(Excerpt from my book Authority) Scripture was never intended to be the subject purely of theological argument or critical analysis, preserved in the formalin of religion, and dissected like a laboratory rat. No! Its purpose is to change lives by revealing the story and fellowship of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and inviting us to belong. […]
The Apostle Paul and his companions were flummoxed. They’d tried to preach in Asia but the Holy Spirit said, ‘No!’ Then they tried Bithinya, and the Spirit said, ‘Nyet.’ Scratching their heads, they went down to Troas to await further instructions. That night Paul dreamed of the ‘man of Macedonia’ begging, ‘Come and help us.’ Excited to have direction at […]
Jesus said he will build his church. So when people want to remove the word, what does that imply? Are we in danger of losing our identity? One day, Jesus asked Peter who he was. Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). The Lord’s reply is foundational to our faith, but needs […]
I am a Christian who writes books and runs JF Ministries, preaching Jesus and teaching healing. Check out my blogs on healing and Solomon. I also love blowing Biblical myths!
I taught Matthew 16 for years, but always shied away from verse 19. The English translations cannot do justice to the Greek tenses, and I am no Greek scholar. But the Lord recently prompted me to go back to it, and I am glad I did—it is life changing! In Matthew 16:16, Peter declared that Jesus is, “the Christ, the […]
Are you being encouraged to fast? If so, make sure it’s for the right reasons. The Puzzles Jesus fasted, but never taught his disciples to. Why not? Jesus said to fast in secret, but later the church fasted together. Why? There’s no teaching on it in the epistles. Why not? The Pithy Parables When John the Baptist’s disciples asked Jesus, […]
1 Corinthians 14:26 says, “When you come together, everyone has a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.” Verse 31: “For you can all prophesy…” But when we come together, we sing rehearsed songs, listen to a prepared message, and drink coffee. When do we participate? If we come “for” the worship, the word, or […]
God’s power is beyond understanding. But when Jesus visited his hometown, he could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:5)—his power constrained by unbelief. When Paul was in Ephesus, the sons of a Jewish rabbi tried to cast out a demon, which trounced them. The story went viral, […]
1) Are you being sifted? Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus knew Peter would deny him. He also knew he would return, because he’d prayed for him. Peter’s denial […]
Many seem afraid of the end times, of the mark of the beast, and the new world order. Is it happening now? Are you marked? Is the vaccine or chip implant the mark? There is still much confusion among Christians, and that shouldn’t be—the devil is the god of fear and confusion. For those who love the Lord Jesus, there […]