Pastor to the California State Capitol and Beyond
America’s CHRISTIAN HERITAGE was on display at President Biden's Inauguration, as has been the case with EVERY Presidential Inauguration in our nation’s history (including the previous one). Church Service: The Bidens began the day by attending a Roman Catholic mass at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., accompanied by all four …
Occam’s Razor is the often-quoted philosophical idea that when we are presented with various hypotheses about the same thing, we should select the solution that is the simplest. Or put more simply, the simplest explanation is usually the right one. This rule-of-thumb is considered a helpful guide for scientific research, and it can be invaluable …
It is easy to criticize our government leaders and complain about their decisions. In fact, some of them make it extremely easy for us to do this. However, there is a better way. The Bible instructs us to instead pray for them. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, …
Our national conversation at this time largely concerns the shocking death of George Floyd and the subsequent peaceful demonstrations, destruction, looting, violence, and police action in cities all across the United States, and what they mean for us as Americans. We who desire to follow Jesus Christ look to God’s written word to instruct …
Continue reading "A Biblical Response to the George Floyd Protests"
It was a joy to teach on A Biblical View of Government at Redding Christian Fellowship last Sunday. We who are followers of Jesus are to 1) Show Respect to Government, 2) Participate in Government, and 3) Bring the Light to Government. It's a hugely important topic in these politically divisive times. https://youtu.be/0lSRpjZy-QA?t=1824 I would love to hear …
I often post Bible passages related to government on my social media sites, as a reminder to us of what God says about this important topic. In recent days, I quoted portions of Romans 13:1-7, where we are told to honor and submit to government leaders since they are servants of God to do His will. …
Genesis 22 is a tremendous true story of Abraham's faith as he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God, though fortunately God stopped him from doing so. Even greater though, this event foretold what God would later do many centuries later when he killed his only son Jesus for us! Genesis …
Probably nothing will improve our enjoyment in life or enable us to fulfill our purpose as much as learning to be more GRATEFUL and THANKFUL for all God has given us. What does the Bible say about this important quality? Colossians 3:15-17 "15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you …
Continue reading "The Greatness of Gratitude (Colossians 3:15-17)"
I have enjoyed teaching lately through 2 Corinthians 4:6-18 on the topic of God's Light in Clay Pots. What an amazing thought that God can use plain, common, unimpressive people like us to hold and pour out His glory! Here's teaching from July 23, 2017 at Chico Grace Brethren Church in Chico, California: God's Light in …
Continue reading "God’s Light in Clay Pots (2 Corinthians 4:6-18)"
It was an honor to speak this past Sunday on the topic of "A Blessed Nation," based on Psalm 33:12a - "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." I included many quotes from America's founding fathers and others who shaped our nation, showing that the only hope for the United States is that we trust in the …
by Frank Erb This is a new year and a time of new beginnings. With so much that is new, this is a perfect time for us to refresh our understanding of God - to look back to the first book of the Bible, the book of beginnings, to the book of Genesis. Genesis is likely …
It was encouraging to hear so many Biblical passages and mentions of Jesus Christ in the prayers at President Donald Trump's Inauguration. This inauguration set a record for having six different prayer leaders (Timothy Dolan, Samuel Rodriguez, Paula White, Franklin Graham, Marvin Hier, and Wayne T. Jackson). They were a diverse group: theologically (Catholic, evangelical, pentecostal, and Jewish), ethnically (white, black, hispanic) …
On this Labor Day, remembering a Bible-study lecture I taught at Western Seminary last year on "Our Work as Worship" (Colossians 3:23). (Click on the link to view video.)
I enjoyed teaching last weekend about "Shining Emotionally," based on Psalm 139:23-24. It's an important topic for many of us. I'd love to hear any thoughts you have about it. https://soundcloud.com/antelopespringschurch/sets/emotions-the-heart-speaks Keep Shining! (i.e. Glorifying God), Frank
Did you know that the Bible has a lot to say about how we should regard and relate to the government? One passage that addresses this is found in 1 Peter 2:13-17. 1 Peter 2:13-17 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or …
“I should be the most presumptuous blockhead upon this footstool, if I for one day thought that I could discharge the duties which have come upon me since I came into this place, without the aid and enlightenment of One who is wiser and stronger than all others.” - Abraham Lincoln
In my last post, I addressed the question "Should Christians Vote?". In short, the answer is yes. That now leads us inevitably to another important question: WHO should we vote for? I remember reading through the statewide voter guide before the 2003 special election for California State Governor. Among the many statements from candidates was one from …
As we approach another election day, I have heard from some friends that they will definitely vote, and from others who say they won't even bother. This brings up an important question: "Are we, as followers of Jesus, obligated to vote in public elections?" The Bible does not directly address the question of voting, probably because voting as we know …
Mark 6:14-32 And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.” 15 But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like …
Continue reading "Capitol Bible Study: A Politician’s Downfall (Mark 6:14-32)"
Mark 6:12-32 12 They went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them. 14 And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and …
Continue reading "Capitol Bible Study: “Clash of Kingdoms” (Mark 6:12-32)"
Frank Erb 