BIBLE WATCH

Why did Jesus go into the desert for 40 days fasting, praying, and being tested by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13)? A few Old Testament texts might shed light as to why.  The two most prominent persons in the Old Testament and in the Jewish faith are Moses and Elijah. Moses led the exodus (Israel’s escape from slavery in Egypt), and it was through Moses that God gave his law or Torah to his people. And if you recall, it was Moses and Elijah who had the honour of appearing with Jesus at the Transfiguration to talk with him about “the exodus” that he was to undergo (Luke 9:31).  What do Moses and Elijah have to do with Christ’s fasting in the desert? Surprisingly, there is a tie-in: Both Old Testament figures also fasted for 40 days. After traveling through the desert, Moses and the people came to Mount Horeb:  (Exodus 34:27-28) “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Write down these words, for in accordance with them I have made a covenant with you and with I...

It seems that the days when church services and programs were organized for spiritual edification of believers in some churches are gone. These days it seems to take more than music, prayers and sermon to get Christians excited about going to church. Stand-up comedy has been added in a bid to, informally, entertain the congregants before they are ministered to. It is getting harder not to be concerned by some of the jokes comedians crack about sacred topics, biblical heroes and ministers of the gospel from the pulpits during events that are supposed to be a period for sober reflection and divine encounter.  What does the bible say about these things? Ephesians 5:4 (AMP): Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God]. Ephesians 4:29 (AMP) instructs, "Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out o...

Some Christians pray, and at the end of the prayer, they say, “ through Jesus Christ our Lord. ” Does the bible teach us to pray like that? Is there a difference between praying " through " Jesus and praying in the Name of Jesus . Well, there’s a difference between praying through Jesus, and praying in the Name of Jesus.  Praying through Jesus Christ is to make Him a medium or intermediary to the Father. The Christian has arrived in God’s presence, and therefore, doesn’t need a medium. Only the sinner needs a medium; so he calls on Jesus that he might be saved. When he’s saved through Jesus Christ, he’s brought by the power of God into God’s presence, and no longer needs a medium. Jesus Himself said in John 16:26-27 (KJV) , “At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you : For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.” Notice that He said He would not be an ...