FROM LUTHER’S INTRODUCTION, 1538
In my heart reigns this one article, faith in my dear Lord Christ, the beginning, middle and end of whatever spiritual and divine thoughts I may have, whether by day or by night.

CHAPTER I
Verse 1. Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead).

St. Paul wrote this epistle because, after his departure from the Galatian churches, Jewish-Christian fanatics moved in, who perverted Paul’s Gospel of man’s free justification by faith in Christ Jesus.

The world bears the Gospel a grudge because the Gospel condemns the religious wisdom of the world. Jealous for its own religious views, the world in turn charges the Gospel with being a subversive and licentious doctrine, offensive to God and man, a doctrine to be persecuted as the worst plague on earth.

As a result we have this paradoxical situation: The Gospel supplies the world with the salvation of Jesus Christ, peace of conscience, and every blessing. Just for that the world abhors the Gospel.

These Jewish-Christian fanatics who pushed themselves into the Galatian churches after Paul’s departure, boasted that they were the descendants of Abraham, true ministers of Christ, having been trained by the apostles themselves, that they were able to perform miracles. (Like so many preachers today??)

In every way they sought to undermine the authority of St. Paul. They said to the Galatians: “You have no right to think highly of Paul. He was the last to turn to Christ. But we have seen Christ. We heard Him preach. Paul came later and is beneath us. It is possible for us to be in error—we who have received the Holy Ghost? Paul stands alone. He has not seen Christ, nor has he had much contact with the other apostles. Indeed, he persecuted the Church of Christ for a long time.”

When men claiming such credentials come along, they deceive not only the naive, but also those who seemingly are well-established in the faith. This same argument is used by the papacy. “Do you suppose that God for the sake of a few Lutheran heretics would disown His entire Church? Or do you suppose that God would have left His Church floundering in error all these centuries?” The Galatians were taken in by such arguments with the result that Paul’s authority and doctrine were drawn in question.

Against these boasting, false apostles, Paul boldly defends his apostolic authority and ministry. Humble man that he was, he will not now take a back seat. He reminds them of the time when he opposed Peter to his face and reproved the chief of the apostles.

Paul devotes the first two chapters to a defense of his office and his Gospel, affirming that he received it, not from men, but from the Lord Jesus Christ by special revelation, and that if he or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel than the one he had preached, he shall be accursed.
—Luther’s Commentary on Galatians

Things haven’t changed much today. Fast track Ministry Training here.

Attending church is not the final goal for Christians. It can be a helpful part of the journey — or it can become the very opposite.   Quote By Greg Albrecht (I am not affiliated to that particular online church.)

Jesus didn’t say, “Go to church” nor did He say that ministering in the church was the beginning and the end of Gods service opportunities. If fact he said the opposite: Jesus preached going into all the world and preaching the Gospel to every creature as His main line of service and then being faithful to continue spiritually feeding those who were committed to Him.

Now this may sound like church but it doesn’t include the million dollar church fund and the self-help messages and compromised messages being preached from the pulpit today to keep attendance and pay the bills. Jesus preached the true gospel and it was very unpopular amongst the well to do.

So, please don’t limit God or the spreading of His message by thinking everything has to be done with in the confines of the denominational church system. The Lord usually works contrary to the ways of man.

The True Church are the called out ones, (ecclesia) those who have excepted Jesus as their personal savior and have a personal relationship with Him are called out from the world and enjoined unto Him in Spirit and in Truth.

The early church fellowshipped in homes or anywhere they could meet. Somewhere along the line “Buildings” entered in and “self proclaimed leaders and denominations” have since tried to control Gods Spirit.

God’s true children have for the most part been persecuted by just such religious control down through the ages and in present day society are finding freedom in home churches and non-denomination surroundings.

Sure, you will find some good large churches from time to time but they will all be swept away by the soon coming Anti-Christ persecution. The temporal “physical” church will be forced to go underground at that time.

Why not stand out from the crowd now and grow into the stature of the man or woman He wants you to be and be prepared to help others then by nurturing the souls you win to the Lord now. (Really pray about who you would want to direct to a certain church and for what reason and why?)

Jesus’ church will always be His true children who love Him in spirit and in truth. Free of Denominations, Buildings, Religion and Bondage. Free to Love Him and His Children and free to help unite the Bide of Christ for His return.

Jesus said, “If you destroy this temple I will raise it up in three days” this spake he of His body. (Jesus is the temple.) He also said that He was the Resurrection and the Life and that He was the Light of the World.

When describing the New Heaven and Earth John says. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.

Come unto Jesus ye who are weary and He shall receive you and give you rest. True Christian fellowship is one thing, but controlled false doctrinal teaching for money; membership and fame are a different story.

