Pray for the Grieving Every time we hear of the passing of a loved one, there is an overwhelming sense of inadequacy and helplessness. We want to DO something to help. We feel obligated to SAY the perfect thing. Frankly, words are empty and shallow in the face of loss. We cannot change the fact…
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52 Verses On Prayer from Scripture The greatest prayers begin in the Word of God. It is the Divine prayer Book. Much has been written on the subject of prayer, yet so little praying is done. Where are we to start? Start where God starts – the Word of God. Below we have compiled 52…
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Navigating Grief The empty chair, the favorite song, or the old pictures trigger a deep sorrow for those who are no longer with us. In recent weeks, God has used Psalms 31 to minister to my own heart. It deals with grief and adversity. Whether it be in a single moment or a slow crippling illness,…
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Men are famous for their extraordinary days, but they are forged on their ordinary days. We revel in the accomplishments and bemoan the failures of others, yet, those highest and lowest points are marks on a lifetime of normal days. Study the Book of Acts. While it records many miraculous events, we tend to forget…
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God’s Word and Our Way We are creatures of habit. While the levels of habitual behavior vary from person to person, all of us tend to do many things the same way. For some, it’s a daily routine, for others, it’s their favorite chair; some like to travel the same roads, and others like to…
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President Washington’s Prayer This is a challenging season for our nation and for the world. Entire nations are reeling from leaders who will not seek Almighty God. The laws of a land reflect the morals and priorities of that country’s leaders – and often the strongest voices. As Israel of old, we risk the judgment…
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In seasons like this, it is easy to become frustrated with the corruption, inaction, and incompetence we observe in government. It is not just in the United States either. While we as Americans have the right and duty to vote, the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy “That, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of…
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An Overview of the Enjoying the Journey Resources We are grateful for the many doors that God has opened to Brother Pauley and Enjoying the Journey. Our heart’s desire is to use every platform available to share the good news of Jesus Christ and strengthen the faith of God’s people. (Read more on that HERE.)…
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Jonathan Goforth was a man who experienced the power of God in His life. This mighty preacher preached all over the world and made a difference for eternity. He was deeply impacted by the work of Hudson Taylor and committed himself to evangelism. Goforth is considered one of the greatest evangelists in history. This article…
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Ministering In A Digital World We live in a digital world. Whether we like it or not, most people live online. In a space teeming with filth and wickedness, believers can use these tools to point people to the truth. We cannot control what the world pushes, but we can faithfully declare the truth in…
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If ever there was a time for preachers to preach God’s Word, it is now! More people are alive today than ever before. There is a great need for preachers who will faithfully proclaim the truth. In a world of chaos, we need the foundation of God’s Word; amid the misery, we need the joy…
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“I Don’t Know Who to Believe Anymore!” Recently, I heard a group of ladies speaking at a restaurant. The conversation revolved around current events and the chaos in our world. After some time, an older lady who hadn’t said very much blurted out desperately, “I just don’t know who to believe anymore!” She is not…
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Who Were Aquila and Priscilla? There are many famous names in Scripture: Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Deborah, David, Solomon, Esther, Daniel, and others. Yet, few know much about Aquila and Priscilla. However, God used this wonderful couple in an eternal way in the early church. The first time we meet Aquila, and his wife…
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Report: God is at work everywhere! We serve a God who works in mighty ways. Time, location, or circumstances do not bind our great God. In our service to Him, unbelief is the greatest hindrance to our Master. God’s eternal work, the work He is doing everywhere is advancing. The Spirit of God is at…
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Togo. What do you know about it? For most people, the answer would be, “not much.” Yet, in Togo, many faithful believers are laboring to see millions freed from the deep bondage and demonic darkness that holds them captive. It is a nation of deep poverty and great darkness, particularly in the villages and remote…
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Enjoying the Journey strives to provide helpful Bible study and devotional materials to believers seeking to study and apply the Bible. Over the years, we have developed several study guides both individually and to accompany the Enjoying the Journey Broadcasts. Many found our Miracles of Jesus Study Guide to be helpful. We believe this resource…
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One of the most profitable ways to study the Bible is by its characters. While we know that the main character of Scripture is God Himself, the Holy Spirit has chosen to use the lives of men and women, young and old, good and evil, to help us understand the application of truth to our…
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Whether a new believer or a mature Christian, it is absolutely essential that believers keep growing in their knowledge of God. This is only possible if we are day by day growing in our understanding of the Word. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself. We come to know God by knowing His Word (Philippians…
