The next aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is “goodness” (Galatians 5:23). The Greek word that is translated for “goodness” is agathosune, which is defined as “virtue” or “beneficence.” This is still a very broad concept that I would like to narrow down a bit so we can practically apply it. However, we do need to keep in mind that it is a broad and expansive characteristic that every Christian should have.

As we covered previously, Psalm 89:14-15 states one of the most basic truths that we must understand about the Lord and His ways if we are going to be His followers:

One of the great biblical keys to understanding many of the current events is Zechariah chapters 12 through 14. This week we will look at 12:1-10:

      The recent breaches in the White House security are not only shocking, they are prophetic. It was just revealed that the man who recently jumped the White House fence did not just make it to the front door, but actually got inside the White House, and deep inside of it. He was tackled by an off-duty agent who “just happened to be passing by.”

There are moments in history when a door for massive change opens and great revolutions for good or evil spring up in the vacuum created by these openings. In these divine moments, key men and women and even entire generations risk everything to become the hinge of history, the pivotal point that determines which way the door will swing.

         We will continue our study of how the kingdoms of this world are in conflict with the coming kingdom of God, but I would like to take this opportunity to be thankful for all the Lord did in 2013 and for all of the potential of 2014.

          Because we are commanded to “enter His gates with thanksgiving” (see Psalm 100:4), I ask you to take a few minutes to think of all the things that took place in 2013 for which you are thankful, and thank Him.

In previous Special Bulletins I felt that it was important to biblically establish how there are different mandates given to the civil government and the church. This is crucial for us to understand if we are to know our own specific purpose in the times ahead.

         As we read last week in Galatians 5:19-24, after listing the deeds of the flesh Paul states emphatically, “those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” So what will become of those who believe they are saved because they made a public acknowledgement that they believed in Jesus as their Savior, but have gone on living in their sinful nature, practicing the works of the flesh stated here?

     Although the Old Testament prophets' mandate of bringing correction to God’s people has become more of the mandate of the apostle in the New Testament, there is still a need for the prophetic preachers of righteousness and justice. John the Baptist, the greatest of all transitional ministries, was the greatest of all preachers of righteousness. We are told that John came in the anointing of Elijah, but unlike Elijah, he had very little prophetic revelation and really did not demonstrate any of the kind of power that Elijah walked in.