Keep it Biblical and keep it pure like Jesus and the Bible so others can place their trust in Him and have true faith in the Word of God to endure the difficult days ahead. Jesus is the Living Word and the Word is God and that is your only Rock Solid Foundation throughout Eternity.

Abide in Him,

Dr. Ken Kovach 

Articles can be found at http://PastorsRant.com A Free Bible Course at: http://JapanBibleInstitute.com Ministry Tools & Christian/Self-Help: http://AllChristianServices.com Articles may be given away freely but please leave the credits intact.

Failure is not the End

The “lame take the prey” and the “bird whose pinion was once broken” will often fly higher than ever before, by the grace of God.

Failure is not the end; it is usually the beginning of a whole new ministry in which you will fly higher than ever before. “A just man falleth seven times and rises up again.”

We should never fear failure as it is often the means by which God has chosen to make us into more useful, wiser, humbler and stronger vessels for His Glory.

If you are passing through the valleys of failure and defeat don’t let the waters of discouragement overflow thee. There is only one way to go and that is up! Up to the victory of the cross in Christ Jesus!

Let those dead works fall behind while you emerge a new man in Christ Jesus where old things are passed away and all things are become new.

Jesus specializes in resurrecting the New Man. I press towards the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth to those things which are before. New beginnings are one of Gods compliments.

Dr. Ken Kovach

Articles can be found at http://PastorsRant.com A Free Bible Course at: http://JapanBibleInstitute.com Ministry Tools & Christian/Self-Help: http://AllChristianServices.com Articles may be given away freely but please leave the credits intact.

Migrating Towards Globalization  

Please try to keep an eye on the market meltdowns and the terminology they are using in the News, “Global Problems” “Global effort” etc. this is a global meltdown and is all part of the plan to integrate the world under a global system as described in Revelation 13. 

Satan (as the antichrist) can’t take over the world until it is united, or nearly united. (And that could be when the signing of the covenant “7 yrs” takes place which will also some how also include uniting religious worship in Israel. “Holy Covenant”)

His agents on this Earth today are moving and working behind the scenes of the nations of this world to bring them closer together to form an International Financial Alliance. ”This is a global problem and it requires a global answer.”…………..

This would also be a good time to stock up on non-perishable foods because they are only going to get more expensive.

Dr. Ken Kovach

Articles can be found at http://PastorsRant.com A Free Bible Course at: http://JapanBibleInstitute.com Ministry Tools & Christian/Self-Help: http://AllChristianServices.com Articles may be given away freely but please leave the credits intact.

Rapture Question Answered, The: Plain and Simple By Robert Van Kampen / Baker As we stand on the threshold of a new century, interest in the end times is increasing and the critical questions every student of end-time prophecy must come to terms with are these: How should Scripture be understood when it speaks of Antichrist – literally or allegorically? And if Antichrist and his persecution are for real, will the church have to undergo this terrible time of persecution, or will she be removed before this time of great tribulation begins? Theological thinkers across America today are hotly debating these burning questions. The truth of the matter is this: the Bible could not be clearer as to the answers of these critical questions, plain and simple. This book points readers to those answers in a readable, lay-level style that does not sacrifice the importance of scholarship.

The Sign, Third Edition By Robert Van Kampen / Crossway Books & Bibles The Sign has tackled the challenge of answering these questions by tracing God’s plan for the nation of Israel and the church as revealed from the Old Testament to the New. Taking Scripture at face value and expecting a literal fulfillment of biblical prophecy concerning the last days, author Van Kampen offers this end-times road map- including the sequence of events and the timing of the Rapture-without crossing the line into date-setting. Table of Content Table of Prophetic Charts and Graphs; Acknowledgments; Preface 1. Introduction: Foundations for Understanding Prophetic Truth 2. A Warning to the Church 3. The Cosmic Conflict 4. The Blessings and Curses 5. The “70 Week” Prophetic Timetable 6. The First Seven Beast Empires 7. The Eighth and Final Beast Empire 8. Antichrist and His Foreshadow 9. The Stage is Set 10. Countdown to the End of the Age 11. Antichrist Revealed 12. Counting the Cost 13. The Great Tribulation by Antichrist 14. The Sign of the End of the Age 15. The Sign of Christ’s Coming 16. The Prewrath Rapture of the Church Part I 17. The Prewrath Rapture of the Church Part II 18. The Day of the Lord 19. Events that Occur during the 30 day Reclamation Period 20. The Final Wrath of God 21. The Restoration Period 22. The Millennium Begins Epilogue; Glossary, Subject Index; Scripture Index; Hebrew and Greek Word Index

Jeremiah was Gods Prophet to “Gods People” but he was also a “Political Prophet”

The Message of Jeremiah is not a very popular message even amongst the Christians of today. It hits to close to home and exposes things that many would rather keep out of the lime light.

