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The Malady of Loneliness (2 of 4)

Focus Text: Galatians 6.1-3

Who needs help? The plain fact is: We all do! That was the principle behind God’s creation of woman, i.e. to be a helper suitable for man. As much as we might like to believe and/or have others believe to the contrary, no one is entirely sufficient in and of him or herself. The strongest man and the strongest woman – both need help from time to time.

The principle of fellowship involves helping; it involves more but certainly helping one another is included. The New Testament is replete with examples…  ( Click for more )

Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (9 of 10)

Focus Text: Isaiah 53.10-12

Isaiah’s real hope for Israel was his hope for the Messiah. Like Paul of the New Testament, Isaiah knew that “the hope of Israel” (Acts 28.20) rested entirely upon the coming of Messiah. Isaiah drew word pictures of The Christ, pictures which revealed somewhat of His character, His ministry, and His effect upon man’s fallen state. Study with me as we focus on a few of these word pictures in today’s devotional.

“He [Messiah] will feed His flock like a shepherd; He…  ( Click for more )

Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (8 of 10)

Focus Text: Isaiah 7.14

Isaiah was a prophet with sustaining hope. He had hope for himself, hope for Israel, hope for other nations, and most importantly, he had hope for the coming Messiah. Isaiah’s work contains faint images as well as explicit descriptions of the Coming One throughout his book. To state it succinctly, Isaiah was a prophet who had great Messianic hope and he expressed that hope to any and all who would listen to his words. Today and tomorrow’s message will briefly survey a couple of Isaiah’s…  ( Click for more )

Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (7 of 10)

Focus Text: Isaiah 1.2-7

Personal integrity cannot exist without a great spirit of conscientiousness; Isaiah possessed both of these qualities in great abundance. His desire to see men come to the LORD and be obedient to Him was not an artificial desire parroted by a mime; it was a heartfelt message rooted in his love for God and love for his fellowman. What else would prompt a man to speak with such candor, fervor, and with such perpetual hope and freshness? We will briefly note Isaiah’s integrity and his conscientious spirit…  ( Click for more )

Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (6 of 10)

Focus Text: Isaiah 38.1-3

How could one think, study, speak, or write about Isaiah without considering his extraordinary courage? His courage is implied by the length of time he persevered in delivering God’s word to his countrymen as well as in specific deeds during his ministry. Today’s message will look at the courage of Isaiah as it related to a specific act done during his ministry.

In our western culture, we find it hard to recognize the ruthless power that the kings of old wielded. Their ungodly and cold-blooded…  ( Click for more )

The Malady of Loneliness

Focus Text: Genesis 2.18-25

This article is written with the full recognition that there is a vast difference between being alone and being lonely. However, there was a reason that God recognized from the beginning that it was not good for man to be alone (see Genesis 2.18). There are a number or reason for that recognition, but among them was the desire to prevent loneliness as a way of life for man. With these brief observations at hand, we now begin a Monday series that looks at loneliness, its cause(s), and its cure(s).

Man is destined to…  ( Click for more )

Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (5 of 10)

Focus Text: Isaiah 55.1-7

Reconciliation is a beautiful and comforting word. It implies two or more parties who have been alienated in some way. It also speaks of willing hearts and minds that are intent on finding a solution to their problems.

In a context of spiritual matters, it speaks of restored fellowship between God and man. In an even larger religious context, reconciliation means salvation from eternal punishment. One who is familiar with the book of Isaiah might be surprised that the word reconciliation does not appear…  ( Click for more )

Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (4 of 10)

Focus Text: Isaiah 6.8-13

Isaiah had a “hard row to hoe” as we noted in an earlier message. In his role as a prophet of God, Isaiah’s ministry spanned about half a century. With apparently sparse results, Isaiah continued to proclaim God’s message with all the vigor that his body could muster. His words were and are a clarion call to truth and personal accountability. Surrounded by a nation saturated with materialism and secularism, Isaiah was the epitome of perseverance. If Isaiah expected an easier assignment,…  ( Click for more )

Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (3 of 10)

Focus Text: 2 Kings 19.1-4

“And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it [the threatening message from the king of Assyria], that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. Then he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. And they said to him, ‘Thus says Hezekiah: “This day is a day of trouble, and rebuke, and blasphemy; for the children have come to…  ( Click for more )

Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (2 of 10)

Focus Text: Isaiah 55.7-11

Citing the third paragraph of yesterday’s message - Isaiah’s “call” went like this: “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!’…  ( Click for more )

Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament (1 of 10)

Focus Text: Isaiah 6.1-7

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia’s article on Isaiah begins with this opening paragraph: “Of all Israel's celebrated prophets, Isaiah is the king. The writings which bear his name are among the profoundest in all literature. One great theme--salvation by faith--stamps them all. Isaiah is the Paul of the Old Testament.” Following their lead, we have styles this mini-series, “Isaiah, Paul of the Old Testament.”

