Author Archives: Dr. Mike

-So We Killed Him

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“…so we killed him.”

All of a sudden I was undone and tears were flowing down my cheeks. Yes, I was responsible for his death. All of a sudden I could see that in a way I never understood it before.

I had begun the morning in my easy chair with a tall cup of strong coffee enjoying my latest sci-fi read when unexpectedly there was a reference to Jesus and how humanity had killed him because he didn’t meet our ‘religious expectations’:

“…so we killed him.”

Intellectually I knew it was true. After all, I majored in theology in seminary. But this was different and personal, the Holy Spirit had just knocked me down and I was on my knees. I was just as responsible for the death of Jesus as the ones who nailed him to the cross or the crowd who shouted- “Crucify him!.” What a surprise and I couldn’t stop crying.

Fact is, everyone who has ever sinned is ultimately responsible for his death but I always self-righteously held special contempt for those religious leaders who planned it. But he did personally die for my sins and now I could no longer deny the implication. In a moment I could see my own part in his death.

But the story doesn’t end there does it! Jesus rose from the dead and everyone who believes on his name will also.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…John 11:25-26 -ESV

–Michael G. Davis

-What is So ‘Good’ About ‘Good Friday’?

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What is so ‘Good’ about ‘Good Friday? One would think it would be called ‘Bad’ Friday instead considering that the innocent Son of God-Jesus of Nazareth was misjudged, tortured, and crucified that day.

But what happened that day was ‘Good’ for us:

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV):

But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.

It was the culmination of God’s plan for our salvation:

John 3:16-17 (ESV):

“For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

When Jesus said; “It is finished” on the cross, it became possible for all who believe on his name and sacrifice to be forgiven of all of their sins and be reconciled to Father God for all eternity. On Resurrection Sunday (Easter), the Son of God demonstrated the destiny of all believers when he was resurrected from the dead:

John 11:25-26 (ESV):

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[a] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Now that is ‘Good News’ for all who believe!

-Holy Week (Easter) Bible Study

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An 8 day devotional Bible study for each day of the Holy Week (Easter). Starting with Palm Sunday and ending with Resurrection Day (Easter):
-Palm Sunday: The Prophetic Entrance Into Jerusalem
-Holy Monday: Jesus at the Temple
-Holy Tuesday: The Temple Leaders Confront Jesus
-Holy Wednesday: The Betrayal
-Maundy Thursday: The Last Supper
-Good Friday: The Trial and Death of Jesus
-Holy Saturday: While Jesus Was in The Tomb
-Resurrection Day (Easter)

-St. Patrick’s Day: -Celebrating His Ministry

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Today is St. Patrick’s Day. Usually this is a day of parades, green beer, and rowdy drunken debauchery all done in the name of a historical character that was God’s apostle to Ireland—forget ‘Saint’ this guy functioned as an apostle and a power evangelist with signs and wonders.

The Real Story of St. Patrick

There is all sorts of stories about Patrick that today they call ‘myths’. I believe that a lot of the myths were probably based upon true events that seem far too supernatural for secular folks to accept today.

But who was this St. Patrick anyway? A man born into a Roman Christian family in Wales around 385 AD with the given name of Macwyn Succat. At age 16 he was taken from his home and enslaved by Irish Celtic raiders. He tended sheep for his new masters for 6 years and became closer to God in the process. The ‘voice of God’ directed his escape and later commissioned him to return to Ireland as a missionary. He went to seminary and became a Priest in preparation and later a Bishop.

He is recognized by all major Christian churches–Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican since he ministered before the church was divided into all the different denominations we have today. So Protestants have just as great a claim on him as Catholics. And those of us who have Welsh blood running through our veins have as much right to claim St. Patrick as any Irishman.

It is said in documents from that period that he “baptized thousands of people,” and ordained hundreds of priests to lead new Christian communities and villages. He also converted the sons of Kings and chieftains leading to the conversion of an entire pagan nation to Christ.

It is said that he was also a healer and that he prayed for hedges of spiritual protection surrounding Christian homes, churches, and whole villages. Legend has it that snakes were banished from the island in the process, though scientists today doubt there was ever any on the island. Nevertheless, Druid priests were forced leave and demons and evil principalities were cast out and challenged by St. Patrick.

Here’s an example of the spiritual condition of  church that St. Patrick left behind—part of a prayer attributed to him but probably recorded a couple of generations later:

From “Saint Patrick’s Breastplate”:

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ below me, Christ above me, Christ to the right of me, Christ to the left of me, Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye which sees me, Christ in every ear which hears me.

We could use this kind of spiritual maturity. What a great declaration to live by–a good example for those seeking a Kingdom culture and economy.    

-Revival Gatherings in Europe

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(Photo credit: This Is the Day!)

Thousands recently gathered in four different European countries; demonstrating that there are hungry folks for a genuine move of God in places many have given up on—France, Italy, Hungary, and the Netherlands.

