The Church was never meant to simply blend into the culture around it. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/12/the-church-of-the-living-god-standing-firm-as-a-pillar-of-truth/ Paul calls the Church “the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” — 1 Timothy 3:15 That means we have been entrusted with something far greater than maintaining buildings, programs, traditions, or Sunday services. We have been entrusted with the truth of God. We are called to know it. Live it. Guard it. Proclaim it. And faithfully pass it to the next generation. The Church does not create truth. God has already spoken. Our responsibility is to stand firmly on His Word while pointing people toward Jesus. And in a world where beliefs seem to change almost daily, the Church desperately needs Christians who are grounded, faithful, humble, loving, and unwilling to compromise the Gospel. A pillar is meant to stand. So Church, stand. Stand on the Word.
Stand in grace.
Stand in truth.
Stand in love.
 Stand beneath the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Read the full new blog: “The Church of the Living God: Standing Firm as a Pillar of Truth.” #AGuyAndHisBible #ChurchOfTheLivingGod #1Timothy315 #BiblicalTruth #WordOfGod #JesusChrist #ChristianLiving #ChristianFaith #Gospel #BibleTeaching #StandingFirm #SoundDoctrine #Faithfulness #ChristianDiscipleship

🔥 PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS 🔥 LOVE... OUR PRIMARY CHRISTIAN CALLING --- LEAD SCRIPTURES «“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” — 1 John 3:16» «“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you...” — John 13:34» «“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35» «“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” — Colossians 3:14» --- INTRODUCTION THE GREATEST EVIDENCE OF CHRISTIANITY One of the most uncomfortable questions a believer can ask himself is this: Do I truly love my fellow believers enough to sacrifice for them? Not merely pray for them. Not merely greet them. Not merely sit beside them in church. But genuinely sacrifice for them. The Apostle John presents one of the highest standards of Christian living: «“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” — 1 John 3:16» Pause and think about that. Not money. Not time. Not convenience. Life itself. John points us to a dimension of love that goes far beyond emotions and religious slogans. It is the kind of love demonstrated by Jesus Christ Himself. «“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13» The uncomfortable truth is that many modern believers live in a generation where self-preservation often overshadows self-sacrifice. We live in a culture that celebrates self-interest. A culture that asks: "What is in it for me?" "What do I gain?" "How does this benefit me?" Yet the Gospel asks a different question: "How can I serve?" "How can I help?" "How can I sacrifice?" "How can I reflect Christ?" The early Church shook the Roman Empire not merely because of powerful sermons. Not merely because of miracles. Not merely because of theological arguments. They shook the world because they demonstrated a supernatural kind of love. A love that crossed ethnic barriers. A love that crossed economic barriers. A love that crossed social barriers. A love that crossed denominational barriers. A love that made unbelievers marvel. The Scripture records: «“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul...” — Acts 4:32» They were united. They cared for one another. They carried one another's burdens. They preferred one another. They protected one another. Today, however, one of the greatest dangers facing Christianity is not external persecution. It is internal fragmentation. Division. Competition. Jealousy. Self-promotion. The desire to be celebrated rather than to serve. The desire to be noticed rather than to love. The desire to be applauded rather than to sacrifice. Paul warned: «“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory...” — Philippians 2:3» The painful reality is that many churches have become places where people compete for recognition rather than opportunities to demonstrate Christlike love. Yet Jesus never said the world would recognize us by our doctrines. He never said the world would recognize us by our church names. He never said the world would recognize us by our denominational affiliations. He said: «“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35» Love is not merely part of Christianity. Love is Christianity in action. The question before us therefore is: How can the Church rediscover Agape Love? How can we return to our primary Christian calling? --- STRATEGIES FOR REDISCOVERING AGAPE LOVE 1. INTERDENOMINATIONAL UNITY AND COOPERATION Jesus prayed: «“That they all may be one...” — John 17:21» The Church must learn to prioritize Christ above denominational labels. We may differ on secondary matters. We may differ on methods. We may differ on traditions. But we must never allow differences to destroy brotherhood. Unity does not require uniformity. It requires maturity. When believers work together despite differences, the world sees Christ more clearly. --- 2. RETURN TO THE CROSS Agape love is impossible without understanding Calvary. «“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8» The Cross remains the greatest demonstration of selfless love. The closer we move toward Christ, the more we learn to love like Christ. --- 3. CULTIVATE A SERVANT HEART Jesus said: «“Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” — Matthew 20:26» Love serves. Love helps. Love lifts. Love gives. Agape love is not interested in titles. It is interested in impact. --- 4. LEARN TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS Paul instructed: «“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2» Christianity was never designed to be a solo journey. The Church survives when believers stand together. --- 5. PRACTICE FORGIVENESS DELIBERATELY «“Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32» Unforgiveness suffocates love. Bitterness destroys fellowship. Forgiveness restores relationships. --- 6. PRIORITIZE PEOPLE ABOVE PERSONAL GLORY Paul wrote: «“Let each esteem other better than themselves.” — Philippians 2:3» Many conflicts disappear when self is removed from the center. Agape love seeks the good of others. --- 7. WALK DAILY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT The Bible says: «“The fruit of the Spirit is love...” — Galatians 5:22» Agape love cannot be manufactured by human effort alone. It is produced through fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The more we yield to Him, the more we resemble Christ. --- 🔥 WISDOM NOTES 🔥 🔥 Love is the highest evidence of spiritual maturity. «“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass...” — 1 Corinthians 13:1» 🔥 A church without love may possess activities but lack spiritual power. «“And though I have all faith... and have not charity, I am nothing.” — 1 Corinthians 13:2» 🔥 Evangelism becomes more effective when people see love before they hear sermons. «“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples...” — John 13:35» 🔥 Missions become sustainable when workers genuinely care for one another. «“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” — Philippians 2:4» 🔥 Discipleship flourishes where love is practiced consistently. «“Speaking the truth in love...” — Ephesians 4:15» 🔥 Division weakens the Church's witness. Unity strengthens it. «“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” — Mark 3:25» 🔥 In seasons of spiritual warfare, love becomes a survival strategy. «“Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves.” — 1 Peter 4:8» 🔥 The future of Christianity depends not merely on stronger programs but on deeper love. --- FINAL THOUGHTS The world has seen enough religious arguments. The world has seen enough denominational competition. The world has seen enough theological battles. What the world desperately needs to see is Jesus. And the clearest reflection of Jesus is love. Not shallow love. Not selective love. Not convenient love. Agape love. The kind of love that serves. The kind of love that forgives. The kind of love that sacrifices. The kind of love that stays. The kind of love that lifts others. When the Church rediscovers Agape love, evangelism will become more powerful. Missions will become more effective. Discipleship will become more transformational. And the world will once again see Christ through His people. For at the end of the day, the greatest proof that Christ lives in us is not what we preach. It is how we love. --- 🔥PRAYER LINES🔥 🙏Father, baptize Your Church afresh with the spirit of Agape love. «“The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.” — Romans 5:5» 🙏Lord, remove every root of jealousy, division, competition, and self-glory from our hearts. «“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10» 🙏Teach us to love one another as Christ loved us. «“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another...” — John 13:34» 🙏Heal every broken relationship within the Body of Christ. «“Be ye kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.” — Romans 12:10» 🙏Help us to become living expressions of Your love in our generation. In Jesus' Name. Amen. --- #PhilosophicalReflections #LoveOurPrimaryChristianCalling #AgapeLove #KingdomUnity #BodyOfChrist #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalWisdom #KingdomCulture #FaithInAction #LoveLikeChrist #ChristianDiscipleship #ChurchUnity #ServeOneAnother #SpiritFilledLiving #EvangelismMatters #MissionsMovement #ChristianGrowth #WalkingInLove #JesusCenteredLife #KingdomAdvancement

