Battle


A body of forces, or division of an army. The main body, as distinct from the van and rear. To give battle, is to attack an enemy; to join battle, is properly to meet the attack; but perhaps this distinction is not always observed.
Battles make up smaller components of the bigger picture; WAR. As one studies these Battles (and Wars_ it is evident that God directly was involved).

Abraham deals with the first Battle recorded in Scripture:
Genesis 14:8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;
Appears in Numbers (7)
Numbers 21:33, 31:14, 31:21, 31:27, 32:27, 32:29
Appears in Deuteronomy (10)
Deuteronomy 2:9, 2:24, 3:1, 20:1-7, 29:7
Appears in Joshua (5)
Joshua 4:13, 8:14, 11:19, 11:20, 22:33,
Appears in Judges (10)
Judges 8:13, 20:14, 20:18, 20:20-28, 20:34, 20:39, 20:42
Appears in 1 Samuel (21)
1 Samuel 4:1-2, 7:10, 13:22, 14:20, 14:22-23, 17:1-2, 17:8, 17:13, 17:20-21,
1 Samuel 17:28, 17:47, 26:10, 28:1, 29:4, 29:9, 30:24, 31:3
Appears in 1 Samuel (21)
2 Samuel 1:4, 1:25, 2:17, 3:30, 10:8-9, 10:13, 11:1, 11:15, 11:25, 17:11
2 Samuel 18:6-8, 19:3, 19:10, 21:17-20, 22:40, 23:9
Appears in 1 Kings (9)
1 Kings 8:44, 20:14, 20:29, 20:39, 22:4, 22:6, 22:15, 22:30, 22:35
Appears in 2 Kings (2)
2 Kings 3:7, 3:26
Appears in 1 Chronicles (17)
1 Chronicles 5:20, 7:11, 7:40, 10:3, 11:13, 12:8, 12:19, 12:33, 12:36-37, 14:15
1 Chronicles 19:7-10, 19:14, 19:17, 20:1
2 Chronicles 13:3, 13:14, 14:10, 18:5, 18:14, 18:29, 18:34, 20:1, 20:15, 20:17
2 Chronicles 25:8, 25:13


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Halloween


Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31,. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.

Brought into the Church (Catholic) and called All Saints Day. It was done trying to bring the Celts into the Church. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.

As you can see this HOLIDAY has NOTHING to do with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus (the gospel) and getting saved (Romans 10:9).

To participate it as a fun day or not, remember what Paul wrote to the Romans:
Romans 14:1-12 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.


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Well Done

In a parable the lord tells of two faithful servants, both of who, doubled the talents given them:
Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
But to the unfaithful one who buried his talent he said:
Matthew 25:28-29 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

The Lord has given us talents (Gifts) ……
Read Romans 12:6-11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-12

What have you done with yours?

also see Bible Gifts

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David & Goliath

Image result for Goliath had 4 brothers

Even a cursory reading of the Bible is all that is needed to show us, we are in a battle, a war, and it is to the finish. We (who have trusted in Christ) will be the victors. (1 Corinthians 15:57) We are conquerors (Romans 8:37) But we need to realize even though the outcome is sure, the battle is still raging on (Ephesians 6:12)

…..Our commission is sure (Acts 1:8)
…..Our acts are set (1 Timothy 1:18,6:12)
…..Our position is secure (2 Timothy 2:3)
…..Our weapons are listed (Ephesians 6:13-18)

When we rely upon God, He will deliver ….

Let’s look at a Biblical Soldier in 1 Samuel 17:1-3
The battle scene is described. The PHILISTINES were 1st mentioned in
Genesis 21:32, 26:18. They occupied 5 major cities to the south of Israel. At times they were friendly, bu they were used by God to chastise the Jews when the disobeyed Him, especially during the times of the Judges and into the times of the Kings.

Read 1 Samuel 17:4-7 Just how big was Golliath? A cubit is generally accepted at 18” and a span at 9”. Picture of giant of a man.
So 18 x 6 = 108 +9 =117 / 12 = 9’ 9” or If a cubit is 20” he would be 10’ 9”.
Needless to say he was a BIG man.

Image result for david and goliath

Read 1 Samuel 17:8-10 Goliath was not only big but his pride was in his size.

Read 1 Samuel 17:11  Israel was in a state of apostasy, they didn’t lean upon God but upon self which resulted in their being “dismayed and terrified”. We are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12) and we need God in our lives. Jesus taught us who to fear. (Matthew 10:28)

Read 1 Samuel 17:12-25 Without God, man will try anything, but even a high prize failed to produce a HERO.

Read 1 Samuel 17:26-32  David could step up to the Challenge because his faith and trust was in God. Psalm 118:6-8 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

Read 1 Samuel 17:33-51 For actual Battle Details.

Image result for david and goliath
DAVID WAS THE VICTOR because GOD GAVE HIM THE VICTORY

As believers we MUST stand for God. When we do He gives the victory!
2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 34:7, 91:4, 125:2

When we rely upon God, He will deliver!

