Paul declares that all people—both Jews and gentiles—are under the power of sin and cannot be justified through the Law. Romans 3:9–20 is the conclusion of a longer section of the letter that begins in 1:18. In this section, Paul argues that all people—both gentiles and Jews—have some awareness or knowledge of God, whether through experience of the…

After last week’s study in the beginning of Romans 3, Paul asks a rhetorical question of the Jews dwelling inn Rome: “Are we better than they?” Is God unrighteous because He takes vengeance?

The Bible is clear in declaring the truth about humanity: we are all sinners and held under the dominion of sin. There is nothing righteous in us to commend us to God. Yet it is only when we acknowledge this truth, and divine assessment of us that we can find God's purpose in revealing this to us, and the ultimate solution, salvation through Jesus …

As we ended Romans 2 last week, it was a blistering critique of Judaism, and how it evolved through the years since God gave the Law to Moses. Chapter 3 begins with the question: “What advantage then hath the Jew?” If there is no difference between Gentile behaviors and Jewish, then were the Jews chosen for naught?…

Throughout this section, Paul takes the self-righteous Jew to task. But this text applies to all self-righteous people. Many people think that by keeping the Ten Commandments, they can merit righteousness before God. The problem is that one must do so perfectly one hundred percent of the time. Scripture says, “whoever keeps the whole law but fails …

The message from last week continues, and becomes more personal, more intuitive in its approach to interpersonal behaviors. As Paul continues to address the Romans, we find his Epistle having much in common with the Gospel of Matthew...

Do you believe in a coming day of judgment? The question has been asked many times, and the answers are usually the same. Some of course will answer, “Yes, of course I do.” Most others will answer like this: “I don’t believe a God of love will judge anybody” or “I’m not worried about it because I’m not as bad as others are, in fact I’m a good perso…

Paul’s second chapter of Romans brings home a point that God wants us to recognize, and have it lay in our hearts permanently...

This week, we are looking at verses 18-32 of Romans chapter 1. The title of this morning's message is, "The Road to Idolatry." Idolatry is worshipping something other than the True GOD in the True Way (Leviticus 19:4). Idolatry is the product of rebellion, not confusion. While hearts and minds darkened by sin can’t find God on their own apart from …

As we begin the Epistle of Paul to the Romans today, we must acknowledge that it is a letter to The Church in Rome. Written about 60 A.D., it is a Christian Church in its infant form during the Roman Empire. Later on, the church would grow in its influence and administration. Then 1,000 years after this letter, pride had entered into the Church, an…

When it comes to the most full, direct, comprehensive, and majestic explanation of the gospel, there is no other book in all of Scripture quite like Romans. While we believe all Scripture is breathed out by God; that the Bible is perfect, clear, and totally sufficient for life and godliness; and that every single page reveals the glories of Christ …

As we begin the Epistle of Paul to the Romans today, we must acknowledge that it is a letter to The Church in Rome. Written about 60 A.D., it is a Christian Church in its infant form during the Roman Empire.

The Book of Amos is about the Lord’s expectation of righteousness straight and true – His expectation of righteousness in our individual lives; His expectation of righteousness among the people who know His salvation; and His demand for righteousness and justice in our society at large. This morning, we are going to look at the end of the book, whi…

Think of God’s vantage point from His lofty Throne in Heaven. He sees everything in His Creation, including the several layers of “heavens” in the universe. This is the view God gave to Amos in Chapter 9: The "Long View" of God’s plan for all His creation.

This week our study begins in Amos chapter 8. Amos 8 is a solemn reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and embracing corruption, injustice, and false religious practices. While the judgment pronounced is severe, the underlying message is one of divine justice and a call to righteousness. It underscores the importance …

God’s Word to Amos comes as a lightning bolt. Israel was not prepared for it. It came suddenly and without warning. However, Amos’ previous 7 chapters should have been enough warning. They should have known that there would soon come a change in the weather. . .

This week our study begins in Amos chapter 7. The chapter opens with two symbolic visions received by Amos. In the first, a locust swarm threatens to devour the newly sprouted crops, symbolizing famine and devastation. In the second, a consuming fire engulfs the land, representing the potential destruction of Israel. In both instances, Amos interce…

The Prophet Ahijah appeared suddenly from Shilo with a message from God for King Jeroboam about 985 BC, 200 years prior to today’s passage in Amos 7, But in Amos 3:7, it says, “Surely the Lord will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.” The prophecy of which we speak in Amos 7, is found in our reading this morning,…

Amos 6 is a somber reminder that complacency, pride, and indifference towards the suffering of others are not traits of God's faithful people. As believers, we are called to live humbly, seek justice, and maintain a compassionate heart, keeping our focus on God and not on materialistic pleasures or self-glorification. These verses call out those wh…

Today we learn of those that lived in Zion, living “at ease.” But from a Biblical perspective, they might as well have “fallen out.” They were not living circumspectly, but for their own personal pleasures. The walls were either not watched, or the alarms went unheeded.

An age of luxury and excess reigned, with commerce flourishing and riches overflowing. Both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah lived in peace with the surrounding nations. Instead of fighting with their enemies, their wealth and energy were used to build and develop their kingdoms. Their cities expanded with their newf…

“Hypocrites!” Jesus called out. He called them whited seplkers, only half-heartedly living the Law; blind guides they were, unclean, and engaged in building great tombs to the prophets that their forefathers had killed, and they themselves garnishing the tombs of the righteous. Jesus described them as straining at a gnat yet swallowing a camel. He …

This week, our study begins in Amos chapter 5. Amos 5 is a timeless call for repentance and loving God, obedience, and authentic worship and personal holiness. To hate evil and love what is good. It admonishes against complacency in religious rituals, underscoring the need for a genuine and deep-rooted commitment to God's commandments and principle…

God’s admonishment towards all Israel continues as we go through Chapter 5 of Amos; and it comes with encouraging words and direction.

Amos 4 opens with a scathing address to the “cows of Bashan,” a metaphor for the arrogant and self-indulgent women who exploit the poor. Amos condemns their luxurious lifestyle built upon the suffering of others. He warns them that their wealth and comfort will be stripped away, and they will be carried off into exile. The focus then shifts to the …

The word “kine” in the Bible are the cows and heifers of God which graze on a thousand hills. And Baw-shawn is the region east and north of the Sea of Galilee. It brings to mind a pastoral scene of peace and tranquility. Today’s passage however brings a different image to mind from the peaceful country scene we might have imagined. While the cattle…

Amos 3 stands as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with being chosen by God. It calls us to consider the consequences of our actions, the importance of obedience to God's word, and the value of heeding prophetic warnings. Although it highlights divine judgment, it also underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteous…

In John 15:15, we read the words of Jesus to His Apostles: “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” Amos 3 holds a surprise for us in verse 7 of today’s chapter. “… God will do nothing, but He reveal…

This week, we are in chapter 2 in the book of Amos. Amos chapter 2 continues the prophecies against the nations around God’s People, but God quickly turns His attention towards His own people who will not escape His wrath for their many horrific sins. Notice that the language from Amos 1 continues… the metaphor about “three transgressions… for four…

The judgments continue and come home to roost upon Judah in chapter 2 of Amos. But before we get there, the chapter begins with the three transgressions of Moab. . .

Amos is a shepherd and a fruit picker from the Judean village of Tekoa when God calls him, even though he lacks an education or a priestly background. Amos' mission is directed to his neighbor to the north, Israel. His messages of impending doom and captivity for the nation because of her sins are largely unpopular and unheeded, however, because no…

Amos’ prophecy is addressed to the Northern Tribes. In Israel’s west bank, we find a town named Balata, a suburb of Nablus in the disputed Palestinian territory. It is in Balata that we find the Well of Jacob. It has been a Holy Site since the days of Constantine, protected under the walls and ceiling of a Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Only Christians …

Joel 3⁠ begins with a promise of restoration and then proceeds to a legal scene in which God produces evidence against the nations which will result in their judgment. As you read, keep in mind that this climactic judgment scene describes events that will take place in the last days. The Messiah will reign from Mount Zion in Jerusalem. As someone h…

All of Joel is prophetic. Some have been fulfilled already, lending to God’s plans revealed through Joel’s writings. He is a true prophet. The parallels to current events are many, and Joel’s prophetic Word is fulfilled now. “Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither you have sold them, and will return your recompense upon your own head.” …

We all live in a world that is becoming more and more anti-God and it is ripe for judgement. If you haven't noticed you haven't been paying attention! Joel's message to Judah (and to us) is reaching its conclusion. For the past few weeks, we've been looking at the prophecies of Joel, and have examined the conditions of the 'day of the Lord' that ar…

With Israel’s ultimatum being laid out in last week’s text, Israel must decide FOR the Lord God Jehovah if they are to receive of God’s favor.

