Hebrews 8:10-12

Jesus said that it was good for Him to leave this earth so that the Father could send the Holy Spirit to dwell in man. He would take the truth of the cross of salvation and reveal it to man through the Scriptures. No longer would we need teachers for God Himself would reveal Himself to us.

There are four provisions of the new covenant: (1) God’s law will be written on believers’ minds and hearts. This is in contrast to the Mosaic Law which was written on tablets of stone. (2) Believers will have a relationship with God fulfilling the promise of Lev. 26:12. (3) All will know God. No longer will Pharisees and scribes have to teach the intricacies of the Law to the people. (4) God will forgive the sins of believers and remember them no more.

Hebrews 8:10-12                                                         

10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins 2and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Titus 3:4-7

Only by the grace and mercy of a loving Father are we saved. It is not because of our good works but His righteousness that salvation is offered to all men and if we let Him the agape heart of God, the Holy Spirit, will cleanse and transform us into the image of His Son. No longer slaves to the bondages of this world we become free to be sons of the living God through Jesus Christ.


Since Paul has been exhorting Titus to emphasize good works in his ministry with the Cretans, he wants to make it clear that such works have no value in saving a person. Rather, it is solely on the basis of God’s mercy that we are delivered from the penalty of our sin. The continual process of Christian living is enabled by the Holy Spirit, resulting in growth in character and good works. God justifies believers so that they might become coheirs with Jesus Christ in His coming reign.

Titus 3:4-7

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Luke 21:25-28

Time as we perceive it will come to an end. We need to always be prepared for the second coming of Christ. The only thing that God hates is arrogance and pride. We need to love all people and forgive all things that we may be forgiven and loved by Him. Christ in us the hope of glory. Look up, our hope draws near!



The terror of cosmic chaos will cause apprehension about what is coming. The Son of Man has divine authority to judge the world. He acts on behalf of those who have suffered in His name.


Luke 21:25-28

25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

2 Corinthians 4:14-15

Grace, glorious grace, the agape love of God made manifest to man. Salvation offered to any who choose to believe in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who died for our sins that we may live in His righteousness.


Paul explained why he was willing to risk his life for the gospel. His belief in the gospel compelled him to tell others. Paul rested in what he knew about God, not how he felt. All the suffering that Paul endured brought good to others and glory to God.

2 Corinthians 4:14-15

13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

A new childrens book by our very own Paster and his lovely wife, Stacey to benefit Lifesong for Children...The Rauch House

Revelation 7:13-16

What can wash away all sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.


This vast multitude has come out of the great tribulation, referring to “the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world”. In view of the great loss of life during this time period, martyrdom is most likely the means of their escape. Washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb may imply martyrdom, but it more likely refers to forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ and His shed blood. Believers who did not see Christ when He lived on this earth in His first coming will go to heaven, where He will dwell among them.


Revelation 7:13-16

13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”

14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.”

So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Daniel 12:8-13

We may not understand or see thinks clearly now but the truth of God’s words and His power will be revealed. There is perfect timing in God’s plan and only He knows the day and the hour. Blessed are those who hang on to the very end in faithfulness to God alone.


Waiting is the working out of hope.

Daniel did not understand his own revelation. Suffering will refine the righteous, but the wicked will continue in their evil. Various interpretations have been suggested for this number of days. One significant interpretation is that these days refer to the middle of a seven-year period of tribulation prior to the coming of Christ.

Daniel 12:8-13

8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?”

9 And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.

13 “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.

Romans 11:1-5

Faith, glorious faith, a gift of God that allows us to be changed by the power of the agape heart of the Father, the Holy Spirit, into the character of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Words could never describe the love of the Triune God we serve.


Peace here is not a subjective feeling of peace. Rather, this peace is the state of being at peace instead of at war. The hostility between God and the believer has ceased. The believer has been reconciled to God. Believers boast in the sure expectation of the glory of God. They are confident, for God Himself has placed the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Trials and tribulation produce endurance when we exercise faith during difficult times. Such faith produces its own reward.

As believers endure tribulation, God works in them to develop certain qualities and virtues that will strengthen them and draw them closer to Him. The result is fortified hope in God and His promises. The reason the believer can be so confident is that the love of God has been poured out. The moment a person trusts in Christ, that person receives the Holy Spirit, who constantly encourages them in their hope in God.

