“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that BEAR WITNESS ABOUT ME, yet YOU REFUSE TO COME TO ME that you may have life.” (John 5:39-40) How many prophecies are there in the Old Testament that were fulfilled by Jesus? It is believed that there are 300 or more prophecies in the Old Testament that Jesus fulfills as the Messiah. Many religious scholars of today’s religious scene have spent A LIFETIME mastering Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek; and have studied biblical lands and cultures; and have become experts in exegesis; and yet, WHO DO NOT “know” the Son of God in the genuine sense of the intimate term “know.” (ginosko (Greek)), In English the best way to translate it would probably be to personally, intimately, and experientially know someone.
According to the parable of the 10 virgins, when it’s time for the rapture only HALF OF THE CHURCH is going to be taken up, HOW? When Jesus tells this story, “Here is what the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN WILL BE LIKE (Jesus is talking about His last days church) at that time. TEN VIRGINS took their lamps, WENT OUT TO MEET THE BRIDEGROOM.” (Matthew 25:1) The Bible says 5 were WISE because they had plenty of oil indicating they were FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, and 5 were FOOLISH with no oil. The foolish went out to try to find oil, “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But JESUS ANSWERED and said, “I DO NOT KNOW YOU.” (Matthew 25:11-12) Jesus taught, “MANY are called, but FEW are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14). Overall, only 16% READ THE BIBLE most days during the week! American Bible Society’s State of the Bible 2021 report.
Apparently 33% of the world population claim Christianity as their official religion. Only 9% actually go to church once a week. Higher Certificate in Life Sciences, University College London. Jesus said, “I AM the way, and the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” (John 14:6)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham