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All Spiritual Blessings are IN CHRIST

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

From this verse we learn that those who are “IN CHRIST” have been given spiritual blessings. There is a very important distinction being made by this verse; those “IN CHRIST” from those who are “OUTSIDE of CHRIST.”

Paul describes those who are (or were) outside of Christ: “…who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Eph 2:1-3), and “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12, emphasis added seb). There’s more going on in these chapters, but for our discussion we must recognize that there are NO SPIRITUAL blessings for anyone OUTSIDE OF CHRIST! This must serve as a warning for everyone. Living outside of Christ is like standing exposed in the open wilderness during a ferocious storm—far beyond the sturdy walls of a fortified city or the secure shelter of a stormproof refuge.

The winds howl, lightning cracks without mercy, torrents of rain lash, and unseen predators circle in the darkness. Every step is perilous: the ground shifts underfoot, thunder drowns out any cry for help, and the cold seeps into the bones with no warmth to counter it. There is no barrier against the elements, no refuge from judgment, no covering from the wrath to come. There’s only vulnerability, isolation, and inevitable ruin.

Jesus Himself described this danger vividly in the parable of the two builders (Matthew 7:24-27): The foolish man built his house upon the sand. When the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Outside of Christ, life is built on shifting, unstable ground. No matter how impressive the structure appears, the inevitable storms of life, temptation, trial, and final judgment will sweep it away completely.

In stark contrast, the wise man built his house upon the rock. The same rain fell, the same floods came, the same winds blew and beat upon that house—yet it stood: for it was founded upon a rock.

Do you remember what Jesus declared to Peter in Matthew 16:18? “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” That Rock is Christ!

ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS ARE IN CHRIST!

Agape
Spencer

who defines good fruit?

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“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

The Bible uses agricultural metaphors to describe spiritual reality: some speak of fruitful branches connected to the true vine (Jesus), bringing glory to the Father and proving genuine discipleship (John 15:8), while others warn of land (or lives) that produce only thorns and briers—unfruitful, rejected, near cursing, and destined for burning (Heb 6:8).

Jesus teaches that true character is revealed by what we produce (e.g., Matthew 7:16–20, no grapes from thornbushes). The contrast is stark: fruitful lives reflect connection to Christ and yield good things (love, obedience, character, good works), while thorn-bearing lives show disconnection, barrenness, or harm.

Here’s a good question; who defines what is fruit and what are thorns? That’s the crucial question, isn’t it? In a world full of opinions, subjective morality, and cultural shifts, who gets to decide what counts as good fruit (fruitful, glorifying to God) versus thorns and briers (unfruitful, worthless, harmful, or rebellious)?

Before we look into bearing fruit, let’s answer the question. The Bible warns about human centered standards that lead astray, and produce unfruitful or harmful outcomes.

Who Doesn’t Define GOOD FRUIT?
TRADITIONS of men can never define good fruit (Mark 7:7). Traditions often elevate above or nullify God’s command. The danger is in the possibility of practicing vain worship that cannot honor nor glorify God.

HEART (“It feels right to me”) “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). The danger lies in self-deception; what “feels good” can justify sin or error, yielding thorns of pride and rebellion instead of humble submission to God’s revealed will. Our feelings never override God’s word.

OPINIONS of men or of the majority. Naaman is a perfect example of this. Despite his terrible condition, his opinion about how it was to be done turned him in a rage away from the cure. “I thought… Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage” (2Kings 5:11-12). The danger lies in following hapless & happy ignorant mobs into destruction, (Matt 7:13-14; 15:14).

RELIGIOUS performance to be seen of men. Jesus highlighted those who practiced their religion to “be seen of men” (Matt 23:5-7; 6:2,5,16). He went onto say, “Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” The danger lies in that showmanship never produces lasting fruit. Kudos from men is a lousy reward (Galatians 1:10).

NICE in appearance masks the rotten fruit. Paul warned repeatedly about masquerade parties. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2Cor 11:14; 2Pet 2:1-3; Acts 20:29-30). The danger is in the subtle seduction of charming exteriors that hides the destructive heresies, leading souls astray.

