This lesson teaches that for believers in Jesus Christ, according to the Bible, our soul goes immediately to be with Jesus in heaven upon our death. This lesson also explains where the souls of the righteous and unrighteous have gone before and after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This lesson concludes by discussing the final destiny for believers and the final destiny for unbelievers.
Scripture quotations in this lesson are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) 2020 edition unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1). Consider. Where will your soul go when you die? Why? 1. At your physical death, your soul and spirit will depart from your body
"And it came about, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin." (Genesis 35:18)
Figure 1: When we die, our soul and spirit leave our physical body
When we die, our soul and spirit depart from our physical body. Physical death is the separation of our immaterial nature (our soul and spirit) from our body (Figure 1 above, Ref. 2 below). Genesis 35:18 tells us that when Rachel died, her soul departed. The next verse, Genesis 35:19, tells us, "Rachel died and was buried." Note that it was Rachel's body that was buried. Rachel's soul continued to exist. Her soul did not die or go to "sleep."
Note that when Jesus died, Jesus called out with a loud voice and said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" "And having said this he breathed his last" (Luke 23:46 ESV). Jesus' spirit continued to live after the death of his physical body. 2. God has made us (humans) to have a material nature (our body) and an immaterial nature (our soul and spirit)
"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7 KJV)
God has made us (humans) in God's image (Genesis 1:26). God has made us to have both a physical, material nature (our body) and an immaterial nature (our soul and spirit) (Ref. 2 below). Genesis 2:7 KJV tells us that God made Adam's body from the dust of the ground. Genesis 2:7 KJV also tells us that God breathed into Adam, and Adam became "a living soul."
The Bible refers to our immaterial nature in three ways. Sometimes the Bible uses the single word "soul." Sometimes the Bible uses the single word, "spirit." Sometimes the Bible uses "soul and spirit" together. Here are some example references: a. "Soul" -- Genesis 35:18, Mark 8:36 b. "Spirit" -- Job 32:8, Ecclesiastes 12:7, Luke 8:55, John 19:30, Acts 7:59 c. "Soul and spirit" together -- 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12 Our soul is our personality, emotions, and window to our physical world (Ref. 3, Ref. 4 below). Our spirit enables us to perceive, communicate with, serve, and worship God (1 Corinthians 2:11-14, Romans 1:9, Romans 8:15-16, Ref. 4 below). In this lesson, the single word, "soul," and the single word, "spirit," are intended to mean our entire immaterial nature as distinguished from our physical body. 3. Our Soul Continues to Live After Our Physical Death
After our death, our soul continues to live consciously and does not cease to exist, "go to sleep," or become extinct when our body dies (Figure 1 above, Ref. 5 below). Consider these three examples from the scriptures.
3.1. Elijah, the Widow, and the Widow's Son
In 1 Kings 17:8-16, God sent Elijah to Zarephath during a drought. There God provided a miracle of continual flour and oil for Elijah, the widow, and her son until rain returned (1 Kings 17:14).
Right after that miracle, the widow's son died (he was no longer breathing) (1 Kings 17:17-18). The distraught widow spoke to Elijah, and Elijah prayed for the child (1 Kings 17:19-21 KJV). Elijah prayed, "O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again" (1 Kings 17:21 KJV). The Hebrew word nephesh translated as "soul" in 1 Kings 17:21 KJV is the same word the Bible uses for "soul" in Genesis 2:7. The Lord heard Elijah's prayer, and "the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived" (1 Kings 17:22 KJV). 3.2. Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter
"And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. He, however, took her by the hand and spoke forcefully, saying, 'Child, arise!' And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that something be given her to eat." (Luke 8:53-55)
For the whole story, read Luke 8:40-56. The scripture tells us that the girl had died, that is, her material body had died (Luke 8:49, 53). It is interesting that Jesus said, "Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep" (Luke 8:52). When Jesus said that she was "asleep" (Luke 8:52), he was referring to her dead body, not to her spirit (Ref. 6). The girl's spirit had not died and was still very much alive, and had departed from her dead body. When Jesus took her by the hand and said, "Arise," her spirit returned to her (Luke 8:54-55). The metaphorical term "sleep" applied to the dead physical body (but not the soul and spirit) also occurs in Acts 7:59-60, 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14. 3.3. Jesus and the Penitent Thief
When Jesus was crucified, two criminals (two thieves) were crucified with him (Luke 23:22-23, Mark 15:27 KJV). When the three were on their crosses dying together, the impenitent (unrepentant) thief hurled abuse at Jesus (Luke 23:39). The other thief (the penitent thief) said to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!" (Luke 23:40-42).
Jesus told the penitent thief (but not the unrepentant thief), "Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43, underline added). Not tomorrow. Not some time in the future. Today. Even though their bodies would be dead soon on their crosses and in their earthly tomb or grave (Luke 23:50-53), the souls of the Savior and the penitent thief were both alive together in Paradise that very day (Ref. 7, Figure 2). Likewise, as believers in Jesus Christ, we can look forward to our soul going to be with Jesus immediately upon the death of our physical body (Figure 3). 4. Before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the souls of the righteous and the unrighteous all went to Sheol (Hades)
"Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom." (Luke 16:22-23 NASB 1995)
Figure 2: Before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the souls of the righteous and the unrighteous went to Sheol (Hades).
