Straight From The Heart Radio: Recent Episodes
Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia
Straight from the Heart is the bible teaching, radio ministry of Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia. Pastor Joe Focht has been committed to teaching verse by verse through the bible for over 35 years. We know you will be blessed to listen as Pastor Joe expounds on the word of God each episode.
Persevering through suffering- We can count on facing trials in one form or another in this life, but Paul reminds us that the hope of glory to come far outweighs our present suffering.
Children of God- What does it mean to be a child of God? For starters, Paul said, "the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you." Not only that, but we will "be glorified together" with Him one day.
The law of the Spirit- If we are born again by the Spirit of God we no longer "walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." What does that look like? How does someone know if they are born again?
Dead men don't wrestle- Paul acknowledges that a very real part of the Christian walk is the inward battle between flesh and Spirit. This wrestling is the very evidence of the new birth.
Dead to the law- If we are no longer bound by the requirements of the law does that mean it is without purpose? The law helps make us aware of our sin nature which is contrary to the law.
Slave of sin or God?- We all serve a master. The world says that freedom is to live in sin and satisfy the desires of our flesh. The Bible says the life of sin is bondage, and true freedom is found in living as a slave to God.
Wrestling with sin- There is a wrestling between flesh and spirit in the Christian life. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus we now have the power to resist our tendency toward sin and yield to the life giving power of the Spirit.
Dead to sin- God is gracious and forgiving when we fail, but that does not give Christians a license to live in sin? God is calling us to a new quality of life, and to live out the fact that we are no longer slaves to sin.
Death in Adam, Life in Christ- Bad news: sin entered the world through Adam, the first man. Good news: through the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ, all can be saved from the curse of sin and death.
Saved from wrath- If Jesus died for us while we were still enemies with God, won't He deliver us, His children, from the judgment to come on earth? Is Paul suggesting a pre-tribulation rapture?
Glory in tribulation- What does it mean to be justified by faith? Through faith, believers in Jesus Christ have peace with God, access to His presence, and a hope of glory to come.
Before the law- God promised Abraham that his descendants would be greatly blessed. Before the law ever existed, Abraham put his faith and trust in the God who spoke to him. We too have great promises from the Lord.
Justified by faith- Paul points to Abraham and David as examples of men who were credited righteousness by God because of faith. Not because of their works.
Key words- What does it mean to be justified before God? Why do we need redemption? If "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" as Paul says, we need to understand words like justification and propitiation.
All have sinned- We are all born with a sin nature. That's not a popular message in a world that preaches that humans are "basically good." The greatest threat to our society is losing the fear of God.
Truth vs Tradition- The law can't save us from our sin nature and it was never meant to. Paul warns that religious action means nothing if the state of our heart is not right before God.
God judges in truth- Do we live according to the same standards we demand of other people? We must be careful not to adopt an attitude of self-righteousness.
Given up to uncleanness- When man denies God's existence and refuses to worship Him as creator his moral compass is lost. Straying from God's ways leads to emptiness and confusion in many areas of life including sexual orientation.
Man's unrighteousness- It seems logical to conclude that behind all the beauty of creation there is a creator. So why does man deny the existence of God?
Not ashamed of the gospel- In Romans 1:17, Paul declares the central fact of the gospel; that is, it is built on "the righteousness of God." Everything Paul proceeds to write in Romans hinges on this wonderful truth.
Paul, a bondservant- While at Corinth during his third missionary journey, Paul wrote to the church at Rome who he "longed to see." Paul's letter to the Romans is an extraordinary theological explanation of the truths and implications of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A virtuous woman (part 2)- The "Martha" side of the virtuous woman is hard at work, serving and providing for her family. The "Mary" side, described in the last part of Proverbs 31, is "a woman who fears the Lord." She is a woman of inward beauty, drawing her strength from time spent sitting at the feet of Jesus.
A virtuous woman- The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is meant to be an ideal. Not a standard to live up to. This woman is rarely sought after because the world's standards for attractive qualities are very different from what God's word says.
Warning for the king (part 2)- How can those in civil leadership govern effectively if there is no purity and sobriety in their lives? In this final warning, king Lemuel's mother advises him that it is not wise for leaders to consume alcohol.
Warning for the king- King Lemuel's mother warned him not to "give your strength to women." It is possible these words of warning are from Bathsheba to her son Solomon. Bathsheba saw the destruction multiplying wives caused in her husband David's life.
Lessons from nature- Proverbs 30 presents more practical wisdom for life from some unexpected sources. What spiritual truths can be learned from observing the behavior of lions, ants, and even locusts? You would be surprised.
There is a generation- In every generation there are some things that remain mysterious; like the path of an eagle in the air, or the way of a man and a woman in love. There will also always be people who live in the flesh and tempt others to do the same. When shame ceases, ruin sets in.
The fear of man- The fear of man can be "a snare" that causes our trust and security in the Lord to waver. God is not too beyond our understanding or unknowable. He has communicated to us through His word very clearly.
Wise sayings (Part 4)- Proverbs 28 says, "He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered." Trusting in the Lord keeps us from the many consequences of the sin of pride.
Stewardship- It's not wrong to want to accomplish great things for the Lord, but God is more concerned with whether we are diligent and faithful with the everyday tasks and interactions He puts before us. The law is mentioned more time in proverbs 28 than any other chapter.
Wisdom in friendships- We should be using wisdom and discretion when it comes to who we choose to spend our time with. Do you and your friends "sharpen" each other, and challenge each other to grow in your faith?
Wise sayings (Part 3)- Proverbs 27 says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." The tongue can be an instrument to build others up or a tool of the enemy to sow seeds of division. There can be a real temptation to wander from God's calling.
Foolish behavior- What is God's will for my life? We can say with certainty that part of God's will for us is to not be like the fool. Among other things, Proverbs 26 says that foolish behavior includes laziness, deception, and gossip.
Check your attitude- Proverbs 25 says, "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." We need the power and influence of the Holy Spirit to help us have self-control when it comes to our attitudes towards others.
Wise sayings (Part 2)- There are some things about God that will remain a mystery to us. Surveying creation helps us to better understand and appreciate the "invisible things" of God. Among other words of wisdom, this passage reminds us to avoid the dangers of self-exaltation.
The sin of negligence- Solomon observed the field of the lazy man; overgrown with thorns. It was the result of no effort other than neglecting responsibility. In the same way, neglecting to sow the seed of the word into our lives will be detrimental to ourselves and those around us.
The way of the wise- The fool is a schemer who plots to do evil, but a wise man finds safety in "a multitude of counselors." The wise man finds his hope and security in eternal rather than temporal things, and he does not rejoice when the wicked stumble.
The truth about alcohol- There are varying opinions on whether a Christian should consume alcohol. What does the Bible say about this topic? Proverbs 23 warns that alcohol can be alluring, but it "bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper."
Wise sayings- Proverbs 22 begins a list of wise sayings by Solomon covering a wide range of topics applicable to everyday life. This section includes warnings against envying or befriending the wicked.
The rod of correction- We are all born with a sin nature. A child will go down one of two paths: the path of foolishness, or the path of the pure in heart. Proverbs says that the rod of correction will help steer a child the right way.
Instruction for parents- Every individual has a certain "way" about them. God created each of us with different gifts and abilities. Christian parents have a responsibility to study their children to help foster a healthy relationship. Rules without relationship always lead to rebellion.
Riches, honor, and life- For many people, a big part of their identity is found in the amount of money they make. Proverbs says a wise man will value a good reputation over material wealth, and a good reputation is found by living with humility and the fear of the Lord.
Guard your mouth- Proverbs says, "whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." Words can cut deep and leave long lasting scars. The contentious and angry woman is an example of someone who has failed to use discretion with her words.
The Lord weighs the heart- Our actions are determined by the state of our hearts before the Lord. We need to be diligent to examine ourselves daily, so our motives are pure and righteous by the help of the Holy Spirit. If we don't, we will be tempted toward pride and foolishness.
Trusting God's guidance- Some people say that God is too far off and beyond our understanding to ever bother involving Himself in our lives. Proverbs says that "a man's steps are of the Lord." Are you willing to trust God's plan even when it feels hard to understand?
The fool and the lazy man- Proverbs says it is foolish to let alcohol affect your behavior. As Christians, the force that should be influencing our actions is the Holy Spirit, not alcohol. The lazy man will not only bring harm to himself, but he will also potentially hurt those around him.
Finding God's will- When it comes to God's will for our lives Proverbs says, "There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the Lord's counsel- that will stand." We may not know what the future holds, but we know that God's will is that we live in the fear of the Lord.
The rich and the poor- Are you quick to judge others based on their wealth or status? Proverbs says it is better to be poor, but live with integrity, than to be rich and lead a foolish and perverse lifestyle. God rewards those who take pity on the poor.
The power of the tongue- Proverbs says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." A fool's words will bring destruction and contention into his life. A wise man will find blessing from the good fruit that comes from his speech.
Justice will be served- God sees all the injustice that plagues our world. It breaks God's heart to see the consequences of sin and wickedness, and He will judge all evil one day. Proverbs says that those who justify sin or condemn the just are an "abomination to the Lord."
Keeping the right perspective- The wicked look to find satisfaction in material things, even at the cost of lying and deceit. The wise know that all the blessings experienced in life are a gift from the Lord. The Lord can use trials and difficulties for our good, to refine our faith.
What has God given you?- We may be disappointed when we consider what life has brought our way; especially when we compare our situation to other people. No matter how bleak things may seem we must remember that God will never cheat us or hold anything back from us.
We plan but God directs- Sometimes we are so focused on the future that we forget to be concerned about the next step in front of us. Fortunately, God is faithful to direct each step we take, and to pour out His favor on us "like a cloud of the latter rain."
Created for His pleasure- What is the purpose of man's existence? Proverbs says that all things exist to give God glory. Does that make God egotistical? God loves to hear the prayers of His children because He loves them, and He demonstrated His great love by sending Jesus to die in our place.
How God sees us- We may not consider someone who is religious as wicked, but Proverbs says, "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight." God wants a relationship with us, not religious acts.
The fear of the Lord- Proverbs says, "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life." Those who fear the Lord understand that they are responsible for their actions first and foremost, before the Lord. The fear of the Lord should influence what we say and how we treat others.
The way of the fool- What is your attitude toward sin? Proverbs 14 says "fools mock at sin." It's possible to be very genuine but very wrong at the same time.
The righteous vs the wicked (part 3)- What does the way of the wicked look like? The wicked man is lazy, prideful, loves money, and despises the word. Parents, are you quick to discipline your children?
The righteous vs the wicked (part 2)- The righteous can't expect a trouble-free life, but trials won't "overtake" them. Who are your friends? The righteous are careful when it comes to friendships.
The righteous vs the wicked- The contrasting lifestyles of the righteous and the wicked are displayed through their speech, thoughts, work ethic, and even how they treat their animals.
The way of righteousness- The way of the righteous and the way of the wicked are contrasted in Proverbs 11. We can't experience the blessings of a righteous life by our own efforts. God will only honor our service for Him through the blood of Jesus Christ and His perfect righteous life.
The tongue of the just- James says that the tongue "is set on fire by hell." Satan loves to use our words to promote hurt and division in the church. Proverbs 10 tells us all about what wise speech should and should not look like.
Wisdom and folly- There are two invitations imparted to us every day from the way of wisdom, and the way of folly. Folly invites you to emptiness and temporary pleasures. Wisdom invites you to Jesus, and the promise of eternal life. Whose guest will you be?
Jesus is wisdom- I Corinthians 1:30 says that Jesus "became for us wisdom from God." With that in mind, we can read the words spoken of by wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 as the words of Jesus. Wisdom says, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me."
Don't go near her house- Proverbs 31 shows us the virtuous woman, who every Christian woman should want to be like. Proverbs 7 shows us the crafty woman, who every Christian woman should avoid becoming. Men; be very careful to "not let your heart turn aside to her ways."
Don't play with fire- Adultery and sexual sin has been glamorized and glorified in our culture. Wisdom says that an adulterer "destroys his own soul." Guarding ourselves from sexual sin begins with taking our thoughts captive, and not allowing lust to linger in our hearts.
Wisdom with finances- We must be wise when it comes to lending and borrowing money. Sometimes financial support is more of a detriment than a help to some people's situations. The ant teaches us some important lessons about work and laziness.
Warning against sexual sin- When it comes to sexual immorality, wisdom says to "remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house." Sexual sin will lead to serious physical and spiritual consequences that are destructive in individual lives and families.
The wicked and the just path- We are called to keep a firm hold on the discipline it requires to remain on the path of the just and avoid the path of the wicked. Wisdom tells us considering these two paths is a choice between walking in darkness and light.
Peace and safety- Those who hold on to Godly wisdom will find peace and safety, rather than the anxiety and fear that life can so often bring. Wisdom should also influence the way we act towards others. Solomon remembered how his father David urged him to get wisdom.
What wisdom produces- Wisdom from the Lord will produce in us a desire to give rather than get, a heart like the heart of God that gives correction in love, and a life where true fulfillment and happiness are found.
Guidance through wisdom- We will receive peace and favor from the Lord if we seek to keep His commands with all our hearts. God also promises to "direct our path" depending upon our faithfulness to uphold certain conditions.
The Lord gives wisdom- Are you actively pursuing wisdom through God's word? God will generously supply wisdom, but how much do we value its benefits? Among those benefits is the promise to "deliver you from the way of evil."
Instruction of a father- Christian parents have a responsibility to maintain a standard of obedience with children based on God's word. Do you know who your kids' friends are? Wisdom personified cries out to us in proverbs and gives some very important warnings.
The book of Proverbs- The proverbs of Solomon, also known as the book of wisdom, gives instructions to God's people on how to successfully navigate the practical situations of everyday life. Wisdom will only serve us well if it's paired with obedience and the fear of the Lord.