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It is a great joy to share Bible study tools and Christian life resources for free through our online platforms. Every day we hear from people who are taking the next step on their journey with Jesus. Our passion is to get the gospel and the truth of God’s Word to as many people as…
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God Uses Opposition! Recently, a spirit of great discouragement seems to permeate many churches. It’s as if God’s people believe this is the only time of difficulty believers have ever faced. But a brief survey of Scripture and Church history reveals that opposition is often the avenue through which God does His greatest work. Consider…
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We are so grateful for the many open doors God has given this ministry in recent days. One exciting door is reaching Spanish speaking people through the translation of Enjoying the Journey resources. God has raised up a team of faithful Christians who are working on a number of translation projects. We could not be…
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“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1:8 A Snapshot of the Life…
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“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are…
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“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” – Luke 19:10 A Snapshot of the Life of C.T. Studd: Born: Dec. 2, 1860 – Spratton, England Died: July 16, 1931 – Ibambi/Imbi, Belgian Congo (Congo) Gifted missionary, first director of Heart of Africa Mission, 1912-18, renamed Worldwide…
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“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 A Snapshot of the Life of Richard Wurmbrand: Born: March 24, 1909 – Bucharest, Romania Died: Feb. 17, 2001 – Torrance, California Founder and first…
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“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” – Isaiah 41:10 A Snapshot of the Life of Susannah Spurgeon: Born: January 15, 1832 Died: October 22, 1903 [The wife of Charles Spurgeon. Charles was] Often called the “Prince of Preachers.” He began to preach at age 16. Spurgeon pastored Waterbeach Baptist…
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“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” – Romans 8:1-2 A Snapshot of the Life of John Wesley:…
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Christians You Should Know: William Carey “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 1:5 A Snapshot of the Life of William Carey: Born: Aug. 17, 1761 – Paulersbury, England Died: June 9, 1834 – Serampore, India Father of Modern Missions and missionary to…
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“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” – Hebrews 10:24 A Snapshot of the Life of John Charles Ryle: Born: May 10, 1816 – Macclesfield, England Died: June 10, 1900 – Liverpool, England Low Church Anglican bishop of Liverpool, 1880-1900. Ryle was converted (1837), then spiritually awakened (1838), upon…
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“Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” – Proverbs 30:5 A Snapshot of the Life of John Leland: Born: May 14, 1754 – Grafton, Massachusetts Died: Jan. 14, 1841 – Cheshire, Massachusetts Baptist evangelist and home missionary. He worked to disestablish the Episcopal Church…
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“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” – 2 Timothy 1:12 A Snapshot of the Life of Noah Webster: Born: Oct. 16,…
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“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” – Proverbs 20:7 A Snapshot of the Life of Reuben Archer Torrey: Born: Jan. 28, 1856 – Hoboken, New Jersey Died: Oct. 26, 1928 – Biltmore, North Carolina First President of Moody Bible Institute, 1889-1908; Bible Institute of Los Angeles (CA), 1912-24; and…
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“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” – Mark 9:24-25 A Snapshot of the Life of Mary Slessor: Born: Dec. 2, 1848 – Gilcomston (suburb of Aberdeen),…
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“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” – John 7:37 A Snapshot of the Life of David Brainerd: Born: April 20, 1718 – Haddam, Connecticut Died: Oct. 9, 1747 – Northampton, Massachusetts Missionary to the Indians.…
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“O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” – Psalm 34:9-10 A Snapshot of the Life of William A. (Billy) Sunday: Born: Nov. 19, 1862 – near Ames, Iowa…
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“I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” – Psalm 81:10 A Snapshot of the Life of George Müller: Born: Sept. 27, 1805, Kroppenstadt, Prussia (Germany) Died: March 10, 1898, Bristol, England History’s man of faith. Müller was converted…
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“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” – 2 Timothy 2:3-4 A Snapshot of the Life of William Booth: Born: April 10, 1829 – Nottingham, England Died: Aug.…
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“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 A Snapshot of the Lives of Anna and Susan Warner: (Anna)Born: Aug. 31, 1820, Long Island, New York Died: Jan. 22, 1915, Highland Falls, Constitution Island, New…
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“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” – Ephesians 5:19-20 A Snapshot of the Life of Charles Wesley: Born: Dec. 18,1707 – Epworth, England Died: March…
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“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” – James 4:14 A Snapshot of the Life of Peter Marshall: Born: May 27, 1902 – Coatbridge, Scotland Died: Jan. 25, 1949 – Washington, D.C. Chaplain of…
