about prophetic bible studies
Born 50 years ago, I felt the call of the Lord upon my life even as a small child to learn of Him; guided by my Mother Rene’ into His Word, I spent countless hours searching and learning of Him.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
As a child I spent many hours in a church program called Awanas where I learned to memorize Scripture that imprinted upon my heart for years to come. A particular interest of mine has been prophecy, even since I was a teenager. When my Mother and I would go to the Christian book store, I would gravitate to the prophecy section, and open the book to the back to find chart after chart. It seemed that my curiosity of His plan could not be quenched, whether the charts were well designed by Clarence Larkin or whether super preachers formulated ideas in a book, it seemed nothing was adding up. Then one day when we got the C-band satellite dish installed, my Mother found Pastor Arnold Murray teaching on the satellite dish. I remember him teaching on Noah’s flood and how the Bible describes a local flood, and this made sense to me. My Mother and I sat together for hours studying the Bible together with the Strong’s concordance, the Companion Bible, and Pastor Arnold Murray tapes. My love for God and His word drove me toward a life goal of knowing as much as I could about His word. This lead me to a Christian College where I took the opportunity to learn Biblical Greek and Hebrew. At this point I was fully studying under Pastor Arnold Murray from the Shepherd’s Chapel by the guidance and support of my Mother. Years and years passed where I focused on understanding prophecy and messages that God lead through Pastor Murray. This leads me to today when years of study has become a mountain of research and studies that I can now share and bless others. This is why I bring this website to you today because I’m sharing the talents that Lord has so graciously bestowed upon me.
“And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” - Matthew 25:20–21
If you want to learn more about this journey through Father’s Word, then join us in Prophetic Bible studies contained herein and you will understand our journey better, as it is not over yet!
Blessings,
Machelle Deck
and the Prophetic Bible Studies family.
The vision of Prophetic Bible Studies
As Shepherd’s Chapel began in 1985, when Pastor Arnold Murray and his family raised a satellite dish to send the Word to the four corners of the earth, a profound pattern was set in motion that demands our attention. Forty years echoes through Scripture as a time of testing, provision, and preparation, from Israel’s forty years in the wilderness and the manna God faithfully supplied each day, to now forty years since 1985, during which spiritual manna has flowed through Shepherd’s Chapel to feed countless souls worldwide. Shepherd’s Chapel stands as the largest ministry in the world, not merely by reach but by impact, teaching Scripture verse by verse, chapter by chapter, and book by book, grounding millions in truth rightly divided through television and online platforms across the globe. This is not coincidence but consistency in God’s order, a prophetic rhythm showing that just as He sustained His people then, He has sustained them now through sound teaching, marking this season as one worthy of awe, reflection, and discernment.
Purpose of our bible study
Our voyage through life's pages has led us to a world where biblical illiteracy is rampant. But we believe, with unwavering conviction, that this trend can be reversed. The Bible, God's letter to us, is not meant to be a cryptic code accessible only to a chosen few. It is God’s message telling us what happened, what’s happening, and what is going to happen. It's a treasure trove of wisdom, a source of solace, and a wellspring of Jesus leading, guiding, and directing us that's available to all who seek it.
In our shared pursuit of truth, we are committed to providing more than just information. We are committed to empowerment. In each Bible study, we will delve into the scriptures with resources at hand, equipping ourselves with the invaluable tools of knowledge. Strong's Concordances, Hebrew and Greek dictionaries — these will be our companions, empowering us to document and explore the rich layers of meaning that God's Word holds.
It's our vision that as we gather, we foster a community where questions are encouraged, and doubts are met with understanding. A community where the complexities of the Bible are unraveled, and the light of comprehension shines through even the most intricate passages.
But this journey is not about mere intellectual understanding; it's about embracing the transformative power of God's Word. It's about internalizing the teachings of Jesus Christ and allowing them to guide our actions, thoughts, and words. As we immerse ourselves in scripture, we'll discover a profound friendship with the Creator, experiencing a love that surpasses all understanding and a faith that stands unshaken.
So, whether you're taking your first steps on this path or you're seeking to deepen your understanding, We invite you to join me. Let's embark on this journey together, fueled by a shared commitment to break the chains of biblical illiteracy and embrace the unending wisdom that God's Word offers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
+ How do I get involved in this Bible Study?
Bible study starts with the Word of God. Ask the Father, which book or topic He would like you to start with, then search for it in our studies tab to expand on it. here.
+ Is this bible study suitable for beginners or more advanced Bible scholars?
We welcome every person, regardless of experience. Our aim is to prove that God's Word is for everyone, not just pastors or scholars. When you know what God wants for us, it becomes easy to break down even intricate passages and understand the true meaning for yourself, not through the lens of someone else.
+ Is this website just a way to make money?
This is not a bible study that comes with a begging bag, soliciting contributions and donations. What sets this ministry apart is not a focus on personal gain or financial prosperity. It's about fostering a genuine connection—a bond of fellowship that goes beyond superficial boundaries. This Bible study was birthed as a place where believers come together to explore the depths of God's Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Should this fellowship evolve into a church, it will remain grounded in the simple truth of God's gospel message through Jesus Christ. In a world that sometimes veers into the complexities of financial agendas, we choose a different path. No individual will collect a wage for serving, no passing of a tray, there will be a box in the back for offerings to go solely towards doing God's work; our compensation is stored in the eternal treasury of heaven, as outlined in Revelation 20:12: "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
+ What translations of the Bible do you study in this group?
Most of the time I quote from the KJV; however, any translation of the original manuscripts is a wonderful translation! Since we cannot read the original paleo-Hebrew Old Testament in it's original language, the closest we can come to is the Septuagint translation, in English. There are some other translations from the Septuagint in foreign languages, like the Russian Bible (thanks to my friend Ksenia for translation). I also embrace figurative translations like the Message Bible, which really helps the layman understand ancient Hebrew/Greek figures of speech that might be lost to a modern reader.
+ Are there video or audio resources available for Bible study, such as sermons or lectures?
Yes! After each study group, we will post a recording of the session so people who weren't able to come in person can listen or people who did attend can go back and relisten to something they want to examine further. We will also include a study guide pdf with notes. That can be located here.
+ How frequently are new study materials or content added to the website?
We update the site on a weekly schedule. With new bible study session recordings as well as our newsletter with thoughts on various topics beyond the strict verse by verse format of our weekly study meetings.
+ Is there a blog or newsletter that provides regular updates and insights related to Bible study?
Yes, that can be found here.
Our Statement Of Faith
The statement of faith is copied from the Shepherd’s Chapel website, as we are Shepherd’s Chapel students and completely agree with their statement of faith.
We believe in the God of the Bible (Exodus 3:6-14)
We believe the Holy Bible to be the Word of God. We believe in its History, Covenants, and Prophecy (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21).
We believe in the Bible account of Creation (Genesis 1 & 2).
We believe in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God, the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
We believe Jesus Christ died for us (Romans 5:8); also, that He was raised from the dead (Romans 6:4; Revelation 1:18).
We believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary (Romans 5:11); not only for Israel, but for the sins of the world (I John 2:2).
We believe Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven (Mark 16:19; Hebrews 8:1).
We believe in the literal return of Jesus Christ (Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:9-14) when He shall take the Throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33) and rule on earth for the prophetic thousand years known as the millennium (Revelation 20:4; Zechariah 14:9).
We believe that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
We believe in the Holy Spirit and His mission (John 16:7-14; Acts 2)
We believe salvation is by grace through faith, and it is the gift of God, and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). It must be preached (Romans 10:14) and it is necessary for all (Romans 3:23).
We believe that water baptism is ordained of God for all that believe (Matthew 3:13-15; Romans 6:3-5; Acts 2:37-39).
We believe in the ordinance of the communion as established by Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 10:16).
We believe that God chose out a special people unto Himself to be His servants and those servants were to be the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob called "Israel" (Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 105:6; Isaiah 44:1-2).
We believe the Bible with God's law, statutes and judgments was given to Israel (Exodus 20; Psalm 147:19-20) and through Israel's prophets came the inspired Scriptures (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21).
We believe civil law was given by God to Israel (Deuteronomy 4:1-2). The law was given for Israel's good (Deuteronomy 5:33). God commands us to obey civil law (Romans 13:1-7).
We believe that one day out of seven is the Sabbath of the Lord (Exodus 20:10) and that Israel was to keep it (Deuteronomy 5:15) as a sign between Israel and the Lord (Exodus 31:16-17). We believe Jesus Christ became our Sabbath (Hebrew 4:8; Colossians 2:16-17). (Hebrew 4:9- There remaineth therefore a rest (Gr. Sabbatismos) to the people of God).
We believe Israel was to be punished if God's laws for the nation were disregarded (Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Isaiah 42:24; Amos 3:2).
We believe that the New Covenant was made with Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-12) which meant Israel was to become Christian and that Jesus Christ confirmed that Covenant (Galations 3:16-17; Romans 15:8).
We believe that Israel was promised redemption (Psalm 130:7-8; Isaiah 52:3; Hosea 13:9-14); that Jesus Christ came to Israel (Matthew 10:6); that He was recognized as the Redeemer of Israel (Galations 4:5; Titus 2:14), and His death and resurrection accomplished that redemption (Galations 4:4-5; Hebrews 9:12).
We believe that after Jesus Christ's death and resurrection Israel was to be called by a new name (Isaiah 62:2). Israel was not to be remembered by her old name (Hosea 2:17); and, the new name was to be the Lord's Name (II Chronicles 7:14) which would be CHRISTIAN (Christ man) (Acts 11:26; I Peter 4:16).
We believe that each individual, of Israel or not, must be born of water and of the Spirit to be a Christian (John 3:3-8; I Peter 1:23).
We believe in an existing Satan, who is called the serpent (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9); who has power with devils and men (Matthew 12:22; I Peter 5:8); who has a people who will not hear God (John 8:44-47), some of whom deceive people as "ministers of righteousness" (II Corinthians 11:13-15).
We believe that Jesus Christ has broken the power of Satan (Hebrews 2:14) and His Name makes devils impotent against Christians (Luke 10:17).
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ along with His followers are at battle with Satan and his followers (Ephesians 6:11-19): And that Jesus Christ is the victor in this "battle" (Isaiah 28:21-22; 45:17-25; Ezekiel 38-39; Hosea 13-14; Joel 3:9-21; Micah 7:16-20; Zechariah 14:9; Malachi 4; Matthew 28:18; Luke 19:27; I Corinthians 15:24-28; Philippians 2:9-11; II Peter 3:7-13; Revelation 11:18; 15:4; 19:11-15 and others).
We believe in the resurrection of the dead as prophesied (Job 19:25-27; Hosea 13:13-14; John 5:29); as proven (I Peter 1:3); as taught by the Scripture (Acts 24:14-15; I Corinthians 15:11-26) and that the resurrected will reign with Christ (II Timothy 2:11-12) for ever (Revelation 22:1-5).
We believe the seventh trump sounds after the tribulation (Matthew 24: 29-31). Paul wrote his second letter to the Thessalonians because he knew the first had been misunderstood, concerning Jesus Christ's second return. Paul then gives two signs which will be present when the Day of the Lord comes. Those signs being the apostasy and the man of lawlessness. Neither of these signs were present at that time.
Apostasy means giving up or renouncing of one's professed principles, or faith. This will come to pass when the religious lamb (false messiah) of Revelation 13:11 comes to pass. He will look like the Lamb of God, but his voice is of the dragon, for he is the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan (Revelation 12:9). When the false christ stands in the holy place performing in the sight of Christians, the pretribulation-rapture-Christian shall think it is Jesus Christ coming to rapture them away. It is the duty of the elect to stand and witness in the synagogues, allowing the Holy Spirit to give His Message to the world through you. (Mark 13:9).
Jesus Christ is your spiritual Husband. You should remain a spiritual virgin until He returns (II Corinthians 11:2). For Jesus Christ Himself said; "Woe to them that are with child in those days!" (Mark 13:17). If your spiritual Husband has been on a long journey and finds you with child when He returns, then you have been impregnated (deceived) with the mark of the false messiah, and worshipped Satan in the last hour. Study God's Word.