En Gedi's Gate

Always Employing Biblical Truth and Discernment!


We are pleased to be announcing this book! “The Bible Expositor’s Handbook -Old Testament Digital Edition, by Dr. Greg Harris” There isn’t a book we recommend more highly than this, for every Christian expositor of God’s Word; whether male or female, regardless of age, station in life–every expositor will be blessed by the this book’s unique ability to guide the reader through Scripture, illuminating the interwoven history and redemptive plan God has provided through His Son, the Messiah Jesus.   Each chapter brings forth the reader’s ability to understand Scripture in a deeper, richer and worshipful manner, producing joy.   A special thanks to Dr. Greg Harris and B&H Academic for this rare and needed book, which continues to enrich our daily studies. This book can be purchased online at B&H Academic. New book by Dr. Greg Harris, The Bible Expositor’s Handbook—Old Testament Digital Edition    ...

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Jesus Christ is the ONLY Way

Jesus Christ is the ONLY Way


Posted By on Jan 7, 2017

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  John 14:5-6    Thomas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, asked how they would be able to obtain salvation once He departed–to whom will they turn.  Jesus’ answered Thomas by earnestly declaring, “I am the way“; He is the way to eternal life.  In fact, the book of Acts, refers to Jesus Christ often as “the Way”, because He is the object of salvation to everyone who believes in Him (Acts 9:2, 19:9, 23, 22:4, 24:14, 22).“I am the truth”;  every word Jesus ever spoke and every word ever written about Him in the Bible, is without a doubt the truth.  Often, Jesus began a declaration, “verily, verily” or “truly, truly”.  He used repetition to emphasize that the following statement He was to speak  would be of the utmost significance.  “And the life“; salvation is another word for eternal life.  Therefore, if anyone believes Jesus is Savior and Lord, shall indeed have eternal life (Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13). “No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  Jesus declares that He is the only “Way” to be reconciled to God (1 Corinthians 5:17-21); to have peace with Him (John 14:27), and ultimately to obtain salvation (John 6:39-40). In Scripture, Jesus Christ is often referred to as the “Son” and God is often referred to as the “Father”.  That is because Jesus was God’s only begotten Son in whom He was well pleased (Matthew 3:17, 17:5, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22, John 3:16) “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved…”  Joel 2:32   Today, as you read this, pick up a Bible and read, call upon Jesus Christ to receive eternal life by repenting of your sins, and begin your personal relationship with God. To be continued…..more foundational...

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  “…and gave Him as head over all things to the church.”  Eph. 1:22b   Most Christians are familiar with Peter’s impassioned proclamation about Jesus Christ, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”.  To which Jesus responded; “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven… and on this rock I will build My church.”  (Matt. 16:16b, 17b-18b).   The “rock” being Peter’s verbal affirmation of Christ’s deity.  After Jesus was crucified, died, buried, resurrected, and appeared to over five hundred witnesses; He ascended up to heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.  From heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to bear witness of Him, to convict the world of sin, and to commence the building of His church (Jn. 15:26, 16:7, 8-11, Acts 2:1-4).  It is through the Holy Spirit’s power the church continues to advance, and that advancement will continue even at Jesus Christ’s  second advent. It is clearly indicated in Scripture that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. (Eph. 1:22-23, 5:23).  Having its foundation laid by the prophets and Apostles, the church continues to increase as a holy temple in the Lord. (Eph. 2:20-21).  The church is not a “material” building, but rather people themselves; spiritual bodies each indwelt by the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  It is redeemed people predestined and chosen in Jesus Christ, to receive God’s special saving love and, preserved for glory. (Eph. 2:19-22, Rom. 8:29, Eph. 1:4, Titus 3:4-6, Rom. 8:30).  The definition of “church” is the “called” or “called out ones” (ekklasia)–anyone who believes and worships Jesus Christ as Lord (Rom. 10:9-10, 13). Throughout the world, there are many sects or denominations of the church which gather to worship on the first day of the week, also known as the Lord’s day.  Even though the called may meet in various types of buildings, they are still considered one spiritual organism or the universal church.  Those buildings or locations where they meet, are typically referred to as “churches”.   Nonetheless, the church is still an invisible conglomeration of believers united by the blood of Jesus Christ.   The fortunate few who are “called”, God blesses by bestowing upon them with the grace and faith to believe in the Head of the church. (Matt. 20:16, 22:14, Eph. 2:8).  It is utterly amazing to ponder that God would grant unworthy, undeserving, and sinful creatures, His divine mercy and infinite love.  O how blessed and eternally privileged the called of God truly are! Therefore, it is tragic, perilous...