4.1. Sheol in the Old Testament
Throughout the Old Testament, sh'owl (pronounced sheh-OL) is the transliteration of the Hebrew word for the realm of the dead (Ref. 8). Sh'owl occurs 66 times in the Old Testament. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translates the Hebrew word all 66 times as "Sheol" (Ref. 9). The King James Version (KJV) translates sh'owl thirty times as "hell," thirty-one times as "grave," and three times as "pit" (Ref. 9). In the ancient culture, Sheol was a temporary place where the souls of all the departed dead -- righteous and unrighteous -- awaited their final destiny (Ref. 8).
Example Old Testament verses about Sheol:
(1). Jacob expected to go there. "Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son" (verse 35 in Genesis 37:31-35).
(2). The place for the wicked - "The wicked will return to Sheol, All the nations who forget God" (Psalm 9:17). (3). David expected to go to Sheol, but his time in Sheol would be temporary. "For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol (Psalm 16:10)." David also wrote, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, For He will receive me" (Psalm 49:15). 4.2. Jesus' Teaching About Sheol (Hades)
Jesus taught that Sheol has two destinations for the departed souls of the dead (Figure 2). Note that this teaching describes Sheol (Hades) before the death and resurrection of Jesus. "Hades" is the Greek word in the New Testament equivalent to "Sheol" in the Old Testament Hebrew ("Sheol" - Ref. 8, "Hades" - Ref. 10).
Read the entire account of the rich man and the poor man ("Lazarus") in Luke 16:19-31. Jesus said that when the poor man died the angels carried him to Abraham's Bosom, which was the place of comfort (Luke 16:22, 25 KJV). In contrast, Jesus said that when the rich man died he was buried, and (his soul) went to the place of torment in Hades (Luke 16:22-28, Figure 2). Jesus also stated that there is a great gulf fixed to keep those who wish to cross over from crossing over (Luke 16:26 KJV). Think about why the rich man went to the place of torment in Hades when he died. (1). He was indifferent to the needs of the poor man outside his gate (Luke 16:19-21, 25). Note the similar outcome for the future judgment of the "goats" in Matthew 25:31-33 and Matthew 25:41-46. (2). He was indifferent to God. He had not listened to Moses and the Prophets (Luke 16:27-31). He would not have been persuaded even "if someone rises from the dead" (Luke 16:31). 5. Now, because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the souls of believers go immediately to heaven to be with Jesus when we die
"But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55)
"And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:59-60) 
Figure 3: After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the souls of the righteous go to heaven to be with Jesus.
5.1. Heaven - Destination for Believers
Because of Jesus' sacrificial death for us and his resurrection, the souls of believers now go immediately to heaven to be with Jesus upon our death (Figure 3). Our destination is to be where he is. Jesus, since his ascension, now is in heaven (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 8:1). Recall that Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26).
Example - Stephen's Death
Let's take a look at the example set by Stephen, the first Christian martyr (read Acts 7:54-60). As Stephen's opposers were about to stone him, Stephen gazed (up) into heaven and supernaturally saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). Other scriptures such as Mark 16:19 and Hebrews 8:1 say that Jesus, after his ascension, was seated at the right hand of God. It is interesting that in Acts 7:55 Jesus is standing, likely to welcome his faithful martyr, Stephen (Ref. 11). It is comforting to know that Jesus is in heaven to welcome us.
As the men were stoning Stephen to death, Stephen called upon the Lord, and said, "Lord Jesus, receive [welcome] my spirit" (Acts 7:59, bracket added, Ref. 12). Here, the single word, "spirit," refers to Stephen's immaterial nature (soul and spirit) which was about to leave his physical body (Figure 1). Then, in Acts 7:60, Stephen cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" "Having said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 7:60). As we discussed above in Section 3.2, the metaphorical term "sleep" refers to the death of Stephen's body. Stephen's body died as the result of the stoning. Stephen's soul and spirit went to be with Jesus in heaven (where Jesus is) (Acts 7:55, 59, Figure 3). As the Apostle Paul said, when we become absent from the body, we will be "at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). 5.2. What is the "Third Heaven"?
The Old Testament begins, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Note that in Genesis 1:1 the English word, "heavens," is plural. The Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, pronounced shah-MAH-yeem (Ref. 13). In ancient Hebrew cosmology, shamayim was understood as a multi-layered expanse (Ref. 13):
In 2 Corinthians 12:2, the Apostle Paul refers to heaven as the "third heaven" and in 2 Corinthians 12:4 as "Paradise" (Figure 3). However, before the death and resurrection of Jesus, "Paradise" likely referred to the place of comfort in Hades (see Note 3 in Figure 2). As the result of Jesus' death and resurrection, it appears that "Paradise" has moved to what we commonly call "heaven" (Figure 3 above, Ref. 14 below). Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, "Third Heaven" and "Paradise" are now synonymous (Ref. 15 below). 5.3. Hades - Destination for Unbelievers
Jesus' teaching in Luke 16:22-28 about the souls of the unrighteous going to the place of torment in Hades -- still applies (see Section 4.2, Figure 2, and Figure 3). The souls of the unrighteous (unbelievers) go to the place of torment in Hades to be reserved there until the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15, Figure 4).
