:15–16). That lukewarm condition characterized the church of Laodicea as well as many churches today. Being “lukewarm” is a symptom of unwillingness to die to self and to live for Christ. Death to self is not an option for Christians; it is a choice that leads to eternal life. 

Our primary responsibility in life is to die to self through meekness and humility. Remember Christ is in control.  To accomplish this we should draw our strength from the Lord. In our pursuit of following Jesus, there are temporary, earthly pleasures we must be willing to pass up. We will be laughed at, mocked, ridiculed, and shamed by those who don't understand.   At those times we must fully and completely trust in God.  Do God’s will, and you will be greater and happier than any king, Jesus, the Son of Man died a physical death to give us eternal life, but now our new life in Him necessitates following Him by dying to self. (Galatians 2:20)

Yes, it is difficult, but like Jesus’ illustration of a grain of wheat, it will bear abundant fruit. When wheat is buried, dies, and germinates, it produces a stalk topped by a head with fifty-plus kernels – each ready to keep on producing.  What about you, do you wish to see Jesus? And do you want others to see Christ alive in you? Then determine to take up your cross – that instrument of death – and embrace the very thing that chafes and causes you sorrow. Crucify every fleshly desire contrary to God’s will and live with one purpose: following Him.”
 I know we all believe that: “I am in control of my life, we believe that I lead and we expect Jesus Christ to follow our lead.”  Wrong, wrong, wrong.  We are to let Jesus go first and then we follow Him.  Yes, abundance is a sign of life but it begins by dying to our selfish desires and plans and following Jesus Christ. 

If we realize that God is in control we will seldom become depressed or anxious about why God doesn’t do things our way. We won’t expect Him to. And we will seldom wonder why God hasn’t blessed our plans when we have gone through all the trouble to make them and we even asked God to bless our plans.  As Christians we should seek His will first and not take our plans and desires and to get the majority opinion. We waste so much time checking on what everyone else thinks and their opinions.  Let us bring our plans and hopes and desires to Christ in prayer for He is truly our hope and joy.

JOHN 2:15-16
15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;   16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

What is this scourge of small cords and what does it mean?  It tells us that Jesus had the right to cleanse the temple.  There are several things that confirm this for us. A scourge - A whip.  Of small cords ...the original word implies that these "cords" were made of twisted "rushes" or "reeds" - probably the ancient material for making ropes."

In other words, Jesus seems to have stopped in the courtyard -- in the midst of all the noise and chaos of the surging crowds, looking to change money and purchase sacrifices, and surrounded by the cacophony of lowing cattle and bleating sheep --and painstakingly makes a scourge, a whip, from the materials that were at hand...rushes that formed the animals' beds and ropes used to tether them.

This obviously took no small amount of time and shouts deliberate determination and a mature focus.  This scourge of cords was a symbol of Jesus’ righteous anger, of His right to be obeyed, of His right to enforce obedience within the temple.   The scourge was a symbol of the power and cleansing judgment of God-the kind of power and cleansing judgment that causes men to tremble before God (Phil.2:9-11)
 
Jesus went through the temple and you see three things that He did. 

• First he chased out ALL who were buying and selling. 
  
• Then He threw over the tables of the moneychangers. 
  
• Lastly, He threw over the chairs of the dove dealers.

 
One of the things we learn from this passage is that the temple or the church can be abused by: forgetting what worship is all about.  We can misuse the facilities and buildings of God’s house.  We can ignore God’s holiness and forget our duty and reverence to God.  We can also abuse the church by approving questionable non-worshipful activities.
 
In this passage we see Jesus’ unique relationship to God. He called God “My Father” and called the temple “My Father’s house.”

Jesus was continually calling God “My Father” and He said My Father’s house many times.  Jesus was saying that the temple was God’s so that meant it was to be a house of worship for all people.  Including the Gentiles as well as the Jews.  All people should be able to worship in quietness and peace within God’s temple.  No one should be barred, separated or discouraged from worshipping God in His temple.  Everyone is to be welcomed.
 
