Can the Bible still be trusted in a skeptical, secular age? In this powerful conversation with homicide detective and Christian apologist J. Warner Wallace, we explore the evidence for the trustworthiness of Scripture, the reliability of the Gospel eyewitness accounts, the prophetic case for Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, and the extra-biblical and archaeological support for the life of Christ. https://coldcasechristianity.com/videos/stop-saying-the-bibles-broken-the-evidence-shreds-modern-skepticism-video/ #ChristianApologetics #ColdCaseChristianity #JWarnerWallace #ChristianWorldview

✝️ THE GOSPEL FROM CALVARY 📅 Monday, 17th August, 2026 🚨 CONTEND FOR THE FAITH! ✝️🔥 📜 TEXT: JUDE 1:1–25 📜 🔑📖 KEY VERSE: «“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” — Jude 1:3 (KJV)» The Christian faith is precious, powerful, and worth defending. In his short but powerful letter, Jude warned believers about false teachers and ungodly influences that had entered among God's people. Jude's message is simple but urgent: DO NOT GIVE UP THE FAITH! 🔥 We live in a world where truth is often questioned, biblical values are increasingly challenged, and many voices compete for our attention. But the believer is called to remain rooted in God's Word and to earnestly contend for the faith. 🔥 THREE LESSONS FROM JUDE 1️⃣ CONTEND FOR THE FAITH. 🛡️📖 Jude 1:3 says: «“...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”» To contend for the faith does not mean fighting people. It means standing firmly for the truth of God's Word. Don't abandon biblical truth because it is unpopular. Don't compromise your convictions because of pressure. Don't change God's standards simply because society has changed. Stand for Christ. Stand for truth. Stand for the Gospel. ✝️🔥 2️⃣ BEWARE OF UNGODLY INFLUENCES. ⚠️ Jude warned that certain ungodly people had secretly entered among the believers. Their presence was dangerous because they could influence others away from the truth. This teaches us that not every teaching, philosophy, lifestyle, or spiritual message should be accepted without examination. 📖 Test what you hear against Scripture. 🙏🏽 Ask God for discernment. 👀 Watch the influences around you. ❤️‍🔥 Protect your relationship with Christ. Be careful what you allow to shape your thinking. 3️⃣ BUILD YOURSELF UP SPIRITUALLY. 🏗️🔥 Jude 1:20–21 gives believers a powerful instruction: «“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God...”» Notice the progression: 📖 Build yourself on the faith. 🙏🏽 Pray in the Holy Ghost. ❤️ Keep yourself in God's love. 👑 Look for the mercy of Jesus Christ unto eternal life. A strong Christian life does not happen accidentally. You must intentionally develop your relationship with God. Pray. Study the Word. Worship. Obey God. Stay connected to Christ. 🛡️ DON'T COMPROMISE YOUR FAITH The pressure to compromise can come from many directions. Friends may pressure you. Society may pressure you. Relationships may pressure you. Entertainment may pressure you. Even people who claim to know God may pressure you. But remember: Your faith is more valuable than acceptance from people. Never exchange eternal truth for temporary popularity. Never exchange holiness for pleasure. Never exchange your relationship with Christ for worldly approval. ❤️‍🔥 HAVE MERCY ON THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING Jude does not only tell believers to defend the faith; he also teaches us how to respond to people who are struggling. Jude 1:22 says: «“And of some have compassion, making a difference.”» There are people who need correction, but they also need compassion. There are people who have wandered, but they can still be restored. There are people who are confused, but God can use you to lead them back to truth. Therefore, stand firmly for truth while showing the love of Christ. ❤️‍🩹✝️ 🔥 KEEP YOURSELF IN THE LOVE OF GOD Jude 1:21 says: «“Keep yourselves in the love of God...”» This does not mean that God's love is weak or that we must earn His love. It is a call to remain in fellowship and obedience to Him. Don't allow sin to become your lifestyle. Don't allow bitterness to occupy your heart. Don't allow worldly desires to take the place of Christ. Stay close to Jesus. 👑 GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU The letter of Jude ends with one of the most beautiful declarations of God's power: «“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” — Jude 1:24» What a powerful assurance! We are called to contend. We are called to watch. We are called to pray. We are called to remain faithful. But ultimately, God is the One who keeps us. 🙏🏽🔥 When you feel weak, He can strengthen you. When you are tempted, He can help you. When you are discouraged, He can restore you. When you are struggling, He can keep you from falling. ✍🏽 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A believer who knows the value of the Gospel will stand firmly for the truth, walk faithfully with Christ, and never trade eternal truth for temporary approval. 🔥✝️ 🙏🏽 PRAYER Heavenly Father, Thank You for the precious gift of salvation and for the faith You have entrusted to us. Give me grace to earnestly contend for the faith. Help me to recognize false teachings and ungodly influences. Give me spiritual discernment to know what is true and courage to stand for Your Word. Build me up in my most holy faith. Teach me to pray consistently and keep me in Your love. Help me to show compassion to those who are struggling and to point them back to Jesus. Lord, keep me from falling. Preserve my faith, strengthen my walk, and help me remain faithful until the end. To You be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, both now and forever. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🙏🏽🔥 📜 THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALMS 73–75 📖 ✝️ THE CALVARY MINISTRY ONLINE Birthright is Evangelism