Unbelief, and its consequent indifference to God, results in eternal torment (Luke 16:27-31, Ref. 16 below, Revelation 20:11-15). Instead, decide in this life (while you are still alive) to believe in Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (John 3:36, Acts 4:10-12, Acts 16:29-31, Ephesians 2:4-9). 6. For believers, our final destiny is the new heaven and new Jerusalem
We have established that the souls of those who have died in Christ are with him in heaven now. Likewise, as believers in Christ, when we die, our souls will go to heaven to be with him (Acts 7:54-60, Figures 3 and 4).
This section, Section 6, discusses when Christ returns (6.1), the great white throne judgment (6.2), the book of life (6.3), the final destiny for unbelievers (6.4), and the final destiny for believers (6.5). 
Figure 4 - As believers, our final destiny will be with God in the new heaven and new Jerusalem
6.1. When Christ Returns
1 Thessalonians 4:14 tells us that when Christ returns, he "will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus" (Figure 4). Then, "We who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Take comfort that we, as believers in Jesus, will always be with him. We will be with him in heaven after our physical bodies die (Acts 7:54-60, Figure 4). We will be with him when we receive our resurrection bodies and Jesus returns to earth to begin the thousand-year reign (Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17, Revelation 20:4-6, Figure 4).
6.2. The Great White Throne Judgment
The Bible tells us that after the thousand-year reign of Christ, the unrighteous dead will be resurrected (John 5:28-29, Revelation 20:4-6, Figure 4). They will stand before the "great white throne" for their final judgment (Revelation 20:11-12). The books will be opened, including the "book of life" (Revelation 20:12). Our Lord -- the Son of God and the Son of Man -- will judge them "from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds" (John 5:25-27, Revelation 20:12). Revelation 20:15 tells us that if anyone's name is not found in the book of life, they will be thrown into the "lake of fire."
As believers in Christ, we will have nothing to fear from this judgment of unbelievers. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life (John 5:24). 6.3. The Book of Life
Note how valuable it is to have our names written in the Lamb's book of life (Revelation 21:10, 27). Having our names written in the Lamb's book of life is far more valuable for us than all earthly power and possessions (Ref. 17). Because our names (believer's names) are written in the Lamb's book of life (Revelation 3:5), we will enter into our final destiny -- new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2, 27; Figure 4). Jesus told his disciples (and tells us) that having our names "recorded in heaven" is a cause for rejoicing (Luke 10:20).
6.4. The Final Destiny for Unbelievers -- Lake of Fire (Gehenna, Hell)
"Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:14-15)
The New Testament gives us two names for the final destiny of eternal punishment for the unrighteous -- the "lake of fire," and "Gehenna" or "hell" (Figure 4).
6.4.1 Lake of Fire
The name, "lake of fire," occurs only in the book of Revelation (Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 20:14, 20:15, and 21:8). The Bible tells us that the torment in the lake of fire is "day and night forever" (Rev. 20:10). The Bible also tells us that the lake of fire burns perpetually with brimstone [sulfur] (Rev. 19:20, Rev. 20:10, Rev. 21:8, Ref. 18). The presence of brimstone reminds us of the Lord's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Luke 17:29, Genesis 19:24).
All of the wicked reserved temporarily in Hades will be delivered up and resurrected for the great white throne judgment (Rev. 20:12-13, Figure 4). Those whose name is not found in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15). 6.4.2 Gehenna (Hell)
In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus referred to the final destiny of eternal punishment as "Gehenna" (Greek, "hell" in English) (Figure 4).
6.4.2.1 Biblical background - Gehenna
The word, "Gehenna," [hell] -- originally came from Hebrew and meant the valley of the son of Hinnom (Ben-hinnom) (Joshua 15:8, Ref. 19). The history of the valley of Ben-hinnom (west and south of Jerusalem) is horrible. Jeremiah 7:31 tells us that the sons of Judah "built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, and it did not come into My mind." (Compare with Leviticus 18:21 AMP.)
King Josiah later reformed this terrible situation. 2 Kings 23:10 says, "He also defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, so that no one would make his son or his daughter pass through the fire for Molech." The Bible does not tell us what Josiah did to make Topheth abhorrent to the Jewish people. However, the prophet Jeremiah does tell us that Topheth in the valley of the son of Hinnom would become a burial place for bodies, some of which would not be interred and would become food for birds and animals (Jeremiah 7:31-33). 6.4.2.2 What did Jesus say about hell (Gehenna)?