SEASONAL TRENDS shift like winds. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Fads come and go, but the word of the Lord endures forever (1Peter 1:24-25). Chasing novelties yields fleeting, unprofitable results rather than enduring fruit rooted in Christ’s truth. The danger is immaturity and instability.

Good fruit is defined solely by God’s revealed Word. Relying on unreliable sources risks producing thorns (worthless, harmful growth) that leads to rejection. Abide in the doctrine of Christ alone for fruit that glorifies the Father.

Agape
spencer

WILL SILVER HIT $100?

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But there’s something better.

Since January of 2025 silver has skyrocketed from around $30 an ounce to over $90 as of this writing. Most of the gain happening in only the last 90 days.

The 1-year chart for silver prices, spanning from early 2025 to mid-January 2026, illustrates a classic pattern of gradual, persistent upward momentum that eventually culminates in dramatic gains. The metals prices have exhibited a slow, uneven climb through much of the year, with periods of consolidation, minor pullbacks, and steady accumulation. This incremental progress—often just a few percentage points month-over-month—built the foundation for an explosive breakout in late 2025 and early 2026, propelling silver to new all-time highs. The graph resembles many long-term growth phenomena: a compounding curve where small, consistent advances compound into life changing results, turning what seems modest & boring into something extraordinary.

The silver growth chart serves as a powerful metaphor for the value of small incremental growth in any domain—whether personal development, skill-building, financial habits, or spiritual disciplines. Just as silver didn’t surge overnight but accumulated value through persistent upward pressure over time, meaningful change rarely comes from flashy, one-time efforts; it emerges from daily, seemingly minor choices that compound relentlessly. A few minutes of reading Scripture each day may feel insignificant in the moment, yet over years, these habits forge profound transformation. The Bible echoes this principle in passages like Proverbs 13:11 “Wealth gained hastily dwindles, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it,” reminding us that lasting growth often stems from patient, incremental faithfulness rather than shortcuts.

But there’s more…
While people are frantically buying (or selling) to capitalize on this phenomenal growth, there is something far greater than silver and gold combined. The Scriptures repeatedly declare that the Word of God surpasses even the most glittering earthly treasures. As Proverbs 8:19 proclaims, wisdom of God is “better than gold, yea, than fine gold,” and its revenue exceeds choice silver. Psalm 119:72 echoes this, “the law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver,” while Psalm 19:10 describes God’s precepts as “more to be desired… than gold, yea, than much fine gold” and sweeter than honey. These verses remind us that no amount of precious metal—however explosive its appreciation—can match the eternal value, guidance, joy, and life-giving power found in God’s unchanging Word.

Putting it all together, as the markets frenzy over silver’s explosive growth, the Scriptures reveal an infinitely superior treasure that grows through small, faithful, daily habits of reading, meditating, and obedience to God’s word. Little by little we will gain great and precious gems that work in our hearts that compounds into spiritual riches eclipsing any earthly gain. The precious treasures of unshakable wisdom, lasting joy, eternal security, as we “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18).

Agape
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Happy New Year: 2026 Bible Reading Plan

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BIBLE READING RESOLUTION

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

I asked a fellow one day if he knew why people read the Bible daily. He said that he didn’t really know why. It got me thinking about why we ought to read the Bible.

In a world filled with confusion, relativism, and aimless wandering, we desperately need to immerse ourselves in the Bible, God’s inspired Word. As Ephesians 5:17 urges, we must not live foolishly but understand the WILL OF THE LORD, which is revealed clearly through Scripture. John 17:17 declares that GOD’S WORD IS TRUTH ITSELF; the objective anchor in an age of shifting sand of public opinions, guarding us from deception. Moreover, 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to always BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE FOR THE HOPE WITHIN US, a readiness that comes only from knowing and internalizing biblical truth. Finally, recognizing that it is not in man to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23), we turn to Psalm 119:105, where GOD’S WORD BECOMES A LAMP TO OUR FEET AND A LIGHT TO OUR PATH, illuminating our purpose and guiding us safely through life’s journey. Without regular reading of the Bible, we stumble in darkness; with it, we walk confidently in God’s eternal direction.

Get A Bookmark; it’s the easiest Bible Reading Plan.
A simple bookmark can be one of the most powerful tools for staying consistent in Bible reading, even without following a formal plan. Life is unpredictable with busy schedules, unexpected interruptions, and shifting priorities that can easily derail our good intentions to read Scripture daily. But a bookmark quietly solves this problem by marking exactly where we left off, so we know where to go when we pick back up the Bible again. No need to remember the last chapter or verse, no pressure to “catch up” on missed days, and no guilt over abandoning a rigid reading schedule. It allows us to resume right where we stopped, whether that was yesterday, or last week. This simple device keeps the habit alive, allowing steady progress through the Word over months and years. Over time, that humble bookmark becomes a faithful companion helping us build a lifelong rhythm of reading His Word; one verse, one chapter, one bookmark placement at a time.

I have found it most effective to set a time to read each day. In the early years I would read just before bed (a great strategy if you’re trying to avoid screen time at the end of the day). This helped me to go to sleep with God’s word on my heart. Now a days I read in the mornings (Monday – Friday) following a 5-day reading plan to read through the whole bible in one year. May God’s word be a blessing to you as you read in 2026.

Agape
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Evidence for our Faith: Jesus, Right on Time

The Preacher 3 Comments

The birth of Jesus Christ stands as one of history’s most profound events, not merely because of who He is, but because of when He came. The Old Testament, written centuries before His arrival, contains precise prophecies about the timing of the Messiah’s appearance. These predictions, fulfilled in Jesus, provide compelling evidence that He is the promised Christ. As Paul declares in Galatians 4:4, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” These prophecies build unbreakable confidence in the Gospel today and obeying the gospel of the Kingdom of Christ is the right path because Jesus arrived precisely as foretold.

One of the most astonishing prophecies is Daniel’s 70 weeks (Daniel 9:24-27). Given around 538 BC, this vision outlines “seventy weeks” (or “sevens”) determined for the Jewish people to finish transgression, to make an end of sins, and anoint the Most Holy. Scholars widely interpret these as weeks of years; totaling 490 years. The prophecy begins “from the going forth of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem” until “Messiah the Prince.”

The clearest timing prophecy appears in Daniel 9:24–27. Daniel wrote during the Babylonian exile, yet he predicted the coming of “Messiah the Prince” with astonishing precision. He spoke of “seventy weeks” (symbolic weeks of years) counting from the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Daniel declares that after the sixty-nine weeks, “shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself” (Daniel 9:26). This sets a specific window when the Messiah would appear and give His life as a sacrifice. History confirms that from the Persian decrees to rebuild Jerusalem to the first century AD fits Daniel’s prophetic timeline exactly; placing the arrival of the Messiah squarely at the time of Jesus of Nazareth. No other figure in history appears within that window fulfilling the works of the Messiah. That timing alone anchors our faith: God promised, and God delivered. Modern statisticians estimate 1 in 10^17 for Daniel’s Messianic prophecies alone.

Another key timing indicator is Genesis 49:10: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes.” Jacob prophesied that Judah’s tribal authority would endure until the Messiah (“Shiloh,” meaning “He whose right it is”). Judah retained self-governance, including the right to execute capital punishment, until around AD 6-7, when Rome stripped the Sanhedrin of this power under Archelaus’ deposition. Jesus, from Judah’s line (Matthew 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-33), was crucified shortly after; precisely when the “scepter departed.” Had the Messiah come later, Judah would have lost its authority too soon.

The period between Malachi (c. 430 BC) and Jesus also aligns prophetically. After Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, a 400-year prophetic silence ensued; no major prophets arose in Israel. This “silence” heightened anticipation, as Malachi promised Elijah’s return before the great day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5-6). John the Baptist fulfilled this as the forerunner (Matthew 11:13-14; Luke 1:17), announcing Jesus. The silence ended exactly when the Messiah appeared.

