Understand the Bible? Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D.
Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D. hosts a podcast that helps listeners understand the Bible by teaching on various subjects from the Resurrection to Revelation. The teaching is designed to engage thinking people, encouraging them to bring their questions and study along. The podcast aims to unlock the riches within the Bible and provide answers to common questions.
Episodes
God Takes Care of His Own
When we're walking around saying, why is this happening? Why do the wicked prosper and those who love the Lord suffer so much? Psalm 37 reminds us how to make it through the tough times. Our suffering doesn't go unnoticed. God sees, He knows, and He upholds those who love Him. Fourteen years of ministry and the wisdom of David in his old age show us that God takes care of His own. VF-2174 Psalm 37
God Provides Tough Shoes for the Walk
Faith is an action, distinct from mere mental belief. It is a walk, and God abundantly provides the gifts, the anointing, the call and the equipment sufficient enough to make it through. His arms are there beyond the vanishing point, ready to catch us when we fall. This dire time requires action. Our purpose, calling and tools are there at our fingertips. When faith is turned loose, it does become
God Has a Purpose for Your Life
On your 11th anniversary, a message to teach, remind and find out if we are any closer to the recognition that God's in control. We may be feeling like our lives are out of control, but as long as we keep our eyes focused on God The Potter, He will use the pressures of life, including the hard falls, to re-make us in the image and likeness of Christ. VF-2018 Jeremiah 18:1-6 Watch, Listen and Learn
Let No One Dogmatize You
Since we are buried, dead and resurrected with Christ and set free from the law by Him, why would we stand by and let ourselves get dogmatized and be put under regulations by man? There is a long list of traditions that man has added on to the church, but they are not the word of God. Having a relationship with God is not keeping regulations but trusting Him and talking to Him. VF-2295 Colossians
Let No One Rob You of Your Reward
What happened at the church in Colossae is still happening in the church today: adding onto the simplicity of the gospel. All of these add-ons seem to be super spiritual, like the worshiping of angels and marvelous visions, but in reality, they're fake, and all they do is distract. Let no one rob you of your reward which comes by simple faith in Jesus Christ, cultivating a personal relationship w
Sabbathing: From Creation to Christianity
God's Sabbath was when He rested from all His work on the seventh day of Creation, but the term "sabbath" is first used when God gave the children of Israel a day to rest from their work, which turned into a commemoration of their deliverance from Egypt. The sabbathing of the Christian is not limited to a single day, but is a relationship of trusting Christ every day. VF-2293 Colossians 2:16 Wa
The Sabbath Day Was Nailed to the Cross
Let no man judge you regarding the keeping of the Sabbath and holidays. We have many traditions, even those reflected in our calendar, that come to us out of pagan sun and moon worship. Traditions that have nothing to do with Scripture should not be part of the church. There is also no reason to keep Old Testament Sabbath practices, because we have a new form of Sabbath rest in the finished work
Let No Man Judge You, You Are Free in Christ
Most people today view religion as a set of rules and regulations they have to keep, but this is not the message of the New Testament. We are told to let no one judge us in what we do or don't do, as well as not to judge others who are weak in their faith or understanding. The law was given to set people apart for God's purpose, but we have a better covenant now in Jesus Christ. We are not under
Our Spiritual Foes Disarmed at the Cross
If we're still not sure that Christ did everything and that we are complete in Him, Colossians 2:15 rightly translated shows us that there was nothing left undone. God disarmed our spiritual foes at the cross! That doesn't mean that they're powerless, but rather that all of the attempts to prevent Christ from going to the cross were thwarted. And as Christ was victorious, so are we! VF-2290 Colo
The Sin and Trespass Offerings Point to Christ
The sin and trespass offerings were God's dispensation in the Old Testament to address the people's fallen condition, our need for purification, and the individual acts of wrongdoing that are the fruit of this condition. But as with all the other offerings, they were shadows and types pointing to Christ. God had Christ in mind from the beginning, and because of His sacrifice, we have a new dispen
The Peace Offering: Our Communion and Fellowship with God
The peace offering symbolized God's provision for mankind to have communion and fellowship with Him. It had to come after the burnt and meal offerings so that we could first understand what Christ had to do before we could even have fellowship with God. Most people do not have the mindset of the peace offering when they give, thinking they have no responsibilities; it gives God joy when we willin
The Symbolism of the Meat Offering
Looking at the symbolism of the meat offering helps us to understand the "how" of Colossians 2:14 how Christ blotted out the handwriting of ordinances and nailed them to His cross, and how we being in Christ's finished work are no longer under the law but free in Christ, and free to worship Him! VF-2287 Colossians 2:14, Leviticus 2 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor M
Christ: Offering, Offerer, and Priest
The Old and New Testaments have to be understood as one continuous narrative of God's unfolding plan of redemption for fallen humanity. There are many shadows and types that point to Christ and reveal the order in which things had to happen for us to be redeemed. The offerings lay out what Christ had to be in order to fulfill the law as the Offering, the Offerer, and the Priest. VF-2286 Colossian
I Am Forgiven