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“Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great”(Matt. 5:12)   Trials and Tribulation: James 1:2-6  “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,  (peirasmos)  knowing that the testing (dokimion) of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.   But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.“ Note: The words for “trials” and “testing” (vv. 2-3) are both words for suffering yet, both are entirely different in origin and intent.  One form of testing (peirasmos, v. 2) has the intent of failure, while the other form of testing (dokimion, v.3), is a testing to show the value or quality of the thing tested.  In most N.T. occurrences a peirasmos testing, is one of evil origin (Satanic).  Incidentally, the word “temptation” is also the same Greek word peirasmos, as in the words, “trial” and “testing”.  From his book “The Cup and the Glory“, Dr. Greg Harris wrote;  “While God may allow and even use a trial for His own objective, He Himself is not the origin of evil. ”  cf. Jas. 1:13.  Also, we should always pray for God’s wisdom (v. 5) to help us be joyful when experiencing trials. Romans 5:3-5  “And not only this, but we also exult (boast) in our tribulations, (thliphsis) knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Note: The Holy Spirit was given through Jesus Christ. (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:2, 18, John 14:26, 16:7). Also, the words “perseverance” and “endurance” are synonymous, and literally defined in the original Greek as, patient endurance. Joy (chara): joy; delight Rejoice (chaira): to rejoice; be glad Trials (peirasmos): temptation; a testing; an experiment Testing (dokimion): testing; proof, (a validation of faith -as in James 1:3) Testing (peirasmos): temptation; a testing; an experiment-(as in 1 Pet. 4:12) Tribulation (thliphsis): affliction; distress; trouble Persecution (diogmos): persecution, suffering Exult (kauchaomai): boast; to take pride in-( Boast in tribulations, (as the Apostle Paul did in, 2 Cor. 12:10) Wisdom (sophia): wisdom— Random House Dictionary; “knowledge of what is true or right, coupled with just judgment as to action; discernment”.  Note: sophia is where we get the...

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“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Pet. 5:8   1 Peter 5:8 rarely captures the thought of many Christians today.  Unfortunately,  they fail to consider Satan as an insidious force to be reckoned with and appear unconcerned about his existence.  Believers are however concerned with temptations, sin, sickness, or diseases, but rarely do they consider the great problem of demonic forces, which try them in nearly every aspect of life.  They tend to be so introspective and subjective, that they fail to see the great problem that is outside themselves; a real and active spiritual warfare which works through the sons of disobedience (Eph. 2:2).  The entire battle is against a triad of evil: the world, the flesh, and the devil, and the means the devil employs to menace and deceive people, is the world system, which is in his control.  (1 Jn. 5:19).  There is a tendency for many Christians to behave indifferently concerning Satan and do not consider him responsible for the world’s wickedness.  I find it ironic though, that the whole of Christendom defaults to blaming the devil when something really bad happens to them or when they see an obvious act of evil in the news.  Tragically, even some Christian leaders deny Satan’s villainous influence in the world or even his existence at all.  Because of this erroneous thinking, Satan easily slips in under their radar regarding culpability for much of this present day’s wickedness. Interestingly, Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones stated; (1) “…some 68 men describing themselves as Academics, and belonging to the Anglican Church, in a letter to the Times (a London newspaper) stated openly that they did not believe in a personal devil or demons.”  That admission by church leaders is frightening, because it is unbiblical.  The entire Bible, from Genesis through Revelation, is replete with references to Satan’s influence and terrorism.  In fact, he is so ubiquitous in Scripture, he is known by a plethora of names. The following list of names for Satan is not exhaustive but merely representative:  The “Accuser” (Rev. 12:10); he falsely accuses God’s people.  “Adversary“, (1 Pet. 5:8) enemy and rival of God and all believers; “Angel of  Light” (2 Cor. 11:14); he emulates righteousness and godliness in order to deceive people, especially in false religions;  “Antichrist” (1 John 4:3); the opposite of Jesus Christ, opposing holiness and obedience;  “Apollyon” (Rev. 9:11); the destroyer; “Beelzebub” (lord of the flies–Matt. 12:24), ruler of myriads of demons;  “Deceiver” (2 John 7, Rev. 12:9); attempts to deceive the whole world;  “Devil”, diabolos (Eph....

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“And when Philip had run up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” Acts 8:30-31a     Over the years there has been much debate about the significance of expository preaching.  Many Christians, especially pastors and elders, fail to realize the need for expository  preaching, and instead preach utilizing much of their own ideas and philosophies.  I firmly believe the failure to preach God’s exact words and explain His intent behind them is the reason that the church today is weak and susceptible to many forms of heresy.  What man has to say no matter how clever or logical it might seem, cannot save souls; only God can, and He accomplishes that only through the preaching and teaching of His word. (1 Cor. 3:6-7, Rom. 10:14).  James warns aspiring teachers, because they will incur a stricter judgment because of what they say. (Jas. 3:1).  In this article, I provide Scriptural proof, not only that expository preaching can provide growth to a believer, but that is vital for salvation. No longer does God speak directly to man, as He once did in the Old Testament.  In the New Testament His Son Jesus Christ once physically walked among the people, but does so no longer because He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of His Father.  (Heb. 1:1, Col. 3:1).  Therefore, we do not have the privilege of hearing Him teach or witness Him perform healings, exorcisms, or resuscitation’s.  However, today we are bountifully blessed to have the sacred Bible, God’s special revelation.  It is comprised of sixty-six individual books and was written by forty divinely inspired authors. The Bible is God’s own words that we conveniently can read, preach, and teach from both, the Old and New Testaments; from the commencement to the consummation of the human existence.  God, through the Holy Spirit inspired men to document His actions and interactions with mankind past, present, and future.  (2 Pet. 1:21, Rom. 15:4, 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Furthermore, God sent the Holy Spirit to teach, instruct, and guide us, not only in fear and holiness, but to proclaim Jesus Christ to others, so that they might believe and obtain eternal life (Jn. 14:26, 15:26).  God’s chosen methods of communicating with mankind in the past were indeed incredible, but I believe currently having the Bible is even better!  Yes, that is correct, I sanely wrote, even better.  Allow me to explain.  We are blessed to be privy to God’s entire revelation, of the events which occurred in both Testaments....

