Many people seem to think that a matter’s importance will be reflected by how much space it is given in Scripture. However, some things that are of paramount importance are given very little space in Scripture. Take for example being born again. Only two brief sentences about being born again are in the entire Bible, and they do not really define it. Yet we are told that we cannot even see the kingdom until we have been born again.

     We also have the ministry of the pastor, which is only mentioned one time in the New Testament and...

To understand the times, I always try to go to the foundation of a matter to see if I can recognize the hand of God in it. We are told in Psalm 90:17, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and do confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands.” I pray this often because I do not want just to be busy but to be about our Father’s business. I want to know that what I am doing is truly His work, and that what I...

We should expect God’s Words to be challenged in every way possible if they are valuable. Satan will viciously attack every truth that he can because God’s truth will set people free from the darkness that has them in bondage. The Lord allows His Word to be tested—to reveal its strength and integrity. God allows His messengers to be tested to reveal their strength, integrity, and devotion to the truth. If God had wanted it to be easy for us, He could have bound Satan right after the resurrection, but He left him on the loose for our sakes!...

Last week we discussed the importance of having the integrity of quoting our sources, when possible and within reason. It is something we should care about in order to maintain the highest standards of integrity.

     I have never purposely plagiarized anything, and most of my research was done for the sake of my own understanding. I was not even thinking about using some of the information I researched in my teachings or later used in my writings, so I failed to record where I found much of the material. I also never learned some of the better skills...

There is a perception among many who seek the gift of prophecy that it will come by a big download from heaven with little or no effort on their part. There are examples of this in Scripture; however, they are the exceptions, not the rule. Most who were called as prophets were devoted seekers of knowledge and understanding—they were lovers of the truth enough to seek it. In the case of the truly exceptional ones, such as Isaiah and Daniel, they excelled in their breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding beyond possibly anyone else in their times. It is...