These timings were no coincidence. The Roman Empire (also a predicted kingdom Dan 2:44) provided roads and peace (Pax Romana) for Gospel spread; Greek language unified communication; Jewish synagogues worldwide prepared diaspora hearts. Jesus came in the “fullness of time;” politically, culturally, and spiritually ripe.

Today, this evidence strengthens faith. If God orchestrated history with such precision (down to years and events) then Jesus is undeniably the Christ. He fulfilled not just timing prophecies, but many, many more: born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), from David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16). His life, death, and resurrection confirm the Old Testament’s promises.

Believer, take heart: Obeying the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ is sound because history proves Jesus arrived at the predicted moment. The same God who timed the Messiah’s birth can be trusted for eternal life.

Agape

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God is not for CALVINISM

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God Is Not a Calvinist

The Bible presents a God of boundless love, genuine invitation, and impartial justice. Yet Calvinism (through its doctrines of unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace) paints a different portrait: a God who sovereignly chooses some for heaven and others for hell, apart from their response. This article examines nine biblical truths that directly contradict core Calvinist claims. God is not a Calvinist because…

1. He Teaches Man Is Free to CHOOSE

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness… And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:14–15, ESV)

God does not mock His creatures with illusory commands. Joshua’s charge assumes real moral ability to choose between serving God or idols. Calvinism’s unconditional election denies this freedom, claiming the unelect cannot choose God. But Scripture places responsibility squarely on human shoulders.

2. He Desires ALL to Be Saved

“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3–4)

Paul roots evangelism in God’s universal salvific will. Calvinism redefines “all” as “all kinds of people” (i.e., the elect from every nation). But the Greek pantas anthrōpous means every human without exception. God’s desire conflicts with their decree that guarantees most will perish.

3. He LOVES the Whole World

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Calvinism limits Christ’s death to the elect. Yet “world” (kosmos) here is all-encompassing (every sinner, not a pre-selected subset). Salvation hinges on whoever believes, not whoever was chosen before time.

4. Jesus Is the Propitiation for the Whole World

“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1–2)

John destroys limited atonement in one sentence. Christ’s blood satisfies God’s wrath for every sin of every person. The offer of forgiveness is universal and sufficient—though not universally applied (due to unbelief, not divine decree; see Romans 1:20-32).

5. Jesus Was Willing, but ISRAEL Was Not

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often would I have gathered your children… and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)

Jesus’ lament exposes the myth of irresistible grace. Divine will (“I would”) clashes with human refusal (“you were not willing”). Grace woos, but does not compel. The same crowd that rejected Christ could have repented; if they had been willing.

6. He Is NOT Willing That Any Should Perish

“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Peter ties God’s patience to a universal hope for repentance. Calvinism inserts “any of the elect” and “all of the elect,” but the text says any and all—period. God delays judgment to give every sinner opportunity (2Peter 3:15).

7. He Warns Believers of the Possibility of Falling

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Calvinism’s perseverance of the saints teaches true believers cannot fall away. Yet Paul warns the Corinthian church—regenerate Christians—of real spiritual danger. Apostasy is possible; perseverance is commanded, not guaranteed. The Bible is full of warnings against apostasy.

8. He Says Baptism Saves

“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience…” (1 Peter 3:21)

Calvinism often treats baptism as a mere symbol with no saving efficacy. Peter disagrees: baptism saves—not magically, but as the God-ordained moment of calling on the name of the Lord (cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 10:13; Mark 16:16). It is the normative entry into Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom 6:3–4; Colossians 2:11-12).

9. He Teaches Babies Are Safe—We Do Not Inherit Adam’s Guilt

“The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father…” (Ezekiel 18:20)
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

Calvinism’s total depravity includes inherited guilt—infants are “vipers in diapers,” born condemned. But:

  • David said of his dead infant, “I shall go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Sam 12:23)—implying the child was saved.
  • Jesus held up children as models of the kingdom, not objects of wrath.
  • Ezekiel rejects transgenerational punishment.

Sin’s consequence is death (Rom 5:12), but guilt is personal. Babies are safe until the age of accountability.

