Often when someone mentions the book of Esther the main point is often God’s providence. I find it ironic that God is not even mentioned in the book while thoroughly teaching us about God’s perfect sovereignty and timing. Continue reading “Esther: a story about responsibilities.”
Roughly twelve years after Ezra had successfully rebuilt the temple and restored the worship of God, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. Together they were a formable team that restored the political and spiritual state of Israel.
Continue reading “Nehemiah: a story about the power of hard work.”
The story of Ezra is an encouraging story about the grace and mercy of God. Continue reading “Ezra: a book about starting over.”
The history of Israel is both an inspiring story of victory and faith and a cautionary tale. Repeatedly they moved from faithfulness to indifference; from outright rebellion to humble repentance. The story of Israel is a single story about a nation who struggles to live in a relationship with the all-powerful God of heaven. Continue reading “Step by Step: an introduction to Ezra and Nehemiah.”
The books of First and Second Chronicles were originally one book. Together they tell the story of God’s people from the earliest of times to the years following the return from exile in Babylonia. Most think they continue the story of First and Second King’s, but it does not. Actually, they lay the foundation for the stories of Ezra and Nehemiah, and as such, are often the among the last books of the Hebrew Scriptures. Continue reading “1 & 2 Chronicles: A story about the lessons learned from history.”
The book of the Kings continues the story from the books of Samuel and is intended to be read as a continuous story. In the Hebrew Bible, the book of kings is a single book with a great message. Within its pages, we read about the death of King David, the reign and death of Solomon, the building of the Temple, and the eventual division of the kingdom. Continue reading “1 & 2 Kings A story about the consequences of unfaithfulness.”
2 Corinthians 9:12-14
“12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.” (Used by permission, ESV)
The main thrust of the story of Second Samuel was covered in our last article on first Samuel. I didn’t realize that I had titled it wrong until I began preparing for today’s article. It should have read “1 & 2 Samuel: a story about the dangers of desire.”
Despite that, I still want to cover some things that I didn’t get to mention in our last article. I want to talk about a couple big lessons learned in Second Samuel. Every book contains great lessons to learn about God and about ourselves. Primarily the Bible is a story about God and how he was working in their lives. Second Samuel is no exception. Within its pages, we learn several powerful lessons about life and our God.
If Second Samuel teaches us anything, it teaches us that God is a faithful and merciful God.
Continue reading “Second Samuel: a story of faith, faithfulness, and failures.”
One of the most intriguing verses for me is Luke 2:52. In this verse, I see Jesus, who is God in the flesh, presented as a real person. He grew in height, in wisdom, and in favor with God and man. For all the power and glory that was His, in the flesh He was just like us. Don’t misunderstand now, I know that Jesus is much more than a mere man, He is God with us, He is the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us. But, in the flesh, He was made just like us. Continue reading “Just like us.”
(Today’s article was inspired by a video and article I read Friday morning)[i].
Talk about an oxymoronic title. The epitome of isolation and loneliness connected with what should be the exact opposite of alone. Continue reading “Lone Wolf Christianity.”
Here is the video of the article I mentioned in the bulletin article.
Here is the article that goes along with it “Dear Millennial, This is why you need the church.”
Have you ever found yourself just worn out leading up to Christmas? Often, we find ourselves in a bad place, spiritually and emotionally, near the end of December. Sometimes it’s because our schedules are crazy, and we don’t have free time to even breath. I hope and pray that you are not having a Christmas season like this, but I know that I have felt that far too often. Continue reading “Finding Joy in Christmas.”
Church, this time of year should fill us with joy and excitement. Our Savior, our great God, came to earth and was born in a nowhere town, to nowhere parents, and spent His life on earth serving people that no one else wanted. He did that for us. He went to a cross and shed His blood because we needed it. It was not because He looked forward to it or that He really needed it, it was for us. Without His birth in accordance with scriptures, we would not have the life of Jesus. We would not have the teachings of Jesus. We would not have His atoning sacrifice, and we would not have our Savior. Continue reading “Christmas: A Time to Rejoice”
The story of First Samuel begins with a godly woman named Hannah and her husband. Her story is one of disappointment, provocation, and an overwhelming desire for a son.
Continue reading “1 Samuel: A story about the dangers of desire.”
In our previous articles, we have looked at the books of Genesis – Judges. Our intent has been gaining better insights into the books and hopefully, inspiring us to read each story with an eye toward their humanity and purpose for us. Continue reading “Ruth: A book of redemption and hope.”
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