I want you to notice that the church or the temple was called a house of worship, not a house of sacrifices, offerings, teaching, prophesying , or preaching.  Everything done within the House of God is to lead to the worship of the Father and for having communion with the Father.
 
You see, the temple was not to be used as a commercial center.  It is not to be a place for buying and selling, marketing and retailing, stealing and cheating where man gets the gain.
 
Jesus had a consuming zeal. His enthusiasm and zeal fulfilled Scripture and demonstrated that He was the Messiah.  The Messiah was bound to be zealous for God’s house and to react in anger at such corruption within the temple.  The Scripture had predicted that the Messiah was have such zeal (Psalm 69:9).
 
Jesus had the right to show zeal and anger against such desecration of the temple.  He was the Messiah and His act stirred the memory of the disciples.

Our prayer is that this study will stir you to have zeal for and to encourage you to stand up for the things of GOD!

John 2:12-16(NKJV)
12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.  13 And the Jews' Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.   14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:  15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
 
After reading these verses a question might arise.  Why did Jesus clean the Temple in such a harsh manner?  He turned over tables.  He made whips to beat the merchants, etc.
 
Jesus cleansed the temple of the money-changers and sellers of merchandise because of His disgust at what they had made of God’s house of prayer and His zeal, His passion to purify it from the abuse of ungodly men.
 
Well, some of you might say, "isn’t it true today that all the ministries advertise after they give a sermon that they will send you something in the mail or you can receive some kind of free gift just for giving a donation to their ministry.  Is that not what the Lord was annoyed with?"
 
No, that is not the case in this passage in the Bible.  In the Temple there was a place where the animals were to be brought in and watched for three days to make sure they were healthy and approved for sacrifice.  But, the problem that was happening was that the priests had become corrupt.
 
They were telling the people who brought animals sacrifices that your animal was NOT healthy.  Your animal is not clean so you have to buy an approved temple animal that has been tested for the necessary days and we have just the right one here for your family.
 
The priests were not telling the truth.  They were lying and forcing people to buy from their vendors whom they possibly were getting money from as part of a kick-back scheme they had devised.
 
The sellers were gouging or extorting the faithful by charging exorbitant or very high prices. There were other merchants selling cattle and sheep for the temple sacrifices as well. Because of these sellers who preyed on the poor and because of His passion for the purity of His Father’s house, Jesus was filled with righteous indignation. As He overturned the tables of the money-changers, He condemned them for having turned God’s house of prayer into “a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13). As He did so, His disciples remembered Psalm 69:9, “Zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.”
 
These same moneychangers were associated with others who engaged in shady business practices in the temple courts.  Some sold sacrificial animals, overcharging people who did not bring their own. Others were in charge of examining the animals to be sacrificed, and it was a simple matter to declare an animal “unapproved” and force the worshiper to buy another animal—at an inflated price—from the temple vendors. Such goings-on, exploiting the poor and the foreigner, angered the Lord Jesus and was strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:34).
 
It is quite possible that others had felt “uncomfortable” about what was going on in the temple. However, Jesus was the only one on record who actually did something about it. In this case, “consuming zeal” may have a bit of a double meaning. Not only was Jesus’ zeal consuming in that it caused Him to take radical action, but it set Him on a collision course with the Jewish leadership that eventually ended in their delivering Him to Pilate for crucifixion.

The New Testament writers see many parallels between Jesus and David. Jesus’ zealous actions were rejected by His countrymen. David was also rejected, scorned, and mocked because of His zeal for God. This is simply one more line of evidence that Jesus really is the rightful heir of David—David’s Greater Son. Likewise, those who follow in the steps of Jesus may now face the same kind of rejection if they prove to be zealous for the things of God.

Today, ask yourself, are you willing to stand up and take radical action for the things of GOD?

Be sure to check back on October 15 for part 2 of this important topic!

I recently heard an interesting discussion with a Muslim and a Christian concerning SOME BOOK IN THE MUSLIM BIBLE called the "Gospel of Barnabas." He said it is well known throughout the world, except in the U.S., where it is being "covered up." This document supposedly confirms all that Muslims believe about Jesus. Well, I never heard of it and what is it and what does it say?
 