Jesus, as a master teacher, used something the people knew -- the terrible reputation of the Valley of Ben-himmon -- to teach them (and us) about the final destiny of eternal punishment for the wicked. Jesus spoke of Gehenna (hell) by name. Refer to Matthew 5:22, 5:29-30, 10:28, 18:9, 23:15; Mark 9:43-48; and Luke 12:5.
For example, Jesus said, "And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna]" (Matthew 10:28, bracket added). Jesus also said, "And if your eye is causing you to sin, throw it away; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be thrown into hell [Gehenna], where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished" (Mark 9:47-48 bracket added). Note what Jesus is saying about the eternal hell, Gehenna (Figure 4):
Note that in the scriptures Jesus also spoke of Hades -- the temporary abode of the unrighteous dead (not Gehenna). Refer to Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:18 NKJV ("the gates of Hades shall not prevail"), and Luke 16:23 (Figures 2, 3, and 4). The terrible destination for unbelievers and the wicked -- Hades and Gehenna -- can be avoided (Figure 4). Turn to Jesus. Now, in this life, while you are still alive, repent from your sins (1 John 1:9). Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior (John 20:27-29; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 16:29-31). Accept the gift that God has already offered in love to you and all the world - his Son (John 3:16). Believe in him, trust him, and you will also receive God's gift of eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 6:23). 6.5. The Final Destiny for Believers -- New Heaven and New Jerusalem
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." (Revelation 21:1-2)
As believers in Jesus Christ, our final destiny is be with God in the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem that God will provide (Rev. 21:1-27, Rev. 22:1-5, Figure 4). Rev. 21:2 and Rev. 21:10 tell us that the holy city, the new Jerusalem, will come down out of heaven from God. 6.5.1 A Wonderful Place
The Bible tells us why the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem will be a wonderful place.
6.5.2 The Price of Admission Has Already Been Paid for You
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates." (Revelation 22:14)
Referring to the new Jerusalem, God says through his word that those who "may enter the city by the gates" are those "who wash their robes" (Rev. 22:14). More specifically, they are ones who have washed their robes and "made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14). It is the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, that washes away our sins and cleanses us (John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 John 1:7). By God's grace, Jesus Christ through his shed blood has paid the admission price for us to enter heaven and the new Jerusalem. Accept God's gift of his Son, Jesus Christ, and the price he has paid for you (John 3:16, 1 Peter 1:18-19). Then you will have God's gift of eternal life, and your soul will go to heaven to be with Jesus when your body dies.
Prayer. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for us that we may live forever with you. Help us to live faithfully for you in this life on earth. Then, thank you for receiving our souls into your presence in heaven.
Related Lessons
"Paradise, Jesus, and the Penitent Thief" - Luke 23:42-43 "God's Offer of Salvation and Eternal Life" - John 3:16 "What Is Eternal Life?" - John 17:3 "What is the Tree of Life in the Bible?" - Revelation 2:7
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-American-Standard-Bible-NASB/ 2. Spiros Zodhiates, Th. D, "Life After Death," AMG Publishers, 2002, p. 19 3. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5315.htm 4. Zodhiates, p. xiii-xiv 5. Zodhiates, p. 4 6. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/matthew/9.htm Barnes Notes - Matthew 9:24 7. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/luke/23.htm Barnes' Notes - Luke 23:43 8. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7585.htm 9. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/strongs_7585.htm 10. https://biblehub.com/greek/86.htm 11. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/acts/7.htm Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:55 12. https://biblehub.com/greek/1209.htm 13. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/8064.htm 14. Zodhiates, p. 41 15. Zodhiates, p. 42 16. Zodhiates, p. 40 17. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/luke/10.htm Barnes Notes - Luke 10:20 18. https://biblehub.com/greek/2303.htm 19. https://biblehub.com/greek/1067.htm 20. https://biblehub.com/greek/2537.htm 21. https://biblehub.com/interlinear/revelation/21-3.htm 22. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/revelation/21.htm Cambridge Bible for Schools and College - Revelation 21:3
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Ein Gedi Stream (Israel) - Psalm 27:13 - Can Stock Photo - Used under license
"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living." (Psalm 27:13)
Because God's nature is good, and God is good to us, we do not need to despair or lose heart. Even in the face of adversity and the challenges of life, God's goodness gives us hope.
This lesson discusses what David meant in Psalm 27:13 when he said that he would see "the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." "I would have despaired unless I had believed"
David begins the verse with the conditional phrase, "I would have despaired unless" (Psalm 27:13 NASB1995), or "I would have lost heart unless" (Psalm 27:13 NKJV). The most important point of the phrase is that David believed. And because he believed that he would see the goodness of the Lord, he did not despair or lose heart because of the adversities he was experiencing in his life (Psalm 27:2-3, 12).