Conclusion: A God Worth Proclaiming

The God of Scripture loves every sinner, died for every sin, and pleads with every heart. He does not play favorites (Acts 10:34–35). He does not mock with insincere offers. He does not damn the innocent.

Calvinism’s God decrees reprobation before birth of certain individuals and spares selected individuals.


The Bible’s God says, “Choose this day… Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!” (Isa 45:22)

agape

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Evidence for our faith: I aint ‘fraid of no Zombies

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No Ghosts, Zombies, or Draculas: The Bible’s Rejection of Wandering Spirits and Unfinished Tasks

The Bible, throughout both Old and New Testaments, offers no support for the chilling tales of disembodied spirits, zombies, demons, or Dracula-like undead haunting the earth or lingering to complete unfinished business. Pop culture, from gothic novels to Hollywood horror, profit on such fears, but Scripture is clear: human work, including obeying the gospel, must be done in life, and death leaves no room for wandering souls or monstrous transformations. The complete absence of evidence for these ideas calms our fears of death with the urgency of living faithfully now.

The Bible consistently teaches that our work, including spiritual obedience, is confined to this life. Ecclesiastes 9:10 in the Old Testament urges, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” This verse shuts the door on the idea of ghosts lingering to finish unresolved tasks. The New Testament echoes this urgency, particularly in obeying the gospel. In 2Corinthians 6:2, Paul writes, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” There’s no biblical hint of posthumous chances to complete spiritual work or haunt the earth as spirits to punish the living. Ghostly tales of unresolved business are purely fictional, not rooted in Scripture.

The notion of humans becoming zombies or undead creatures like Dracula also finds no place in the Bible. Dark tales of vampires rising from graves or mindless corpses are absent from both Testaments. Instead, Scripture portrays death as final for human endeavors, under God’s authority. Psalm 146:4 states, “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” This leaves no room for undead transformations. The language of the Bible never states, hints, nor has examples of humans becoming cursed, vampiric beings. The Bible’s silence on such horrors confirms they are literary inventions, not divine truth. There is one biblical account of a deceased man wishing someone could go back to warn his family, but they could not (Luke 16:19-31). If haunting to complete unfinished business was possible, that would have been a great time for Jesus to tell us about it.

Likewise, the idea of humans becoming demons lacks evidence. The New Testament distinguishes demons as separate spiritual entities, not transformed human souls (demon possession was limited to the time of Christ to demonstrate His deity and power, and to affirm the authority of the apostolic age in the first century). Scripture never suggests that people risk becoming demonic after death. What are called “demons” in the Bible are known to be fallen angels, distinct from humans, who followed Satan in his rebellion against God (e.g., Rev 12:9; Luke 10:18).

The Bible’s clear message is that life is the time to obey the gospel and complete our work, with no provision for ghosts, zombies, or Draculas. Death ends our work on earth, but God’s word holds no terrors if we obey the gospel and live faithfully starting today.

Agape

PS; this also means that we shouldn’t wait until death or the judgment to find out if we’re saved. We can know from God’s word today. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;” (2Cor 5:10-11a)

Who are God’s Chosen People today?

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WHO ARE GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE TODAY?

The Bible presents the children of Abraham, specifically the twelve tribes of Israel, as God’s chosen people, selected for a divine purpose: to bring forth the Messiah, Jesus Christ, through whom all nations would be blessed. This narrative weaves through the Old and New Testaments, showing the progression from the Law of Moses to the New Covenant in Christ, culminating in the universal call to become God’s chosen through faith and obedience to the Gospel.

The Chosen People and the Promise.
God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) established his descendants as the vehicle for His redemptive plan. Through Abraham’s seed—ultimately Christ (Galatians 3:16)—all nations would be blessed. The twelve tribes of Israel, descending from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 17:19; 35:10-12), were chosen to preserve God’s covenant, carry His oracles, and prepare the world for the Messiah. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 emphasizes that Israel’s election was not due to their merit but God’s love and faithfulness to His promise.

