Testimony

 

I genuinely don’t understand when people say the Bible is boring or “hard to read.” Like… are we reading the same book?

You've got God getting fed up and calling people “stiff-necked,” Jonah really thinking he could just ignore God and then boom—swallowed by a great fish and delivered right back to where he was supposed to be anyway. 

Jesus literally took time to braid a whip before flipping money changers tables because people turned the temple into a marketplace… that wasn’t random, that was planned. 

Jesus was hungry, went to a fig tree, it had nothing, and He said “fine then” and cursed it.

AND my personal favorite… He healed a deaf man by basically giving him a holy wet willy and restoring his hearing. 

I’m sorry but the Bible is not boring. It’s real, it’s intense, it’s funny, it’s convicting… and honestly I love reading it more than anything else.

You Are Cordially Invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

 

Guardian Angels

By Mike Farris, April 12, 2026

 

A guardian angel is a spirit being assigned to a person, group, or nation to provide protection and guidance throughout their life. This concept is shared across many cultures and religions, though the specific roles and number of angels vary. 

 

In Christianity every Believer has a guardian angel from birth until death. Their primary role is spiritual guidance toward salvation, though they also provide physical protection.

Psalm 91:11-12 refers to Jesus Christ, but also applies to all God's children. It's the Scripture Satan quoted to Jesus trying to tempt him. "For He (God) shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear (lift) you up, Lest you dash (strike) your foot against a stone."

The Bible tells us "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers." This refers to showing kindness to unfamiliar people, referencing stories like Abraham in Genesis 18. 

 

• Key Scripture: Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV: "Don't forget to entertain strangers: for some have entertained angels without knowing it."
• Meaning: It emphasizes hospitality to strangers, suggesting that kindness towards others may, in unknown ways, be a service to heavenly messengers.
• Context: The verse reminds Christians to show love for fellow Believers, and also serves as a general command for hospitality and charity.
• Biblical Examples: Historical examples include Abraham (Genesis 18) and Lot (Genesis 19), who both offered hospitality to angels disguised as humans. 

I asked AI if God was having a conversation about me with three of the top guardian angels in heaven, what would the conversation be like?

Here is how that conversation might go down

 

The Participants:

 

• God: Holding the original blueprint of my life.
• Michael: The strategist and protector (the "Results" guy).
• Gabriel: The communicator (the "Purpose" guy).
• Raphael: The healer (the "Well-being" guy). 

 

God: "Take a look at Mike today. He's right at that crossroads I planned for him. See how he is handling it?"

Michael: (Leaning in) "Mike's got grit. I watched him push through that setback last month—most would have folded. Mike is stronger than he realizes, but Mike is still hesitating to use the authority I've seen him develop. Mike needs to stop playing small."

Gabriel: "It’s a timing issue. I’ve been dropping hints about that creative spark Mike felt this morning. Mike has a message to share—or at least a role to play—that he is still keeping bottled up. I’m waiting for the moment Mike finally says 'yes' to that nudge."

Raphael: "I’m more concerned with Mike's rest. He is carrying old weight that isn't his to hold anymore. I’ve been working on Mike's heart, trying to show him that it's okay to let go of old regrets. Once he heals that one spot, his energy is going to double."

God: (Smiling) "Exactly. I love the way Mike thinks. He thinks he's behind schedule, when really, he is right where he needs to be to learn this lesson. Let’s keep the synchronicities coming. I want Mike to know he isn't walking this path alone."

---

 

The takeaway? God is not judging our "failures"; He's brainstorming ways to help us see our value and strength in Christ. Just ask. As it is written: "Ask and you shall receive." Jesus promises in Matthew 7:7-8 and Luke 11:9-13 that those who ask, seek, and knock will receive, find, and have doors opened, emphasizing God's willingness to give good gifts.

 Letter From Your Father

You Are Cordially Invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group... https://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2021/01/renew.html

 

Law and Grace

 

 

What is this grace we hear so much about? 

