TimFortner.com Revelation: Chapter 1- Author: John the Apostle Date: 95 AD- also a time of persecution for Christians and emperor worship was prominent. Location: Isle of Patmos, a Roman Penal Colony, where John is exiled for his activities as a Christian missionary. It is the only prophetic book in the New Testament. Official title of this … Read more
Revelation 11 11:1 – I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told go an measure the temple of God and the altar and count the worshipers there. But exclude the outer court, do not measure it because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample the holy city for … Read more
Revelation 18 These two Babylons referred to in chapters 17-18 are two different Babylons. The first was the religious Babylon that was done away with mid-tribulation by the Anti-Christ and his allies, the ten kings, who brought her to ruin. Babylon was the name John applied to both this false religion and empire of … Read more
Revelation 16. In Chapter 15- we saw Gods reluctant but final decision to close the gates of heaven to any further entrants. Whereas, with the other judgments in Revelation, man still had an opportunity to be saved, now there is no longer an opportunity. The door to heaven, to salvation, the forgiveness of sins … Read more
The Great Tribulation Begins. What is about to take place is the first of 3 7 part judgments. There will be 7 seals, 7 trumpets and 7 bowls of wrath poured out. Each seal as it is broken open by the Lord Jesus, who is described as the Lamb, will set in motion events … Read more
Nehemiah 8: The Word of God on New Years Day Israel was a nation that was given the Word of God and founded on the Word of God. They were a people and a nation of the Word. In many of the same ways the Word of God made us, America, a people and a … Read more
Nehemiah 7: With God A Setback is a Set Up for a Comeback. In chapter 7 we see a list of names and a specific count because God wants us see something about Himself. He spends 64 verses counting and naming these people. It is clear from this repeated list that God wants us … Read more
Nehemiah 5: Selfishness Throughout the study of Nehemiah we are seeing the problems and obstacles that arise when we begin to rebuild what has fallen into disrepair. The enemy will begin to launch his attack and the Word of God tells us to be on guard for our enemy seeks to devour us. Our Lord … Read more
Nehemiah 6: A Place Called ONO. As we study the historical account of the reconstruction of the war-ravished Jerusalem, we see similarities to where we are in our Christian journey 2500 years later. Gods people, the Jews had been taken captive during Nebuchadnezzars reign. Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed Solomons temple and left Jerusalem in a state … Read more
Nehemiah 9: A History Lesson Lets link back to Chapter 8 for a quick review to understand what is taking place in Chapter 9. In Chapter 8, we saw the people assemble before the Water Gate and there Ezra read from the Book of the Law of Moses to the assembly. We also noted the … Read more
Nehemiah 4: Be On Guard Nehemiah 4: 1 : When Sanballat heard the Jews were rebuilding the wall- he became angry and greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews.. Why was he angry? If Sanballat represents the enemy of the Jews, Gods people, he represents, spiritually the enemy our soul that wants to keep us weak … Read more
Nehemiah 2: Be Prepared In chapter 1, Nehemiah is told of the state of disarray that Jerusalem and her people are in by Hanani. Saddened by the news, Nehemiah is moved to tears and mourning. He then begins to fast and pray and volunteer to be involved in rebuilding what has been broken down. We … Read more
Nehemiah 13: Time to Clean House! Paul writes in I Corinthians 10 now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things they did. Paul is warning us believers through the ages not to be idolaters and test the Lord. He reminds us of the judgment of … Read more
Nehemiah: Rebuilding the Walls I recently read a book by Thomas Friedman entitled: That Used to Be Us: How American Invented the World and then Fell Behind and How it Can Get Back. The author is an editorial writer for the NY Times. I would consider his politics different from mine. I would disagree … Read more
Nehemiah 11/12: Where are All the People? Did you ever play that childrens game with your hands: Here is the church- here is the steeple, open the door and heres the people ; or by clasping your hand a certain way- it can be where are all the people? This a problem Nehemiah and … Read more
Nehemiah 3: The Gates In the study of Nehemiah we see the steps to putting lives back together that have fallen into some state of ruin. We see the importance of gates. For gates in Scripture represent a means of access and egress. This can represent ways of entering into other peoples lives and also … Read more
Nehemiah 10: Gods Blueprint for Living We have so far seen in Nehemiah a process of restoring what has fallen into ruin. We have observed a pattern which begins with concern that leads to construction done by a volunteer work force. With a single purpose and goal under the leadership of God , the work … Read more
Matthew 8B: Following his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew records a series of miracles and healings in rapid succession. The man with leprosy, the Roman Centurion with the paralyzed servant, Peters mother-in-law, and many who were possessed by demons, and sick and Matthew tells us he healed all. Then comes a storm on the sea- … Read more
Matthew 9: The Anchor that Holds As chapter 8 ended, we see Jesus casting the demons out of two men who are possessed by them. The demons are driven out of the men into the pigs. When the citizens of the town heard this report, they went out and pleaded with Jesus to leave. Jesus … Read more
Matthew 7 B: The Wrong Way As we have been studying the Sermon on the Mount, we realize the Lord Jesus is teaching us not only what we are to know and believe, but what we are also to do toward God and one another. The so- called Golden Rule is taught by Jesus as … Read more
Matthew 5 C: I Know Whats Missing Im going to fix this world today, because I know whats missing.. ( He Took a 100 lbs. Clay, song recorded/written by Gene McDaniels, 1961) I have set before you, life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may … Read more
Matthew 8: Faith Jesus closes his teaching we call The Sermon on the Mount with clear instructions what we are to do with his teaching. Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams … Read more
Matthew 5b: The Pure Heart In giving this sermon as the standard for Christian behavior and the qualifications for entering heaven , Jesus wanted us to realize these standards cannot be met in ones own power. Jesus continues with his list of Beatitudes and the third one is meekness. The worlds view of meekness … Read more
Matthew 7: Asking, Seeking, Knocking So far in this amazing teaching referred to as the Sermon on the Mount; we have compiled a to-do list that is impressive, if not overwhelming at times. We have been instructed, commanded to be: salt and light; to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect; to give, pray … Read more
Matthew 6 B: Father Knows Best! Jesus lists three acts of righteousness we are to practice- giving, praying and fasting. Did you also notice He taught us there was a reward from your Father in heaven, who is unseen? We will receive a reward for acts of righteousness done with the right motive from our … Read more