From The Pastor’s Study

A church without a pastor is usually vulnerable and susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm. This podcast provides an update on where the Lord is directing me and my wife to serve next as well as a discussion on why a church needs an interim pastor. 

Little is known about Lebbaeus whose surname is Thaddaeus, but upon reflection he leaves a rich legacy as a man of God. Little may be known about us, but what kind of legacy are we leaving? 

Every year on the last Monday in May, our nation sets aside a day in memory of the servicemen and women who died in service to our country. Memorial Day emphasizes that the freedom we all enjoy isn't necessarily free as often someone must die so others may live. God also uses memorials in the Bible to remind us of various truths He wants us to remember, and we are going to turn our attention to scripture that emphasizes the importance of remembering. 

The twelve tribes of Israel who fought together to claim the promised land are now ready to fight each other and possibly loose all they gained. Have you ever had right intentions that have given someone the wrong impression? Let's see how we can avoid concerns becoming conflicts. 

As we saw in our last two podcasts, it is found in Acts 16:30, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" The answer to this question on earth, now, will determine where we spend eternity after you leave this earth, later. You can't get any more important than that! However, today we will answer a second important question, "Can you know you have eternal-life and are headed for heaven?" This question is answered in I John 5:10-13. 

We will pick up where we left off talking about the most important question we face in a day of questions. The answer to this question is of the most importance as it determines where one spends eternity. 

There's no question we live in a day of questions, but there is one question which is more important than all the rest. The answer to this question is of the most importance as it determines where one spends eternity. 

We are starting a new year, and one of the most important decisions we can make is to read our Bibles. However, when one reads their Bible they must have the correct understanding of what they are reading. Today, we want to look at four views of inspiration and the importance of understanding and believing the correct view. 

The birth of a child is special, and the birth of a king is very special. However, when we read of the birth of Jesus something just doesn't fit . . . his birth is different. Yes, because he is different, and II Corinthians 8:9 clarifies what took place on that day. 

The people of Jesus's hometown asked a very valid question, "Is not this the carpenter?" We want to answer that question today in the podcast from Mark chapter 6. In doing so, we will find Jesus is much more than a carpenter. 

Today's podcast is being recorded the week we observe Veteran's Day. Many churches took the opportunity to honor their veterans in their services on Sunday, and I also want to honor veterans in this podcast. We will do so by looking at Acts 10:1-6 and 10:34-43. In these verses we find a veteran with a special need named Cornelius. What was his need and how was it met? 

The work of a pastor is hard work, heavy work, and hazardous work as we saw in our last podcast. The ministry of a pastor during Covid-19 has become increasingly difficult and pastors, especially young pastors, need our prayers. 

In I Thessalonians 5:11-13 we find a job description for today's pastor. Looking at it together will help us understand why the Apostle Paul said in I Thessalonians 5:25, "Brethren, pray for us."

Have you ever been faced with a difficult situation and you just didn't know what to do? The distress or extreme anxiety of not knowing can be crushing and overwhelming. Our verse today gives us an example of what to do in times like these. 

Have you ever heard the expression, "Prayer changes things?" I am sure you have. Our passage today teaches us the first thing prayer changes when we find ourselves in difficult situations. Let's ready Psalm 13 and found what what that is . . . 

Peter must have felt like the ultimate failure after denying the Lord three times at the cross. Was there any hope for forgiveness? Let's read Mark 16:7 and find out. 

In today's study of Luke 22:31-32 we find Jesus praying that the apostle Peter's faith would not fail. Peter's faith ultimately did not fail, but it did falter. What may we learn from Peter's humbling experience that will guards us from faltering faith? 

The pandemic restrictions of this past year have greatly disrupted church attendance and programs. I fear they have also caused many to lose focus on the benefits of being part of a local church. Today, we will see seven benefits of being involved in a local church from Matthew 16:18 and Acts 2:42-47. 

In Mark 16:9-14 we find three accounts of those who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Seeing the resurrected Savior first hand was a blessing, but we too can receive this blessing. John 20:29, " ... blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." 

We as good soldiers of Jesus Christ serve together in the local church. What is our testimony to the community in which we serve? Massah / Meribaah or Jehovah Nissi . . . Depends on who we see as the enemy. 

A good soldier prepares every day for whatever danger may come his way. We, as good soldiers, must do the same in order to please Him Who has chosen us.

Do you ever feel like you are being overcome with flood waters as you seek to live your daily life for the Lord? Noah physically lived through the greatest flood ever experienced, and there are some practical spiritual lessons to be learned by his example. 

Why does the Lord mention Barabbas by name ten times in the four Gospels? Our notable prisoner, Barabbas, and our noble Savior, Jesus, illustrates the Biblical doctrine of substitutionary atonement beautifully. What does that mean? Let's look at Mark 15:6-15 and find out. 

How important is church to the believer today? As attendance figures decrease and church closings increase, one would conclude "not very important." However, what does scripture say?

The church at Thessalonica ministered in a very hostile environment. The people of that city ran off the apostle Paul, yet the believers remained and continued to live for the Lord. How could they possibly do this? Why didn't they run or at least hide from their opposers? Let's read Acts 17:1-10 and find out. 

The beginning of a new year is a great time to review our priorities. Where does personal Bible study fall on your list of priorities for this year? Bible literacy is at an all-time low. What can we do we raise the grade in our lives? Let's look at II Kings 8:4-10 and find out. 

Birth announcements have always been a time of rejoicing for family and friends. Today, we are looking at a birth announcement intending to bring joy to the whole world. Luke 2:8-14. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 - The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, was full of surprises for Mary and Joseph. Each surprise on God's part required surrender on Mary's and Joseph's part.

We all face days of trouble in our Christian life. Preparing for them often makes the difference between victory and defeat. How are you at preparing your heart for a day of trouble?

Did the Pilgrim Fathers of 1621 come up with the concept of a Thanksgiving feast on their own? Or were they seeking to apply a Biblical principal? Let's read Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and see . . . 

Our Bible study looks at the characteristics of being a good solider from the life of Uriah. Is your walk with The Lord a life sentence? Or a life-long commitment? 

Luke 15:25-32 While everyone in our chapter is experiencing joy, the elder son is expressing anger. Why? In this episode we will discover the danger of an unforgiving spirit. 

In Luke 15:11-24 our passage is an excellent example of the Lord Jesus Christ using everyday events to teach a very valuable spiritual truth. Last week in part 1 we found a lost lamb and a lost coin. This week we find a lost son . . . 

The title of our Bible study today is "Finding That Which is Lost" from Luke 15:1-10. Our passage is an excellent example of the Lord Jesus Christ using every day events ... a lost lamb and a lost coin ... to teach a very valuable spiritual truth. 

As the days fly by, do you feel like you are a high-flyer . . . a level-flyer . . . or ready to crash and burn? Our passage instructs us how to keep the attitude to maintain the right altitude. 

Today, we are going to explore a familiar passage of scripture for the Christian, Isaiah 53. The use of pronouns in this chapter clearly leads us to ask the question, "Who is this?" Listen in as we solve this very important "cold case." 

Jesus appears to call a 13th disciple in Mark 10, but this rich young ruler rather than following Jesus walks away grieved. His misconceptions about Jesus kept him from salvation. 

Jesus appears to call a 13th disciple in Mark 10, but this rich young ruler rather than following Jesus walks away grieved. His misconceptions about Jesus kept him from salvation. 

I am sure you would agree we live in a news saturated world, and we need to honestly answer the question, "Does the news use you or do you use the news?" 

What in the world is happening? What can I do? I believe the apostle Paul answers this beautifully under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in Romans 1. The Romans did not take these words to heart, and their empire fell hard. If we do not take these words to heart, our nation will fall hard too . . . 

In this podcast we will see four key words from II Corinthians 2:11 which will give us four important lessons for our Christian life today. 

Hello, friends! Welcome to "From the Pastor's Study." In this episode I share a brief update of what God has been doing in my life as well as walk you through my testimony of how God saved me. I am excited to start this journey of podcasting and trust the Lord will use this ministry in your life.