After some research I found that Muslims often cite The Gospel of Barnabas (GOB) in defense of Islamic teaching. In fact, you can easily find copies to purchase in most Muslim countries. The document supports the central Islamic teaching, and popular Muslim belief, that Jesus did not die on the cross, but rather, Judas Iscariot died in His place—substituted at the last moment. (Not the Truth). The Gospel of Barnabas goes against the Bible.
 
The Gospel of Barnabas is a fraud and the evidence is overwhelming. It first appeared, written in Italian, around 1500 AD. No father or teacher in the Christian church ever quoted from it.
 
Another reason Muslims quote from GOB is because it contains the statement supposedly made by Jesus, "I am not the Messiah . . . I am indeed sent to the house of Israel as a prophet of salvation; but after me shall come the Messiah." But this even contradicts the Qur'an's claim that Jesus WAS the Messiah, that He would die, that He would rise from the dead, that He would perform miracles and that the Roman soldiers and the Jews believed that it was Jesus that they crucified (Sura 3:55; cf. 19:33)! Go figure.

The substitution theory, that someone else died on the cross in Jesus' place, has been circulated since 150 AD, probably due to the influence of Gnosticism. Joseph, Judas, and Simon the Cyrene who carried the cross for Jesus have all, at one time or another, been linked to this ridiculous theory. Since the death and resurrection of Jesus are crucial to the Christian faith, it's no surprise Satan tries to discredit or change the facts. But there is not a shred of first-century testimony by friend or foe of Christianity regarding "switching" places with Jesus on the cross. If for no other reason, it's totally implausible because it would demand total ignorance on the part of those closest to Jesus, His disciples, and the Romans.
​
When the Bible was put together those who did this work had a high standard.  Not just anything and anyone who said they had the truth but they had to follow a prescribed pattern.  These were set up as Councils.
 
The councils followed something similar to the following principles to determine whether a New Testament book was truly inspired by the Holy Spirit: 1) Was the author an apostle or have a close connection with an apostle? 2) Is the book being accepted by the body of Christ at large? 3) Did the book contain consistency of doctrine and orthodox teaching? 4) Did the book bear evidence of high moral and spiritual values that would reflect a work of the Holy Spirit?
 
As a reminder, it is crucial to remember that the church did not determine the standard. No early church council decided on the standard. It was God, and God alone, who determined which books belonged in the Bible. It was simply a matter of God’s imparting to His followers what He had already decided. The human process of collecting the books of the Bible was flawed, but God, in His sovereignty, and despite our ignorance and stubbornness, brought the early church to the recognition of the books He had inspired.

Ephesians 6: 10-20 is often referred to as the "whole armor of God" passage of scripture.  But have you ever read the passage for yourself?   Let's take a minute right now to look at what it says:  10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Sometimes, this passage is referred to as The Armor of the Christian Soldier.  In this portion of scripture, the Apostle Paul has been discussing the believer’s walk.  But now suddenly he changes course.  He says that there is another way to look at the believer’s life in Christ.  That the believer’s life is like a battlefield.  He is a soldier in conflict. His calling is not to a life of enjoyment and ease, but to a life of conflict.
 
Verse 10:This is addressed to brothers(brethern) it is Christian believers who need the “charge”,not the world.
 
Verse 11: The Greek word for “wiles” is methodeia. It’s the word we get “methodical” and “methods” from.  Satan is methodical. In warfare, he is strategic. He may even step back two steps to go forward three steps. He may let you think you’re getting away with your sin. He may even seem to bless you and help you along your way. But don’t be fooled. He has made a plan to sabotage your life and your home; the dynamite is in place, the fuse is laid, the match is struck, and Satan is working on you. He is wily, and he is subtle. Apart from the leadership of the Holy Spirit of God, Satan would deceive even the children of God.
 
