The Advent season is a time of hope and expectation, as we look forward to the coming of the Savior. Jesus is the ultimate fulfiller of all God's covenant promises, and his birth in Bethlehem brought light and salvation to the world. Through faith, we can inherit the covenant blessings that God has promised to Abraham and his descendants, and we can experience the love and forgiveness that comes from God. Jesus is the solution to the theological conundrum of the Old Testament, where God's guarantee of the covenant was dependent on human obedience. He is the God-man who keeps both sides of the covenant, upholding God's guarantee and fulfilling Abraham's obligations. In Him, we are secure in the covenant love of God forever, and we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and promises. [... more]

Mary's song, the Magnificat, celebrates the Providence of God, highlighting His sovereignty, mercy, and judgment. It emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly to Abraham and his seed, and contrasts the rich who are self-sufficient with the poor who are dependent on God's mercy. [... more]

God's covenants are agreements between two or more persons, often involving oaths, laws, animal sacrifices, blessings, and curses. These covenants are a fundamental aspect of biblical theology, with various types, including the covenant of redemption, covenant of works, and covenant of grace. [... more]

Mary's song, the Magnificat, is a powerful expression of thankfulness to God for his mindfulness, might, and mercy. As she sings, she reflects on God's promises to Abraham and the fulfillment of those promises in Jesus' birth, revealing God's greatness in his intimacy with humanity. [... more]

The Christmas story begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. Zacharias and Elizabeth, an elderly couple, are chosen by God to be the parents of John. Their story teaches us about the importance of faithfulness, prayer, and spiritual gifts. We learn that God can take ordinary people and do amazing things through their lives if they will dedicate themselves to Him. Ultimately, God's plan is for Jesus Christ to come into our hearts and lives, forgiving our sins and giving us the certainty of heaven. [... more]

God's covenant promise to Abraham was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to establish a new covenant with humanity, assuming responsibility for our lives, pardon of sins, provision, protection, and eternal future. [... more]

Solomon explores the theme of wisdom in Ecclesiastes 7, discussing how it helps us navigate life's complexities and avoid extremes of self-righteousness and wickedness. He emphasizes the importance of humility, discernment, and trusting God, and highlights the benefits of wisdom, including living uniquely, making decisions correctly, and living more graciously. [... more]

The people of Israel are called to look back on God's faithful provision and protection during their 40-year journey in the wilderness, and to recognize His heart for them. God wants their hearts, not just conformity to a standard, and He desires to be their sustenance and security, providing for them in every step of their journey. [... more]

God calls the children of Israel to look backward and see his faithful provision and protection, reminding them that they have not reached this place in their own strength but because of his loving purpose. As they stand on the cusp of a new life in the promised land, Moses ratifies the covenant and warns them of the consequences of turning away from the Lord, emphasizing the choice of life or death that lies before them. [... more]

Abraham's kind of faith is the kind that laughs at impossibilities and stands on the promises of God, even when all physical evidence says it cannot be. This kind of faith is the foundation of our salvation and is the key to overcoming doubt and unbelief. [... more]

The Bible presents two choices: life and good or death and evil. Without God, one will experience emptiness, but surrendering to God brings life and joy. Everyone worships something, and the question is, what or who is one's master, and will it be the benevolent sovereign creator or a created object that consumes? [... more]

The human heart tends to forget God when feeling sufficiently supplied, leading to complacent cravings and a self-focused life, whereas grateful contentment leads to an outward focus and worshiping the infinite sovereign creator. [... more]

The concept of a conditional covenant is presented, where obedience is contingent upon flourishing as a people and longevity in the land. If one forsakes God, they will face disaster, including social, familial, economic, and physical consequences. The illustration of a branch severed from a tree highlights humanity's propensity for self-destruction when they abandon God's gracious care. [... more]

The story of the Philistine nation's encounter with the Ark of the Covenant serves as a backdrop to explore the concept of God's sovereignty and providence. The Philistines' attempt to understand the cause of their calamities leads them to question whether God is in control, ultimately revealing their own atheistic worldview. This narrative highlights the distinction between theism and atheism, emphasizing that if God is not sovereign, He is not God. [... more]

