Pastor to the California State Capitol and Beyond
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 …
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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 …
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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I enjoyed teaching last sunday at Grace Brethren Church of Chico, California, on the topic of "The Priority and Power of the Gospel." In Acts 25 we find the apostle Paul in Caesarea, called from prison, where he had been held for over two years, to appear before Festus, the new Roman governor of Judea; King Herod Agrippa; and an …
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Mark 6:10-11 “And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” In first-century Jewish culture, shaking the …
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Mark 6:6b-13 And He was going around the villages teaching. 7 And He *summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; 8 and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— …
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Mark 6:1-6a Jesus went out from there and *came into His hometown; and His disciples *followed Him. 2 When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these …
Continue reading "California Capitol Bible Study: The Tragedy of Unbelief (Mark 6:1-6)"
Frank Erb 