Jonah is really a book about God! While Jonah is often considered a "hero" in children's literature, he really was the reluctant prophet. The greatness of this story is how God does great things despite Jonah. God is willing to save even when we don't think people are worth saving.
Out with the old and in with the new is a popular New Year resolution. That very description could be given to Paul's instructions in Eph. 4:17-32. According to Paul, the only way to start over is to change the way you think. When we do that we will change how we act.
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. Yet, its 21 verses contain an important message. The descendants of Esau, the Edomites, made a number of blunders. This book is the judgment of the Lord concerning them and a reminder for us today to learn from them. Subscribe in iTunes Subscribe on YouTube
At the heart of Philippians is the message "Rejoice in the Lord." Philippians chapter three is really a reminder that Jesus is enough. If you have less than Jesus you don't have enough. If you have more than Jesus you have too much. Subscribe in iTunes Subscribe on YouTube
Amos was no prophet or son of a prophet (Amos 7:14) until he was called by God. Then the shepherd and farmer became the country prophet. His mission was to carry a message of judgment and prophecy to Israel, the northern tribe. He served God faithfully and provides valuable insights for our modern lives today.
It's good to hear a spiritual principle explained, but it's better to see it lived out. That is basically what Phil. 2:1-8 entails. The philosophy of "Joy in Loving" is explained but then Paul adds a face to the teaching in showing them Jesus practicing "Joy in Loving."
The book of Joel is a prophecy in the backdrop of a terrible locust storm that ravaged the land. The prophet Joel uses this natural disaster to discuss the Lord's judgment on sin. In this lesson, we highlight themes of natural disaster, judgment, repentance and eventual hope for those who turn to the Lord.
In this service, we highlight the special nature of serving as a deacon. In Philippians 1:1, Paul names "deacons" as part of God's plan for the church. In the verses that follow, Paul thanks the Christians for their work and remembers their service in the Lord together, which we connect to "joy."
Hosea is a fascinating story about a prophet who literally embodied what Israel's unfaithfulness to God was like. In marrying Gomer, who would become a harlot, and in buying her back, the message is this is what our sin looks like to God and this is what God is willing to do for sinners. It's a powerful message that is foreshowing the Gospel of Christ.
Considering the church is God's household (Eph. 2:19), in the book of Ephesians we might compare Eph. 6 to "The Garage." It's a place to get prepared or geared up to go into the world to face the enemy. Eph. 6:10-24 is like an intelligence briefing for successfully engaging in this conflict.
