Michael Christian Bell

Jesus said: except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Want to be born again?Need to be born again?Don't understand how to be born again?This book explains both the experience of how a person is born again and the biblical teachings.

WisdomThe knowledge of wisdom shall be as honey unto your soul: when you find it there shall be a reward, and your expectation shall not fail - Proverbs 24:14.Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your endeavors get understanding - Proverbs 4:7.The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way - Proverbs 14:8.How much better is it to get wisdom than gold, and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver - Proverbs 16:16.

Samson divinely received mighty power to assist the Israelites, but at the same time, he grappled with huge deficiencies and vulnerabilities. An irritating challenge that constantly tested him severely was the allure that Philistine women had upon him; they appealed and delighted him. Carnal appetite motivated him, got him into trouble, and exacerbated his sexual needs. His human nature with all of its complexities and frailties got in the way and distracted him from his commission.It seems that the mighty power that he exercised increased his testosterone, which created problems; his sexual needs drove him crazy.

The story of Hannah and Samuel's birth is a love story with few details provided in the Biblical account. No one knows the true events in Elkanah's matrimonial chronology and one can only speculate how he managed to attract two wives. I created a cultural background for Bible students to understand life in the Judges period and to illustrate how Peninah symbolizes the Believer's human nature and how Hannah represents the spiritual nature. Furthermore, I employed the name Kallah from the original Hebrew word used for son's bride. Although I have taken liberties with the narrative, the core message remains accurate to the Biblical story. Elkanah seemed utterly devoted to his first wife's children, yet claimed that he loved Hannah, wife number two, the most. Serious rivalry existed between the two wives. Elkanah represents the Believer caught between two women who typify spiritual principles. Hannah, wife number two, became depressed because she could not produce offspring. She is the persecuted yet the much loved second wife. But Hannah knew how to pray and touched everyone's heart, except Peninah the first wife. She prayed for a miracle.

Samuel is a fascinating and relevant topic for the genuine student of the Bible. The intimate detail supplied in it is a treasury for human behavior studies; and how blessed we are that so many facets of Israelite history and family dramas have been recorded. This study of Samuel will suit many spiritual needs and it will be useful for its variety of approaches to the subjects in the book, particularly the in-depth investigation of the personalities' motives, idiosyncrasies, and weaknesses and strengths. Designed for the spiritually hungry this account is challenging and inspirational, bearing in mind that...'The Old Testament symbolized good things to come, but it did not portray the exact image of those things to come' - Hebrews 10:1.

An inspirational and instructional Bible lesson about the life of Joseph the son of Jacob. This story is about the shaping of God's people and the developing of forgiveness, generosity, love, understanding, and leadership. Joseph, a type of Savior, sadly, but out of necessity, had to experience the full consequences of hatred and rejection from his jealous and cruel brothers.When Joseph saw the ten foreigners he recognized them instantly; a d j -vu experience poignantly confronted him. Emotions engulfed his being as the profound dreams he had had as a young lad flooded back into his memory. The brothers didn't recognize him because in their minds Joseph existed only as a deep repressed memory. So Joseph kept his identity quiet and spoke officiously and suspiciously to them.

The Bible is one of the most ancient of human records, so Genesis is relevant to men of every generation, particularly to the modern man, after all, the creation of the Universe and mankind are decidedly the main event and the most dramatic and scientific innovation of natural existence. The insights in this fantastic account are available for edification and enjoyment. God was very considerate to preserve this diary of events for mankind and therefore Bible students should drink deeply from its fountain of truths and records of beginnings. Genesis is a primitive text, yet it is profound and meaningful as it unfolds the history and eternal future of the human race. The staggering knowledge and details that God revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai were imparted to encourage all who seek eternal assurance and to reveal the absolute certainty that chance was never a component in God's redemption plan. Let me talk about consciousness: something that breathes and is aware of its existence because the great stars and galaxies in the universe have no consciousness of their existence. Science skirts around the issues and can explain the mechanics even down to the smallest molecules, but life and conscious life is still a phenomenon that flummoxes scientists; they just don't know. No doubt they will keep on investigating and searching for the genesis of life; in the meantime there is silence. So if I cannot get any suitable answers from scientists, to who or what shall I turn to for an alternative answer? Let's try the Bible and see what it says.

'I know all about the Bible ' Oh yea? How many times have I heard that before?So you think you know the Bible?Well how come there are religious institutions that have over fifteen hundred years of practical Christian history yet they still haven't figured out some of the basic Bible truths. The message of Jesus is simple enough - love your neighbor as yourself. But make no mistake, the Bible and its doctrines are very complex in detail.The Word of God encourages Christians to study and accurately interpret the word of truth. If we follow this instruction and make an effort to establish a solid foundation, our Christian experience will be strong; so when storms and trials shake our lives, our faith will never stagger because it is built on a rock of truth that endures. The Scripture tells us to move on from the elementary principles of Christ toward perfection - Hebrews 6.1-3. But before one can move on successfully, the elementary or foundational principles must be sturdy so that the building of faith can be completed. This study will cover some of the elementary principles mentioned in Hebrews six. This foundational course will benefit mature Christians by reinforcing their personal knowledge of the Word of God and by revealing a correct process and pattern for practical and theological growth. The chosen foundation subjects help to cement Christian learning and will be of valuable assistance for future Bible studies.

It is true God could stop temptations that attack us, and it's also true God could halt suffering inflicted upon people. However, it would probably mean the end of the world because with sin loose on the earth there will always be suffering and misery. I suspect God has predestined people not yet born: if the world ends before they arrive, there will be many vacant spots in Heaven. Because God has chosen faith in Jesus as the vehicle for activating the salvation of men, it stands to reason faith needs testing otherwise it is hardly faith at all. Satan tempted Jesus to commit suicide by some delusional notion he had divine powers. Jesus knows how it feels when tempted with suicidal thoughts. In his weakened condition he remained focused."Don't put God to a foolish test " he replied.Satan then took Jesus to the summit of a high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. Jesus probably saw great cities light up before him: Paris, New York, Las Vegas and Rome. Satan literally said: "Come on, you don't have to put yourself through the ordeal awaiting you. If you want all this I'll give it to you; you only need to kneel and worship me."Even at the point of passing out due to lack of food Jesus did not flinch. "Save yourself the trouble." Satan said inviting Jesus to take the easy way to gain back his creation - Matthew 4:10. "Get out of here Satan," Jesus commanded him. "The Scriptures say, 'Worship and obey the Lord God alone.'" Satan had to go... he had his chance... he failed. Jesus eclipsed the First-Adam and restored man's relationship to God. Adam broke the relationship by being unfaithful to God's word. Jesus proved utterly faithful to God's word.Devotional - Inspirational - Instructional