“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29).

How well do you know Scripture?

In this passage, a group of Sadducees were trying to trap Jesus. These men were some of the religious leaders of the day and they should have been sound in their biblical knowledge, but they weren’t. These Sadducees had given Jesus a hypothetical question about a woman marrying a man who subsequently died; then she remarried and he died, and so on until she had been married several times.

Their question was regarding whose wife would she be in the resurrection. This was a strange question for them to ask because the Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead. They may have studied Scripture but their study was not of sound doctrine; their conclusions were wrong. The same is true today. People claim to study Scripture but somehow draw wrong conclusions. Their study, like that of the Sadducees, is not scripturally sound.

Instead of studying what God says in His Word, many people today err because they study what someone has decided God meant to say. Has anyone ever knocked on your door and tried to convince you that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers? Or that Jesus is really Michael the Archangel?

These poor deceived people sound convincing, but they err, not knowing the Scriptures. What about those who try to convince you that Mary is a co-redeemer or a perpetual virgin? Scripture does not support any of these heresies. Every Christian needs to study Scripture and not be hoodwinked by false teachings.

Jesus was very straightforward in pointing out the Sadducees errors. They didn’t know Scripture and they also didn’t know the power of God. It is hard to fathom how someone can claim to study Scripture but be so far off base. Paul tells us some of the characteristics of people in the last days; such as blasphemers, unholy, despisers of those who are good, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, and so forth. I think we can see this list is true.

He also describes them as “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). Claiming to be godly but denying His power is just giving lip service to God—yet we see this every day. The Sadducees had a form of godliness but they did not understand the power of God. (Like them we try to conform God to our own understanding.)

God is far beyond what our minds can imagine, so we deny His power. Subjects like demons, fallen angels, and the like are ignored or misinterpreted. These are things that Christians need to understand. God is more powerful than any of the powers of darkness but if you don’t understand that there really is evil in the world, you will not understand just how powerful God is. Don’t err not knowing Scripture, and don’t deny the power of God.

Jesus’ answer to the Sadducees hit on another point of Scripture that they didn’t believe in, and that is angels: “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30.) This verse has caused the unstudied Christian to come to erroneous conclusions because they don’t know the Scriptures. Notice that Jesus said that after the resurrection humans will be as the angels of God in heaven.

He said nothing about those angels who had rebelled, yet this verse is used in the misinterpretation of Genesis chapter 6:

“That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose” (Genesis 6:2).

Scripture has been twisted to say that the sons of God are Seth’s sons and the daughters of men are Cain’s daughters. This error is made by those who don’t study Scripture. Really, do you see the names of Seth or Cain mentioned in that verse? They aren’t there in the Hebrew either. There is no verse in Scripture or any interpretation of the Hebrew language that supports anything except the fact that Genesis chapter 6 refers to fallen angels mating with human women. God said it, yet many err because they don’t know Scripture.

The angels Jesus refers to in Matthew 22:30 are the “…angels of God in heaven.” These are not the ones who rebelled and took wives of humans described in Genesis 6:2. It is important to study Scripture in the original languages and in context to understand what God says. God breathed all Scripture to the men who wrote it down, so for someone to try to tell us what God meant rather than what God said is very prideful.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

We are surrounded by evil and this is no time to be uneducated about Scripture. Christians who don’t study Scripture will certainly err because they just don’t know what God says. Christians need to understand that Scripture is very open about the enemy and his wiles. It is truly foolish to deny the evil supernatural influence of Satan in this world, especially as the Rapture draws nearer.

Many forms of satanic/demonic evil are already entrenched in this world – such as false religions, cults, and false teachings. If you don’t truly know Scripture you may easily be led astray. Too many people try to water down God’s Word to make it squeaky clean, but in so doing they miss the warnings against the evil that God plainly revealed to us.

The blinders are put in place by the satanic influence from within our religious hierarchy. Jesus warned against satanic influence within the ekklēsia (the called out body of Christ) in the parable of the mustard seed grown out of proportion,

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereon” (Matthew 13:32).

Those who misinterpret Scripture would have us believe that this means that everything is going along great and the kingdom is growing so big that even birds find a place to rest there. Wrong. A mustard plant that has grown so far out of proportion is scary and unnatural. The “birds of the air?” This phrase is always symbolic of satanic minions, and in this parable they are lodging in the hallowed halls of Christendom.

Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, so unless you study Scripture for yourself you may just be duped by the man in the pulpit or the Sadducees of your “church” who err not knowing Scripture and the power of God. Satanic and demonic influence is not new. Satan’s lies have been around since the Garden of Eden when he twisted God’s words and deceived Eve. He is still twisting them and people are still buying his lies.

Humankind’s future is heading to a point in time in which every evil is openly being accepted, including some very strange goings on that haven’t been seen for thousands of years. In other words, there will soon be unrestricted evil on earth. How can I say something that sounds so preposterous? Well, all it takes is some Bible study. Here are the Lord’s words for us to ponder:

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37).