Here, the Hebrew word for "believed" is aman (pronounced ah-MAHN). Aman means to trust and to have faith (Ref. 1). In the Hebrew culture, believing was essential to God's covenant relationship with his people. God was a reliable covenant partner. The people in response to him were to believe in him and faithfully live in accordance with his commandments (Ref. 1). In the context of Psalm 27:13, because we believe in God, we will see God's goodness. We will not despair or lose heart when troubles come. "That I would see the goodness of the Lord"
For David, believing in [trusting in] God was the key for seeing God's goodness. Here, the Hebrew word for "seeing" means to perceive, experience, and understand (Ref. 2). Because David believed in God, David experienced and understood God's goodness. Our faith in God will enable us to perceive, experience, and understand God's goodness in our lives.
God's goodness explained
God's goodness includes God's nature (who God is) and God's benevolence (what God does).
Goodness is first a description of God's essential character (Ref. 3, Ref. 4). God is good in the moral sense. There is no evil or sin in him (Psalm 92:15, James 1:13).
God's goodness also means that God is benevolent to people, that is, he blesses people.
a. First, God's goodness extends to all people.
b. Second, God's goodness extends to his people - people who revere him and love him.
"In the land of the living"
God's blessings and goodness are for the here and now and for throughout all our lifetime on earth. David was confident that he would see the goodness of the Lord "in the land of the living," as contrasted to the place of the dead. Because we believe in God, we will see God's goodness "in the land of the living" -- during our lifetime on earth. God's goodness to us blesses us and gives us hope us through the adversities and challenges of life.
Prayer. Dear God, thank you for all of your goodness that you have given to us. Thank you for blessing us and strengthening us each day so we can bless others who are going through adversity. In Jesus' name, Amen.
 Man praying at the cross - Mark 1:15 - Pixabay image - Used under license "Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'" (Mark 1:14-15) This article explains the meaning of Jesus' command, "Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Consider. Have you repented of your sins and turned to God? Do you believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ? In his first public preaching message in the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus described the two requirements for entrance into God's kingdom. Jesus said we must "repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). 1. The word "repent" means to "change our mind" (Ref. 1). First, we are to change our mind about our sin, and turn from our sin to the ways of our heavenly Father. Repentance includes confession of our sins to God (1 John 1:9). Repentance goes beyond confession and is a commitment to change our behavior and align our life with God's will (Ref. 1). 2. Then, by faith (which is God's gift to us), we are to believe in the gospel (Ephesians 2:8, Ref. 2 - believe). The gospel is good news -- the good news of Jesus Christ, God's Son (Ref. 3 - gospel). God, at God's initiative, has given us his Son, Jesus Christ. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins, we through faith in the resurrected Jesus receive forgiveness for our sins and receive God's gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Ref. 3). That is good news indeed. 3. Repentance from our sins and belief in Jesus Christ go together. Both are necessary (Mark 1:15). Without repentance, Jesus said we will perish (Luke 13:3). Without belief in him, Jesus said we will die in our sins (John 8:24). Apply. Turn away from your sin today. Tell God you are sorry for your sins, and ask God to help you live life that is pleasing to him and serves others. Put your trust completely in God's Son, Jesus Christ. Thank him for dying on the cross to forgive your sins. Ask Jesus to help you follow him faithfully each day.
Image source: Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org
"Take courage, your faith has made you well" - Matthew 9:22 - FreeBibleImages.org image - Used under license
"But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, 'Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.' And at once the woman was made well." (Matthew 9:22)
This lesson discusses the meaning of Jesus' words, "Take courage." This lesson presents five examples where Jesus spoke the words, "Take courage," to his disciples and others.
Consider. What did Jesus mean when he said to his disciples and others, "Take courage"?
"Take Courage" Meaning
Jesus often spoke the words, "Take courage," to his disciples and others to instill confidence and dispel fear (Ref. 1). "Take courage" means to be strengthened from God, and to be confident and assured from God in the face of adversity or uncertainty. "Taking courage" in the scriptural sense comes from God and is not merely human bravery that we muster on our own strength without God. Instead, "Taking courage" points to divine assurance and peace that comes from faith in God (Ref. 1).
Bible translations frequently translate the Greek word for "take courage" [tharseó, pronounced thar-SEH-o] as "take heart," or "be of good cheer" (Ref. 1, Ref. 2 - John 16:33 example). Jesus' Examples of Speaking "Take Courage" to People
Next, let's look at five examples where Jesus spoke the words, "Take courage," to encourage his disciples and others.
1. "Take courage, son, your sins are forgiven"
Matthew 9:2 - "And they brought to Him a paralyzed man lying on a stretcher. And seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man who was paralyzed, 'Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.'"
Note that Jesus first forgave the paralytic's sins before Jesus healed the man physically (Matthew 9:2-8). The minds of Jesus' Jewish listeners connected sins being forgiven and physical diseases being healed as both being done by God (Psalm 103:2-3). Being forgiven by God for his sins was the first and main reason for the man to be encouraged. Before Jesus healed the paralytic, he forgave the man's sins. If you are in Christ, take courage, Jesus has forgiven your sins (Ephesians 1:7 KJV, 1 John 1:9). 2. "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well (literally, 'saved you')"
Matthew 9:22 - "But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, 'Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.' And at once the woman was made well."