Hebrews 10:25 (Not forsaking the assembling.) 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Hebrews 10:25 commands us to assemble so that everyone can actively encourage and stir each other up in love (Hebrews 10:24). In 1 Corinthians 14:26, the biblical assembly is where everyone participates not a show where everyone sits silently watching a stage. According to Matthew 18:20, whenever even two or three of us gather in His name, Jesus is right there. Gathering as the church is about active fellowship and home to home community (Acts 2:46), not spectator attendance at a venue. Matthew 5:6 (Hunger and thirst for righteousness.) Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 23:5, 23 But all their works they do to be seen by men. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe... and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. 1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. Jesus said those who hunger for righteousness will be filled, but He defined righteousness as doing the Father’s will in real life (Matthew 7:21) practicing justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23). In Matthew 23:5, Jesus explicitly condemned religious leaders who turned faith into an outward show to be seen by people. True righteousness isn't chasing an emotional high at a service; it is walking in obedience, truth, and love every day (1 John 3:7). Psalm 122:1 (I was glad when they said. Let us go into the house of the Lord) Acts 7:48-49 However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? John 4:21, 23 - Jesus said to her, 'Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. In the Old Testament, Psalm 122 referred to the physical temple in Jerusalem. But under the New Covenant, Acts 7:48 states that God does not live in buildings made by human hands. Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:21-23 that true worship is no longer attached to a physical mountain or venue. 1 Corinthians 3:16 proves that we are the temple of God. A church building is just brick and mortar; we are the house of the Lord wherever we go.

The Fleshy Word. 2 The Kitchen by Omodolapo Ogunye What does it really mean to know Jesus Christ? This episode of The Kitchen takes that question beyond the familiar language of Scripture, doctrine and biblical stories and introduces a profound premise: Jesus Christ is the living Word of God, and the Body of the Word is the detailed revelation of who He is. Drawing from Revelation 1, Colossians 2:9 and other Scriptures, the episode explores the descriptions of Christ's head, eyes, face, hands, feet and voice. These are presented as revelations that help us understand the Person of the Word. The central challenge of the episode is compelling: if we want a fuller knowledge of Christ, we must learn to see and understand His Body. Each member carries its own description, function and value, and together they reveal more of the Person of the Word. This makes The Fleshy Word. 2 an important continuation of the journey into The Body of the Word. It invites the listener to read Scripture differently—not merely looking for verses to quote, but looking for the detailed revelation of the Person whom the Scriptures reveal. I recommend this episode to anyone who wants to go deeper in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Listen carefully, particularly to the way the episode connects the different members of the Body with the identity and attributes of the Word. 🎧 Listen to “The Fleshy Word. 2” on The Kitchen Available on: • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Music • Audible • Deezer Listen to The Kitchen on Acast The Kitchen by Omodolapo Ogunye Celebrating The Body of the Word.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: 5 THINGS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD NEVER COMPROMISE. Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 «“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”» A Christian woman is not called to fit into the world; she is called to shine in the world without becoming part of its darkness. There will be pressure to compromise your convictions for a relationship, a job, money, acceptance, fashion, popularity, or social media approval. But remember this: What you compromise to gain today may become the very thing that destroys your testimony tomorrow. You can lose money and recover it. You can lose an opportunity and find another. You can lose popularity and still be fulfilled. But when you lose your character, convictions, and fellowship with God, the cost can be far greater. A godly woman must learn to say: “I would rather disappoint people than disappoint God.” 1. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Matthew 6:33 «“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…”» Before you are a wife, mother, professional, entrepreneur, student, minister, or friend, you are first a woman created by God. Your relationship with God must not become secondary because life becomes busy. Do not abandon prayer because you have entered a relationship. Do not abandon the Word because you have become successful. Do not stop attending fellowship because you have become comfortable. Do not allow a relationship to replace your relationship with Christ. Deep Spiritual Insight Anything that takes God's rightful place in your heart eventually becomes an idol. A Christian woman must be able to say: “God is not part of my life; God is the foundation of my life.” Practical Action - Maintain a consistent prayer life. - Study God's Word. - Fellowship with other believers. - Guard your spiritual environment. - Put God first in your decisions. 2. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURITY AND CHARACTER 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 «“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…”» The world may tell you that purity is outdated. It is not. Holiness is not old-fashioned. Holiness is still God's standard. Your body is not merely an instrument for attracting attention. It is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Paul reminds believers that their bodies belong to God. Therefore, do not allow desperation for marriage, money, attention, or acceptance to push you into sexual immorality or compromising situations. A woman of God must understand: Your value is not determined by who desires you. Your value is determined by the God who created you. Biblical Example: Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Joseph was tempted privately when nobody appeared to be watching. But Joseph said: «“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” — Genesis 39:9» Notice what Joseph considered most important. He did not say, “What will people say?” He said, “I cannot sin against God.” That must also be the conviction of every Christian woman. 3. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR IDENTITY AND GOD-GIVEN VALUE Psalm 139:14 «“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”» Social media can make women compare themselves with other women. One woman looks more beautiful. Another appears richer. Another has a successful marriage. Another has thousands of followers. Another seems to have everything together. But remember: Comparison can make you despise what God created. You don't have to become somebody else to become valuable. God created you intentionally. Your identity should not be built on: - Physical appearance - Relationship status - Wealth - Social media validation - People's opinions - Titles - Material possessions Your identity must be rooted in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 You are part of a chosen generation and a royal priesthood. Therefore, don't sell your identity cheaply for acceptance. You are God's workmanship before you are anybody's girlfriend, wife, employee, friend, or follower. 4. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR VALUES FOR MONEY OR SUCCESS Proverbs 11:1 «“A false balance is abomination to the LORD…”» There is nothing wrong with wanting success. There is nothing wrong with building a business. There is nothing wrong with becoming financially independent. But success without integrity is failure wearing expensive clothes. Never lie to make money. Never cheat to get ahead. Never sleep with someone to secure an opportunity. Never participate in corruption because “everybody is doing it.” Never allow financial pressure to destroy your principles. Biblical Example: The Virtuous Woman Proverbs 31:25 «“Strength and honour are her clothing…”» The woman described in Proverbs 31 was productive, hardworking, intelligent, business-minded, generous, and responsible. She was not weak. She was a woman of strength and honour. God does not require Christian women to be unsuccessful. He requires them to be faithful while pursuing success. 5. NEVER COMPROMISE YOUR PURPOSE AND GODLY INFLUENCE Esther 4:14 «“And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”» Esther was positioned in the palace for a purpose. Her position was not merely for comfort. It was an opportunity to influence history. Every Christian woman has influence somewhere. You may influence: - Your children - Your husband - Your workplace - Your church - Your community - Your generation - Your social media audience - Young people watching your life Never underestimate your influence. Titus 2:3-5 Older Christian women are instructed to teach and guide younger women. This means Christian women are not merely recipients of spiritual knowledge. They are also carriers and transmitters of godly wisdom. Your life is preaching something even when your mouth is closed. The question is: What is your life preaching? BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: HANNAH 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Hannah experienced deep emotional pain because she had no child. She was mocked and misunderstood. Yet she took her pain to God. She did not allow her disappointment to destroy her faith. She prayed. She waited. She trusted. And eventually, God answered her with Samuel. Lesson for Christian Women Your current situation is not necessarily your final chapter. You may be waiting for: - Marriage - Children - Financial breakthrough - Career advancement - Healing - Ministry growth - Restoration But don't compromise while waiting. Never exchange your destiny for temporary relief. Hannah waited before God, and her story changed. 5 QUESTIONS EVERY CHRISTIAN WOMAN SHOULD ASK HERSELF 1. What am I tempted to compromise because I desperately want something? 2. Has any relationship become more important to me than God? 3. Does my private life agree with my public Christian testimony? 4. Am I allowing society or social media to determine my value? 5. If Jesus examined my decisions today, would I be proud of them? PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS 1. Establish non-negotiable convictions. Decide beforehand what you will and will not compromise. 2. Choose relationships wisely. Anyone who constantly pushes you away from God is not helping your destiny. 3. Protect your private life. Character is revealed by what you do when nobody is watching. 4. Build your identity in Christ. Know God's Word concerning who you are. 5. Find godly women to learn from. Don't walk alone. Learn from mature Christian women who have walked with God through different seasons of life. POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, give me the grace to love You above everything else, in Jesus' name. 2. Lord, strengthen me to stand for righteousness when I am under pressure to compromise. 3. Father, protect my heart, mind, body, and destiny from ungodly influences. 4. Lord, deliver me from comparison, insecurity, and the need for human approval. 5. Father, give me wisdom to recognize relationships and opportunities that are not from You. 6. Lord, help me to pursue success without sacrificing my integrity. 