Verse 12: Wrestle - “Though sometimes it is used to define a form of recreational sport, here it describes the sharpness of your encounter with the enemy. Paul uses it to convey the notion of a bloody and lasting war between the Christian and his opponent.” Wrestling is not a team sport, but primarily a one-on-one contest where one opponent singles out another and enters the arena with him as with David and Goliath. Each wrestler exerts his own force and strength against the other.”  This warfare is not human or physical, but spiritual.
 
Verse 13:  This is about the duty of the Christian soldier.  We are to take on the whole armour not just the pieces that are an easy fit.   Most Christians have forgotten that the Christian life is not a playground, but a battlefield. As a result, very few of the Lord's people are armed, equipped and ready to wage spiritual battle.  Whether we ever believe it or not, we are engaged in spiritual warfare. If we are to be successful in our work for the Lord Jesus, then we must be prepared for that battle and be ready to go to war against the powers of darkness.
 
Verses 14-17 Remember, Paul was in prison and under constant guard when writing to the Ephesian church.  He was forced to stare at the soldier’s armor day in and day out.  He was given an ideal picture of the armor needed by the Christian believer to combat the forces of evil. 

• The belt of truth was used to hold the soldier’s clothing next to his body
• The breastplate of righteousness covered the body of the soldier from the neck to the thighs.  It was used to protect his heart.
• The sandals of the gospel were a sign of readiness-readiness to march and to do battle.
• The shield of faith which was a great oblong shield worn by the soldier to protect his body from the fiery darts thrown by the enemy.
• The helmet of salvation covered the head and the mind of the soldier
• The sword of  the Spirit is the Word of God.  The sword was a weapon used for both defense and offense.

 
Verse 18-20 Paul speaks of Prayer and the great confidence and assurance and courage only comes from a spirit of prayer.  We need to maintain a one- on- one relationship with the Lord on a daily basis.  We have an enemy.  We are in a war.  If you have ever read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation you will see that spiritual confrontations occupy much of the gospels.
 
Well, who is this enemy?  The enemy we engage in spiritual warfare is the devil.  That name devil means slanderer and accuser.  His name reveals his character.  Unfortunately, we Christians waste our time fighting the wrong enemy.  We spend time fighting with our fellow believers, when the real enemy is the devil.  He is the one who is causing the separation and spreading disagreement among us.  True, there are times when the devil might work through people at times to get to us and cause us to stumble; but the real battle is fought on a spiritual level.  Our battle is with an unseen army of spiritual enemies lead by the Devil himself.
 
No one is arguing that devil and another of his names is satan.  Satan is our primary enemy in the spiritual war, however, he does not fight alone. He is the commander of legions of soldiers. This is the kingdom of darkness that is the whole realm of satanic rule, or to the darkness of ignorance and alienation from God. Ignorance of God is darkness.
 
We see how the devil can move in with the ignorance of man against God and began to use them in the midst of this evil and perverse world. The evil may come from within their sinful nature, the world or directly from the devil. Paul made it clear that our chief battle is not between "Flesh and blood." This is why it is a spiritual battle because not even men can see that they are puppets of satan and it is he who is manipulating them as he pleases. That is why Paul says it is not mere flesh and blood but spiritual forces that we are coming against
 
Look around your life.  All of us can see spiritual wickedness is at an all time high. Many world leaders and members of the elite are in bed with the devil (with satan).  Deceit and lies are to trick us into following the devil or another of his names is Lucifer sometimes referred to as the Luciferian doctrine. The deceit and lies are usually disguised as something good or beneficial. We are born and indoctrinated into satanic systems of control. The world is under more mind control than ever before in history. The Bible tells us to fight against spiritual wickedness in high places. The 9-11-attacks were orchestrated by wickedness in high places, planned and carried out by demonically-inspired men. The truth has become self-evident. Satan's hands have been very busy.
 
The phrase spiritual wickedness in high places refers to the devil, to satan and his demonic hordes who inhabit the spiritual realm. This is a world unseen by us that exists in our midst. These spirit beings are not friendly toward us and will use every opportunity they can find to torment us. Sometimes they plant lies in our minds that contradict the truth we learn from God. Paul said we have divine weapons to take these thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

Have you put on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD today?  If not, take a second and "suit up", because the battle is raging all around us and we need to take a stand and fight!

​(The following piece is commonly listed as anonymous although a Google search will uncover several who have attached their names as presumed authors. Regardless, it is a treatise of wisdom I feel has value, and my praise and thanks go out to whomever wrote its sage lines to which I pray all will take heed.)

Men, like nations, think they’re eternal. What man in his 20s or 30s doesn’t believe, at least subconsciously, that he’ll live forever? In the springtime of youth, an endless summer beckons. As you pass 70, it’s harder to hide from reality.

Nations also have seasons: Imagine a Roman of the 2nd century contemplating an empire that stretched from Britain to the Near East, thinking: This will endure forever. Forever was about 500 years, give or take. France was pivotal in the 17th and 18th centuries; now the land of Charles Martel is on its way to becoming part of the Muslim Immamh’s.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the sun never set on the British empire; now Albion exists in a perpetual twilight. Its 95-year-old sovereign is a fitting symbol for a nation in terminal decline.

In the 1980s, Japan seemed poised to buy the world. Business schools taught Japanese management techniques. Today, its birth rate is so low and its population aging so rapidly that an industry has sprung up to remove the remains of elderly Japanese who die alone.

I was born in 1949, almost at the midpoint of the 20th century, the American century. America’s prestige and influence were never greater. Thanks to the Greatest Generation, we won a World War fought throughout most of Europe, Asia and the Pacific. We reduced Germany to rubble and put the rising sun to bed. It set the stage for almost half a century of unprecedented prosperity. We stopped the spread of communism in Europe and Asia and fought international terrorism. We rebuilt our enemies and lavished foreign aid on much of the world. We built skyscrapers and rockets to the moon. We conquered Polio and now COVID. We explored the mysteries of the Universe and the wonders of DNA, the blueprint of life. But where is the glory that once was Rome? America has moved from a relatively free economy to socialism, which has worked so well NOWHERE in the world. We’ve gone from a republican government guided by a constitution to a regime of revolving elites. We have less freedom with each passing year. Like a signpost to the coming reign of terror, the cancel culture is everywhere. We’ve traded the American Revolution for the Cultural Revolution.

The pathetic creature in the White House is an empty vessel filled by his handlers. At the G-7 Summit, “Dr. Jill” had to lead him like a child. In 1961, when we were young and vigorous, our leader was too. Now a feeble nation is technically led by the oldest man to ever serve in the presidency. We can’t defend our borders, our history (including monuments to past greatness) or our streets. Our cities have become anarchist playgrounds. We are a nation of dependents, mendicants, and misplaced charity. Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegal aliens are put up in hotels.

The president of the United States can’t even quote the beginning of the Declaration of Independence (“You know, The Thing”) correctly. Ivy League graduates routinely fail history tests that 5th graders could pass a generation ago. Crime rates soar and we blame the 2nd Amendment and slash police budgets. Our culture is certifiably insane. Men who think they’re women. People who fight racism by seeking to convince members of one race that they’re inherently evil, and others that they are perpetual victims. A psychiatrist lecturing at Yale said she fantasizes about “unloading a revolver into the head of any white person”. We slaughter the unborn in the name of freedom, while our birth rate dips lower year by year. Our national debt is so high that we can no longer even pretend that we will repay it one day. It’s a $30-trillion monument to our improvidence and refusal to confront reality. Our “entertainment” is sadistic, nihilistic and as enduring as a candy bar wrapper thrown in the trash. Our music is noise that spans the spectrum from annoying to repulsive.
​
Patriotism is called insurrection, treason celebrated, and perversion sanctified. A man in blue gets less respect than a man in a dress. We’re asking soldiers to fight for a nation our leaders no longer believe in. How meekly most of us submitted to Fauci-ism (the regime of face masks, lock downs and hand sanitizers) shows the impending death of the American spirit.