The Purpose of the Law of Moses.
The Law of Moses, given to Israel at Sinai (Exodus 19-20), served as a tutor to lead humanity to Christ (Galatians 3:24-25). It revealed God’s holiness, exposed human sinfulness (Romans 3:20), and provided a framework for Israel’s covenant relationship with God. The Law included moral, ceremonial, and civil commands, pointing to Christ through types and shadows (Hebrews 10:1). For example, the Passover lamb (Exodus 12) prefigured Christ’s sacrificial death (1 Corinthians 5:7). However, the Law was temporary, unable to justify or remove sin permanently (Hebrews 7:19; 10:4). Its purpose was to prepare Israel—and the world—for the coming of the Messiah.

Fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant.
With Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection—the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)—the Law of Moses was fulfilled and abrogated (Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 8:6-13). Jesus, as the promised seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16), accomplished what the Law could not: justification and reconciliation with God (Romans 5:1-2). The New Covenant, established through His blood (Matthew 26:28), replaced the Old Covenant, making salvation accessible to all—Jew and Gentile—through faith in Christ (Romans 10:12-13). The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) commands the spread of this Gospel to all nations, inviting everyone to obey Christ’s doctrine (2 John 1:9).

Paul expresses his heart for Israel’s salvation in Romans 10:1, noting their zeal for God but lack of knowledge about the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ (Romans 10:3-4). The Law’s purpose was fulfilled in Christ, and now all who believe—whether Jew or Gentile—are justified by faith (Galatians 3:26-29).

The Saints as the Chosen People.
Under the New Covenant, the “chosen people” are no longer defined by ethnicity but by faith and obedience to the Gospel. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers—Jew & Gentile—as a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” echoing Israel’s calling in Exodus 19:5-6 but now applied universally to the church. Anyone who obeys the Gospel by faith (Romans 1:16; Acts 2:38) becomes part of this spiritual Israel, grafted into God’s family (Romans 11:17-24). The saints, through Christ, inherit the promises made to Abraham (Galatians 3:29).


The twelve tribes of Israel were chosen to bring Christ into the world, with the Law of Moses guiding them toward this purpose while exposing humanity’s need for a Savior. Christ’s Gospel fulfilled and replaced the Law, opening salvation to all who obey Him by faith. The saints, as God’s new chosen people, reflect His redemptive plan: a universal call to become His own through the New Covenant, demonstrating His grace and power to save.

HOW IS ISRAEL SAVED TODAY?

Israel (and everyone else) is saved not by the Law of Moses but by the Law of Christ under the New Covenant. The fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:31-34, as affirmed in Hebrews 8, establishes that salvation for Israel—and all people—comes through faith and obedience to the Gospel of Christ.

Salvation Through the Law of Christ.

Since Pentecost, when the New Covenant was inaugurated with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), salvation for Israel (and all nations) is through the Law of Christ, which is the Gospel—the message of His death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

The Bible is clear:

  • Faith and Obedience to the Gospel: Romans 10:9-13 states that salvation comes by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection, with “no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.” Acts 2:38, preached to Jews on Pentecost, commands repentance and baptism in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sins, resulting in 3,000 Jews being saved (Acts 2:41). This marks the beginning of salvation under the Law of Christ.
  • The New Covenant Fulfilled: Jeremiah 31:31-34 promised a new covenant with Israel, where God would write His law on their hearts and forgive their sins. Hebrews 8:6-13 declares this fulfilled in Christ, who is the “mediator of a better covenant.” His sacrifice replaced the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:13), making the Gospel the means of salvation for all, including Israel.
  • The Law of Christ: Galatians 6:2 refers to “the law of Christ” as the guiding principle for believers. This involves faith working through love (Galatians 5:6), obedience to Christ’s commands (John 14:15), and adherence to His doctrine (2 John 1:9). For Israel, this means accepting Jesus as the Messiah and obeying His Gospel, as seen in the Jewish believers of the early church (Acts 2:41; 6:7).

The Law of Moses Abrogated.

(Abrogated: To annul by an authoritative act; to abolish by the authority of the maker or his successor; To put an end to; to do away with.)

