Which study Bible in 2026? Thursday, Dec 18 2025 

Biblical history and Biographical and Church news and Doctrine and Family and Motivational and New Testament and Old Testament and Uncategorized , , , , kennethbow 11:06 am

 Which study Bible for 2026?

One of the most common questions I have been asked over the last 50 years in my travels is simply which is the best study Bible?

I think all of us know there is no singular answer that encompasses everything.

Some Bibles excel in readability like large print. Some Bibles appeal because of their size and ease of carry. I am of the opinion some Bibles are carried in our modern world because they are currently a fad. You know it’s the groovy Bible to carry. It is the latest… Have you got one yet? There are even some Bibles that would carry a certain status with some people. Maybe it’s a collectible. Maybe it’s a new bind in an exotic leather of some type. I really do understand all that, and that is not even my subject today. My subject today is totally trying to focus on the content and what it would add to your knowledge in the next 365 days of 2026.

Every year at this time I spend a little time deciding which study Bible I’m going to use for the next 12 months. This is a simple process that I have used for the last 30 years or so. I have used many study Bibles. Here are a few that I have used. I began with the Thompson Chain Bible. I have also used the Schofield Bible, the Dake Bible, the Companion Bible, the Spirit Application Bible, the Ryrie Study Bible, the Chronological Bible, the Student Bible, the Hebrew Bible, the Apostolic Study Bible, and of course, the Premier Study Bible. There have been others that I have used, but I think you get the picture.

I have read the Bible every year cover to cover since I was 14 years old. The majority of those years has been a different study Bible. I do my best to read not only the Bible text, but the footnotes, the introductions, and all the added information.

When Young ministers ask me what I would recommend them to read I always recommend use a different study Bible every year and read everything. That includes the dates, the notes, the references, all of it. It is my personal opinion this is one way a young preacher can “round out” a lot of his thinking on doctrinal issues and also biblical history.

I would like to tell the young impatient ministers there are no shortcuts to really understanding the Bible. It is a long, lifetime process. There is no one study Bible that’s going to make you brilliant and smart by itself alone. I believe most older advanced ministers would tell you that the more they’ve studied the more they realize what they don’t know.

I would like to add a personal recommendation. If you only read or study so that you can preach a message you’re going to miss the greatest moments in your spiritual life. I believe your study should be because you love Jesus Christ. 

I believe your study should be daily. If you truly study daily, you will never be without a message to preach. You will always have more subjects than you can deliver in public services. Learn to be consistent, learn to put the word of God first, and God will give you sermons and revelations.

Having said that let’s begin. I am not going to include the Premier Study Bible (PSB) in this blog. My reason is, I have spent a number of years participating writing commentary and in the development of this Bible. I am still on the publishing board and the financial board of the PBS. It is impossible for me to be impartial and to not prefer it above the others —so please know that what I’m about to write does not include the PSB. Every young beginning minister should start his ministry by reading the PSB cover to cover.

I realize this next comment will cross swords with a number of preachers, and I am fine if you disagree. I have never read any translation, except the King James version of the Bible. It is my preferred reading and study. I have used other translations to see if there is a meaning in a particular passage that I am overlooking, however, to be honest I’m 99% always using the KJV. I believe in the majority text and I believe it is the correct text to study. This whole subject is maybe for another blog. Suffice it to say that I am not a believer in the minority text and the Bibles that are printed from that textus. This also applies to even the interlinear. It is impossible to remove 60,000 words from the text without affecting what you’re studying.

So today the question I am discussing is: if you could only have one study Bible, which one would it be?

My answer (that excludes the PSB) is if I could only have one Bible, I would want to use the Thompson Chain. It is possible that some of my bias is because it was the first Bible I began to use when I started preaching full-time at 23 years old. I still have it, and it literally has been written on every single page of the Bible. I believe in writing and making notes in my Bible -that is just a personal preference.

The original Thompson Chain-Reference Bible company was purchased in the last few years by Zondervan. They have produced it in a new binding and a new block text. This is a very good Bible. It is a Bible that if you did not own any other reference material, you would still be able to get a very well-rounded picture of doctrine and Bible history. It is literally the Bible on itself -meaning what does the Bible say about the Bible, and it leads you through chains of scriptures to do that.There is no one “Bible wonder” that does everything, but I do think this particular Bible comes closer than the others.

Just for fun I’m going to list some Bibles and what I prefer about these particular Bibles:

For reading: Schuyler (I like the chapter divisions)

For carry to church: Allan ( I like red letter and Allan does not make any)

For size/convience: Cambridge (my first Bible bought with my own money at 16)

For article/cool notes/introductions: The Student Bible (Zondervan-out of print)

For new preppie cool factor: Humble Lamb

For being a collectible: Thomas Nelson Signature Series (out of print)

Whatever Bible you choose to use in 2026 may I highly recommend reading your Bible cover to cover in 2026.

Blessings

 

Reflecting on 50 years of Ministry Saturday, Dec 6 2025 

Uncategorized , , , , , kennethbow 2:48 pm

Reflections on 50 years of preaching and modern preaching.

One half of a century: In some ways it seems a blink of an eye, in other ways it seems like a bite of eternity.

50 years ago I was 23 and today I am 73. At the end of last July, 2025 I reached 49 years of full time ministry. At the end of July 2026 I will complete 50 years of full time ministry. So much has changed and much has remained the same. 

My focus today is ministry and preaching. Concerning preaching I am referencing style, content, and delivery. These are my somewhat random thoughts.

Recently, over the last few years I have noticed in myself I prefer slower, quieter preaching. I kind of drifted into that without planning or even recognizing it was happening.

It seems to me I gradually began to see this in myself and began to analyze my thoughts. I found myself being disloyal to the loud fast preaching and decided to not allow negative thoughts to influence me in the years that remain in my life. I had found myself grimacing when the screaming got loud. As lame as it may sound I sincerely began to seek God for what He thought as opposed to what I was experiencing.

I may be misreading this next part as to what happened to me, but I see the poetic justice God uses at times in what happened. 

I had been given a small book on Hebrew words as a birthday gift by a dear lady in our church. I have been reading it slowly and carefully. While in the mindset of considering modern preaching it seems God straightened out my thinking.

There is a small Hebrew word TAL. It is the word for dew, morning dew. The small book ignited my thinking on how God speaks to us. This book emphasizes how the dew is so important in scripture. It is used 37 times if I have counted correctly. It is always used in terms of blessing.

As I pondered this I realized God has two major ways to send the water to earth that earth must have to survive. God uses dew and rain.

There are two ways the Word of God comes:

The dew – gentle, quiet, soaking over time -this is teaching.

The rain – loud, powerful, saturating fast – this is preaching.

Both are heavenly.

Both are divine.

Both are needed.

But they are not the same.

THE DEW OF TEACHING: SLOW, CONSISTENT, NOURISHING

The dew falls silently in the night when no one hears it.

It doesn’t shout.

It doesn’t announce itself.

It simply appears.

I will be as the dew unto Israel…

Hosea 14:5

Dew is personal.

Dew is delicate.

Dew doesn’t run off – it soaks in.

Teaching is the dew of heaven.

It comes quietly into the spirit,

line upon line,

precept upon precept.

For precept must be upon precept… line upon line… here a little, and there a little.

Isaiah 28:10

This is teaching:

where the pastor calmly

opens the Scriptures,

and expounds the Word,

and truth sinks gently into the soul.

Pentecostals love the shout 

but we also need the stillness of instruction.

For the dew of teaching forms roots.

THE RAIN OF PREACHING IS SUDDEN, POWERFUL, AND REVIVING.

Now look again at the text:

My doctrine shall drop as the rain…

 Deuteronomy 32:2

Rain is bold.

Rain is public.

Rain makes a noise on the rooftops.

Rain gets everyone’s attention.

This is preaching.

The voice lifts.

The anointing strikes.

The Word thunders like Elijah on Mount Carmel:

there is a sound of abundance of rain.

1 Kings 18:41

When preaching falls,

chains break,

altars fill,

sinners weep,

and backsliders tremble.

Rain produces shout,

but dew produces depth.

Rain revives quickly,

but dew sustains quietly.

THE CHURCH NEEDS BOTH THE DEW AND THE RAIN

Some churches only get dew 

and the saints grow knowledgeable but grow dry in passion.

Some churches only get rain 

and the saints shout but lack foundation.

Their spirituality only lasts a few days.

But God intended both.

In my search I discovered there is no place on planet earth where dew is not found. In some arid locations it is the only form of hydration for plants, hence a desert. Dew is quiet but causes nourishment daily. None of it is lost. It slowly works its purpose without any waste or runoff. The Bible uses dew as a metaphor for blessing. 

Rain is more noticeable. Rain can be gentle or intense. Rain can bless or cause destruction by flooding with cloud bursts. Rain can be forecast by weathermen. All rain is not salvaged. We must have drains and gutters and French drains due to overflow. Rain was used as a form of judgment in the days of Noah’s ark. Rain has more forms and intensity. Rain is loud and obvious. 

As I pondered this I began to feel like God was chiding me and correcting me. It was clear from a Bible perspective both are needed to give life giving water to our earth.

My conclusion is we need both dew (teaching) and rain (preaching). 

When I began to travel as a young evangelist I was 23 and only knew how my pastor did things. Brother Terry, my pastor, was a strong teacher.  Our general church life was we would have a long revival of six weeks or so and then Brother Terry would teach and establish the new converts. He also preached at times but in my memory he taught more often.

It seems to me this was the case with many churches in the 1960-1970 era. The large churches of those decades were built by men of teaching and preaching (dew and rain). Men like Paul Price, the Davis brothers, David Gray (used charts at times), Voar Shoemake, Clyde Haney, and others. 

I say this to encourage young preachers. Preach it hard and loud and long. 

Bring the rain!

Those of us who have many miles on our odometer can also take confidence in the value of the dew (teaching). The manna was attached to the dew so never doubt the value of teaching.

Numbers 11.9

9 And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.

In Simple Terms

If an environment is very dry or very stable in temperature, dew will not form. 

Jesus said I would that you were either hot or cold.

Just as there are places on earth where dew is rare, there are hearts where the spirit’s moisture no longer settles. 

Dryness comes when prayer ceases, when the air of faith grows thin. 

But just as Elijah prayed and the heavens gave both rain and dew again,  revival always begins when someone kneels and calls upon the Lord.

So let us not become deserts.  

Don’t let your faith become dry in the heat of distraction.  

Let the dew return – the quiet Word that roots us.  

Let the rain fall – the power that renews us.

When the dew rests upon our spirit, truth takes hold.  

When the rain pours from heaven, the fruit appears.  

And when both move together: teaching and preaching, Word and Spirit — the Church becomes a flourishing field under open heavens.

Lord, make us a people who receive Your dew in the dawn and Your rain in the storm that Your Word may live in us,  

and through us, the earth may be refreshed again.

 

False Teachers Thursday, Dec 4 2025 

Uncategorized , , , kennethbow 9:52 am

False teachers by Kenneth Bow

They stand in garments shining, yet their hearts are full of night;

They speak with swelling words of praise, but never walk in light.

They promise fountains flowing, yet their wells are dry within;

They cause the hurt of Zion, but they never call it sin.

With smooth and crafted speeches they deceive the simple soul;

They bind with cords of flattery, yet never make men whole.

They love the chiefest places, and the greeting in the street;

But tremble not before the Lord, nor bow at Mercy’s seat.

They flee when wolves are coming, for they never knew the Lamb;

Their staff is but a painted rod, their cry a hollow sham.

They steal the words of others, saying, “Thus the Lord hath said,”

While God stands far from their deceit and truth falls cold and dead.

But still the Good Shepherd rises, and His voice the sheep will hear;

His rod corrects, His staff protects, His presence calms their fear.

For every false anointed, there is One who reigns above—

The Shepherd true, whose only crown was truth, sacrifice and love.

So test the spirits daily, weigh each voice against His Word;

For many feign the prophet’s fire, yet do not obey the Lord

Cling to the ancient pathway, let His truth defend your way—

The Lamb will guard His chosen flock until His coming day.

 

The Overton Window Friday, Nov 21 2025 

Uncategorized , , kennethbow 6:31 am

The Overton Window

⸻

 “When the Window Moves, but the Word Stands”

Understanding Culture, Conviction, and the Overton Window

⸻

TEXT:

Psalm 119:89 – “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”

Jeremiah 6:16 – “Ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein…”

Romans 12:2 – “Be not conformed to this world…”

⸻

INTRODUCTION

The world around us is shifting. Culture is changing. Values are drifting. Things that were once unthinkable have become normal.

Not because truth changed…

but because the cultural window moved.

Sociologists call it the Overton Window—the range of ideas that society sees as acceptable at any given time.

But the church doesn’t live by a window.

The Overton Window moves through stages:

We live by the Word.

When the Overton window moves, but the Word stands.

“The world is always shifting its standards.”

1. Unthinkable

2. Radical

3. Acceptable

4. Sensible

5. Popular

6. Policy

What was once shocking becomes normalized.

What was once sin becomes celebrated.

What was once holy becomes mocked.

But don’t mistake social acceptance for spiritual righteousness.

Isaiah 5:20

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil…”

Culture moves.

Trends move.

Beliefs move.

But God says, “I change not.” (Malachi 3:6)

⸻

II. THE CHURCH MUST RECOGNIZE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CULTURE AND DOCTRINE

Culture can shift. Doctrine cannot.

Some things are cultural:

• Music styles

• Service length

• Technology

• Dress fashions

• Architecture

• Program formats

The window moves on these things. That’s normal. It’s fine.