🔥 PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS 🔥 LOVE... OUR PRIMARY CHRISTIAN CALLING --- LEAD SCRIPTURES «“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” — 1 John 3:16» «“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you...” — John 13:34» «“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35» «“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” — Colossians 3:14» --- INTRODUCTION THE GREATEST EVIDENCE OF CHRISTIANITY One of the most uncomfortable questions a believer can ask himself is this: Do I truly love my fellow believers enough to sacrifice for them? Not merely pray for them. Not merely greet them. Not merely sit beside them in church. But genuinely sacrifice for them. The Apostle John presents one of the highest standards of Christian living: «“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” — 1 John 3:16» Pause and think about that. Not money. Not time. Not convenience. Life itself. John points us to a dimension of love that goes far beyond emotions and religious slogans. It is the kind of love demonstrated by Jesus Christ Himself. «“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13» The uncomfortable truth is that many modern believers live in a generation where self-preservation often overshadows self-sacrifice. We live in a culture that celebrates self-interest. A culture that asks: "What is in it for me?" "What do I gain?" "How does this benefit me?" Yet the Gospel asks a different question: "How can I serve?" "How can I help?" "How can I sacrifice?" "How can I reflect Christ?" The early Church shook the Roman Empire not merely because of powerful sermons. Not merely because of miracles. Not merely because of theological arguments. They shook the world because they demonstrated a supernatural kind of love. A love that crossed ethnic barriers. A love that crossed economic barriers. A love that crossed social barriers. A love that crossed denominational barriers. A love that made unbelievers marvel. The Scripture records: «“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul...” — Acts 4:32» They were united. They cared for one another. They carried one another's burdens. They preferred one another. They protected one another. Today, however, one of the greatest dangers facing Christianity is not external persecution. It is internal fragmentation. Division. Competition. Jealousy. Self-promotion. The desire to be celebrated rather than to serve. The desire to be noticed rather than to love. The desire to be applauded rather than to sacrifice. Paul warned: «“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory...” — Philippians 2:3» The painful reality is that many churches have become places where people compete for recognition rather than opportunities to demonstrate Christlike love. Yet Jesus never said the world would recognize us by our doctrines. He never said the world would recognize us by our church names. He never said the world would recognize us by our denominational affiliations. He said: «“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35» Love is not merely part of Christianity. Love is Christianity in action. The question before us therefore is: How can the Church rediscover Agape Love? How can we return to our primary Christian calling? --- STRATEGIES FOR REDISCOVERING AGAPE LOVE 1. INTERDENOMINATIONAL UNITY AND COOPERATION Jesus prayed: «“That they all may be one...” — John 17:21» The Church must learn to prioritize Christ above denominational labels. We may differ on secondary matters. We may differ on methods. We may differ on traditions. But we must never allow differences to destroy brotherhood. Unity does not require uniformity. It requires maturity. When believers work together despite differences, the world sees Christ more clearly. --- 2. RETURN TO THE CROSS Agape love is impossible without understanding Calvary. «“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8» The Cross remains the greatest demonstration of selfless love. The closer we move toward Christ, the more we learn to love like Christ. --- 3. CULTIVATE A SERVANT HEART Jesus said: «“Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.” — Matthew 20:26» Love serves. Love helps. Love lifts. Love gives. Agape love is not interested in titles. It is interested in impact. --- 4. LEARN TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS Paul instructed: «“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2» Christianity was never designed to be a solo journey. The Church survives when believers stand together. --- 5. PRACTICE FORGIVENESS DELIBERATELY «“Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32» Unforgiveness suffocates love. Bitterness destroys fellowship. Forgiveness restores relationships. --- 6. PRIORITIZE PEOPLE ABOVE PERSONAL GLORY Paul wrote: «“Let each esteem other better than themselves.” — Philippians 2:3» Many conflicts disappear when self is removed from the center. Agape love seeks the good of others. --- 7. WALK DAILY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT The Bible says: «“The fruit of the Spirit is love...” — Galatians 5:22» Agape love cannot be manufactured by human effort alone. It is produced through fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The more we yield to Him, the more we resemble Christ. --- 🔥 WISDOM NOTES 🔥 🔥 Love is the highest evidence of spiritual maturity. «“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass...” — 1 Corinthians 13:1» 🔥 A church without love may possess activities but lack spiritual power. «“And though I have all faith... and have not charity, I am nothing.” — 1 Corinthians 13:2» 🔥 Evangelism becomes more effective when people see love before they hear sermons. «“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples...” — John 13:35» 🔥 Missions become sustainable when workers genuinely care for one another. «“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” — Philippians 2:4» 🔥 Discipleship flourishes where love is practiced consistently. «“Speaking the truth in love...” — Ephesians 4:15» 🔥 Division weakens the Church's witness. Unity strengthens it. «“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” — Mark 3:25» 🔥 In seasons of spiritual warfare, love becomes a survival strategy. «“Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves.” — 1 Peter 4:8» 🔥 The future of Christianity depends not merely on stronger programs but on deeper love. --- FINAL THOUGHTS The world has seen enough religious arguments. The world has seen enough denominational competition. The world has seen enough theological battles. What the world desperately needs to see is Jesus. And the clearest reflection of Jesus is love. Not shallow love. Not selective love. Not convenient love. Agape love. The kind of love that serves. The kind of love that forgives. The kind of love that sacrifices. The kind of love that stays. The kind of love that lifts others. When the Church rediscovers Agape love, evangelism will become more powerful. Missions will become more effective. Discipleship will become more transformational. And the world will once again see Christ through His people. For at the end of the day, the greatest proof that Christ lives in us is not what we preach. It is how we love. --- 🔥PRAYER LINES🔥 🙏Father, baptize Your Church afresh with the spirit of Agape love. «“The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.” — Romans 5:5» 🙏Lord, remove every root of jealousy, division, competition, and self-glory from our hearts. «“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10» 🙏Teach us to love one another as Christ loved us. «“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another...” — John 13:34» 🙏Heal every broken relationship within the Body of Christ. «“Be ye kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.” — Romans 12:10» 🙏Help us to become living expressions of Your love in our generation. In Jesus' Name. Amen. --- #PhilosophicalReflections #LoveOurPrimaryChristianCalling #AgapeLove #KingdomUnity #BodyOfChrist #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalWisdom #KingdomCulture #FaithInAction #LoveLikeChrist #ChristianDiscipleship #ChurchUnity #ServeOneAnother #SpiritFilledLiving #EvangelismMatters #MissionsMovement #ChristianGrowth #WalkingInLove #JesusCenteredLife #KingdomAdvancement

PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS #THE FOUNDATION FOR VISION RECEPTION (Prophetic Series) LEAD SCRIPTURE: Habakkuk 2:1-3 (KJV) "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me..." INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUNDATION FOR VISION RECEPTION One of the greatest privileges granted to humanity is the ability to receive communications from divinity.Throughout Scriptures, God has consistently demonstrated His willingness to reveal His mind, purposes, intentions, strategies, warnings, and promises to men and women who positioned themselves appropriately before Him. "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). However, divine revelation is not accidental. God speaks freely, yet not everyone hears Him clearly. Heaven broadcasts continually, but only prepared hearts receive accurately. Just as radio waves fill the atmosphere but require a properly tuned receiver, divine communications require spiritual positioning and preparation. This reality led us in previous teachings into the subject of SPIRITUAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, where we discovered that every revelation from God passes through identifiable stages: THE STAGES OF SPIRITUAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 1. Vision Reception Stage Receiving divine information through visions, dreams, impressions, Scriptures, prophetic utterances, angelic visitations, or the inward witness of the Holy Spirit. "The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel..." (Ezekiel 1:3). 2. Assimilation Stage Swallowing and internalizing what God has spoken. "Son of man, eat that thou findest..." (Ezekiel 3:1). 3. Incubation Stage Allowing divine information to mature within the spirit. "Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). 4. Interrogation Stage Prayerfully asking God questions concerning the revelation. "I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?" (Daniel 12:8). 5. Ministrations Stage Delivering the message when God grants permission. "Cry aloud, spare not..." (Isaiah 58:1). Interestingly, four of these stages are largely inward workings between God and man. Only the final stage becomes public. Yet before all these stages can begin, something fundamental must happen: VISION MUST FIRST BE RECEIVED. The question therefore becomes: What creates the atmosphere for God to speak? Habakkuk teaches us that before hearing God, he first climbed the tower. Ezekiel was positioned among the captives by the River Chebar before the heavens opened (Ezekiel 1:1-3). Later, God commanded him to leave the crowd and go into the plain before receiving further revelations (Ezekiel 3:22-24). Abraham heard God more clearly after Lot departed from him (Genesis 13:14-18). Jesus repeatedly withdrew into mountains and solitary places to commune with the Father (Luke 5:16). These examples reveal a profound truth: Vision is not merely given; it is often received by prepared vessels. THE SEVEN FOUNDATIONS FOR VISION RECEPTION 1. STRATEGIC POSITIONING Before Habakkuk heard God, he climbed his watchtower. Before Moses received the Law, he ascended Sinai. Before John received Revelation, he was isolated on Patmos. Scriptures: Habakkuk 2:1 Exodus 24:12 Revelation 1:9-10 Position affects perception. The wrong environment can mute divine communications. The right environment can amplify them. Word of Wisdom: Your location often determines your revelation. 2. EMPATHETIC AND INTIMATE LISTENING Habakkuk said: "I will watch to see what He will say." He listened with expectation. Many pray endlessly but rarely pause to listen. Scriptures: Habakkuk 2:1 1 Samuel 3:10 John 10:27 Samuel heard because he responded: "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth." Word of Wisdom: God often speaks to listeners, not merely talkers. 3. CONSECRATION AND PURITY OF HEART Impure vessels struggle to discern divine frequencies accurately. Scriptures: Matthew 5:8 Psalm 24:3-4 2 Timothy 2:21 A dirty window cannot transmit clear light. Likewise, a polluted heart struggles to perceive God's voice clearly. Word of Wisdom: Purity sharpens perception. 4. SEPARATION FROM DISTRACTIONS Lot's departure preceded Abraham's next major revelation. Jesus frequently withdrew from crowds. Isaac went into the field to meditate. Scriptures: Genesis 13:14 Luke 5:16 Genesis 24:63 Noise is one of revelation's greatest enemies. Word of Wisdom: God whispers where distractions are silenced. 5. SPIRITUAL HUNGER AND EXPECTANCY God reveals Himself to seekers. Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:13 Matthew 5:6 Psalm 42:1-2 Hungry men hear heaven better than comfortable men. Word of Wisdom: Revelation follows pursuit. 6. PATIENCE AND WAITING UPON GOD Not every divine communication arrives instantly. Some revelations require waiting. Scriptures: Isaiah 40:31 Psalm 27:14 Habakkuk 2:3 Daniel waited. David waited. Joseph waited. Word of Wisdom: Impatience interrupts divine downloads. 7. OBEDIENCE TO PREVIOUS REVELATIONS God seldom gives new instructions to those ignoring previous ones. Scriptures: Luke 16:10 James 1:22 John 7:17 Every act of obedience expands spiritual capacity. Word of Wisdom: Light obeyed produces greater light. 🔥🔥🔥 WISDOM NOTES God is not silent; many times, men are simply distracted. Revelation flows toward responsibility. Vision is rarely received by casual seekers. Heaven invests heavily in attentive listeners. Every prophetic giant first mastered private communion. Crowded schedules often produce empty spirits. Spiritual sensitivity is built intentionally. What God says can change your destiny, but what you do with what He says determines its manifestation. Revelation without assimilation becomes information. Revelation without obedience becomes condemnation. FINAL THOUGHTS🤔 The prophetic ministry is not primarily about predicting events; it is about accurately perceiving God's heart and cooperating with His purposes. The greatest challenge facing many believers today is not that God has stopped speaking. The challenge is that the enabling environment necessary for hearing Him has been neglected. Habakkuk climbed. Moses ascended. Ezekiel positioned himself. Daniel prayed. John waited on Patmos. Jesus withdrew often. The common denominator among all these men was intentional positioning. The future belongs to those who can hear God accurately. The battles of tomorrow will be won by revelations received today. The destinies of nations often hang upon a single word received from heaven. May we become men and women who know how to stand upon our watch, ascend our towers, quiet our souls, and hear what the Spirit is saying in our generation. 🔥🔥🔥 PRAYER LINES 🔥Father, sharpen my spiritual ears to hear Your voice clearly in Jesus' Name! 🔥Lord, remove every distraction hindering my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit! 🔥Father, position me strategically for divine encounters and revelations! 🔥Every veil covering my spiritual eyes, catch fire now in Jesus' Name! 🔥Lord, baptize me afresh with the spirit of wisdom and revelation! 🔥Father, make me a faithful steward of every revelation You entrust to me! 🔥Let every spiritual noise competing with Your voice be silenced in my life! 🔥O Lord, grant me grace to obey every instruction You reveal to me! Father, transform me into a vessel fit for prophetic insight and divine communication! 🔥Let fresh visions, divine dreams, heavenly encounters, and supernatural understanding become my portion in Jesus' Mighty Name! 🔥🔥🔥 AMEN! #PropheticSeries #VisionReception #HearingGod #HolySpirit #PropheticMinistry #KingdomLeadership #ChristianDiscipleship #FaithWalk #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #PrayerLife #RevivalFire #KingdomPurpose #GospelSpiritInternationalMissions #GSIMTV #DailyAltarWatch #PhilosophicalReflections #SpiritLedLife #DivineDirection

