Category Archives: Uncategorized

October 23, 2023 · 9:00 am

Power

We live in a world that values power. Our culture is in love with physical power, military power, and economic power. Power is the objective and power is sought by many in our day.

God’s power is altogether different. How so? The Bible tells us.

**God’s power saves………..

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.   

Romans 1:16

**God’s power resurrects……..

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.     1 Corinthians 15:42-43

**God’s power is infinite………..

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 1:18-23

**Gods’ power is everlasting………..

Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ ; and He will reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. 

Revelation 11:15-17

God’s power is greater than any earthly power. I don’t know about you. But, I’ll seek to live in God’s power every day. Be blessed with this thought!

Tony French

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October 19, 2023 · 9:00 pm

No Doubt

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:6-8

Our belief in God will be key in overcoming problems. Praying in faith requires more than just words. Faith is demanded as we seek communion with the Lord.

James qualifies verse 5 by giving us a stern warning. When we ask for wisdom, we should not ask in doubt. We are to ask for wisdom through faith believing that God will answer our prayer. We shouldn’t expect anything if we pray insincerely and half-heartedly. Believe and trust are paramount in having power in prayer.

James describes the doubting prayer as unstable and double-minded. The phrase double-minded refers to a divided allegiance. Christian, we will never have power in prayer until we give up on doubt and trust God completely.

Overcoming problems requires a belief in God’s purposes and a need for God’s wisdom. How about you? Will you commit to praying with supreme trust in Christ? Will you let go of your doubts and trust God?

Tony French

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October 16, 2023 · 9:00 am

The Presence of God

In Exodus 25, God commanded the people of Israel to build what would be known as the ark of covenant. It was an ornate chest that symbolized the greatness and might of God. This “ark of the covenant” is featured prominently in Israel’s history at different points in the Old Testament.

The ark still teaches us much today even though we are no longer under the law. It still has meaning and teaches us principles for our time. An examination of these principles will follow.

First, the ark symbolized the purity of God.  The ark was to be overlaid with pure gold inside and out. (Exodus 25:11) The purity of God would be memorialized through the purity of the gold. God is pure and holy and the ark would serve as a reminder of that fact.

Second, the ark symbolized the presence of God. The ark would dwell in the most holy place of the tabernacle and later in the same place in the temple. (Exodus 40:20-21)  It would remain as a perpetual illustration to remind the people that God was with them. They would be His people and He would be there God. 

Also, the ark symbolized the purposes of God. The ark would serve as an illustration of the covenant of God with His people. The mercy seat or “atonement cover” was placed on the top of the ark and there the High Priest would place the blood of the sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people. (Leviticus 16:14) The mercy of God would be found through the sacrifices remunerated each year on the Day of Atonement.

What does this mean for Believers today? We need to be in awe of the purity of God. In a world that is filled with impurity, God’s purity shines forth like the sun.

We should realize that God dwells with us as well. He indwells us through the power of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16) We no longer look to an object because He is with us at all times.

Finally, the ark instructs us about Jesus. It is through the blood of Jesus that our sins are ultimately removed and we are forgiven. (Hebrews 10) His sacrifice was accepted and fulfilled the entirety of the law for us.

As Paul says “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 15:57) Be blessed today!

Tony French

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October 12, 2023 · 9:00 pm

God-Given Wisdom

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:4-5

Oh, how we need wisdom today. It has been said that our world is full of very great knowledge and very little wisdom.  We need the wisdom of God and not worldly wisdom.  When we live by Godly wisdom and persevere through problems, our faith grows. As our faith grows, we become mature and complete in our faith.  In God’s economy, problems have a purpose and wisdom pushes us to maturity in Christ.

Are you in need of wisdom? Ask! God loves to give wisdom to His people. The answer may not arrive on our timetable. So keep asking and seeking Godly wisdom each and every day. When the timing is right and when you are ready, God will reveal Himself to you.

In what areas do you need wisdom today?

Tony French

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October 9, 2023 · 9:00 am

Longsuffering

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Do you ever feel as if you have waited on God for a long time? Does it seem that your patience is at an end and you’re wondering when the Lord will come through for you? If so, you are not alone. Consider these examples from Scripture………..

**Abraham waited on an Heir—Genesis 21:1-5

**Joseph waited on a Dream—Genesis 37:18-28

**David waited on a Rule—I Samuel 16:1-13 & II Samuel 5

**Job waited on Restoration—Job 42:12-17

**Jesus waited on a Resurrection—Matthew 28:1-8

All these waited patiently and God’s promise was fulfilled in their lives. Wait on the Lord, my friend. God is faithful and will reward your longsuffering when you trust in Him!

Tony French

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October 5, 2023 · 9:00 pm

Joy In The Trouble

James , a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

James 1:1-3

The Book of James was written around 45-50 AD according to most scholars and teachers. The date of this writing makes it one of the earliest (if not the first) of the inspired writings of the New Testament. It was most likely written by James, the brother of Christ (Acts 12:17, 15:13, 21:18) and has been attributed to him in most every point in church history.