Our Lord gives us great information concerning the last days prior to His return (Second Advent). The horrible corruption of genes that occurred in Noah’s day took many years to fully engulf the earth and all that had breath. All except for Noah and his immediate family because they believed God. According to Peter, Noah was a preacher of righteousness…he believed God’s Word and not the lies of the fallen angels who were busy corrupting all life on earth. This corruption of all living things is once again happening.

Did you know that rice is being grown and human genes have been introduced into it? Why? This is certainly not what God intended humans to eat. Genetically altered food is just the tip of the iceberg. It isn’t just rice that is being altered, but also humans and animals. Children with 3 parents are being created, sheep that have 15% human DNA so their organs can be used for transplants, cats that glow either red or green (supposedly for AIDS research), goats and spiders crossed to create goat milk with very strong spider web material (used by the military as bulletproof skin), and much more.

Are these scientists being schooled by the fallen ones? Noah believed God and kept himself genetically pure. Because so many today don’t know Scripture and believe the erroneous teaching of it there is no outcry against this evil manipulation of genes. Noah believed in God and in God’s power. Do you? Because Noah believed he obeyed when God told him to build the Ark. He didn’t try to figure out what God “meant.” He believed what God said. Because of his obedience he and his family were not corrupted by the evil of that time. Because of his obedience God’s humans and animals were saved.

Now that we are in the last days we can see many things coming about in our world that leads us to understand more fully that which past expositors could not grasp. A century ago only those who believed God’s Word without twisting it could understand that Israel would once again become a nation, just as God said. Those who understood Scripture did not try to twist it to say that the Christians had replaced the Jews. Today we also need to stop twisting Scripture and denying the power of God.

We should be aware that the time is upon us when Satan will show his hand – what he’s up to. His time is running out and he and his minions of evil are now obsessed with defying God. The “birds of the air” are happily sitting in the mustard tree and corrupting God’s truth. Satan believes that if he can disrupt the plan of God through the deception of the masses and the creation of a hybrid race without souls that God will be made out to be a fool and a liar.

Satan is “…the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2a). Our strength is only through our faith in the truth of God. Jesus Christ is our salvation and will soon call us all Home. The Rapture will happen, Scripture says it will. Until then we can only walk by faith and study His Word to understand His power.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

By denying God’s truth you deny His power. If you don’t study Scripture you will draw erroneous conclusions. Study what God says and you will be strong in the power of His might.

God bless you all,

Ron & Nathele Graham

How many prayers have you prayed that have not been answered? The answer is simple: none. God hears each prayer and answers. We like it when God says, yes, to our prayers quickly. Oftentimes, though, it seems as if God doesn’t hear our prayers and we feel as if we are praying to a great empty space. That’s when we need to remember that God doesn’t always answer quickly, nor does He always answer, yes.

We need to trust Him to know best. Scripture is filled with examples of men and women praying. Hannah was one who prayed earnestly, but it seemed to her as if her prayers went unheard. She wanted to bear a child, specifically a son, but over time it seemed as if her prayer was unanswered. Did God hear her prayer? Of course He did, but in God’s wisdom the time wasn’t right for her to bear a child.

“And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore” (1 Samuel 1:10).

Hannah could not see God’s plan, only her own heartache. As time went on she did conceive and her son grew to be one of the great servants of God. He was Samuel and he served God well in the days of King Saul and King David. Hannah’s prayer was earnest and fervent, but many Christians today casually pray for things without thinking of how our requests will glorify God.

Do you throw out a quick name-it-and-claim-it prayer, then get mad at God if His will is different than your want? Hannah wanted a son and earnestly prayed that God would answer her prayer. When He did answer her prayer she was faithful and raised her son to know God and serve Him. Our prayers are directed to God Almighty. That fact alone should humble the proudest heart. God cares enough about you to listen to your concerns, so your prayers need to be respectful.

[Jesus said,] “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9).

Do you mean it when you say “Hallowed be thy name”? Hallowed means holy. Bow humbly before Him and be respectful as you present your petition. He is God. Jesus told His disciples that when they prayed they weren’t to make a big public display so other people would be impressed, nor were they to just say words over and over with no meaning.

Many people today pray the Lord’s Prayer, or a better name is the model prayer, and figure that’s good enough. If the words are said but not meant then all the repetitions are a waste.

“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).

The “four beasts” around His throne continually worship Him and declare His holiness. What a sight we shall see when we stand there…what worship we will hear. Will you want to join in the worship? Why not start now?: “Hallowed be thy name.”

How many times do our prayers contain a list of, “I want” rather than prayers for needs? We may want cake and ice cream, but we need daily bread. God knows our needs, yet we are to pray for them.

“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).