The woman who came to Jesus had suffered 12 years from a hemorrhage (Matthew 9:20). She had said to herself, "If I only touch His cloak, I will get well" (Matthew 9:21). Mark tells us that as soon as she touched Jesus' garment, the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed (Mark 5:28-29). Jesus then kindly addressed her, not as a man to a woman, but as a father to a child. "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well" (Matthew 9:22). The woman's faith, which was a gift from God, was the channel by which she received healing and was made well by the Lord Jesus. Note the word that Jesus used for "made well." In Matthew 9:22 (and Mark 5:34) the word for "made well" is sózó (pronounced so'-zo). In the New Testament sózó means to save, to rescue, to deliver, to heal, and to preserve (Strong's Lexicon - Ref. 3). In Matthew 9:22, Jesus meant that she, who had been diseased for 12 years, was healed by her faith in him and made whole (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance - Ref. 3). We, too, can take courage. Through faith in Christ, which is God's gift to us (Ephesians 2:8), Jesus saves us, heals us, restores us, and makes us whole. 3. "Take courage, it is I"
Mark 6:49-50 - "But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost, and they cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, 'Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.'"
Jesus' disciples were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee at night (Mark 6:45-51). The windstorm was against them. Jesus came to them walking on the water. Jesus' disciples were terrified, thinking that it was a ghost. Jesus said his famous, calming words to them, "Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50). Jesus then got into the boat with them. The wind stopped, and the disciples were astonished. For the believer in Jesus Christ, we have nothing to fear. We can take courage -- be encouraged -- because Jesus comes to be with us, to assure us in our storms, and to deliver us. 4. "Take courage, I have overcome the world"
John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
Note as Christians we simultaneously live "in Jesus" and also live "in the world." Jesus said that in him we have peace, and in the world, we have tribulation. The peace that Jesus gives us is complete peace of mind, welfare, and safety (Ref. 4, John 14:27). The world cannot take away this inner peace. However, because we also live in the not-so-peaceful world, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ today experience tribulation -- severe stress, suffering, and persecution (Ref. 5) -- because of their faith in Christ. Into the world in which we live, Jesus steps in and says, "Take courage, I have overcome the world." Through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead, Jesus has won the victory over death and power of evil. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we too, overcome the world. "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith" (1 John 5:4). 5. "Take courage, ... you must witness at Rome also"
Acts 23:11 - "But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, 'Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.'"
The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the Apostle Paul and stood at his side when Paul was in "protective custody" in Jerusalem (Acts 23:1-10). The Lord commended Paul for how he had witnessed for the Lord in Jerusalem (Acts 23:11). Then the Lord encouraged Paul. Jesus encouraged Paul by telling Paul the next phase of his mission assignment - to witness for Christ in Rome. When the Lord gives us a fresh update on our life's mission assignment, that gives us courage. It encourages us because we know, like Paul, that the Lord will help us live that long so we can complete what he has assigned us to do. And, we know that the Lord will be with us to help us when we encounter obstacles. Summary - Principles in this Lesson
1. Courage comes from God. "Taking courage" means to be divinely assured and strengthened from God in the face of adversity or uncertainty (Ref. 1).
2. As believers in Jesus Christ, we can take courage because: a. Jesus has forgiven our sins (Matthew 9:2, Ephesians 1:7 KJV, 1 John 1:9) b. Jesus saves, heals, and restores us (Matthew 9:22) c. Jesus is with us in the midst of our storms (Mark 6:49-50) d. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33, 1 John 5:4) e. Jesus stands next to us to help us accomplish the mission he assigns us to do and to help us overcome obstacles (Acts 23:11)
Apply. Go in the peace of Christ. Go, knowing that Jesus is with you. Jesus will give you the courage and strength to face adversity and obstacles as you trust him and serve him in the world.
Related Lessons
"The Authority of Jesus" - Matthew 28:18 "The Peace of Christ - Colossians 3:15 Meaning" "15 Bible Verses About Courage"
Image source: FreeBibleImages.org
"The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah." (1 Kings 17:16)
This article presents 19 Bible verses about God's provision for our needs. "Tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers" (Philippians 4:6).
The scripture quotations below are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless indicated otherwise (Ref. 1).
Bible Verses About God's Provision - Old Testament
Genesis 1:29 - "And God said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food."
Genesis 41:53-54 - "The seven years of plenty that occurred in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread."
Exodus 16:4-5 - "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.'"
Note - The Lord daily provided manna for the Israelite's daily needs and taught them to trust the Lord one day at a time. Recall Jesus' instruction for how we are to pray: "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11)
Deuteronomy 29:5 NIV - "Yet the Lord says, 'During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.'"
1 Kings 17:14-16 - "For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.' 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.'"
Psalm 23:1-2 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters."
Psalm 34:10 - "The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
Psalm 37:3-4 - "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:25 - "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread."
Isaiah 55:1-2 - "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."
Malachi 3:10 - "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
Bible Verses About God's Provision - New Testament
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Note - Serve God as your first priority, and God promises to provide the things you need for daily living such as food, drink, and clothing (Matthew 6:11, Matthew 6:31).