Abraham's faith is a model for believers, demonstrating that salvation comes by grace through faith, not by ritual or law. He is the father of all who believe, regardless of ethnicity or ancestry, and his story shows that faith is the same for all people, whether looking forward to a coming Redeemer or looking backward to Jesus' sacrifice. [... more]

God's ways are not man's ways, and His presence is what gives us victory. The story of Joshua and Rahab teaches us about the courage of faith and how God's plan is often unexpected. Rahab, a prostitute, heard about God's power and believed, and her faith was rewarded when she was spared from destruction. Her story is a reminder that no matter how low we've been, there's no limit to how high we can go when we trust in God. [... more]

Moses presents the people with two choices: to follow God and find life and peace, or to find their master in something else, leading to death and misery. The blessings for God's people to thrive and flourish are contingent upon their obedience to God's commands. [... more]

The Bible warns that sin is self-destructive and leads to disastrous judgment, making individuals stupid and inviting disaster in their lives. Rich Powell explores eight categories of curses in Deuteronomy 27, including idolatry, dishonoring parents, greed, exploiting a neighbor's disability, perverting justice, sexual perversion, indifference to another's life, and moral indifference. He emphasizes that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, and invites listeners to build an altar in their lives where God's law is written on their hearts. [... more]

When life gets unclear, praying with clarity is key. Dr. Tony Evans shares how God's people can move forward when their foundations shift, and how faith and obedience turn his promises from what's in our grasp to what's in our hand. He takes us to the opening chapters of Judges to show how God's people can overcome challenges and stay true to God's truth. [... more]

The choice of life or death is a solemn pronouncement of identity, declaring individuals as God's people, with implications on their life and behavior. The ratification of the covenant in Deuteronomy 27 emphasizes the importance of following God's law and remembering His grace and love. [... more]

God's laws in Deuteronomy 25 were given to Israel to promote human flourishing by removing the obstructions of cruelty and repression. When we become aware of God's work for human flourishing, our hearts will be drawn to praise. We are called to worship in a way that remembers God's faithfulness, redemption, and goodness, and to invoke the terms of the covenant by obeying God's voice with all our heart and soul. [... more]

The story of Joshua and the Gibeonites serves as a lesson in discernment and spiritual warfare. Joshua's failure to investigate the Gibeonites' intentions and his reliance on superficial inquiries led to a covenant being made with them, which ultimately resulted in the Israelites being deceived. This story highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all matters, especially in times of war and spiritual conflict. [... more]

God's laws in Deuteronomy 25 and 26 were given to Israel to promote human flourishing by removing the obstructions of cruelty and repression. The laws protect and provide for a widow without children, defend against cruelty in conflict, and prevent dishonesty in commerce, all to ensure the continuation of God's family name and the redemption of humanity. [... more]

The book of Job is a complex and ancient text that explores the nature of suffering and God's sovereignty. Written around 2200 BC, it delves into the human experience of pain and questions the idea that God blesses people based on their righteousness. The book's sophisticated language and genres, including narrative, dialogue, and poetry, demonstrate its literary merit and challenge modern assumptions about history and the Bible. [... more]

Biblical love, or agape, is a steadfast and enduring quality that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. It never fails and is the supreme quality that characterizes the love of Christ. Through the study of 1 Corinthians 13, we can learn what true love really is and how it can be demonstrated in our lives, even in the face of challenges and difficulties. [... more]

Dr. Julie Slattery discusses the importance of surrendering one's sexuality to God, the role of covenant in marriage, and the impact of trauma on sexual struggles. She emphasizes the need for Christians to understand God's design for human flourishing and the purpose of sexuality, and to approach conversations about sexuality with sensitivity and compassion. [... more]

True love is not captivated by sin, but rather delights in the truth. It doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, applaud sinful behavior, or delight in repeating sinful deeds. Instead, it rejoices with the truth and is deeply concerned with the advancement of the gospel and the pure and holy reputation of Jesus Christ. [... more]

The laws in Deuteronomy 19-20 are rooted in the sanctity of life and the concept of redemption, emphasizing the importance of justice and the dignity of humanity as image-bearers. These principles, established by God, are not just ancient laws but continue to influence modern society, as seen in the example of taking care of workers. Israel's unique relationship with the living Creator and their understanding of humanity's value are key factors in shaping these laws. [... more]

Naomi and Ruth, two women of radical faith, stand at a crossroads in their lives, choosing to trust God and follow His plan, even when the outcome is uncertain. Their story teaches us about the importance of covenant love, divine providence, and radical living faith, and how God always blesses a life of trust and obedience. [... more]

In the midst of a sinful city, a church was formed with redeemed, liberated, and forgiven sinners who had come to faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul wrote to them about the importance of true love, which is described as selfless, committed, and willful love that places value on the beloved, regardless of their worthiness. This type of love is the foundation of the gospel and is essential for living a holy life for Christ. [... more]

The Levites, under the Old Covenant, were set apart to minister in the name of the Lord, receiving their inheritance and sustenance through the offerings of God's people. This concept is echoed in the New Covenant, where believers are called to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, and are considered a royal priesthood, with God as their inheritance. [... more]

Dr. Abadan Shah explains God's sovereignty in choosing Israel, using the examples of Moses, Pharaoh, and Jeremiah, and how this relates to God's plan for the Jewish people and the coming of the Messiah. [... more]

The personal relationship with God was promised in the Old Testament, but it's something that we possess today through Jesus Christ. The writer of the Hebrews begins by looking at the promises in the Old Testament, including the promise to Abraham and the precedent set by Melchizedek, a priest of the Most High God. We see a shadow of Jesus in the perfection demanded by the law, the prophecies, and the symbols of service in the tabernacle. Jesus is enough to take us and bring us into God's presence, having finished his Father's work and sitting down, having completed what his Father had set up for us to come into His presence. [... more]

David's life is examined for its faith, with three examples of respectful faith in his relationship with Saul, and one example of corrected faith in transporting the Ark of the Covenant. David's actions demonstrate his obedience to God's word, even when it's difficult, and his willingness to wait for God's timing, rather than taking matters into his own hands. [... more]

The new covenant includes a mystery revealed to the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. This mystery is the result of salvation, the completed work and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The prophets inquired and searched diligently for the grace that should come unto us, and now it is possible for the whole world to have a personal and eternal relationship with Jesus Christ. [... more]

Joshua's leadership and dependence on God led to the Israelites' victory in the promised land. He circumcised the second generation of Israelites, remembered God's faithfulness, and met Jesus in a Christophany. This encounter with God's presence and power prepared them for the challenges ahead, demonstrating that dependence on God is key to achieving victory and success. [... more]

Jesus declares himself the light of the world, guiding and protecting those who follow him, and warns that without faith, people will die in their sins. He explains that his light is a package deal with life, and that he is the new glory cloud, leading people through the wilderness of life, comforting them in darkness, and shielding them from enemies. Jesus' words form both an invitation and a warning, and he challenges his followers to walk in the light, share the light, and come to the light for eternal life. [... more]

The Bible teaches that abortion is a clear violation of God's command to not murder, but it is also forgivable upon repentance. Christians must stand for truth, but also love their enemies and pray for them. The church has temporarily taken the place of Israel in God's covenant, but the Jewish people are still under the curse of the law for rejecting Jesus. The Bible predicts the coming repentance of the Jews in the last days, and God still loves them and has not abrogated the covenant. [... more]

Ron Blue shares lessons from his own journey from Wall Street to biblical stewardship, emphasizing how recognizing God's ownership of our finances transforms our lives and relationships. He discusses the importance of setting financial finish lines, establishing a lifestyle, and living with financial margin. Blue also addresses how biblical financial principles can improve communication in marriage and how God uses money to test and build faith. [... more]

Elijah confronts the people with apathy and false religion, challenging them to make a choice between the God of Israel and the gods of Balaam. He proposes a contest for fire, where the God who answers by fire will be recognized as the true God. Elijah repairs the altar, follows God's word, and prays for God to reveal Himself as the one true God, demonstrating servant leadership and humility. [... more]