But some things are biblical, eternal, unchanging:

• Holiness

• Repentance

• The Oneness of God

• Jesus’ name baptism

• Infill­ing of the Holy Ghost

• Separation from the world

• Righteous living

• Moral purity

• Apostolic worship

These do not move with the window.

They are fixed by the Word.

We do not let culture determine our convictions.

We let Scripture determine our stance.

⸻

III. WHEN THE WINDOW MOVES, THE CHURCH MUST STAND IN THE OLD PATHS

Jeremiah 6:16 tells us to seek “the old paths.”

Not old clothes.

Not old songs.

Not old traditions for tradition’s sake.

But the old paths of truth:

• The Gospel

• Prayer

• Consecration

• Worship

• Holiness

• Apostolic identity

Those paths never go out of style.

Culture may shift, but conviction must stand.

When the world says, “Loosen up,”

the church says, “Hold the line.”

When society says, “It’s not a big deal anymore,”

the church says, “If God said it, it is still a big deal.”

When the window moves,

the Word stays where it’s always been.

⸻

IV. THE DANGER OF A MOVING WINDOW: DRIFT

Hebrews 2:1 warns us:

“…lest at any time we should let them slip.”

If you aren’t anchored, you drift.

If you don’t hold the line, the line moves.

If you don’t know the Word, you follow the window.

**Samson didn’t lose his strength in one moment—

he lost it in stages.**

Step by step…

Compromise by compromise…

As the window moved in his life,

his conviction weakened.

**Lot didn’t jump to Sodom—

he inched toward it, step by step.**

He moved his tent “toward Sodom,”

and eventually he was living in the city.

Culture pulls.

The enemy pushes.

The window shifts.

If we are not anchored, we drift.

⸻

V. WHEN THE WINDOW MOVES, THE CHURCH HAS A CHOICE

Choice 1 — Follow culture.

This leads to compromise, confusion, and coldness.

Choice 2 — Follow Christ.

This leads to revival, authority, and anointing.

You cannot keep both:

• The favor of the world

• And the fire of the Spirit

You choose one.

⸻

VI. THE CHURCH CAN SHIFT CULTURE WITHOUT LETTING CULTURE SHIFT THE CHURCH

The Overton Window does not just move us—

the church can move it.

Every revival moves the window of what people think is possible.

In Acts:

• They prayed until the Spirit fell.

• They preached until hearts were pricked.

• They worshiped until jail doors opened.

• They lived holy until the city took notice.

Revival moved the window.

If the church will:

• Pray boldly

• Worship passionately

• Preach truthfully

• Love deeply

• Live holy

• Stand firm

…we will shift the culture around us.

⸻

VII. THE CALL: FIX YOUR LIFE TO THE WORD, NOT THE WINDOW

Ask yourself:

“What has moved in me that God never told me to move?”

“What have I accepted just because society accepted it?”

“What convictions have softened?”

“What disciplines have drifted?”

“What holiness line have I allowed to shift?”

It’s time to:

• Rebuild the altar

• Return to prayer

• Reclaim holiness

• Rededicate ourselves

• Realign with the Word

• Reject cultural compromise

• Re-anchor our identity in Jesus

⸻

CONCLUSION

Culture has a window.

The church has a Word.

Culture shifts.

Truth stands.

Trends come and go.

Holiness does not.

The world changes its mind every decade.

God’s Word has not changed in eternity.

Stand with the Word.

Live above the window.

Anchor your life to the truth.

And let God use you to shift the culture around you.

⸻

 

Soul’s Harbor Church Dedication Saturday, Nov 15 2025 

Uncategorized kennethbow 4:46 pm

November 7, 2025

A Celebration of Triumph

Honor to our Lord Jesus Christ

Honor to every saint of God gathered here tonight

Honor to this local assembly Soul’s Harbor

Honor to all the ministers here tonight from near and far

Honor to the speakers, Davies and Burgess

Honor to the entire Sissel family, children and grandchildren

Honor to Pastor/Bishop/ Brother Sissel and Sister Sissel

2 Cor 2.14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph (meaning a noisy iambus)

An iambus (from the Greek iambos) is a metrical foot consisting of two syllables: The first syllable is unstressed (˘) The second syllable is stressed (´) So it sounds like: da-DUM da-dum da-Dum Example: aWAY reLIEVE 

It is like we-Won, we-Won, We-Won……that’s an Iambus

When several iambi (the plural of iambus) are strung together, they form iambic meter, the most natural rhythm of English speech.

This form of writing originated about 700 years before Christ. This is what Paul picks up in this verse and uses the Greek word triumph. And it is a word that is illustrated by this iambic pentameter rhythm.

It is something we do without thinking about it. It has become the most natural rhythm of our speech in the English language. In this verse when Paul says God always causes us to triumph… if you were allow me just a tiny bit of liberty in this to understand it Paul is saying God always causes us to sing about our triumphs.

This rhythm is how we naturally speak- learning very early in life to not stress some syllables and put emphasis on others -this creates a very smooth, flowing rhythm that makes our emotion expression give power to the words

In redneck terms, it’s getting noisy about winning

This verse is part of the introductory comments the Apostle Paul  makes when he writes his second letter to the church at Corinth. Paul was celebrating because he won the battle confronted in 1 Corinthians. 

 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

A week or so ago, I was on a tour in the country of Turkey to tour the seven churches of Asia that are talked about in chapter 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation. These churches were addressed by the great apostle John in his later years. It was written sometime around 96 A.D. and one of the most captivating and obvious things you notice is these letters were written to the preacher (Angel) of the church. 

They reflected the pastor’ ministry. The churches were judged according to what the pastor allowed and tolerated and to what he held faithful. 

At the very outset tonight, let me give honor to brother Sissel, because without his vision, without his labor, without his life sacrifice… This night would not have been achieved for a night of celebration of triumph.

He would be the very first to tell you he did not do it by himself. Sister Sissel was right by his side. And tonight as we go along, we’re going to talk about the contribution of others, but consider this any one of the others could have quit and walked away, and we could still be here tonight but if this pastor, if this angel of the church had not done his job, we would not be here tonight. 

Right here at the beginning can we take a moment and stand to our feet and give him a round of applause and then lift your hands and thank God for his life, his dedication, his stability, his determination.

So tonight… We celebrate we celebrate a tremendous triumph. Yes a single triumph overall, but also many small triumphs that flow into one river that brought this dream to come to pass.

Let me begin tonight with some triumphs from history.

Just a little over two weeks ago, I climbed the steps of the temple of Apollo in the city of Didyma. The day before we had stopped briefly on the bus, been allowed to disembark and take pictures of the remains of the temple of Artemis, who, according to Greek mythology was his twin sister.

These two temples built many years before the church was begun were impressive, and even their ruins are still impressive. They were considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature.

While her twin brother Apollo was god of light, prophecy, music, and healing, there was a very famous Oracle there that people came from far away to get advice from their gods.

These buildings were massive. They are partially still there to this day and they are an archaeological wonder.

The temple of Apollo was 167 feet wide and 358 feet long. The white marble columns were 65 feet tall.

His twin sisters temple must be begun 200 years before and then rebuilt at the same time his was being built and it was 225 feet wide and 377 feet long. The marble one this one was embedded with a gold. This temple was surrounded by a reflecting pool and it was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Certainly impressive because of size, the beautiful marble columns, and the fact that it was built 400 years before Christ.

But if I can speak of a moment that I experienced standing on the steps of the temple of Apollo. While we were all just milling around… I looked around at the debris, the broken fallen columns, the partial building that no longer stands complete and was in fact, never finished, and the only value it has is history and archaeology. They don’t have a congregation. Their message has long died out. 

No one goes to Didyima for the oracle or divine direction anymore. 

As I stood on the steps of those magnificent ruins I was overcome by the fact that all of this grandeur was overcome by handful of peasant fisherman. 

It was not an army that overcame these things. 

It was the church of Jesus Christ.

I stood on those steps and admired what had been done, but also realized those temples have no impact today. As I looked at those  remaining magnificent marble columns, the immense size of the building, I realized that temple has been overcome and no longer matter.

That temple changes no lives today. Hey Apollo you have no value except to look back. Artemas you have no future to look forward to.

The church has triumphed over you.

While, you have been destroyed and lay in ruins and no longer really matter in everyday life, we sing a song 

IT’S THE OLD SHIP OF ZION

IT’S THE HOPE FOR THE LOST AND DYING

IT’S A SOUL SAVING STATION

IT’S THE TOWER OF SALVATION

IT’S THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT, OH LORD

AND IT’S BUILT BY THE HAND OF THE LORD

Chorus

I’M TALKING ABOUT THE CHURCH IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

IT’S BUILT ON THE ROCK, IT’S GOT A FIRM FOUNDATION

IT’S BEEN THROUGH THE FLOOD AND IT’S BEEN THROUGH THE FIRE

BUT ONE OF THESE DAYS THE CHURCH IS GONNA MOVE UP HIGHER

IT’S THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT, OH LORD

AND IT’S BUILT BY THE HAND OF THE LORD

Verse 2

IT’S BEEN THRO’ THE STORM BUT THE WIND COULDN’T TURN IT

IT’S BEEN IN THE FIRE BUT THE FIRE COULDN’T BURN IT

FED TO THE LIONS BUT THE LIONS COULDN’T EAT IT

FOUGHT A LOT OF WARS BUT NEVER DEFEATED

YES, IT’S THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT OH LORD

AND IT’S BUILT BY THE HAND OF THE LORD

Tonight right here we have a celebration of triumph.

There are elements of triumph that all of us share as brothers and sisters together.

There are triumphs that we read about in history and we celebrate the Civil war, World War I, World War II.

There are other failures we also share of the pain.

Vietnam, a failed military mission.

The feelings about a triumph or failure are always directly related to how close it was in  time and proximity and how much you were personally attached.

Our children will grow up in a world that talks about COVID but they will not feel the same attachment or repulsion because they were too small or they were born afterwards.

And it’s only something we talk about.

So triumph is on the scale of feelings and celebration, dependent on your involvement and how recent it occurred.

There are some triumphs that supersede all other triumphs and that pass through generations and centuries and millenniums without losing any of their impact.

And we celebrate them today, even though we are thousands of years from it.

The moment when the Roman soldier nailed Jesus to a cross is far removed from all of us in distance and time.

But everyone in this room has bowed their knee in celebration to the moment when he cried, my God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?

We are here tonight to celebrate a triumph on several levels.

In this building tonight there are triumphs that will be celebrated on a personal level.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

People here who have overcome incredible odds to just be here, who have broken the bonds of sin and addictions that sit in this building tonight who can truly say, I have triumphed over the old man and today I am a new creature in Christ.

I have overcome.

Then there is the triumph of a pastor who came here 36 years ago and has patiently worked and built a church.

He has gathered together people who have also overcome and they made it.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

We also come here to celebrate the triumph of building this edifice.

An incredible triumph of building a church debt free, pay as you go, which very, very few in our generation have ever done or achieved.

Tonight is about triumph.

We are here to celebrate.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

The world does not have to understand our doctrine to understand our celebration.

This achievement being recognized by all of you that have come here, whether you drove from nearby churches or flew from far away, you are all a part of a rowdy crowd, drunk on the same Holy Ghost that fell in Acts 2. 

This is a magnificent triumph.

A triumph over every opposition of Satan.

A triumph over money and the need of it in today’s world to build something this great.

But most of all, a triumph of the purpose that Jesus came to this world for. The gospel of Jesus Christ.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

He is the one that said, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

If there should be anyone here that thinks what we’re representing here tonight to celebrate was easy, oh no, no no it was not easy

you  are simply greatly misinformed.

If there’s anyone here tonight that doesn’t understand what went into this moment and this celebration, 

If you are clueless, and you don’t understand what we’re doing…

bear with us while we celebrate the moment. 

Because tonight we celebrate!

We sing our song of victory!

The country boy said somebody hold my mule while I shout.

It’s been a long time coming, and we stand here tonight celebrating the church of Jesus Christ.

We celebrate every life changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Broken people who came needing help, needing strength, needing the power to overcome. People out of the gutters of life whom society had thrown away.

People who submitted themselves to the preaching of the word of God and obeyed that form of doctrine they heard to repent, to walk away from their sin.

People who  have received forgiveness and remission of sins by being baptized in the name of Jesus.

People who have been filled with the spirit of the One who had the greatest triumph in the history of our planet.

He overcame death, hell and the grave.

And he has now taken up residence in our lives.

Jesus lives in us.

That’s the greatest triumph any individual or human being could ever experience on their earthly journey.

On the secondary level, much more human is the triumph over government regulations.

Silly little ideas by educated men in little cubicles with a pencil, paper and a flowchart.

Making you do things that don’t make sense.

Making you obey their little viceroy commands as though they are in charge of the universe.

We have triumphed over our repulsion to their egos.

We have triumphed over all of the little investigative things they do.

Put this here.

Take that out.

Add this.

Don’t do that.

You endured all of this.

And today we stand here in triumph.

You won.

The building is up.

All of the codes have been met.

All of the little things that seemed so important to them and so unimportant to us.

We have won the war of building this church 

…to God be the glory.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

But our greatest triumph, as great as this is, is yet in front of us.

It will occur in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.

For the last trump will sound.

And the dead will be raised incorruptible.

And even those who have gone on to be with the Lord.

Those that helped make tonight a triumph.

James Springer, Faithful saints, they lie waiting until that moment.

That triumph, that sound of the trumpet will be the ultimate triumph.

When the dead rise first and then the living rise in the air to meet him in the air, so shall we ever be with the Lord.

And this triumph is magnificent and wonderful.

And we’re here to celebrate tonight.

But it’s not eternal.

Time will have its effect on this triumph, but that triumph will last forever and ever and ever.

We come to dedicate this place.

We come to set it aside as a house where God lives in this city.

We dedicated to the spirit of holiness.

We dedicate it to Brother Jude’s admonition to pull them out of the fire!

We come to pray that God will triumph in many, many more lives than just the ones that are here and have already been changed.

It has been built for more room so more can come.

That’s the triumph we celebrate, it ain’t over and Soul’s Harbor ain’t done…..that’s the triumph we look forward to.

We want to stand and say, I have overcome some things to achieve this night.

And every person in this room who has ever been baptized and received the Holy Ghost can joyfully celebrate tonight, your personal triumph.

Even if it’s a triumph that no one knows but you.

Even if it’s a personal battle that no one will ever know, and Jesus will cast into the sea of forgetfulness, and Jesus will never mention it, even if it’s in that category.

You can celebrate it tonight, because tonight we triumph.

Tonight we shout.

Tonight we dance.

Because we did it.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

 A few days ago, when I stood in the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in the nation of Turkey.

I looked at fallen columns, I looked at marble pillars.

I looked at a huge foundation footprint of archaeological remains.

And I marveled at the cost, the labor, the unbelievable effort it took to build that magnificent structure.

And I realized it was all in ruins.

All that’s left is for archaeologists and historians to come and try to piece together what once was, but no longer exists.

And as I stood there, I had the feeling that though they maligned Christianity while they walked around in their Roman togas and their Roman chariots and their Roman arrogance and look down their noses on this thing called the Church, 

the Church rose up and the Church lives on.

The Church has triumphed not just over the Roman Empire, but every continent, in every country and over 200 countries of the world the gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached.

Jesus Christ said this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached into all the world for a witness and then shall the end come. 

The Jesus name message is being preached, taught, while Apollo’s effect is gone, the Oracle is silent, while the Temple of Artemis is no longer important in Ephesus, we have triumphed.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has triumphed.

we-Won, we-Won, we-Won

And we are on our way to an eternal triumph like no one can even imagine.

The great apostle said, eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

The Church has triumphed. This church has triumphed!

We marvel that in 300 AD the Roman Empire was considered to be 10% Christian. (Gibbons -rise and fall of the Roman Empire and- Durant the story of civilization)… while they try to figure out what went wrong we’re celebrating about what went right. The church has been built by the hand of the Lord.

When you study the numbers today in our world today, the official number is the Christian church in all it’s various claimantsis 28.8%, not just of the Roman Empire, but 28.8 % of 8.25 billion people on this globe.

Almost one third of the people on this globe claim to be Christians of some form. Apollo and Artemis are long gone..but

the might of the message of Jesus Christ dying on a cross has marched far and wide.

And we have the privilege tonight that- that is what we’re celebrating, the March of Truth.

The old song says, his truth is marching on.

I have seen his glory in a hundred.

Watch light fires.

His truth is marching on.

Tonight we celebrate the winning of this battle.

This battle will someday flow into the river of a thousand, yea, ten thousand of the battles of churches built, of lives transformed, of people saved.

2000 years or marching on…

It’s called the church.

Jesus Christ built it.

This tonight is part of the church that Jesus built and said the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

We celebrate tonight because we have triumphed.

To God be the glory for all that he has done.

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

We win forever.

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Cor 2.14

From the root word meaning a hymn sung in festal processions

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory (3534 triumph). Same word

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory (3534-triumph)? Same word

56 — The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory (3534-triumph -same word) through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Guess what that word victory means?

g3534. νῖκος nikos; from 3529; a conquest (concretely), i.e. (by implication) triumph : — victory.

For many years in history, they celebrated triumphs. 

It happened on a Sunday 2000 years ago when Jesus Christ rode a donkey into Jerusalem.

Caesars would have triumph parades

Kings and military conquerors would have parades…

But there’s never been a parade like the one Jesus Christ is going to have when he climbs up on the back of a great white stallion…. gives a nod to the angel with the trumpet. with one long blast, the greatest parade ever to happen begins. And you and I are going to be in that parade.

You and I get to be in that parade…

Come Lord Jesus 

I’m talking about the church in the book of Revelation

It’s built on the rock. It’s got a firm foundation.

It’s been through the flood. It’s been through the fire.

And one of these days, it’s gonna move up higher

Tonight we celebrate the triumph of this achievement, this building, this revival island in the midst of sin…

 

Bible Scholars vs Bible Teachers Friday, Oct 24 2025 

Uncategorized kennethbow 9:53 pm

Bible scholar or Bible teacher; do they conflict or compliment?

A Bible scholar is a person who devotes themselves to the critical, historical, linguistic, and literary study of the Scriptures — using specialized academic methods to understand the text in its original languages, cultural context, and theological development.

They approach the Bible as a complex collection of ancient writings that can be studied through history, archaeology, language, and literature.

A Bible scholar usually has expertise in several of these fields:

AreaFocus
Textual CriticismStudying ancient manuscripts (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) to determine the most accurate original text.
Historical ContextExploring the cultures, politics, and geography of the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world.
Linguistics & PhilologyAnalyzing the grammar, idioms, and wordplay of Biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek.
Literary CriticismExamining structure, narrative style, and poetic technique (as Robert Alter does).
Theological InterpretationTracing how ideas about God, covenant, salvation, etc., develop within the biblical canon.
ArchaeologyComparing Scripture with archaeological findings that illuminate daily life, worship, and ancient civilizations.

Two Types of Bible Scholars 

Faith-Based Scholars — study Scripture as the inspired Word of God, using scholarship to deepen belief and teaching.

Academic or Secular Scholars — study the Bible as ancient literature or cultural history, often without affirming its inspiration.

Most Bible scholars hold advanced degrees such as: M.Div. (Master of Divinity) — pastoral and theological training. M.A. or Ph.D. in Biblical Studies, Theology, or Ancient Near Eastern Languages — emphasizing research and original languages.

They read texts in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, compare ancient sources, and often publish commentary or translation work.

Simplified Definition

A Bible scholar is someone who seeks to understand what the Bible meant when it was written — and how it has been understood ever since — through study of language, history, and meaning.

The contrast between a Bible scholar and a Bible teacher or preacher: since those roles can overlap but have different aims?

A Bible scholar and a Bible teacher/preacher, differ in how their goals, methods, and audiences differ. 

Their Primary Focus:

RoleMain Goal
Bible ScholarTo discover, analyze, and interpret what the text originally meant through language, history, and context.
Bible Teacher / PreacherTo communicate what the text means for us today — applying it to life, faith, and moral action.

Method and Approach

AspectBible ScholarBible Teacher / Preacher
MethodAnalytical, historical, linguistic, critical.Devotional, pastoral, practical.
ToolsHebrew, Greek, archaeology, manuscripts, commentaries, academic journals.Study Bibles, sermon outlines, life application examples, illustrations, testimonies.
Goal of StudyUnderstanding the original intent of the author.Inspiring obedience and faith in the modern listener.

In short:

The scholar asks, “What did this mean?”

The preacher asks, “What does this mean for us?”

Tone and Audience

RoleAudienceTone
ScholarAcademic peers, universities, seminaries.Analytical, cautious, sometimes technical.
Teacher/PreacherChurch members, Bible classes, general audiences.Encouraging, instructive, heartfelt, persuasive.

A Bible scholar might publish a 600-page study on the Hebrew Psalms.

A preacher might use Psalm 23 to comfort a family at a funeral.

Both use the scriptures but in different dimensions.

Relationship to Faith

AspectBible ScholarBible Teacher / Preacher
Faith stanceMay or may not approach Scripture as inspired; often academic neutrality.Approaches Scripture as divinely inspired and authoritative.
EmphasisKnowledge and understanding.Faith, transformation, and obedience.

Summary


Bible ScholarBible Teacher / Preacher
PurposeDiscover meaningDeliver meaning
EmphasisKnowledgeTransformation
FocusAncient textPresent life
LanguageAnalyticalInspirational
End resultUnderstandingApplication

Example of differences: Genesis 22 — Abraham and Isaac

“And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham… Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest…” (Genesis 22:1–2, KJV)

The Bible Scholar’s Interpretation

Focus: 

Historical, linguistic, and literary context.

Language and structure:

The scholar notes that “tempt” in Hebrew (nissah) actually means “test” or “prove”, not temptation to sin. The narrative’s repetition — “your son, your only son, whom you love” — is a literary device emphasizing Abraham’s emotional trial.

Ancient Near Eastern background:

In the ancient world, child sacrifice was not uncommon among pagan religions. The story likely shows that Israel’s God rejects such practices — distinguishing Himself from pagan deities.

The scholar avoids allegory. He’d say: “This story is about faith and obedience under testing, not a prophecy of Christ’s crucifixion.”

It’s a literary and ethical reflection, not a doctrinal forecast.

Summary of the scholar’s concern:

“What did the ancient author intend this story to teach Israel about their God and faith?” The scholar says what did it mean to them? The Bible teacher would say what does it mean to us?

The Bible Teacher / Preacher’s Interpretation 

Focus: 

Spiritual truth and redemptive typology.

Faith under fire:

The preacher sees Abraham’s obedience as the supreme test of faith — a model for believers who must trust God even when they cannot understand His ways.

The prophetic picture:

Isaac becomes a type of Christ — the beloved son carrying the wood of sacrifice up the hill, willingly submitting to the father’s will. Mount Moriah later becomes the site of Jerusalem — pointing to Calvary. The ram caught in the thicket foreshadows Christ, our Substitute.

The preacher turns it inward:

“What are we holding back from God? What Isaacs are still on our altars?”

The focus moves from being analytical to personal surrender and devotion.

Differences:

Where the scholar hears careful narrative rhythm, the preacher hears the heartbeat of obedience. The message ends not in literary appreciation but in an altar call: “God will provide Himself a Lamb.”

Summary of the preacher’s concern:

“What is the Spirit saying to the believer through this story today?”

Comparison Table

AspectScholarPreacher
EmphasisHistorical meaningSpiritual application
FocusText and cultureHeart and faith
ToolsLinguistics, archaeology, narrative analysisSermon structure, analogy, inspiration
View of IsaacA literary character in a test narrativeA foreshadowing of Christ
Key phrase“What did it mean?”“What does it mean to me?”
ToneAnalyticalPassionate

The preacher breathes life into the text — ensuring it transforms hearts, not just informs minds.

Or as someone once said:

“The scholar builds the well; the preacher draws the water.”

Luke 15 — The Prodigal Son:

Let’s look at how a Bible scholar and a Bible preacher/teacher interpret The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32).

“A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me…” (KJV)

The Bible Scholar’s Interpretation

Focus: 

Historical, literary, and cultural insight.

Historical setting

A first-century Jewish audience would recognize the son’s request as shockingly disrespectful — asking for inheritance before the father’s death meant wishing him dead. The scholar highlights the honor-shame culture at play.

Literary context

This parable is the third in a triad (lost sheep, lost coin, lost son). All three emphasize joy at finding what was lost.

Theological emphasis

The scholar reads the father’s actions — running, embracing, restoring — as a portrait of divine mercy consistent with Luke’s theme of God’s compassion for sinners.

However, the older brother embodies the self-righteous — echoing the Pharisees and scribes in verse 2. 

The scholar will not liken this in any particular way in our current culture and society. They are only concerned with the scripture in its original context and meaning.

Overall message

For the scholar, it’s a parable of grace and inclusion — revealing God’s character and Jesus’s teaching method.

He resists allegory; the father isn’t the “Heavenly Father” in a doctrinal sense, but a character in a narrative that reveals divine mercy through human analogy.

The Bible Preacher / Teacher’s Interpretation:

Spiritual restoration, grace, and personal repentance.

The son’s fall:

The preacher paints the emotional descent — from pride to poverty, from feasting to feeding swine. It becomes an image of sin’s deception and misery.

“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”

The turning point:

“And when he came to himself…” (v. 17)

This becomes a  life moment: repentance begins when the sinner wakes up to his true condition.

The father’s love:

The father running to the son is a picture of God’s pursuing grace. The robe, ring, and shoes become symbols of forgiveness, restoration, and sonship. Robe → covering of righteousness. Ring → restored authority. Shoes → restored dignity as a son, not a servant.

The elder brother:

Represents believers or religious people who resent grace given to others — a warning against self-righteousness.

“It’s possible to stay in the Father’s house and still have a prodigal heart.”

Application:

The preacher invites the listener to “come home.” The parable becomes an altar call, a story of every sinner who returns and every Father who waits.

“Is there someone here today who needs to come to themselves — and come home to the Father?”

Comparison Table

AspectBible ScholarBible Preacher/Teacher
LensHistorical-literarySpiritual-devotional
Main themeGod’s inclusive mercyGod’s forgiving love
FocusContext, audience, structureConviction, repentance, grace
MethodAnalysis and interpretationIllustration and application
ToneObjective, academicEmotional, persuasive
OutcomeUnderstanding the textExperiencing transformation

The preacher shows how the same mercy still transforms hearts today.

Where is the church today? None of us would put a damper on study. We do not celebrate any kind of lack of knowledge. What we do want to proclaim is that the scripture is given by God not just to the original audience, but all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable… To all!

The pursuit of original scholarship in our world today and more importantly in the apostolic world should be carefully observed, and looked at!

We must always remember- it pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching to save them that would believe.

We must never forget how can they be saved except there be a preacher sent and preaching happens.

Paul gave Mars Hill the scholarly response and the end result was only one named disciple and a handful of people that responded from Athens.