How do nations slip from greatness to obscurity? Fighting endless wars, they can’t or won’t win. Massive debt far beyond their ability to repay. Refusing to guard their borders, allowing the nation to be inundated by an alien horde. Surrendering control of their cities to mob rule. Allowing indoctrination of the young. Moving from a republican form of government to an oligarchy. Losing national identity. Indulging indolence. Abandoning faith and family, the bulwarks of social order.

In America, every one of these symptoms is pronounced, indicating an advanced stage of the disease. Even if the cause seems hopeless, do we not have an obligation to those who sacrificed so much to give us what we had?

I’m surrounded by ghosts urging me on: the Union soldiers who held Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg, the battered bastards of Bastogne, those who served in the cold hell of Korea, the guys who went to the jungles of Southeast Asia and came home to be reviled or neglected. This is the nation that took in my immigrant grandparents, whose uniform my father and most of my uncles wore in the Second World War. I don’t want to imagine a world without America, even though it becomes increasingly likely. During Britain’s darkest hour, when its professional army was trapped at Dunkirk and a German invasion seemed imminent, Churchill reminded his countrymen: 
              “Nations that go down fighting rise again, and those that surrender tamely are finished.”

The same might be said of causes. If we let America slip through our fingers, if we lose without a fight, what will posterity say of us? While the prognosis is far from good, only God knows if America’s day in the sun is over.

​We forget that Jesus was Jewish and that everything we read in the Bible, and He is mentioned in all the books of the Bible, EVERYHING was about the Messiah and what Jesus did for us at Calvary and what He said when He was here.  So that means we need to look at both the Old and New Testament.  We ALL have to ask ourselves is what the Bible says is TRUE or not.  The importance of accepting the TRUTH of God’s Word is that we had better hold on to HIM because what He said and if you believe it you can save your life-not this physical life but your soul for all eternity.

Have you ever asked yourselves why some people have a sense of peace and a sense of purpose and joy in their lives?  Perhaps these qualities seem to be missing in your life.  There are people who are not afraid or even scared of the future.  They chose life but they are not afraid of death.  These people seem to know exactly where they are going and who they are going to see when they get there.  It sometimes seems that some people have buried treasure and the know the location of this treasure.

The Bible tells us through the prophets what signs we are to look for in the Messiah.  The prophet Micah in the Book of Micah tells us that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.  The Book of Isaiah tells us that the Messiah would be born of a virgin and live in Galilee.  The Book of Daniel tells us that after the Messiah was “cut off” that Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple would be destroyed by an occupying power - which it was.  Daniel also tells us that evil men would kill the Messiah in a merciless fashion and that His hands and feet would be pierced.  Even Isaiah said that the Messiah would be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.  He also says that the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him and “ by His wounds we are healed”.  Isaiah even tells us that the Messiah would not be held down by the grave but He would live again.  He would arise.

The Bible in the New Testament tells us: Jesus was speaking to His disciples. (MATTHEW 13:44-46)  He said the kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field.  When a man finds it, he hid it again, and then in joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.  You are that man.  You are that woman.  You are that child.  Jesus is our treasure. 

So what do we do, we all have choices to make. 

Do we walk away from the Truth? 

Do we mock those who believe in the Truth?

Do we ignore the Truth? 

Do you say I have done so many bad things that I am not worthy to ask and accept the Truth? 

Or do we follow Christ whatever the cost?

The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly every book of the Bible contains prophecy regarding the end times. Taking all of these prophecies and organizing them can be difficult. Following is a very brief summary of what the Bible declares will happen in the end times:

• Christ will remove all born-again believers from the earth in an event known as the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). At the judgment seat of Christ, these believers will be rewarded for good works and faithful service during their time on earth or will lose rewards, but not eternal life, for lack of service and obedience (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
• The Antichrist (the beast) will come into power and will sign a covenant with Israel for seven years (Daniel 9:27). This seven-year period of time is known as the “Tribulation.” During the Tribulation, there will be terrible wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters. God will be pouring out His wrath against sin, evil, and wickedness. The Tribulation will include the appearance of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the seven seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.
• About halfway through the seven years, the Antichrist will break the peace covenant with Israel and make war against it. The Antichrist will commit “the abomination of desolation” and set up an image of himself to be worshiped in the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10), which will have been rebuilt. The second half of the tribulation is known as “the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) and “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).
• At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist will launch a final attack on Jerusalem, culminating in the battle of Armageddon. Jesus Christ will return, destroy the Antichrist and his armies, and cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11-21). Christ will then bind Satan in the Abyss for 1,000 years and He will rule His earthly kingdom for this thousand-year period (Revelation 20:1-6).
• At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10) for eternity. Christ then judges all unbelievers (Revelation 20:10-15) at the great white throne judgment, casting them all into the lake of fire. Christ will then usher in a new heaven and new earth and the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling place of believers. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death (Revelation 21–22).

We need to humble ourselves before the God who created us and He will forgive you of all the dumb, stupid things you did AND that you understand by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior you will go to Heaven for all eternity.  This is our buried treasure and now you have the peace that you see in others who know the Truth.  If you read your Bible you will see that there are prophecies that tell us what is to come.  No, there are no dates but we are given the signs of the time and that time is SOON!   Keep looking up! 

​The Bible is rich with symbolism, symbols, and imagery that represents the values and concepts that Christians hold dear. If you have ever read through the Bible, I hope that you have noticed that there is so much information and so many chapters dedicated to the Tabernacle.  Now the question arises WHY?  After all there were only 2 chapters dedicated to Creation but all those chapters in the Old Testament dedicated with detailed description to the Tabernacle was unbelievable. One has to ask themselves: Why so much detailed information on the tabernacle?  If you have ever researched and studied the Tabernacle and attend some Bible Studies on it, EVERYTHING  pointed to Jesus and was a Type of Christ in some way. The Tabernacle is to also show us how we are to live our lives as Christians if God cared so much about the little things in the Tabernacle, can you just imagine how important we are to Him?
 
One of the symbols that appears quite often in the Bible is oil.  Oil is mentioned nearly two hundred times in the Bible.  Some of the uses of oil were everyday and common, while others were special and even sacred. Oil during Bible times was obtained from a variety of sources-animal, vegetable and mineral. The most significant source of oil was from the olive.  Using poles, people dislodged Olives from the tree and then reduced them to pulp.  They then placed the pulp in wicker baskets the highest and lightest grade of oil would run out.  After the lightest grade oil had been extracted, a lower-grade oil was obtained by exerting further pressure on the pulp and heating it.
 
Anointing oil, is mentioned about 20 times in Scripture, and was used in the Old Testament for pouring on the head of the high priest and his descendants and sprinkling the tabernacle and its furnishings to mark them as holy and set apart to the Lord (Exodus 25:6; Leviticus 8:30; Numbers 4:16). 
 
There was oil for light, which was made by crushing the olives from olive trees.  The oil would be needed to provide continuous light for the sanctuary with the golden lampstand.  Throughout the Bible, the olive tree is a symbol of fullness and fruitfulness, a choice tree among people.  In this way the oil is a symbol of the fullness and fruitfulness of God’s Spirit, a symbol of the anointing of God’s Spirit.
 
There were also spices used for the anointing oil and also for incense (Exodus 30:22-25).
The anointing oil symbolized the special call and appointment of God and the Holy Spirit: His equipping of a person for the service and commitment to God.  Remember God was the architect of the Tabernacle and Moses was given the exact measurements needed.  Moses was told to collect and blend these choice spices:  Myrrh, Cinnamon, Sweet cane, Cassia, and Olive oil.  These ingredients were to be mixed and blended into a holy anointing.  The perfumers were to do this.  The final result would be a unique, special oil blend that would be used to anoint the Tabernacle and its priests.
 
The purpose of the anointing oil in the Old Testament was twofold:
         1:  To sanctify the Tabernacle and its furnishings, that all should be holy
         2:  To anoint the priests and sanctify them for the ministry
 
The importance of the anointing oil was to be used as God’s holy anointing oil and God’s alone!  It was never to be misused by pouring it on an ordinary person, someone not chosen and appointed by God.  It was never to be misused by making it for one’s own use.  The anointing oil belonged to God and it was to be used for His purposes alone. 
 
A severe warning was given: if the oil were ever misused, that person would be cut off from the community. You see the anointing is not man’s to give.  The anointing is God’s. It is God who chooses, who calls, who appoints and gives His Holy Spirit. It is God who chooses to anoint and set apart both objects and people.  You see, God does anoint things:  He sets things apart for His service and He sets them apart as needed for some very special service (Exodus 29:36,Exodus 30:36,Esther 40:10,Leviticus 8:11,Numbers 7:1).

Only five New Testament passages refer to the practice of anointing with oil, and none of them offer an explanation for its use. That is why I remind you that if you have a decision to make, ask the Lord for direction.  In Matthew 6:17 Jesus mentions the everyday practice of anointing oneself with oil. In Mark 6:13 the disciples anoint the sick and heal them. In Mark 14:3–9 Mary anoints Jesus’ feet as an act of worship. In James 5:14 the church elders anoint the sick with oil for healing. In Hebrews 1:8–9 God says to Christ as He returns triumphantly to heaven, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,” and God anoints Jesus “with the oil of gladness.”
 
Oil is often used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit in the Bible as in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Christians have the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth and “anoints” us continually with His grace and comfort. “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20).

Oil was also was used during the beautification or purification process in Esther 2:12.  A year’s purification was necessary before any of the young ladies could approach the king.  Over the span of several months, Esther, along with other eligible young ladies, would cleanse themselves with myrrh and oil for six months (and another six months with perfume and cosmetics). In a climate where dry skin was a problem anointing with oil was refreshing to the body.

Oil often signified prosperity, blessings, and stability, opposed to other periods throughout Israel’s history where the harvest was not bountiful and famine had swept the land (Joel 1:10).   Oil had sanctifying (cleansing) properties.

Israel commonly practiced anointing the heads of kings. That is why when Samuel choose to anoint the youngest of Jesse’s sons, young David (1 Samuel 16), which surprised the family. They didn’t think, “Oh, I guess he’s giving David’s head a nice oil bath.” They would have understood the implications of Samuel’s actions. God had chosen the next king of Israel, Jesse’s youngest son.

We should also notice, that oil symbolism was linked to the Holy Spirit’s presence.  When a person is anointed in the Bible, the Holy Spirit descends upon that person.  Therefore, when Jesus is called “anointed” the Bible means by the Holy Spirit. 
 
Other uses of oil included anointing corpses and refreshing bodies. You see God used an important cultural symbol and practice to foreshadow the work of the Holy Spirit. Although the Israelites consecrated priests and holy objects, setting them apart for God’s work, that was only the beginning.

The Holy Spirit consecrates saints; He anoints them. He sets us apart to do the work of God..   Oil was used cosmetically as protection against the scorching sun or the dryness of the desert (Ruth 3:3; Ecclesiastes 9:8).  Since olives were found in abundance in Palestine, olive oil was also used as a commodity of trade (1 Kings 5:11; Ezekiel 27:17; Hosea 12:1).

Oil was regarded as a symbol of honor (Judges 9:9), while virtue was compared to perfumed oil (Song of Song of Solomon 1:3; Ecclesiastes 7:1). The abundance of oil was a demonstration of blessing and prosperity (Job 29:6); Joel 2:24). However, as a symbol of affluence, oil was also associated with the arrogance of the rich (Hebrew: “valley of oil”; KJV: “fat valley,” Isaiah 28:1, Isaiah 28:1,28:4).   Oil was also a symbol of joy and gladness (Psalm 45:7).

We see the importance of oil through the word “anointed” and its associations with Jesus.  As I mentioned Anointing oil was used on priests and kings for important purposes. In the same way, Jesus is our High Priest and our King.  This practice used in Israel and throughout the Ancient World foreshadowed God’s work through His Son Jesus Christ.