7. Father, let my life become a godly example to the generation coming after me. 8. Lord, restore every woman who has fallen through compromise and give her the grace to rise again. CALL TO ACTION Dear woman of God, you don't have to compromise to be accepted. You don't have to compromise to get married. You don't have to compromise to become successful. You don't have to compromise to become beautiful. You don't have to compromise to become influential. You don't have to compromise to survive. God is able to bless you without destroying you. The world may tell you: “Everybody is doing it.” But you must say: “I am not everybody. I belong to Christ.” When everybody is bowing, stand. When everybody is compromising, stand. When everybody is pursuing popularity, pursue holiness. When everybody is choosing temporary pleasure, choose eternal purpose. Your beauty will fade. Your possessions will pass away. Your popularity may disappear. But a life that honours God will leave an eternal testimony. Final Declaration I will not compromise my faith. I will not compromise my purity. I will not compromise my identity. I will not compromise my integrity. I will not compromise my purpose. I am a woman of God. I belong to Christ. My life has purpose. My body is God's temple. My character is my treasure. My faith is my foundation. And by the grace of God, I will stand! “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30 Stand firm, woman of God. Your generation needs the woman God has called you to become. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://amazon.com/author/umohedembooks CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com

❤️HOW TO KNOW GOD'S WILL FOR IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN YOUR LIFE. Part 6 of 6. How God Makes Known His Will for Specific Decisions and Needs. Continued. In both instances, what we experience by-passes the mind or intellect. Both the witness within our spirits, and the inner voice of the Holy Spirit may at times go contrary to our personal feelings and emotions" regarding some matter but we will know, nevertheless, what God's will is concerning the situation and what we should do. Feelings and emotions can deceive or confuse us if we rely entirely upon them, for this is the realm in which both Satan and the intellect reign; whereas the enlightened spirit of a Christian, and the voice of God's Spirit within will always guide us correctly if we will listen to them (Jn. 16:13) 1 Cor. 2:10-16; 1 Jn. 2:27). Of course, usually what we feel about a situation will be in harmony with what we are inwardly impressed to do, but it is not our feelings or emotions through which God's will is imparted to us. Inasmuch as God frequently desires to alert us to some spiritual or physical danger, prepare us with regarding some event that is about to occur, or inform us concerning His will about some present or future matter, then it is imperative that we become sensitive to the inner voice of the Spirit if we are to hear Him when He speaks. It is a real blessing to be so sensitive to the Spirit's voice that you know when you are moving in the will of God. Being yielded to the Spirit is the secret of being "fruitful in every good work." When we are fully yielded to Him, and sensitive to His voice, then we can always move with Him, fulfilling God's will, and we will not have to waste time planning and scheming, or running all over the place hoping that we are doing God's will and fulfilling His purpose. By Prophecy Occasionally God will inform us of His will regarding some matter, or concerning some problem about which we are praying, through prophecy or the ministry gift of the prophet. Generally, this will be a confirmation of what He has already been speaking inwardly to us about, and not the giving of guidance by prophecy as such. It cannot be overemphasized that it is God's purpose to lead the Christian inwardly by His Spirit or the inward witness (Rom. 8:14; 1 Cor. 2:14-16). Christians are not to seek guidance through prophecy or visions, inasmuch as some people have been misdirected or led astray, sometimes with serious consequences, on the basis of an alleged prophecy or revelation given to them by some overzealous individual who felt that he (or she) had an anointing to "prophesy" to them. In one case a minister who was sure that he had been led of the Spirit to leave a certain church to minister in another place was then prophesied to by a self-appointed prophetess and told that the Lord wanted him to return to the former church which he had recently left. This left him thoroughly confused as to what he was supposed to do, not knowing which of the two conflicting "revelations" was from the Lord. In two other instances, certain individuals who were seeking guidance were informed by overzealous Christians with an "anointing" that they were to move to a certain city and state as this was God's will for them. In neither case was the guidance from the Lord. Some Christians have actually been appointed to some office such as prophet, teacher, elder, or evangelist, and some Christian groups have been set in "divine order" by misguided individuals who interpret emotional feeling, spiritual enthusiasm, or actual delusion by Satan, as an anointing to prophesy. In other instances, a genuine anointing to speak in tongues or to minister the simple gift of prophecy to the church for "edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (1 Cor. 14:3) was misdirected to some particular individual and ended up as personal guidance coming forth from their own spirits instead of the Holy Spirit. In another instance, a woman "prophesied" to the leader of a group that it was time to discontinue teaching them, as God wanted them to begin to stand on their own feet without teaching. Shortly after his ministry was terminated, the leader of the group realized the mistake and contacted him three times wanting to know if he thought the prophecy had been genuine, inasmuch as it was obvious to all that they had not reached such a place of spiritual maturity where they no longer needed Biblical teaching. Christians should not seek guidance by prophecy or visions. We have reference here only to the attempt to seek or give guidance by means of personal prophecy or revelation through some over zealous individual, not to prophecy and visions in general which God does give to His Church for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor.14:3; Joel 2:28-29). Occasionally, God Himself chooses to speak to us through prophecy and vision in order to lead us, but in every case it will be in harmony with His Word, and it will authenticated by the fact that it is usually a confirmation of what the Spirit has already shown to us personally. Also, occasionally, prophecy becomes the means by which God leads us in order to fulfill