The Law of Moses, given to Israel at Sinai (Exodus 19-20), is no longer the means of salvation:

  • Fulfilled and Replaced: Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17-18), and His death on the cross abolished it as a system of justification (Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:15). Hebrews 10:9 states that Christ “takes away the first [covenant] that He may establish the second.” The Law’s sacrifices and ordinances could not perfect or justify (Hebrews 10:1-4; Galatians 3:10-13).
  • A Tutor to Christ: Galatians 3:24-25 explains that the Law was a “tutor to bring us to Christ,” but “after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” For Israel, the Law pointed to the Messiah, but since His coming, salvation is through faith in Him, not the Law’s works (Romans 10:4).
  • Inability to Save: Acts 15:10-11, in the context of Jewish believers, affirms that neither Jews nor Gentiles are saved by the Law, which was a “yoke” they could not bear. Instead, “through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.”

Israel’s Salvation Today.

Since Pentecost, Jews (Israel) are saved by:

  • Hearing and Believing the Gospel: Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. Jews must believe Jesus is the Messiah, as Peter proclaimed to Israel (Acts 2:36).
  • Repentance and Baptism: Acts 2:38 applies to Jews, as seen in the mass conversions at Pentecost. Baptism in Jesus’ name unites Jews and Gentiles with Christ (Galatians 3:27-29).
  • Ongoing Faithfulness: Like all believers, Jews must abide in Christ’s doctrine (2 John 1:9) and remain faithful (Hebrews 3:14). The remnant of Israel saved today includes Jews who obey the Gospel, such as the apostles and early disciples (Romans 11:5).

The Remnant and Future Hope.

Romans 11:5 speaks of a “remnant according to the election of grace” among Israel, saved by faith in Christ, as exemplified by Jewish believers in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 21:20). While Romans 11:26 anticipates a future time when “all Israel will be saved,” this does not imply salvation apart from the Gospel. The context (Romans 11:23-27) suggests Israel’s salvation comes through faith in Christ, aligning with the New Covenant promise of Jeremiah 31:31-34, fulfilled in Christ’s blood (Hebrews 8:8-12; Matthew 26:28).

Conclusion.

Since Pentecost, Israel is saved through the Law of Christ—the Gospel—not the Law of Moses, which was fulfilled and abrogated (Hebrews 8:13; Colossians 2:14). The New Covenant, promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and established through Christ (Hebrews 8:6), requires Jews to believe in Jesus as Messiah, repent, and be baptized (Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-13). The remnant of Israel today, like all believers, enters God’s chosen people (1 Peter 2:9) by faith and obedience to the Gospel, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan through the eternal covenant of Christ.

agape

Testing the Spirits: Knowing God’s Will Through Scripture

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Many who claim to follow Jesus assert they “hear God” or “feel the Holy Spirit” guiding them through personal experiences, visions, or inner promptings. While sincerity is commendable, the New Testament instructs believers to test such claims against the inspired Word of God, which alone reveals His will. The Bible warns that not every spirit is from God (1John 4:1), and it provides the sole standard for discerning truth. Today, no one receives divine revelation apart from Scripture, and we must lovingly but firmly guide others to this truth.

The New Testament teaches that God’s revelation was completed through the apostles and prophets. John 20:30-31 declares that the recorded signs of Jesus are sufficient for belief and life in His name. Similarly, 2Timothy 3:16-17 affirms that Scripture is “by inspiration of God” and equips believers for every good work, leaving no need for additional revelation. The apostles, uniquely inspired by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13; Acts 2:4), delivered the faith “once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). This completed revelation warns against adding to or subtracting from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19).

Claims of hearing God apart from Scripture often lead to confusion, as seen in the conflicting beliefs among denominations. The Bible cautions against deceptive spirits and false prophets (2Corinthians 11:13-15; 1Timothy 4:1). Jesus Himself warned of false christs and prophets who would mislead many (Matthew 24:24). If individuals claim divine guidance that contradicts Scripture or leads to opposing doctrines, such “spirits” fail the test of 1John 4:2-3, which demands alignment with the apostolic testimony about Christ.