The recipients of the book are primarily first-century Jewish Believers. The reference to the scattered tribes of Israel in James’ day makes this point clear.

The book of James deals with practical matters and expressions of Christian living. James is not bereft of doctrine and didactic teaching as the book contains both. However, the emphasis seems to be on how to live out one’s faith day by day in light of the doctrine that has been revealed.

The Principle that James first takes up is this—problems are a part of the Christian life. Life is difficult. Life is hard. I know those statements are actually understatements, but, they make the point of these verses clear. It is not a matter of if, but, when troubles come to our lives. The Bible never sugarcoats the trials and tribulations of life. It is wonderful to know that Christ is with us in the midst of these calamities. It is great to realize that we are not alone.

James tells us that God’s uses problems (tests) in order to grow our trust in Him. We learn to trust Him more and more as He brings us through each trial and each heartache. Problems are a part of life, but, God is not using them to destroy us. He is using them to grow us and make us more dependent on Him.

Tony French

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October 2, 2023 · 9:00 am

Peace

Another fruit of the Spirit is peace. What brings lasting abiding peace to the Believer? It is certainly not the things of this world. Godly Peace is not found in mere self-esteem or from looking within oneself.

So what does bring the peace that will last and endure in our lives? Consider what Christ has done for us.

  • Christ’s Resurrection Brings Peace

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

John 20:19

  • Christ’s Justification Brings Peace

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:1

  • Christ’s Restoration Brings Peace

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Ephesians 2:14

  • Christ’s  Refuge Brings Peace

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

  • Christ’s  Gospel Brings Peace

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Ephesians 6:15

In short, Jesus and Jesus alone brings abiding peace that will remain with us forever!

Tony French

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September 28, 2023 · 6:00 pm

Supply

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

This promise from the Word of God is powerful and all-encompassing. The precept that the Christian learns here is key to achieving the peace of God. Let us examine this one verse in detail this week.

Who is the author of this promise? God Himself is the guarantor of this awesome principle. Our Lord is able to keep every pledge He makes. We can trust Him with everything and with every need in our lives. Our Lord is able to do exactly what His Word declares.

What does the promise entail? God will supply all of our needs. He will bring us through and grant us all that we need to live for Christ. This verse does not guarantee that the Almighty will give us all that we want. The Father has vowed to meet our needs whenever they arise. God’s timing can be very different than ours. He will provide and you and I can trust Him in our times of difficulty.  

How is this promise enacted? The Father will enact this principle through His riches in Christ Jesus. Jesus rose from the dead and His resurrection teaches the Christian that God’s power can and does perform miracles. Our Lord can do all that He has declared. If He raised Jesus from the dead, the Almighty can take care of us.

What an incredible promise one sees in this passage of Scripture. Thanks be to God who takes care of His own. You can trust in the Lord, child of God.

Tony French

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September 25, 2023 · 9:45 am

The Joy Of The Lord

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

What should we know about the fruit of the Spirit known as joy? Consider these five things.

  1. Joy is More Than A Feeling

He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

Job 33:26

  1. Joy is Foundational to the Believer in Christ
  1. Joy Doesn’t Depend on Circumstances

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Job 19:25

  1. Joy that is Lasting Isn’t Found in the World

And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Job 1:21

  1. Joy Comes Through Knowing Christ

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Job 19:25

Tony French

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September 21, 2023 · 9:00 pm

The Peace Of God

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. 2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God ;7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things .9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:1-9

This week’s study will focus on the peace of God. The peace of the Lord is what all God’s people desire and want. Yet, it remains elusive to Christians who struggle with doubt and fear. Paul’s teaching in verses 6 and 7 of Philippians 4 gives the Believer the roadmap to peace. An examination of these verses is in order.

Achieving the peace of God includes letting go of anxiety. How does one do such a thing? Letting go of worry involves focusing upon God and not one’s self. Moving past anxiety means remembering the Lord’s promised in His Word. And letting go of worrisome thoughts leads the Believer to rest in the power, presence, and sovereignty of the one true God, the covenant keeping God.  Discarding worry is paramount to realizing God’s peace.

The Christian is also commanded to be prayer always and to allow thanksgiving to be a prominent part of our time with the Savior. Child of God, pray about everything and ask for God’s peace to invade your existence. Continue in thanksgiving and praise every single day. Gazing upon what one does not have leads only to despair. Being thankful for what one has been given propels the people of God to peace that passes all understanding.

Finally, let the requests of your heart be made known unto God. Ask in faith believing that God is able. He won’t always do what we want Him to do. The Lord is always faithful and does what is best for His children.

Achieving peace is a battle and sometimes Christians give in to fear and doubt. When we practice these precepts on daily basis, God’s people are able to live progressively free from fear. The people of the Savior will learn peace when they bring their thinking in line with Scripture and when they attack every anxiety through prayer.

I pray that God’s peace will be experienced and realized by each of you this week!   

Tony French

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