Paul went 50 miles down the road to Corinth and decided he would preach nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. 

Paul laid aside the mantle of the scholar and took on the mantle of a Bible teacher preacher.

From that decision came one of, if not the greatest, revival in all of history.

I say never let a scholar look down on an anointed Bible teacher.

Education does not break the yolk. It is the anointing that breaks the yolk.

Thank you to every minister that studies and and brings knowledge and understanding to the text. But in my opinion that will never break the yoke when it is the only thing we have. We must apply the anointing to all education, or we will simply become a Mars Hill movement.

I encourage every Bible preacher preach the Word!

The instruction and admission from Paul the apostle is to preach the word. The power is in the word. It’s not an archaeology. It is not in science. It is not in history. These may compliment and embellish the story but the end result is preach the word.

Thanks for reading today!

 

John 15.22 Saturday, Oct 11 2025 

Uncategorized kennethbow 5:56 am

Exegetical Explanation

Greetings,

I would like to take a moment today and make reference to John chapter 15 verse 22.

If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

I want to clarify what this verse means-

Jesus is referring to the sin of rejecting truth, rejecting the messiah, and he is saying if he had not come, they would not have this sin to contend with.

He is not saying they would not have sin in their life for everyone has sin Romans 3.23 says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. 

In the larger picture of the entire chapter 15, Jesus is showing them that they have rejected the light, they have rejected the truth of he being the Messiah.

In verse 22, Jesus is simply saying if he had not come, they would not have this particular sin in their life.

Many people try to extend this verse to meaning the basic nature of sin -this of course does not fit with the overall exegesis of scripture.

Blessings.

 

You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet Monday, Apr 7 2025 

Uncategorized , , , kennethbow 3:29 pm

     YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET! 

There was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire (13.7 million miles). The Roman Empire coined a phrase all roads led to Rome (1.9 million miles), but there had never been a larger contiguous land empire than that of the Mongols. 

Established in 1206 by Genghis Khan — who was born Temujin in 1162 and whose name, also transliterated as Chinggis, means “universal ruler” His early life was marked by hardship; his father was poisoned by rival tribes, and his family was left destitute. Despite these struggles, Temüjin showed leadership qualities from a young age, uniting various Mongol clans through diplomacy, alliances, and strategic warfare.

In 1206, Temüjin declared himself Genghis Khan, meaning “universal ruler,” after uniting the Mongol tribes under his leadership. This marked the beginning of his ambition to expand Mongol influence beyond the steppes.

— the empire eventually reached a size of at least 9 million square miles. To call this unlikely would be an understatement. Temujin rose to power from a tumultuous childhood, and the Mongols were a nomadic people whose territorial expansion came about largely due to brutal military tactics and fierce pragmatism.

At its peak, the empire included all of modern-day China and Mongolia in addition to parts of Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Korea, and the Persian Empire among others.  For all of Genghis’ savvy, however, his descendants proved a fractious bunch who fought among themselves and oversaw his empire’s decline; with the exception of his grandson Kublai Khan, few others in the dynasty are recalled fondly. Even so, Genghis’ massive effect on the world might best be summarized by two staggering statistics: He was responsible for the deaths of as much as 11% of the world’s population (40 million out of 360 million) at the time, and 1 in every 200 men living today are his direct descendants.

No one knows where Genghis Khan is buried.

Though Genghis Khan was one of history’s most consequential figures, there are two things no one knows about the famed leader: what he looked like and where he’s buried. The first is easy enough to explain, as he lived nearly 1,000 years ago and contemporaneous accounts of his appearance differ. The latter is a bit more unusual. Genghis wished to be buried in secret, and the army that escorted his body is said to have slain anyone it came across en route to his final resting place, lest those passersby tell anyone what they saw. After the burial, those same soldiers rode 1,000 horses over Genghis’ grave to bury any trace of it along with him. There are also stories, most likely untrue, that the enslaved people responsible for burying him were then slaughtered so they couldn’t share their knowledge, and that the guards who carried out this act were themselves killed by a second group of soldiers, who then took their own lives. Though the exact location of the grave remains a mystery, scholars believe Genghis is buried somewhere near Burkhan Khaldun, a mountain considered sacred by the Mongols. 

Genghis Khan is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential leaders in history, revered for his military brilliance and feared for his ruthless tactics. His impact continues to resonate in global history.

BUT… YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET

The Coming King: Jesus’ Return to Reign Over All the Earth

 “And the Lord shall be King over all the earth (57.5 million miles). In that day it shall be — ‘The Lord is one, and His name one.’” (Zechariah 14:9)

 The Hope of His Return

The return of Jesus Christ is central to our faith. Just as He promised, Jesus will return to establish His righteous kingdom on earth. This truth stirs us to live in readiness, holiness, and expectation.

• John 14:3 — “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself…”

• Acts 1:11 — “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner…” Jesus is coming back.

The return of Jesus is not symbolic — it is literal, visible, and powerful. 

Rev 1.7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. 

The Nature of Jesus’ Return

Jesus’ second coming will involve two key events:

1. The parousia of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

2. The Second Coming to Establish His Kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16)

Key Scripture:

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 — “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout…” (To be caught upg0726. ἁρπάζω harpazō; to seize (in various applications): — catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).

AV (13) – catch up 4, take by force 3, catch away 2, pluck 2, catch 1, pull 1;

to seize, carry off by force to seize on, claim for one’s self eagerly  to snatch out or away

• Revelation 19:16 — “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

We believe the parousia (1 Thes 4.15;the coming, arrival, advent the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God  is imminent) — it could happen at any moment. After a period mentioned in Revelation, Jesus will return in power to judge the nations and establish His kingdom.

Jesus Will Establish a Kingdom of Peace and Righteousness

The Bible speaks clearly about a future kingdom where Jesus reigns from Jerusalem, bringing peace to the entire world.

• Isaiah 9:6-7 — “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…”

• Zechariah 14:9 — “And the Lord shall be King over all the earth…”

In this kingdom:

• Wars will cease (Micah 4:3)

• Nature will be restored (Isaiah 11:6-9)

• Righteousness will prevail (Psalm 72:7)

The Role of the Church in Preparing for Jesus’ Return

As believers, we have a mandate to prepare for His coming by:

1. Living Holy Lives — “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

2. Preaching the Gospel — “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world and then…” (Matthew 24:14)

3. Operating in the Power of the Holy Spirit — The outpouring of the Spirit empowers us to testify boldly. (Acts 1:8)

The Spirit-filled church must actively seek revival, praying for souls to come to Christ before His return.

The Urgency of the Hour

• Matthew 24:42 — “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”

Jesus’ return is both a promise and a warning. As believers, we are called to stay vigilant and prepared.

 Living in Expectation

Jesus is coming back to reign, and His kingdom will cover the entire earth. As Children of God, we must stay filled with the Holy Ghost, preach the gospel with urgency, and live in readiness for His return.

