Many people are familiar with Psalm 23 and take great comfort in knowing that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Certainly, the Word and Spirit of Jesus (His rod and staff) guide us through this world full of the shadows of valleys of death. But how many of us remember that our Good Shepherd “prepares a … Continue reading A table in the presence of my enemies
Podcast: 1 John 4:5-11
Who does "they" refer to in verse five? What is the source of love? What are the proper definitions of key words from this passage? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23399180
Podcast: 1 John 3:22–4:4
What is God's will for us? How do we test the spirits to see what is from God? Why is that so important in our culture today? How is Biblical Christianity different from every other religion? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23350793
Podcast: 1 John 3:10-21
John continues to go back and forth between the two natures of people. He's not talking about "us versus them," but the two natures--the sinful Adam and regenerated soul--that is in each person. How does that change the way we treat other people? Why does the world hate us, as it says in verse 13? … Continue reading Podcast: 1 John 3:10-21
In the Lions’ Den
Daniel 6 records the fairly well-known history of Daniel in the lions’ den. Consider how the lions’ den anticipated one of the means by which Christians were executed by the Roman Empire. Then consider how being surrounded by hungry lions is an apt parallel to the experience of honest, faithful people in our time. Here … Continue reading In the Lions’ Den
Podcast: 1 John 2:28–3:9
Consider the wonder of being "children of God". What does it mean that whomever has been generated of God cannot sin (verse 9)? This passage continues to consider the relationship between the corrupt human nature and the regenerated soul. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23282852
Podcast: 1 John 2:15-27
What is the difference between what God gives and the things of human invention? What is lust and what is the problem with it? What about the mention of the antichrist, and what is the solution? How do we know all things? What is the anointing that is referenced in verse 27? Do we have … Continue reading Podcast: 1 John 2:15-27
Podcast: 1 John 2:3-14
The word "know" features in the third verse--how is this word correctly defined in the Bible? How do we know love? How are we able to identify wickedness and evil? How does this passage apply to the culture in which we live today? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23234492
Podcast: 1 John 1:8–2:2
When does God forgive our sins? What should be the starting point for our witness to the world around us? How does verse two tie back to the Old Testament and the Ark of the Covenant? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23210390
Tested by fire
The book of Daniel has several great narratives about how those who were honest about dependence conducted themselves in a foreign land with many antagonists lurking about. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were companions of Daniel and enlisted in the service of the king of Babylon (Daniel 3:1-30). Those three men were blessed by God with … Continue reading Tested by fire