A New Beginning - Directions for this New Season of our Lives from Joshua 4 5
Understanding the Old Testament Part 41 (Joshua 4 & 5) This story of a new beginning for Israel has a compelling message for our own lives as we move forward into a new season, with precise New Covenant parallels to the Old Covenant symbols.
Circumcision — A topic you rarely hear explained
Understanding the Old Testament Part 42 (Gen 17, Jer 6,9,31 & Paul’s letters) Circumcision: Meaning, Significance and Practical Insights. When we see how neatly the Old and New Testaments connect together on this issue, it brings such clarity, not only to understanding the Bible, but also our own identity.
Be Strong and Very Courageous
Understanding the Old Testament Part 41 (Joshua 1:1-9) This is an incredible promise, but can we take it personally? If we understand the context, the meaning, and our part in it, the answer is yes! What an encouragement!
A Story in 5 acts, of Attacks and Discouragement turning into Joy
Understanding the Old Testament Part 39 (Ezra) Life can bring discouragements, and Satan loves to pull us away from God. In this extraordinary story from the book of Ezra that is exactly what happened. But what is so encouraging for us is the surprising way that God turned defeat into victory.
The Golden Thread - The Story of the Dragon’s Attacks from Genesis to Revelation
Understanding the Old Testament Part 38 (Gen 3; Luke 24 & Rev 12:4-5) There is a golden thread that runs through the Bible from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation. It is the story of the battle between the Serpent and the line of the promised Saviour, full of drama and climaxes in total victory.
Important things to know about the Birth of Jesus
With all the sentimental caricatures of the birth of Jesus, it’s good to focus on what really happened and why. Even most Christians don’t truly understand why he had to be a human. (Luke 2)
Jesus’ shocking words about the O.T. —The Camel Eternal Life
Understanding the Old Testament Part 37 (Luke 18:18–30) When you see what Jesus is really claiming here, it is both shocking and motiviating. An incredible parable that is often misunderstood.
Profiting from the Prophets
Understanding the Old Testament Part 36 (Isaiah 1 & 2 and Joel) This message aims to help us get more out of reading the Prophetic books in the O.T. by understanding what they are about and how they can speak to us.
Psalm 20 — Poetry with Power
Understanding the Old Testament Part 35 (Psalm 20) We cam understand Psalm 20 at three levels: the Artistry, the Truth it expresses, and the Powerful Message that speaks to our hearts.
The Beauty and Power of Old Testament Poetry
Understanding the Old Testament Part 33 The goal is to give an understanding of how Hebrew Poetry works so we can be better able to take in it’s beauty and power so as to fill us with joy in our amazing God.
Stories of God’s Creativity and Love of Beauty
Understanding the Old Testament Part 33 Sometimes we think of God as being too serious to be interested in beauty. But creating beauty is core to his very nature, and when we do the same, we are being God-like. Yet there in an extra dimension of beauty that comes by the Spirit.
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it
Understanding the Old Testament Part 32 (Psalm 81) God has so much for you, and longs to satisfy you with the very best. So what is stopping him?. The same thing as in Psalm 81 where he longed to bless Israel, but they did not “shema”. This word is the key that will open all the blessings.
The Presence of God, Then and Now
Understanding the Old Testament Part 31 (Psalm 16) Part 1 is the unfolding story of the presence of God with humanity, from the beginnig of Genesis through the Bible. Then the second part in about experiencing him right now, using Psalm 16 as a guide. Come on this journey with us now!
Trusting God in Hard Times - Reading the O.T. in a way that lets it speak truly into our lives: Is. 55
Understanding the Old Testament Part 30 (Isaiah 55:1-13) Have you had times of darkness in your life? We work through how we should read Old Testament passages so that they speak accurately into our situation. God says, “just hold on to me and I will never forsake you”
Stories of Endurance and the Motivations that Got People Through
Understanding the Old Testament Part 30 (Hebreews 11 & 12) From Abraham and Moses to the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment, endurance is a common human experience. The Bible gives us three ways that not only help us endure, but turn it from a negative to a positive experience.
Can God be Trusted in the Darkest Situation? (Isaiah 37)
Understanding the Old Testament Part 28 (Isaiah 36,37) Have you ever been in a situation when it looks like something really bad could happen? We take an example of how to relate Old Testament stories to our own lives in a way that is faithful to the context, and also immensely encouraging!
Hints of the Trinity and Jesus in the Old Testament
Understanding the Old Testament Part 27 (Gen 1; Ex 23; Josh 5; Ps 45 +more) Why did God not tell us everything about himself right at the start? Because it is only in the context of an unfolding relationship that we can begin grasp the richness of who he is. Join us in this exciting journey!
Trusting Jesus in the Storms
Are you going through a storm? This is one of the most encouraging stories I have ever read. Even with little faith you can survive the worst storms in your life. (Mark 4:35-41)
A Surprising Invitation to a Banquet
Do you want to be part of a supernatural kingdom, built in an impossible way? You have to step up to God’s call! Stop telling yourself you are nothing and can’t do anything “I can do all things through him who strengthens me!” (Luke 14:15–24)
Reading the Old Testament in our Devotions
Understanding the Old Testament Part 26 (Luke 24 & Psalm 1) All the Bible is God’s Word, and is beneficial, but different parts have different purposes. Some parts are more suitable for study than devotional reading and we can get discouraged if we make this mistake.