Article by Francis Frangipane
It is no secret that we live in prophetic times. Besides two world wars, earthquakes and famines, our generation has seen the return of Israel to its land, and we have personally witnessed the spectacular increase of knowledge and travel (Dan 12). Spiritual signs are like towns we pass through en route to a further destination: they reveal approximately where we are as we approach the Lord's return. Yet, it is important to not assume we are further than we are. There are two major end time signs that we have not yet passed through. I'd love to be wrong, but it's my opinion that those planning for an immediate rapture should probably unpack. For, while we should be dressed in readiness, the gospel of the kingdom has not been proclaimed worldwide (Matt 24:14) nor has the Antichrist been revealed (2 Thess 2:1-3). Both these things must occur before Christ returns.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We live in unparalleled times. Not since the first century have more scriptures been fulfilled in a single generation. Each unfolding word brings down another mountain; it lifts another valley. In truth, the way is being prepared for our King's return into this world. The Great Revolt - The Lord forewarned that, during the end-time, "many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase" (Dan 12:4). Contrast our time with any other in history: Not only are we traveling farther and more frequently, but we do so in a world inundated with increasing knowledge. It has been our privilege to behold the prophetic return of Israel to its land (Jer 16:14-15), and our misfortune to live when "the earth is...polluted by its inhabitants..." (Is 24:5).

Article by Francis Frangipane
Whether or not we find God answering our presidential prayers as we expect; regardless if we must continue to deal with delays in our quest for revival, God remains our ally. Indeed, even in the most terrible of times, He still commands, "Ask of Me, and I will give the nations for thine inheritance." The Great Revolt - As though Jesus were reading a news summary of recent years, His prophecies of two thousand years ago clearly describe our times. He warned, "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars...in various places there will be famines and earthquakes...many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many...because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold" (Matt 24:6- 7,11-12).

Article by John Tisdale
This article discusses what happens when freedom and oppression collide. It does so through the lens of the Hollywood film Braveheart. It is something with which we are all intimately familiar. How we choose to respond to oppression determines the amount of life we will experience in its aftermath.

Article by John Tisdale
This article takes you on a journey of discovery into the question of whether God's existence can be proven. Many people try to prove God's existence and yet it is apparent that God has intentionally hidden Himself from us. This article explores this interesting dynamic to uncover some foundational principles about the person of God that aren't often discussed or understood by most people. You may end up thinking outside of the box and considering some new possibilities.

Article by John Tisdale
This article discusses the opinion that Christians are nothing more than a bunch of hypocrites. It delves into numerous dynamics that must be considered to understand the real issues. It begins by exploring the objection and insights from the author's personal encounters on the subject. It seeks to cut through the religious facades and get to the heart of the issue of faith and spirituality.

Article by John Tisdale
This article explores some of the deep truths found in the Hollywood movie starring Eddie Murphy Coming to America. We go on a journey exploring how this son of a king reveals some profound things about the purpose for the human race. The author proposes that this film's storyline actually represents God's plan and purpose for the human race. It points out the parallel's between this film and what scripture reveals about our reason for being.

Article by John Tisdale
This article explores how people are like diamonds. It lends us some valuable insights into the challenges and difficulties of life by making an assortment of comparisons between the process of diamonds forming and being processed and the circumstances we encountered regularly in life.

Article by John Tisdale
The subject of religion is a controversial one. In this provocative article, the author discusses how religion is commonly misunderstood. He develops a line of thought that shows how differently we view religion from God. The author helps us understand that our definition of religion causes us to relate with God in wrong ways. If you are willing to have your views of religion and Jesus challenged, this is interesting exploration on the issue that may take you outside your current boxes.

Article by Francis Frangipane
To deal with witchcraft, we must discern its effects. Therefore, let's examine some of the characteristic symptoms that occur when witchcraft hits a Christian or a church. 1. When a Christian is under an assault of witchcraft and curses, he becomes increasingly disoriented or confused; he might even become clumsy. Satan wants to cloud his vision, thus stopping him from reaching his destiny in God. Thus, the individual under attack cannot connect with his spiritual vision; his motivation is either gone or lacking. 2. When one is targeted by curses, he will feel emotionally drained or debilitated. Those who have been the object of spiritual curses will carry a darkness, a cloud, in their countenance. The back of their neck is tight; a band of oppression around their head manifests as a headache. The person might assume he is sick, but it is not the flu. It is witchcraft.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We have been studying the influence that one mercy-motivated intercessor can have upon the heart of God. In this, we looked at Abraham and then expanded our study to Moses. The Lord heard the intercession of Moses as he stood between divine judgment and Israel's sin, and he stayed in the place of intercession until God's Word concerning Israel came to pass. The cycle of Israel's sin and God's justice repeated itself time and again. In essence, it was always the same: Israel rebelled; God threatened destruction; Moses interceded; God forgave.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Now that the elections are over, we are compelled to return to what should be our first purpose: fulfilling the Great Commission. Indeed, as we draw closer to the Lord's return, His passions shall increasingly become our passions and to rescue the unsaved world is the epicenter of His heart. To understand the Lord's desire for the unsaved, we simply have to review Peter's discourse in Acts, chapter two. Remember, the disciples had been with Jesus for forty days after His resurrection. The words, which Peter took from Joel, conceivably might also have been spoken by Jesus Himself during this last intimate time with His disciples before the ascension.

Article by John Tisdale
This is an interesting perspective on the film Good Will Hunting. It considers what you will do when your hunger for life collides with your fears. We each have dreams and desires that call us out beyond our comfort zones. Yet, we each are challenged with fears that would rob us of ever moving beyond our safe little worlds. If you've seen the movie, you should check out this review from a spiritual context.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Safe in the Word - The primary means through which we are kept and preserved by God is through obedience to His word. In the submission of our will to God, our soul finds protection from evil. Consider the apostle John's words to the young men of the first century church. He said, "I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one" (1 John 2:14). Abiding in the Word of God brought spiritual strength to the young men in John's day, enabling them to overcome the evil one. Is this not the reason many of us are defeated by the devil we do not abide in the Word? Christ's teaching guides us into the Presence of the Father; it is the Father's Presence that both empowers and protects us.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Last week we discussed how Ham's sin of exposing the shame of his father, Noah, led to Noah's curse upon Ham's son, Canaan. Noah saw in Ham a character flaw that would be passed on to Ham's children. The specifics of this curse would be that, from generation to generation, Ham's descendants would become the "servants of servants." Why would they abide in this economic slavery? Simply because one who habitually disrespects, shames or exposes the weaknesses of those in authority over them simultaneously disables their ability to advance in life.

Artciel by John Tisdale
Most people struggle with the idea that God is infinite (without beginning or ending). God is also purported to be everywhere at the same time. Supposedly, He can hear everyone's prayers in the same moment. These and other such concepts can be difficult to accept. This article takes you on a fascinating journey into the life of a movie character named Bob. By observing Bob, we begin to get some insights into the capabilities that God can have because He is not confined to our dimensions of space and time.

Article by John Tisdale
This article explores an important question. Jesus claimed that He was God and the Creator of everything. If this is the case, we should be able to compare His behavior and personality with clues we can gather about the kind of Being that would have created this universe and see if we find any similarities to support His claims. It makes some interesting comparison between Jesus and our Creator.

Article by Francis Frangipane
A Holy Man is a Humble Man - "Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29 KJV). The holiest, most powerful voice that ever spoke described Himself as "meek and lowly in heart." Why begin a message on holiness with a quote concerning humility? Simply because holiness is the product of grace, and God gives grace only to the humble. It is vital we understand that Jesus did not condemn sinners; He condemned hypocrites. A hypocrite is a person who excuses his own sin while condemning the sins of another. He is not merely "two-faced," for even the best of us must work at single-mindedness in all instances. A hypocrite, therefore, is one who refuses to admit he is, at times, two-faced, thereby pretending a righteousness that he fails to live.