Read about the gatherings in Italy and Hungary in this CBN article: “‘Fire of Revival’ Spreads in Europe as Thousands Pack Stadiums in Hungary and Italy”

According to International evangelist Jean-Luc Trachsel “the power of the Lord” moved at two huge conferences in Hungary and Italy where over a thousand were saved, healed, and delivered:

“Fire of revival is spreading everywhere in Europe to hungry and thirsty people,” he wrote on social media. “Stop to watch and dare why it’s not coming to your place. Go to your knees and cry out to The Lord of the harvest to save your region.”

On Pentecost Sunday, over 63,000 also gathered for Christ in the Netherlands and another 700,000 witnessed it online. Here;s a statement by the sponsoring organization- the Opwekking Foundation:

“Revival means following Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is our desire: The Netherlands full of Jesus,”

Read about it also on CBS.

Also 2 weeks ago over 25,000 gathered for the ‘March for Jesus’ on May 25, 2024 and worshipped in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Read about that gathering:  “March for Jesus France sees record attendance of 25,000”

God is now moving all around the world, even in Europe. We are beginning to see a demonstration of the Great Harvest which will touch every nation and people.

-Move of God Continues: University of Georgia

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(Stegeman Coliseum @Wikipedia)

The revival that started at Asbury University last year and then to Auburn University and others, including Florida State and Alabama U., continues to spread to numerous colleges across the country. The most recent was at the University of Georgia. Thousands of students showed up for worship services at Stegeman Coliseum and over 150 were baptized. From the Christian Post:

“…Unite US held an event at Stegeman Coliseum, near the University of Georgia, with around 150 people being baptized in the beds of pickup trucks for want of a traditional baptismal setting.  …

In addition to the spontaneous baptisms, Prewett told CP that her organization was also engaged in following up with the students who made their public professions of faith.

“We were able to get every name and number for each student who was baptized,” said Prewett regarding last week’s event in Georgia.

“Our organization will follow up with each student and will provide a list of every church and campus ministry in the area. For students who requested to be connected with a local church or ministry we will send their name to that ministry.”

<Read the whole article>

Response: Continue to pray for this move of God to touch every school in America.

-I Know That My Redeemer Lives

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I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Once I was asked on my Bible answers website: “Why do you Christians keep celebrating Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus- something that happened 2,000 years ago and seems rather impossible?”

My Answer: Because Jesus Christ is still alive today and still appearing to folks and changing lives.

In fact, there has never been a generation in 2,000 years when Jesus hasn’t appeared to somebody.  Church history records a number of those appearances.

Lately, I have read the testimonies of a number of Muslims who converted to Christianity after Jesus showed up in their bedrooms. I also personally know a number of folks, even in my own family, who have seen the Lord and I have heard of many others.

Finally, I myself must testify that I have seen my Lord and talked to Him. Therefore for me this goes beyond faith or even strong conviction-

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

-Revival at Florida State University

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                                        (Image From: Wikipedia)

A major revival has broken out at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Know as a major ‘party school’ now the on-going celebration is all about Jesus. According to a report thousands attended worship services with hundreds coming to Jesus and being baptized in a school fountain. From CBN:

“4,500 Florida State University (one of the biggest party schools in the nation) students confessed struggles and sin tonight. Hundreds came forward to trust Christ…singing and dancing as they head to spontaneous baptisms…”

Response:  FSU is the latest college and university in America to experience this on-going revival. It has been spreading in schools, churches, and on college campuses all across the nation with thousands dedicating their lives to Jesus in the last year. It all started last year in February 2023 at Asbury University and continues here and there and will continue until it touches thousands of places all across America and Canada.

-Read the Bible: An Excellent Idea for 2024

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A new year has come and many are looking to change their life for the positive in 2024. I believe that one of the best things one can do if not the best is read the Bible daily. It is life changing.

Several polls taken during the last year have unfortunately demonstrated that American Christians are somewhat illiterate when it comes to the Bible and particularly Biblical teachings. One good way to reverse the trend is to set aside time to read the good book everyday. An excellent idea is to read through the whole Bible or at least the New Testament during 2024. There are a number of good programs to help you in the process.

One of the easiest ways to get it done is to get a ‘One Year Bible’ where the whole year is divided up into daily readings usually with a selection from the New Testament, the Old Testament, and from Psalms. You can even get it in your favorite version at the book store or at Amazon.

If you find that reading all of it in one year is maybe too much, then you could read just the New Testament and Psalm offerings for each day and then maybe save the Old Testament or the following year (or visa versa).

There are also a number of good plans available that allow you to use your regular Bible for the reading. Here’s a few online: The One year Bible Online, Bible Gateway

You could also get the Bible on CD or tape and listen to it on the way to work this year or download it into your iPod, iPhone or MP3.

There are lots more Bible helps available just search online.

May God Bless you and yours during 2024.