The way of praise- We can all struggle at times with the content of our speech. When God's word is filling your heart, the right words will come out of your mouth - words of praise, grace, and edification.
The way of rejoicing- The psalmist loved God's word like someone who loves treasure. If material wealth is our goal, God's word will not be a joy to us. The wealth available to us in God's word are treasures money cannot buy.
The way of revival- How can we measure what true revival looks like? The first question we must ask is, 'is it according to God's word?' A genuine revival will honor and promote God's word. Is this something we long for personally and corporately?
The way of righteousness- Since God's word is alive and active, our appreciation for it should lead to an active and living response to what it says, not a passive one. Only God's word can help us practice righteousness in a sinful world.
The way of light- Alan Redpath said the secret of spiritual life is, "bent knees, broken heart, and wet eyes." We can't share the light of God's truth with the world if we are not humbly giving it entrance into our own heart's day by day.
The way of a servant- What does it mean to be a servant of God? What kind of things should God's servants be concerned with? How will he interact with the world around him? The greatest pursuit in life is to find the right master. We all serve something.
The way of wisdom- We all have a path to walk in our lives. The wisdom found in the truth of God's word will be a light to guide our path. Every false way will take that understanding and discernment from us.
The way of steadiness- When everything happening in the world tells us that God has abandoned us, the eternal word of God is the truth we can cling to for peace and security.
The way of weariness- God's preparation in our lives is not always what we want it to be. It can feel like a heavy weight to carry, but the examples we see in scripture show us that waiting on the Lord and trusting Him will be rewarded.
The way of affliction- God's word will be an encouragement to us in times of affliction if it is stored up in our hearts and minds. Affliction can be a tool used by God to help get us back on the right course.
The way of repentance- Our flesh tempts us to rationalize and make excuses for our sinful behavior, but we need to take a lesson from the writer of Psalm 119. When he thought about his ways, he "made haste, and did not delay" to turn back to the Lord.
The way of freedom- Living in obedience to God's word is the path to a life of true freedom, comfort, and hope. To the world, living in disobedience to God's ways feels like freedom, but it is bondage.
The way of truth- It's one thing to consciously be aware of the truth of God's word, it's another thing to choose to live by it, but to faithfully live out God's ways it takes true humility and daily dependence on Him.
True delight- How can we live the kind of life where we keep God's ways? There are so many other things we are tempted to find pleasure in outside of God's word, so we need to ask Him to make His word more attractive to us.
The way of cleansing- If the way of blessing is found by those who are innocent, then naturally, we must ask ourselves how to live a blameless life. The more we are aware of the word of God, the more we will be aware of what fails within us.
The way of blessing- In Psalm 119:1-8, the author uses words like walk, keep, seek, look, praise, and learn to describe what the way of blessing looks like. All these actions are to be lived in relation to the word of God, and most importantly, to the God of the word.
Come Lord Jesus- Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and End. He alone is our bright Morning Star. The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" Amen, Come Lord Jesus!
I am coming soon- Jesus gives personal testimony about this book which reveals Him. He will give to everyone according to what they have done, and the work of God is to believe on the One He sent. C.T. Studd said, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last."
His servants will serve Him- No longer will there be any curse. His servants have His name on their foreheads, see His face, and serve him. The Lord wants us to know who He is. Are we, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord?
The river of life- The river of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb down the middle of the great street. On each side is the tree of life, bearing fruit each month, and its leaves serve the nations. Are we letting the Lamb's life flow into us and out to the world?
The Lamb is its lamp- Tremendous in its scope, the city is pure gold, with walls of jasper/diamond, streets of gold like transparent glass, and foundations of magnificent stones decorated with every kind of precious jewel. This is only something of what God has prepared for those who love Him.
The holy city- A glorious city unimaginable in brilliance shines with the glory of the Lamb. Like the Holy of Holies, but 1,500 miles on each side with walls like transparent glass, it has 12 gates named for the tribes of Israel and 12 foundations named for the apostles. This is our eternal home.
Trustworthy and true- Jesus will be with us, and He Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more pain. To anyone who is thirsty, Jesus gives satisfying drink without cost, and for that He gets all the glory. He who overcomes will inherit all this.
I am making everything new- The new heaven and new earth is a perfect home. The acceptance and love will fulfill us like nothing in this world ever could. The new Jerusalem descends and is beautiful. The dwelling of God is with men and He will be their God.
A great white throne- The unsaved from all time stand before the throne and are judged according to their works. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, they were thrown into the lake of fire. Are we as believers doing all we can to bring as many as we can to heaven?
Satan thrown into the lake of fire- Only believers enter the millennium. The children born during the millennium will have a choice to accept or reject Jesus. Satan is loosed to show no matter how good the world may be, people still need a personal Savior.
Reigning with Christ- There are several resurrections. Those in the first are blessed and sit on thrones judging. Those who did not worship the beast come to life and reign with Christ a thousand years. Do we want to be priests of God?
Satan bound a thousand years- An angel binds Satan and seals him in the Abyss for a thousand years. Believers have a seal that's just as strong, the Holy Spirit guaranteeing our inheritance.
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS- The kings of the earth and their armies gather against the Lord, who destroys them with the brilliance of His coming. The antichrist and false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire. This is the battle of Armageddon.
Faithful and true- The Word of God is seated on a white horse with many crowns on his head, and the day of vengeance in His heart. With the armies of heaven behind, He treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. Heaven is closer than we think.
The wedding supper of the Lamb- Great multitudes shout "Hallelujah. For our Lord God Almighty reigns." Fine linen, bright and clean, is given the saints for their righteous acts. Are we making ourselves ready, walking blamelessly before our Lord?
Hallelujah- Roaring in heaven glorifies God for judging the evil, world-wide religious system, and the smoke from her goes up for ever and ever. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Those who are blood-bought and washed by Jesus rejoice in their great salvation.
The nations were led astray- God judges economic Babylon because of her pride. The Lord said where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Are we laying up treasure for ourselves in heaven?
The fruit you longed for- Here, economic Babylon is destroyed by the Lord Himself. Her riches are gone in one hour, never to be recovered. Do we measure our worth by what we have in the world that is passing away?
A mind with wisdom- Babylon has come full circle. World religions are under one banner, but the prostitute that brought them together is brutally destroyed. Five fallen kings are prior empires. In John's day, Rome is the 6th. The 7th is a revived Roman empire including the antichrist, who proclaims himself to be God and becomes the 8th king.
Babylon the substitute- The great prostitute is a religious system that supports the antichrist. Through the ages, Satan has used the image of a virgin and divine child to support the rule of powerful empires. John is astonished at the truly global power of this one, drunk with the blood of the saints.
Gathered to Armageddon- Demons come out of the antichrist, beast, and false prophet to perform signs and gather armies to Armageddon. A voice from the throne says "It is done!" The earth quakes so much the world's cities collapse, and islands sink. Without fear, believers who stay awake for the Lord are blessed.
Men refused to repent- A great voice from the temple tells the angels to pour out the bowls of God's wrath: the 1st angel-painful sores, 2nd-sea turns to blood, 3rd-rivers and springs turn to blood, 4th-the sun scorches, the 5th-the throne of the antichrist is plunged into darkness. Men still refused to repent.
Your righteous acts- 7 angels with 7 last plagues come forth. Martyrs with harps, victorious over the antichrist, sing "Great and marvelous are Your deeds." Do we lift up our heads knowing the Lord is mighty in the battles of our lives?
A sharp sickle- The Lord harvests the good from the earth. With nothing left to redeem, an angel with a second sharp sickle harvests people from a Christ-rejecting world. They are trampled in a wine press outside Jerusalem and blood flows almost 200 miles.
Three angelic announcements- Three angels announce to the earth the everlasting gospel, Babylon is fallen, and that eternal torment will be the destiny of those who worship the beast. The Spirit says the ones who die in the Lord will rest from their labor. Is our treasure in some Babylon?
The Lamb on Mount Zion- Jesus stands on Mount Zion with 144,000 singing a new song. They did not defile themselves with sexual impurity, a false religious system, or deceit. They have been faithful and follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Let us do the same.
Both small and great- Perhaps using technology currently on the horizon, the deceiver gives "breath" to the image of the antichrist. Both small and the great must receive a mark on their right hand or forehead to buy or sell.
The mark of the beast- The second beast (the false prophet) calls down fire from heaven in full view of humanity. That deceiver requires everyone worship the image of the antichrist or die. He forces a mark. How shall we live in light of this persecution?
Patient endurance- An astonished world worships the dragon and the beast, who rule for 42 months. In God's sovereignty, the antichrist is given power to make war against "the saints" and conquer them. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
Out of the sea- The beast (antichrist) arises out of a global crisis and 10 "governments." Satan gives him power. His "fatal" wound is healed in a false resurrection.
War in heaven- Michael attacks Satan and that deceiver is thrown to earth. A remnant of Israel is kept safe in Petra. Satan makes war against the saints who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
The last trumpet- The Lord takes His great power and begins to reign. The "woman" Israel gives birth to the Ruler of All. Through the ages, Satan has tried to destroy the Jews and especially the royal line, but he never had a chance of succeeding.
Finishing the course- When they have finished their testimony, the antichrist kills the 2 prophets and the world rejoices, but they rise after 3 1/2 days. Are we numbering our days and applying our hearts to wisdom?
My two witnesses- Jewish worship is restored on the temple mount for 1,260 days. During this time, the Lord's 2 witnesses, mourning in sackcloth, testify to the truth with signs from above.
Eat the scroll- The angel tells John to eat the little scroll. Unless we are steeped in the word of God we can't bring life to those around us. The Lord is very candid, that part of our Christian experience is sweet, and some is bitter, but He wants to redeem it all.
Seal up the 7 thunders- A mighty angel with a little scroll comes to earth. The 7 thunders speak and John is told not to write what they say. The angel says there will be no more delay.
Still no repentance- The 6th trumpet releases four angels who kill 1/3 of mankind, and 200 million troops are involved. 3 plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur are not enough to turn the survivors to the Living God.
Locusts from the abyss- The 5th trumpet releases winged creatures that sting like scorpions. They are given power for 5 months to torment those without the seal of God on their forehead.
The first four trumpets- Four angels sound their trumpets. 1/3 of the trees burn, 1/3 of the sea is destroyed, 1/3 of the fresh water is poisoned, and 1/3 of the light is gone. The 2 witnesses may be directing these things to show the world their need to accept the Savior.
Silence in heaven- The 7th seal starts the trumpet judgments, but before this starts, awe comes over all before the throne. The prayers of the saints go up before God, and down comes a censer filled with fire from the altar.
Multitudes in white robes- Out of the great tribulation come those who have washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb. No longer will they hunger or thirst, for the Lamb will be their shepherd. Are we yielding everything and letting Him lead us to springs of living water?
144,000 sealed- As the Holy Spirit seals believers for the day of redemption, 12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel will be sealed. They will give powerful testimony of God's offer of salvation. We can do the same.
Who can stand?- The 6th seal brings the most severe earthquake the world has ever known. With it comes darkness, every mountain and island moved from its place, and a desperate cry to be hidden from the wrath of the Lamb.
Slain for their testimony- The 5th seal reveals martyrs under God's altar - multitudes comforted until their number is complete. During the tribulation many will die, and many will come to the Savior.
A black horse and a pale horse- As the 3rd seal is opened, a loaf of bread sells for a day's wage. As the 4th seal is opened, 1/4 of the earth's population is killed by war, starvation, and deadly infectious diseases. Considering these things, what kind of people ought we to be?
A white horse and a red horse- As the 1st and 2nd seals are opened, conquest and deadly war are unleashed on the earth. These are the beginning of birth pains. In our time now, evil is being restrained. Are we shining the light He put inside us?
Thou redeemed us- Ten thousand times ten thousand see the Lamb as worthy of receiving power and honor and praise. Every creature in heaven and earth repeats the great theme. The four living creatures say "Amen" and the elders fall down and worship.
He purchased us for God- The Lamb with the marks of slaughter is worthy to take the scroll. Multitudes from every language and nation sing of His worthiness. Are we glad to be part of His kingdom?
Created for His pleasure- God's pleasure is to fellowship with us. As we look back on His drawing and redeeming us, it's easier to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Jesus, the pure one, is worthy to open all 7 seals.
Who is like the Lord?- There is no love and no forgiveness like the Lord's. The elders and the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to Him who lives for ever and ever. What are we thanking Him for?
Holy, Holy, Holy- The 24 elders, the 7 Spirits of God blazing, a sea of glass, innumerable angels, and hearing living creatures proclaiming Jesus is the One who was, and is, and is to come�Do we long for these things of eternity?
A door standing open- After the letters to the seven churches, John sees a throne, awesome in beauty, and One seated on it. A rainbow encircles the throne, and the glory of the Son of the Father's right hand is stunning. Being there is a hope of the believer.
Be earnest and repent- If we are cooling He gently and consistently knocks. If we open the door, we have fellowship with Him. To those who overcome, Jesus will give the right to sit with Him on His throne.
The lukewarm church- Jesus - the faithful and true witness - rebukes the church at Laodicea for their half-heartedness. They were self-deceived, wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, and they didn't know it.
Let no one take your crown- Since this church patiently endured, Jesus would keep them from the coming trials. In the meantime, He's coming soon, so hold on to Him. If we overcome we become pillars before the Lord of all the earth, written with new names, showing our faithfulness.
The faithful church- The Lord knows who has kept His word and not denied His name. The church of Philadelphia kept and treasured their relationship with Him. Are we using our "little strength" to honor the One who opens a door of service and is a Father like no other?
The Book of Life- Some in Sardis had not soiled their clothes. They knew the day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night and wanted to be ready. Those who overcome will, like them, be dressed in white.
The dead church- The church at Sardis was alive in name only. Dead orthodoxy is the greatest threat to true life in Christ. Are we a disciple of His, and know His awesome life-giving power in our lives?
Hold fast to what you have- Not holding the Scripture as the final authority, a woman in the church was misleading some. As always, repentance is prescribed. "Jezebel" refused, but those who refuse idolatry to the end will be rewarded with authority over the nations, as Jesus has.
The corrupt church- The church of Thyatira, smallest of the 7, but with the longest letter, is spoken to by the Son of God. The one who searches hearts and minds knows their increasingly good works, but says some in the church are being misled by a "prophetess" who will be judged.
What the Lord hates- Jesus hates those who create a barrier between the Father and His children. Compromise damages our fellowship, but those who overcome come into a special relationship with Him. He can be the "hidden manna" we feed on.
The compromising church- The church of Pergamum was a place of great persecution where Satan had his throne, but Jesus reminds them that He wields the ultimate sword, not man. Antipas was a faithful witness who did not renounce his faith. He did not live in compromise.
Yet you are rich- Persecution impoverished the Christians at Smyrna. Satan may guide the people of this world, but God is faithful. He will not allow Christians to be tempted beyond what they are able to endure. He gives us grace when we need it, we need only ask.
The persecuted church- The Christians at Smyrna bowed the knee only to the Lord. For this they were crushed like myrrh. Polycarp and others were faithful to death and will receive the crown of life. Are we asking our Lord to make us this faithful?
Have we left our first love?- Without a daily, personal intimacy with the risen Savior, nothing else matters. We don't want to let our service for Jesus get in the way of our relationship with Him. Would our Savior say we love Him more than anything else?
The loveless church- Jesus knows the 7 churches and us, and gives us what we need. He commends, prescribes and makes promises. To the church of Ephesus, Jesus says they have left their first love. Leaving our first love breaks our life with Him, the light of the world.
Do not be afraid- Here, the only description in the New Testament of the Son of Man gives us an expanded perception of the greatness of God. John fell down as dead but the I AM told him he did not need to be afraid.
Patient endurance- John was persecuted yet received the greatest blessing of his life through patient endurance, seeing Jesus as never before. Jesus, the first and the last, the Almighty coming One, is making us a kingdom of priests. John writes to the 7 churches.
Blessed if you take to heart- John saw literal events which are also symbolic. Christians are blessed for taking to heart what the Lamb says to all the churches. His return is soon.
The Book of Revelation- Writing from the island of Patmos, the Apostle John shows how God winds down human history. He reveals His glory in relation to Satan, the church, the kingdom and eternity. The martyr death of all the other Apostles testifies to their unwavering commitment to the One they loved.
The great commission- Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told His disciples to go out and preach the good news of the gospel to the world. Even though Jesus is not with us in the flesh now, He is with us through the Holy Spirit just as He was "working with them" after His ascension.
An alternate ending?- Some scholars argue that the last eleven verses in the book of Mark were added later, and should not be considered as part of the original text. What does the evidence really tell us? Does it all add up to a "fake" ending to Mark's gospel?
He is risen- Did the disciples of Jesus steal His body to stage a resurrection? Were the reports of eyewitnesses seeing Jesus risen from the dead the result of some mass hallucination? There are theories out there that try to discredit the resurrection of Jesus, but none of them are credible.
God's Servant Satisfied- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
The Silent Servant- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
The Suffering Servant- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
God's Humble Servant- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
God's Servant Exalted- Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament. Follow along with Pastor Joe through this 5-part series as we take some time to focus on the person and mission of Jesus for Passion Week.
Secret disciples- Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had the privilege to care for the body of Jesus after His death on the cross. Pilate granted permission to Joseph to take the body for a proper burial. Although their faith was secret, what these men did for Jesus will always be remembered.
It is finished- Jesus paid a debt He didn't owe on the cross, so you and I could accept the free gift of salvation through faith. We could never earn God's favor by our own works. Be careful of the "Jesus and" gospel that preaches salvation through faith in Jesus, plus works.
God forsaken of God?- We all experience loneliness or abandonment at some point in life. In the darkness on Golgotha, Jesus was crucified and mocked, forsaken by man, and even God the father. Jesus experienced the most extreme form of isolation and loneliness so you never have to.
Carrying the cross- When Jesus was brought before Pilate and the bloodthirsty crowd, after being condemned by the Sanhedrin, He remained silent. His purpose was not to defend Himself, but to carry the cross. A man named Simon was asked to carry the cross for Jesus.
Denied by friend and foe- When Jesus was brought to the Sanhedrin they asked if He was the Christ. He answered, "I am." He was spit on, mocked, and beaten for only speaking the truth. Standing up for the truth won't always be easy. Peter's faith failed, but his failure did not put him out of reach of God's grace and love.
He took the cup- The significance of the last Passover meal Jesus celebrated with His disciples must have escaped them. What new covenant was Jesus talking about? After literally taking the cup of Passover, Jesus made His way to the garden at Gethsemane where He prepared to accept the cup of God's wrath for all of mankind.
Anointing and betrayal- Although not in chronological order, the anointing at Bethany by Mary, and the betrayal of Judas are recorded next to each other in Mark to show a stark contrast. Mary demonstrated her love and devotion to Jesus, while Judas was conniving and deceitful.
Watch and pray- Jesus said He will return one day, but "of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." How could Jesus not be aware of the timing of His return? Does the way you are living reflect the fact that you believe Jesus could come back at any moment?
The Great Tribulation- Jesus confirmed the words of Daniel that there will be "a time of trouble" on the earth one day unlike any time in history. There are various opinions about end times events, but one thing for certain is that at the end of this period of great tribulation Jesus will return.
The Antichrist- What does the bible say about the antichrist? There are a lot of opinions and theories out there about this significant end times figure. Could he be alive today? The antichrist will be Satan's greatest attempt to send the world a savior that is not Jesus Christ.
Paul's testimony- In his longest recorded testimonial, Paul shared with King Agrippa how Jesus changed his life forever. Are we prepared to give a defense for our faith in Jesus Christ?
To Caesar you shall go- Paul petitioned to be brought before Caesar in a Roman court rather than to endure further false accusations from the religious Jews. Paul's case was brought before King Agrippa to see if it was worthy of Caesar's time.
Paul's defense before Felix- Paul was brought to Caesarea to be tried before Felix the governor. Felix, moved by Paul's testimony, decided to temporarily keep Paul under his protection.
A plot against Paul- The Jews conspired together to come up with a plan to kill Paul. Paul's nephew, overhearing their devious plot, was able to warn Paul of the sinister plan and help to spare his life.
The Lord stood by him- Paul caused division and dispute among the Sanhedrin after proclaiming the truth to them. Once again, his life was threatened. The truth and security found in God's Word will add peace to our feelings and emotions.
This man is a Roman- Paul's citizenship as a Roman was part of God's sovereign plan. Paul appealed to the ruling authorities as a citizen and avoided being beaten. Instead, he was sent to speak before the Sanhedrin, so they could learn why Paul was so hated by the Jews.
Arise and go- Paul gave testimony to the crowd in the temple of what Jesus had done in his life. We often want to know what the road ahead in our lives looks like. Are we willing to obey when God asks us to take one step at a time, and the future seems uncertain?
Arrested in the temple- Paul was arrested at Jerusalem after being falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple. God used his arrest as an opportunity to address the mob that gathered together. Sometimes our obedience leads us into trying circumstances, but God is with us.
Paul's arrival at Jerusalem- The Spirit warned Paul that danger was ahead of him in Jerusalem. Was he defying God by continuing with his journey? Well-meaning voices in our lives may not always agree with God's will.
The challenge of forgiveness- Paul and his traveling companions visited with Philip the evangelist on the way to Jerusalem. Philip knew all about Paul's reputation as a persecutor of the church. We are called to forgive and accept others just as God has accepted us.
An emotional farewell- Paul urged the Ephesian elders to remain faithful to the word of God "which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." The elders wept and embraced Paul, knowing they would not see him again in the flesh.
Paul's exhortation at Miletus- Paul began his heart-felt farewell to the Ephesian elders at Miletus- "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you." Are we living out our faith in a way that is noticeable to those around us?
A 24-hour sermon- Paul spoke to the disciples at Troas beginning on Sunday and went all the way to the next morning when he departed. At midnight, a man named Eutychus was overtaken by tiredness and fell from the third story window!
A riot at Ephesus- The Holy Spirit was impacting the culture of Ephesus through Paul in such a powerful way that the business of idol worship was in danger. In response, the streets of Ephesus became filled with an angry and confused mob of people. The gospel of Jesus Christ will save some and be an offense to others.
Unusual miracles- For two years Paul taught in the school of Tyranus, and "all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus." The power and authority of the word of God preached by Paul was further confirmed through miraculous works at Ephesus.
Spiritual growth at Ephesus- Aquila and Priscilla lovingly reached out to Apollos to help him grow in his knowledge and understanding of the gospel. Paul arrived at Ephesus during his third missionary journey and helped the believers there to understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Returning to Antioch- After spending a very fruitful year and six months ministering at Corinth, Paul made his way back to Antioch, ending his second missionary journey.
Paul arrives at Corinth- Paul's friendship with Aquila and Priscilla began at Corinth. God appeared to Paul by a vision with words of reassurance. God will bring comfort to His saints in times of need.
God is not far- Paul preached the gospel to the Athenians on Mars Hill in a way they could understand, but he did not change the message. The good news of the gospel does not need our help to be more palatable for the culture we live in.
The Unknown God- Paul was burdened for the people in Athens wrapped up in idolatry, and was given an opportunity to preach the gospel before their foremost thinkers and philosophers at Mars Hill. Are we burdened for the lost world around us?
Search the scriptures- The Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica because they searched the scriptures to see if the things Paul and Silas preached were true. Paul fled for his life to Athens, a city "full of idols."
The Philippian jailer- After a miraculous earthquake freed Paul and Silas from prison, the keeper of the prison surrendered his life to Christ along with his whole family. Paul began preaching the gospel in Thessalonica.
Responding to injustice- Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned after Paul delivered a possessed girl. Instead of complaining about being unjustly accused, they were praying and singing hymns to God in prison. How do we respond to the trials that come our way?
A man of Macedonia- The Holy Spirit led Paul through a vision to bring the gospel to Macedonia. Little did he know that his obedience would lead to the home of a woman named Lydia, and the beginning of the church at Philippi.
Contention over Mark- Paul's second missionary journey began after a serious disagreement with Barnabas on whether to bring Mark. Who was right in the end? Timothy joined Paul and Silas after their meeting at Derbe.
The Jerusalem decree- The apostles and church leaders gathered together at the Jerusalem council and agreed to affirm the work the Lord had begun at the house of Cornelius, and continued through Paul and Barnabas in the Gentile world.
Division and dispute- Men from Judea came to Antioch teaching people that you must follow Jewish customs, like circumcision, or you cannot be saved. A council at Jerusalem among the apostles and elders was called to settle this issue. The gospel of "Jesus...and" still exists today.
Strengthening the church- Before returning to Antioch and reporting all the Lord had done, Paul and Barnabas went to the churches they helped to establish, encouraging them to grow in the faith.
We also are men- After witnessing the miraculous healing of a man crippled from birth, the people of Lystra believed Paul and Barnabas were pagan gods who had come in the form of men. Paul was stoned and left for dead by the Jews for preaching the gospel.
Miracles at Iconium- Do miracles still happen? The miraculous works the Holy Spirit did through the apostles at Iconium were meant to bear witness to "the word of His grace." Paul encountered a crippled man in Lystra and perceived by the Spirit that he would be healed.
Ordained to eternal life- Do we choose God or does He choose us? After spending a week's time at Antioch in Pisidia, "almost the whole city" came to hear the word of God preached by Paul and Barnabas.
Saul aka Paul- Paul was establishing himself as a leader in the church. John (Mark) seemed to abruptly depart from the group after arriving in Perga. The first recorded sermon of Paul was undoubtedly influenced by Stephen.
They sent them away- The leaders of the church at Antioch were led, through prayer and fasting, to send out Saul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Are you open to the leading of the Holy Spirit?
The power of prayer- Do you go to God in prayer when you observe injustice in the world? The prayers of the saints were answered in a miraculous way as Peter was freed from prison by an angel. The word of God will always prevail in the face of evil.
Why God?- King Herod began using his political power to oppress the church. James became the first apostle to be martyred and Peter was put in prison. Sometimes it's hard to understand God's sovereignty and see His purposes.
The church at Antioch- Barnabas recruited Saul to join him in encouraging the growing church at Antioch. It was at Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians.
Contention in the church- When Peter returned to Jerusalem not everyone was thrilled to hear about his fellowship with Gentile's. Do we struggle to accept God's forgiveness toward other people? Persecution in the church helped spread the gospel to the Gentile world.
The Holy Spirit fell- The gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on Peter's Gentile audience in the house of Cornelius. The Jews were amazed to witness Gentile's being accepted into the body of Christ just as they had.
God has shown me- Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius for a divinely arranged meeting. The gospel was about to break down the walls of hatred between Jew and Gentile. Racism has no place in the church because God shows no partiality. Book Recommendation- "The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross" by Leon Morris.
Not so, Lord- Great animosity and prejudice existed between Jew and Gentile. The Lord prepared Peter, through a vision, to bring the gospel to a Gentile man named Cornelius. Only the gospel can break down walls built on hatred.
Peter raises the dead- Tabitha was a woman "full of good works" who was beloved by the community she lived in. A simple act of kindness can have a great impact for the kingdom of God.
Growing in strength- Saul wasted no time in his new calling to preach the name of Jesus. Many people were amazed to see the miraculous change that had taken place in his life. The church was hesitant to accept Saul at first because of his reputation as a persecutor of Christians.
Brother Saul- All his life God had been preparing Saul to be an apostle to the Gentile world. The most evil people are not beyond God's grace and forgiveness. That can be hard for people to accept. If God can forgive we are called to forgive too.
A chosen vessel- Saul of Tarsus becomes the main focus of the book of Acts beginning in chapter 9. Saul's life was changed forever when Jesus appeared before him on the Damascus road. God chose a faithful man named Ananias to open Saul's eyes physically and spiritually.
Responding to the Spirit- There are times when the Spirit prompts us to do things that don't seem logical. Learning from the faith of Philip. Saul of Tarsus was "breathing threats and murder" against the church. Book Recommendation- "The Life and Epistles of St. Paul" by Conybeare and Howson.
The value of a life- Philip lead the Ethiopian eunuch to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Are you ready to share your faith when the Holy Spirit opens a door? Who is that person the Lord has put in your path that needs to hear the gospel?
A divine appointment- An angel of the Lord instructed Philip to leave the spiritual revival happening in Samaria and go down to the desert. Philip, in faith, obeyed the command and found a man of Ethiopia searching the scriptures for truth.
Philip the evangelist- Where there is spiritual progress there will always be opposition. Philip brought the good news of the gospel to the people of Samaria and many lives were transformed. The apostle John is mentioned for the last time in the book of Acts.
Stephen the martyr- After Stephen's death, great persecution came against the church. Saul of Tarsus was heavily involved in terrorizing Christians. It was a dark time, but God is always at work. The gospel spread from Jerusalem to the surrounding regions as a result of persecution.
Stephen's sermon (part 2)- Stephen concluded his sermon with powerful words of conviction toward the Jewish religious leaders. The impression this great sermon made on Saul of Tarsus cannot be understated. Stephen was a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit" whose life and ministry still impact us today.
Stephen's sermon- Stephen was falsely accused of speaking blasphemous words against the Jews and Moses. In response, Stephen began a remarkable sermon showing how the Jews had a long history of rejecting those sent by God, including Joseph, Moses, and Jesus. Book Recommendation- "Bible History: Old Testament" by Alfred Edersheim
Discrimination in the church- The apostles chose 7 faithful men to help address the needs of a minority group in the church who felt neglected. One of those men was Stephen, the first martyr of the church. What are the requirements for one serving in the office of a deacon?
Obey God rather than men- Living in God's will does not always lead to health and wealth. The apostles were imprisoned and beaten for preaching the name of Jesus, but they rejoiced to suffer for the sake of Christ. Gamaliel was a voice of reason among the Pharisee's.
Ananias and Sapphira- Barnabas was an upright man of great Christian character. In contrast, Ananias and Sapphira are held in front of us as an example because of their disobedience. There was a healthy fear of God in the early church that allowed the Holy Spirit to do great signs and wonders.
Praying for boldness- The apostles responded to persecution by asking God for boldness to speak the truth. The church must remain unified and committed to sharing the gospel with a world that is increasingly anti-Christian.
Uneducated and untrained men- Does the world see us as people who have "been with Jesus?" Peter and John stood in civil disobedience against the ruling authorities. We are called to submit to the government as Christians, but when is civil disobedience justifiable?
Facing persecution- Peter and John were put in custody and brought before the Sanhedrin after the healing of the man at the gate of the temple. This marked the beginnings of real persecution against Christianity and the church. Peter proclaimed that Jesus is the only way to salvation.
Why are you amazed?- Thousands of people had been drawn toward Peter and John after the Holy Spirit miraculously worked through Peter to heal a man who was crippled from birth. Peter rightfully used the opportunity to preach the gospel, and deflect the crowd's attention toward Jesus.
Silver and gold I do not have- Peter miraculously healed a man at the gate of the temple through the power of the Holy Spirit. Do healing miracles still happen today? The greatest gift we have to offer the world is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pillars of the first church- To what extent can we look at the first days of the church and use it as a model? What are the non-negotiable principles that we should be applying in the modern-day church? Did the church in Acts chapter 2 participate in a form of communism?
What shall we do?- Peter invited his audience to repent and be baptized in response to hearing the gospel. Was Peter suggesting that baptism is necessary for salvation? Even as believers, we need to repent daily of the things in our lives that aren't of God.
Peter's sermon on Pentecost- Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter stood up to proclaim the gospel to the crowd whose attention had been drawn by the supernatural events that took place. Peter referenced Psalm 16 to substantiate his claims about Jesus as the Messiah.
The gifts of the Spirit- Are the gifts of the Spirit still active in the church today? The Holy Spirit can use our different personalities and gifts to edify the body of Christ. Book recommendation- "Showing the Spirit" by D.A. Carson.
Pentecost- The church is born. The old testament feasts are a shadow of Christ and the new covenant. Do people still speak in tongues? If so, how do we know if it's from God or if it's just weirdness?
The next step- The apostles watched Jesus ascend and disappear into the clouds. He did not just vanish into thin air, yet He could have. Why is that important? Mary the mother of Jesus is mentioned for the last time in the Bible. Who was the replacement for Judas as the twelfth apostle?
Wait for the Spirit- The Holy Spirit indwells us when we are regenerated, but the book of Acts gives many examples of the Spirit's influence beyond that initial filling. The Spirit-filled life is not a title, but a condition we must constantly be seeking to yield to and live in.
Last words- Luke recorded the last words of Jesus before He ascended to heaven. How do His last words apply to us now? What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Are we actively seeking to be filled and influenced by the Spirit daily? Book recommendation- "They Found the Secret" by Edman (Christians who discovered the great blessing of Spirit-filled living).
The book of Acts- A history of the beginning of the church. What do we know about the author, Luke, and his relationship with the apostle Paul? Book recommendation- "The Pilgrim Church" by Broadbent (A resource on church history).
What about alcohol? (part 2)- Christians have varying convictions about alcohol consumption. The Bible clearly states that drunkenness is sin, and has some clear warnings about alcohol consumption. Pastor Joe gives a comprehensive overview of some of these warnings.
What about alcohol?- Christians have varying convictions about alcohol consumption. The Bible clearly states that drunkenness is sin, and has some clear warnings about alcohol consumption. Pastor Joe gives a comprehensive overview of some of these warnings.
Keep yourselves- Grumblers, complainers, smooth-talkers, causing division; these are some of the markers of ungodly men. Jude does not give strategies to attack these "certain men," but rather, he calls us to focus on our walk, focus on God, and to help others affected by these men.
The future of certain men- Because of their depravity, these "certain men" would be destined for future judgment unless they repent of their ungodliness. We all have an appointment to appear in the heavenly court before God. Have you prepared yourself for that time of judgment?
Beware of certain men- Jude used three examples of God's past judgment against "certain men" to remind his readers that God does not let evil go unpunished: The people of Israel, the angels who sinned, and Sodom and Gomorrah.
The book of Jude- Jude, the brother of James, the brother of Jesus, wanted to write his letter about "our common salvation." But the Holy Spirit had other ideas. Jude's letter is an exhortation to be prepared to defend the faith against false teachers and false doctrines.
Parting words (part 2)- Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus is full of encouragement. That may have been an indication of their good spiritual health. However, the spiritual fire in the Ephesian church eventually cooled off. Are you praying for revival in your life and your church?
Parting words- Paul wanted the Ephesians to know that he was sending Tychicus to comfort them about his condition in prison. Tychicus was called "faithful" and "beloved" by Paul. What kind of words would your friends use to describe you?
Prayer on the battlefield (part 2)- If we are negligent in our prayer lives it affects the body of Christ, not just our own individual lives. Paul was not too proud or spiritual to ask the Ephesians that he would have the boldness to be a witness in prison.
Prayer on the battlefield- A prayerless Christian will have no hope of correctly utilizing the armor of God. What are the different ways a Christian should be practically participating in prayer? There are many different kinds of prayer.
The armor of God- Taking a closer look at each piece of the armor of God. Obviously, we are not putting on physical pieces of armor, so how is the armor of God applied and used in our spiritual battle?
Are you fit for battle?- As Christians, we are on active duty. We are soldiers in a battle whether we like it or not. Are you prepared for battle? Paul said the armor of God will be our help. What does it look like to take up the armor of God?
Spiritual warfare (part 4)- Our enemy is very familiar with us, but are we familiar with his tactics? Some of our enemies favorite strategies to cause us to stumble include contention, accusation, doubt, and discouragement.
Spiritual warfare (part 3)- How do we fight in a battle where our enemy is not made of flesh and blood? Paul said one word- stand. The church is called to stand and maintain the victory that Christ has already won.
Spiritual warfare (part 2)- Is there a difference between demons and fallen angels? Is Paul telling us there is a hierarchy of evil spiritual beings in this chapter? We can't blame every work of the flesh on our enemy, but we do need to remember that there is a spiritual reality around us.
Spiritual warfare- In our calling to live as Spirit filled husbands, wives, children, employees, and employers, there is going to be a battle. It's essential to remember that in that battle we are fighting from victory not for victory.
The Spirit filled employee (part 2)- Christian employees have to resist the idea of sacred and secular when it comes to the workplace. A pastor's job is not more holy than a plumber's job. No matter what your profession is, your motivation to go to work every day should be to serve Jesus.
The Spirit filled employee- It can be hard to maintain a Christian attitude at your job. Especially working with a boss and coworkers that are not believers. What should it look like for a Christian employee to honor and glorify Jesus at work?
Your parental responsibility- Parents are called to be diligently teaching and preparing their kids. Your kids are "on loan" from God, and He is calling you to be a faithful steward over them. Do you work to study their personality and intricacies?
Chastening not punishing- Is spanking biblical? God chastens those who He loves. Chastening is correction with loving intent. Punishing or beating a child is ungodly and not biblical.
A word to dads- What does a spirit filled father look like? What does the bible say about the practical things a Christian father should be doing? The missing influence of a good father in the home has caused a lot of problems in our society.
Parental stewardship (part 2)- There is the religion of Cain, and the religion of Abel. The work of the flesh, and the work of faith. Children will ultimately be responsible for what path they choose, but Christian parents are called to model what walking with Jesus looks like.
Parental stewardship- When children grow up and start going down the wrong path it is tempting for parents to blame themselves. Cain and Abel show us that two kids growing up under the same parents can make very different decisions about how they choose to live.
Instruction for children- There are only four places in the bible where exhortations are given to children. Honoring these commands can be tough for kids growing up in dysfunctional families. Pastor Joe shares a personal testimony of God's redeeming grace in his own family challenges growing up.
The Spirit filled marriage (part 2)- When a couple enters into marriage there is a separation that happens. That marriage relationship is to take priority over every other relationship, but Christ should still remain at the center of the husband and the wife's lives.
The Spirit filled marriage- There are three great mysteries in the bible: the union of the Godhead, the union of God with human flesh, and the union of Christ with the church. Every marriage is meant to be a picture that reflects Christ and the church.
The Spirit filled husband- God's instructions to husbands in Ephesians 5 are very simple: love your wives, and die to yourself, just as Christ did for the church. Our culture desperately needs husbands leading their marriages and homes in a Godly way.
The Spirit filled wife- What does it mean, biblically, for a wife to submit to her husband? Paul is not saying women should submit to men generally, or that a wife should submit to her husband the same way she submits to God. So where are the lines drawn?
Walking in the Spirit- Part of walking in wisdom means walking in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is a very "Christianese" phrase we can throw around, but what does it practically mean? God doesn't want us under the influence of any other intoxicant aside from the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom and light- What does it mean to walk in the light? Avoid the works of darkness, and reprove those who partake in them. What does it mean to walk in wisdom? Keep your eyes open, seize the opportunities you have to live out your faith, and be filled with the Spirit.
What love is not- How do we "walk in love" and imitate God's love for us? Paul begins to answer that question by describing what walking in love does not look like. We must be careful to not lapse into old habits of Godless living.
Put on the new- It's not enough for Christians to just be "putting off" and only being focused on what we don't do. We have to replace our old habits with new ones. What should the conduct of the new man look like?
Put off the old- In Christ, we have been given a new nature. He has taught us about a new way to live. The old man, the way we used to live, needs to be put off. How do we practically "put off" and "put on" as Paul says?
Spiritual gifts- God has given spiritual gifts to each of His followers to be used to edify the body of Christ. What is God�s design and requirement for spiritual leadership in the church? Are there still apostles and prophets today?
A worthy walk- After focusing on all God has done for us for the first three chapters, Paul says this should be our motivation for practical Christian living. Walking in a way that is worthy of our calling will include the common goal of maintaining unity in the church.
Purpose and prayer- What is the purpose of the church? The church is called to be the means by which God teaches the world about His plan and His work. Paul prays a prayer for himself, and all believers, that we would be strengthened to live out such a special and high calling.
The mystery revealed- What was previously unknowable, the mystery of the church, has now been revealed through Jesus Christ. Paul was amazed that he could be part of the body of Christ by God's grace. It can be easy to take that privilege for granted.
What is your foundation?- There is a lot of "church hurt" in our culture. Unfortunately, a lot of churches do not represent truth because they are not built on a solid foundation. Unbelievers should feel welcomed in church because of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Breaking down walls- No matter Jew or Gentile. We were all once alienated from God in our sins. The church should be the place where every wall of prejudice and separation are broken down. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.
But God- We were hopelessly dead in our sins, but God, through Jesus Christ, saved us. He made us alive with Him, He raised us up with Him, and made us sit together with Him in "heavenly places."
Walking dead- Before Christ, Paul said that we were wandering, or meandering aimlessly in darkness. We were dead in our sins, and the world, the flesh, and the devil determined the direction of our lives.
Paul's prayer (Part 2)- Taking a closer look at Paul's three prayer requests for the Ephesians at the end of chapter 1.
Paul's prayer- After considering all the blessings we have through the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Paul prayed three things for the Ephesians: to grow in their knowledge, in hope, and in understanding the immeasurable greatness of God's power.
The work of the Spirit- The Father's plan of salvation was set in eternity passed, the Son stepped into time and made it a reality, and the Holy Spirit secures those things in us. The Spirit is the down payment, the guarantee, that we will be preserved until we receive our heavenly inheritance.
The work of Christ- According to His will, and His "super-abounding grace," Christ has revealed to us God's plan of salvation. He has redeemed us and forgiven us, and therefore, we have a glorious inheritance waiting for us.
God's Servant Exalted- Did you know the story of the gospel was told hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth? Isaiah chapter 53 paints perhaps the greatest picture of Jesus Christ in the old testament.
He chose us- God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. An honest study of the bible will find both described. So how do they go together? Did God choose us or did we choose Him? Paul said these truths are not meant to confuse us, but to lead us to praise God for His love and grace.
To the Ephesians- W. Graham Scroggie said, "In Ephesians, church truth blazes forth in fullness of glory." Written to the saints in Ephesus, this letter from Paul seems to be a general encouragement to all churches. He does not address specific issues pertaining to the Ephesian church.
False motives- Paul's final plea to the Galatians was to consider the motives of the legalists that were trying to sway them to believe false doctrine. Some saw it as a badge of honor, while others just wanted to avoid the persecution that would come with standing on the true gospel.
The household of faith- One way the fruit of walking in the Spirit will be evident is by the way we treat others. Paul gives special attention to how we should be treating others in the body of Christ, including what it looks like to restore someone who has fallen into sin.
Walk in the Spirit- Some accused Paul of giving Christians license to live in sin by saying they were saved by grace and not the works of the law. Paul responded to this by reminding his critics that we are called to walk in the Spirit, bearing fruit, and not according to our flesh.
Who hindered you?- Paul was not writing to the Galatians because they were backsliding into sin. He wrote to them because they were "frontsliding" into legalism, and exhorted the church to continue walking in the truth they were once saved in.
Law and grace- Paul used Isaac and Ishmael in the Old Testament to demonstrate how law and grace can't coexist in our lives. Ishmael was born as a result of Abraham's fleshly efforts. Isaac was born as a result of faith and trust in God's promise.
The Spirit of His Son- Sometimes we act more like slaves than sons in our relationship with God. We can still live under the weight of sin and condemnation. Since "the Spirit of His Son" now lives in us, we can choose to live in freedom, not bondage.
The purpose of the law- God's covenant with Abraham was not reversed by the law. The law was meant to show us our sin, and lead us to Christ like a "school teacher." We could never find favor with God through our own works.
The just shall live by faith- The line between faith and works was becoming blurred for some of the Galatians. With that in mind, Paul asked them a simple question: "Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
The exchanged life- When we put our faith in trust in Jesus Christ, it is His life that lives through us. We "exchange" our own righteousness for His. This is an important reminder because, like Peter, we sometimes fall into the trap of pleasing man rather than pleasing God.
When Paul rebuked Peter- Taking correction from others can be hard. Paul publicly rebuked Peter when he saw his belief did not match up with his behavior. It's not always easy, but there are times when we need to confront others who are in compromise.
Unity in the gospel- Unfortunately, there are many people in the modern church who have sacrificed truth for the sake of unity. Peter, James, and John, affirmed to the church at Jerusalem that Paul was preaching the same message, and gospel of grace.
Defending the gospel- Fourteen years after his first visit to Jerusalem, Paul returned to bear witness to how the gospel was reaching the Gentiles. Paul exhorted the church leaders in Jerusalem to resist the "false brethren" who were saying circumcision was required to be saved.
Called to relationship- On the road to Damascus, Jesus revealed Himself to Paul. What Paul found was not religion. It was a relationship with the living God. Jesus calls His followers to walk with Him and to know Him first, above everything else. That is the ultimate goal.
The source of the gospel- There are other gospels out there being preached in the world. Like some of the Galatians, people today are tempted to believe in a "Jesus and" gospel, adding to the one true gospel of grace that Paul knew, directly revealed to him by Christ.
To the Galatians- The book of Galatians is Paul's only letter that is addressed to multiple churches. His focus in writing this letter is a defense against legalism, and a misguided emphasis on works. This was a growing temptation in the churches of Galatia.
Final exhortations- Concluding his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul announced he would be returning to visit them, and expressed his genuine love for the church there. Paul also challenged those who were critical of him to make sure to examine themselves.
Visions and revelations- There were some voices in the church during Paul's time (and even now) that boasted about having revelations from God. What was Paul's thorn in the flesh? Through persistent prayer, Paul learned that God's grace was sufficient to sustain him.
Credentials of an apostle- What kind of fool would willingly choose a life of suffering? That's what many who were critical of Paul's ministry said about him! Paul did not use his apostleship as a platform to boast in himself, only to glorify God.
Godly jealousy- Like a loving parent, Paul was concerned about false teachings that were creeping into the Corinthian church. Deceptive doctrines can be very subtle and even appealing, many times containing some hints of truth.
Warning against comparisons- One problem plaguing some people in the church at Corinth was the temptation of comparisons. We should not be measuring the health of our relationship with God based on what other people are doing. Christ alone should be our standard.
Weapons of our warfare- There is a spiritual war going on between good and evil. How do you fight against an invisible enemy who knows your weaknesses? Through prayer and the Word of God. These are the weapons of our warfare.
Sowing and reaping- There is a difference between tithing and giving. Paul said the main principle for giving is very simple, and it is that "God loves a cheerful giver." God wants us to give of our time, money, and resources out of the goodness of our hearts.
Giving in the church- Giving to the church can be a touchy subject. How should Christians approach this topic according to scripture? God can use finances to further His work through the body of Christ.
Wisdom concerning giving- Some people in the church wrongly encourage giving as a form of investment. We aren't supposed to give and expect something back in return. Paul pointed to Jesus, and the church at Macedonia, as examples of what a giving heart that pleases God looks like.
Godly sorrow- Did Paul regret writing his first letter to the Corinthians? Like a surgeon, Paul knew his words would painfully cut into the hearts of his brethren at Corinth. But the suffering was only temporary, and led to repentance. The news of their repentance brought Paul great joy.
Let us cleanse ourselves- Some of the Corinthians were letting worldliness creep into their lives. They were making excuses for unhealthy fellowship with unbelievers. Paul called them to repentance and cleansing from their idolatry.
Serving with Christ- What can the servant of God expect to experience? It is certainly not a glamorous calling. In fact, you can expect to face hardship in your service to God. Serving Christ means separation from the world, but not isolation.
The word of reconciliation- Christians are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, imploring others to be reconciled to Him. The word of reconciliation is the truth that only Jesus Christ can offer man forgiveness and peace with God.
Motivated by God's love- Some of the Corinthians were critical of Paul and thought he was crazy to be content living a life of trials. It definitely was not a glamorous calling. Paul's mindset in ministry was motivated by the love of Christ.
By faith, not by sight- The Holy Spirit is our guarantee that one day we will be "absent from the body," and "present with the Lord." That's why we are called to walk by faith, remembering where our home really is, and not not by sight.
Renewed day by day- The greatest capacity of man is to contain the glory of God. That's good news for believers because the outward man is decaying. Although we have a glorious future, our inward man needs to be renewed daily to endure the momentary affliction of this life.
We have this ministry- The good news of the gospel is that anyone can have a living, breathing relationship with God. We are called to present this glorious truth to the world in humility and simplicity. Are you praying for your friends and family who are spiritually blind?
A letter from Christ- It was apparent that many of the Corinthians' lives had changed. But not because they were following the letter of the law. For "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Some unbelievers will read your life before they ever read the Bible. What will they notice?
The fragrance of Christ- We need to be aware of the schemes of Satan. If we do not accept those who are truly repentant, we might be giving space for the enemy to move in. Paul exhorted the church at Corinth to show love to a brother who had failed and repented of his sin.
Setting the record straight- Paul was accused by some of being unreliable and untrustworthy because he did not make it to Corinth to visit the church. How do we respond with grace to people who are critical of us, or make assumptions about our intentions? That can be hard.
Living by God's grace- Paul recounted a trying time while in Asia that was so discouraging he "despaired even of life." Sound familiar? Ever feel so overwhelmed you just want to throw in the towel? It's only through the grace of God that we can find deliverance from our suffering.
Second to the Corinthians- Many believers in the church at Corinth heeded the exhortations and corrections in Paul's first letter. But he was not without his critics. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians is full of encouragement, in addition to some defense of his own reputation and ministry.
Last words and greetings- Paul shares his final words of exhortation and encouragement in this first letter to the Corinthian church.
Time and money- Do you view your time and money as gifts from God? If you do, you will be a good steward over how you use them. Paul began his final thoughts in his first letter to Corinth with an exhortation to the church on the use of time and money for God's kingdom.
Resurrection- Everyone will experience resurrection one day. For some, resurrection will mark the beginning of a glorious new life, for others, it will mean separation from God for eternity. God has given man the capacity to choose which fate he will experience.
The last enemy- Jesus was not just raised from the dead, He was resurrected. Because Jesus was resurrected, He will never die again, and His followers have the same glorious future. What does Paul's strange comment about those "who are baptized for the dead" mean?
Defending the resurrection- One of the last issues Paul had to address with the Corinthians was an apparent skepticism by some of the resurrection. Are you prepared to give a defense for the resurrection of Jesus?
Prophecy and tongues (part 2)- There should be order in the way the gifts of tongues and prophecy are exercised in the church. This will be a witness to unbelievers. Paul defended this position when he said, "God is not the author of confusion but of peace."
Prophecy and tongues- There is a lot of weirdness out there in the church when it comes to the gifts of tongues and prophecy. How can we determine what's legitimate and what's phony? If spiritual gifts are meant to be exercised in love, then tongues and prophecy should be edifying to the church.
Have the gifts ceased?- Is Paul insinuating in I Corinthians 13 that the gifts of the Spirit ceased when the canon was completed? Some people interpret his words that way. If not, what is Paul talking about, and how does it connect to agape love?
The greatest gift is love- Agape love is the greatest gift. Paul takes a detour from his breakdown on spiritual gifts to highlight what love is, and what it isn't. Without love, our use of spiritual gifts will just be like "a clanging cymbal."
One body many members- Continuing on the topic of the gifts of the Spirit, Paul exhorts believers who might be discouraged about their personal gifts. Paul also warns against pride and jealousy in regards to spiritual gifts.
By one Spirit- Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit exclusively synonymous with being born again? Should born again believers expect subsequent "refills" of the Spirit after salvation? What does the bible have to say on this much debated topic?
Concerning spiritual gifts (part 2)- Spiritual gifts have nothing to do with an individual's talents or abilities. The use of these diverse gifts should promote unity in the body of Christ. Paul gives a list of specific gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit.
Concerning spiritual gifts- Spiritual gifts have nothing to do with an individual's talents or abilities. The use of these diverse gifts should promote unity in the body of Christ. Paul gives a list of specific gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit.
The bread and the cup- There are various views on what taking communion means among different denominations. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to examine their hearts before taking communion because they were defiling the table of the Lord.
Roles in God's order (part 2)- What application can be made from Paul's words about the roles of men and women in the church? Are women supposed to wear head coverings? One of the results of disorder in the Corinthian church was improper conduct when taking the Lord's supper.
Roles in God's order- Paul's words about men and women may seem controversial at first glance. When it comes to marriage, family, and the church, God calls men and women to play certain roles. These are not general rules to be applied to women and men in society.
Flee from idolatry- Paul redirected the focus of the Corinthians who were concerned about eating food offered to idols to consider whether or not that would stumble a brother or sister in Christ. Would it glorify God? The food itself is neutral, but the ritualistic practices were idolatry.
Privilege and responsibility part 2- Because of the difficulty of the journey, the children of Israel began to despise the provision of God. They forgot about God's goodness and deliverance in the past. If we aren't careful we can follow the same path, and be found near "the graves of lust."
Privilege and responsibility- The people of ancient Israel had protection, redemption, and provision from God. We have all of the same privileges from God now through Christ. Paul warned the Corinthians not to continue in sin, thus following the example of God's ancient people.
Run in such a way- We are all running a race in this life, and the reward is "an imperishable crown." But the opponent is not who you think. We are competing against our own flesh. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to continue the race, and run well, by the grace of God.
Surrendering your rights- What are you willing to surrender for the sake of the gospel? Paul challenged the Corinthians to be willing to forsake some of their liberties for their brethren. As an apostle, Paul had the right to exercise certain freedoms, but chose not to.
Love builds up- Another concern in the church at Corinth was the matter of what to do with food offered to idols? Mature Christians may have felt the liberty to eat certain foods without condemnation, but Paul warned against becoming a stumbling block to those younger in the faith.
To the unmarried- When Paul observed what was going on in the culture, he exhorted those who were single to consider the sacrifices that would come with marriage. Is Paul saying that the state of being single is better than marriage?
To the married- Is it more honorable to remain single rather than marry? How does someone know if they have the gift of celibacy? What does a Christian man or woman do if they are married to an unbeliever? Paul addresses questions about singleness and marriage.
Biblical sexuality- The Corinthian church had all kinds of perverted ideas about sex. They were heavily influenced by the immoral culture they lived in. Sound familiar? Paul instructed the Corinthians on how they should properly view sex and it's purpose in marriage.
Don't you know?- We were once ruled by our sin. But now, Paul says, we are washed, sanctified, and justified by the blood of Christ. Our bodies are "members of Christ." We are "the temple of the Holy Spirit." So how can we now use our bodies to participate in immorality?