In the passage we are studying today (2:14-29), we see God reversing the pain and misery that he earlier brought upon the disobedient children of Israel, and warned would be worse if there were no repentance. Even in the midst of judgment, the opportunity to repent was given. If the people would demonstrate genuine repentance, the Lord stood ready …

As Joel warns of an invading enemy coming to conquer His people, God lays out an ultimatum for the Jews in the passage today: “Deliverance for obedience.” It is a call for them to return unto Him, if they are to survive and remain in good standing with God. His agape’ is not at risk; it’s because of His agape’ that He makes this offer to them.…

As we finish up chapter one and begin chapter two in the book of Joel this week, we find the prophet Joel, who was as a spiritual watchman over Judah, pleading with the nation to repent. In Joel 2:12–19, he pleaded with the nation to turn to the Lord in genuine repentance as the only way to avoid the devastating destruction of the coming “day of th…

The prophet Joel functioned as a spiritual watchman over Judah. In Joel 2:12–19, he pleaded with the nation to turn to the Lord in genuine repentance as the only way to avoid the devastating destruction of the coming “day of the Lord” (Joel 1:15). The prophet’s call began like so: “‘Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, w…

We are beginning our study from the book of Joel. The overriding theme of the Book of Joel is the Day of the Lord, a day of God’s wrath and judgment. It's importance to the canon of Scripture stems from its being the first to develop this oft-mentioned biblical theme. While Obadiah mentioned the terrifying event first (Obadiah 15), Joel’s book give…

As we embark on a study of the Prophet Joel, Judah, the setting for the book, is devastated by a vast horde of locusts. This invasion of locusts destroys everything—the fields of grain, the vineyards, the gardens and the trees. Joel symbolically describes the locusts as a marching human army and views all of this as divine judgment coming against t…

This week's study is from the third epistle of John. Third John was one of five New Testament books written by the apostle John. This is the last of his three letters in the New Testament. It was written to a man called "the wellbeloved Gaius," a believer who was an early church leader (3 John 1:1).While Gaius was dealing with certain troubles in h…

Today we study a most personal letter from John to a fellow believer. It reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s letter to Philemon, regarding Onesimus; full of love, and hope for personal and spiritual growth for both of them. John’s well-beloved Gaius received this personal letter that was deemed important enough to be included in the Cannon of the Bibl…

This week we are in the second epistle of John, sort of a continuation of the overall theme of 1 John, a "recall to the fundamentals of the faith," adherence to the truth (v. 4), love (v. 5), and obedience (v. 6).John continues to remind believers of the fundamental truths of Christianity, while warning them of the dangers of deception. In his seco…

In Galatians 1:6-9 we learn how to test the teachings of others. It is a test to the authenticity of any “new” doctrine. If it is not already in the Bible, believers are to be suspicious of it, and search the scriptures like a Berean (Acts 17:10-11).

This week we are picking up our study of 1 John 5 from verse 10. In this final section of 1 John (5:13-21), John the things every believer can and should know. Seven times the word know appears. Christianity is not an “I hope so” or “I think so” faith. It is an “I know so” faith because what has been revealed in the Bible was given to us by God, a …

The Apostle John began making his point in the beginning of this Epistle, and now he drives the point home for us in this second half of 1 John 5. From “whosoever” meaning me, to an “assurance” of salvation if we believe.

1 John chapter 5 emphasizes the believer's ability to "overcome" the world (1 John 5:1–5) through the power of Christ. Overcomers are those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. The term witness is the theme of verses (6-12). The passage concerns the witness or testimony of God and the Spirit to the world regarding the great truth of the deity o…

Genesis 12:1–3 introduces the beginning of God's relationship with Abram; this is the earliest history of the nation of Israel. Without any recorded preamble, God shows up in Abram's life with a command to go away from where he is to an unnamed place. In the going, God promises to make Abram a great nation, to bless him, to give him a great name, a…