Pastor Tom

Pinned Post

Bible Teacher

2026-08-20 15:32:41 -

The Bible’s Big Story

The Bible is one unified book telling the story of God’s glory through creation, humanity’s rebellion, God’s covenant promises, and their complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Everything moves toward Christ’s preeminence. The Old Testament prepares the way; the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment. Together they form 66 inspired books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New.

The Old Testament (39 Books): God’s Promises and Preparation

The Old Testament shows God creating the world, choosing a people, giving them His law, and promising a coming King who would fix what sin broke. It repeatedly points forward to the Messiah.

Law (Pentateuch – 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
These lay the foundation. Genesis shows creation, the fall, and God’s first promises. Exodus–Deuteronomy record God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the covenant instructions for a holy people.

Historical Books (12 books): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.
They trace Israel’s life in the Promised Land, their cycles of obedience and rebellion, the rise and fall of the monarchy, exile in Babylon, and return. They demonstrate that human kings fail, but God remains faithful to His promises.

Wisdom and Poetry (5 books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.
These teach how to live wisely under God’s rule. They explore suffering, worship, daily righteousness, the emptiness of life without God, and the beauty of covenant love.

Prophets (17 books):
Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel.
Minor Prophets (12): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

The prophets confront idolatry, call for repentance, warn of judgment, and repeatedly promise a coming Deliverer, a new covenant, and a kingdom that will never end.

The entire Old Testament builds expectation: a seed of the woman, a descendant of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, a son of David, a suffering servant, and a King who will reign forever.

The New Testament (27 Books): Christ’s Arrival and the New Creation

The New Testament announces that Jesus is the promised King. He is the preeminent One in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It shows His life, death, resurrection, the birth of the church, and the final renewal of all things.

Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
These present Jesus from four angles: as King (Matthew), servant (Mark), perfect man (Luke), and eternal God (John). They record His teaching, miracles, crucifixion for sins, and resurrection.

History (1 book): Acts.
Luke’s second volume shows the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It records the rapid spread of the message that Jesus is Lord.

Letters (21 books):
Paul’s Letters (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon.
These explain the gospel, the meaning of Christ’s work, how the church should live, and how believers stand secure in Him.
General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude.
These encourage perseverance, warn against false teaching, and call for holy living.

Prophecy (1 book): Revelation.
This apocalyptic letter reveals Christ as the victorious Lamb and coming King. It comforts suffering believers and shows the final defeat of evil and the making of a new heaven and new earth.

How the Two Testaments Fit Together

The Old Testament is not obsolete. Jesus said He came to fulfill it, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament constantly quotes and explains the Old, showing that Christ is the true temple, the better Moses, the perfect high priest, the faithful Israel, and the eternal King.

Everything in the Bible centers on the supremacy and preeminence of Christ that we have been studying in Colossians 1. He is the goal of the Old Testament promises and the living reality of the New Testament gospel. The whole book calls you to trust Him, repent of sin, and live under His rule until He returns.

If you want to go deeper into any section—especially how Colossians fits into the larger biblical theology of Christ’s preeminence—let me know which part to unpack next.

The Bible’s Big Story The Bible is one unified book telling the story of God’s glory through creation, humanity’s rebellion, God’s covenant promises, and their complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Everything moves toward Christ’s preeminence. The Old Testament prepares the way; the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment. Together they form 66 inspired books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. The Old Testament (39 Books): God’s Promises and Preparation The Old Testament shows God creating the world, choosing a people, giving them His law, and promising a coming King who would fix what sin broke. It repeatedly points forward to the Messiah. Law (Pentateuch – 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These lay the foundation. Genesis shows creation, the fall, and God’s first promises. Exodus–Deuteronomy record God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the covenant instructions for a holy people. Historical Books (12 books): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. They trace Israel’s life in the Promised Land, their cycles of obedience and rebellion, the rise and fall of the monarchy, exile in Babylon, and return. They demonstrate that human kings fail, but God remains faithful to His promises. Wisdom and Poetry (5 books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. These teach how to live wisely under God’s rule. They explore suffering, worship, daily righteousness, the emptiness of life without God, and the beauty of covenant love. Prophets (17 books): Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. Minor Prophets (12): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The prophets confront idolatry, call for repentance, warn of judgment, and repeatedly promise a coming Deliverer, a new covenant, and a kingdom that will never end. The entire Old Testament builds expectation: a seed of the woman, a descendant of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, a son of David, a suffering servant, and a King who will reign forever. The New Testament (27 Books): Christ’s Arrival and the New Creation The New Testament announces that Jesus is the promised King. He is the preeminent One in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It shows His life, death, resurrection, the birth of the church, and the final renewal of all things. Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. These present Jesus from four angles: as King (Matthew), servant (Mark), perfect man (Luke), and eternal God (John). They record His teaching, miracles, crucifixion for sins, and resurrection. History (1 book): Acts. Luke’s second volume shows the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It records the rapid spread of the message that Jesus is Lord. Letters (21 books): Paul’s Letters (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. These explain the gospel, the meaning of Christ’s work, how the church should live, and how believers stand secure in Him. General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude. These encourage perseverance, warn against false teaching, and call for holy living. Prophecy (1 book): Revelation. This apocalyptic letter reveals Christ as the victorious Lamb and coming King. It comforts suffering believers and shows the final defeat of evil and the making of a new heaven and new earth. How the Two Testaments Fit Together The Old Testament is not obsolete. Jesus said He came to fulfill it, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament constantly quotes and explains the Old, showing that Christ is the true temple, the better Moses, the perfect high priest, the faithful Israel, and the eternal King. Everything in the Bible centers on the supremacy and preeminence of Christ that we have been studying in Colossians 1. He is the goal of the Old Testament promises and the living reality of the New Testament gospel. The whole book calls you to trust Him, repent of sin, and live under His rule until He returns. If you want to go deeper into any section—especially how Colossians fits into the larger biblical theology of Christ’s preeminence—let me know which part to unpack next.

3 Comments 0 Shares 633 Views

Recent Updates

Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

shared Pastor Tom 's post
2026-09-07 19:29:21 -

Did You Share Your Testimony Today?

Did You Share Your Testimony Today?

Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

Testify & is Feeling Thankful
2026-09-07 18:19:04 -

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

The Testimony of Pastor Tom Donovan

When you look at my life today, you see a Calvary Chapel pastor, Bible teacher, missionary, international businessman, husband, and father.

But that is not where my story began.

I grew up in a violent home surrounded by drugs, crime, and severe alcoholism. I was introduced to drugs and alcohol when I was only nine years old. By junior high school, I was drinking, smoking marijuana, taking acid and mescaline, and using cocaine.

By thirteen, I was already in serious trouble with school and the law. For the next eleven years, my life became a revolving door of addiction, courtrooms, A.A., N.A., crime, and incarceration.