Article by Francis Frangipane
"'Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?' Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for He, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him" (John 6:70-71). To what was Jesus referring when He identified Judas Iscariot as "a devil?" Was He speaking figuratively or factually? Could a human being not only "have" a devil, but actually become one? Some believe that Judas had become so perfectly possessed by satan that he actually lost his humanity. Yet, consider: after this fallen apostle delivered Jesus up, he felt such remorse for betraying Christ that he committed suicide. Could a devil feel remorse for sin? I do not think so.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Too many Christians serve a little, prepackaged god who, along with a hymnal and bulletin, was given to them at church years ago. Today, "little god" still sits in their minds, blocking their capacity to see the true God for who He is. "Little god" asks nothing of his followers except they try to be good, and he promises that everyone will go to heaven regardless of what they believe. "Little god" is harmless, nice and safe. Unfortunately, he is also an idol that dwells in the church and needs to be cleansed from our thought life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
A Word To Leaders: I am concerned about the leaders who have not dealt with their personal fears. I have a word for you: stop terrorizing the people under your influence. A number of ministries have submitted to the oppression caused by the terrorist attacks. As a result, they are speaking to their constituencies from a position of fear and trepidation. Leaders, please hear me: The people who are listening to you are already praying, fasting and repenting. Don't burden them with fear; empower them with vision and faith.

Article by Anita Tisdale
God-like-ness is a gift given by the One and Only Savior, Jesus Christ. He gives it to those He is in a relationship with, and it can’t be obtained any other way. Read more to broaden your understanding of godliness and what can be attained by living a godly life. This article provides an excellent launching point for a bible studio as it provides plenty of scripture references.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Normally my Sunday sermon is prepared a few days in advance, but this week was different. All week the heavens seemed like bronze. Saturday morning came and still I was at a loss. Nothing seemed alive. It was now Saturday evening and I was pacing the floor seeking God. "Lord," I asked, "What is the message for tomorrow morning? What topic should I address?" A dozen ideas filed through my mind, loitered momentarily in my imagination, and left as unanointed as they had arrived. I went to bed praying. When I woke Sunday morning, my prayer was still on my lips.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The virtue of any institution is not so much in its doctrines or organization; rather its virtue resides in the quality of person it produces. A New And Fresh Anointing - Some of you have been struggling, not knowing what God has for you. You have been through a season in which the Lord has revealed your need of Him in very dramatic ways. Jesus Himself has been near to you; however, His closeness was not merely in the way of external blessings, but in the way of His cross. Yet, you have delighted in this, for the way of the cross has increasingly become the way of your life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
'Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?' Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for He, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him" (John 6:70-71). To what was Jesus referring when He identified Judas Iscariot as "a devil?" Was He speaking figuratively or factually? Could a human being not only "have" a devil, but actually become one? Some believe that Judas had become so perfectly possessed by satan that he actually lost his humanity. Yet, consider: after this fallen apostle delivered Jesus up, he felt such remorse for betraying Christ that he committed suicide. Could a devil feel remorse for sin? I do not think so.

Article by Francis Frangipane
In a most profound verse the apostle Paul unveils God's supreme plan for the church. He tells us we are called to nothing less than "the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:13). The Father's glorious intention is to exhibit through us all the attributes and power of Jesus Christ. He has purposed that, not only in eternity but here in the midst of our battles and temptations, we are to grow "in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ" (vs 15).

Article by John Tisdale
This article discusses the situation in which many find themselves. They have their desires, but they feel that their duties and responsibilities keep them from ever having those desires met. It is seen through the Hollywood film Sense and Sensibility. It explores some truths portrayed through this movie.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The sense of distance we often feel between Christ and ourselves is an illusion. As we enter the days prior to Christ's Second Coming, the Lord shall begin to remove that falsehood. Indeed, He promises, "In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you" (John 14:20). The Scriptures tell us that Christ is the vine, we are the branches; He is the head, we are His body; He is the Lord and we are His temple. From start to finish, the Bible declares the Lord not only has a dwelling in heaven, but that He also abides perpetually in redemptive union with His people. The ever-present focus of His activity is to guide us into oneness with Himself.

Article by John Tisdale
This article is designed to give you a high level overview of the dynamics at play in an addiction. It provides a foundation upon which other articles will build. It discusses some strategies to gaining victory over past addictive patterns that have robbed you of life. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, this may be a good starting point for understanding some of the keys involved.

Article by Francis Frangipane
"In the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it" (Isa. 2:2). Today, in the very context of our lives and times, the first stages of this Scripture are being fulfilled. Throughout the body of Christ, leaders and intercessors are uniting in unprecedented ways. Indeed, the house of the Lord is being established. How significant is this? In the history of the church there has never been a time when Christians from so many backgrounds came together as we do today. Our pattern has always been to divide and then criticize those with whom we once associated. Yet, today this trend is being reversed! God is establishing His house.

Article by Francis Frangipane
There is a war, a very ancient war, between the spirit of Elijah and the spirit of Jezebel. In this age-old battle, Elijah represents the voice of Heaven: the call to repentance and the return to God. Jezebel, on the other hand, embodies that unique principality whose purpose is to hinder and defeat the work of repentance. Its goal is to silence the prophetic call.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The spirit of Jezebel will target, and then seek to divide, the relationship between a pastor and the church intercessors. The antidote? Let the senior leader appreciate, communicate and support his intercessors and esteem their contribution, and let the intercessors set their prayer focus to first seek the spiritual fulfillment of the senior pastor's vision. Pastors are under siege. At every conference where I speak, various pastors approach and tell of terrible experiences with Jezebel-like battles in their churches. But I don't have to travel to be informed, for not a week passes where I do not hear from pastors from many places via phone, letters or emails; each desperate for specific prayer concerning the conflict in their churches. The war is over one thing: satan seeks to neutralize spiritual authority, and no enemy of hell does this more efficiently than the spirit of Jezebel.

Article by Francis Frangipane
As a speaker in citywide and regional prayer conferences, I am often asked to unmask the "spiritual power" opposing the body of Christ in the conference region. City leaders and intercessors have even asked if I knew the "name" of the principle spirit that is resisting the church in their area. "Do you want to know the name of the most powerful spirit opposing most Christians?" I ask. Eager faces respond affirmatively. "It's Yahweh."

Article by John Tisdale
This page examines the possibility that there is more to life than what meets the eye. It does so through the lens of the Hollywood film The Matrix. It looks at life in terms of how invisible spiritual dynamics are at play in it.

Article by John Tisdale
This very short article brings encouragement that you have the ability to control your life by working in conjunction with God's efforts. The strength and courage needed to break free is within your reach. It is designed to get your thinking about the power of life and death that is in your hands.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Two Types of Knowledge - There is a type of knowledge that is doctrinal, theological and instructive, and there is a type of knowledge that is born out of a revelation of God. Both are known as "truth," both produce a certain type of person, and both are accepted as "Christianity." You can be certain that God wants us to have right doctrines, but we must never content ourselves with merely the accumulation of correct knowledge. For this knowledge often remains just a file of religious facts; where the Word of God is viewed more as a museum than a power plant.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Among all in his era, Noah was the most godly. He alone was considered by the Almighty, blameless. In a time when terrible wrath was about to unfurl, Noah alone found favor with the Lord. Consider this man Noah and what he experienced: Aware that the end of his world was at hand, he faithfully preached repentance for over one hundred years, yet his words converted no one. His eyes beheld the terrible descent of the wrath of God; his ears heard the terrifying cries, the final cries, of an entire civilization. His mind experienced the horrifying destruction of every man, woman and child outside the ark.

Article by Francis Frangipane
To live for God is to be nourished by the nectar of heaven. As the days unfold toward Christ's return, an ever increasing number of voices will clamor for our attention. There will be church programs and prayer strategies, activities and powerful movements. Signs and wonders will splatter the world, dazzling the religious mind of man. Remember also, the days ahead shall increase in pressure and troubles. Jesus warned that, because iniquity abounds, the love of many shall grow cold. Do we not know too many whose heart, once hungry for God, is now stricken dead with cold love? Angry Christians: the world is full of them. We must not assume it cannot happen to us.

Article by John Tisdale
This article looks at what happens when fear and hope collide through the Hollywood film The Shawshank Redemption. It considers what happens when you discover that you have allowed yours fears to imprison you. Will you break free or will you surrender to the fate of fear's control over your life?

Article by Francis Frangipane
What we define doctrinally as "salvation" is, in truth, the entrance, and then expansion, of Christ's Presence throughout our person. What we call salvation is, in truth, the beginning of God's glory in man. If you are a Christian, then Christ is in you; you are already in glory. You have been clothed with Christ, who is Himself the "radiance of [the Father's] glory" (Heb 1:3). The fact is, Satan knows you are a Christian, not simply because he heard you repeat a prayer at a church altar; the Devil sees what happened when you prayed: The glory of Christ entered your spirit!

Article by John Tisdale
This article focuses on a message of divine love. It is designed for the person who is struggling with understanding his/her needs for love and acceptance (and not feeling either). It goes below the surface of the obvious and considers some important principles about your real identity and worth.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Covenant- Keeping God - Throughout the history of God's dealings with man, He has revealed Himself as a covenant-making God. The Almighty covenanted with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David; He renewed His Abrahamic covenant in His call to Isaac and Jacob. Each covenant initiated a new wave of redemptive power into the world and forever impacted the human condition. The word covenant means "to fetter" or chain together. It was the highest form of commitment that two individuals could share. Any of several rituals were employed to express the covenant partners' unity: A sword might be passed, signifying that the two would be united against the enemy as one. They might pass a sandal between themselves, which symbolized they would travel any distance to be at one another's side. Or, they might cut an animal in two and pass between its halves. As the two halves, though separated, were still one animal, so the two covenant partners would become as one individual.

Article by Francis Frangipane
It was not a dream. It was simply a thought in the middle of the night, but it came into my mind with such clarity that it roused me from my sleep. It said, "He keeps two sets of books: one is exact and the other forgiving." I barely had time to wonder who it was that kept these mysterious two accounts when the parable of the wise, but wasteful, steward surfaced in my mind. The story, which comes from Luke, chapter 16, tells of a manager who was soon to be dismissed for squandering his employer's wealth.

Article by John Tisdale
This is an interesting question that you may not have considered before. It is apparent that heaven has an economic system. Scripture speaks repeatedly of having treasures in heaven (as well as there being a least and greatest in heaven). Yet, what is it that will have value there? We can derive the answer from a simple principle of economics that scripture indicates is at work in God's eternal economy...

Article by Francis Frangipane
Early this morning the Lord gave me a special word that I hope will be as living to you as it was to me. At the moment of my awakening, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, "What you give over, I will take over." The Marriage of Faith And Humility. We cannot advance spiritually without both faith and humility. Indeed, faith without humility inevitably becomes presumption, while humility without faith never ascends above oppression. Consider: Faith's nature, in part, is to possess the promises of God. Israel was commanded by the Almighty to possess the Promised Land. Scriptures tell us that, without faith it is impossible to please God and that, whatever is done without faith is sin (Heb 11:6; Rom 14:23). Thus, faith unites the human heart to God. As a result, the sinful appropriate God's righteousness and those who were dead gain access to God's life. Christianity without faith is like a computer without electricity: the circuits of "proper knowledge" may be in place, but there is no light, no power nor functionality.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The intercessory prayer of the Apostle Paul was not just a prayer for protection or for a few blessings to rest upon the saints. He said, "My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you" (Gal 4:19). Paul was "in labor" to bring forth the actual spirit of Christ within the church. Let me say it again: his goal was Christ, not merely Christianity!

Article by Francis Frangipane
Concerning the end of the age and beginning of judgments, God is not looking at His watch; He's looking at His heart. Indeed, His eyes are upon the harvest, for in sync with the harvest all prophetic events unfold. Listen carefully to what Jesus taught...

Article by John Tisdale
This article takes a fascinating journey into an exploration of hidden dimensions of space within our universe. We look at the possible spiritual implications of this scientific discovery. It explores some of the most interesting questions of life. It does so through the lens of science, physics, relativity as well as spirituality. If you are up for a fascinating journey of exploration, it's well worth the ride.

Article by John Tisdale
Death is a subject with which many people struggle. Yet, it's as much a natural part of life as dreaming and sleeping. In this short article we see that death was an essential part of God's plan. He had to design us as both temporary and eternal beings if our purpose was to be fulfilled. It explores the purpose life and death play in God's plan for the human face.

Article by John Tisdale
This article explores a possible explanation for the reason why you are alive and breathing on planet earth right now. In it, we explore the unique worth and value of who you are. This article helps you think outside of your boxes and to see yourself outside of the mundane and ordinary. It helps you get a higher perspective on the unique value that is you. Beware, you may just experience an epiphany along this brief little journey.