Studying Scripture with Pastor David Higa at CCEP

Joshua 11-13: Conquest of the North

And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars[Rev 3:1] One of the interesting things to observe in these Revelation letters is the different ways that Jesus reveals Himself. To Ephesus, He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands. [Rev 2:1] To Smyrna, the First and...

Genesis 10-12: The Table of Nations

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [Matthew 4:1] In baseball, the key to hitting is timing. The form and technique of a swing are also important, but without timing even a perfect swing will come up empty. That is why a good pitcher will change up speeds. Changing speeds throws off a batters timing. The devil is the best off-speed pitcher in this li...

Joshua 9-10: Conquest

And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass. [Rev 2:18] Can you imagine taking in this personal revelation of Jesus!? We can refer back to Rev 1:14-15 to see that these are only two of the several features that John described in his vision of the unveiled Christ. His response, I fell at His feet...

Genesis 8-9: Noah

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [Matthew 4:1] The temptation that Christ endured came immediately after His baptism. Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. [Mk 1:12] This is the dynamic that we see in our day. It doesnt take long after a baptism service for Satan to tempt, entice, and lead astray. Notice, though, that it was the Sp...

Joshua 7-8: Defeated

This morning we will cover Jesus Revelation letters to Smyrna and Pergamos. To Smyrna: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich) [Revelation 2:9] In the world you will have tribulation, Jesus told His disciples this just before He went to the Cross [ref. John 16:33]. He would leave them, but not as orphans; He promised them the Holy Spirit who would guide and strengthen them....

Genesis 6-7: The Ark and the Flood

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [Matthew 3:11] Our Lord referred to John the Baptist as the greatest born of women. That is high praise! Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist...

Joshua 6: Jericho

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. [Revelation 2:4] Ive often said that a little knowledge and a little confidence is a dangerous combination. Mixing the two oftentimes siphons out humility. Humility gets us to yield to the Teacher and to take in what Hes teaching. But it is oftentimes when were overconfident that we stop listening, learning, and receiving wh...

Genesis 4-5: Cain & Abel

When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt [Matthew 2:14] There really is not a lot of Scripture on Joseph, Marys husband, our Lords adopted father. But the handful of verses that we have, describe him as a God-fearing man and a Spirit-led leader. The end of Matt 1 records that he sought to put her away secretly finding that she [Mary] was with child duri...

Joshua 4-5: Across the Jordan

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. [Revelation 1:19] Revelation 1:19 is a key verse to understanding Revelation. It is a roadmap for the Final Chapter. Write the things which you have seen. This is the unveiled vision that John had of Jesus in Rev 1:9-18. Revelation literally means Unveiled. Jesus is now unveiled in all...

Genesis 3: Temptation, Fall and Promise

behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him. [Matthew 2:1-2] Can you imagine, an entourage of wise men [magos in the Greek, ones of median caste, magicians - Vines Dictionary]; these were the elite of the East [probably from Babylon] who had come to worship the Child. I...

Joshua 2-3 A New Leader

Revelation 1-22 Reading the Whole Book: A Promised Blessing

Genesis 2: God Creates Mankind...

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us. [Matthew 1:23] Omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent are three words that describe the fullness of God. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present [i.e., everywhere always]. In His omnipresence, however, He is with us in one sense [by faith] but not with us in an...

Joshua 1: Israel's History