The Hebrew word for "grace" is חֵן (pronounced khen or chen). While often translated as "favor," its meaning is multifaceted, spanning from favor to divine protection. The first mention of grace in the Bible is in Genesis 6:8, where "Noah found grace (khen) in the eyes of the Lord". Finding favor in God's eyes represents a superior bestowing of goodwill upon an inferior, often without any requirement for merit. This is the grace Christians hear about the most.

The Greek word for grace is charis which primarily means unmerited favor, goodwill, or a free gift. In the New Testament, it represents God's divine influence on the heart and its reflection in life, providing empowerment and strength to the undeserving. It often includes joy, gratitude, and kindness.   

In Luke 2:52 (NKJV): "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor (grace) with God and men." This verse highlights his development in four key areas—intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social—showing his growth in favor (grace) with both God and people. Did Jesus need unmerited grace? Certainly not! Jesus needed, and received, divine empowerment to live a sinless life and perform miracles.

 

Let's Illustrate How Grace Works to Save Us

The distance between the North Pole and the South Pole is 12,436 miles. If you travel from the North Pole to the South Pole and keep traveling eventually you will head north. If you travel from east to west you will always be headed east forever. This is how the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and God's grace works.

As it is written: As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. ~ Psalm 103:12

Under the Old Covenant our sins were rolled forward from year to year. No matter how conscientious you kept the Law, you always ended back where you started. Under the New Covenant (the better covenant) our sins are removed when we follow the teaching of Christ and seek first the Kingdom of Heaven. The Law is written in our heart and we are no longer under the death penalty.  

Sins in the Old Testament were forgiven by God

based on genuine repentance, confession, and the prescribed system of animal sacrifices, which served as a temporary covering for sin and a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. While animal blood could not permanently take away sins, it provided atonement that was valid based on faith in God's promises. 

In the New Testament, sins are forgiven

through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which established a new covenant. Forgiveness is received through repentance, faith in Jesus as Savior, and confession, rather than through the blood of animals. This forgiveness is a free gift of grace.

After receiving the gift of grace in the New Testament, believers are saved from the death sentence of sin, start the process of birth into God’s family, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a transformed life. It initiates an ongoing process of spiritual growth, leading to good works, the exercise of spiritual gifts, and a lifestyle of gratitude rather than animal sacrifices and religious rituals. 

Key aspects of life after receiving grace include:

• Transformation and Holiness: Grace is not just a free pass to sin, but a training force to live a godly life, overcoming sinful habits, and pursuing righteousness.
• Active Service and Gratitude: Because grace is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), believers respond with gratitude, serving Christ and helping others through the spiritual gifts they have been given.
• Relationship and Access: Believers enjoy an intimate relationship with God, characterized by the assurance of forgiveness and direct access to God as a loving Father.
• Empowerment for Daily Life: The same grace that saves also sustains, strengthens, and equips believers to endure trials and perform good works.
• "Grace Upon Grace": The New Testament describes a life of continuous, overwhelming grace, where believers receive ongoing spiritual blessings and divine help. Like traveling east, you will never run out of God's grace. Divine empowerment is the kind of grace Christian need to seek. The unmerited favor grace is a one time gift.

In essence, grace is the foundation that changes a person's identity and empowers a new lifestyle of love and service, rather than a mere transactional event performed by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. 

Jesus is the great High Priest serving as the mediator between God and humanity who offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice

. Hebrews 2:17 focuses on His mercy and faithfulness to make atonement for us, and Hebrews 4:14-16 declares Him as our sympathetic high priest. 

Is Keeping God's Law Legalism?

In the New Testament, God's law is primarily defined as

the moral law, which is fulfilled through love, as established by Jesus and his apostles. While Christians are not under the Old Testament Mosaic covenant, the moral principles—such as loving God and neighbors—remain binding and reflect God's character. Law and grace go hand in hand. A sinner repents from breaking God's Law. A child of God repents from breaking their Father's heart by disobedience of His Law. The key is balance between law and grace. There are limits to this ocean of grace. Scripture notes that God "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Without a contrite heart or a willingness to repent from breaking God's law, a person may not receive the grace being offered. 