Christ has forgiven us all our trespasses, but we have a problem understanding His forgiveness because we have a poor understanding of the severity of our sins, our condition, and our standing with God. We were spiritually dead in our sins, but Christ has made us alive in Him and forgiven us. Even though we will never "feel" forgiven, we are forgiven, period. VF-2285 Colossians 2:13 Watch, Listen
Authentic Christianity Is Focused on Christ
Three verbs, which properly translated in their mood and tense in the Greek, shift our focus back on to Christ. They show us that what God is looking for is faith in Christ, not Jesus plus circumcision, or any other religious ceremony or rite. The simplicity of the gospel is that God wants us to take Him at His word and stay focused on Christ. VF-2284 Colossians 2:11-13 Watch, Listen and Learn 2
Christ Set Us Free
No outward sign, like that of circumcision, can fix you if your heart is not close to God. In the Old Testament circumcision was intended to be a sign of the covenant with God, but even then, God made it clear His focus was on the heart. Christ has already accomplished this act of circumcision in the inner man of the Christian, freeing us and conforming us to His covenant perfectly, as only He ca
Christ Is the Epicenter of Our Faith
It's time for the church of Jesus Christ to reform itself because we, like the Colossians, have been led astray by all the add-ons. It's time for us to get back to the epicenter of our faith: all that we need is in Christ. Every part, every nature, every dimension of the deity dwells in Him, so how could we ever think of adding anything else? VF-2281 Colossians 2:9-15 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7
Traditions Make Void the Word of God
The church, both Catholic and Protestant has grafted on traditions to the faith that are not Biblical. We are to follow after Christ, not the traditions of men that distract from the pure faith. VF-2280 Colossians 2:8 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 m
Why I Am Who I Am in Christ
We cannot understand the problems of where we are without looking to history. Church history is full of examples of the traditions of men being substituted in place of the word of God and the message of salvation by faith in Christ. The Protestant Reformation sought to bring people back to the pure source of the word, but even the Protestant Church has its add-ons. Study the word and focus on your
Under New Management
Colossians 2:6 is the perfect text to show us that the modern-day evangelist's altar call, inviting us to "receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior" is actually quite blasphemous! Treating this passage correctly, the difference is in the details. To "receive" is not to receive the individual, the Son of God, but rather to receive the message, the good news of Jesus Christ: that new management h
Stay in the Word, Lest Any Man Beguile You
The deception of those that would twist the word of God with enticing words was a problem in the early church and still continues today. It is very easy to be beguiled by false teaching that sounds reasonable and persuasive. The safeguard is to stay connected to Christ through the Word and remain steadfast in your faith. VF-2277 Colossians 2:4-5 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.c
Christian Unity: Knit Together in God's Love
The body of Christ is supposed to be knit together in love, not ripped apart. Without being knit together in Christ's love, the church cannot survive. Paul addressed the Colossians with pastoral concern, reminding them to focus back on Christ and to be knit together in the agape love of God. When the problems come, this love of God through Christ should be our common bond. Christ is the unifying
Be Not Deceived
The church today is in spiritual danger, just as the church at Galatia was. The Apostle Paul instructed them not to be deceived by those who tried to lead them back to works and the law instead of faith in Jesus Christ alone. You will reap what you sow. The works of the flesh are a mockery of God, but if you seek Him in faith, He will put His Spirit in you, and you will bear fruit unto Him. So
Pain Has a Purpose
In God's book, there's a type of pain that has a purpose. Whether it's physical or mental, if it leads us closer to God, then it's not destructive. It's redemptive pain. In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul describes this as a "thorn" in the flesh. More specifically, it was a messenger of Satan that was given to him by God to keep him humble and always depending on God. If you're wrestling w
All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray
God repeatedly describes us as "sheep," and Christ as our Shepherd. We need to be led and guided, because by nature, we wander astray and are unaware of the dangers around us. Christ is the remedy for our fallen condition: God laid all our sins on Him, and we have been redeemed. He provides all the spiritual sustenance we need. His sheep know His voice, and we are to follow Him. VF-2560 Isaiah
Death Ain't No Big Deal
You can't navigate the Bible without dealing with the subject of death, dying, and eternal life. If rightly understood, it's the most faith-inspiring, faith-building recognition that God has a plan for you, and life doesn't end when you die. In getting to know Christ beyond the superficial level, your fears about death can be settled. Psalm 23 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.c
When the Sacrifices Stopped, or Indeed Why They Stopped
The need for covering for sin goes back as far as Adam and Eve, where an animal had to be slain to cover them. The book of Leviticus spells out that the only atonement for sin is through sacrifice and the spilling of blood. Each of the sacrifices was a type that pointed to Christ. When Christ fulfilled the law with His sacrificial death and His Resurrection, the need for blood to be spilled sto
A Nation Built on God's Word
America at its inception was a nation built on God's word. Every historical detail reveals God's gracious hand of providence on a people who were the apple of His eye. As we look back, we can see just how far we've drifted from the principles, mindset, and ideologies of those who fought to birth this nation into existence. 250 years later, the question of our future is this: are we a country on
Where Is the Honor Due God?
Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, rebuked the priests and the people for their indifference to God and their defection from His ways. God promised that if they would stop robbing Him and would turn back to Him, He would pour out a blessing they could not contain. Malachi also prophesied that God would send His messenger, Christ, who would be a refining fire and the Sun of righteous
The Mystery of Salvation in Christ
The word "mystery", if we understand its Biblical use and more specifically its use by the apostle Paul in the book of Colossians, is not something cryptic that we can't know or understand; it's revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ: the mind-boggling thing that we can be saved by something that happened over 2,000 years ago! VF-2275 Colossians 1:24-29 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at P
Paul: Made a Minister by God
There is only one ministry in the church, and that is being a servant of God. God is the one who makes men and women into ministers; we do not choose it ourselves, and we are not to judge His choice. Paul suffered afflictions for his association with Christ and the preaching of the Word, but he rejoiced. Suffering is part of the process of being made into a man or woman of God. VF-2274 Colossians
Reconciliation and Presentation Hang on "If"
Because of the fall, we are all born alienated from God, which includes being alienated from the image of God and the knowledge of God. God has to reconcile our conscience, our heart and its affections, and our will in order to bring us back to Him. If we continue in the faith, He will be able to present us holy, unpolluted, and having no guilt attached to us before Him in heaven. VF-2273 Colossi
God Reconciled All Things to Himself
Just as God created all things, He has reconciled all things to Himself. That doesn't mean that all will be saved, but rather that Christ's sacrifice at the cross made peace, making it possible for us to become friends of God instead of enemies. From that moment on, a change began to occur in those who hear and respond. This change is not merely a disposition of an individual, nor their legal rel
The Fullness of God Dwells in Christ
You can be a Christian and stay at the surface, not recognizing that all the fullness of God dwells in Christ. But learning about Christ in His relation to the Father, to His creation, and to the church helps us to understand what He should mean to all Christians, and why He is supreme. Colossians 1:18-19 VF-2271 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches
The Church's Reason for Being
The purpose of the church is to spread the message of the gospel and to make learners. We have a record of the disciples proclaiming that message first to Jerusalem, then to Judaea and Samaria, and then to the world. Those who heard it would then go back to their homelands and tell what they heard. Colossians 1:18 VF-2270 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott
The Taxonomy of the Church: Christ Is the Head
Christ is the head of the church, and this church exists for His purposes, not to be what people think it should be. It exists to make learners who will grow in Christ and build up the body of the church. VF-2269 Colossians 1:17-18 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 Past
Unseen Powers: Two Forces at Work
Continuing the excursion on angels, it is clear that there are many references to angels through the Scriptures. The elect, un-fallen angels that remain holy and dedicated to God carry out His will, deliver messages, and give guidance and help to humans as His representatives. The evil, fallen angels report to the god of this world, satan, and bring twisted messages designed to derail us from the
The Point and Purpose of Angels
As background to the teaching Paul had to do to counter the false doctrine of angel worship, we can look to the Scriptures, especially the Pentateuch, to make sure we understand the nature and role of angels. There are different categories of sometimes seen and sometimes unseen created beings who carry out assignments from God, and some references to "the angel of the Lord" are actually a manifes
God Has a Plan for His Creation
Digging into the original language in Colossians 1:16, we see Christ is the basis for creation, He is the instrument of creation, and the purpose of creation goes back to Him. He could not have been created if He was the Creator, which puts Him above all angels. We are part of the creation, and God's plan for us is to praise Him. Colossians 1:16 VF-2266 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelis
Jesus Is the Firstborn of All Creation
Studying the use of the Greek word prototokos, being translated "firstborn" in Colossians 1:15, we see that it is impossible to conclude that Jesus is a created being. Rather, He is the first of His kind, firstborn of all creation to be raised up from the dead. He set the pattern for those who follow Him by faith, which means we will follow after Him in that same way! Colossians 1:15-16 VF-2265 W
Christ Is the Icon of the Invisible God
The first half of Colossians 1:15 declares that Christ is the image or "icon" of the invisible God. The heretical idea that Christ was merely like God and not of the same substance crept into the early church, and even today some believe Christ is only a created being. Paul makes it clear to the Colossians: Christ is the likeness and incarnate revelation of God to humankind. Colossians 1:15 VF-2
Christ Paid Our Ransom
In Christ we have salvation and forgiveness of our sins because He paid the ransom, the price that had to be paid to set us free from bondage. Colossians 1:14 VF-2263 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, lea
We Are Citizens of His Kingdom
Doing some detective work outside the text of Colossians 1:13 where "the kingdom of his dear Son" is referenced, we can better understand what that should mean in its magnitude for us. 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
Rescued Out of Darkness
We are born in a state of darkness, and we live in a dark age, but God has rescued us from the imminent danger of the power of darkness. Through our faith in Christ, God moves us out of that domain into His kingdom. VF-2261 Colossians 1:12-13 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 messa
Thank God He Qualified Us
The Father qualified us to partake in the inheritance of the saints in the Light, which is Christ. By His past action, our status has been changed from earthly citizenship to heavenly citizenship and co-heirs with Christ. This is something we should be excited and thankful about! VF-2260 Colossians 1:12 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Fait
The Will of God
Most people want to know God's personal, private will for their lives, but understanding the will of God begins with looking at what He has revealed in the Bible as His general will for all of His children. VF-2259 Colossians 1:1, Colossians 1:9, Colossians 4:12 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030
The Truth Contained in the Gospel
To set up his corrective letter, Paul reminds the Colossians that their pastor Epaphras was a faithful minister of Christ and that he had preached to them the truth of the gospel. The gospel has been pointing to Christ since the Old Testament, and it is the only message with the transformative power from God to change us. When we focus on Christ, faith, love and hope come forth as the fruit of he
Paul's Chiasmus of Thanksgiving and Prayer
As with all of Paul's corrective letters, Colossians starts with salutation and prayer of thanksgiving. This prayer comes in the form of a chiasmus, with a message of faith, love, and hope at the core. VF-2257 Colossians 1:1-14 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 S
What It Means to Be in Christ
Examining the Greek grammar behind Paul's use of the dative phrase "in Christ" shows us that it's not just a phrase, but something with depth and substance that can help us to grow spiritually. VF-2256 Colossians 1:1-2 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
Saints, Faithful and Brethren in Christ
The historic patterns of settlement and wars by various peoples in Asia Minor helps us to understand how heretical doctrines out of paganism got into the Colossian church. Paul wrote this letter to saints, faithful ones and brothers in Christ. Sainthood is not what Catholic traditions have made it: all who are chosen to be set apart by God are Saints. VF-2255 Colossians 1:2 Watch, Listen and Le
The History and Background of Colossians
An introduction to the book of Colossians, including the history of Colossae and background for the letter. Paul, an ambassador in chains by the will of God, had a purpose for writing the letter to the Colossians, and that purpose is still relevant to us today. Colossians 1:1 VF-2254 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendal
The Other Mothers
A study of the biblical mothers that aren't referred to too often and their love and care for their children; Eve, Sarah, Bathsheba, Manoah's wife, Hannah, Jochebed, Mrs. Zebedee, Mary, and Elizabeth. VF-1820 Proverbs 1:8-9, Proverbs 6:20-23, Proverbs 10:1; Matthew 20:20-23; Luke 1:16-18, Luke 1:24-25 We are to celebrate the ones that have loved and taken care of us Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7
Hannah: A Mother's Prayer in a Dark Time
Hannah is an example to all of God's children of how to act in a dark time. In her barrenness she made a vow to God, and she kept it instead of making excuses. She earnestly prayed to the Lord and faithed to see Him answer her prayer. Our prayers are heard by the Lord; keep praying for the future of this ministry and those things that will bring Him glory. Our prayers have an effect, and God w
The Love of God: A Mother's Day Message
A Mother's Day message showing three mothers (Hannah, Bath-sheba and Rahab) who weren't perfect but brought up good children in the Lord. The greater lesson is on forgiveness, which is made possible by the love of God to take us right where we're at no matter who we are or what our past was like. Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center
Comfort from Christ: The Motherly Love of God
God's motherly love shines through in a bleak passage directed against the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees. Knowing what the word of God said, they were unable to apply it to themselves or hear the call of God. God is still calling, as a mother hen, to bring comfort to the comfortless that will run to the voice of the sayer. VF-2080 Matthew 23:37 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaSco
Hope In God: A Cure For The Downcast Soul
This is a Mother's Day message lifting up those who might not have been in a celebratory mood. The downcast soul of Psalms 42 & 43 is addressed. The causes include absence from God's presence, the self and outside forces as enemies, memories of a better day, being overwhelmed by life, and feeling forgotten by God. The cure is to "Put Hope! in God for yet will I praise Him!" Watch, Listen and Le
The Faith of Jochebed
Many mothers in the Bible show us the lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her child. When the decree went out to kill all the male children and things seemed at their darkest, Jochebed had the faith to place Moses in the river and trusted that God would protect her son. God honored her faith and Moses survived to become the deliverer of his people out of Egypt. VF-2132 Exodus 1 Watch,
Promises of Comfort
A Mother's Day message for those mothers and children (Rachel's and Ephraim's) needing comfort in their sorrows, God comforts them with promises of joy, worship, answer to prayer, protection, return, guidance, redemption and provision. VF-1872 Jeremiah 31 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to
God Is Motherly in His Comfort
Several mothers in the Bible give us the picture of the motherly comfort of God. A barren woman named Hannah prayed to God for a child, and her prayers actually changed the future of the children of Israel. Mary, the mother of Jesus, trusted God in the unknown, in what she could not see, foreknow, or foretell about her son. These parents are an inspiration to every person, regardless of gender. Th
Be Vigilant to Protect Your Calling
After the devastating Los Angeles fires, we must be even more vigilant to protect our calling. That starts with being aware of the devil's methods with us. They are subtle, and designed to fill us with fear, doubt, and everything that is the antithesis of faith. The only hope we have is to put on the whole armor of God and be ready for the enemy from head to toe. If we focus on building our co
The Battle for Your Soul and the Concept of Commitment
There is a battle for your soul, and it is dangerous to fail to understand the enemy is always there. A target is on your back when you open your mouth and make a commitment. When our committedness or our attitude towards our commitment changes, we open up the door for the devil to pick us off. We must treat Christ as our fort, our place of resistance, and recognize that putting on the full armor
The Hindrance of satan: Are you Being Considered?
Like a skilled hunter, satan observes and considers us to make his most powerful attacks, to hinder us, to tempt us, and to take us as prey. But God has His hand on us. There is no reason why we should be under this kind of attack unless we have a part in God's kingdom. There is a battle for us, and we need to take spiritual inventory so we can see where the battle is. We cannot fight the devil in
Our Greatest Defense Lies in Christ
A host of fighting forces greater than the devil's are available to those who remain in Christ: the Exousia, the Arche and the Pantokrator. VF-1969 Ephesians 6:12 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
Stand Against the Methods of the devil
Through doubt, fear and discouragement the devil attacks God's children, but He has equipped us to fight the methods of the devil with His armor. VF-1968 Ephesians 6:10-17 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,
Tools to Fight the devil
Understanding who/what angels were in their first estate will help us to understand what we're dealing with: a fallen creation, satan and his band. It will also give us the equipping to better combat these forces. VF-1967 Ephesians 6:10-17 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 f
The World, the Flesh and the devil
The world, the flesh and the devil are highlighted to wake up Christians to the reality of the battle for the soul. With this in mind, instruction on the whole armor of God is given to show how to fight. In order to be victorious, one must expect the battle and be equipped with what God has provided. Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith C
Face the Fight: God Has Your Back
As Christians, we face spiritual warfare. We must put on the whole armor of God and be strong in the Lord, because our own strength is not enough to fight the devil. We are not immune from temptation, and we all struggle with problems we cannot seem to put behind us. We must yield ourselves to God and recognize He is the Master of our soul. He wants us to face the battle, and He equips us to f
Zechariah: Commit Your Heart to God
The prophecies of Zechariah are directed at the heart of the people. He called them to repentance and urged them to commit their heart to God. Throughout the book, we find revelations of the Messiah in both His first and second advent, with very specific details that unfold in the New Testament. There are so many things that we can glean from this book: not just that Christ is coming again, Chr