Matthew 14:17-21 - "They said to him, 'We have only five loaves here and two fish.' 18 And he said, 'Bring them here to me.' 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children."
Luke 12:22-24 - "And he said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!'"
2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Philippians 4:6 TLB - "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers."
Philippians 4:19 NASB 1995 - "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Note - Be a person who generously shares with others and supports your brothers and sisters in Christ when there is a necessity, and God will supply [literally "fill up"] your needs as well (Ref. 2). Paul is commending the generosity of the Christians at Philippi. They generously sent Paul a gift (donation) more than once (Philippians 4:14-18 NASB 1995).
1 John 5:14-15 - "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
Waterglass Filled to Overflowing - "Be filled with the Spirit." - Ephesians 5:18 - 123RF Photo - Used under license
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18)
This lesson provides practical, scriptural steps pastors, teachers, and Christian workers can take to become filled (and refilled) with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of ministry.
Consider: Why is it important for effective ministry to others for believers in Christ to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Is being filled with the Holy Spirit a one-time event, or a repeated, continual action?
The scripture quotations in this article are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
1. The gift of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God's gift to us.
God has already given us the gift of the Holy Spirit when we first believed in Christ. The Apostle Peter spoke about this on Pentecost. After Peter's Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:14-36), the people were "cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" (Acts 2:37). Peter replied to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who put their faith and trust in God's Son, Jesus Christ. God gives us the Holy Spirit:
* Example ministries include preaching, teaching, healing, contributing generously, singing songs, and waiting on tables. References: 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-12, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 5:18-19, Acts 6:2-3. 2. The indwelling Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit indwells us.
When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit indwells us. The Holy Spirit comes and lives inside us.
a. On the evening before his death, Jesus told his disciples that the Spirit of truth "lives with you and will be in you" (John 14:17). The Holy Spirit's "will be in you" (indwelling) was fulfilled beginning at Pentecost and is equally fulfilled when people believe in Christ today. b. The Apostle Paul wrote that the mystery which was hidden for ages God had made known then among the Gentiles "which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:26-27). The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit was for all people -- Jews and Gentiles -- who put their faith in Christ (Acts 10:44-45). c. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in us (1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT). 3. The infilling of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit fills us and continually refills us.
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18)
Paul's instruction to the Christians at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1) was that they be continually being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The Greek verb for "be filled" is pléroó (pronounced play-ro'-o) (Ref. 2). Pléroó is in the Greek present tense which is a continued, ongoing, repeated action over time, not a one-time ("one and done") event in the past (Ref. 3, Ref. 4). The instruction, "be filled [continually, repeatedly]," is second person plural ("you all") (Ref. 3) addressed to the Ephesian church as a group and to all who are believers in Christ today.
Why does Paul instruct us to be continually filled (and refilled) with the Holy Spirit?
Since the Holy Spirit already indwells us (believers in Christ), why then does Paul instruct us to be filled [continually, repeatedly] with the Spirit?
Perhaps you will have different thoughts, but here are the thoughts that came to my mind in answer to this question: a. Spiritual Renewal from Spiritual Depletion
(1). I am a "leaky" vessel. Perhaps you are, too.
(2). Our human bodies and our automobiles (motorcycles, etc.) need repeated food and fuel to run. Similarly, when our spiritual energy becomes depleted through continually ministering to others, we need to take time, and prayerfully seek to be spiritually refilled and renewed by the Holy Spirit. b. Preparation and Empowerment for Ministry
This is the most important part of this "lesson." When we are ministering as a preacher, teacher, an elder or deacon, or in any role as a representative of Christ, we need to be clean (fully confessed) vessels and channels for the flow of God's Holy Spirit power to others. We need to be yielded completely to God's will and guidance. We need to be filled and refilled with God's Holy Spirit so God's power for ministry flows through us to others.
Let me give some examples where praying to be filled (or refilled) with the Holy Spirit is scriptural and wise preparation for effective ministry:
4. How to be filled with the Holy Spirit
This section respectfully suggests three scriptural steps you can go through to become filled (or refilled) with God's Holy Spirit for the purpose of ministry. Before you begin your worship service, evangelistic outreach event, or daily mission work (or other ministry), pray through these steps beforehand. You can pray either in private as individuals or together with your Christian ministry team members.
Confess - Yield - Ask a. Confess
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 ESV)
Confess your sins to God. In prayer, silently ask God to bring to your mind any unconfessed sins in your life. Take plenty of time to do this (10 or 15 minutes is better than 30 seconds). Tell God you are sorry for your sins. Thank God for forgiving you all your sins through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.
Don't keep revisiting past sins that you have already confessed to God. In Christ, God has already forgiven your sins, and God remembers them "no more." (References: Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:12, Micah 7:19 ESV). b. Yield
Tell God, in prayer, that you yield your will, and your entire self to his direction and control. Ask God to direct you, and to reveal his will to you during the ministry event that you are about to commence. Ask God to help you and your team speak and act totally in accordance with his will, not your own. (Reference: 1 John 5:14-15).
Recall that Jesus, before he completed his great sacrificial work (his voluntary death for us), had prayed to his Father, "Not my will, but yours be done." (Reference: Luke 22:42). c. Ask
Peter and John and the other apostles and believers prayed. "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus" (Acts 4:29-30). "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" (Acts 4:31).
In prayer, ask God to fill you (or refill you) and your team members with the Holy Spirit. Ask God to enable the power of the Holy Spirit to flow through you and your team members for the specific ministry (such as a worship service or outreach event) you are about to begin. God will honor your request and will fill you with the Holy Spirit. Through the filling of the Holy Spirit, God will empower you for the purpose of effective ministry to others. God will help you know what to say and what to do as you minister to others in Jesus' name.
5. Step Out in Faith
After these steps (confess - yield - ask), step out in faith. Listen to God leading you, and then speak and act in the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit that God has given you.
Apply. Confess your sins to God. Yield your will and yourself completely to God's will. Ask God to fill you (or refill you) with the Holy Spirit to empower you in your ministry to others in Jesus' name.
Even to your old age and gray hairs - Isaiah 46:4 - 123RF photo - Used under license
"And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." (Isaiah 46:4 KJV)
God promises to sustain us through all the years of our lives - even through the years of our old age and "gray hairs" or "hoar hairs" (Isaiah 46:4).
Consider. If you already are in your "graying years," how have you experienced God’s grace and care for you as you have aged? If you are young, how does God's promise to carry you to "hoar hairs" (gray hairs) give you hope for the future?
The scriptures quoted in this article below are taken from the King James Version (KJV) on the BibleGateway site unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
1. "Even to your old age I am he"
God encouraged the remnant of Israelites held in captivity in Babylon. God said, "Even to your old age I am he" (Isaiah 46:4). By the words, "I am he," God explained that he is the same God who had carried them from their birth, and that he had not abandoned them. The scripture had a meaning for the Israelites both in the national sense and in the personal sense.
a. In the national sense, God had carried the Israelites since their birth as a nation, when God delivered them from Egypt. For example, in Deuteronomy 1:31, God told the Israelites that in the wilderness he had "carried them, as a man carries his son" (Deuteronomy 1:31 NKJV). b. In the personal sense, God was with them all the time from their own birth, and was carrying them throughout their lives into old age, and would never forsake them. This same principle applies to us today who believe in God and trust him. God takes care of us throughout our lives as children and adults, and we continue to experience God's grace and care in our years of old age and gray hair. Notice in Isaiah 46:5, that God invited the remnant of Israel to compare himself to the idols of Babylon. God has carried (and still carries) his people. Idols need to be carried by the people who worship them (Isaiah 46:7). Idols cannot deliver their worshipers from trouble (Isaiah 46:7). God delivers his worshipers out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17). 2. "Even to hoar hairs I will carry you" Hoarfrost at Hohenzollern Castle, Germany - Image by Ingo Jakubke from Pixabay
The King James Version uses an interesting word to describe God's care for us through all of our life to advanced age -- "even to hoar hairs will I carry you" (Isaiah 46:4). The old English word, "hoar" (spelled "h-o-a-r") dates to before the 12th century (Ref. 2) and refers to the grayish white color of hoarfrost (see picture).
In the Bible, God promises to carry us even to the time of our literal "hoary head" [gray hair, old age] (Ref. 3, Isaiah 46:4). God's tender care for us lasts from our infancy, through our childhood and adulthood, to our old age and gray hairs. God's care for us exceeds that even of our earthly parents. Even when our earthly parents have passed away and we ourselves are reaching "old age," "the everlasting arms" of God "never weary" (Ref. 4). "God's watchfulness, his providence, his protection, never fail" (Ref. 4). 3. "I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you"
The same God who has made us also walks with us as children and as adults. God does not cast us off in the time of old age or when infirmities come. God does not forsake us when our strength fails (Psalm 71:9 NIV, Ref. 5).
As we age, we who believe and trust in God continue to learn more each day about God's grace (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV). God continually "bears us" [lifts us up] (Ref. 6). God delivers us through all of our trials (Psalm 34:17, 19). And, when our physical life is completed, God will carry us to our heavenly home (Luke 16:22, Luke 23:43, John 14:2-3).
Apply. Give thanks to God for his care for you, and for how he has carried you through your life, especially through trials. Be assured and know that God will be with you into your old age and gray hairs.
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/King-James-Version-KJV-Bible/ 2. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hoar 3. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7872.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/46.htm Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 46:4 5. https://www.scriptureway.com/bible-verses-about-old-age-and-gray-hair 6. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5375.htm |
Daily Bible Verse(Published on my Bluesky account) AuthorMr. Whitney V. Myers. Christian. For more information, please visit the Author Page. Posting ScheduleI plan to provide new postings about once a month. Planned Topics(subject to change) Recent Posts(most recent three months) Popular Posts(top 10) Categories
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