Key Aspects of Law in the New Testament:

• The Law of Christ: Often summarized as loving God and loving one's neighbor, as taught in Galatians 6:2 and 1 Corinthians 9:21.
• Fulfilled, Not Abolished: Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17), focusing on the internal attitude rather than mere external actions.
• The Royal Law: James 2:8 refers to "Love your neighbor as yourself" as the royal law.
• Purpose: The law is seen as good, holy, and righteous (Romans 7:12), designed to guide righteous living rather than being a burden. 

Key New Testament Law Concepts:

• The Law of Liberty: James 1:25 emphasizes the law as a source of freedom for the believer.
• The Law of the Spirit of Life: Romans 8:2 describes a new principle of life in Christ that frees believers from the law of sin and death, not the law itself.
• Moral Continuity: While ceremonial laws are fulfilled, the moral law remains central to reflecting God’s character and guiding behavior. 

In short, the New Testament shifts the focus from keeping the ritual law to earn salvation to obeying the law through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling its purpose through love. 

 

Both the Old and New Testament agree on God's standard of judgment. “Yet the children of your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ But it is their way which is not fair? When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it. But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it. Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, I will judge every one of you according to his own ways.” ~ Ezekiel 33:18-20 

You're Invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you. God always gives us a choice. We can choose to believe the Truth of the Bible, or we can choose the lies of the Adversary.

 

The Ministry of Jesus Christ

 

When Jesus started His public ministry, He did not call the learned Rabbis. He called fishermen, tax collectors, shepherds, farmers, shopkeepers... the common man. The Gospel of the Kingdom is foolishness to the high and mighty intellectuals. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:17-18. Jesus did not call the trained in organized religion, He trains the called. 

Jesus did not build a "church" building, have altar calls, teach the "sinner's prayer," have a "praise and worship team," teach earthly riches, or observe pagan holidays. 

Jesus teaches that the Sabbath Day and the Feasts Days are part of the New Covenant. 

In the Kingdom of God (both current and future),

the Sabbath is an eternal ordinance instituted at creation, while Feast Days, particularly those described in prophetic texts like Ezekiel 45-46 and Zechariah 14, are observed as memorials of salvation and times of worship. The weekly seventh-day Sabbath represents a perpetual rest, while the Feasts, such as Tabernacles, signify the fulfillment of God’s dwelling with humanity. 

 

The difference between a Church member and a Disciple of Christ is: a Church member follows the doctrines of their denomination, a Disciple follows Jesus Christ. ~ 1 John 2:3-6

Have you ever heard your Pastor teach these things? When was the last time you examined what you believe and why you believe it? Are You a Truth Seeker?

 

You are cordially invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

Triumphal Entry

 

The

Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem serves as a popular modern parable about pride and ego.

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the donkey thought it was all about him. The people were cheering, they laid down palm branches so he would not get his hoofs dirty - it was so exciting! 

While the Bible doesn't describe the donkey's thoughts, the story is often used to illustrate how easy it is to mistake the "glory" of a moment as our own doing, rather than realizing we are simply the vessel or "beast of burden" carrying something much greater. 

After Jesus got off the donkey, we never hear about the donkey ever again. As the saying goes, "If the donkey thought the cheers were for him, he was sadly mistaken when he returned to the stable alone." 

Carrying the Gospel of the Kingdom to every nation and making disciples is the duty of all Christ-Followers. ~ Luke 9:23. We carry Jesus with us when we accept His gift of salvation. It is never about us, it's always about Jesus and His finished work at the cross. When we become a new creature in Christ, our old sinful nature is never heard from again. 

However, we still live in the flesh, and the flesh is prone to want what it wants. In Romans 7:21–23, Paul admits the battle between flesh and spirit in his own life: “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.” Each battle with temptation is won or lost based upon how fully we are surrendered to the control of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16–17)

The book of 1 John was written to Christians. The apostle says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8–9). It is clear from this passage that even those who have begun the process of new birth and redeemed by the blood of Jesus will still sin. Through thought, attitude, or action, we will “grieve” (Ephesians 4:30) and “quench” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) the Holy Spirit at times. But this passage also reassures us that God offers continual, ongoing grace whenever we agree with Him about our sin and ask for His cleansing.