Haggai: Prioritize God
The book of Haggai speaks to those who returned from captivity to rebuild the temple, but they stopped and went to rebuild their own houses. They were told to put God first, tend to His house, and stop being self-serving. This book speaks to us today as well. God will enable us to take care of His house, and He will not abandon us if we put Him first in all things. VF-2554 Watch, Listen and Lea
Ezekiel: Why God Punished His People
Just before God brought the judgment of exile upon Judah, the people were profaning and desecrating His temple by worshiping unclean animals, Tammuz the Assyrian fertility god, and the sun inside of it. This was the last straw for God. This message is an overview of the book of Ezekiel. The whole book is needed to understand why God punished His people. Ezekiel VF-2553 Watch, Listen and Learn 2
A Prophet of Exile in Exile
The book of Daniel is necessary to understand the events in the book of Revelation. Daniel prophesied about historical events that came to pass hundreds of years later, as well as events yet to come in the last days. His prophecies about successive kingdoms in history have been so accurate that we ought to take his end-time prophecies seriously. Daniel VF-2552 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at Pas
Jeremiah: A Message No One Wanted to Hear
God used the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a message to the southern kingdom of Judah that no one wanted to hear: "The agreement I made with their fathers is broken and cancelled." History shows that God kept His word. He brought Judah into Babylonian captivity for 70 years. This contradicts everything that's being proclaimed about modern-day Israel and the people that live there today. While there
When God Has Had Enough
God was longsuffering with the children of Israel, but eventually, He had enough. They defaulted on the land He had promised them, they did not keep the covenant, and they would not turn back to Him. Just as God judged Nineveh when they would not heed His warnings, He had to punish His own people when they rejected Him. Our own country needs to turn back to God today. We might wonder how long
Micah: What Has God Done to Offend You?
Micah was a true prophet of God amongst many false prophets. He preached the unpopular message that there is judgment and punishment for sin, and for abandoning your God. The false prophets were deliberately blind to rampant sin. They ingratiated themselves to the rich and affluent, and only spoke good and positive words for financial profit. They saw no connection between their behavior and the i
The Pursuit of Peace and the Holiness of God
Part of understanding the holiness of God is being aware that He has placed a deposit of His peace in our hearts, which gives us the capacity to pursue peace with all. This awareness allows us to get real with God and keeps us from falling away from the faith. VF-2208 Hebrews 12:12-17 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale
God for Our Profit, Chastens Us
God chastens us as a loving parent trains and teaches a child, sometimes for correction and sometimes for prevention. It is not punishment; it is something He has to do for our benefit to conform us to the image and likeness of Christ so that we may be partakers of His holiness in eternity. There is no pleasure in chastisement, but He does it out of love, and we will come through it transformed an
Sanctified Wholly by the God of Peace
Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul prayed that the God of peace may wholly sanctify us upon Christ's return, and until then that He would watch over us and preserve us. We are not sinless; the flesh is at war with the Spirit, and there is the possibility we will succumb to temptation, but when we take a step back to God, He is quick to meet us. The finishing process will not be completed in our li
God's Catheterizing Process
Not only has God saved us through the shed blood of His son Jesus Christ, He is actively in the process of changing us into His image and likeness. The process He uses is not meant to change us on the outside, but rather a lifelong catheterizing process where He gets straight to the heart. As long as we remain yielded open vessels, He will do the work that's needed for us to be able to see Him. VF
Holy and Blameless Before Him in Love
We don't find God; He chose us from among those He didn't choose before the world was formed. The purpose of the choice is that we could be holy and without blame when we finally come before Him in love. Becoming holy and blameless before Him is not a change we make in ourselves. He makes that change in us for our faith. VF-2204 Ephesians 1:4 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com
The Transformative Process of Sanctification
Sanctification is not an emotional response or an outward imitation of what we think holiness is; it is an operation of the Holy Spirit transforming us from the inside, which then out rays His nature. When Christlikeness shines forth on the outside, it is because it is radiating out from the changes God has made on the inside. As we yield ourselves to Him in dedication, He renews our minds and e
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