That Isaiah was a true prophet of Jehovah is a fact…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (10 of 10)

Focus Text: 2 Peter 3.14-18

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation——as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (9 of 10)

Focus Text: 1 Peter 5.1-4

Part of Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost went like this: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know —— Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (8 of 10)

Focus Text: 1 Peter 5.1-4

Like other first century writers, Peter had a great hope which sustained him, and that hope was absolutely not the hope “of this world.” Rather, he considered himself and other believers to be “sojourners and pilgrims.” (see 1 Peter 2.11). In a context related to leadership Peter wrote, “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (7 of 10)

Focus Text: 1 Peter 4.3-5

Peter was not one given to abiding in error; he made errors but he did not stay in them; his heart, once convicted of its wrongs, was quick to change and return to the path of right. Jesus knew this about him when He called him. Jesus knew this about him when He rebuked him as recorded in Matthew 16.22-23. Jesus knew this about him when He warned him of the denial that would take place just prior to His crucifixion. In short, Jesus knew Peter inside and out!

Some men find it…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (6 of 10)

Focus Text: John 1.41-42

In a very real sense, each one of us is a work in progress. So was Peter, especially when the following exchange took place: “‘Most assuredly, I [Jesus] say to you [Peter], when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him,…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (5 of 10)

Focus Text: John 18.8-11

Today we continue to examine the impulsive nature of Simon Peter.

“Jesus answered, ‘I have told you [the arresting soldiers] that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way, that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”’ Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (4 of 10)

Focus Text: Matthew 17.1-6

Some people epitomize certain traits. If you look in the dictionary under rich you might find Bill Gates’ picture; if you look under genius you might find Einstein’s picture; if you look under impulsive, you might find Peter’s picture (laugh here!). That’s what I mean when I say that some people epitomize certain traits; Peter epitomized impulsiveness! We will look at two events (one today; one tomorrow) involving Peter’s impulsiveness during the earthly…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (3 of 10)

Focus Text: Galatians 2.11-16

Three selected events speak of Peter’s penitent and pliable spirit; our study today will take a quick look at these three occasions and draw a practical conclusion from them.

The first event came on the heels of a great compliment paid to Peter; Jesus had just pronounced a blessing upon Peter due to his recognition of the fact that Jesus was the Messiah (see Matthew 16.13-18 & Mark 8.27-30). Almost immediately Jesus began to tell His disciples of the unjust fate that…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (2 of 10)

Focus Text: Acts 4.10-13

Of all the attributes that might be assigned to Peter, it is doubtful that anyone acquainted with him ever accused him of being timid! When questions were asked, he seemed to always have an answer. When a task needed to be done, he always seemed to be willing to do it. When risks were to be taken, he usually seemed willing to take the risk. We will explore some particular events of his life that illustrate just how bold he could be.

Perhaps one of the better known examples of Peter’s…  ( Click for more )

Simon Peter – Prominent Prophet of the Apostles (1 of 10)

Focus Text: John 1.41-42

We introduce Peter with an excerpt from an article as it appears in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: “He [Simon Peter] has been styled the prince of the apostles, and, indeed, seems to have been their leader on every occasion. He is always named first in every list of them, and was their common spokesman. He was hopeful, bold, confident, courageous, frank, impulsive, energetic, vigorous, strong, and loving, and faithful to his Master notwithstanding his defection…  ( Click for more )

Malachi - Prophet of God’s Love – Past, Present, and Future (3 of 3)

Focus Text: Malachi 3.1-5

“‘Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,’ Says the LORD of hosts. ‘But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire And like launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He…  ( Click for more )

Malachi - Prophet of God’s Love – Past, Present, and Future (2 of 3)

Focus Text: Malachi 2.1-9

The LORD is a God of love – past, present, and future! That was Malachi’s burden and he provided proof of the same through his ministry. Notice how Malachi affirmed God’s present love for Israel.

“‘And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, And if you will not take it to heart, To give glory to My name,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘I will send a curse upon you, And I will curse your blessings.…  ( Click for more )

Malachi - Prophet of God’s Love – Past, Present, and Future (1 of 3)

Focus Text: Malachi 1.1-5

Malachi’s burden [task] was to show that Jehovah, Israel’s God, was a God of love – past, present, and future. To successfully accomplish his task, the prophet began with an assertion: “‘I have loved you,’ says the LORD.” (Malachi 1.2a). But given the circumstances, a mere proposition was not enough; Israel needed proof!

“Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ ‘Was not Esau Jacob’s…  ( Click for more )