Other passages clarify the boundaries of this ocean of grace. First John 3:6 says, “No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him.” Verse 9 says that those who have been “born of God” will not continue to live sinfully. The implication is that this is not a matter of trying harder. Rather, it is the equivalent of saying, “A fish cannot remain on land for long because its nature is to seek water.” A fish could flop onto the shore and survive for a short time. But it was not made for land and cannot continue there. When we obey God, our nature changes, and we cannot continue in sin. Christ not only erases our past sin; He also transforms our hearts so that we no longer desire to sin. (Colossians 2:13–14)

 

 

You are cordially invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

 

Deity of Jesus Christ

 

 

Above - a Tiny Glimpse of the Awesome Works Created by God through Christ. | Photo by Henry Chen 

 

The Deity of Jesus Christ By Dr. James Bruggeman • 27 Mar 2026

 

Notice the first definition: 1) beginning, origin. Not once have the KJV translators chosen to use the word origin for arche which would have been the correct choice in this case. In fact, the word origin or originator is not found at all in the KJV.

Yes, I am pointing out a shortcoming in the KJV. And I state this with full cognizance that I am still in the beginning stages of demonstrating in a series of essays (blogs) why we recommend the KJV as one’s primary reading and study Bible.

Despite having been accused of being “King James only” by another minister, I have never advocated for using the King James Version exclusively. This deficiency in the KJV is one of numerous examples why I encourage every believer and Bible student to follow this admonition.

KJV 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Therefore, to preclude those with Arian tendencies from thinking that this verse supports the Christ-as-a-created-being position, this verse could and should have been rendered thusly.

Bruggeman Translation: Revelation 3:14 And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the Originator [or Source, First Cause] of the creation of God:

Here are a couple of other versions as examples:

Ferrar Fenton Version (FFV): Revelation 3:14 To the messenger to the assembly in Laodicea write: “Thus says the Veritable, the Faithful and True Witness, The Beginner of God’s creation.”

New Revised Standard  Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation:

“Origin” being understood there to be the Originator. For Christ was/is the  Originator, the First Cause, the Creator of everything, as confirmed here.

KJV Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

And do not let that phrase “firstborn of every creature” cause any doubt of the deity of Christ either; that is a separate study in itself. I could go on for many pages, but alas, the clock waits for no one.

 ~End

 

You Are Cordially Invited to Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

 

Candles That Inspire

 

Nu Light Candles Inspires Faith  

 

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, finding moments of peace and connection with God can be difficult. For those facing life’s challenges, observing the Feast of Dedication for prayer and reflection becomes even more important.

Nu Light Candles is a Kingdom Business with a clear mission: to offer faith-based Christian candles that bring peace, healing, and God's light to those in need of rest and connection with the Holy Spirit. They have beautifully crafted candles and provide faith-based products designed to bring God's light into your home or office.

READ MORE

 

You are cordially invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

SAVE Act

 

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, also known as the SAVE Act, is a proposed United States law that would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require "documentary proof of United States citizenship" to register to vote. 

Here are screenshots of posts which Trump Re-Truthed earlier today, February 18, 2026 

In response to the DEMS, yes, the SAVE Act will suppress certain groups from voting... like foreigners and dead people.

~END~

 

MLK Project

 

 

I want to commend Chad Jackson, a fellow Texan who is a black American, for his documentary on Martin Luther King Jr...  https://www.facebook.com/chad.jackson.3910829

When Dr. King was alive and at the height of his popularity, I lived in Atlanta and saw first hand how he was able to manipulate the black community. I never considered myself a racist, but there was something about MLK that just did not seem right. I could never put my finger on it until I ran across Chad's videos on Facebook. A white man could never critique MLK because it would be dismissed as racist. Chad lays it all out in a factual manner.

Everything we thought we knew about Martin Luther King Jr is a lie. Even his birth name... 

Martin Luther King Jr's

birth name was Michael King Jr.; his father, Michael King Sr., changed both their names to Martin Luther King after a trip to Germany where he was inspired by the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. The name change was made official in 1934 when King was five years old, though he was still known as "Mike" to many. 

 

• Born: Michael King Jr..
• Name Change: His father, Michael King Sr., changed their names to Martin Luther King and Martin Luther King Jr. to honor the reformer.
• Official Record: The name change was officially revised on his birth certificate in 1957.

