In my private devotions, I began reading the Book of Mark again this morning. In chapter 1:21-28 we find the account of Jesus setting a man in the synagogue free of an unclean spirit. Those gathered were apparently used to seeing people plagued with demon spirits, but they had never seen someone freed. The first comment made after Jesus’ teaching […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…3/10/2025….”Jihad Unhinged”
In light of the explosive events in Syria in the last few days, I am going to take a detour from what I had intended to write. I have fresh details to share about the success HOB missionaries are having in many places across the Mideast, but right now the tragic events, centered mostly in and around the northwest corner […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…2/26/2025….”And He Looked Up Toward Heaven…” Part Three
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus made this comment: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” That statement was made 2,000 years ago and it has proven true throughout the centuries. Not only that, but it will continue to be true until the very end of the age. The Church started […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…2/18/2025…”And He Looked Up Toward Heaven” Part Two
Looking at the story of the Church’s first martyr, we see a man who knows he is about to die, but rather than cower in fear, he was bold in his faith. As he was about to be stoned to death, he was given a glimpse into heaven. Acts 7:55-56 says: 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…2/15/2025…”And He Looked Up Toward Heaven…” Part One
— Part One — The story of Stephan’s death in the 7th chapter of Acts is one that is familiar to most Christ-followers. After Stephen’s answer to those accusing him of blasphemy and giving the Jewish crowd a history lesson of God’s dealings with them over the centuries, he was stoned to death. The last few moments of his life […]
Comfort One Another With These Words
The title for this article stems from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the first century church in Thessaloniki, Turkey. It is actually said twice: Once in chapter 4:18: “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” It is mentioned a second time in chapter 5:11: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another…” There is another passage written by the Old […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…8/7/2024…”God Is Always In Control”
In light of world events that we see unfolding, especially at the epicenter of the world, we need to remember to pray earnestly for the entire House of Blessing community of believers, its leadership, and its missionaries and volunteers. These are especially turbulent times for them and things will not get easier. Soon the Lord will call His faithful ones […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…5/24/2024…”Comfort One Another With These Words”
Often when I make a quick rundown of the latest world news, I think of a passage of Isaiah 55: Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD. And He will have mercy on him; […]
In One Hour Everything Is Going To Change
Watch out! Don’t let my sudden coming catch you unawares; don’t let me find you living in careless ease, carousing and drinking, and occupied with the problems of this life, like all the rest of the world. Keep a constant watch. And pray that if possible you may arrive in my presence without having to experience these horrors. (Luke 21:34-35 […]
Tackling the Crucifixion — ‘Jonah Sign’ Controversy
One question that has been a source of controversy for many years has to do with the actual day of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. A plethora of opinions can easily be found just by entering the question “When was Good Friday first observed?” on the internet. Answers will vary from Wednesday, Thursday, or, as most accept, Good […]