The Holy Spirit’s work today is not to provide new revelations but to illuminate the written Word. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth (John 16:13), a process fulfilled in the New Testament’s completion. Ephesians 3:3-5 reveals that God’s mystery was made known through apostolic writings, not ongoing personal revelations. Peter underscores that Scripture, inspired by the Spirit, surpasses even eyewitness experiences (2Peter 1:16-21). Thus, any claim of divine communication must be measured against the Bible’s unchanging standard.

To those who feel they “hear God,” we respond with compassion but clarity: God has spoken fully through His Word. Hebrews 1:1-2 contrasts God’s past revelations with His final word in Christ, recorded in Scripture.

Personal feelings, while powerful, are subjective and fallible (Jeremiah 17:9). The Bereans were commended for testing even Paul’s teachings against Scripture (Acts 17:11). We must do the same, trusting that the Bible alone is sufficient to guide us into God’s will (Psalm 119:105). In a world of competing voices, Christians must anchor their faith in the inspired, complete Word of God. By testing every spirit against Scripture, we guard against deception and find the true path to knowing God.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

“I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” (Acts 26:9)

agape

Spencer

Evidence for our Faith: I ain’t ‘fraid of no demons

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Comfort in Christ: The Biblical Truth About Demons: Bound, Limited, and Not Possessing Us Today.

When people think of demons, their minds often race to Hollywood horror flicks (red-eyed creatures, spinning heads, and sinister voices). But the Bible paints a far less theatrical picture. What do the Scriptures actually say about the origin and limitations of demons? The comforting truth is this: demons, as fallen angels, are bound by God’s authority and no longer possess people today. The scary stuff? That’s the theatrical imaginations of entertainers or false teachers creating pictures running wild in our minds.

The Bible reveals that demons are angels who rebelled against God and fell from their heavenly roles. Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven where Satan, the dragon, and “his angels” fought against Michael and were “cast out into the earth.” Jude 1:6 speaks of angels who “kept not their first estate” and are now “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” Similarly, 2Peter 2:4 says God “cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.” These verses point to demons as fallen angels, once glorious but now defeated and restricted, under God’s sovereign control (see Zech 13:2).

What about their power? The Bible shows demons as limited beings, not the all-powerful terrors of pop culture (Job 1:12, 2:6). In the Gospels, demons cause harm (like the Gerasene man’s possession in Mark 5:1-20) but Jesus casts them out with a word, proving His absolute authority (Matthew 8:16). Demons tremble before God (James 2:19), and their activity in the New Testament is tied to a specific time: Jesus’ earthly ministry (to prove Christ’s identity), when spiritual warfare peaked as He confronted Satan head-on (Luke 10:18). After His resurrection, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This victory binds Satan and his forces, keeping them from possessing people any longer (Colossians 2:15).

Here’s the comforting part: there’s no biblical evidence that demons possess people today as they did in Jesus’ time. The New Testament epistles, written to guide the early church, focus on resisting temptation and standing firm in faith (Ephesians 6:12; James 4:7), not casting out demons. When Paul did have to cast out demons they fulfilled the same purpose, to identify him as an approved messenger of Christ. “These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17; e.g., 19:15). The idea of possession today often stems from theatrical imaginations like movies, books, and spooky campfire stories that amplify fear. While Ephesians 6:12 mentions “spiritual wickedness,” it’s about their influence in the world, not body-snatching. Believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), and 1 John 4:4 assures us, “because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Demons can’t override God’s boundaries.

Our fascination with demons often comes from cultural exaggerations, not Scripture. The Bible doesn’t describe them with pitchforks or glowing eyes; that’s medieval art and modern cinema talking. Demons are real but restrained, awaiting final judgment (Matthew 25:41). There’s no need to fear demon possession; we need to trust in Christ’s triumph.

So, let’s set aside the horror movie hype. Demons are fallen angels, bound by God, and they’re no longer free to terrorize us (Satan’s teaching is still with us). Fear not; the victory’s already won!

Agape

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