The author, the Apostle John, calls himself “elder.” John was a leader in the Church and now is over 90 years of age. He is writing the letter to an “elect lady” (the church) he regarded highly and whom he is impressed with her testimony (v. 1). For all …
Paul points out that the Corinthian church was guilty of the same sins that the Jews committed…
In this passage the psalmist describes Israel’s condition. They were like a people who sit in prison. This confinement may be a result of the actual treatment of captives by the Babylonian and Assyrian soldiers. The cell is dark and the threat of execution hangs over them. They a …
In the closing verses of this chapter, Isaiah speaks of the destruction of Babylon. The city of ancient Babylon was a magnificent place, covering over 100 acres that was surrounded by a double walled system of defense. History reveals that the walls were 85 feet thick and …
Christians who are doing anything for Christ must learn how to deal with many kinds of rejection. One rejection can tip the scales weighted with hundreds of affirmations. Satan’s trick is to get our mind so occupied with a rejection that we forget all about the good things that are happening. Paul …
In this chapter we shift our thoughts back to Israel (v. 1). Jehoahaz, in the family of Jehu, comes to the throne and reigns for 17 years. It says that he followed the sins of his father by continuing the religious system established by Jeroboam (v. 2). Because of this sin, the …
Jesus knew that they would not accept His testimony alone. The Old Testament law required two or three witnesses for a man to be found guilty (Deut. 17:6). Therefore, Jesus supplied actional witnesses. His witness were (1) Himself (vv.30-31), (2) John the Baptist (vv. 33-35), (3) His works …
Though sexual impurity is a danger to be avoided (verses 3-8), loving other Christians is a practice to be cultivated (verses 9- 12). Christians quickly learn that they have a special kinship with other believers that they do not have with those outside of God’s family. You will e …
This message was given by Jeremiah during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim, the year Nebuchadnezar came to power (v. 1). Jeremiah had been prophesying for 25 years. He had spoken to the people again and again but they had not listened to his warnings to repent (vv. 2-3). God had …
David prepared once again to relocate the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem. He may have chosen to move the ark on a cart the first time (13:7) because it was the method successfully used by the Philistines who were ignorant of God’s word (l Samuel 6:7). However, he learned through Uzziah’s …