America, and the world at large, has been deceived about religion and politics, however, in God's timing much is being revealed.

 

The key Bible verses about everything hidden being revealed are found in the Gospels, particularly

Mark 4:22, Matthew 10:26, Luke 12:2-3 and Luke 8:17, all stating that nothing secret or hidden will remain so, but will eventually come to light, often with parallel passages emphasizing that what's whispered in secret will be proclaimed publicly. These verses encourage transparency and trust in God's ultimate revelation, reminding believers that all things will be exposed and known. 

 

 

You're cordially invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Grouphttps://mlf1070.blogspot.com/2021/01/renew.html 

 

 

 

Time To Remember

 

 

When Moses delivered the Ten Commandments to the Israelites camped in the desert at Mount Sinai, the 4th commandment said: Remember the Sabbath day. ~ Exodus 20:8

 

There was no question about which day of the week is the Sabbath Day until organized religion got involved. By the way, there is no such thing as a "Jewish Sabbath" or a "Christian Sabbath." The Sabbath was made for all mankind." ~ Mark 2:27 

Remember is a verb: remember; 3rd person present: remembers; past tense: remembered; past participle: remembered; gerund or present participle: rememberin

g. Have in, or be able to bring to, one's mind an awareness of someone or something that one has seen, known, or experienced in the past.

So what was God telling us to remember in the past? The word "Sabbath" appears around 172 times in the Bible.

The phrase "first day of the week" appears

eight times in the New Testament of the Bible. Yet most of Churchianity can only remember the eight times and totally forget the the 172 times. 

 

Manasseh was a son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob/Israel. His a Hebrew name means "causing to forget" or "God has made me forget," It seems Churchianity has a lot of Manasseh Christians who have forgotten not only the weekly Sabbath but the annual Sabbaths of the LORD (YHWH). 

The Sabbath day in the Bible is the seventh day of the week (Saturday on the Gregorian calendar), commanded by God as a holy day of rest from work, worship, and spiritual reflection, commemorating His rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and serving as a sign of His covenant with Abraham  (Exodus 20:8-11). While Old Testament law strictly enforced the seventh-day Sabbath, false teachers taught Christians to gather on the first day (Sunday) to honor Jesus' resurrection. 

 

Sunday keepers like to site Acts 20, particularly verse 7, to justify taking communion instead of Passover. They take "upon the first day of the week" and "came to gather to break bread" out of context. The Disciples of Jesus Christ kept the Sabbath on the 7th day as commanded. On Sunday they came together to break bread, a common meal, not the Lord's Supper or "communion," because Paul was leaving the next day on a missionary trip. It was simply a farewell dinner. Farewell dinners are still a custom today. The 4th commandment is not a suggestion, and communion is not Passover.

Jesus clearly states in Matthew 12:8  HE is Lord of the Sabbath, not that HE is our Sabbath, or that HE is Lord of the "first day of the week." 

How can we remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy?

One of the best ways to keep the Sabbath day holy is to devote time to God's word. During the other six days of the week, it's easy to get caught up in all of our responsibilities. On the Sabbath, we need to take time to turn our thoughts and hearts to God. Let God know you are grateful for a day of rest and all His blessings.

The crucifixion of the Savior took place on Wednesday, April 3, 30 AD and He rose the third day after 3 days and 3 nights in the tomb. Most Bible commentaries claim Jesus was crucified on Friday in 33 AD to fit the popular "Good Friday - Easter Sunday" doctrine. Friday crucifixion and Sunday resurrection is false. Jesus rose Saturday night because the tomb was empty early Sunday morning. ~ John 20:1

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ~ Luke 24:1-3

Why didn't they find the body of the Lord Jesus?... because HE rose Saturday night at the end of 3 days and 3 nights.

Why then do most Christians observe the 1st day? Answer: The traditions of men, as it is written: For false christs and false prophets (Roman Catholic Popes and harlot protestants preachers - Rev. 17) will arise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ~ Mark 13:22. Who are the elect of God? The elect are people who obey the commandments of God rather than the commandments of men. For more information about the Sabbath Day, click here

You are cordially invited to share your Christian experience with Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.