God knows that we need food, shelter, and clothing, and He provides for us.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus had just talked about the fact that God knows our needs and will provide for us, our challenge is to seek his kingdom first, and let God take care of the details. Our prayers also need to be for forgiveness. We all sin, but Christians need to be aware of our sins and ask God to forgive us.

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

It is impossible to live in this world and not stumble into sin, but we need to go to God and ask Him to forgive us. Notice in that verse there is a caveat “…as we forgive our debtors.” It is incumbent upon each Christian to forgive. This verse is also found in the Gospel of Luke, but instead of “debts” and “debtors” the words are “sins” and “everyone that is indebted to us.” It is a wonderful feeling to have our sins forgiven and our debt paid.

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30).

When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant He had paid our sin-debt. This debt is one that we have no ability to pay on our own. That gift has to be accepted in order to be forgiven of your sins, but it is available to everyone. Because He has forgiven then we need to forgive. It is a wonderful feeling to forgive.

Another important part of prayer is submission. We need to submit to God’s will. We can ask Him for riches and healing, but we need to understand that He is God and He sees tomorrow as clearly as He sees yesterday. He knows what is best. If Adam had submitted to God’s will and not eaten the forbidden fruit, then sin would not have entered into the world. God knew best.

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

People have a hard time submitting to God’s will. We want it our way. We want salvation on our own terms; we don’t want to live in obedience to the One who saved us. It is a good idea to start submitting to God’s will now, because in God’s kingdom His will is done. If you don’t desire to do His will now, what makes you think you will be happy doing His will after you die? Of course, if you haven’t accepted His free gift of salvation you will have forever to regret not accepting Christ’s sacrificial payment for your debt.

In Heaven, God’s will is followed by all His angels, but on earth most people reject His will. Some Christian’s believe we are currently living through our Lord Jesus’ earthly millennial kingdom because Jesus our Messiah reigns in our hearts. To them His earthly reign is only symbolic. Well, that just doesn’t jive with His Word.

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6).

This is an actual 1,000-year time period which will not only establish our Messiah as our ultimate perfect King, but we Christians will reign with Him. Do you see that happening now? I don’t. I see a lot of Christians who love Jesus but are not submissive to Him. They may acknowledge Him, but He doesn’t reign in their hearts One day His kingdom will be established on earth and those who long for His appearing will receive a special reward. Praying, “Thy kingdom come….” means we are asking for His soon return and we look for His appearing:

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).

If you love (long for) His appearing your crown of righteousness awaits you. If you long for His appearing, then you might want to submit to His will and start living for Him now.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but if my Lord Jesus were to return to remove His ekklēsia before you finish reading this commentary, that would certainly suit me. Is that a defeated attitude? Not at all. When He gave us the model for prayer He told us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done…” so there is nothing wrong about wanting Him to establish it on earth post-haste.

Sometimes I wonder, out of all those who know that Jesus will soon remove His ekklēsia from this earth, how many actually long for it and pray that it will happen soon. We live in this world and there is a certain comfort we find here. That’s only because it’s familiar to us. Once we are free of our sin nature and under the absolute loving rule of our Lord, we won’t miss this fallen world at all.

Many of us have prayer lists which we pray over, and there are many prayer warriors who are dedicated to praying continually (something we all should do), and of course there are many praying for Jesus’ soon return. When God’s children speak with Him and even cry out to Him, letting Him know how troubled our hearts are as we anticipate the coming deluge of persecution, He hears our pleas and knows our troubles.
Sure as God made little green apples, one of these days as we are praying, “Thy Kingdom Come,” we will hear the trump call of God and the voice of the archangel and then we shall see Jesus as He takes us up to meet Him in the air.

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Oh, what a day of rejoicing that will be! At least for Christians it will be a joyous occasion.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13).

Prayer is a powerful weapon. Today Christians deny demons exist and the supernatural evil around us is ignored. Jesus didn’t laugh at demon possession. Jesus would recognize that the person had a demon and cast it out. He also taught His disciples how to cast out demons. One day some of the disciples had attempted to cast out a demon, but failed. Jesus told them:

“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).

Demons don’t possess everyone, but their evil presence can place temptations and stumbling blocks in everyone’s path. Pray for protection. God protects us because He has supreme power and dominion over all things. Prayer will bring His power into our life and satanic temptation won’t overpower us. His is the kingdom, the power and the glory.

The Lord’s Prayer is a prayer that puts God’s interests first; it is His name, His Kingdom, and His will that are primary. It should be our pleasure, as well as responsibility, to let God know just how much we’d like to see His will done…we also must act on that and do our part by submitting to Him and doing His will. We must pray with a longing and we must believe what we are praying for…His will to be done in earth as it is in Heaven.

We need to long for God’s Kingdom to soon be established here on earth and we need to long to see our King Jesus sitting on His earthly throne ruling and reigning on this planet. The sooner the better.

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13).

Remember to pray in obedience to God’s will.

God bless you all,

Ron & Nathele Graham