I dropped out of school in the ninth grade.

I wasn't preparing for a future.

I was destroying one.

The Night My Life Should Have Ended

In October 1999, shortly after being released from the Nassau County Correctional Facility, I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico, attempting to purchase ten pounds of marijuana and restart a drug distribution operation.

I thought I was going there to rebuild my criminal business.

God knew my old life was about to come to an end.

The drug deal went horribly wrong.

I was surrounded by a group of men, struck across the face with a handgun, and brutally beaten with guns, bats, rocks, and pipes.

Somehow, I escaped.

Covered in blood and barely conscious, I eventually ended up in an ambulance.

Then everything went black.

I was pronounced DEAD ON ARRIVAL at the hospital.

DOA.

That should have been the end of Tom Donovan's story.

But Jesus Christ wasn't finished.

Exactly Forty Days

My injuries were catastrophic.

I underwent four brain surgeries. Approximately one-third of my brain was removed. My vocal cords were severed, and I fell into a coma.

Days became weeks.

People prayed.

Church members held prayer vigils.

And then came day forty.

After exactly forty days in a coma, I opened my eyes.

And what came out of my mouth?

THANK YOU JESUS!

THANK YOU JESUS!

The man who had been pronounced dead was alive.

Doctors said I would never walk or talk normally again.

But doctors did not have the final word over my life.

Jesus did.

God Even Used Prison to Restore Me

After leaving the hospital and rehabilitation, my old legal problems were still waiting for me in New York. I had to turn myself in and eventually returned to incarceration.

But God did something incredible.

The prison system that had represented so much failure in my life became part of my restoration.

I learned to walk again in prison.

I learned to talk again in prison.

God didn't merely restore me to the man I had been.

He began making me into a man I had never been.

From Prison to the Word of God

After my release, I began seriously pursuing Jesus Christ and studying His Word.

I went to Calvary Chapel of Hope in Amityville, New York, where I sat under Pastor Claude Stauffer and learned the Bible. Later, under Pastor Kevin Henesy at Calvary Chapel Island of Grace, I became involved in outreach and missions.

Then God began sending me places I never imagined going.

The man who once traveled to move drugs began traveling to move Bibles.

The man who once lived for himself began traveling to preach Jesus Christ.

Eventually, missions brought me to Uganda, where I met Pamela, who became my wife, and God blessed us with our family.

And there, God continued doing what only God could do.

And Today... Look What Jesus Has Done

Today, I am a Calvary Chapel pastor who has been given the privilege of teaching God's Word and serving His people.

God led us to establish Freedom Chapel Fellowship, and what began as a step of faith is growing into something much larger than I ever could have imagined.

Today, Freedom Chapel Fellowship has three Freedom Chapel Kids Clubs reaching approximately 1,000 attendees every week.

We have two Freedom Chapel churches, with a third church now in development.

We have established a Freedom Chapel primary school, and our vision is eventually to establish a school connected with each Freedom Chapel location, helping children receive an education while being taught and discipled in Jesus Christ.

And we are preparing to establish a School of Ministry so that believers can be equipped in the Word of God, trained for ministry, discipled, and sent out to serve Christ.

But God didn't stop with traditional church ministry.

He took the very business abilities that I once used for selfish purposes and redirected them for His Kingdom.

I founded Him First Media Group, a Christian marketing agency built to help churches, ministries, Christian organizations, and businesses reach people more effectively.

Then came Lordsbook, a Christian social media platform dedicated to Jesus Christ—His preaching, His teaching, Christian encouragement, discipleship, prayer, testimony, and Christian community.

Think about the contrast.

I once used business to help distribute drugs.

Today, I use business to help distribute the Gospel

I once traveled looking for drugs.

Today, I travel preaching Jesus Christ.

I once lived in and out of prison.

Today, I pastor churches.

I dropped out of school in the ninth grade.

Today, we're building schools and preparing a School of Ministry.

I once destroyed lives through the things I participated in.

Today, God has given me the privilege of helping build ministries designed to teach His Word and reach thousands of people with Jesus Christ.

That isn't self-improvement.

That is redemption.

The Potter Wasn't Finished With the Clay

Jeremiah 18 describes God as the Potter and us as the clay.

That is my life.

I was broken clay.

Violence damaged me.

Addiction damaged me.

Crime damaged me.

My own sin damaged me.

Eventually, even my physical brain and body were broken.

But the Potter never lost control of the clay.

God took what looked ruined and reshaped it.

He took a prisoner and made him a pastor.

He took an addict and made him a Bible teacher.

He took a ninth-grade dropout and made him an international businessman.

He took a man involved in the drug business and gave him a Christian marketing agency.

He took a man whose voice was supposed to be gone and gave him a platform to preach, teach, and encourage people in Jesus Christ.

And He took a man who once lived only for himself and gave him the privilege of helping build churches, children's ministries, schools, a School of Ministry, businesses, and a Christian social platform dedicated to Jesus.

The glory does not belong to the clay.

THE GLORY BELONGS TO THE POTTER.

Romans 8:28 — The Story of My Life

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) says:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

I don't simply quote that Scripture.

I have lived it.

God took the violence.

The addiction.

The drugs.

The prison cells.

The failures.

The brain injury.

The four surgeries.

The forty-day coma.

And somehow, through His grace and sovereignty, He worked all of it together and brought me to where I am today.

So don't tell me someone is too broken for Jesus.

I know better.

Don't tell me the addict can't become the pastor.

I know better.

Don't tell me the prisoner can't become the preacher.

I know better.

Don't tell me the ninth-grade dropout can't become a businessman, build schools, or teach the Bible.

I know better.

Don't tell me God can't take the worst chapters of someone's life and use them as part of an incredible testimony.

I KNOW BETTER.

Because I know where I came from.

And I know Who brought me here.

I was pronounced dead.

Jesus gave me life.

I couldn't walk.

Jesus raised me up.

My vocal cords were severed.

Jesus gave me back my voice.

And today, I use that voice to preach Him, teach His Word, and encourage others to follow Jesus Christ.

My testimony is not:

Look what Tom Donovan built.

My testimony is:

LOOK WHAT JESUS DID!

And after everything God has brought me through, my heart still comes back to the same words that came out of my mouth when I woke up after forty days:

THANK YOU JESUS!

All the glory belongs to Him.

— Pastor Tom Donovan

1

0 Comments 0 Shares 86 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

Testify & is Feeling Thankful
2026-09-07 18:19:04 -

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

The Testimony of Pastor Tom Donovan

When you look at my life today, you see a Calvary Chapel pastor, Bible teacher, missionary, international businessman, husband, and father.

But that is not where my story began.

I grew up in a violent home surrounded by drugs, crime, and severe alcoholism. I was introduced to drugs and alcohol when I was only nine years old. By junior high school, I was drinking, smoking marijuana, taking acid and mescaline, and using cocaine.