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Christians Beware of Desensitization!

Christians Beware of Desensitization!


Posted By on Jan 19, 2016

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” Col. 2:8 Many American institutions unfairly utilize “desensitization” tactics as tools of manipulation.  They do this in order to gain the public’s, including professing Christians’, acquiescence to a proposed position, even an immoral one.  Unfortunately, desensitization has even been a successful strategy employed against many professing Christians, who normally would oppose immoral positions.  The definition of “desensitize” is; (1)“To lessen the sensitiveness of. 2) To make indifferent, unaware, or the like, in feeling.”  Desensitization is usually most effective when conducted over a long period of time, the ultimate goal being to change the public’s opinion by one-sidedly bombarding them with the propagated point of view.  Virtually every form of medium is utilized to inundate the senses of the culture, thus creating a facade of normality and propriety in the minds of people.  Incidentally, it does not matter if the concept is immoral and sinful, it is presented as being moral, and strongly urged to be accepted. Most “unbelievers”, or people who are nonchalant or morally weak, are vulnerable and the most susceptible to the tactic of desensitization.  Either they will embrace the proposed change or will act apathetically toward it–“As long as it doesn’t affect me”, is typically their attitude.  This attitude basically leads to a verbal or tacit acceptance of the new position.  Such feeble attitudes are expected in unbelievers; those who do not know God and His word.  But, for true Christians, desensitization tactics suborning disobedience will rarely succeed.  Why?  Because believers rely on the truth of God’s word and are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, who protects them against deception.  They may be deluded for a time, but will not be able to suppress the voice of conscience permanently.  In essence, desensitization techniques, no matter how clever, pervasive, or intense, will never truly affect a true discerning believer, because believers know that the Bible is clear, authoritative, and impervious to change. Sadly, the American culture is being injected with massive doses of desensitization tactics in numerous areas, attempting to gain acceptance; for example, the homosexual/same-sex marriage agenda.  Once a shocking unthinkable disgrace now is embraced, exalted, and even applauded, thanks to the influential media, which the government has wielded like a bludgeon and repetitively hammered away at cultural thinking.  But, not all methods of desensitization are forceful and overt, more often they are very subtle. They media have done an exceptional job, cajoling and coercing the American public, into accepting homosexuality as a...

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How do you compare to the “Rich Young Ruler”? Technological Advancements Equate to Riches! “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 7:21       When I was studying the account of the rich young ruler, I was convicted concerning my own walk with our Lord Jesus Christ, whether or not I was living it to the fullest.  In the past, I merely considered that the ruler was wealthy, tested, failed, and denied eternal life by the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 19:16-22, Mark 10:17-22, Luke 18:18-23).  The Lord declared to His disciples, how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:23-24) which is understandable.  But, what piqued my interest, was the fact that the ruler was not a believer.  Also I noted that his austere religious disciplines which he proclaimed for himself, were holier than most of my Christian acquaintances.  Interestingly, the vast difference between us and the ruler, is that we do not have Jesus Christ, the incarnate God, personally evaluating our spiritual condition.  If it were the case, I am fairly certain His winnowing fork would be very busy separating the chaff from the wheat.  In other words, Jesus would instantly be exposing and dividing the false believers from the true believers. However something to ponder is that most of us are probably not as monetarily wealthy as the rich young ruler, yet, due to great advancements in technology, we live exceedingly comfortable; so comfortably we could be considered exceptionally rich by comparison. Everyday conveniences’ make it extremely hard to follow Christ with an undistracted heart, because we are preoccupied with so many things.  All too often we are scarcely aware of the subtle and pernicious ways in which modern technology invades and orchestrates our lives.  We are hypnotized by effortless living, which can lead to apathy, indifference, and indolence, concerning the things of God.  Our culture is content with performing almost every task by phone texts, mouse clicks, TV remotes, microwave ovens, Google searches, GPS, etc; ease has become the norm and we are rapaciously consumed by it.  Furthermore, sporting events, numerous types of exercise, hobbies, television shows, movies, video games, events of every kind, internet entertainment, computers, iPods, iphones, Face book, Twitter, vacations, etc, and if you allow your mind to wonder this list could continue for days; all of these things compete for space in our hearts against the holy God we are supposed to love whole-heatedly.  Entertainment and leisure of all forms, absorbs the majority...

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