But if you are the type of Christian seeking the “full counsel of God” it is imperative that you apply it to your self, your church, country and the world.. 

Jeremiah  had one of the toughest Jobs in the entire Bible. His main calling was exposing the evils of the “so called Godly Governments” of his day.

Exposing the people who were proclaiming to be His people and who where professing to be called by His name.

If you were to read the book of Jeremiah and apply it to the nations of this world today and especially to the modern nations who “claim” to be called and founded on “His name” you would find some very shocking resemblances, in fact you might even feel that it applies more for today than the days of old.

In the words of the Book of Jeremiah I believe God clearly expresses His views as to how he sees the worldly governments of this day and age and what He plans to do about it. We are definitely moving into the times of the end that the Bible clearly talks about.

A few verses on Jeremiahs calling. Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Prophet unto the Nations)

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.  (Clearly expose the sins of the Nations.)

And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands. (Jeremiah had a very tough Job.)

For real deep insight as to how God views the thoughts, motives and intents of the hearts and minds of the kings, priests and the kingdoms of this world I would heartily suggest reading the entire Book.

The Lord clearly exposes all the different kinds of political pay offs and corruptions that we hear and read about so often in today’s papers. And He exposes the “sins of His people.”

PS: This is not meant to be a “condemnation” Bible study but rather intended to open the eyes and broaden the minds of His Children and to better equip them spiritually for the days ahead. Many Bible teachers have said that the Book of Jeremiah is like a close spiritual parallel to modern day America, but I think it can be a healthy application to all the modern day Nations and Kingdoms of this World. It offers a clear call to repentance to each and every one of us.

Dr. Ken Kovach

Articles can be found at http://PastorsRant.com A Free Bible Course at: http://JapanBibleInstitute.com Ministry Tools & Christian/Self-Help: http://AllChristianServices.com Articles may be given away freely but please leave the credits intact.

Rapture Question Answered, The: Plain and Simple By Robert Van Kampen / Baker As we stand on the threshold of a new century, interest in the end times is increasing and the critical questions every student of end-time prophecy must come to terms with are these: How should Scripture be understood when it speaks of Antichrist – literally or allegorically? And if Antichrist and his persecution are for real, will the church have to undergo this terrible time of persecution, or will she be removed before this time of great tribulation begins? Theological thinkers across America today are hotly debating these burning questions. The truth of the matter is this: the Bible could not be clearer as to the answers of these critical questions, plain and simple. This book points readers to those answers in a readable, lay-level style that does not sacrifice the importance of scholarship.

The Sign, Third Edition By Robert Van Kampen / Crossway Books & Bibles The Sign has tackled the challenge of answering these questions by tracing God’s plan for the nation of Israel and the church as revealed from the Old Testament to the New. Taking Scripture at face value and expecting a literal fulfillment of biblical prophecy concerning the last days, author Van Kampen offers this end-times road map- including the sequence of events and the timing of the Rapture-without crossing the line into date-setting. Table of Content Table of Prophetic Charts and Graphs; Acknowledgments; Preface 1. Introduction: Foundations for Understanding Prophetic Truth 2. A Warning to the Church 3. The Cosmic Conflict 4. The Blessings and Curses 5. The “70 Week” Prophetic Timetable 6. The First Seven Beast Empires 7. The Eighth and Final Beast Empire 8. Antichrist and His Foreshadow 9. The Stage is Set 10. Countdown to the End of the Age 11. Antichrist Revealed 12. Counting the Cost 13. The Great Tribulation by Antichrist 14. The Sign of the End of the Age 15. The Sign of Christ’s Coming 16. The Prewrath Rapture of the Church Part I 17. The Prewrath Rapture of the Church Part II 18. The Day of the Lord 19. Events that Occur during the 30 day Reclamation Period 20. The Final Wrath of God 21. The Restoration Period 22. The Millennium Begins Epilogue; Glossary, Subject Index; Scripture Index; Hebrew and Greek Word Index

Victory in the Spirit Over Condemnation

There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Dr. Ken Kovach

Articles can be found at http://PastorsRant.com A Free Bible Course at: http://JapanBibleInstitute.com Ministry Tools & Christian/Self-Help: http://AllChristianServices.com Articles may be given away freely but please leave the credits intact.

The Body of Christ “Church without Hands”

From 1 Corinthians 12

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (The Words that I speak unto you they Are Spirit and the Are Life.)