By thirteen, I was already in serious trouble with school and the law. For the next eleven years, my life became a revolving door of addiction, courtrooms, A.A., N.A., crime, and incarceration.

I dropped out of school in the ninth grade.

I wasn't preparing for a future.

I was destroying one.

The Night My Life Should Have Ended

In October 1999, shortly after being released from the Nassau County Correctional Facility, I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico, attempting to purchase ten pounds of marijuana and restart a drug distribution operation.

I thought I was going there to rebuild my criminal business.

God knew my old life was about to come to an end.

The drug deal went horribly wrong.

I was surrounded by a group of men, struck across the face with a handgun, and brutally beaten with guns, bats, rocks, and pipes.

Somehow, I escaped.

Covered in blood and barely conscious, I eventually ended up in an ambulance.

Then everything went black.

I was pronounced DEAD ON ARRIVAL at the hospital.

DOA.

That should have been the end of Tom Donovan's story.

But Jesus Christ wasn't finished.

Exactly Forty Days

My injuries were catastrophic.

I underwent four brain surgeries. Approximately one-third of my brain was removed. My vocal cords were severed, and I fell into a coma.

Days became weeks.

People prayed.

Church members held prayer vigils.

And then came day forty.

After exactly forty days in a coma, I opened my eyes.

And what came out of my mouth?

THANK YOU JESUS!

THANK YOU JESUS!

The man who had been pronounced dead was alive.

Doctors said I would never walk or talk normally again.

But doctors did not have the final word over my life.

Jesus did.

God Even Used Prison to Restore Me

After leaving the hospital and rehabilitation, my old legal problems were still waiting for me in New York. I had to turn myself in and eventually returned to incarceration.

But God did something incredible.

The prison system that had represented so much failure in my life became part of my restoration.

I learned to walk again in prison.

I learned to talk again in prison.

God didn't merely restore me to the man I had been.

He began making me into a man I had never been.

From Prison to the Word of God

After my release, I began seriously pursuing Jesus Christ and studying His Word.

I went to Calvary Chapel of Hope in Amityville, New York, where I sat under Pastor Claude Stauffer and learned the Bible. Later, under Pastor Kevin Henesy at Calvary Chapel Island of Grace, I became involved in outreach and missions.

Then God began sending me places I never imagined going.

The man who once traveled to move drugs began traveling to move Bibles.

The man who once lived for himself began traveling to preach Jesus Christ.

Eventually, missions brought me to Uganda, where I met Pamela, who became my wife, and God blessed us with our family.

And there, God continued doing what only God could do.

And Today... Look What Jesus Has Done

Today, I am a Calvary Chapel pastor who has been given the privilege of teaching God's Word and serving His people.

God led us to establish Freedom Chapel Fellowship, and what began as a step of faith is growing into something much larger than I ever could have imagined.

Today, Freedom Chapel Fellowship has three Freedom Chapel Kids Clubs reaching approximately 1,000 attendees every week.

We have two Freedom Chapel churches, with a third church now in development.

We have established a Freedom Chapel primary school, and our vision is eventually to establish a school connected with each Freedom Chapel location, helping children receive an education while being taught and discipled in Jesus Christ.

And we are preparing to establish a School of Ministry so that believers can be equipped in the Word of God, trained for ministry, discipled, and sent out to serve Christ.

But God didn't stop with traditional church ministry.

He took the very business abilities that I once used for selfish purposes and redirected them for His Kingdom.

I founded Him First Media Group, a Christian marketing agency built to help churches, ministries, Christian organizations, and businesses reach people more effectively.

Then came Lordsbook, a Christian social media platform dedicated to Jesus Christ—His preaching, His teaching, Christian encouragement, discipleship, prayer, testimony, and Christian community.

Think about the contrast.

I once used business to help distribute drugs.

Today, I use business to help distribute the Gospel

I once traveled looking for drugs.

Today, I travel preaching Jesus Christ.

I once lived in and out of prison.

Today, I pastor churches.

I dropped out of school in the ninth grade.

Today, we're building schools and preparing a School of Ministry.

I once destroyed lives through the things I participated in.

Today, God has given me the privilege of helping build ministries designed to teach His Word and reach thousands of people with Jesus Christ.

That isn't self-improvement.

That is redemption.

The Potter Wasn't Finished With the Clay

Jeremiah 18 describes God as the Potter and us as the clay.

That is my life.

I was broken clay.

Violence damaged me.

Addiction damaged me.

Crime damaged me.

My own sin damaged me.

Eventually, even my physical brain and body were broken.

But the Potter never lost control of the clay.

God took what looked ruined and reshaped it.

He took a prisoner and made him a pastor.

He took an addict and made him a Bible teacher.

He took a ninth-grade dropout and made him an international businessman.

He took a man involved in the drug business and gave him a Christian marketing agency.

He took a man whose voice was supposed to be gone and gave him a platform to preach, teach, and encourage people in Jesus Christ.

And He took a man who once lived only for himself and gave him the privilege of helping build churches, children's ministries, schools, a School of Ministry, businesses, and a Christian social platform dedicated to Jesus.

The glory does not belong to the clay.

THE GLORY BELONGS TO THE POTTER.

Romans 8:28 — The Story of My Life

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) says:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

I don't simply quote that Scripture.

I have lived it.

God took the violence.

The addiction.

The drugs.

The prison cells.

The failures.

The brain injury.

The four surgeries.

The forty-day coma.

And somehow, through His grace and sovereignty, He worked all of it together and brought me to where I am today.

So don't tell me someone is too broken for Jesus.

I know better.

Don't tell me the addict can't become the pastor.

I know better.

Don't tell me the prisoner can't become the preacher.

I know better.

Don't tell me the ninth-grade dropout can't become a businessman, build schools, or teach the Bible.

I know better.

Don't tell me God can't take the worst chapters of someone's life and use them as part of an incredible testimony.

I KNOW BETTER.

Because I know where I came from.

And I know Who brought me here.

I was pronounced dead.

Jesus gave me life.

I couldn't walk.

Jesus raised me up.

My vocal cords were severed.

Jesus gave me back my voice.

And today, I use that voice to preach Him, teach His Word, and encourage others to follow Jesus Christ.

My testimony is not:

Look what Tom Donovan built.

My testimony is:

LOOK WHAT JESUS DID!

And after everything God has brought me through, my heart still comes back to the same words that came out of my mouth when I woke up after forty days:

THANK YOU JESUS!

All the glory belongs to Him.

— Pastor Tom Donovan

FROM DEATH TO LIFE The Testimony of Pastor Tom Donovan When you look at my life today, you see a Calvary Chapel pastor, Bible teacher, missionary, international businessman, husband, and father. But that is not where my story began. I grew up in a violent home surrounded by drugs, crime, and severe alcoholism. I was introduced to drugs and alcohol when I was only nine years old. By junior high school, I was drinking, smoking marijuana, taking acid and mescaline, and using cocaine. By thirteen, I was already in serious trouble with school and the law. For the next eleven years, my life became a revolving door of addiction, courtrooms, A.A., N.A., crime, and incarceration. I dropped out of school in the ninth grade. I wasn't preparing for a future. I was destroying one. The Night My Life Should Have Ended In October 1999, shortly after being released from the Nassau County Correctional Facility, I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico, attempting to purchase ten pounds of marijuana and restart a drug distribution operation. I thought I was going there to rebuild my criminal business. God knew my old life was about to come to an end. The drug deal went horribly wrong. I was surrounded by a group of men, struck across the face with a handgun, and brutally beaten with guns, bats, rocks, and pipes. Somehow, I escaped. Covered in blood and barely conscious, I eventually ended up in an ambulance. Then everything went black. I was pronounced DEAD ON ARRIVAL at the hospital. DOA. That should have been the end of Tom Donovan's story. But Jesus Christ wasn't finished. Exactly Forty Days My injuries were catastrophic. I underwent four brain surgeries. Approximately one-third of my brain was removed. My vocal cords were severed, and I fell into a coma. Days became weeks. People prayed. Church members held prayer vigils. And then came day forty. After exactly forty days in a coma, I opened my eyes. And what came out of my mouth? THANK YOU JESUS! THANK YOU JESUS! The man who had been pronounced dead was alive. Doctors said I would never walk or talk normally again. But doctors did not have the final word over my life. Jesus did. God Even Used Prison to Restore Me After leaving the hospital and rehabilitation, my old legal problems were still waiting for me in New York. I had to turn myself in and eventually returned to incarceration. But God did something incredible. The prison system that had represented so much failure in my life became part of my restoration. I learned to walk again in prison. I learned to talk again in prison. God didn't merely restore me to the man I had been. He began making me into a man I had never been. From Prison to the Word of God After my release, I began seriously pursuing Jesus Christ and studying His Word. I went to Calvary Chapel of Hope in Amityville, New York, where I sat under Pastor Claude Stauffer and learned the Bible. Later, under Pastor Kevin Henesy at Calvary Chapel Island of Grace, I became involved in outreach and missions. Then God began sending me places I never imagined going. The man who once traveled to move drugs began traveling to move Bibles. The man who once lived for himself began traveling to preach Jesus Christ. Eventually, missions brought me to Uganda, where I met Pamela, who became my wife, and God blessed us with our family. And there, God continued doing what only God could do. And Today... Look What Jesus Has Done Today, I am a Calvary Chapel pastor who has been given the privilege of teaching God's Word and serving His people. God led us to establish Freedom Chapel Fellowship, and what began as a step of faith is growing into something much larger than I ever could have imagined. Today, Freedom Chapel Fellowship has three Freedom Chapel Kids Clubs reaching approximately 1,000 attendees every week. We have two Freedom Chapel churches, with a third church now in development. We have established a Freedom Chapel primary school, and our vision is eventually to establish a school connected with each Freedom Chapel location, helping children receive an education while being taught and discipled in Jesus Christ. And we are preparing to establish a School of Ministry so that believers can be equipped in the Word of God, trained for ministry, discipled, and sent out to serve Christ. But God didn't stop with traditional church ministry. He took the very business abilities that I once used for selfish purposes and redirected them for His Kingdom. I founded Him First Media Group, a Christian marketing agency built to help churches, ministries, Christian organizations, and businesses reach people more effectively. Then came Lordsbook, a Christian social media platform dedicated to Jesus Christ—His preaching, His teaching, Christian encouragement, discipleship, prayer, testimony, and Christian community. Think about the contrast. I once used business to help distribute drugs. Today, I use business to help distribute the Gospel I once traveled looking for drugs. Today, I travel preaching Jesus Christ. I once lived in and out of prison. Today, I pastor churches. I dropped out of school in the ninth grade. Today, we're building schools and preparing a School of Ministry. I once destroyed lives through the things I participated in. Today, God has given me the privilege of helping build ministries designed to teach His Word and reach thousands of people with Jesus Christ. That isn't self-improvement. That is redemption. The Potter Wasn't Finished With the Clay Jeremiah 18 describes God as the Potter and us as the clay. That is my life. I was broken clay. Violence damaged me. Addiction damaged me. Crime damaged me. My own sin damaged me. Eventually, even my physical brain and body were broken. But the Potter never lost control of the clay. God took what looked ruined and reshaped it. He took a prisoner and made him a pastor. He took an addict and made him a Bible teacher. He took a ninth-grade dropout and made him an international businessman. He took a man involved in the drug business and gave him a Christian marketing agency. He took a man whose voice was supposed to be gone and gave him a platform to preach, teach, and encourage people in Jesus Christ. And He took a man who once lived only for himself and gave him the privilege of helping build churches, children's ministries, schools, a School of Ministry, businesses, and a Christian social platform dedicated to Jesus. The glory does not belong to the clay. THE GLORY BELONGS TO THE POTTER. Romans 8:28 — The Story of My Life Romans 8:28 (NKJV) says: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. I don't simply quote that Scripture. I have lived it. God took the violence. The addiction. The drugs. The prison cells. The failures. The brain injury. The four surgeries. The forty-day coma. And somehow, through His grace and sovereignty, He worked all of it together and brought me to where I am today. So don't tell me someone is too broken for Jesus. I know better. Don't tell me the addict can't become the pastor. I know better. Don't tell me the prisoner can't become the preacher. I know better. Don't tell me the ninth-grade dropout can't become a businessman, build schools, or teach the Bible. I know better. Don't tell me God can't take the worst chapters of someone's life and use them as part of an incredible testimony. I KNOW BETTER. Because I know where I came from. And I know Who brought me here. I was pronounced dead. Jesus gave me life. I couldn't walk. Jesus raised me up. My vocal cords were severed. Jesus gave me back my voice. And today, I use that voice to preach Him, teach His Word, and encourage others to follow Jesus Christ. My testimony is not: Look what Tom Donovan built. My testimony is: LOOK WHAT JESUS DID! And after everything God has brought me through, my heart still comes back to the same words that came out of my mouth when I woke up after forty days: THANK YOU JESUS! All the glory belongs to Him. — Pastor Tom Donovan

3

1 Comments 1 Shares 119 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added a photo

Testify
2026-09-07 17:31:45 -

Bosco and Prossy dedicated their children today @ freedom Chapel Fellowship.

praise The Lord.

Bosco and Prossy dedicated their children today @ freedom Chapel Fellowship. praise The Lord.

5

1 Comments 0 Shares 91 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

The Prayer Wall
2026-09-06 10:44:55 -

please pray for Bosco and prossy, as today their children Melissa 21/2 and Donovan 5 months have been dedicated to the Lord.

Please keep Bosco and Percy in your prayers as they need strength and endurance for the task that God has given him before them to raise these two in the Lord.

please pray for Bosco and prossy, as today their children Melissa 21/2 and Donovan 5 months have been dedicated to the Lord. Please keep Bosco and Percy in your prayers as they need strength and endurance for the task that God has given him before them to raise these two in the Lord.

12

7 Comments 0 Shares 324 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

shared Highlights 's post
2026-09-01 20:12:51 -

Highlights is Feeling Exited
2026-09-01 15:21:18 -

INTRODUCING LORDSBOOK MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating Kingdom Work Around the World

OFFICIAL LAUNCH DATE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

God is working through faithful ministries, churches, missionaries, Christian authors, evangelists, teachers, and ministry leaders throughout the world—and their stories deserve to be shared.

We are excited to introduce LordsBook Ministry Highlights, an official LordsBook page created to recognize and celebrate those who are faithfully serving Jesus Christ, sharing the Gospel, strengthening believers, meeting real needs, and advancing God’s Kingdom.

Beginning Monday, September 14, 2026, one selected ministry will receive a special five-day feature campaign every week from Monday through Friday:

Monday — Meet the Ministry
Discover its mission, vision, history, location, and the people it serves.

Tuesday — Meet the Leader
Meet the pastor, missionary, author, founder, or ministry leader whom God has called to lead the work.

Wednesday — Ministry in Action
See how the ministry is actively sharing Christ, serving others, and making a difference.

Thursday — Testimony and Transformation
Read a verified testimony celebrating what God has accomplished through the ministry.

Friday — Prayer and Partnership
Join the LordsBook community in praying for the ministry and learning how you can encourage, follow, connect, or participate.

Every featured ministry campaign will also include:

Five official Ministry Highlight posts
Two professionally produced Reels
Five weekday Stories
A dedicated prayer request on the LordsBook Prayer Wall
A testimony shared in the LordsBook Testify Group
Promotion through LordsBook’s official external social-media pages

LordsBook Ministry Highlights is not a paid advertising program. Ministries are prayerfully selected and reviewed based on their Christian mission, biblical faithfulness, accountable leadership, active service, and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our purpose is to help the Body of Christ:

Pray for faithful ministries
Connect with Christian leaders
Discover biblical teaching and resources
Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness
Encourage those serving on the front lines
Celebrate Kingdom work around the world

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”
Hebrews 10:24 NKJV

Follow LordsBook Ministry Highlights and join us beginning Monday, September 14, 2026, as we introduce faithful ministries, share powerful testimonies, and celebrate what God is doing throughout the nations.

A new ministry.
A new story.
A new opportunity to pray, encourage, and participate.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

LORDSBOOK MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Officially Curated and Published by LordsBook

Celebrating Kingdom Work Around the World

#LordsBook #LordsBookMinistryHighlights #MinistryHighlights #KingdomWork #BodyOfChrist #ChristianMinistry #ShareJesus #FaithInAction #ChristianCommunity

4

0 Comments 0 Shares 367 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

2026-09-01 07:28:39 -

Jesus is Lord

Jesus is Lord

13

2 Comments 0 Shares 402 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added video General
2026-08-30 20:06:51 -

I love Africa

I love Africa

18

2 Comments 0 Shares 696 Views 2

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added reel
2026-08-30 04:45:06 -

so much fun Kayenje...

thank you Jesus!

so much fun Kayenje... thank you Jesus!

8

1 Comments 0 Shares 442 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added reel
2026-08-30 04:41:58 -

VBS 2026

VBS 2026

5

0 Comments 1 Shares 430 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added video General
2026-08-30 04:40:58 -

VBS 2026 - Kayenje, Western Uganda

so much fun

VBS 2026 - Kayenje, Western Uganda so much fun

11

1 Comments 0 Shares 660 Views 1

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added 10 photos
2026-08-30 04:34:36 -

VBS 2026 - Kayenje, Western Uganda

VBS 2026 - Kayenje, Western Uganda

+6

21

3 Comments 0 Shares 642 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added a photo
2026-08-23 16:05:54 -

15

3 Comments 1 Shares 654 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

2026-08-21 12:33:24 -

What Does It Mean To Be Saved?

To be saved means to be rescued by God from the penalty, power, and ultimately the presence of sin, and brought into a right relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ alone.

The Problem: Why You Need to Be Saved

All humans are born under the curse of Adam's sin. Because God is holy and just, sin separates you from Him and places you under His righteous judgment (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23). You cannot save yourself by being good enough, religious enough, or sincere enough. Your best works are like filthy rags before a perfectly holy God (Isaiah 64:6).

What Salvation Is

Salvation is God's act of rescuing sinners through the finished work of Jesus Christ. It involves several realities that happen together:

Regeneration (New Birth): The Holy Spirit gives you new spiritual life. You are born again. Apart from this, you are dead in your trespasses and unable to seek God on your own (Ephesians 2:1-5, John 3:3-8).

Faith and Repentance: You respond to the gospel by turning from sin (repentance) and trusting in Christ alone (faith). These are two sides of the same movement—turning from sin and to the Savior (Acts 20:21, Romans 10:9-10).

Justification: God declares you righteous, not because of anything in you, but because Christ's perfect righteousness is credited to your account and His punishment for your sin is credited to Christ. You stand before God as if you had never sinned, clothed in Christ's righteousness (Romans 3:24-26, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Adoption: You are brought into God's family as a beloved child. You are no longer an enemy but an heir (Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:15-17).

Sanctification: The Holy Spirit begins the lifelong work of making you actually holy in your daily life, conforming you to the image of Christ (Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 8:29).

Glorification: At Christ's return, you will receive a resurrected body, free from all sin, suffering, and death. This is the final completion of salvation (Romans 8:30, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54).

How You Are Saved

By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone. There is no other name under heaven by which you can be saved (Acts 4:12). Salvation is entirely God's work from start to finish. You contribute nothing to your rescue except the sin that made it necessary.

What Salvation Looks Like in a Person's Life

A truly saved person will bear fruit. This does not mean perfection, but it does mean a changed life—a growing hatred of sin, a growing love for God and His people, and a persistent faith that endures to the end (James 2:17, 1 John 2:3-6, Matthew 7:16-20). If there is no change at all, there is reason to question whether salvation has actually taken place.

The Bottom Line

To be saved is to be brought from death to life, from condemnation to justification, from slavery to sin to adoption as a child of God, and from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ. It is entirely a work of God's grace, received by faith, and it results in a life that increasingly reflects the supremacy of Christ.

If you are asking this for yourself: repent of your sin, trust in Christ's death and resurrection alone, and you will be saved.