In this Bible study, Patrick looks at Judges 6:1-10 and the opening of the Gideon narrative. Before Gideon ever steps onto the scene, Scripture shows us the spiritual condition of Israel, the oppression of Midian, and the mercy of God in sending His Word to confront His people. https://youtu.be/PgGJGjxKFAI Bible used in this study: https://amzn.to/4oyiBD8 This passage reminds us that Israel’s greatest problem was not Midian. Their greatest problem was their disobedience to God. Before deliverance comes, God speaks truth. Before Gideon is called, Israel must be reminded of the LORD’s faithfulness, their covenant responsibility, and their failure to obey His voice. In this study, we will examine the historical background of the Midianite oppression, the repeated cycle of sin in the book of Judges, and the deeper spiritual lessons found in Judges 6:1-10. God disciplines His people when they turn from Him, but in mercy He speaks truth to call them back. Judges 6:1-10 is not only a story about ancient Israel and Midianite oppression. It is a warning and invitation for us today. It calls us to examine repeated patterns of sin, remember the faithfulness of God, reject modern idols, and listen carefully to the voice of the LORD. Subscribe for More Bible Studies If this Bible study helps you, please like the video, leave a comment, and subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching. Share this study with someone who wants to grow deeper in God’s Word. Let us know in the comments: What stood out to you most from Judges 6:1-10? 🌐 Stay Connected – A Guy And His Bible Website: https://www.patrickryanlewis.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AGuyAndHisBible LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aguyandhisbible X (Twitter): https://x.com/aguyandhisbible TiTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aguyandhisbible allthingsforHim.pl@gmail.com Text: (681) 534-3585 Venmo / CashApp @PatrickRyanLewis Paypal: https://bit.ly/3TMgPRa Stripe: https://bit.ly/3TL5j8F Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/aguyandhisbible Amazon Wishlist https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/AAQACSNG7QKZ?ref_=wl_share #BibleStudy #BookOfJudges #Judges6 #Gideon #Midianites #HereComeTheMidianites #OldTestamentStudy #VerseByVerseBibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #BibleTeaching #ScriptureStudy #JudgesBibleStudy #GodsWord #BiblicalTruth #FaithAndObedience #ChristianYouTube #BibleLesson #JesusChrist #GospelMessage #OldTestament #NETBible #StudyTheBible #ChristianDiscipleship #Faith #Repentance #obediencetogod https://youtu.be/PgGJGjxKFAI

The New Testament is not a separate story. It’s a continuation of the story introduced in the Old Testament and a fulfillment of God’s covenant promises introduced in the first part of the Bible. Explore the literary design of the entire New Testament, from the arrival of Jesus to the fulfillment of God’s restoration of his creation. #NewTestament #BibleStudy #BibleStudyClass #ChristianTeaching #BibleTeaching #WordOfGod #ScriptureStudy #ChristianLearning #KnowTheBible #JesusTeachings #ChristianDiscipleship #FaithInChrist #BibleTruth #ChristianFaith #GospelMessage #BibleStudents #StudyTheWord #ChristianEducation #GrowInFaith #BibleKnowledge

TO BE LIKE JESUS - PART 3A WHY GOD WANTS US TO BE LIKE JESUS - (THE RESTORATION OF OUR IMAGE) (Google Docs link provided at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to open your Bible App for a fluid study experience) Because of the scope of this subject, this section is in two parts (A & B). You may download the free book attached to this series for deeper explanations. In this concluding part, we’ll explore WHY God wants us to be like Jesus (Rom 8:29). In simple terms, being conformed to Christ is the only way God fulfills His purpose for creation in Genesis 1. God created all things for His pleasure, and His purpose must stand (Rev 4:11 KJV, Eph 1:5,9,11, Psa 135:6, Isaiah 46:10). Of all mankind, Jesus alone fully pleased Him (Matt 3:17, 17:5, Isaiah 42:1, John 5:30, 8:29), therefore God desires us to be like Him. Below is the Genesis mandate—the definition and purpose of mankind: Gen 1:26-28 NIV 26 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in OUR IMAGE, in OUR LIKENESS, so that they may RULE … over all the creatures …” 27 So God created mankind in His own Image… 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be FRUITFUL and INCREASE IN NUMBER; fill the earth and subdue it. RULE … over every living creature …” Thus mankind was made in God’s Image, to be fruitful, multiply, and rule. But man sinned by obeying the devil (Gen 2:16-17, 3:1-7). Since one’s a servant of the one they obey (Rom 6:16-18), mankind effectively joined the devil’s rebellion submitting to his will ([Rom 3:23, 6:20, John 8:34, Eph 2:1-3, Titus 3:3], 2 Tim 2:26); thus adopting the sin nature that originated with Satan (John 8:42-44, 1 John 3:8-10). Adam and Eve passed this corrupted image to humanity (Gen 5:1-3, Rom 5:12, 18-19). Hence, humanity no longer reflected God’s PERFECT Image (Rom 3:23). This is the first point of deviation from the Genesis mandate. The sin nature makes perfection impossible (Rom 7:22-25). Therefore God sent His Son, Who took on the SAME weak flesh (Rom 8:3, Heb 2:14-15, 17, Phil 2:5-8); but by the Spirit’s enablement, and a surrendered will, He lived PERFECTLY without sin ([John 3:34, Heb 9:14], Heb 4:15), thus proving that Man can once again reflect God's PERFECT nature (Matt 5:48, Heb 10:14, 2 Cor 3:18, [1 John 2:6, 2 Tim 2:19]). We have no excuse, Jesus Christ was FULLY like us, and God was with Him as He is with us (John 8:29, Heb 13:5, John 14:16-18 NKJV). God's help does not totally eliminate pain, hardships, or temptation ([John 16:33, 1 Cor 15:10, 2 Cor 12:9-10], 1 Cor 10:12-13); neither does it override our will (Psa 19:13, Heb 10:26-27). Similarly, Jesus Christ had freewill (John 10:18), He faced EVERY hardship we do, and despite that chose to OBEY God. Hunger didn’t make Him sell His Birthright (Heb 12:16; Matt 4:2-4); neither did ego (1 Sam 15:22-30; Phil 2:5-11); nor shame and betrayal make Him turn against us (Rom 11:2-4, Jer 12:3-6, 18:18-23; Luke 22:31-34, 23:34, Heb 12:24). He fully experienced our pains, so we have no excuse (1 John 3:3). And if we fall short, we must simply repent and not make excuses to remain in sin (1 John 2:1-2). Jesus was fully Man (Heb 2:17), and fully Divine, but on incarnation He laid aside His Divinity (John 17:5, Phil 2:6-8). While on earth, He became fully Divine due to the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16, John 3:34, Col 1:19). He had to be fully Human, otherwise He couldn't be tempted as we are, because God cannot be tempted (Heb 4:15, James 1:13). He overcame temptation by the Spirit, and by surrendering His will to fulfill ALL that the Holy Spirit caused the prophets to write concerning Him (Matt 26:39, 5:17, 2 Peter 1:20-21). In other words, He kept in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:24-25). Jesus took our image so that we may take His through the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9-10, 2 Peter 1:3-4). He identified with us as “the Son of Man” (Luke 5:20-24, Heb 2:11, 14-17); and now calls us to take His Image (1 Cor 15:45-50), through a surrendered life to the Holy Spirit. And because of that we can become "Children of God" (John 1:12, Rom 8:16, 1 John 3:1). Bearing His Image restores the Genesis mandate, for Jesus is God’s express Image (Col 1:15, John 14:9), and through Him we put on God’s likeness (*Eph 4:12-15, 22-24*). Only through Christ do we become children of God and gain access to dwell with Him (John 1:12, 14:1-6). Understand that God can hear and speak with anyone or any spirit, good or bad (Num 22:9-12, Judges 7:13-15, Job 1:6-7); but only His Children have access to dwell in His Home eternally (John 14:1-3). The devil and everyone else who holds to the image of the sin nature have alternative accommodation in the eternal lake of fire (Rev 20:10, 14-15). God has chosen you to dwell with Him (John 3:16-18, 1 Tim 2:1-6); now the choice is yours (Deut 30:19-20, Josh 24:15). Accepting this invitation requires coming through Christ and allowing the Spirit to purge the sin nature; otherwise, one risks being cast out (Matt 22:9-14). God can easily graft you in, but if you refuse FRUITFULNESS, He can just as easily remove you (John 15:1-6, Rom 11:17-24, Heb 10:26-31). We’ll explore fruitfulness and the rest of the Genesis mandate in Part 3B. Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom! Link to Full Series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Full_Series/ Link for current post (3A): https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3A/ For Part 3B: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3B/ For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity For Paperback or Hardcover copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod For Paperback copies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/ https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/ #BeLikeJesus #ImitateChrist #Christlikeness #ObedienceToGod #WalkInTheSpirit #SpiritLedLife #YieldToTheSpirit #TransformationInChrist #ConformToChrist #ChristianDiscipleship #SpiritualGrowth #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod #God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #TheLivingWord #Theology #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod #Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife