Risultati letto da "David Cochran Heath" in Tutte le categorie

The prophet Micah scolds Israel and Judah for their idolatry and injustice to the poor. The Assyrians are about to invade and the two Jewish nations will have to suffer for their sinfulness. Thankfully, God’s judgment is seasoned with mercy and he will not break the covenant with His people.

The gospel does not discriminate. We see this in Paul’s letter to Philemon as he asks him to take back his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as a slave but rather as a beloved brother in Christ. Onesimus ran away from his master, Philemon, and escaped to Rome. On his journey, he ran into the apostle Paul and became a Christian. In Paul’s letter to Philemon, it becomes evident that the gospel can transform lives and also unite two unexpected people as brothers.

Hebrews is about persevering in the faith. Written concerning the Jewish Christians, this letter serves as a reminder that Christ is superior to priests, angels, and the old covenant laws. His sacrifice is once for all unlike the sacrificial system.

There is an inseparable link between our faith and how we live our lives. In his letter to his coworker, Titus, Paul gives us practical instruction on godly living as well as qualifications for Church leaders. While Paul paints a picture of what a healthy Church looks like, he also emphasizes the Gospel as the source of godliness: "...he saved us not because of works done by us in righteousness but according to his own mercy...."

Job is what everyone would consider a “good” person. So why are so many terrible things happening to him? The real question may be: Why does Job continue to give praise to God in the midst of his terrible circumstances? Although he laments and suffers, Job ultimately understands that God is good and is worth praising no matter what.

The apostle Paul is imprisoned for Christ and yet he writes his most joy-filled letter yet. Writing to the church in Philippi, Paul gives countless pieces of encouragement.

John writes to a believer named Gaius urging him to continue walking in truth and love. Along with general instruction for church leaders, the apostle warns about those who oppose the gospel of Jesus Christ, specifically warning Gaius about a man named Diotrephes. An individual with selfish ambition that is never satisfied, Diotrephese is no different than much of the opposition we face today. Listen to John as he addresses this in his godly wisdom.

As Christians we often face opposition while doing kingdom work. It is sometimes easy for us to forget about God's sovereignty and become discouraged. The prophet Haggai challenges God's people to trust in God's power as they face local opposition while building the Temple. He encourages them to repent and look to God for strength. Listen to Haggai as he draws attention to common struggles we face today.

After admonishing believers in Corinth for their sinful ways and abuse of grace, Paul writes a second letter, commending them for their positive response to his first letter. He expresses his joy in hearing that they’ve repented and embraced his teachings. Paul then goes on to encourage believers to “...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Listen as he reminds the church at Corinth that God has made them a new creation in Christ.

After Jesus rose from the dead, he gave his Spirit to dwell within all who believe in him. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, leading, instructing, and equipping us. A sequel to the Gospel of Luke, this book gives a history of the early church and provides a heavy emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. In many ways, Acts serves as a transition from law-keeping to grace and faith in Christ. Listen to Acts and learn about how God uses the Holy Spirit to transform the hearts of believers and then uses them to fulfill his plan of restoration.

Just like in Galatians, Paul teaches the church in Colossae to beware of men who add unnecessary elements to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Anything added to the gospel results in “no gospel at all” (Gal. 1:7) The main reminder given in this book is that Jesus is king over all. This means that we must trust in him alone and not in “the tradition of men” (Col.2:8) Listen to Paul’s letter to Colossae and be reminded of the superiority of Jesus, who is our only hope.

The Israelites are returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. In many ways this story resembles the life of a Christian who repents from sin and rebellion and turns around to find God welcoming them into his unfailing love. The Book of Ezra is a record of hope for those who are weighed down with discouragement. No sin is too big for God’s grace.

While there is suffering, evil, sickness, and death in this world, the book of Joel reminds us that we have an everlasting hope through it all. Joel warns the people of Judah as a horrifying locust plague has come upon them. He urges the people to repent and return to God, predicting that this is just the beginning of their judgment. Thankfully, Joel’s prophecies do not end there. He continues to teach the people about the promise of hope that lies ahead in the kingdom of the Messiah. Listen as this prophet describes the day of salvation which we are privileged to live in now.

The church has always been in danger of “secret agents” who gain entry into the Christian community and thwart the gospel, consequently leading believers astray. We see this in Jude’s letter as he tackles the same issues Peter did in his second letter.

Edom was at odds with Israel ever since its forefather Esau had struggled in the womb with his twin brother Jacob, the patriarch of Israel. After Edom played a role in the destruction of Jerusalem, the prophet Obadiah gives warning to the nation of their coming judgment, fulfilling God's promise from hundreds of years earlier: "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curseth thee." (Gen. 12:3)

As Christians, we have a hope that withstands all trouble. In fact, while many strive to avoid suffering, believers can actually rejoice in it. Why? Because God will vindicate his people. We can rest in God’s salvation now and look forward to the day he will bring full redemption. This letter, written by the apostle Peter, points us to Christ in times of tribulation and encourages us to persevere in the midst of suffering.

After finding out that the Corinthian church was filled with pride and committing sexual immorality, Paul teaches believers about the dangers of abusing freedom. The real problem is that the believers have a misunderstanding of grace. The Corinthian church was basing its faith on cheap grace. Cheap grace is grace without the cross, grace without repentance, and grace without cost. Listen to Paul as he tells believers about Christ who has given us grace as forgiveness for our sins but also as power to flee from our old ways.

The Israelites have not been pursuing holiness as they should be. Rebellious and sinful, the people are in need of a savior. The prophet Malachi plays an important role in Israelite history. God warns Israel through Malachi. He tells them to repent and speaks of future restoration, foreshadowing of the coming Messiah. Listen to Malachi as he warns the people while still managing to remind them of God’s endless love.

A new generation of Israelites is about to enter the Promised Land. God’s people need a reminder of God’s law and promises before they enter Canaan, as they are about to face many dangers. Sit at the feet of Moses as he reminds the Israelites about God’s blessings, faithfulness, holiness, and warnings.

The apostle Peter writes to churches pertaining to the false teachers and opposition among them. His letter is a reminder that God’s grace is not only pardon but also power to live righteously in the face of opposition. Because we have the Holy Spirit, we can pursue holiness, bear fruit, and deny false teachers. Peter’s exhortations are an encouragement to remain steadfast and firm in the faith.