As 2024 winds down, I thought I would spend a few days doing a ‘review’ of sorts that would help explain part of the reason as to why I continue to study, write, and post the things that have come to light for me from the scriptures these past several years. And you probably know by now that it’s a pretty specific and targeted area of focus. I cannot stress enough the compelling I have in needing to keep circling back, repeating myself over and over, and then pleading with anyone and everyone who claims to be a believer ...to study out these things for themselves. (Acts 17:11)

I have made the case before that what I have been learning about and sharing here, should have been basic, core... foundational teachings found in every church that every believer should be familiar with. I stress the word ‘foundational’ because that is exactly what is about to be ‘tested’ and ‘assaulted’ by the coming ‘floods’ that Jesus spoke about in Matt. 7:24-27 and 24:37-39. You can also read about a ‘shaking’ that is coming and how every man’s foundation will be tested in 1 Cor. 3:11-15 and Heb.12:25-29.

Picture if you will, three strong pillars being poured into the ground that will support a ‘slab’ of sorts, like you might see when a foundation is poured for a new home. I would label those three pillars (of truth) this way: 1- The Law, 2- The Flesh, and 3- The Enemy.

When we have a better understanding as to how these three areas are related and quite relevant for us today, then it helps us see the importance of why we need to ‘abide in Christ’ (vs. just professing to be a believer in Jesus and joining a church somewhere). And IF... we are truly abiding in Him, then we are overcoming ALL sin as we walk in the power of His Spirit and grace. Only then can we see and actually experience how true 1 John 3:6 is that states ‘whoever abides in Him no longer sins’. And then there is that important ‘fruit issue’ that Jesus speaks of in John 15:4-6.

Now here is where the problem lies when it comes to our limited understanding of these topics. I always hesitate to use words like ‘many’ and ‘most’ when referring to those in the ‘church’ today who profess to be ‘believers’. But I’ve been around for a few years and have seen quite a bit. I don’t mean to set myself up as some ‘expert’ or divine ‘authority’; I merely want to keep pointing to scripture for you to examine for yourself to see if what I am sharing here is truth or not. (Acts 17:11)

[The LAW] So once again, ‘many, if not most’ people who claim to be ‘Christian’ today have been taught or conditioned to believe that the ‘law’ is irrelevant to us today. Some might be quick to tell you it was ‘done away with’, which is a lie. (Matt. 5:17) At best, they might say the Ten Commandments are good and should be ‘taught’ in schools today and hung in all our government buildings, etc.; but for the most part they believe the law has nothing to do with us ‘going to heaven’ (or being ‘saved’). Yet what did Jesus state on more than one occasion? (Luke 10:25-28; Matt. 19:16-19) Paul had a few things to say about this as well in Romans 2:13 and 1 Cor. 7:19.

[The FLESH] When it comes to ‘the flesh’, or our ‘old man’(carnal nature), we’ve been taught that he/it will always be around to contend with. I’ve heard people say that ‘our flesh continues to sin’ but our ‘spirit does not’...which always leaves me scratching my head wondering what on earth are they are talking about. Just to be clear, Gal. 5:19-21 lays out all the ‘fruit’ associated with this ‘old man’ (carnal nature). And those who belong to Christ have done what...according to vs. 24 there?

[The ENEMY] And this idea of the ‘enemy’ whom we refer to as ‘the devil, Satan, and/or demon spirits’, ... well, that is one of those subjects that tends to make folks uncomfortable as they try to steer clear of such topics when we have little understanding on them. Which is why we need to review and be reminded and familiarize ourselves as to what the Bible actually teaches, even if...it differs with your personal ‘church doctrine’. So let’s do just that...and ‘review’. Meet me back here tomorrow with something to write with and on, and as usual...have that Bible of yours handy.