His will about some important matter. By Scriptural Teaching; One of the most important channels through which God desires to speak to His people and reveal His will to them is one that few people recognize and appreciate as they should, and that is through the ministry of biblical teaching. Frequently, in a meeting people will come and ask for an appointment for spiritual counseling concerning some question or problem confronting them. Instead, they should first plan to attend all the teaching sessions, inasmuch as God has sent this ministry into their midst at this time to help solve such problems as this for which they feel they need counseling, and that He often gives the necessary guidance through the teaching. On several occasions people who have taken such advice have come afterward and stated that they no longer were in need of counseling as God had given them the answers they needed through the teaching ministry. Certainly God knows the various problems and needs of His people, and that it would be impossible for any one minister to deal with everyone individually who requests counseling and help. Therefore, through the teaching ministry He provides the solution for those who are willing to pay the cost of sacrificing some of their time and interest in other things to avail themselves of it. Sadly, there are some individuals who will not do this. They will insist that you give them individual attention and special time, as they believe that their problems are of such a nature to warrant it, but at the same time they will not avail themselves of the ministry God has sent into their midst to help them. It is useless to expect God to give you special guidance and revelation about some matter when you do not avail yourself of the biblical ministry that He is sending into your locality for precisely this purpose. Your problems and the decisions you must make are not really much different from those of most other Christians. It is only because they affect you personally that you think this. And even if your problems were unusually different, nevertheless, there are certain spiritual principles set forth in God's Word which can be brought forth through teaching which will show you how to deal with your situation and what your responsibility is with regard to it. We have found this to be true time and again. For example, some faith principle which can be applied for healing a disease can also be used to solve a financial or marital problem, if you know what it is and how to apply it. But one must be willing to avail himself of the teaching ministry and literature available in order to learn these truths, for "faith cometh by hearing the Word" (Rom. 10:17). For instance, such passages as Matthew 18:19, Mark 11:22-24; John 14:14; 1 John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:19, and Psalm 37:4 have almost limitless potential for fulfilling practically any need of every description when the believer knows how to apply them and accepts their validity for today. For the thousands who accept the responsibility of learning how to live and walk by faith themselves, they discover that they are able, not only to help themselves, but also liberate others from their problems and oppression. God desires for us to mature to the place where we do not constantly need to be ministered to, but can minister to others and their needs. Through Circumstances; Sometimes God confirms His will to us through circumstances, controlling or changing events in such a way that we are able to recognize His providential hand at work to fulfill His purpose in our lives. God informed Abraham that his descendants would spend 400 years in Egypt before He would bring them forth to inherit the Promised Land (Gen. 15). At the time God told him this, Abraham did not have a single descendant, for as yet Isaac had not been born. From this time, we see God beginning to bring His will for Israel to pass through the providential control of circumstances and events. Twenty-five years later Isaac is born by a miracle to Sarah, who is barren. His son Jacob in turn has twelve sons, one of whom is Joseph, his favorite. Because of envy his brothers sell him into slavery into Egypt, which begins a new phase of the fulfillment of God's plan to get Abraham's descendants into Egypt, a famine later compelling Jacob and all of his descendants to migrate there to live. After several years of hardship and adversity, Joseph had been miraculously elevated to a high position in Egypt by Pharaoh, a divine foresight to prepare the way for the Israelites. Thus, their arrival in Egypt was no accident, nor were they merely victims of circumstances, but we are clearly shown the providential control of God throughout, a fact which Joseph himself discerned (Gen. 50:20). The fulfillment of God's plan for our lives often depends, to some degree at least, upon our awareness of His providential working and controlling our daily affairs and experiences. As stated previously, God's plan for your life did not begin when you were born or when you were converted, but the Scriptures declare that the believer was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world and called to fulfill His glorious plan and purpose (Rom. 8:28-30, Eph. 1:3-6), Moreover, God has often been working in the circumstances of your life for months or years before He reveals some aspect of His purpose to you. We are not to seek guidance by asking God to reveal His will to us through outward circumstances generally, but as we pray for His leading, usually He will impress upon us what course of action to take. Frequently, He will then confirm this inward leading through circumstances and events in our lives, which, if we are spiritually observant enough, can be discerned. CONCLUSION. We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col. 1:9) The Apostle prays. It is not sufficient just to have a knowledge of God's will, but as the quotation above indicates, we must also have spiritual wisdom and understanding to be able to apply it and profit from it. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly and effectively. Solomon knew God's will for his life - he was chosen to be the King of Israel. But he was also aware that if he was to succeed in this task and fulfill God's will as he should, then he would need more than mere human wisdom and the limited understanding man acquires through study and by experience so he prayed for the impartation of divine wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Thus, it is one thing to know God's will; it is another to have the wisdom and understanding to apply it. A man may know a very great deal, and yet not be a wise man. Occasionally, for example, we see a student who graduates from college with a high academic standing sometimes fail completely in some career or profession which he has chosen, simply because he lacks the wisdom to apply his knowledge in a practical way to his life. A wise Christian, therefore, is not just one who knows His Lord's will, but he is one who also understands how to use this knowledge in the proper place, in the proper way, and at the proper time. For instance, every believer knows, on the basis of Jesus' clear teaching in John 15, that the Christian is called to "bear fruit." But the mere possession of the knowledge of this fact does not impart to the believer the wisdom to accomplish it, for the churches are literally exhausting themselves in all manner of religious programs and activities in an effort to accomplish God's will in this regard, without any significant achievement. It is one thing for the Christian to know that he has been called to bear fruit, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal to him the understanding that it is not in doing, but in dying that we bear fruit (Jn. 12:24). Paul's prayer is that "you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ... being fruitful in every good work" (Col. 1:9-10), revealing, thereby, that fruitfulness does not lie merely in knowing God's will, but also in possessing the spiritual wisdom and understanding to apply it. As was shown earlier, fruitfulness is not merely religious activity, such as serving in two or three offices in the church, visiting as many homes as possible in the community to invite people to church, giving out tracts, busyness with churchwork, attending all the services, reading the Bible through at least once a year, and so on. Fruitfulness does not come by religious commotion, but through crucifixion; not by doing, but by dying. God calls no one to work for Him, but to learn to move with Him. This truth is not something one can discern with reason or intellect, but comes as a result of the impartation of divine wisdom and understanding to those who ask for it, "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Prov. 2:6 ). Again, it is one thing to know that the believer is called to experience a measure of trials and tests of his faith (1 Pet. 2:19f; Jam. 1:2-4), but human wisdom will never help him to see the eternal purpose in those trials, nor enable him to respond in such a way that he will profit and not lose by such sufferings and testing. It requires divine wisdom and understanding to meet temptations, and to bear trials, so that such testing, instead of depressing and defeating the believer, will be able to accomplish God's will and purpose in his life. It requires divine understanding for him to see that Romans 8:28 is valid for him in time of trial and adversity, as well as in time of prosperity and blessing. Thus, when you seek a knowledge of God's will for your life, and for making decisions in important matters, also ask Him for wisdom and spiritual understanding to apply the knowledge He imparts to you, for the Scriptures tell us– Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Prov. 4:7). Amen and amen! Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

🔥 PART 3 — IF NOBODY CAN CORRECT YOU, YOU ARE IN DANGER Can anybody correct you without you becoming angry or defensive? Pride can make us believe that we are always right. It can make us reject advice simply because we don't like who is giving it. But wisdom listens. You don't have to accept every criticism—but don't reject every correction. Pause. Listen. Pray. “Lord, what can I learn from this?” A humble heart doesn't say, “I know everything.” It says: “Teach me.” 🙏 📖 Proverbs 12:15 🔥 Part 4 is coming: When Success Becomes a Test. Follow Life Light TV and continue this biblical motivation series. Stay Humble. Stay Teachable. Stay Blessed. #Pride #Humility #BiblicalMotivation #ChristianMotivation #Bible #Jesus #God #Faith #Christianity #LifeLightTV #Gospel #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth

Are You an Intentional Christian? By Pastor Joseph Clark Life does not simply happen to us. At least, it should not. There are circumstances we cannot control. There are things that happen to us that we never anticipated, and there are seasons when we have little choice over what comes our way. But within all of that, God has given us something extraordinarily important: The freedom to choose how we will live before Him. We should never be content merely to hope that our faith is genuine. We are called to deliberately follow Christ, deliberately obey His Word, deliberately love others, deliberately serve, deliberately grow—and deliberately bear fruit. The Christian life is not a spectator sport. Let me be absolutely clear: we are not saved by our good works. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not something we earn through religious accomplishments or our own efforts. We cannot purchase forgiveness by doing enough good deeds. We cannot impress God into saving us. Paul writes: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works.” Ephesians 2:8–9 Amen. But sometimes Christians stop reading there. The very next verse says: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 Notice the order. We are not saved by good works. We are saved for good works. Works are not the root of our salvation; they are supposed to be the fruit of our salvation. That distinction is absolutely essential. A person does not become a Christian because he produces fruit. Rather, because he has been brought into Christ, his life should increasingly begin to produce fruit. I have observed that some Christians use the “by faith, not works” argument as a cop-out to justify a lazy, fruitless walk. Jesus Himself said: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:16 He did not say, “Don’t worry about fruit because you believe.” He said: “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Matthew 7:17 There is a dangerous misunderstanding that can sometimes enter Christian thinking. A person says, “I am saved by faith and not works.” That statement is true. But then he concludes, “Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether my life produces anything.” That conclusion is not biblical. James puts the matter bluntly: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 James isn’t teaching that we purchase salvation by our deeds. He is teaching that genuine faith is living faith. If I tell you that I have a fire burning in my house, but you enter the house and find no heat, no light, no flame, and no evidence whatsoever of fire, you would have good reason to question my claim. In the same way, if someone claims to belong to Christ but deliberately refuses to grow, refuses to obey, refuses to serve, refuses to love, refuses to forgive, and refuses to bear any spiritual fruit, we should not simply congratulate that person by saying, “Well, you’re saved by faith, so none of that matters.” Jesus never taught such complacency. Consider one of the most sobering statements Jesus ever made. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus describes people who will stand before Him on the day of judgment. They will say that they did things in His name. And Jesus will say: “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:23 That should cause every professing Christian to pause. Jesus did not say, “You weren’t sincere enough.” He did not say, “You didn’t perform enough religious deeds.” He said, “I never knew you.” The issue is ultimately relationship with Christ. Likewise, Jesus gives a similar warning in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Some of the virgins were complacent and unprepared for the bridegroom. When he arrived, they were shut out of the wedding feast. The warning is unmistakable: we must not live carelessly or presume upon the grace of God. A person can say the right things, use Christian vocabulary, attend church, perform religious activities, and even speak about Jesus—and yet not actually belong to Him. This is why we should never merely sit back and say, “I hope my faith is genuine.” We should examine our lives. We should pursue Christ. We should repent when we sin. We should seek holiness. We should love our neighbor. We should forgive. We should serve. We should pray. We should study God’s Word. We should proclaim the Gospel. We should bear fruit. Not because these things purchase our salvation—but because Christ has saved us and called us to live differently. Our fruitfulness should also be expressed through obedience to Christ’s Great Commission. Jesus said: “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” John 15:16 That is not passive language. Go. Bear fruit. Christ did not save us so that we could sit comfortably on the sidelines of Christianity. He called us into a life of purpose. Jesus also said: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8 There is that word again: fruit. Fruit is evidence of life. Wake Up and Bear Fruit Do you see what is happening in this fallen world today? Paganism. False religions. They are boldly, deliberately, and intentionally seeking to influence and claim the hearts and minds of people throughout the world. Our answer should be bold, fruitful evangelism! Wake up! Use your God-given gifts in any way you can to share His Gospel. An apple tree doesn’t produce apples in order to become an apple tree. It produces apples because it is an apple tree. Likewise, Christians don’t perform good works in order to become God’s children. We bear fruit because, through faith in Christ, God has made us His children. This brings us back to our central question: What are you going to do with the life God has given you? You cannot choose every circumstance. But you can choose whether you will trust God in those circumstances. You can choose whether you will forgive. You can choose whether you will serve. You can choose whether you will encourage someone who is discouraged. You can choose whether you will open your Bible. You can choose whether you will pray. You can choose whether you will share your faith. You can choose whether you will repent. You can choose whether you will obey Christ when obedience is difficult. You can choose whether your Christianity will be merely something you claim—or something you deliberately live. Paul told the Philippians: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 Paul did not mean, “Work for your salvation.” He was writing to people who were already Christians. The meaning is that the salvation God has worked into your life should be worked out in the way you live. Your faith should become visible. Your character should change. Your priorities should change. Your relationships should change. Your choices should change. Your life should increasingly resemble the Christ you profess to follow. There is a difference between saying, “I hope I’m a faithful Christian,” and saying, “By the grace of God, I will deliberately seek to become a faithful Christian.” The first can become passive. The second is intentional. What Will You Do With What God Has Given You? Do you remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30? Are you the servant who was given one talent and buried it in the ground rather than using it? To that servant, the master said: “You wicked, lazy servant!” Matthew 25:26 The judgment concludes: “And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30 Or are you the servant to whom the Lord will say: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21 Let me pause and ask you right now: Is this message off-putting to you? Does this message offend you? If so, ask yourself: Why? Why does God’s Word—and a message consistent with His Word—bother you? And don’t misunderstand me: you cannot manufacture spiritual fruit through human strength. Jesus said: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 Fruit comes from abiding in Christ. But abiding in Christ is not passive indifference. We choose to remain close to Him. We choose obedience. We choose repentance. We choose prayer. We choose service. We choose faithfulness. We choose to say yes when Christ calls. In the Parable of the Talents, one servant received one talent and buried it. He did not steal it. He did not destroy it. He simply did nothing with it. When the master returned, the servant had an excuse. But the master condemned him. Why? Because what had been entrusted to him was intended to be used. There is a warning here for Christians who have been given time, abilities, opportunities, spiritual gifts, knowledge, and resources but deliberately refuse to use them for God’s purposes. God did not give you your life merely to consume it. He gave you a life that can be offered back to Him. Jesus also told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. The owner came looking for fruit and found none. The tree was occupying valuable ground, but it was not fulfilling the purpose for which it existed. That should make us think. What is your Christian life producing? Are people encouraged because you know Christ? Are people helped because you serve? Are people forgiven because you have learned to forgive? Are people hearing the Gospel because you are willing to speak? Are people seeing Christ in your conduct? Are you becoming more patient? More loving? More humble? More truthful? More generous? More courageous? More obedient? Has God given you talents or resources such as public influence, good oratory, conversational skills, a good computer, social media, or other online tools? Use them for Christ. Do you enjoy Christian podcasts, Christian articles, or Christian music? Share them online with others. Do you know someone who is in need or grieving? Be present to them. Let them know you are praying for them. Pray for them! Make a prayer list and pray daily. Pray for this fallen world. Reassure others of the coming of Christ. Use whatever God has entrusted to you to advance His Kingdom and proclaim His Gospel. What fruit is your life producing? You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Be Fruitful You don’t have to be famous to be fruitful. You don’t have to preach to thousands. You don’t have to write books. You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit. A mother raising her children in the faith can be fruitful. A man encouraging a discouraged neighbor can be fruitful. A Christian visiting the lonely can be fruitful. Someone praying faithfully for another person can be fruitful. A believer forgiving an enemy can be fruitful. A Christian refusing to participate in gossip can be fruitful. Someone quietly giving to help another person can be fruitful. Fruitfulness isn’t necessarily spectacular. Sometimes the greatest Christian fruit is produced quietly, where only God sees it. Jesus said: “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:4 Your life will not be perfect. You will fail. You will sin. You will sometimes become discouraged. You will occasionally make terrible decisions. But don’t confuse failure with fruitlessness. A fruitful Christian is not a perfect Christian. A fruitful Christian is an obedient Christian who keeps turning toward Christ. When he falls, he gets back up. When he sins, he repents. When he fails, he seeks God’s grace. When he becomes discouraged, he keeps walking. When God opens a door, he walks through it. When Christ calls, he responds. That is deliberate Christianity. So don’t merely sit back and hope that your faith is genuine. Pursue Christ. Don’t use salvation by faith as an excuse for spiritual laziness. Bear fruit. Don’t try to earn God’s love through good works. Serve because you have already received His grace. Don’t live as though your life is something that merely happens to you. By the grace of God, choose to make it count. Jesus said: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” And He also said: “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” The Christian life is not about earning salvation. It is about living out the salvation you have received. So get up. Pray. Believe. Repent. Obey. Serve. Love. Forgive. Speak. Give. Go. Create content. Share content. Practice charity. Use your talents in any way you can to share the Kingdom of Christ and reach pagans, non-believers, and those who do not yet know Jesus Christ. Bear fruit. You have been given one life. Don’t merely wait to see what happens to it. With Christ, deliberately choose what you will do with it. And may your life bear fruit—not for your own glory, but for the glory of the One who saved you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN. AMEN. AMEN!

The Remnant Bible Academy Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word. 100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost. Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life. Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge. A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community. Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity. https://remnantbibleacademy.com/

The Remnant Bible Academy Are you ready to move beyond a Sunday sermon and build a rock-solid biblical foundation? Join Remnant Bible Academy and transform your study of God's Word. 100% Free Access: Enjoy full access to all courses at zero cost. Learn on Your Schedule: Self-paced learning means no deadlines or pressure—fit deep study right into your busy life. Strong Biblical Foundation: Gain a clear, structured understanding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Comprehensive & Prayerfully Curated: Dive into engaging courses specifically designed to strengthen your faith and biblical knowledge. A Fellowship of Believers: Connect, share insights, and grow alongside fellow disciples in our student-only community. Deepen Your Faith: Develop a solid Christian worldview to navigate culture, morality, and life with confidence and spiritual clarity. https://remnantbibleacademy.com/