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“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” – Luke 1:37 A Snapshot of the Life of Amy Carmichael: Born: Dec. 16, 1867 – Millisle, Northern Ireland Died: Jan. 18, 1951 – Dohnavur, India Missionary to India and founder of the Dohnavur Fellowship in 1926. Carmichael came to Christ at age 16 while attending a Wesleyan Methodist boarding…
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“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”…
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“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). A Snapshot of the Life of Frances Ridley Havergal: Born: Dec. 14, 1836 – Astley, England Died: June 3, 1879 – Swansea, Caswall Bay, Wales Hymn…
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“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:3, 7 A Snapshot of the Life of George Whitefield: Born: Dec. 16, 1714 – Gloucester, England Died:…
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“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” – Proverbs 29:2 A Snapshot of the Life of George Washington: Born: Feb. 22, 1732, Bridges Creek, Virginia Died: Dec. 14, 1799, Mount Vernon, Virginia First president of the United States, 1789-96. Washington began military activity in…
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What Are Your Eyes Saying? Recently, while studying Proverbs 4, I began to wonder about the physical connection between the various members of the body and the heart; this theme is woven throughout the chapter. As I meditated on the fact that our senses act upon and reveal the intents of our hearts, I began…
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“And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.” (Deuteronomy 15:15) A Snapshot of the Life of John Newton: Born: July 24, 1725; London, England Died: Dec. 21, 1807; London, England Wrote the beloved hymn,…
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Christians You Should Know: Nicholas von Zinzendorf “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” – Philippians 3:10 A Snapshot of the Life of Nicholas L. von Zinzendorf: Born: May 26, 1700, in Dresden, Germany Died: May 9, 1760, in…
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“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” – 2 Corinthians 13:8 A Snapshot of the Life of Charles Spurgeon: Born: June 19, 1834, in Kelvedon, England Died: Jan. 31, 1892, in Menton, France Often called the “Prince of Preachers.” Spurgeon was converted on January 6, 1850, in Artillery St. Primitive…
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“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:20 A Snapshot of the Life of David Livingstone: Born: May 1, 1813; Blantyre, Scotland Died: March 19, 1873; Ilala, Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) Africa’s beloved pioneer missionary and…
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“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” – Romans 5:5 A Snapshot of the Life of Raymund Lull: Born: 1232-35; Palma, Balearic Islands Died: June 29, 1315; off coast of Algiers (Algeria) Martyred Spanish missionary to Muslims. He…
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“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9 A Snapshot of the Life of William Wilberforce: Born: Aug. 24, 1759, Hull, England Died: July 29, 1833, London, England Politician, philanthropist, and promoter of the abolition of slave trading. Wilberforce began his political career by…
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“…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” – Acts 16:31 A Snapshot of the Life of John Harper: Born: May 29, 1872, in Houston, Scotland Died: April 14, 1912, in the Atlantic Ocean Hero of the Titanic. Harper was converted at age 13, on March 28, 1886. From 1897-1910, he pastored in Govan, a…
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“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” – 1 John 3:2 A Snapshot of the Life of Fanny Crosby: Born: March 24, 1820…
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“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 A Snapshot of the Life of G. Campbell Morgan: Born: Dec. 9, 1863 – Tetbury, England Died: May 16, 1945 – London, England Great expository preacher, perhaps the greatest ever.…
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“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9 A Snapshot of the Life of Jim Elliot: Born: Oct. 8, 1927, in Portland, Oregon Died: Jan. 8, 1956, in Curaray Beach, Ecuador One of the five Auca Indian martyrs. Raised in a Plymouth Brethren home, he was saved at age six. Elliot…
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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” – Proverbs 18:10 A Snapshot of the Life of Lady Jane Grey: Born: c 1537, in Bradgate, England Died: Feb. 12, 1554, in London, England Martyred English princess. This highly intelligent young woman at the age of twelve…
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“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” – Luke 6:31 A Snapshot of the Life of James Cash Penney: Born: Sept. 16, 1875, in Hamilton, Missouri Died: Feb. 12,1971, New York, New York Founder in 1902 of JC Penney Company, which grew to more than 2,000…
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Christians You Should Know: Eric Liddell “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10 A Snapshot of the Life of Eric Liddell: Born:…
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“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.” – Mark 11:22 A Snapshot of the Life of Hudson Taylor: Born: May 21, 1832, in Barnsley; England Died: June 3, 1905, in Changsha, China Founder and first general director of China Inland Mission (Overseas Missionary Fellowship), 1865-1902. Taylor was one of the giant missionaries along…
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“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” – Jude 3 A Snapshot of the Life of Polycarp: Born: 68 (or before); Smyrna…
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“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” – Colossians 3:14-15 Valentine’s Day has become one of the most loved holidays! People enjoy the mystery…
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“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1 A Snapshot of the Life of Corrie Ten Boom: Born: April 15, 1892, Amsterdam, Netherlands Died: April 15, 1983, Placentia, California Renowned WWII survivor and writer of many books, including The Hiding Place…
