We recently began a study on the book of Jude in our Wednesday evening class. One of the main themes of this short book is contending for the faith (Jude 3). One way we do that is by how we live our lives and this would include how we use our words. The uncontrolled tongue…

In 1 Peter 2:13-17 Peter, inspired by God, told his original audience to submit themselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority. Did Peter mean that they should submit to those authorities in any and every situation regardless of the order? What were the principles behind Peter’s God-inspired words in this passage? Oppressed people…

The book of Jude is one chapter, 25 verses, and packed full of information. It was originally written as a sermon/letter to be read aloud in the congregation. The original audience were probably Hebrew Christians located in the region of Asia Minor. Jude wanted to write about the salvation that he shared with his brethren….

Even though she was a foreigner, Ruth showed herself a model Israelite woman: humble, thankful, hard-working, and deeply loyal to those she loved. Ruth never complained about her circumstances or hardships, rather she responded with gratitude when anyone showed kindness to her. In the end she proved that character counts more than circumstances. Jesus said…

Jeremiah 1:8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. The ever increasing pressure of living in turbulent times only clarified things for Jeremiah. On a daily basis he witnessed how evil and twisted the human heart could be. His culture, which once loved the…

Jude wanted to write about the salvation that he shared with his brethren. The NIV says he was very eager to do that. He wanted to be positive and write about good stuff. However, because false teachers were circulating bad theology, he found it necessary, he felt compelled, to alert and awaken fellow Christians. He…

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. At the time the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, it is believed by most commentators that he was imprisoned in…

Though 3 John is the smallest book in the Bible we should not underestimate the importance of what is communicated, especially about leadership. In fourteen short verses John, led by the Spirit and inspired by God, paints three portraits of leadership, two good and one bad, each accentuating the witness of that character. This letter…

2 Chronicles 32:7-8 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us…

The letter John wrote to the elect lady and her children was short and to the point. He was impressed with the testimony of their lives and their commitment to abiding in the truth. It is evident that John desired to encourage them in the faith, seeking to equip them to continue their stand for…