Articles by Dr. Gary Linton

God is not looking for perfect people, He is simply searching for those who will be devoted to Him.

The friends we choose can change our lives forever. If we choose the wrong type of friend, they can cause irreparable damage.

Are you facing what seems to be insurmountable opposition and attacks from the enemy? God is about to bring deliverance into your life and situation.

A Biblical analysis of the twelve-step recovery program, highlighting both the truth and error of each step compared to scripture.

Discipleship is conformity to Christ and the process of training a believer to carry on the work of Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6 deals with Jesus’ birth, Him being given up for our sins, and His future reign as Kings of Kings.

Matthew 1:23 is a prophecy of the coming of Christ and an announcement the first Christmas.

The church has a responsibility to its pastor. Churches often lose great pastors because they minister without ever feeling appreciated.

This visiting ministry guide is directed toward the church’s responsibility to preachers, evangelists and musicians who come into the church to minister.

The privilege and responsibility God gives pastors is to shepherd those who belong to Him. It’s a great honor, and also a heavy burden. It’s incumbent on us to take our calling seriously.

There is a place called heaven and a place called hell. Everyone will spend eternity in one or the other.

God has a Word for the church. For those who heed this word there will be untold blessings. For those who refuse, there will be trouble.

Denying the inerrancy of scripture is the first step in theological liberalism. Once we begin doubting the infallibility of the Bible, it’s a slippery slope.

In this study we will cover the different views of interpretation, the various views of the Millennium, and when the rapture will take place.

This is an overview of the book of James paying special attention to all the portions of scripture where James addresses them as my brethren or brethren.

Many churches have great preachers, but much more is involved with the pastor’s job than just preaching.

It’s not God’s design for people to become victims of the things that happen to them. He wants to take us to higher ground.

This study was written to enlighten genuine seekers, strengthen the faith of those who believe, enrich the knowledge of God, and provide ammunition to soldiers of the cross.

As Jesus is in heaven we are in this life in the here and now. If we could grasp, understand, envision this it would revolutionize our lives and the way we live.

It’s difficult for a finite mind to comprehend an infinite God. Trying to understand God with a finite mind is like trying to put the Atlantic ocean in glass.

In this study we will be dealing with God’s moral attributes. His holiness, righteousness, goodness, mercy, grace, and faithfulness.

The attributes of God are the inherent characteristics closely associated with God. In this study Dr. Linton will be discussing God’s non-moral attributes.

How do we know the Bible is authentic? We don’t have to take a blind leap of faith to believe the Bible is the Word of God.

Planting a church is one of the most rewarding things you can do to advance the kingdom, but it can also be very challenging.

The purpose of Jesus’ incarnation was to shed His blood for the sins of the world. Without the shedding of His blood there can be no remission of sins.

The Bible is a living instruction book that brings blessing and hope to all who read it.

Suffering is a very real issue in the body of Christ. It’s something that affects everyone in one way or another.

Biblical counselors tell people what God says concerning their situation in order to help them with the problems of life.

Although Biblical and secular counseling have common elements, there are vast differences between them. One is completely worldly, while the other rests on the principles of God’s Word.

Is it possible to have a curse on your life, a business, ministry, or family? Can a curse pass on to succeeding generations?

Faith is essential to having an effective prayer life. Unbelief is a hindrance to prayer, while faith promotes powerful praying.

Should women be in ministry? Regardless of what you think about women in ministry, many are being used of God to affect people’s lives for His glory.

God sought after us, not us after Him. It was only by His will that we are living for Him today.

Will you provide a place for Jesus in your heart and life this Christmas season?

The Word was made flesh for the express purpose of leading God out into the open for all to see. Through the Christ child we are able to see what God is like.

The old covenant was between a Holy God and sinful man. The new covenant is between the Father and the Son, leaving man out of the equation.

Dispensationalism is a particular hermeneutic system for interpreting the Bible based on a literal translation, and which stands in contrast to the traditional system of covenant theology used in biblical interpretation.

Is there a point in which God’s Spirit ceases to deal with man? Does the Holy Spirit ever stop working in our life and leave us to our own devices?

In all situations of life, God promises to encompass us with His presence, power, and protection.

What does the Bible say about eternal security? Can a Christian lose their salvation? Can one who has been truly saved and born again be lost?

Small group evangelism is a great way for pastors and church leaders to integrate community outreach into their congregation.

The Bible assumes the existence of God without attempting to prove it. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God.” God is simply there! The Bible is God’s letter to us revealing Himself to us.

Expectation is everything! We receive what we expect and beyond. Let’s expect the Lord to do great things for us and our ministries in the coming new year!