Romans 11:1-5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 11:6-7

Faith alone pleases God


Grace and works are mutually exclusive. God’s election was established solely on the basis of grace. The elect have obtained righteousness by faith. The others were blinded because they did not believe.


Romans 11:6-7

And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.

Acts 22:12-15

Regardless of our past God can and does use whom He wills. He reveals Himself for a purpose and for the good of His church. He used Ananias and Paul for a particular mission at that particular time to carry out His message to the Gentiles. We cannot let our past decide our future in Christ or we will hear His voice but our unworthiness will stop us from doing what He asks. Faith alone pleases God.


Calling on the name of the Lord saves us. Baptism is the declaration of that calling.

Acts 22:12-15

12 “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, 13 came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. 14 Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. 15 For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

Daniel 3:24-25

We are refined and our bonds broken in the fiery trials of life but we never walk alone. He will never leave us nor turn His back on us if we place our total trust in Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If we do not give up we will succeed!

The God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego saved them completely, so that there was not the slightest evidence that they had ever been in danger. The salvation offered by the Lord is so effective and complete that nothing of the lost condition remains.

Although the doctrine of the Triune God was not fully revealed until Jesus’ time, we find clues that God was preparing humanity for this truth. In the Old Testament, such foreshadowings of God or the preincarnate Christ in a visible form are called theophanies, meaning “appearances of God.”

Daniel 3:24-25

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”

They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”

25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

I am so thankful for the mercy and grace of God in Christ Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish that which God has started in us. Praise be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.


In contrast to the destruction of the wicked, Christ will be glorified in His saints. Christ will be glorified not only among but also in the saints, for believers reflect His glory. Paul continued to pray that the Thessalonian believers would live in a manner worthy of God, in a way that would glorify Christ.


The penalty for sin is not annihilation, but eternal ruin, eternal separation from the love of Christ. Just as endless life belongs to Christians, endless ruin belongs to those who are opposed to Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:17-18

All things, in heaven and on earth, are in the hands of Jesus Christ. He is the truth, the light in a world of darkness and the only way to the Father. Christ have mercy.


When Christ speaks of Himself as He who lives, and was dead, and is alive forevermore, He is referring to His eternal existence, His becoming a man and dying on the Cross, and His glorified resurrection state. The keys of Hades and of Death describes Christ’s authority over those who have died physically and over their present resting place, which will be emptied and destroyed at the time of the great white throne judgment

Revelation 1:17-18

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-9

Hang in there and don’t give up!!! Let patience do its mighty work in you and let the hand of the Almighty change you through the power of the Holy Spirit into the person you were created to be. Heaven waits for those who persevere to the end in their love and trust in the salvation of Jesus Christ to all who believe.


The faithfulness of the Thessalonian church in persecution gave Paul reason to praise God. Satan persecutes Christians in order to discourage and defeat them. These Christians had experienced persecution but continued to grow in Christ. They were growing beyond all natural expectation. The Thessalonians’ steadfast faith not only strengthened them to withstand difficult circumstances, it also motivated them to express genuine love for others. A Christian’s faith in Christ should always culminate in true love for others. Persecution not only tests faith but reveals it and causes it to grow. Continued faith and endurance through persecutions provide a testimony for Christ. Christians are called to endure suffering in this world, for they will receive a far greater reward in the next. The word destruction does not mean annihilation; it refers to the awful fate of those who reject Jesus, eternal separation from God.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-9

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

Psalm 127:3-5

I am off to visit with three of my grandchildren. Their Mommy, my daughter, is working in the library at their school today and they need a Nana to stay with them. My six grandchildren are such a blessing to me!!


In ancient times, having many children was regarded as a symbol of strength. A full quiver was a mark of God’s blessing. The blessing of a home in ancient times gave a person a measure of pride in the community.

Psalm 127:3-5

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;

They shall not be ashamed,

But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Acts 24:1-9

Sometimes those charged with the care of the Shepherd's flock seek to preserve their opinions more than the truth of the Gospel. There is a very fine line that divides truth from lies and it is with great discernment that we must judge all things by the truth of Scripture alone not on the power struggles of man. Truth will not always please the status quo even in the church.


There were three basic charges against Paul: political treason, religious heresy, and temple desecration. His opponents argued that Paul had been causing riots throughout the empire, that he spoke against the Law of Moses, and that he had brought a Gentile into the Jewish temple courts.

Acts 24:1-9

Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul.

2 And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, 3 we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. 5 For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. 7 But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.

Revelation 14:6-8

The angel who preaches the gospel to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people helps to fulfill God’s promise that the gospel “will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations” (Matt. 24:14) before Christ returns. The word gospel, which literally means “Good News,” is used here only in Revelation. Even at this late stage in God’s judgment He continues to offer everlasting life to the world. The great city here is Babylon; earlier the phrase was used to describe the city where “our Lord was crucified” (11:8), perhaps meaning Jerusalem in that reference.


Revelation 14:6-8

6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

8 And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

2 Timothy 3:1-9

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck it is a duck….beware. There are those who seek nothing more than to devour you and take away your very soul if you let them. Read God’s word and listen to the Holy Spirit who was given to you to guide you into all truth. The truth of Jesus Christ will set you free not hold you in bondage to the false gods of this world.


To endure hardship, be diligent, rightly divide the Word, and be a vessel fit for the Master’s use are given in the context of difficult, even perilous times. The last days includes the whole time from the writing of this letter until the return of Christ. A form of godliness is an outward appearance of reverence for God. Denying its power describes religious activity that is not connected to a living relationship with Jesus Christ. As time progresses, people would begin to participate in religious activities that are empty. Their activities have nothing to do with a true relationship with God or with individual faith in Jesus Christ. This kind of religion provokes God’s anger. Paul gives a specific example of two men who resisted truth in Moses’ time. Jannes and Jambres are not named in the OT, but according to Jewish tradition, they were two of the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses. Men of corrupt minds resist the truth because it unveils their shameful thinking and behavior. The character and empty religion of false teachers will ultimately be exposed

2 Timothy 3:1-9

3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

Micah 4:6-7

God is into the restoration business. All those that the world throws out as defective but have placed their trust in Him, He in His infinite mercy and grace saves and rebuilds. In their brokenness and under His shield of protection they thrive and become strong.


Those who were abused by the wicked leaders of Israel would be exalted by the Lord. Those whom God had driven from the land would be the people of His new kingdom. This is a remarkable surprise—a surprise of grace. The majority of people in Israel did not live their lives in faith and dedication to the Lord. However, true faith never really died out in Israel, even in the worst of times.

Micah 4:6-7

6 “In that day,” says the Lord,

“I will assemble the lame,

I will gather the outcast

And those whom I have afflicted;

7 I will make the lame a remnant,

And the outcast a strong nation;

So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion

From now on, even forever.

John 8:31-36

Wherever you go in the Scriptures all things point to the Son of God, Jesus Christ, without Him we are slaves to the base elements of this world. Only in His birth, death on the cross and in His resurrection from the dead is there hope, is there freedom from original sin. Those who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.


A believer who continues to obey the Word is a disciple, a learner. Obedience to the Lord means fellowship with Him, protection from sin, and experiencing His love. Jesus was speaking of spiritual slavery. Such a slave cannot break away from his bondage. He must have someone else set him free.

John 8:31-34

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

John 8:7-11

A woman caught in the act of adultery and through Jewish law sentenced to be stoned is saved in the love of the New Covenant and given grace. “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” We have no right to judge others without first judging ourselves and then knowing our own sins extend to others the mercy and grace shown to us.


John 8:7-11

7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being 8convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

11 She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

3 John 2-4

There is nothing that I want more than for my children and yours to believe in the salvation offered to them by the Father in the death, burial and resurrection of His Son. Nothing in this life can compare to the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit that is offered to them as a gift. We cannot earn salvation it is freely given; all we need is to accept it and then share the love of the good news with others. Praise God for the love that He gave to you, me and the world. Believe in the Word of God made flesh!


The reason for John’s prayer is the testimony of others that Gaius walks in the truth. Truth here refers to the body of truth given to the church through the apostles and prophets, that is, the Scripture. Gaius walks according to the Word of God rather than the ways of the world. To walk in truth means to walk according to God’s Word, the revelation of His truth.

3 John 2-4

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.