The book of Jeremiah is an interesting and emotional book to read. There are ample reasons why he is called “the weeping prophet.” Continue reading “Jeremiah: a study of repentance and sorrow.”
The book of Isaiah is a favorite of many Christians for good reason. Therein, we learn so much about our God, His character, and His plans for the future. Isaiah is often called the Messianic prophet for good reason. He spoke more about Jesus and the future kingdom of God than anyone else in the Hebrew Scriptures. Continue reading “Isaiah, the Messianic Prophet.”
Up to this point, we have looked at each book of the Bible with the hopes of creating a better understanding of each book. My goal is to create a curiosity within each person that would drive them to read these wonderful books even more. Sometimes these articles have acted as introductions and at other times they were more about helping us to better understand the message of the book. Continue reading “Introduction to the Prophets.”
I truly appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the book of Proverbs. It has been a favorite of mine for many years. Continue reading “Proverbs: God’s wisdom for life.”
For many years, I read the Psalms as historical works of poetry that were theological in purpose. I believed their primary purpose was to reveal something about God. Now don’t misunderstand me; Psalms teaches us a lot about God and our relationship to Him but that is not their purpose. Continue reading “Psalms: a window into the heart of man.”
The story of Job is familiar to most of us. Even those who are not Christians have heard about Job and his story of loss and pain. We, as Christians, have likely read it numerous times, heard Bible classes and sermons about it, and yet, I would contend that there are not many today who truly understand the bigger point of this story. Continue reading “Job: a story about trusting God.”
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 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 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.”
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.”
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.”
Last week we spoke about the book of Joshua. A wonderfully encouraging book filled with stories of victory and courage. There are times when we can relate to Joshua but often we find ourselves more closely connected with the book of Judges. Judges tells us the story of life. A life filled with ups and downs, victories and defeats. An honest and humbling picture of life as we know it.
Continue reading “Judges: a book about the ups and downs of life.”
Up to this point, we have looked at Genesis through Leviticus. I hope each book has helped you learn something important about God and what he wants for you. Genesis is a book of beginnings: the beginnings of us, of sin, and just as importantly; the beginning of God’s love story with us. Exodus is a book of redemption: God redeems his people from sin and self; walks with them and moves heaven and earth for them. Leviticus is a book about relationships: God is a holy and just God who wants to have a personal relationship with his people. Leviticus details how we can approach God and have fellowship with him.
Continue reading “Numbers: a book about God’s faithfulness.”
Today we are going to begin something new with our bulletin articles. We are going to begin a series of articles that starts in Genesis and runs through Revelation. The goal will not be detailed exegetical work but general introductions to each book. Today we will start at the beginning, the book of Genesis. Continue reading “The Book of Beginnings: Genesis”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 