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Drinking of His Spirit, Hearing His Voice and walking in His Spirit makes us a healthy body fitly joined together in the unity of His Love.

For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? (Each one of Gods children has a special place of service that only he can fill.)

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (God knows what each of us is best suited for.)

And if they were all one member, where [were] the body? (If we were all the same we couldn’t accomplish His Plans.) But now [are they] many members, yet but one body. That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another.

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (We’re to helping to lift one another and not compete with each other, the difference of humility and pride.)

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. à1 Corinthians 13 is the next chapter……..Love is the excellent Way!

Dr. Ken Kovach

Articles can be found at http://PastorsRant.com A Free Bible Course at: http://JapanBibleInstitute.com Ministry Tools & Christian/Self-Help: http://AllChristianServices.com Articles may be given away freely but please leave the credits intact.

The True Israel of God

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

[Is] the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (Only to them that believe in Jesus Christ.)

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Only in Christ.)

And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Not unto seeds but one seed.)

Dr. Ken Kovach

Articles can be found at http://PastorsRant.com A Free Bible Course at: http://JapanBibleInstitute.com Ministry Tools & Christian/Self-Help: http://AllChristianServices.com Articles may be given away freely but please leave the credits intact.

The Praise of God

I was sitting in the car today listing to some word and reading along and in St. John it said something like “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” And I just kind of broke out laughing even though I’ve heard that verse 100’s of times and I just thought “How Sick” “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God”.

Thank God we’ve been set free to “Love the Praise of God more than the praise of man”, man pleasing is a real bondage trip and a downward spiral. There are lots of good verses on man pleasing and I’m trying to compile some now. Man pleasing is in the negative thinking bag for sure.

And then I though, well, I like a nod of approval sometimes even though I know what I was doing was in the right spirit and the Lord is/was blessing it. And I starting seeing that as another flavor of man pleasing and asked the Lord for deliverance on that one. Then this verse came along, For not he (or whoever) that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

There’s real freedom in knowing we only need Gods pat on the back, wanting any more is looking to man. (We all need and appreciate encouragement but we shouldn’t seek it. And if we get it we should thank the Lord and pass any praise on to Him.) I mean, I already new this but it’s just nice to keep sweeping those little props out of the way (that try to creep in) and keep the upward connection strong. Strong is Praise and Glory to God!

A couple convicting verses on the subject:

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?……..For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others….Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Thank God for True freedom in Jesus!

Dr. Ken Kovach

Articles can be found at http://PastorsRant.com A Free Bible Course at: http://JapanBibleInstitute.com Ministry Tools & Christian/Self-Help: http://AllChristianServices.com Articles may be given away freely but please leave the credits intact.

Letting Go and Starting Over

Starting over is never easy to do, but it is often something the Lord requires of each of us from time to time. We could title this “His re-training process.”

There may be many different reasons why these dramatic changes come into our lives, such as health problems, the sins of pride in getting lifted up, other sins, financial difficulties, getting off track spiritually or just needing a change in ministry.

Any of these types of scenarios can seem daunting and overwhelmingly lead to discouragement and thoughts of giving up. But these types of breakings and changes are all a part of our training and the Lord would never have allowed them to happen if it wasn’t for the purpose of working out His bigger plan for our lives.

We should never allow changes to make us bitter but better. No sin is too great for God to forgive and no failure is beyond His mending. He knows when to bring us down and draw us closer to himself. Like with the wandering sheep the shepherd has to sometimes break its leg so that it will never wander from the shepherd’s side again.

We are often like that wandering sheep and the Lord has to bring us down to keep us humble. It was said of Saul, “When thou was little in thine own eyes I did highly exalt thee,” we know from the word that Saul fell due to the sins of pride and disobedience.

Sometimes God has to bring us to the end of ourselves to where we have nothing left but Him and then He can truly start to rebuild and work in our lives and use us for His Glory.

In fact every true man or woman of God from Bible times until today have had to go through such breakings so God would have a chance to move in their lives and use them for His Glory.

God changes lives for His Glory so don’t be fearful of His breaking and remaking process which is a compliment of His love. He not only breaks and remakes us but He keeps us through the breakings and brings us out to victory when He has accomplished His purpose.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled; (Better not Bitter)

Please read the whole passage from Heb. 12 for encouragement.

If you are presently going through a time of change, hold on to His word and melt in the arms of Jesus and let Him perfect that which concerneth you. He never fails.

Dr. Ken Kovach

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

18 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

Articles can be found at http://PastorsRant.com A Free Bible Course at: http://JapanBibleInstitute.com Ministry Tools & Christian/Self-Help: http://AllChristianServices.com Articles may be given away freely but please leave the credits intact.