Our Heavenly Father

Father's Day is a celebration honoring fatherhood and the influence of fathers in society. It was first proposed by Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington in 1909. It is currently celebrated in the United States annually on the third Sunday in June. Father's have always play a big part in every society. Unfortunately, there is a father absence crisis in America. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.3 million children, that is, 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. Research shows when a child is raised in a father-absent home, he or she is affected in the following Ways. There is a four times greater risk of poverty; seven times more likely to become pregnant as a teen; more likely to have behavioral problems; more likely to face abuse and neglect; two times greater risk of infant mortality; more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol; more likely to go to prison; two times more likely to suffer obesity; more likely to commit crime and two times more likely to drop out of high school.

Although these statistics are real and even heartbreaking, nevertheless their is some wonderful news. God chooses to relate to us in terms we all understand, that is, terms of the family. Family is God's design for the foundation of society. Though God embodies the characteristics of both a father and a mother, yet, in a greater, more passionate way, He presents Himself as our Heavenly Father. When we put our faith in Jesus, we become children of God, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12–13) Jesus Himself taught us to call on God as Father, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:Our Father in heaven..." (Matthew 6:6-9)

We also see in Psalm 68: 4-5 more wonderful news, especially to the fatherless, "Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, and rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation." Whether we have had a good earthly father or not, we know what a good father should be and what a good father should do. Our Heavenly Father is the greatest example of fatherhood by revealing to us in His very nature, as a good, good father. In His nature we find the need to be protected, loved, guided, valued, and even disciplined. And God will fulfill that role in our lives if we let Him. There is no need for anyone to be truly fatherless, because God is the perfect Father and He made provision for everyone to become a child of His.

Our Heavenly Father offers Himself as the ideal Father not only to those without earthly fathers, but to all who will come to Him, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out." (John 6:37) "In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God." (John 16:26–27) God gave His Son so that we might become His children, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) When we belong to Him, He expects us to call on Him, trusting His goodness. He wants us to give our worries over to Him to carry, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) and simply have confidence in Him as we desire to have confidence in our earthly father. God is the best Father there is, He will be a Father to the fatherless and He alone is capable of filling every void left by our imperfect earthly fathers. In truth, God is the only perfect Father and the One we all need most.

So, on this Father's Day as we honor our earthly fathers, let us also honor the greatest Father that ever was or will be, Almighty God, our Heavenly Father...

Union With God

During a particular encounter that Jesus had with a group of Pharisees, He said to them, "For 
laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men...All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition." (Mark 7:8-9) This brought Jesus to tell them, "...making the word of God of no effect ..." (Mark 7:11) This provokes a question for believers today. Do we also make the Word of God of no effect by failing to enter into our privileges that the Father has provided us through Jesus Christ? The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul reveals, "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:19-20) 

Is it not true that God worked in Christ and provides an answer to every need and demand of the believer's life? Is it not true that redemption covers absolutely every need of mankind? The answer is yes to both questions. Therefore, should it not be wrong for us to live in spiritual weakness when there is grace to meet every need? Far too many believers have unconsciously put a premium on weakness, and talk about unbelief, doubts, and fears as though they were the typical way of life for the believer. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John reveals, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13) 

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:16-17) Because we are sons and daughters of God almighty, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, it would seem as though it were wrong for a believer to confess weakness and failure. Look what David tells us, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1) So, if God is the strength of our life, if He comes into our lives and imparts Himself to us, then we have the strength of God! 

John reveals, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4) Believer, "You are of God!" "You are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." He is a part of you. He has imparted His own nature to you. (2 Peter 1:4) Not only that, but He has actually come into your body and now lives within you. (1 Corinthians 3:16) He has the same power today that He had when He raised Jesus from the dead. Therefore, every believer has a right to His strength and ability. 

God is the strength of the believers life, and He is with us now. His life is our life; His strength is our strength. No wonder the Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) There is limitlessness to Paul's wonderful statement. This does not only mean physical strength, it also means the ability to meet any kind of need. When Jesus said, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you..." (Acts 1:8) A more literal translation would be, "You shall receive the ability of God, when the Holy Spirit has come upon you."

Again, the Apostle Paul tells us, "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man." (Ephesians 3:16) If your "inner man" is made strong, then it only stands to reason that the outer man will respond to that strength. In other words, the strength of God for the inner man is the strength of God for the physical man. Therefore, we have the God given ability to enjoy the very fullness of our privileges in Christ. The Apostle Paul goes further and says, "and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:10) The believers relationship through new birth has brought each one of us into absolute union with God. Paul also tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

The new creature is made according to God and His very nature, "and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24) It is God's nature, God's life, which is imparted to our recreated spirit. We are actually members of the body of Christ, physically and spiritually, "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?" (1 Corinthians 6:15) "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (1 Corinthians 6:20) Based on these truths, it is absolutely wrong for any believer to consider or think of themselves as being weak and useless. God planned that every believer should be filled with the Holy Spirit, and that the Spirit's ability should dominate our life. 

