"God is Light" and "God is Love".

As Light, there is no darkness in Him. As Love, God demonstrates pure and eternal love through Jesus Christ. This nature of God has implications for how believers should live, urging them to walk in the light and love one another.

A primary purpose of 1 John is to assure believers of their confidence and assurance in the Light of God,and their fellowship with Him. John emphasizes that he writes these things so that believers "may know that you have eternal life." Not to just think or hope, but to "know", without a shadow of doubt.

He also aims to help believers deepen their faith and understanding, particularly regarding the nature of God as light and love, and the importance of walking in that light and love.

Listen as we unpack 1 John, Back to Basic Christianity.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

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Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Psalm 2 is a Messianic prophecy that foretells Jesus Christ's coronation and sovereign authority. It emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's rule, highlighting His ultimate power and the futility of opposing Him.

God is sovereign over all creation. Trusting and obeying Him is essential for a secure spiritual life. His Word is the foundation for our faith and we should live in reverence and humility before Him.

He possesses ultimate, unlimited power and authority, ruling over all creation and events, with nothing able to restrict His will or purpose.

He is the ultimate ruler and source of all power and authority, both in heaven and on earth. He has complete control over all things.

Nothing occurs without His permission or according to His plan. His power is not limited or constrained by any other force or being, and He can do whatever He chooses.

Everything happens according to His wise and loving plan, even when events seem chaotic or difficult. He is not a passive observer of the world, but rather He is actively involved in all things, working out His purposes through His creation.

Understanding God's sovereignty can lead to a sense of trust and peace, knowing that even in difficult times, God is in control and working for good.

Listen as we discuss Submission to God's Sovereign Rule & Authority.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

How often do you hear people say "be blessed" or "have a blessed day". Or maybe even tell you that you are blessed?

What does it mean to "be blessed" ?

In this episode, we explore "how" to be blessed. God has told us in Psalm 1.

This Psalm clarifies that blessing signifies God's favor, leading to happiness and well-being that transcends circumstances.

True blessing is associated with avoiding the counsel of the ungodly and instead finding delight in God's Word. Furthermore, meditating on and obeying God's Word leads to a fruitful and prosperous life, likened to a well-watered tree.

Psalm 1 is a guide for achieving spiritual blessedness through righteous living and devotion to God's teachings.

Therein is the prescription to be blessed.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

In this episode we examine the Book of Galatians and Justification By Faith. The Apostle Paul penned this letter to the churches in this region, Galatia, and it is still relevant to the church today. It has caused a lot of debate over the centuries, as to how are we made right with God.

Justification By Faith is the belief that individuals are made right with God not through their own efforts or obedience to the Jewish law, but through their faith in Jesus Christ.

Christ fulfilled the law, so that believers are saved through their faith in Him. Salvation is a gift from God, not earned through adherence to legalistic practices.

Listen as we take this deep dive into the book of Galatians.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

The world is currently experiencing some turbulent times. These encompass geopolitical conflicts like the war between Russia and Ukraine, domestic issues such as chaos in government, mass shootings, racial tensions, erosion of the moral fabric, and a rise in deceit. These factors contribute to an atmosphere of turmoil and uncertainty, which can drag you down, and zap your strength.

However, you can "soar" above the current turbulence, like an eagle.

"Soaring" above the turbulence means focusing on God and trusting in His care, especially when facing uncontrollable circumstances. It involves adjusting one's flight, similar to how an eagle adjusts to storms, by focusing on what one can control and relying on faith in God for the rest.

The eagle serves as a symbol of renewal and strength through faith. Those who have "HOPE" in the LORD will renew their strength to rise above challenges and persevere through reliance on God.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

Ever wonder what the secret is to a really great marriage. Not just good, but Great. The kind that lasts, really lasts, like decades?

Some ask the question, is a Great Marriage still possible? Well, we know first-hand that it is still possible, which we will discuss in this episode.

We will start by first taking a look at, who created marriage in the first place, and second, what we believe a great marriage consists of. Finally, we’re going to get a little personal, and share some information about our marriage.

Great marriages don’t just happen. It takes a willing, committed, man and woman to make a great marriage work.

Our intent is to encourage couples contemplating marriage, or already married to work towards making their marriage, “A Great Marriage”.

We have been married for over 53 years. We know without a shadow of a doubt, that a Great Marriage is achievable, even in this current day and time.

Listen as we share what we believe are 5 key ingredients for a Great Marriage!

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

In this episode we explore marriage from a faith-based perspective, highlighting the importance of transparency, intimacy, and spiritual oneness within the marital bond.

We discuss infidelity as both physical and emotional connections outside the marriage that undermine the relationship. We also discuss factors that can lead to marital dysfunction, including lack of self-esteem, unresolved conflicts, and addictions.

Couples should actively prioritize meeting each other's needs and cultivate a healthy environment of respect and mutual growth. We caution against rushing into marriage without fully understanding one's partner, and stress the importance of seeking guidance from God.

Ultimately, we advocate for a commitment to God's design for marriage, which is "Holy Matrimony". We emphasize the need for open communication, strong boundaries, and reliance on faith to navigate the challenges of married life.

Listen and learn about some of the pitfalls that can strain a marriage, the consequences of affairs, and how you can Build a Better Marriage.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...

Marriage is to be cherished. It is the ultimate relationship between a man and a woman, designed by God.

As the scriptures state: "God Is Love".

In this episode, we discuss Love & Marriage, as it relates to the day of love, known as Valentine's Day.

That word "love", for many is a feeling. However, love is much more than a feeling.

So, we explore the history and traditions of Valentine's Day, known as the day of "love". Tracing its origins to both ancient Roman and early Christian narratives.

We share the story of Father Valentine, a priest who defied an emperor's ban on marriage.

As we said, Love is more than just a feeling. We also touch on the neuroscience of love itself.

We also offer some suggestions for how couples can express their love for one another.

Finally, we point you to the true definition of love, which you will find in the Bible, I Corinthians 13.

Listen and remember:

Love is Patient

Love is Kind

Love is felt most

When it is Genuine

.

Send us your questions or comments about this episode.

Be sure to visit the following:

Alpha 7 Ministries website where you can find more guidance, spiritual insight, and advice on Life & Living, Parenting & Family, Marriage & Relationships, Spiritual matters, and more.

Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans Amazon Author Page - Review and learn more about books she has written, including her latest two books:

"Proverbs Daily Devotional - Goldmine of Spiritual Wisdom"
Learn how to make better decisions in every area of your
life.

"How Do I Love Thee - Food For Thought Before You Say I Do"
This is a mini-premarital guide to be used by couples, counselors, and clergy.

Elder Randall Ogans Sr. Youtube Channel
Smooth instrumental music that will calm the agitations of your mind, body, and soul.

Subscrib...