Risultati letto da "David Heath" in Tutte le categorie

The prophet Nahum cries out to Nineveh, hoping they will turn from their wicked ways. They listened to Jonah the first time by repenting and turning to God, but will the powerful and proud Nineveh listen to the warnings of Nahum a century later? This story teaches us that even the strength of a powerful city cannot hold out against God's power.

Like many of us, the Thessalonians need to be reminded of the reality of Christ's second coming. In this book Paul encourages believers to look forward to the second coming as the final accomplishment of God's promise to save his people. In light of the Thessalonians' false sense of security, Paul addresses the timing of the second coming only by saying, "...the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" (1 Thes. 5:2).

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. Watch as God comes through to preserve "the remnant of Israel" (Micah 2:12) despite their faithlessness.

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 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...."

The Apostle Paul is imprisoned for Christ, yet he writes his most joy-filled letter yet. Writing to the church in Philippi, Paul gives countless pieces of encouragement. He commends the people for their support and tells them he is sure that "...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Listen as the apostle tells us to rejoice in the Lord and press forward with our eyes fixed on Christ.

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 from 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.

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.

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.

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. Unfortunately, believers in the Church are using God’s grace as a ticket to sin freely. The author insists that Christians must defend the true Gospel aggressively for the sake of the church’s well-being.

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 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.