(More Bible Studies Available @ http://www.marktabata.com) It is written: 1 Kings 15:13-Also he removed Maachah his grandmother from being queen mother, because she had made an obscene image of Asherah. And Asa cut down her obscene image and burned it by the Brook Kidron. 2 Kings 23:4-And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the... Continue Reading →
Thinking About “Ben’s Back”
(More Bible Studies Available @ http://www.marktabata.com) It is written: Hosea 6:6-For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Since moving to Hazard Kentucky in 2005, I have been blessed to work with many precious souls who struggle with drug addiction. During that time, I have seen some... Continue Reading →
An Argument From Deuteronomy For Social Drinking?
(More Bible Studies Available At http://www.marktabata.com) It is written: Deuteronomy 14:26-And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. In this passage,... Continue Reading →
The Bible, Rat Park, And Addicts
(More Bible Studies Available At http://www.marktabata.com) It is written: 1 Corinthians 15:33-Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." When I work with addicts, I always try to emphasize the need for them to cut ties (at least temporarily) with their friends and family members who enable their addiction. At the same time, I... Continue Reading →
Ill Mind Of Hopson Seven (Five)
It is written: Jude 10-But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Mr. Hopson, In my last brief article, I shared a simple argument with you that I intend now to demonstrate the truthfulness of. Please recall: 1. If... Continue Reading →
Pondering From “The High Cost Of Living High”
It is written: Luke 9:23-Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. The Christian life is hard. The other day, I was listening to a song that some friends introduced me to called, “The High Cost Of... Continue Reading →
Pharmakeia: The Terrifying Connections Between Drug Abuse And Demonic Oppression
Since moving to Hazard Kentucky, I have been blessed to work with individuals who struggle with substance abuse and chemical addiction. For a time, I was also blessed to work with a drug rehab in another local town. I have worked with addicts who have been addicted to alcohol, oxycodones, heroin, cocaine, Percocet, suboxone, meth,... Continue Reading →
Be Filled With The Spirit: An Analysis Of Ephesians 5:18-21
Several people that I study and work with have told me that they have been "filled with the Spirit." Being raised in Pentecostal type churches, they have often been told that the Spirit operates in a way that requires people to cease rational and logical thought, and that He operates upon them in such a... Continue Reading →
Where Alcoholics Anonymous Misses The Mark
It is written: Exodus 20:3-You shall have no other gods before Me. David L. Simmons was a firm believer in the “A.A.” (Alcoholics Anonymous) program. He spent years in A.A., sponsored many people, and was a firm believer in the “Big Book” (i.e., the primary text of A.A.). He did not believe in the God... Continue Reading →
The “Good Wine” Of John 2
It is written: John 2:10-And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!" Advocates of social drinking argue that the wine which Jesus made in John 2:1-10 (i.e., the wedding feast... Continue Reading →