Understand the Bible? Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D.

Not all the Jews rejected Christ, but many of the spiritual leaders were against Him because they had no spiritual discernment and they perceived Him as a threat to their position.   There were also many people who only followed Jesus for self-serving reasons.   The rejection of Christ was foretold by God and there are still many people today who will not hear. The Apostle Paul is an example of on...

God has a plan for the future of the land of Israel, when He will reunite the people of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms.   But we must also understand the history that shaped Judaism from the time of the exile to the fall of Jerusalem.   God is not done with the Jewish people.   VF-2424 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glen...

The ugly picture that God paints through the prophecies of Ezekiel helps us to understand just how low the children of Israel, specifically the southern kingdom of Judah, had fallen before they were carried into Babylonian captivity.   They also show us God's perfect plan for the future restoration of Israel, both northern and southern kingdoms.   VF-2423 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMeli...

The practices and identity of the Jewish people began to crystallize after their return from exile in Babylon.   They began to strictly enforce the law and to separate themselves from the ways of the foreigners who ruled over them.   This period also saw the addition of new laws and holidays, which the Jewish people strictly adhered to.   They developed a national spirit and fought to protect thei...

The Jewish identity and practices of Judaism did not begin to emerge until after the return from Babylonian captivity.   Although the priesthood had maintained certain practices and preserved the Hebrew tongue, most of the population had forgotten these things.   During this time there were waves of religious zeal as well as disobedience among the people.   VF-2421 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at...

Every Jew that you encounter today will say that the mother must be Jewish in order for her child to be Jewish, yet there is no scriptural validation for this doctrine.   Furthermore, the Biblical genealogies show that God focused on the father, not the mother.   So, why is this error of matrilineal descent held by so many Jews today?   VF-2420 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.co...

The idea that all the descendants of Abraham are Jewish is wrong.   The Bible says Abraham was the father of many nations, not just one.   One of the seeds descending from him were a covenant line, but they were not always obedient to God, and they commingled with pagans.   The idea that people are Jewish by matrilineal descent is not based on God's word.   VF-2419 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at...

Using both biblical and extra biblical records we can establish a hard date for the Exodus, and in doing so we can know what the people we have traditionally referred to as "Jews" were practicing, and how they were actually referred to at the time of the Exodus.   This will help us clear up any cultural confusion and homogenization surrounding these people.   VF-2418 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 a...

The religious history of God's people and the Promised Land is complicated.   Many peoples have occupied the land over the centuries, but God was focused on the line of Shem leading up to Christ.   Not all of God's people were Jewish, nor were they practicing Judaism.   God promised to bless all the tribes of Israel, and He will reunite them one day.   VF-2417 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at Pasto...

There is a lot of ignorance in academia regarding the terms "Israelites," "Hebrews," and "Jews."   Judaism did not exist until after the return from captivity, and God's people did not always have the same religious practices.   Who is who, and who the land of Israel belongs to, is more complicated than we might think. VF-2416 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa S...

What will become of the children of God if the church is not instructing them in the Bible?   A minister is supposed to teach and correct the people in meekness.   That is not weak or as a pushover, but in full strength and paradoxically gentle.   By chastening those who resist and are opposed to the gospel, proper teaching can bring about repentance and free them from the snare of the devil to th...

The second consecutive message on Giving and Stewardship taught using "The Oreo Cookie of Giving" example: The Macedonian Christians and Jesus Christ with the Corinthian church in the middle. Examples from the rich young ruler and Zacchaeus are used, in conclusion, showing that Godly sorrow brings repentance which is the right starting point that giving flows from.   2 Corinthians 7:10 VF-1848 Wat...

Beginning of Prophetic Messages. Ezekiel, a Prophet, Priest, and Prisoner, a captive among others that were so down they couldn't sing, yet God gave visions to Ezekiel. The Greek word for man in Ch.1:v.26 is the word "ADAM", not "ISHI". A Prophet's starting point is Repentance, Metanioia. Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glend...

Jesus is the door, the only way in.   The starting point of our relationship with Him is repentance, a changing of the mind from our way towards Him.   When we recognize the depth of our sin and depravity and repent, it ought to have a life-changing impact that stays with us. VF-2464 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale....

We have all sinned, but some of us have become desensitized to sin and its consequences.   The remedy is repentance, a changing of the mind from our way to God's way.   We cannot truly change our mind and feel godly sorrow unless we come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit.   It is a change that can only come from the inside.   VF-2529 Romans 3:23 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaS...

With the kings of Judah and Israel, the pattern has always been that when the leadership is corrupt, it trickles down.   Focusing on the period of 930-900 B.C., we see how God used prophets to rebuke kings in an effort to get them back on track.   It took courage and faith for these prophets to communicate a hard message from God.   Not every leader received His correction, but the record shows th...

Incidents in the lives of David and Jeroboam show that God sometimes uses prophets to bring our sins to light.   It takes courage and loyalty for a prophet to speak an unpopular truth.   Both kings had tried to cover up their sins, but it is impossible to hide our sins from God.   God wants us to come to Him and be honest. VF-2533 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melis...

The caricature of prophets has hurt the entire church.   To get a clearer picture of what a true prophet of God looks like, we turn to the early prophets of the Old Testament: specifically, Miriam, Deborah, Samuel, and an unknown prophet in the book of Judges.   Their character and function varied, but they all had one thing in common: they got their messages and directives from God. Watch, Listen...

To discern between a true prophet and a false one, you must know God's word.   The false prophets are always in large numbers, telling the people what they want to hear rather than the truth of God's word.   The rare true prophet directs people back to the Lord, willing to stand and speak the truth in love no matter the consequences.   VF-2531 Deuteronomy 18:20-22 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at P...

When we look at the prophets of old, there's no question that much of our understanding about modern-day prophets is erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of Old Testament prophets did not look into a crystal ball to divine the future. They were men who were used as mouthpieces to utter God's message in words or in actions that held symbolic meaning. In this message, Pastor Scot...

A historical, philosophical, psychological and theological view of the word "conscience," lays the foundation for the message. God used the famine in Israel and placed Joseph's brothers and father in a state of need, lack, or want and are crying out to God for help, in this time, God is closest to us.   Genesis 45:5 VF-1811 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scot...

Iron entered into Joseph's soul, and the promise of the Lord severely tested him. God uses our trials, like Joseph's, for His purpose. Psalm 105:17 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request...

Temptation is subtle, persistent, convenient and aggressive. Referencing many scriptures it is demonstrated that God Has equipped us, through His word, to combat temptation of the flesh. The Pattern set by Joseph is the illustration . When temptation came he responded fast, he remained faithful and he fled from it. Genesis 39 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Sc...

Looking at the source of Joseph's strength in this familiar story. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused and hated, he still loved his brothers. Be encouraged by Joseph's example: Hang on to the source of strength despite your circumstances. Genesis 37 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call...

Christ's work at the cross is not just one-dimensional. Its effects are continuous, encompassing the whole sum total of what is needed for us to be whole in His presence: both salvation from our sins past, present and future, and healing of our sicknesses and diseases. 1 Peter 2:24-25 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale....