“The Universal Church”

 Excellent teaching by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. It’s important to understand that the invisible Church which is the Bride of Christ, made up of true believers in Christ, is separate from Israel, and indeed from all Old Testament believers.  

Genesis Message 58 The Abrahamic Covenant Transfers to Jacob

The fact is that God had determined in advance who should get it and announced that to Rebecca in Genesis 25: 23. Esau had violated his birthright for a bowl of stew and permanently removed himself from consideration. Now it seems that Isaac is about to attempt a reversal of the birthright over a bowl of venison. Perhaps his taste for venison governed his behavior. With Isaac’s action here Rebecca made a crucial decision to correct this. Most Bible commentators and pastors who elucidate these passages find fault with Jacob for “stealing” the birthright. Nothing could be farther from the …

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Has Satan Tricked Me?

Q. Is it possible to want so much to believe that you can be deceived into believing that Christ died for you? I have been struggling with this issue. The Bible strongly warns that there is an adversary prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour. Can he deceive you to think that you believe in your heart when you only have mental knowledge, no matter how hard you pray? A. No. This cannot happen. If Satan had the power to trick someone who sincerely comes to the Lord in faith and asks to be saved, then …

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CALLED TO COURAGE

Joshua 3:1-17 3 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. 2 And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host; 3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. 4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two …

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Taking Up the Cross

Reflections Taking Up the Cross If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (Matt. 16:24-25) If I am saved — if I am raised in Christ — it is only because I have taken my place in His Cross. That is a once and for all and forever reality. But here we see the working out of that finished reality. We have to progressively relinquish all that is …

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THE POSITIVE POWER OF COURAGE

Obeying the Lord requires bravery—a firmness of spirit that can face crises without retreating Joshua 1:1-9(KJV) 1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, 2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto …

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Who Will You Tell?

Romans 10:14-15 “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” _____________________________________________________________ Many Christians have made a grave error in failing to live this passage out in their lives. The Christian church at large today believes that telling others about Jesus Christ and …

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Abraham’s Lesson on Obedience

We learn from Abraham’s life that God considers obedience essential. Abraham’s Lesson on Obedience Genesis 16 (KJV) 16 Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. 3 And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, …

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Discovering God’s will is a daily process of trust.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (KJV) 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. God’s plan ensures every believer can reach his …

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The Broken Power of Satan

Reflections     Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. (Heb. 2:1)   When Adam sinned and forfeited life from God, he not only died spiritually, but the entire earthly realm over which God had given him dominion was put under a curse. (Gen. 3:17) From that point, nothing could be produced out of the earthly realm that was spiritual. And even the physical that was produced required a great …

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Guided Into All Truth

  Jesus Christ promised that when the Holy Spirit was given that a primary purpose would be to guide believers into all the Truth. (John 16:13) But we must not limit this to merely an understanding of Bible verses, or the ability to develop a correct theology. No. Jesus Christ is the Truth. In short, being guided into all Truth means that we will be guided into a knowledge of Jesus Christ that will set us free from all error. To be guided into all Truth will eventually result in BEING MADE TRUE UNTO GOD. I will know the Truth …

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A Living Hope

Seeking security in health and wealth will disappoint, but true fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ A Living Hope 1 Peter 1:3-5 (KJV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Believers are born into …

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