So, with these thing said and in the presence of grace, that is, God's ability at work in us, let us never again talk about, confess or even think that we are empty or weak when every believer can be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19) Finally, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21) 

Christ, Our Freedom

Monday, May 26, 2025, marks the one hundred and fifty seventh Memorial Day in the USA. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It is a day of remembrance, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally established in 1868 and known as Decoration Day, it became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Although many have mixed feeling concerning Memorial Day, let us never forget the reason why we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. They fought and died to secure the freedoms that our fore-father's also fought and died for. Without doubt, the United States of America was established as "One Nation Under God" so let us never forget those who lost their lives defending this and other nation.

History also shows us the greatest struggle for freedom had taken place. This was a war that was not fought against flesh and blood, but a spiritual battle fought against the one who has brought nothing but destruction upon the entire history of humanity. This foe had stolen freedom from every person born on the earth and has held them in such bondage that murder, pestilence, disease and death seems to be a way of life in which no one can escape. This foe is known by many names, which are a reflection of his nature. His name is Satan. He is the worst, cruelest and most destructive tyrannical power ever set against humanity.

Not one person from the creation of man had ever been able to fight against Satan and rise as a victor. All humanity was helpless and hopeless in this world, until the greatest warrior that ever walked on this earth emerged. His name, Jesus, the Son of God. Unfortunately, there are billions of people that  have not recognized the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus paid to set humanity free. Many of them have heard the story of Jesus, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16), but "the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." (2 Corinthians 4:4) 

Before Jesus gave His life to set humanity free, He sat with His disciples and in a sense, set up a Memorial Day for all who would call upon His Name to be set free. "When the hour had come, Jesus sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:14-20) 

The Apostle Paul tells us, "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) As we can see, believers are to participate in "Holy Communion" as a deep, intimate connection with the One, Jesus Christ, who has given humanity more freedom than any nation(s) or army(s) could possible provide. 

Paul instructs us, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." Believers are encouraged to celebrate our Memorial Day every day in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the tremendous freedom that He gave His life for. Although, Jesus had become a fallen warrior in the battle for freedom, He rose victoriously from the dead, completely liberating humanity, never to fall again. This has given hope to all, especially those who we honor on Memorial Day who have lost their lives protecting the freedoms we have in the USA. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) So, let us take time every day and give the highest honor to Jesus Christ, the One who has given all humanity the greatest of all freedoms, abundant life! PTL...

The Confession Of Our Faith

When looking at the life of Jesus while on earth as the Son of Man, we see that He only spoke the words that He heard from the Father. (John 8:28, 12:49) We see the power of His words through His preaching and teaching (Matthew 7:29); through healing the sick and diseased (Matthew 8:8); casting out demons and evil spirits (Matthew 8:16). Simply put, Jesus used the Father's Words to do the supernatural in the same way that all things came to be in the beginning, "Then God said...and it was so..." (Genesis 1:3, 6-7, 11, 14-15, 20, 24, 26, 29-30).

After His resurrection, and moments before Jesus ascended to heaven to take His place at the right hand of the Father, He gave His disciples some instructions, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen" (Mark 16:17-20) 

A closer look at His words reveal that He was basically telling the disciples to "speak" God's Word in His name and that He would confirm it "through the accompanying signs." We also see this revealed in the lives of the seventy (seventy two in other manuscripts) upon their return to Jesus after He sent them out, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." (Luke 10:19) The Apostles Peter also "spoke" the name of Jesus over a man who was born lame and was instantly healed. (Acts 3:1-10) These things were accomplished through words. This is important for believers to fully comprehend and act upon, because words are just that powerful, especially the Word of God.

Also, along these lines we must recognize that there are only two sources from which words originate. They are from God, His Word, or they are the words of the world, which are actually the words of the devil. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle John reveals this from the reality of people being children of one of two families, "In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest..." (1 John 3:10) So, we can clearly see that our words will come from one of two sources. 

When we think about being a believer, we must understand that Jesus planned that the believers life in Him should not be kept to themselves, but to be given to the world through God's Word. Testifiers, witnesses and confessors have been the great leaders in the revolutionary life that Jesus gave to the world. The major problem that faces every believer is to know what words are to be spoken or confessed. The believers confession centers around several things: First, is what God in Christ has accomplished for us; Second, what God through His Word and the Holy Spirit, has worked and continues to work in us; Third, what we are to the Father in Christ; Fourth, what God can do through us by us speaking His Word.

We also must keep in mind, no one can speak, confess or witness, about things that they do not know or believe. Naturally, every person can open their mouth and have words come out, but what is meant by this is, in a court of law, it is what you have seen and heard, what you know, that counts. In the same way, it is what you know personally about Jesus Christ as well as, who and what you are in Christ that counts. It is unfortunate how few believers dare to confess to the world what the Word declares that they are in Christ. Take this scripture for instance,  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

What a revolutionary thing it would be for the church to make a confession like this. What a stir it would make in the church today for believers to believe and confess that they are absolutely redeemed, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,." (Ephesians 1:7-9) Just these few scriptures spoken from the lips of faith would mean that Satan's dominion has been broken, that he lost his dominion over the life of every believer. The old habits can no longer lord it over you, because you are a new creation created in Christ.

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak." (2 Corinthians 4:13) This passage is found in Psalm 116:10. When the psalmist uttered these words, he was experiencing great afflicted. In his affliction he spoke to God; he spoke of his confidence in him; he proclaimed his reliance on him; and his having spoken in this manner was the result of his belief, or of his putting confidence in God. Paul, in quoting this, was in circumstances of trial and affliction similar to the psalmist. Speaking or confessing God's Word, "we also believe and therefore speak", will always grow faith in the believer. However, on the other hand, speaking words contrary to God Word, will always erode faith.

So, as we face the trials that may come in this life, "Let us hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23) Let us be mindful of every word that proceeds out of our mouths, for as the Holy Spirit spoke through Solomon, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21) Let us speak the Word of God through the lips of faith and love to ourselves, to one another and to the world, which will loose the power of God and bind the powers of darkness. 

A Glorious Redemption

Sickness and disease came from the fall of Man. In other words, they are the byproducts of satanic dominion over man. Any redemptive act of God that would redeem us from Satan must also redeem us from sickness, disease, poverty and all manner of bondage, because they come from Satan. However, any redemptive act that fails to redeem us from these things, especially sickness and disease, is a limited redemption at best. So, what is the limit of redemption that God has provided through Jesus Christ? According to the Holy Spirit, speaking through the Prophet Isaiah, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

 

We can see the reality of this in the earth ministry of Jesus as the Son of Man as recorded by the Apostle Matthew, "When evening had come, they brought to Him (Jesus) many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” (Matthew 8:16-17) Then we see a greater revelation of this through the Apostle Peter after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father, "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed." (1 Peter 2:24) Basically, we see that which was to come, Isaiah; that which had come, Matthew; and that which is a finished work that continues to be, Peter. 

 

Here is redemption. God dealt with the sin problem, (Isaiah 53:6) by substitution, through Jesus Christ and as we see in the scriptures shown above, He also dealt with the disease problem. If God laid our sin on Jesus Christ, it would be wrong for us to live in sin. In the same way, if God laid our diseases on Him, it would be wrong for us to live under the continual dominion of disease. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11) The Holy Spirit who dwells in the believer will indeed heal these mortal bodies of ours. We see once again that healing is a part of the plan of redemption.

 

What about our needs? It is wrong for me to need clothing, food, and shelter, and not to have them? Jesus tells us, "For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." (the necessities of life) (Matthew 6:32) Jesus goes on and says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) The Apostle Paul tells us, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) Paul is also referring to the necessities of life. The word "supply" means, to make full; to cause to abound; to furnish or supply liberally. Therefore, "God shall supply all your need" means exactly what it says.

 

All of these issues deal with bondage. Bondage is defined as, the state of being a slave; the state of being bound by or subjected to some external power or control. So think about the measures that God took for humanity. God the Word became flesh (incarnate) (John 1:1, 12); He (Jesus) suffered on the cross; spent three days and nights in Hades; satisfied the claims of justice; subdued and triumphed over Satan, (Colossians 2:15) death and hell, (Revelation 1:18); was raised in victory from the dead, (Ephesians 1:19-21); ascended into the presence of the Father where He sat down at the Father's right hand; (Hebrews 1:3), and has made redemption both eternal and available for all mankind. (Colossians 1:13-14) With this in mind, it then seems to be almost a crime for us to remain in bondage, a slave to the devil, in any area of life, especially when we consider the depths of redemption.  

 

Jesus said, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36) The Apostle Paul tells us, "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17) and "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1) God declares that we are free! Unbelief does not change these facts. Ignorance of our rights and privileges cannot annul the Word or make it of no effect. God says we are free! Not only did God break Satan's dominion and power over us, He also translated us, (removed from one place to another), by the new birth, out of Satan's family and placed us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love, that is, into His own family. Therefore, Satan has no more right to reign over us than he has reign over Jesus.

 

So, let us make our confession of these wonderful truths, through the lips of faith. Let us declare, "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption..." (Colossians 1:13-14) Hallelujah!!!

We Love You Mom

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring motherhood and the influence of mothers in society. In the USA it is always celebrated on the second Sunday in the month of May. The modern Mother's Day began in the United States, at the initiative of Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century. It is not directly related to the many traditional celebrations of mothers and motherhood that have existed throughout the world over thousands of years, however, in some countries, Mother's Day is still synonymous with many older traditions. The American version of Mother's Day has been criticized for having become too commercialized. Even Anna  Jarvis herself regretted this commercialism and expressed that this was never her intention. In response, Constance Adelaide Smith successfully advocated for Mothering Sunday as a commemoration of a broader definition of motherhood in many other parts of the English-speaking world.

Mother's Day marks an important holiday to honor the woman who raised you. I believe in the heart of God, mother's hold a special place. There are numerous scriptures concerning mother's so let look at some that you may want to share with your mother...

"The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living." (Genesis 3:20)

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14)

"Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice." (Proverbs 23:22-25)

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." (Proverbs 31:25)

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."
(Proverbs 31:26)

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." (Proverbs 31:28–29)

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:31)

"Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?"
(Isaiah 49:15)

"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you." (Isaiah 66:13)

"You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." (1 Peter 3:4)

Of course we will always remember a woman named Mary who was the mother of our LORD. "But when Mary saw the angel, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:29-34)

So, as we close in on Mother's Day, let us be mindful of the woman who birth us, nursed us, changed us, fed us, nurtured us, coddled us, had sleepless nights for us and so much more. Let us be thankful and honor our mother's. For without them, we would not be here today. Thank you mom...

 

Beyond The Natural

Christianity not only claims a supernatural origin, but also is maintained by the same supernatural power that brought it into being. Shortly before Jesus was taken to heaven, He gave the apostles final instructions, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) The word power refers to miracle working power or the ability of God working through the church, all believers. So, concerning the Bible, to those who love it, it is a miracle book; a spring of life and source of power. (John 6:63; Hebrews 1:3) It is a living message, a revelation of God Himself to humanity. It may appear to be dry, dead and even foolish to those who are not born again, (1 Corinthians 2:14), but it is a supernatural book.

The Holy Spirit through the writer of Hebrews describes God's Word in this way, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) In other words, to the believer, the Bible is the living Son of God in print. Therefore, the Bible is a miracle. The background of the Bible as revealed in the Old Testament is nothing short of a series of miracles. For instance, Abraham is our spiritual father. He was a miracle character. His descendants, the Israelite's, were a miracle people. They were protected and sustained by miracles. They saw the Red Sea opened and approximately two million people escaped from the Egyptian warriors as Israel crossed on dry ground. (Exodus 14)

Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years without any means of support, and yet they were completely provided for by God. (Exodus 16) Their clothes and sandals never wore out. (Deuteronomy 29:5) A cloud led them during the day, and a column of fire led them at night. (Exodus 13:27) They saw the Jordan River obey the voice of Joshua as a servant obeys the voice of his master. (Joshua 3:14-17) They saw the walls of the great city Jericho fall flat at the word of that same man. (Joshua 6) Just as young David said when he stood before the menacing Goliath, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:45), we see the miracle-working living God in action, while the Philistine gods of Goliath were dead.

Fast forward, we see Jesus was supernaturally conceived. His public ministry was a series of miracles, culminating in His resurrection from the dead, another miracle. Likewise, the birth of the church was also a miracle, and miracles played a vital role in the early church. (The Acts of the Apostles) Miracles were so interwoven into the early church, it is impossible to even think that the two can be separated. Let's be honest, if you were to take the miracles out of Christianity, all you have left is religion, because in reality, Christianity is a living thing, it is a miracle.  Think about it, God Himself is dwelling in the body of every born again believer. The presence of the Holy Spirit, to save, heal, deliver, that is, transform lives, during our worship services is a miracle. Take away Christianity's spiritual power and you have nothing left but a system of precepts, doctrines and ethics with demands that cannot be met. But let the miracle elements come in, and God becomes a real presence in our midst and Christianity becomes the living force among the nations of the earth as it truly is.

If the days of miracles are in the past, then the days of Jesus Christ's life in the church are also in the past. If miracles are no more, then the things that make Christianity a living religion are gone. If the days of miracles have passed, God's promises exist only to mock us. Likewise, the statements that Jesus made about His name and the power vested in it and given to the church also mock us. If the days of miracles are in the past, then the mighty Name of Jesus is nothing more the a dry cloud to a desert land that is crying out for water. The Bible tells us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) The truth is, Jesus' name has not lost its power and Christianity is the work of a miracle-working God, through which He is still performing miracles.

So, do not let anyone deceive you by telling you that the days of miracles have passed. If the days of miracles have passed, then God is no longer God, Christ is no longer Christ, there is no need for the Holy Spirit and the Bible is no longer the Word of God. However, the great news is, as long as they are, and they are, miracles will be. "For I am the Lord, I do not change." (Malachi 3:6) PTL...