What Does It Mean To Be Saved? To be saved means to be rescued by God from the penalty, power, and ultimately the presence of sin, and brought into a right relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ alone. The Problem: Why You Need to Be Saved All humans are born under the curse of Adam's sin. Because God is holy and just, sin separates you from Him and places you under His righteous judgment (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23). You cannot save yourself by being good enough, religious enough, or sincere enough. Your best works are like filthy rags before a perfectly holy God (Isaiah 64:6). What Salvation Is Salvation is God's act of rescuing sinners through the finished work of Jesus Christ. It involves several realities that happen together: Regeneration (New Birth): The Holy Spirit gives you new spiritual life. You are born again. Apart from this, you are dead in your trespasses and unable to seek God on your own (Ephesians 2:1-5, John 3:3-8). Faith and Repentance: You respond to the gospel by turning from sin (repentance) and trusting in Christ alone (faith). These are two sides of the same movement—turning from sin and to the Savior (Acts 20:21, Romans 10:9-10). Justification: God declares you righteous, not because of anything in you, but because Christ's perfect righteousness is credited to your account and His punishment for your sin is credited to Christ. You stand before God as if you had never sinned, clothed in Christ's righteousness (Romans 3:24-26, 2 Corinthians 5:21). Adoption: You are brought into God's family as a beloved child. You are no longer an enemy but an heir (Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:15-17). Sanctification: The Holy Spirit begins the lifelong work of making you actually holy in your daily life, conforming you to the image of Christ (Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 8:29). Glorification: At Christ's return, you will receive a resurrected body, free from all sin, suffering, and death. This is the final completion of salvation (Romans 8:30, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54). How You Are Saved By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone. There is no other name under heaven by which you can be saved (Acts 4:12). Salvation is entirely God's work from start to finish. You contribute nothing to your rescue except the sin that made it necessary. What Salvation Looks Like in a Person's Life A truly saved person will bear fruit. This does not mean perfection, but it does mean a changed life—a growing hatred of sin, a growing love for God and His people, and a persistent faith that endures to the end (James 2:17, 1 John 2:3-6, Matthew 7:16-20). If there is no change at all, there is reason to question whether salvation has actually taken place. The Bottom Line To be saved is to be brought from death to life, from condemnation to justification, from slavery to sin to adoption as a child of God, and from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Christ. It is entirely a work of God's grace, received by faith, and it results in a life that increasingly reflects the supremacy of Christ. If you are asking this for yourself: repent of your sin, trust in Christ's death and resurrection alone, and you will be saved.

11

0 Comments 0 Shares 615 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

2026-08-20 15:32:41 -

The Bible’s Big Story

The Bible is one unified book telling the story of God’s glory through creation, humanity’s rebellion, God’s covenant promises, and their complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Everything moves toward Christ’s preeminence. The Old Testament prepares the way; the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment. Together they form 66 inspired books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New.

The Old Testament (39 Books): God’s Promises and Preparation

The Old Testament shows God creating the world, choosing a people, giving them His law, and promising a coming King who would fix what sin broke. It repeatedly points forward to the Messiah.

Law (Pentateuch – 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
These lay the foundation. Genesis shows creation, the fall, and God’s first promises. Exodus–Deuteronomy record God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the covenant instructions for a holy people.

Historical Books (12 books): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.
They trace Israel’s life in the Promised Land, their cycles of obedience and rebellion, the rise and fall of the monarchy, exile in Babylon, and return. They demonstrate that human kings fail, but God remains faithful to His promises.

Wisdom and Poetry (5 books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.
These teach how to live wisely under God’s rule. They explore suffering, worship, daily righteousness, the emptiness of life without God, and the beauty of covenant love.

Prophets (17 books):
Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel.
Minor Prophets (12): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

The prophets confront idolatry, call for repentance, warn of judgment, and repeatedly promise a coming Deliverer, a new covenant, and a kingdom that will never end.

The entire Old Testament builds expectation: a seed of the woman, a descendant of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, a son of David, a suffering servant, and a King who will reign forever.

The New Testament (27 Books): Christ’s Arrival and the New Creation

The New Testament announces that Jesus is the promised King. He is the preeminent One in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It shows His life, death, resurrection, the birth of the church, and the final renewal of all things.

Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
These present Jesus from four angles: as King (Matthew), servant (Mark), perfect man (Luke), and eternal God (John). They record His teaching, miracles, crucifixion for sins, and resurrection.

History (1 book): Acts.
Luke’s second volume shows the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It records the rapid spread of the message that Jesus is Lord.

Letters (21 books):
Paul’s Letters (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon.
These explain the gospel, the meaning of Christ’s work, how the church should live, and how believers stand secure in Him.
General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude.
These encourage perseverance, warn against false teaching, and call for holy living.

Prophecy (1 book): Revelation.
This apocalyptic letter reveals Christ as the victorious Lamb and coming King. It comforts suffering believers and shows the final defeat of evil and the making of a new heaven and new earth.

How the Two Testaments Fit Together

The Old Testament is not obsolete. Jesus said He came to fulfill it, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament constantly quotes and explains the Old, showing that Christ is the true temple, the better Moses, the perfect high priest, the faithful Israel, and the eternal King.

Everything in the Bible centers on the supremacy and preeminence of Christ that we have been studying in Colossians 1. He is the goal of the Old Testament promises and the living reality of the New Testament gospel. The whole book calls you to trust Him, repent of sin, and live under His rule until He returns.

If you want to go deeper into any section—especially how Colossians fits into the larger biblical theology of Christ’s preeminence—let me know which part to unpack next.

The Bible’s Big Story The Bible is one unified book telling the story of God’s glory through creation, humanity’s rebellion, God’s covenant promises, and their complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Everything moves toward Christ’s preeminence. The Old Testament prepares the way; the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment. Together they form 66 inspired books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. The Old Testament (39 Books): God’s Promises and Preparation The Old Testament shows God creating the world, choosing a people, giving them His law, and promising a coming King who would fix what sin broke. It repeatedly points forward to the Messiah. Law (Pentateuch – 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These lay the foundation. Genesis shows creation, the fall, and God’s first promises. Exodus–Deuteronomy record God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the covenant instructions for a holy people. Historical Books (12 books): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. They trace Israel’s life in the Promised Land, their cycles of obedience and rebellion, the rise and fall of the monarchy, exile in Babylon, and return. They demonstrate that human kings fail, but God remains faithful to His promises. Wisdom and Poetry (5 books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. These teach how to live wisely under God’s rule. They explore suffering, worship, daily righteousness, the emptiness of life without God, and the beauty of covenant love. Prophets (17 books): Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. Minor Prophets (12): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The prophets confront idolatry, call for repentance, warn of judgment, and repeatedly promise a coming Deliverer, a new covenant, and a kingdom that will never end. The entire Old Testament builds expectation: a seed of the woman, a descendant of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, a son of David, a suffering servant, and a King who will reign forever. The New Testament (27 Books): Christ’s Arrival and the New Creation The New Testament announces that Jesus is the promised King. He is the preeminent One in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It shows His life, death, resurrection, the birth of the church, and the final renewal of all things. Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. These present Jesus from four angles: as King (Matthew), servant (Mark), perfect man (Luke), and eternal God (John). They record His teaching, miracles, crucifixion for sins, and resurrection. History (1 book): Acts. Luke’s second volume shows the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It records the rapid spread of the message that Jesus is Lord. Letters (21 books): Paul’s Letters (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. These explain the gospel, the meaning of Christ’s work, how the church should live, and how believers stand secure in Him. General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude. These encourage perseverance, warn against false teaching, and call for holy living. Prophecy (1 book): Revelation. This apocalyptic letter reveals Christ as the victorious Lamb and coming King. It comforts suffering believers and shows the final defeat of evil and the making of a new heaven and new earth. How the Two Testaments Fit Together The Old Testament is not obsolete. Jesus said He came to fulfill it, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament constantly quotes and explains the Old, showing that Christ is the true temple, the better Moses, the perfect high priest, the faithful Israel, and the eternal King. Everything in the Bible centers on the supremacy and preeminence of Christ that we have been studying in Colossians 1. He is the goal of the Old Testament promises and the living reality of the New Testament gospel. The whole book calls you to trust Him, repent of sin, and live under His rule until He returns. If you want to go deeper into any section—especially how Colossians fits into the larger biblical theology of Christ’s preeminence—let me know which part to unpack next.

21

3 Comments 0 Shares 633 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added a photo
2026-08-20 14:20:53 -

6

0 Comments 0 Shares 601 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

2026-08-19 19:51:05 -

Being secure in Christ means your salvation is ultimately held by Him, not by your own strength. Losing your salvation means a genuine believer can commit apostasy and be eternally cut off from God.

What Secure in Christ Means

Scripture repeatedly anchors the believer’s confidence in the person and work of Jesus, not in our performance.

Because Christ is preeminent over all things—including your salvation—He is both the author and the perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Key realities of this security:
Christ’s finished work on the cross fully paid for all your sins—past, present, and future.

The Holy Spirit is given as a guarantee and seal (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Jesus promises that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand or the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29).

The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work to keep those who are truly His (Romans 8:38-39; Jude 24).

True security does not mean “I can live however I want.” It means that if you belong to Christ, He will complete the work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). Genuine faith perseveres.

What Losing One’s Salvation Means

This view teaches that a person can be genuinely saved, indwelt by the Spirit, and later fall away through unbelief, persistent rebellion, or returning to a life of unrepentant sin, thereby forfeiting salvation. Passages like Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:26-31, and Galatians 5:4 are often cited as warnings that real believers can make shipwreck of their faith.

How These Fit Together Biblically

The Bible holds both truths in tension without contradiction:

Christ is supremely sufficient. If you are in Him, your security rests on His preeminence, not your consistency. At the same time, the New Testament gives strong, sober warnings against falling away. These warnings are not empty threats. God uses them as one of the very means by which He keeps His people.

Those who ultimately abandon Christ and return to a life of unbelief show that they were never truly united to Him in the first place (1 John 2:19). The warnings serve to drive true believers to cling harder to Christ, repent quickly, and examine themselves.

Bottom line:
Your security is not a license to sin. It is a call to rest in the supremacy of Christ while fighting sin with all your might. If you are in Christ, He will keep you. The evidence that you are in Christ is that you continue trusting Him, repenting, and persevering to the end.

Examine yourself. Are you resting in Christ’s finished work while walking in obedience? That is the path of biblical assurance. Cling to the preeminent Christ who holds you. He is able to keep you from stumbling and present you blameless before the Father.

Being secure in Christ means your salvation is ultimately held by Him, not by your own strength. Losing your salvation means a genuine believer can commit apostasy and be eternally cut off from God. What Secure in Christ Means Scripture repeatedly anchors the believer’s confidence in the person and work of Jesus, not in our performance. Because Christ is preeminent over all things—including your salvation—He is both the author and the perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Key realities of this security: Christ’s finished work on the cross fully paid for all your sins—past, present, and future. The Holy Spirit is given as a guarantee and seal (Ephesians 1:13-14). Jesus promises that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand or the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29). The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work to keep those who are truly His (Romans 8:38-39; Jude 24). True security does not mean “I can live however I want.” It means that if you belong to Christ, He will complete the work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). Genuine faith perseveres. What Losing One’s Salvation Means This view teaches that a person can be genuinely saved, indwelt by the Spirit, and later fall away through unbelief, persistent rebellion, or returning to a life of unrepentant sin, thereby forfeiting salvation. Passages like Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:26-31, and Galatians 5:4 are often cited as warnings that real believers can make shipwreck of their faith. How These Fit Together Biblically The Bible holds both truths in tension without contradiction: Christ is supremely sufficient. If you are in Him, your security rests on His preeminence, not your consistency. At the same time, the New Testament gives strong, sober warnings against falling away. These warnings are not empty threats. God uses them as one of the very means by which He keeps His people. Those who ultimately abandon Christ and return to a life of unbelief show that they were never truly united to Him in the first place (1 John 2:19). The warnings serve to drive true believers to cling harder to Christ, repent quickly, and examine themselves. Bottom line: Your security is not a license to sin. It is a call to rest in the supremacy of Christ while fighting sin with all your might. If you are in Christ, He will keep you. The evidence that you are in Christ is that you continue trusting Him, repenting, and persevering to the end. Examine yourself. Are you resting in Christ’s finished work while walking in obedience? That is the path of biblical assurance. Cling to the preeminent Christ who holds you. He is able to keep you from stumbling and present you blameless before the Father.

9

0 Comments 0 Shares 608 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

2026-08-19 11:13:32 -

In Colossians 1, Paul uses two closely related but distinct concepts to describe the unmatched status of Christ. To understand the distinction, we have to look at the flow of Paul's argument and the specific Greek words he uses.

The Distinction in the Text

Preeminence (πρωτεύων - *prōteuōn*)
In verse 18, Paul writes that Christ might be preeminent (or "hold the first place") in everything. The Greek word prōteuōn is a present participle meaning "to be first in rank, influence, or position."

Preeminence speaks to rank, dignity, and rightful position. It answers the question: Where does Christ stand in relation to all other things? The answer is that He stands at the absolute top. He holds the chief place. In the immediate context of verse 18, this preeminence is specifically tied to the new creation—He is the head of the body, the church, and the firstborn from the dead. Because He conquered the grave, He rightfully holds the highest rank in the renewed creation.

Supremacy (πρωτότοκος - *prōtotokos*)
While English translations sometimes use "preeminence" and "supremacy" interchangeably, the concept of supremacy in this passage is anchored in the word prōtotokos ("firstborn"), used in verses 15 and 18.

