Sparkling Gems from the Greek, with Rick Renner

Prayer is not just about speaking words, but also about asking correctly and in an appropriate spirit. According to James 4:2-3, if we ask anything "amiss" or wrongly, God will not answer our prayers with a positive response.

Darkness cannot overcome the light of God's presence, and believers can triumph over any attack if they refuse to quit. By understanding their faith as a powerful tool that overcomes the world, Christians can resist Satan's attempts to hinder their dreams and calling, ultimately emerging victorious in the face of adversity.

The Bible teaches that every believer has been given a shield of faith, which is able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked and completely cover them from head to toe. By understanding the importance of maintaining this spiritual shield through regular anointings of the Holy Spirit, believers can ensure their faith remains soft, supple, and pliable enough to stand up under attack.

The article explores the concept of "putting on the whole armor of God" as described in Ephesians 6:11, which refers to the full attire and weaponry of a Roman soldier. The author delves into the various pieces of armor mentioned in the Bible, including the loinbelt, breastplate, greaves, shoes, shield, helmet, sword, and lance, highlighting their significance in spiritual warfare against the devil. The article encourages readers to reflect on the weaponry God has provided for their defense and offense against the enemy, and to consider how they can apply these spiritual tools in their daily lives.

If you have allowed the challenges of life to distract you and throw you off sched­ule in doing God's will, don't you agree that it's time for you to get back on track again?

The most common word for "prayer" in the New Testament is the Greek word proseuche, which carries a rich meaning of close contact and intimate relationship with God. This word demands surrender, consecration, and thanksgiving from believers, emphasizing that prayer is not just a request, but a vehicle to bring us face-to-face with God and yield our lives to Him in exchange for His presence and power.

A person's profession or confession of faith is not just about repeating words, but about having God's Word deeply rooted in their heart and soul. By aligning themselves with God's truth, individuals can speak from a place of conviction, releasing power to bring about change in their lives and situations.

Don't ever let the devil tell you that your problems are too stupid, small, or insignificant to bring to Jesus. The Lord is interested in everything that concerns you!

The peace of God, as described in Philippians 4:7, is a supernatural and superior peace that surpasses all understanding and stands guard at the entrance of one's heart and mind, controlling and monitoring everything that tries to access it. By allowing this peace to work in their lives, individuals can refuse to allow the devil to disturb them, paralyzing his efforts and dominating their minds and emotions.

The passage describes the actions of two men, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who were among the few people who showed love and respect for Jesus during His final hours. Joseph of Arimathea received permission to remove Jesus' body from the Cross and took it to begin preparations for burial, using his wealth to honor Jesus with expensive spices and a fine linen cloth. Nicodemus also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about 100 pounds worth, to anoint Jesus' body. The passage emphasizes that these actions demonstrate their love for Jesus and that their hearts were with Him. The passage also quotes Jesus' words in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also

The day Jesus Christ was crucified marked a pivotal moment in history when the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, signaling the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era of direct access to God's presence. This supernatural event, witnessed by historians and recorded in the Bible, is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and its profound impact on humanity, offering believers boldness to enter into God's Presence every day.

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, played a pivotal role in Jesus' crucifixion, yet his motivations and actions remain shrouded in mystery. As Jesus stood before Pilate, refusing to defend himself against false charges, it becomes clear that Pilate's decision was not solely driven by a desire for justice, but rather by a complex web of political and personal considerations.

Why was the Holy Spirit so careful to include this unique story in Mark's account of the Gospel? What is the significance of this event?

Jesus intervened to heal the ear of Malchus after Peter cut it off during a moment of impulsive action, demonstrating His willingness to stop everything to help a friend in need. This remarkable act shows Jesus' compassion and mercy towards those who have made mistakes, encouraging readers to follow His example by putting aside judgment and instead offering support and assistance to those struggling with self-imposed problems.

A young man's journey of discovery reveals the importance of true submission to authority, as he learns from his own experience of leaving a mentor due to a disagreement. Through the story of Judas Iscariot and Jesus' teachings on submission, the author highlights the critical moment when one's level of commitment is tested, and the need for humility and recognition of spiritual authority in relationships.