Call to Action:

• Examine Your Heart: Are you ready for Jesus’ return?

• Empower Your Witness: Ask God for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the gospel.

  • Encourage Others: Share the hope of His soon-coming kingdom with those around you.

The future kingdom of Jesus Christ is coming. His kingdom will be greater than the Roman empire or the British empire or the Mongol Empire. It will encompass the whole world.You will be a part of that kingdom if you stay in the church and live for God.

 

Preaching Still Works Sunday, Mar 30 2025 

Uncategorized , , , , , , kennethbow 8:06 pm

Preaching Still Works

Let me tell you something: preaching still works. I don’t care what the world says, I don’t care what culture tries to cancel, the preached Word of God is still God’s chosen weapon to change lives.

It works in the church. It works in the streets. It works in living rooms. It works on the radio. Preaching just works.

Romans 10:14 says, “How shall they hear without a preacher?” Oh, you better believe it—God uses the foolishness of preaching to confound the wise, to break the chains of sin, and to raise the dead things back to life.

Preaching isn’t just talking—it’s declaring. It’s proclaiming. It’s releasing the fire of Heaven into the hearts of people. 

When that anointed Word goes forth, demons tremble, sickness flees, and hearts are pierced with conviction. Preaching is a lifeline, a sword, a trumpet in Zion. It tears down strongholds and lifts up the Name that is above every name—JESUS!

That’s why you need to get involved. That’s why you need to say amen or waive your hand or stand up or do something to show. Yes, I support this. Yes, I am involved. Yes, I’m on board.

You can have your lights, your programs, your productions— if there’s no preaching, there’s no power. It is the one indispensable thing needed to build a church. You must have preaching.

Paul told Timothy, “Preach the Word. Be instant in season and out of season. ” That means when they want it and when they don’t. Because somebody’s soul is hanging in the balance.

Preaching works—because God watches over His Word to perform it. So when the Word is preached, miracles break out. When the Word is preached, prodigals come home. When the Word is preached, revival breaks loose. Preaching makes things happen.

Matt 4.23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom,…..

g2784. κηρύσσω kēryssō; of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel): — preacher(-er), proclaim, publish.

AV (61) – preach 51, publish 5, proclaim 2, preached + g2258 2, preacher 1;

to be a herald, to officiate as a herald to proclaim after the manner of a herald -always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed. To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done used of the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it, made by John the Baptist, by Jesus, by the apostles and other Christian teachers…

It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe

John preached Matt 3.1

Jesus preached Matt 4.23

Jonah preached Matt 12.41

Apostles preached Acts 8.4

Paul and Barnabas preached Acts 15.35

1 Cor 1.18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Cor 1.21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1 Cor 2.4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Titus 1.3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

So don’t stop preaching. 

Don’t water it down. 

Don’t compromise. 

Preach it hot, preach it holy, preach it full of the Holy Ghost. 

Because preaching still works!

Why Preaching Still Works:

Romans 10:13-15

“For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher?”

Preaching is God’s Method, Not Man’s Idea

“How shall they hear without a preacher?”

Church, preaching didn’t come from a church board or a conference committee—it came from the mind of God. 

From the prophets in the Old Testament to John the Baptist in the wilderness, to Jesus Himself declaring, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”to the Apostles—God has always used a voice to carry His message.

Preaching is not a TED Talk. It’s not a motivational speech. It’s not entertainment.

It is the divine delivery system of Heaven’s message to Earth.

Preaching Breaks Chains and Builds Faith.

Romans 10:17 – “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

When the Word is preached—faith is born. 

When Peter preached, 3,000 souls were saved. 

When Paul preached, demons fled and dead men rose.

The preached Word builds up what the devil tried to tear down.

It breaks addiction. 

It heals hearts. 

It stirs the sleeping. 

It calls the prodigal home.

You may not remember the preacher’s name… but you’ll remember what God did through that Word.

Preaching Carries Power Because It Carries God’s Presence

1 Corinthians 1:21 – “It pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

Don’t let the world call it foolish. Heaven calls it fire.

When preaching is under the anointing—it’s not the preacher talking—it’s the Spirit of God declaring war on darkness.

When preaching goes forth, it’s not just volume—it’s violence in the spirit realm, tearing down strongholds and lifting up the Cross.

Preaching invites the presence of God to invade the present moment.

Preaching Still Works—So Preach On!

The devil would love for the Church to go quiet…

He doesn’t mind a little worship, or a little fellowship—as long as there’s no preaching.

Because when we preach:

• Heaven listens

• Hell trembles

• And hearts are changed

So preach on preacher.

Preach when they shout, preach when they stare.

Preach when it’s popular, and preach when it’s not.

Preach in the pulpit, preach in the streets—preach in power and with fire.

If you’ve been running —it’s time to surrender.

If you’ve forgotten the power in the Word—it’s time to return.

And if you’re hungry for the fire of God to fall again—get to this altar and ask for fresh oil.

Two things about preaching

Number one it is the only indispensable thing in building a church. You can build without a building you can build without music you can build without a lot of things that we like, but preaching is the one thing you cannot do without. 

Number two preaching is the only element that every church in the world uses they may use different music or wear robes or have big cathedrals or meet in living rooms, but every one of them have preaching 

Because preaching still works.

 

The Key: Submission vs Obedience Saturday, Dec 7 2024 

Uncategorized , , , , kennethbow 10:18 am

The Key: Obedience vs Submission

Is there a difference between submitting and obeying?

Here are the definitions of each: Obedience: Obedience refers to the act of following instructions or orders from someone in a position of authority. It involves doing what you are told. Israel, obeyed, and grumbled while they were obeying. They definitely were not submitted.

Submission: Submission refers to the act of yielding your will and desires to the authority or control of someone else.

What is the spiritual meaning of submission? If your pastor is having problems with you, you have a problem with submission.

Submission is the spiritual discipline that frees us from the  burden of always needing to get our own way. If you always need to get your own way, life is frustrating and difficult and contentious. 

In submission we are learning to hold things lightly. 

We are also learning to diligently watch over the spirit in which we hold others— honoring them, preferring them, loving them even above ourselves.

Jesus provides the ultimate example of willing submission as He suffered intense agony in Gethsemane. Not my will but thine.

 Matt 26.39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Submission does not mean putting the will of the husband before the will of Christ. The Bible clearly teaches that the wife is a follower of Jesus before and above being a follower of her husband especially if he is going on the path of unbelief. She does not follow him in that, because she has been called to be a disciple of Jesus. 

Many years ago, I was at a conference and I heard a story. It was about a new convert and she was getting ready for church. When she walked out of her bedroom and stepped into the hall, her sinner husband was standing at the other end of the hall with a pistol pointed at her. He cocked the hammer back and said to her “you are not going to church tonight.”

She smiled and called him by name and said “if you pull that trigger, I’m going to heaven, and if you don’t pull that trigger, I’m going to church.”

That’s submission.

 

Next Page »