Supremacy speaks to authority, power, and sovereign right. In the ancient Near East, the firstborn was not just the oldest child; he was the heir who held the highest authority over the household and received the double portion of the inheritance. When Paul says Christ is the "firstborn of all creation" (v. 15) and "firstborn from the dead" (v. 18), he is not saying Christ was created. He is declaring Christ's supreme authority over creation and over the new creation. Supremacy answers the question: Who has the power and the right to rule? Christ does, because all things were created through Him and for Him (v. 16).

How They Work Together

Think of it this way:
Supremacy is the basis of His authority. He is the sovereign heir and creator. He has the absolute right to rule because He is the agent of creation and the victor over death.
Preeminence is the result of that authority. Because He is supreme, it is only fitting that He holds the first place in rank, honor, and affection in all things.

Paul builds this argument to counter the early heresies creeping into Colossae, which suggested you needed Jesus plus something else—angelic worship, secret knowledge, or ascetic practices (Colossians 2). Paul's response is that Christ's supremacy and preeminence mean He is entirely sufficient. The fullness of deity dwells in Him bodily (1:19). There is no higher rank to reach, no hidden knowledge to acquire, and no spiritual power to supplement. He holds the first place in everything.

When you read this passage, you are looking at a deliberate, poetic structure where Paul establishes Christ's supremacy over the original creation (vv. 15-17) and then His supremacy over the new creation through redemption (vv. 18-20), culminating in the conclusion that He alone is preeminent in all things.

In Colossians 1, Paul uses two closely related but distinct concepts to describe the unmatched status of Christ. To understand the distinction, we have to look at the flow of Paul's argument and the specific Greek words he uses. The Distinction in the Text Preeminence (πρωτεύων - *prōteuōn*) In verse 18, Paul writes that Christ might be preeminent (or "hold the first place") in everything. The Greek word prōteuōn is a present participle meaning "to be first in rank, influence, or position." Preeminence speaks to rank, dignity, and rightful position. It answers the question: Where does Christ stand in relation to all other things? The answer is that He stands at the absolute top. He holds the chief place. In the immediate context of verse 18, this preeminence is specifically tied to the new creation—He is the head of the body, the church, and the firstborn from the dead. Because He conquered the grave, He rightfully holds the highest rank in the renewed creation. Supremacy (πρωτότοκος - *prōtotokos*) While English translations sometimes use "preeminence" and "supremacy" interchangeably, the concept of supremacy in this passage is anchored in the word prōtotokos ("firstborn"), used in verses 15 and 18. Supremacy speaks to authority, power, and sovereign right. In the ancient Near East, the firstborn was not just the oldest child; he was the heir who held the highest authority over the household and received the double portion of the inheritance. When Paul says Christ is the "firstborn of all creation" (v. 15) and "firstborn from the dead" (v. 18), he is not saying Christ was created. He is declaring Christ's supreme authority over creation and over the new creation. Supremacy answers the question: Who has the power and the right to rule? Christ does, because all things were created through Him and for Him (v. 16). How They Work Together Think of it this way: Supremacy is the basis of His authority. He is the sovereign heir and creator. He has the absolute right to rule because He is the agent of creation and the victor over death. Preeminence is the result of that authority. Because He is supreme, it is only fitting that He holds the first place in rank, honor, and affection in all things. Paul builds this argument to counter the early heresies creeping into Colossae, which suggested you needed Jesus plus something else—angelic worship, secret knowledge, or ascetic practices (Colossians 2). Paul's response is that Christ's supremacy and preeminence mean He is entirely sufficient. The fullness of deity dwells in Him bodily (1:19). There is no higher rank to reach, no hidden knowledge to acquire, and no spiritual power to supplement. He holds the first place in everything. When you read this passage, you are looking at a deliberate, poetic structure where Paul establishes Christ's supremacy over the original creation (vv. 15-17) and then His supremacy over the new creation through redemption (vv. 18-20), culminating in the conclusion that He alone is preeminent in all things.

9

0 Comments 0 Shares 629 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

2026-08-17 04:11:36 -

LORDSBOOK SYSTEM UPGRADE NOTICE

LordsBook is growing, and we’re strengthening the infrastructure behind our community!

For the next 2–3 hours, the LordsBook website and mobile apps will be undergoing scheduled maintenance while our technical team upgrades our server infrastructure.

During this time, members may experience temporary interruptions or may be unable to access certain features.

Why are we doing this?
We are building a faster, stronger, more reliable, and scalable LordsBook as we prepare for continued growth and exciting new features.

We appreciate your patience and prayers while our team completes this important upgrade.

Thank you for being part of the LordsBook family as we continue building a Christ-centered platform dedicated to Jesus, fellowship, and the Word of God.

Please keep our development and technical teams in prayer during the upgrade.

LordsBook — All About Jesus.

📢 LORDSBOOK SYSTEM UPGRADE NOTICE LordsBook is growing, and we’re strengthening the infrastructure behind our community! For the next 2–3 hours, the LordsBook website and mobile apps will be undergoing scheduled maintenance while our technical team upgrades our server infrastructure. During this time, members may experience temporary interruptions or may be unable to access certain features. 🚀 Why are we doing this? We are building a faster, stronger, more reliable, and scalable LordsBook as we prepare for continued growth and exciting new features. We appreciate your patience and prayers while our team completes this important upgrade. Thank you for being part of the LordsBook family as we continue building a Christ-centered platform dedicated to Jesus, fellowship, and the Word of God. 🙏 Please keep our development and technical teams in prayer during the upgrade. LordsBook — All About Jesus.

11

3 Comments 0 Shares 641 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

2026-08-15 19:17:55 -

Laboring and Prospering with the LORD

1. A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.

2. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.

3. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.

5. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Laboring and Prospering with the LORD 1. A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. 2. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. 3. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. 5. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

16

1 Comments 0 Shares 737 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

2026-08-14 15:26:54 -

“But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬-‭9

“But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬-‭9

7

0 Comments 1 Shares 675 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added a photo
2026-08-09 16:06:54 -

8

0 Comments 0 Shares 872 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added video General
2026-08-09 12:29:12 -

leaving the Lake today after Baptism @ Lake Kyoga in Iringa

#FreedomChapel. #Jesus. #HolySpirit

leaving the Lake today after Baptism @ Lake Kyoga in Iringa #FreedomChapel. #Jesus. #HolySpirit

8

0 Comments 0 Shares 780 Views 3

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added a photo
2026-07-29 15:22:01 -

15

0 Comments 0 Shares 987 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added a photo
2026-07-25 06:47:56 -

14

2 Comments 0 Shares 1058 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!
Pastor Tom

Bible Teacher

added a photo
2026-07-23 03:06:20 -

16

2 Comments 0 Shares 1062 Views

Please log in to like, share and comment!