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“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” – Hebrews 2:14-15 A…
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“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24 A Snapshot of the Life of Booker T. Washington: Born: April 5, 1856, Hales Ford, Virginia Died: November 14, 1915, Tuskegee, Alabama Educator,…
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“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24 A Snapshot of the Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Born: February 4, 1906, in Breslau, Germany Died: April 9, 1945, in Flossenburg, Germany Lutheran martyr who was a…
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Truth transcends all language, time, and cultural bounds. There are no social, moral, economic, or political solutions to a spiritual problem. Therefore, the only hope of a nation is in what God can do, and the need of every nation is praying Christians. This may be one of the most politically tumultuous times in modern…
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“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” – 2 Timothy 2:21 A Snapshot of the Life of William Borden: Born: November 1, 1887, in Chicago, Illinois Died: April 9, 1913, in Cairo, Egypt China…
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‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions. This is the time when many people decide to change or add something to their life for the coming year. The fact is, many people have already forgotten or given up on their resolutions. So what about you? What is going to change in your life? As many…
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Hymn History: Jesus I Am Resting, Resting “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2 The Hymn’s Author Today’s hymn history is…
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Hymn History: Angels From the Realms of Glory One of the most charming and beautiful Christmas carols is undoubtedly “Angels From the Realms of Glory.” This beloved carol has been published in over 700 hymnbooks! Few, however, know the story of the man behind this great Christmas Hymn. Born in 1771, James Montgomery spent his…
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We have been thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the research of Jerry Vargo and is shared by permission. It is our hope that these stories will be a help and encouragement to your Christian…
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Hymn History: Go Tell It on the Mountain The Christmas season can be one of the most joyful and heartwarming times of the year. Families meet together, gifts are exchanged, the wonderful Christmas carols are sung. We as Christians take time to remember the coming of our Savior. One of the greatest Christmas carols is…
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Today our family and a group of friends are walking in the land of our Lord. In a very real sense, all land belongs to the Creator. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Soon the Lord Jesus Christ will be given the…
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“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” – Luke 2:8 We have been thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the research of Jerry…
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“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” – Psalm 103:1-2 Johnson Oatman, son of Johnson and Rachel Ann Oatman, was born near Medford, N.J., April 21, 1856. His father was an excellent singer and…
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Looking vertically in a world where the majority looks horizontally can be quite the difference maker. To be a dynamic follower of Christ and not a discontent believer, we must keep our spiritual eyes of faith gazing upon Christ. “Looking onto Jesus…” as Hebrews 12:2 states is not a one-time event but a way of…
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Hymn History: Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah “Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful…
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Hymn History: I Gave My Life for Thee Francis Ridley Havergal was a famous hymn-writer and singer. Raised in a preacher’s home, her talent was recognized very early in life. Her father was both a faithful pastor and a mighty singer/songwriter. Early on he encouraged her to pursue her love and gift of music. Havergal…
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The Real Need of America We are in a time of national turmoil. Rumors are swirling, tempers are flaring, and feelings of anticipation and dread are filling many minds and hearts. God’s people must not recoil from the chaos around us. It is both our right and responsibility to be involved in our nation’s affairs.…
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“But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.” – Psalm 141:8 Eochaid: The Blind Author Eochaid is not a name you hear every day. However, that is the given name of the ancient follower of the Lord Jesus. In the late 6th and…
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“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24 Thomas Chisholm was born near Franklin, KY, in 1866. He spent his youth working on…
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“…and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” – Revelation 4:8 Reginald Heber was a man of intense love for the truth of God’s Word. Nicknamed “the man of letters,” Heber was constantly writing to others to encourage and exhort them…
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Hymn History: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus “…looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God…” ( Hebrews 12:2) The Woman Behind the Hymn It is extraordinary…
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Hymn History: Rescue the Perishing “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” – Jude 22-23 Fanny Crosby was a prolific hymn writer who was mightily used by God to share His Word through song. By…
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“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22 We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing these brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. It is our hope…
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“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the research of Jerry Vargo and…
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“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.“ – 1 Peter 1:18-19 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the research of Jerry Vargo and is shared by permission. It is…
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The Best Hedge Against Inflation Today there is one undeniable reality: inflation. Everyone has their opinion about the cause. Everyone has someone to blame – but inflation remains. Prices are skyrocketing, and politicians are scrambling to bring them down. Many companies are seeking to sell products, services, or investment opportunities as a hedge against inflation.…
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Throughout the past few months, we have made available several Bible study plans through the Bible App. Again, while we do not align with this ministry in every area, we are thrilled to use this platform to get the Word of God into more hearts. Two years ago Bro. Pauley published his book, Revival Praying. Enjoying the…
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“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:2 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through…
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“For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” – Psalm 71:5 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the research of Jerry Vargo and is shared by…
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“Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.” – Proverbs 23:25 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the research of Jerry Vargo and is shared by…
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“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” – Psalm 17:15 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the research of Jerry Vargo…
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“For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” – Psalm 48:14 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the research of Jerry Vargo and…
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“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” – John 10:3 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the…
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“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has been compiled through the research of Jerry Vargo and…
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“But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.” – Luke 24:29 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the great hymns of our faith were written. Each synopsis has…
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“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. – Revelation 20:12 We are thrilled to share a…
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How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? – Matthew 18:12 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of how some of the…
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I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
(2 Timothy 3:16) Every Word from God is “God breathed”—it is connected to His very nature and life. Today we learn more about how God gave His Word to man and see the amazing proofs of divine inspiration in the Bible. (0975250326) —-more—-
The Inspiration of Scripture
Is God perfect? If God is perfect, would everything that comes from God comes out of God? Be perfect. If that’s the case, then would you say God’s breath? Is perfect. Someone says, that’s a strange line of questioning. Not at all, because the Bible says that the word of God literally was breathed out from God. In other words, it came directly from God’s very nature. It came from God’s heart to us. Here’s the verse 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Now, we can’t believe that the word of God is profitable if we don’t believe the word of God is inspired. We use the word inspired fairly loosely today. Writers say, I had a moment of inspiration. Speakers say I felt inspired to say something, but the word inspiration in two Timothy 3:16 is not some some passing surface emotion.
No, the word inspiration there literally means God-breathed. It was breathed out from the very nature of God. It came directly from God. To man.
Is God’s Word Perfect?
So I ask again, is God perfect? Oh, yes. God is perfect. If God is perfect, would everything that comes from God be perfect? Yes. Everything that comes directly from God would be perfect, untainted by sin and corruption.
If everything that comes out of God is perfect, then would not the very God-breathed words of Scripture be perfect? One of the great struggles that people have is whether the word of God can be trusted to be perfect in every way. My question is this: Does it come from a perfect God? We’re going to talk more about how God preserved his word through the ages and God’s promise to do that.
But let me just say right up front that to question the authority and the accurateness of scripture is to question the very nature of God. In fact, the Bible says that God has set his word above his name. Do you understand? God’s name is on the line? Is God powerful enough to preserve his word? Is God wise enough to give his word perfectly the first time?
All of this goes to our theology, to what we believe about God. So I read again that all scripture is given by the inspiration of God. Aren’t you glad it’s been given that God spoke through the Bible writers? So that when they wrote it was without error, without omission, and without exaggeration, we might say it this way. It was the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Human Penman and the Bible
And that doesn’t mean that God made men robots. He never does that. He allows men to work with him. What a privilege to be laborers together with God. And such was the case for these Bible writers. The truth was conveyed in such a way that it employed those men.
For example, the human penman personal experience comes out. There’s no doubt. They’re giving firsthand accounts many times. You can see Peter’s personality shine through. You can hear Paul’s educational background come through their historical accounts and read the gospel according to Luke. And it’s very obvious that a medical doctor, a physician, someone with knowledge of the human body and of those types of things is writing a very detailed account.
So, the information is given directly from God through men, and he employs and uses those men, their backgrounds, their style of writing. It’s wonderful. And before scripture was written down, information, truth, historical accounts, and information handed down through parents were passed along verbally.
Words that were passed on from generation to generation. But aren’t you glad God wrote it down for us? He wrote it down on the pages of holy scripture. So we’re not resting on dreams and visions and experiences. Now, somebody said, I wish we had the truth in black and white. You do have the truth in black and white.
God gave us the truth in his holy word. It is literally the voice of God to us. Lemme give you some examples. Acts 28:25 is a beautiful expression the Bible says, “25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,”
Then who does he say is speaking? The Holy Spirit was speaking. He was speaking through Isaiah, but Isaiah was simply the mouthpiece, if you will. But the word was the very word of God. How about this one? Peter chapter one, verse number 11 says, searching what or what manner of time the spirit of Christ, which was in them did signify when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow who was speaking through these prophets, the spirit of Christ.
Which was in them. A Peter would use a similar expression in his second letter. In 2 Peter 1:21, read this “21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
It was God speaking through the man. The truth was always, no matter what the means was, the truth was always given by the inspiration of God. That inspiration extends to the very words, not just the general ideas. God didn’t just give us the big idea. He inspired the very words that were given. We believe that he inspired every word, not just some of them.
The only thing in your Bible that’s not inspired are the chapter and verse divisions. Chapter divisions were inserted by a man named Stephen Langston. Who died in about 1228, and the verse divisions were added in 1551. Now let me just pause and say I appreciate chapter in verse divisions because they ate in our study, but those divisions were not given by inspiration.
What was given by the inspiration of God was the very words in the Word of God.
Proofs of Scriptural Inspiration
There’s so many proofs to the inspiration of scripture. There are internal proofs. For example, think of the unity of the Bible. A book written over 1,600 years, by 40 different human penman in different languages on three continents covering 1,600 miles and yet perfect unity, no contradiction.
You read its internal claims repeatedly, phrases like, “Thus saith the Lord,” “God said,” and “The word of the Lord came.” Those kind of statements appear more than 2,000 times in the Bible. The word claims to be holy. It claims to be the Oracles of God. Think of how truthful and transparent the scripture is.
There’s not another book on earth where the author would speak so plainly about the great failings of men that a man, a human pen, when would write down his own sins. They’re given by inspiration of God. It’s more than the words of men, and there are only internal proofs. There are external proofs. It’s powerful.
No other book has literally transformed people’s lives. I. Somebody said that where the Bible was best known, civilization rose to its highest levels. It’s the first book in printing, the first book ever printed. It’s the first in literature. No book has ever been translated intoes. It’s the first in history, theology, prophecy, biography, and so many language laws. Why is that? Because it is the very word of the living God.
The Eternal Truth of the Bible
Did you know that the average life of a bestseller is about five years? That’s all. And that 75% of all books go to the scrap heap within 90 days. Yet the Bible is still the bestselling book of all time. Why is that? Because truth is timeless. It is the eternal truth of the living God.
It was Carlisle who said, no lie can live forever. Friend, the word of God is forever settled in heaven. It is indeed the word of the living God. God still alive and so is his word.
And I want to challenge you today to spend some time meditating on God’s word and realize that it is not simply the word of David, Paul, or Moses.
This is the word of the living God. Ask the God of the word, the author who lives inside of you to use his book to speak to you today.
Outro and Resources
Repeating what other people have said about the Bible is not enough. We must know the biblical reason behind what we believe. We hope you will visit us at etj.bible to access our Library of Bible teaching resources, including book-by-book studies of Scripture. You’ll also find studies to watch, listen to, or read. We are so grateful for those who pray for us, who share the biblical content and for those who invest to help us advance this ministry worldwide. Again, thank you for listening, and we hope you’ll join us next time on Enjoying the Journey.
I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