Settling disputes- What is the proper approach for settling disputes in the church between believers? Is it ever right to take someone to court and let the civil government become involved? People in the church at Corinth were suing each other left and right.
Church discipline- Paul spoke to a specific matter in the church at Corinth of sexual immorality that lead into a larger conversation about dealing with sin in the church. How are we supposed to reach out to brothers and sisters in Christ that are living in sin?
Paul's paternal warning- A big problem in the Corinthian church was giving in to the temptation to look at each other as the standard for righteousness. This was leading to pride and all sorts of issues. As a loving parent, Paul exhorted them to remember the true standard.
Servants and stewards- What does it mean to become a fool for Christ? It means denying the world's wisdom and relying on the Spirit that dwells inside of you. God is calling us to faithfulness as His stewards.
No other foundation- Many people get caught up in finding the perfect formula for a successful church. How big is the sanctuary? What is the worship band like? Paul reminds us that none of that matters without the firm foundation of the gospel and Jesus Christ.
Unto us a child is born- Around 700 years before the time of Christ, Isaiah prophesied and described who the Messiah would be, and what he would do. He would come as a child, he would become the savior of the world, and one day set up his everlasting kingdom on earth.
A Savior is born- An angel appeared to shepherds in a field and declared the greatest news of joy and peace for humanity. A savior had been born in Bethlehem. What are the chances that anyone other than Jesus could have been the one to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of the old testament?
Spiritual, natural, carnal- There should not be a profession without practice, or belief without behavior. Unlike the natural man, the believers in Corinth understood the truth of the gospel, but they were immature and carnal in their faith.
Hidden wisdom- Christian, you will likely be mocked by unbelievers for believing the "foolishness" of the gospel. Spiritual realities can only be understood by the human intellect through the revelation of the Holy Spirit.
The power of God- Our responsibility is to bring Christ to men. Only God can bring men to Christ. Paul was determined to deliver the message of Christ crucified to the world around him by the leading of the Spirit. The power is in the message, not the persuasiveness of the messenger.
The foolishness of God- Paul reminded the Corinthian church that the cross of Jesus Christ was not just a superior philosophy. It may seem like foolishness to the world, but the message of the cross is the answer to the greatest need of all humanity. It is the power of God.
First things first- There was a litany of issues in the Corinthian church that Paul needed to address. So what was the first thing he exhorted them about? Divisions in the church. Paul knew that one of the things God hates is "one who sows discord among brethren."
First to the Corinthians- The church at Corinth was a church infected by the pagan culture it was surrounded by. The Holy Spirit has much to say through this letter to the modern day church, which has also been heavily influenced by the immorality of the culture.
Rest from the enemy- The feast of Purim became a day of celebration and gladness to remember how God used Mordecai and Esther to deliver the Jewish people. We are ambassadors of the gospel, called to spread the good news that Christ has overcome our enemy of sin and death.
A new law published- With Haman and his evil plot in the past, Esther and her people still faced a problem. The first edict to destroy the Jews could not be overturned, so a new law had to be passed. The law of sin and death cannot be changed, but the new law of grace has now been issued through Christ.
Haman's demise- After a sleepless night, the king discovered that no one ever honored Mordecai for foiling an assassination attempt against the king. When Esther revealed to the king Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, it was Haman who was hanged on the gallows meant for Mordecai.
A banquet with the king- Esther worked up the courage to request an audience with the king so she could make a request to save her people. Haman and Esther both looked forward to a banquet with the king for very different reasons.
Such a time as this- We can't remain silent in a culture that desperately needs to hear the truth of the gospel. Mordecai sent a message to Esther to encourage her that God had placed her where she was for a reason and a purpose. She could have the ear of the king to plead for her people.
Haman's evil plan- Haman successfully influenced the king to make a decree that all the Jews in his kingdom should be annihilated. When Mordecai caught wind of the grave news, he hurried to try and warn Esther that her people were in trouble.
The wrath of Haman- Haman was promoted above all the princes after a failed assassination attempt on the king's life. Haman began to concoct his own conspiracy against the Jewish people after Mordecai refused to bow down and pay homage to Haman.
The king loved Esther- On the search for a new queen, King Ahasuerus noticed something different about one of the applicants, a young Jewish girl named Esther. Esther's cousin Mordecai advised her not to reveal her Jewish heritage.
The Queen said no- Ahasuerus, the king of Persia, was the leader of the most powerful empire in the world, but he was weak because he could not say no to alcohol. In contrast, Queen Vashti said no to the king, and refused to be held up as his personal trophy.
The book of Esther- God is not named one time in the book of Esther. Esther's story reminds us that God's hand of providence and protection is always working behind the scenes, even if we can't sense his presence.
You are witnesses- Jesus suffered, died, and rose again according to the scriptures. His message was a message of repentance and remission of sins. We are called to carry that message to the world around us as His witnesses. Are you seeking for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit?
Peace to you- When Jesus first appeared to the disciples after his resurrection they were terrified. They thought Jesus might be a ghost. Just as Jesus fulfilled prophecy in His death and resurrection, we will see His promises about our future become a reality.
Divine heartburn- Jesus walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection. Somehow, the disciples had no clue it was Jesus they were speaking with. Jesus is always with us, but we can't feel His presence sometimes. Why is that?
He is risen, but where is He?- Mary Magdalene and other women who were followers of Jesus came to His tomb and found it empty. When the disciples heard from the women that Jesus was risen they were skeptical to say the least.
Open veil, closed tomb- When Jesus died on the cross the veil in the temple was torn in two. Every follower of Jesus has the same access to His presence as a result of that work. Joseph of Arimathea risked his reputation for a dead Jesus. We now serve a living Christ.
A divine transaction- Somehow, while darkness covered the earth, Jesus experienced God's wrath on the cross for the sin of humanity. Did Jesus descend into Hell after His death on the cross?
Lord, remember me- Two criminals were crucified on either side of Jesus. One cried out for mercy, the other mocked Him. If anyone cries out in the name of Jesus they can be saved. It is a free gift of grace that cannot be earned or deserved.
Father forgive them- Simon carried a physical cross, but he made a decision to take up his cross daily and live for Jesus. That decision made an impact on the people around him. Jesus forgave us when we were still in our sins so we could have the opportunity to follow Him.
What evil has He done?- Pilate was prepared to release Jesus after examining Him. He found no fault in Him, but the crowd insisted that another be released so Jesus would be detained and crucified. Simon the Cyrenian carried the cross for Jesus and for you.
Jesus on trial- From the Sanhedrin, to Pontius Pilate, to Herod, Jesus was brought before his accusers and questioned without any evidence of wrongdoing. Jesus remained silent as he was mocked by His enemies, committed to the path of suffering and sacrifice.
Peter denies Jesus- As Jesus predicted, when Peter was accused of being a follower of Jesus, Peter denied knowing Him. If the failure of Peter was great the restoration was greater. Jesus is so loving and patient with us in our failures.
Arrest in Gethsemane- Jesus prayed in agony in the garden because He knew what was ahead of Him. Not just betrayal, arrest, mocking's, beatings and crucifixion, but separation from God. Peter jumped to the defense of Jesus in the garden when the authorities came for His arrest.
Prayer in Gethsemane- Did Jesus lack faith when He prayed in the garden at Gethsemane multiple times? Some people claim that is the case if you pray and make a petition multiple times. What was the cup that Jesus asked God to spare Him from?
Faith not failing- Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times. When Jesus said to Peter "I have prayed for you" He was talking about all of His followers. We will experience moments of failure, but that does not mean our faith in Jesus needs to fail too.
Who is the greatest?- It does not take long for us to sway from humility to pride. Not long after the disciples wondered who would betray Jesus, a dispute broke out among them about who was the greatest. Jesus showed the disciples that their focus was not in the right place.
The Lord's supper- Jesus instituted the Lord's supper as a command of remembrance for His followers. Communion not only causes us to look back at what Jesus did for us, but should cause us to rejoice for His present work in our lives, and look ahead toward the hope of heaven.
Judas the betrayer- Judas lived and walked with the other disciples. No one suspected that he was going to betray Jesus. Judas had everyone fooled but himself. Jesus is the only answer to effectively dealing with betrayal and guilt.
Watch and pray- Jesus exhorted His followers to watch and pray as they wait for His return. If we are not awake and alert, the return of Christ might come upon us unexpectedly like a thief in the night. Are you living in expectancy?
Jesus is coming- How close is the rapture? Aren't the signs all around us? Jesus said just like we can predict new seasons coming, we should know the signs that signal His return is near. Be careful of people trying to predict the day and hour of Christ's return.
Your redemption draws near- Jesus said the end times will coincide with cataclysmic events that affect the entire world. The bible says that the knowledge of these things coming onto the world should produce purity in our lives, not apathy.
Times of the Gentiles- When it comes to end times prophecy, Jerusalem takes the center stage. Why is Israel's place in the world so significant according to Jesus' words and predictions about the last days before His return? What exactly is "the times of the Gentiles?"
Pestilence- Pestilences, or infectious diseases will be another sign that marks the end days. Did Jesus tell us about the plagues coming into our world so we would be fearful or anxious? These things should cause us to live soberly, joyfully looking to Christ's return.
Earthquakes and famines- Jesus said earthquakes and famines will increase in frequency in the last days before His return. Skeptics will argue that we have always had earthquakes and famines throughout history. So what makes our modern time different?
Wars and rumors of wars- For two thousand years the church has been waiting and expecting the return of Christ. Besides the passing of time, there are two important things that set us apart from every other generation of the church when we consider prophecy and the end times.
Signs of the times- While surveying the grandeur of the temple with His disciples, Jesus predicted that the temple one day would no longer be standing. The disciples then asked Jesus what would be the signs of the end days, and the coming of the kingdom of God.
Cast your life on God- How did a poor widow in the temple become an object lesson for Jesus to warn the disciples against religious hypocrisy? The widow had very little to offer, but she was giving all of her livelihood to God in what she did have.
What about resurrection?- The Sadducee's did not believe in heaven because they could not understand the concept. A lack of belief in the afterlife affected the way they lived their lives. Jesus lovingly tried to help them see the error of their ways.
The chief cornerstone- Is your relationship with Jesus, the chief cornerstone, at the center of all you do? Is your perspective on the past, present, and future built off of Him? The Pharisees tried to bait Jesus with a question about government and taxes.
A problem with authority- As Jesus spent time in the temple in Jerusalem, the religious leaders began to question His authority. Just because someone has a seminary degree, that does not make them anointed by God. Are you seeking the Holy Spirit's filling and anointing?
Your body a temple- Jesus cleansed the temple in righteous anger when He observed what was going happening there. God takes it seriously when we misrepresent His heart and His Word. Jesus is still faithful to do a work of cleansing in our hearts when things are not right.
The triumphal entry- Zechariah said that the Messiah would arrive one day riding a donkey. When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, many people gave Him praise because prophecy was fulfilled before their eyes. But some went on with their lives as usual, unaware.
Called to faithfulness- In the body of Christ, every Christian has been imparted spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities. God will reward His followers based on their faithfulness in using those gifts, not based on how they have done compared to the actions of others.
A man named Zacchaeus- When Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming through Jericho, he climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus in the crowd. Little did he know, not only would Jesus spot him in the tree, but Jesus then invited himself over to visit with Zacchaeus in his home.
Led to the savior- Blind Bartimaeus would not miss the opportunity to cry out for healing when he heard Jesus was passing by. Some people are too proud to cry out to Jesus and admit their need for forgiveness from sin.
Blind Bartimaeus- There is a difference between seeing and perceiving. Although Bartimaeus was physically blind, he was able to perceive that Jesus was in his presence. What good is sight if you are blind to spiritual realities?
The rich young ruler- The rich young ruler had what so many people strive for: money, power, and wealth. He kept the commandments of God the best that he could. But he was still empty inside. Jesus, in love, helped the rich young ruler to see what was missing in his life.
Faith like a child- What does real faith look like? Many people who claim to have genuine faith in God only have religion. Because of our human nature we strive to be accepted by God based on our performance, but what we need is childlike faith.
Pray or faint- How should we respond to the reality of judgment coming to our world? Jesus said that we "always ought to pray and not lose heart." Is Jesus painting a harsh picture of the Father in the parable of the unjust judge?
Remember Lot's wife- We can know all about the return of Christ, but it will not make any difference if it is just knowledge without action. Lot's wife knew about the judgment that was coming, but her heart longed for worldly things.
Until the day- Jesus said when He returns it will be sudden and unexpected, like lightning, and the state of the earth will be like "the days of Noah." How is our modern time anything like the world Noah lived in? What lessons can we learn from how Noah lived in a godless culture?
Ten lepers cleansed- Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When ten lepers cried out to Him for healing, He responded. Only one of the ten lepers returned to give glory to God for what He did. Are thanksgiving and gratitude to God a regular part of your prayer life?
Forgiving others- Forgiveness is not a matter of faith it is a matter of obedience. It can be very hard to forgive the people who have offended us. How should forgiving others as a follower of Jesus look different from the world?
Heaven and hell- Is the doctrine of hell and eternal punishment biblical? Isn't the idea of eternal torment kind of harsh? Some people have offered alternative ideas about the afterlife because they question the reality of hell.
Thinking eternally- Many of the Pharisees were consumed with following every part of the law because they were man pleasers. They were not thinking about the eternal consequences of their actions. Jesus challenged that thinking by telling the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
The dishonest steward- In the parable of the dishonest steward, Jesus seems to be commending the conduct of an unjust man. Why would he do that? Are we so caught up in the activities of earth that we are not planning and preparing for our heavenly future?
The prodigal son: Part 3- Most of the attention is usually placed on the prodigal in this parable, but what about the older brother? What lessons can be learned from his attitude? Jesus followed the story of the prodigal son with another parable, continuing on the theme of not being wasteful.
The prodigal son: Part 2- The prodigal son is really a tale of two sons. The younger was not content with his father's provision, and looked to another country for satisfaction. The older was bitter and envious of the grace the father showed to his brother. Which son do you identify with?
The prodigal son: Part 1- The prodigal son is really a tale of two sons. The younger was not content with his father's provision, and looked to another country for satisfaction. The older was bitter and envious of the grace the father showed to his brother. Which son do you identify with?
One is everything- The parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost coin reveal God's heart of love towards the sinner. God pursues lost sinners because of His love and grace, not because they are inherently valuable or special.
Salt is good- Salt has a lot of uses. It adds flavor to food, it's a preservative, it stings and purifies. Jesus explained to His listeners how the usefulness of salt relates to our spiritual life.
Dying to self: Part 2- A true disciple must be willing to forsake everything for Christ. Even good things like our jobs or families can become a higher priority than our relationship with Jesus. Jesus used a parable to show common excuses people use to not follow Him.
Dying to self: Part 1- While eating a Sabbath meal in the home of one of the rulers of the Pharisees, Jesus exhorted His listeners to "take the lowest place." We should be willing to love and serve others without expecting anything in return. Just as Jesus has done for us.
Spiritual blindness- Jesus lamented over the people of Jerusalem who were spiritually blind, and could not recognize that their savior had come. Out of love and compassion, Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath hoping that it would open the eyes of the Pharisees to their hypocrisy.
The narrow gate- When talking about salvation, many people bring up the proverbial "man on the island." How will he hear the good news? Jesus wants people to be concerned about their own personal decision and standing with God before they stand before Him one day.
Eyes like Jesus- A woman doubled over with "a spirit of infirmity" for 18 years came to the synagogue to hear Jesus. Jesus always sees those who have the greatest need. We often live selfishly, not looking to serve and meet the needs of those around us.
The hard truth- What did Jesus mean when He said that He came to bring division rather than peace? What does that message mean for His followers? Jesus clearly taught that all are called to repentance. We should not be too quick to judge others.
Live in expectancy- Jesus Christ is coming back one day. Does that reality have an effect on how you are living? The goal of the Christian should be to live like the faithful steward, serving and watching expectantly for the return of his master.
Live without worry- Worry and anxiety can be potent forces in our lives, many times leading to fearfulness and lack of faith. Jesus said the Christian life does not have to be filled with worry. We can have confidence that our heavenly Father will provide for all our needs.
The fear of God- The fear of man leads to hypocrisy. The fear of God leads to peace and spiritual wealth. The man who fears God is concerned with eternal things. Jesus warned against covetousness, which can distract us from having an eternal mindset.
The fear of man- Jesus openly challenged the Pharisees because of their religious hypocrisy. They were more concerned about their outward appearance than the state of their hearts. God always knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts where man can't see.
A light to your path- The truth of God's word brings light into our lives to save us from the darkness of sin and to guide us as we walk with Christ. Some of the Pharisees thought they were obeying God's word but they were still spiritually blind.
The strong man- Some people explained the miraculous things Jesus did by saying He was possessed by the devil. Jesus shared a brief illustration to demonstrate His power and authority over dark spiritual forces. You might be mocked for believing in the reality of spiritual warfare.
Ask, seek, knock- If God already knows our thoughts, why does He tell us to ask and seek Him through prayer? God wants us to come to him persistently and confidently like a child goes to their father with requests.
Teach us to pray- People have all kinds of methods and strategies for an effective prayer life. If we are not careful, that can turn into legalism. Jesus shared "the Lord's prayer" with His disciples as a model for what the heart of our prayers and communion with God should be.
Serving and worshiping- Our service to the Lord is very important, but God cares more about the servant than the service. When Jesus came into the home of Mary and Martha, the way these sisters interacted with Him became a living parable for us to learn from.
Are you being a neighbor?- We can have all our theology straight, but it means nothing if we are not loving and serving people. Jesus shared the parable of the Good Samaritan to show that our faith needs to be demonstrated through our actions.
Lambs among wolves- After laying out the cost of discipleship to some curious listeners, Jesus gave some guidance and instructions before sending out 70 of His disciples. Our ultimate joy should not be found in the things we do for Christ, but in the fact our names are "written in heaven."
Anger is a proper emotion- Anger is not wrong, but how we use our anger is where the trouble can come in. James and John learned a lesson about anger after they became outraged seeing some people not being very welcoming to Jesus.
Humility and Greatness- After delivering a boy possessed by an evil spirit, Jesus instructed His disciples about the importance of prayer and fasting, and what greatness looks like in the kingdom of God.
Up on the mountain- Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a mountain to experience His glory. Jesus knows there are times in our walk with Him when we need a fresh revelation of His love and character, and He will be faithful to do that.
Who is Jesus to you?- Some people claim Jesus was just a good moral teacher. The truth is, Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or the Son of God. What exactly did Jesus mean when He said His followers would need to take up their cross daily, and follow Him?
Healing and feeding- Jesus gave His twelve disciples power and authority to heal the sick and deliver the demon possessed. But what about feeding a crowd of thousands of people with what seems to be insufficient resources? Jesus does not use us because we are qualified.
Little girl, arise- When Jairus heard his daughter had died, his worst fears came true. If only that woman did not interrupt them, maybe his daughter would have been saved. Why does God allow some to be healed and not others? When our faith is failing Jesus says- "believe."
Daughter, go in peace- When expectations are delayed it can be difficult to endure. God does not always operate the way we expect Him to. A man named Jairus convinced Jesus to come heal his dying daughter, but another desperate and needy woman interrupted them along the way.
Light and darkness- Angels and demons are not just found in movies. The Bible says that there is spiritual warfare, a war between light and darkness. After coming through the storm, Jesus displayed His authority over those dark forces when He freed a demon-possessed man.
Who can this be?- Jesus was misunderstood by many throughout His earthly ministry. His family thought He lost His mind. Even His disciples doubted Him at times. Jesus is completely at peace in the storms of life, and He wants us to have His peace too.
Parable of the sower: Part 2- Jesus explains the meaning and application of the parable of the sower. Not everyone will gladly receive the seed of God's word. Are you actively praying for those in your life with hard hearts?
Parable of the sower: Part 1- What is the "soil" of your heart like? Jesus said there is hard, rocky, crowded, and good soil. We can identify with any one of these four soils at different times in the Christian life.
A dinner invitation- Jesus received an invitation for dinner at the house of Simon, a Pharisee. During their social engagement, a woman living in sin came to Simon's home and washed Jesus' feet. The woman and Simon were both in need of forgiveness and cleansing from sin, despite the disparity in their social status.
None greater than John- Jesus affirmed that John the Baptist was the last and the greatest of the prophets. How is it then that "he who is least in the kingdom of God" could be greater than John?
God has visited His people- Jesus spoke a word to a grieving mother's dead son and he returned from the dead. Only God could display such power and authority. Jesus came to solve the problem of sin and death, but many misunderstood what His mission was.
Faith that amazed Jesus- A centurion sent messengers to plead with Jesus that He might come heal a beloved servant at death's door. What was it that impressed Jesus so much about this Gentile's faith? Do you trust the authority of God's word?
A kingdom attitude: Part 2- What foundation are you building your life on? Jesus taught that the solid rock of His words is much preferred to the shaky foundation of worldliness. Some of those teachings included loving your enemies, and not having a judgmental attitude.
A kingdom attitude: Part 1- What does it mean to be a partaker in the kingdom of God? What is expected of us as Christ followers? Jesus taught His great manifesto to a crowd of people wondering that very question.
Lord of the Sabbath- The Sabbath had become a burden to many religious Jews. It became about following rules and ordinances. The Pharisees were outraged when Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. Jesus wanted them to see what God's true purpose in the Sabbath was.
The great physician- Jesus seemed to push against the religious status quo of His time. He spent time with sinners, and His disciples did not fast and pray like others. Was He a trouble maker? A rebel? Jesus was clear that He came to start something new. Something better.
God alone forgives- Jesus looked at a paralyzed man let down through the roof by his friends and knew what his greatest need was. He needed forgiveness. His paralysis was the result of a sin problem. How much are you willing to do to bring your friends to Jesus?
He is willing- Jesus is willing to cleanse us from our sin just like He was willing to heal the leper. The question is, are we willing to surrender to Him? The disease of sin, like leprosy, will lead to isolation, decay, and death.
Preaching, healing, and calling- After his rejection at Nazareth, Jesus went to Galilee and began healing many people, fulfilling what the scripture said would be part of the work of the Messiah. Jesus is calling you and I to be fishers of men, just like He called Peter.
A not so warm welcome- Jesus came to his hometown of Nazareth and preached in a synagogue on the Sabbath. Those who were present "marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth." But not everyone was thrilled with what He had to say.
Showdown in the wilderness- The enemy will often come to us with temptation when we are tired and weary. The temptation in the wilderness is a blueprint for us to learn how to overcome temptation and identify the strategies of Satan.
Filled and led- Jesus lived the majority of His life on earth in obscurity. Is there anything from those "forgotten years" we can learn? If Jesus was God what was the point of His baptism? There is no temptation we will face that the Spirit cannot help us overcome.
Preparing the way- John the Baptist was "the voice of one crying in the wilderness." He was the last and the greatest of the prophets. Under the New Covenant, followers of Jesus have a message even more clear and powerful than John the Baptist.
Where did Jesus go?- After traveling a day's journey, Mary and Joseph realized they had left young Jesus behind in Jerusalem. Does it feel like Jesus has left you at times? Does His presence feel far away? God is faithful to help us grow in our faith and trust in Him.
Peace, goodwill toward men- It did not take long for word to spread that something special had happened in Bethlehem. God supernaturally revealed to some that the Messiah had come, including shepherds in a field, and a "just and devout" man named Simeon in Jerusalem.
The birth of Christ- Let's get the details straight about the birth of Jesus. There are some things about the events surrounding Christ's birth that people believe that just are not biblical. Jesus was born in obscurity so no one would be embarrassed to come to him.
Zacharias' prophecy- Eight days after the birth of his son John, Zacharias was finally able to speak again. The Holy Spirit spoke a prophetic word through Zacharias about the calling on his son's life, and how it was to be tied to the coming of the Messiah.
Mary's song- Mary was blessed among women, but imagine the challenges she faced in having to explain her pregnancy. Especially to her fiance Joseph. Mary's faith was greatly encouraged after a visit with her cousin Elizabeth.
Mary, blessed among women- Unlike Zacharias, Mary had faith that something miraculous was going to take place according to what Gabriel said. You may not believe in the virgin birth, but the Bible clearly teaches it. If Jesus wasn't born of a virgin, that has serious theological implications.
The gospel of Luke- Dr. Luke's record of the life and ministry of Jesus contains details not revealed to us in the other gospels. Luke begins his gospel with the miraculous, and at times humorous story, of the angel Gabriel's appearance to Zacharias, the father of John the baptist.
Bring back the wanderer- How can you tell if someone who has wandered from the Lord is a prodigal or never truly knew God in the first place? It's not our place to judge people's hearts, but we should be willing to speak the truth in love to those we care about.
Effective, fervent prayer- You should have a trusted friend you feel comfortable going to for prayer. When it comes to confessing sin, we have to be careful that the things we share don't turn into gossip. Elijah is an example of someone who had an effective prayer life.
Tongues and knees: Part 2- Why does God heal some and not others? Some people falsely believe that sickness can be the result of sin or a lack of faith. This is a harmful false doctrine in the church. What exactly does it look like to pray in faith?
Tongues and knees: Part 1- Job was an example of patience in suffering. This is the only reference to Job in the new testament. James once again exhorts Christians to be mindful of their speech as we wait for the return of Christ.
Responding to injustice- What action are we called to in response to all the injustice we see in the world? What do we learn from the life of a farmer that will begin to answer that question? Our constant consumption of news and media can lead to bitterness and complaining.
God sees the oppressed- People who want to live life in "pleasure and luxury" will have no problem mistreating people along the way to reach that goal. Jesus is the only one who has the answer for all the injustice we observe in our world.
The practical atheist- Do you depend on God for your daily needs? Do you look to Him to set the course of your life? Or is faith and religion just a means of fire insurance? When it comes to how we live our lives and how we treat others, some people are only Christian's in name.
The cure for conflict- What is the cure for conflict? James says, "humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." If we surrender our will to God in humility, He will draw near to us and cleanse us.
The source of conflict- Conflict within leads to conflict without. The root cause of conflict with others is our pride and selfish desires for pleasure. Living to satisfy our flesh leads to friendship with the world. A friend of the world is an enemy with God.
Wisdom above and below- James explains what the fruit of Godly wisdom and earthly wisdom looks like. If you want to grow in wisdom, studying this practical list of the attributes of wisdom is a good place to start.
Who is wise?- Wisdom has to do with actions. It is the correct use of knowledge. For the believer, wisdom lived out is related to meekness. What is the difference between Godly and earthly wisdom?
The tongue: Part 2- James says "no man can tame the tongue" and it is "full of deadly poison." Only Jesus can give us the power to control our tongues. As Christians, we should use our speech to glorify God, and spread the good news of the gospel with a lost world.
The tongue: Part 1- The tongue may be a small part of the body, but the words it produces can be extremely influential. A quick study of history will show the trail of destruction human words have caused. Is your tongue building up or tearing down others?
Living faith- We don't have a right to judge others, but we do have a right to question the reality of their faith if there is no fruit that is evident. There's dead faith and demonic faith, then there's real dynamic faith. Abraham and Rahab demonstrated what real obedient faith looks like.
Loving faith- A simple way real saving faith is demonstrated is by not showing partiality. Do you treat people differently based on their wealth, race, or social status? James knew very well how the religious elite in his day opposed the mind of Christ and showed favoritism.
Be a doer of the word- What profit is God's word in our lives if we aren't living it out? James says rather than bearing the fruit of corruption from the world, we as believers should be living in the blessing that comes from being a doer of the word.
Dealing with temptation- Temptation is going to come. It's not sin to be tempted, but how we respond to temptation is where sin and compromise can come into the picture. James shares some practical instruction on how to remain faithful when temptation comes.
From external to internal- Trials are external. They come to us from many different directions. The external pressure of trials many times leads to the internal pull of temptation. Thoughts of doubt and compromise can begin to invade our minds. There is a reward for enduring temptation.
How to go through trials: Part 2- James says that when trials come our way we should consider it an opportunity for great joy. How can we find joy in trials? We will find the proper guidance and motivation to endure through trials only through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
How to go through trials: Part 1 - Who was James the half-brother of Jesus? James had a very different perspective on life when he found out his older brother was God. If God is a God of love why does He let us go through trials and heartache?
Joseph father of James- Joseph the father of James wasn't perfect, but the Bible tells us he was a just man. What lessons can be learned from his life about the role of a father? Parents be encouraged. Even Joseph had prodigal children.
The book of James- Which James wrote the book of James? There are three prevailing theories. If James the brother of Jesus was the author, there is a lot to consider about his life. What kind of impact did his dad and older brother have on him?
Grow in grace and knowledge- If we really believe Jesus is coming back shouldn't that influence our actions and behavior? Peter's final exhortation in his second epistle is a challenge to "holy conduct and godliness" as we wait for Christ's return.
The day of the Lord will come- The return of Christ is one of the most, if not the most talked about subject in the New Testament. There will always be naysayers who mock your faith and beliefs, but Peter reminds us to be encouraged and trust that God keeps His word.
The fate of false teachers- Peter says that false teachers "have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam." What is the way of Balaam? What final lessons can we learn from this passage on identifying false teachers in the church?
The Lord knows how- Peter gives three examples to show that God does not allow the wicked to go unpunished. If God will judge the unrighteous, He also knows how to deliver those who are godly from destruction. What characteristics are evident in false teachers?
Destructive heresies- How do you identify false doctrines and heresies in the church? You familiarize yourself with the truth so the counterfeit version is easy to recognize. No matter how successful some of these false teachers may seem to be, they will not escape judgment.
A trustworthy word- How can we believe the things we read in the Bible about Jesus? Are they just stories written down by a bunch of guys? Peter wanted to assure you and I that the things he saw were only confirming what the prophetic scriptures had already spoken of.
Add to your faith- If we are "partakers of the divine nature" there should be a continual pursuit of growth and maturation in our faith. Peter describes some traits that will be characteristic of a Christian whose life is bearing fruit for the kingdom of God.
Peter's second epistle- Peter's first letter was an encouragement for believers to endure through persecution that comes from outside sources. This second letter addresses the potential threat from false teachers and doctrines that can come from within the church.
Submit and resist- In the concluding words of his first epistle, Peter urges believers to be "clothed with humility." We have to remain humble and watchful because we have an enemy, the devil, who is seeking to destroy our lives.
The standard for church leaders- Unfortunately, there are a lot of bad examples and representations in our culture of church leadership. Peter is clear that there is a certain standard that those called to shepherd and lead the church should be held to.
Serving and suffering for God- God gives each individual in the body of Christ spiritual gifts. We are called to be good stewards over those gifts by using them to serve and love others to the glory of God. Suffering and trials should not discourage us in our service to God.
Man's will vs. God's will- Every day we have to choose if we will live a life of sin, according to the lusts of the flesh, or a life of suffering, like Jesus, according to the will of God. Peter says we should be "serious and watchful" in our prayers as we wait for Christ's return.
Christ suffered once- We will face suffering, but because Christ suffered and died for us, we have a hope that helps us endure through the temporary trials of life. Peter takes a sharp turn from practical Christian living to consider the theology of Christ's death.
The Christian attitude- No matter where you live, where you are employed, whether you are single or married, there is a certain way a Christian should conduct themselves. Peter lays out what those expectations are, and how obedience leads to blessing.
The Christian marriage: Part 4- How does a husband follow Peter's instruction to honor his wife? Husbands should continue dating and getting to know their wives throughout marriage. What does it look like for a husband to treat his wife as "the weaker vessel?"
The Christian marriage: Part 3- Husbands are commanded to love their wives with agape love. What does that kind of love look like? It's unconditional and sacrificial. Christ loves the church with this kind of love.
The Christian marriage: Part 2- How is a wife called to love her husband in a Christian marriage? For wives, having love and affection for their husbands may come a little more naturally. Respect and reverence must be added to love.
The Christian marriage: Part 1- As Christians, we should be familiar with God's design for marriage. Our world is very confused about what marriage should look like. Peter starts his discussion about Christian marriage with instruction for wives.
It's not always easy to love- It's not natural for us to show love towards our enemies or those who treat us without respect. How do we endure unjust treatment from others? Jesus is our example. He knows exactly what it feels like to be mistreated and wrongfully accused.
The Christian citizen- What should our conduct look like as followers of Jesus Christ in relation to the government? Peter gave his instructions on this topic during a time when the ruling authorities were hostile towards Christians.
Called to good works- To be a follower of Jesus is a high calling. Now that we have "obtained mercy" and received the free gift of salvation we should not be living according to "fleshly lusts." What does it look like to live life as a sojourner and pilgrim?
The chief cornerstone- Who is Jesus to you? Jesus is either the foundational stone your life is built on, or He is a stone of stumbling that conflicts with how you want to live your life. There is no neutral ground. The church, among other things, provides fellowship that is essential for the Christian life.
Desire for the Word- Are you hungry for the Word of God? Peter says Christians should desire God's Word like a baby desires milk to grow and mature. The Bible is not just a book of rules or doctrine. It gives us a deeper understanding who God is and how He loves us.
Belief that behaves- A belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ should lead to Christ-like behavior. The child of God will be able to endure trials through faith and hope, live a life that is set apart from the world, and love others with unhypocritical and sacrificial love.
No time for sloppy thinking- The hope of a heavenly inheritance should remind us that earth is not our home. We are called to the life of a pilgrim or sojourner. Is your life moving toward God? Holiness is not just separation from the world, but separation unto God.
What the prophets foretold- As an eyewitness, Peter could confidently speak of the hope that we have through Jesus. Our confidence in the gospel also comes from the fact that "the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow" were written down through prophecy in the Old Testament.
A living hope- There is an inheritance "reserved in heaven for you." If God has promised such a blessing for us, we can be secure in our eternal future. We can't escape trials in life, but Peter reassures us that they are only temporary, and that God will keep us through those times.
Peter's first epistle- Our response to persecution and trials will either result in growth or bitterness toward God. Peter wrote his first epistle to encourage believers that were being persecuted for their faith. This letter is full of practical application for daily life and calling of a Christian.
The reward- God's grace and love are truly without bounds. Ruth and Boaz were blessed with a son named Obed. Not only did they receive the gift of a child, but that child became part of the Messianic line, and the grandfather of king David.
A redemption story- Ruth could do nothing in her own effort to earn or deserve the grace that Boaz showed to her. Boaz paid the required price of redemption to receive Ruth as his wife. Ruth and Boaz give us one of the clearest pictures of the gospel in the Old Testament.
The place of rest- Where is your place of rest? Like Ruth, our place of rest should be found at the feet of the redeemer. Our redeemer, Jesus, will not rest until His work is done in our lives and we are together with Him in glory.
A marriage proposal- When Naomi heard about the kindness that Boaz had shown to Ruth, she encouraged Ruth to give a marriage proposal to Boaz. Boaz held a special position as the kinsman-redeemer that made him eligible to marry Ruth. Was Naomi's advice to Ruth a bit rash?
Handfuls of purpose- God is "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think." Ruth and Naomi both experienced this truth about God's love toward us when God graciously provided food for them from an unexpected source.
Ruth taking initiative- It would have been easy for Naomi and Ruth to adopt a victim's mentality when they returned to Israel with nothing. Instead, Ruth decided to go find work so they could buy food. God is a generous and gracious provider for His children.
Blessing and affliction- Naomi left Israel with her family because there was a famine. Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi back to Israel because she knew they served the one true God. Sometimes God lovingly brings affliction in our lives to drive us back to Him.
The book of Ruth- The book of Ruth is a story of love and redemption. Ruth was a woman who displayed faithfulness to God during a time of faithlessness despite her gentile heritage. Her life shows us that God is willing and able to use anyone who will abandon the ways of the world and serve Him.
The wages of sin- When "every man does what's right in his own eyes" God can't just sit back because He is perfectly holy and righteous. God graciously brought the civil war between Benjamin and the rest of the tribes of Israel to an end, but only after much death and bloodshed. God must judge sin and unrighteousness.
Taking the wrong side- Early in the days of the judges, a civil war was ready to break out between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel because Benjamin decided to defend wicked men. Why would Benjamin stubbornly stand up for such sinful behavior?
What else do I have?- The enemy would love for you to become content with a life seeking to satisfy fleshly desires. When all of Micah's idols were stripped away he felt that he had lost everything. Anything in life that you esteem higher than Christ will become an idol.
Don't settle for less- You can do all kinds of things in the name of religion, but if God's word is not the standard it can turn into idolatry or compromise. That was the case with a man named Micah, who convinced a young Levite to compromise and serve him for a modest price.
Backslider vs. apostate- God is gracious and long-suffering, but eventually He has to let us experience the mess that our sin makes. Samson learned the harsh reality of that lesson at the end of his life. Don't mistake God's grace and patience for His approval.
Samson and Delilah- There is a cost that a follower of Christ will have to bear if we are going to be separate from the world. Samson was not willing to make the sacrifice that comes with holy living, and his stubbornness and rebellion finally caught up with him when he met Delilah.
A lesson in humility- God gave Samson a great victory when he slew a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. In his great exhaustion after battle, Samson cried out to God for water to revive him. God wants us to be just as dependent on Him in the battle as we are afterwards in the victory.
Gideon's legacy- The men of Israel wanted to make Gideon king after the Midianites were defeated, but Gideon resisted the temptation to take the glory for what God had done. Gideon's life and service to the Lord were far from perfect, but he walked with God by faith.
Tired but still in pursuit- As Gideon and his three hundred men chased down the kings of Midian to complete their victory, they made a pit stop to request food from the men of Succoth. You can expect the enemy to bring doubt and discouragement along the path of service to the Lord.
But if you are afraid- God gave Gideon assurance that the battle against the Midianites was already won, and challenged Gideon to confidently go into battle with only three hundred men. It's hard to step out in faith sometimes, but God is faithful to give us confirmation that we can trust His word.
Taking God at His word- God promised Gideon victory over the Midianites, but Gideon wanted God to confirm His word through a sign. Have you ever "put out a fleece" when looking to hear an answer from God? God wants us to learn to trust in His word above everything else.
Face to face with God- Gideon had no confidence in himself to deliver Israel, but his faith was strengthened when he realized that the one who stood before him and called him was God Himself. Acting in obedience will not make us very popular in a Godless culture.
Where did God go?- Israel once again found themselves under the rule of their enemies because of their sinful ways. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and called him to deliver Israel, but Gideon had his doubts. What reason was there to trust God's love and faithfulness when there was so much despair around him?
At her feet he sank- As God had spoken through Deborah, Barak and the army of Israel were victorious over the enemy army of the Canaanites led by Sisera. Sisera thought he had fled to safety, but his security was short-lived. Is there sin dwelling in your heart that needs to be dealt with?
Deborah a prophetess- Deborah was raised up by God to be a judge and deliverer in Israel. What made Deborah special? She was chosen by God not necessarily because of her own great skills, but her greatest quality was her faith and trust in the Lord.
Ehud and Shamgar- God raised up Ehud the son of Gera to deliver Israel from Eglon the king of Moab (who apparently was a very fat man). This account offers some needed comic relief in the book of Judges. Little is known about Shamgar, the next deliverer raised up by God after Ehud.
Failing the test- God allowed certain enemy nations to remain in the land in order to test Israel's faithfulness to Him. It was not long before Israel showed their weakness and desire to intermingle with pagan nations. Othniel was the first of the judges raised up to be a deliverer for Israel.
The Lord raised up judges- A new generation in Israel "forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt." God graciously raised up judges to point His people back to Him. If we let sin linger in our lives God will give us up to the consequences of those decisions.
The book of Judges- The book of Judges documents a 450 year period in the history of Israel spanning from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the ministry of Samuel. Sadly, this was a time of continual rebellion against God where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
We will serve the Lord- Joshua made a covenant with the people of Israel to serve and obey the Lord before his death. The testimony of his life was that "Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua." Will you make a stand and serve the Lord in a wayward culture like Joshua?
A history lesson- God spoke through Joshua at Shechem with an exhortation after reflecting on the history of His faithfulness to Israel. What was the conclusion? Joshua said, "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served..."
Don't go back- God has given us great promises, but there's still the possibility of defeat, discomfort, and disgrace. How do we avoid defeat and walk in victory? Joshua exhorted Israel to obey God's word, remain separate from the world, and let God be the focus of your affection.
Two important lessons- The children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh created an uproar in Israel when they built an altar of memorial. Although their intentions were misrepresented, this whole ordeal might have been avoided if they had refrained from participating in a religious act not instructed by God.
Beware of hearsay- A civil war was ready to break out among the tribes of Israel because of a false report about the purpose of an altar that was built. We can so easily get upset or jump to conclusions without taking time to verify whether we are receiving credible information.
God's promises fulfilled- Israel continued to establish themselves in the promised land with cities for the Levites, and cities of refuge. What purpose did God have in designating these cities, and what spiritual insights can we take away?