If God’s grace is not earned, is it possible to fall short of it? Can we be saved but be in a place where God’s favor isn’t upon us?

Our day-to-day ministry may not always be as exciting and glamorous as a special event or crusade, but it’s very necessary.

Financial breakthrough is coming your way. God wants His people to experience prosperity even in hard times.

Do you believe God can do anything? There are six accounts in the Bible where God declared that nothing is too difficult for Him.

Victory was God’s original plan for mankind, but it was forfeited through the fall, and is restored through the cross.

Grace is defined as the unmerited or undeserved favor of God. While mercy is not giving us what we deserve, grace is giving us what we don’t deserve – grace for every need.

Fasting is the act of willingly abstaining from food, drink, or other things. Fasting should not be ritualistic and should be directed toward a specific purpose.

Biblical exegesis is a systematic process by which a person arrives at a reasonable and coherent sense of a biblical passage.

The resurrection of Christ brings renewed hope to all who place their trust in Him.

To have an effective prayer life we must remove all hindrances to our prayers. If our prayer life isn’t fruitful we must find the root cause and reverse it.

God is not looking for perfection or people who seem to have it all together. He is simply searching for those who will be committed and faithful.

Being led by the Holy Spirit is a major characteristic of the believer and a integral part of Christian living.

Growing a small church can be a tremendous challenge, but there are proven ways to take your ministry to the next level.

The Bible makes it clear that every person must have an experience with Jesus through the Holy Spirit to be saved from hell and go to heaven.

God wants all believers to be involved in their local congregation. How can pastors motivate members to be more fruitful and productive?

Praying in the Spirit has always been a topic of controversy. However, we need the Holy Spirit’s divine aid to know how to pray and what to pray for.

When we succumb to sin, we are in danger of becoming its slave. Like fish going after a shiny lure, if we take the bait, death ensues. God’s design is victory!

One of the best ways to study the Bible is by using the inductive method.

Many Christians find it hard to study the book of Revelation, while others believe it is impossible to interpret.

If you could ask God for anything, what would it be? When asked such a question, the first thing that enters our minds reveals our priorities.

We will never be able to make a real impact on our society through legislation and programs alone. Things done in the flesh are doomed to failure.

Whether you have a music, teaching or preaching ministry, Evangleist or Revivalist there are ethical guidelines that must be considered when ministering in another person’s church.

A verse by verse study of the book of James, beginning with an in-depth look at James 1:1. To receive the full content watch the video teaching.

There are five crowns mentioned in scripture given as reward at the Judgement Seat of Christ. All five crown are covered in this teaching. 

In James 1:13-15, James deals with temptation. Where does temptation come from? What is the origin of evil?

There is a deception over the world today like at no other time. We must take every precaution to not be deceived.

James tells us all that is good is from above. We serve a God who is pure, unadulterated goodness.

The Bible makes it clear that God sought after us, not us after Him. It was of His own will that we are living for Him today.

James challenges us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. We should spend spend twice as much time listening as we do speaking.

The Bible admonishes us to consider it all joy when we experience trials, knowing that God will ultimately work it out for our good.

Do we put into practice what we hear from God’s Word? We should be doers of the Word, not hearers only.

What is pure religion? True Christianity is about having a relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

If we lack wisdom, James tells us to ask God and He will give us all we need to deal with the circumstances of life.

Rich and poor, affluent and impoverished, influential and insignificant – all have reason for rejoicing in the kingdom of God.

In our passage James is dealing with showing partiality of persons. He equates partiality with evil thoughts and calls it sin.

If we keep the law but offend in only one point, we become transgressors of the law. Our speech and actions will be judged based on how we show mercy to others.

James is dealing with faith that is not followed by works. We are not saved by the works, but works should follow faith.

Being a teacher carries with it a grave responsibility. We must make sure we are called by God to teach His Word.

James contrasts heavenly wisdom with what is earthly, sensual, and devilish. It takes heavenly wisdom to deal with the problems and situations of life.

If we could master our speech, it would revolutionize the church and the world.

James deals with wars, fighting, and strife among God’s people. The context of this message deals with both the cause and the cure.

James isn’t condemning riches but they must be put into proper perspective. The love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself.

James is addressing the sick in these passages. He gives clear instructions what we’re to do when we find ourselves in a bed of affliction.

There’s power in fervent prayer. Fervent praying accomplishes much for the kingdom. James gives Elijah as example of what fervent prayer can do.

What are the secrets to an effective prayer life? The goal of prayer is to see God’s will implemented in the affairs of men.

Christians are called to convert those who are in error regarding the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James is encouraging us to remain steadfast and look expectantly for the the coming of the Lord.

James is dealing with affliction in the lives of God’s people. Affliction will come – it’s all about how we deal with it.

Every Christian should desire to be more like Jesus. One of the most effective ways to be more like Him is to pray like He did.

God’s plan for us is to experience abundant life. If we are going to have abundance in life we have to be determined to never give up.

America was founded on Biblical principles. In recent time we’ve seen a growing opposition to the things of God. Here we will be studying the two most dominant views opposing God’s existence.

When negative things happen again and again, we start to expect the worse. This bitter root within us not only affects us, but those around us.

Pastors must deal with many types of prisons ranging from ones that hinder to ones that are positive.

Persistent prayer is praying until you have the answer or request you are seeking from God. It is continuing to pray until you feel a release in your spirit that He is intervening on your behalf.

Developed over a period of 40 years, here is an outline (with scriptures) of my daily prayer time.

Throughout history God spoke to His people, and He is still speaking today. We must simply tune into His voice.

When we fail to pray for people, even those in rebellion, we sin against the Lord. Prayerlessness is sin.

We must discover the will of God and pray accordingly. Unfortunately, many Christians pray for things that are in direct opposition to God’s will.

In 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, at the dedication of the temple Solomon prayed until God released him.

God wants you to be prosperous in your ministry. This is God’s will and design for all His people, but especially pastors.

Questions and answers regarding speaking in tongues and being baptized (filled) with the Holy Spirit.

Building a library of Bible commentary and reference guides will help you gain a deeper understanding of scripture, strengthen your faith, and expand your ability to create a powerful sermon or message.

There are specific requirements or prerequisites that must be implemented to receive the full benefit from the Word of God.

The old covenant was between God and man. The new covenant is between the Father and the Son. Does man have any responsibilities under this covenant?

John was boiled alive in oil and banished to the Isle of Patmos. It was there he had the vision of Jesus and what would unfold in the last days.

John sees a mighty angel with a little book in his hand and is commanded to take it and eat it. When he does it is sweet as honey to his taste but bitter in his belly.

John is told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and the worshipers. The outer court is given to the Gentiles. He’s told of two witnesses who have the power to prophesy for three and a half years.

Revelation chapters 12 and 13 introduce the actors of the tribulation: Israel, Satan, Antichrist, and the beast.

In chapter 14 we have a preview of the wrath of God and the second coming of Christ culminating with the Battle of Armageddon and Christ’s triumph over His enemies.

In Revelation 15, we have the prelude to the final plagues and in chapter 16 the last of God’s judgments are poured out on the earth and the inhabitants thereof.

The fall of Ecclesiastical and Economic Babylon. Chapter 17 deals with the Ecclesiastical Babylon, The Great Whore. Chapter 18 deals with the fall of Economic Babylon with the world trusting in its wealth.

We have one final battle to take place in Chapter 19. The time has come for Jesus to return in power and great glory and establish God’s kingdom upon the earth.

In this chapter an angel binds Satan with a great chain and cast him into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. After this John sees the souls of all who refused the mark of the beast and worshiped not his image. And thrones were given them and they reigned with Christ a thousand years.

In these final chapters of Revelation we have the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. There will never again be any sorrow or death and God wipes away every tear from our eyes.

Ephesus was typical of the apostolic church age. It began as a church ablaze for Christ but drifted from its first love.

Pergamos was one of the most prominent cites in Asia, a wealthy city with many temples devoted to idols. It was a church of compromise.

Believers in Thyatira had a hard time not compromising because of pressure from the guilds to worship at various temples and attend guild feasts.

Smyrna, a coastal city of great wealth. Located forty miles north of Ephesus. It had a population of 200,000, one-third of whom were Christian.

Saris foreshadowed the Protestant Reformation. Christendom was dead though it had a name it lived. It began with the publication of the Ninety-five Theses by Martin Luther in 1517.

The Laodicean church represents the last days church rebuked for its lukewarmness.

Historically, this church marks periods of revival, especially during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

A door is opened in heaven and John is caught up into heaven. The first thing he sees is the throne and the Almighty Who sat upon it. The awe that must have struck him.

John sees a scroll with seven seals in the right hand of the majesty on high. There seems to be no one worthy to open the seals and read the things written therein.

In Revelation six the we see the opening of the seals and God’s judgment being poured out upon the world. The horsemen of the apocalypse are unleashed in succession upon the earth.

In Revelation 7:1-17, we see 144,000 missionaries sealed of the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude caught up into heaven worshiping God.

In the first six verses of chapter eight we see the opening of the seventh seal, which opens the trumpet judgments. At this time the angels who have the trumpets prepare to sound.

We must run the race God has set before us with perseverance. Participants in a race encounter roadblocks and fatigue. The Christian life is no exception.

The first documents a new church needs to develop are its constitution, bylaws and statement of faith.

This sample marriage ceremony is a combination of meaningful scriptures mixed with traditional wedding vows.

God’s faithfulness is displayed throughout the Bible and is still testified to by people today.

The sabbath was set apart by God to give people a day to rest from their labors. They turned it into legalism which bound Christians instead of giving them rest.

We can’t know exactly when Jesus will return, but we can tell when the time is near.

There are six basic definitions or categories that sin falls under. As born again children of God, we should feel deep conviction when we transgress any of these areas.

If God’s desire is to fill His people with joy, why does joy elude us? How can we tap into the joy of the Lord?

Jesus paid the price that all might be included into His kingdom and family. It’s all-inclusive.

To accomplish anything in the natural or spiritual realm, we must engage in spiritual warfare. It’s time God’s people wage war against the enemy of the souls of mankind.

Taking the land not only refers to Israel entering the promise land, but believers entering into all God has for them.

God is raising up a new generation of spiritual warriors who will far surpass all that their predecessors accomplished.

All of the power of the Holy Spirit resides within us as believers. Few of us utilize all the power of the Holy Spirit afforded us.

Jesus wants to be more than an historical figure. He desires to be personally meaningful to us.

In John 2, Mary gives a bit of advice to servants at a wedding feast. Can you imagine the miracles that would take place if we would heed her advice?

God has given the church authority and victory in both the natural and spiritual realms where He is head over all things. It’s high time we exercise our authority.

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Is it for believers today?

Hope is a necessity of life, and the enemy of our souls attempts to drain every ounce of it from us that he can.

The canon is a list of books included in the Bible officially accepted as inspired of God.

This passage is in reference to the cleansing of a leper. Leprosy is symbolic and is a type of sin and therefore symbolizes Jesus’ blood cleansing sinners of their sin.

Jesus was and is more than a great teacher, prophet or priest – He is the living Son of God, God incarnate, God Almighty! If He is not God we have the wrong Jesus.

The five-fold ministry is more than those gifted by God, but they are themselves gifts to the body of Christ.

There are two extremes regarding the ministry of the Holy Spirit. One over emphasizes manifestations, while the other denies their existence.

The resurrection of Christ, as it did for the disciples, brings fresh hope into our life and situation.

Prayer should be the heartbeat of the Christian life, and the Lord’s prayer is a perfect example of how we should pray.

What is the message of the cross? Trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross brings salvation and so much more.

Those who know His name, God promises to deliver, set us securely on high, answer when we call, be with us in trouble, protect, rescue, honor, satisfy and save us.

Should foot washings be practiced by the church today? The account of foot washing is given in John 13:1-17 and was an example Jesus set for us to follow.

The tithe was instituted by God through Abraham before the law existed. God designated the tithe to provide for His house.

Below are several scriptural and non-scriptural illustrations and examples of the Trinity. No illustration is perfect, but they help us understand who God is.

There is only one God. This fact is made clear throughout scripture. However, there are three persons eternally existent in the one God.

It is extremely important that we be well equipped and versed in what we believe concerning the trinity.

What is the significance of water baptism? How are we to baptize? Is sprinkling or pouring sufficient or is immersion required?

What is the purpose of praise and worship? The worship of God should be the primary focus of every Christian.

The Bible is the most unique literary work in all of history, containing the very revelation of God. In this study, we will explore the various views of inspiration and to what degree inspiration permeates its pages.

The Bible is full of examples of effective preaching. In Acts 2:14-38 and Acts 3:12-26, Peter ministered in such a way that thousands were saved.

The Pharisees seemed spiritual but Jesus called them hypocrites. How can we tell who is truly spiritual?

The twelve-step recovery program is one of the primary tools the world uses to help people overcome addictions. Should the church use the same system?

Being in the ministry can be full of joy. It can also be difficult at times. Only those called of God will survive. Are you sure you are called into the ministry?

When we seek guidance from mediums, spiritists and psychics we are trusting in the spirits they are consulting instead of God.

Prayer is one of the most untapped resources of the church today. Whatever happened to the prayer meetings of yesteryear?

There are many scriptures about God answering prayer. When God says no to our requests, He always has our good in view.

When Jesus returns for us is not nearly as important as the fact He will return.

There are times when God seems to withdraw from us. Because of our emotions, we usually don’t feel the presence of God during a crisis.

The average Christian spends less than ten minutes each day in prayer. Why don’t we spend more time in prayer?