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Repent

i.e. to feel regret or contrition, to change one’s mind
Repent and repentance appears 66 times in the New Testament (in the Old Testament refers to Israel, the Jews and their relationship with God)
John the Baptist preached, Repentance and Baptism to the Jews:
Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
The Lord Jesus speaking to Jews about Repent and Repentance:
Matthew 3:2 and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 1:15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
Luke 17:3-4 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Luke 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
The Apostles did the same:
Mark 6:12 And they (apostles) went out, and preached that men should repent.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Acts 13:24 when John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

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Tithe

It is interesting in many churches we hear about paying our Tithe. Some even bill their members. Now looking into the Scripture, we find only 32 references to the Tithe. All the references are under the Law. The first being in Leviticus (under the Law the Moses got from God, for the National of Israel).
Leviticus 27:30-32, Numbers 18:26, Deuteronomy 12:17,14:22-28,
2 Chronicles 31:5-6, Nehemiah 10:38,13:12, Amos 4:4 and Malachi 3:8-10
There are only 7 references in the Gospels:
Matthew 23:23 (Luke 11:42) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Hebrews 7:59
All of these references are to the Jew, under the Law of Moses, even the words of the Lord Jesus.
Tithe: to pay a tenth part
If you read all the references in the Old Testament above, consider the following:
What about your income, Gross amount or Net? Government rebates?
Sale of a house, a car, a yard sale, any personal property?
Do you owe a tithe on all the Christmas gifts you received?
How about birthday presents?
You take a friend for a long drive, then they insist paying for the gas, do you pay a tithe?
Friends take you out for a meal, and pay for it, do you owe a tithe?
You get an inheritance because parents (or grandparents) die, the house, car(s), clothes, dishes, etc., everything within the house, do you owe a tithe on everything?
Be sure to read the above scriptures to understand what the Law actually requires.

What does the Apostle to the Gentiles (Paul) instruct the Churches?
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
2 Corinthians 9:5-8 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

The Tithe is NOT mandatory for the believer today. Asaph wrote Psalm 50 about the mighty God and his relationship to Him. It applies to believers today. God does not NEED our money. But our offerings show our need for Him.
It takes money to build a church building. It takes money to keep it running and in good repair. It takes money to spread the Word of Salvation and encourage believers in the word of God. We show our love of what God has done for us.

Reread 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

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The Gospel

Not found in the Old Testament. The word gospel is derived from the Anglo-Saxon term god-spell, meaning “good story,” a rendering of the Latin evangelium and the Greek euangelion, meaning “good news” or “good telling.” Since the late 18th century, the first three, Matthew, Mark and Luke have been called the Synoptic Gospels.

SEE  The Gospel of Matthew
SEE  The Gospel of Mark
SEE  The Gospel of Luke
SEE  The Gospel of John
SEE  The Gospel of Paul

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Christ Is All Part 2

Another popular song:
Well, I don’t possess houses or land
Fine clothes or jewelry, sorrows and cares
In this whole word my life seems to me
But I have a Christ who paid the price
Way back on Cavalry, and oh
He is all, all and all this world to me

Christ is all
Well, he’s everything to me
Don’t you know that he’s all
Well, just ‘ruse the land and see
He’s all, he’s all, he’s all
All and all this world to me

Well, there are some folk who look and long
For this world’s riches, oh yes
There some folk who look for power, position too, oh yes
But I have a Christ, whole in my life
This makes me happy, and oh
He’s all, all and all this world to me

Christ is all
Well, he’s everything to me
Don’t you know that he’s all
Well, just ‘ruse the land and see
He’s all, he’s all, he’s all
All and all this world to me

Well, ‘Christ is all’ means more to me
Than this world’s riches, oh yes
He’s my sight, my guiding light
Through pathless seas, oh yes
It’s mighty nice to have a price
Who will your friend be? Tell you-
He’s all, all and all this world to me

Christ is all
Well, he’s everything to me
Don’t you know that he’s all
Y’just ‘ruse the land and see
He’s all, he’s all, he’s all
All and all this world to me

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Wedding

Weddings in the Bible were sometimes lavish, noisy and costly, with lots of gifts and plenty of eating and drinking. Some things don’t change. There is no actual description of a wedding in the Scripture.
So, let’s look at a few mentioned.

Jacobs wedding Genesis 27:46-29:28 tells the whole story of his search for a wife. Genesis 29:22 (hints a big wedding) And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
Judges 14 Samson’s wedding 10-11 So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do. And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.
Some other Scripture suggesting the grandeur of some weddings:
Song of Solomon 3:11 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.
Psalms 45:13-15 The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace.
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Matthew 22:2-12 A parable describing a wedding.
John 2 The wedding in Cana of Galilee appears to have been a large affair.

Yes, Some Weddings in the Scripture were lavish, noisy and costly as they are today. It’s a shame that so many today end in divorce.

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Suicide

The word, Suicide, is not found in Scripture.

There are church traditions on suicide which can confuse the issue. Some, even teaching that a person who commits suicide can not go to Heaven. A Look are those who took their own lives:
Wicked Abimelech committed suicide, persuading another man to help.
Judges 9:54 Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and kill me, so that they can’t say, ‘A woman killed him.’” So his servant ran him through, and he died.”
Samson feeling all was lost pulled down the house:
Judges 16:30 And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.
King Saul also wanted his servant to kill him, but had do to it himself.
1 Samuel 31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
Feeling all lost, the servant followed his King:
1 Samuel 31:5 And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
Ahithophel so depressed by events that happened in his family.
2 Samuel 17:23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
The sins of Zimri (16:19) overcame him:
1 Kings 16:18 When Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the royal palace and set the palace on fire around him. So he died.
Judas so depressed by his actions:
Matthew 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
The jailer would have BUT Paul stopped him:
Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled
Yes, suicide is a terrible tragedy, a sin even, but it does not negate the Lord’s act of redemption. Did any of the seven go to Heaven? It depends on what they believed, NOT what they did! When one becomes a Believer, they have Eternal life.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a promise from God. The Lord Jesus said:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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