Living in the Freedom of the New Covenant
Understanding the Old Testament Part 55 (Gen 15 & Jer 31) When you really understand the New Covenant, it will transform your life, bring you into a new freedom, and enrich your relationship with God. Sadly it is rarely explained, and most Christians are not entirely free from the Old.
Understanding O.T. Prophecies of the Future (Prophets pt.4)
Understanding the Old Testament Part 54 (Various O.T. Prophets) The goal is to help us notice themes when we are reading the O.T. prophets, and capture the hope and excitement of their vision of the future.
Problems with Prophecies Against Other Nations, and some Good Answers (Prophets pt.3)
Understanding the Old Testament Part 53 (Isaiah 15-16; 19-20 & Jonah) On the surface these prophecies against other nations can seem like unrelenting destruction, but on closer inspection there is a surprising revelation of the true heart of God in love and mercy, which culminated in the sending of his own son to die for the sins of his enemies.
Read & Understand the Prophets pt.2 (Isaiah 5)
Understanding the Old Testament Part 52 (Isaiah 5) Learning a few basic ideas about how to read the Prophets can make a huge difference in how well we can understand and connect with the message. Many people today think the Old Testament God is harsh and angry, but a correct reading of Isaiah 5 paints an entirely different picture.
When God doesn’t seem to keep his promises (pt.2)
Understanding the Old Testament Part 51 (1 Kings 22, Ps. 19 & 2 Kings 20) Sometimes we can feel God was leading us, but end up in a bad place. How should we understand this if this happens? and guard against it happening to us?
When God doesn’t seem to keep his promises (pt.1)
Understanding the Old Testament Part 50 (Habakkuk) How is it that the events of our lives don’t always seem to match up with the promises of God? It turns out that this is not just a personal struggle for a few, but one of the central themes of the Bible.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)
This is such an encouraging verse, but it seems to big. What does ‘all things’ include? Learn what it means and how to access this power. (Phil 4:10-19)
The Truth of the Resurrection: Part 2: Jesus is Risen! and what that means for you and me
The Resurrection Part 2 (1 Cor 15-16 +others) We will do some digging and strengthen the roots of our faith in resurrection, then we can enjoy the fruits and feel the richness of the blessing. Here are three roots and three fruits.
The Truth of the Resurrection: Part 1: Convincing Evidence for the Truth above all other Truths
The Resurrection Part 1 (1 Cor 15 +others) The truth of the resurrection is at the foundation of everything we believe. When we see how strongly supported this evidence is, it can be a great encouragement to our faith, our joy and our hope.
The God who Carries us — Isaiah 46
God says, “Even when you have grey hair, I will carry you. I made you and I will support you;” (Is 46:4) Do you believe this, or are you investing everything in the idols of this age which will not be there for you in the end? (Isaiah 46)
A Living Sacrifice — Gaining a clear understanding of one of the key texts in Romans
In two beautifully compact verses, Paul gives us a new “rule of life” for living under the New Covenant and lays a foundation to everything that follows about the gifts of the Spirit. —a perfect summary of what it means to be part of the new people of God. (Romans 12:1–2)
Three Men and an Arrogant Emperor - Daniel 3 and its relevance for us today
Understanding the Old Testament Part 48 (Daniel 3) Let’s take this distant story in a distant land at a distant time under a hot sun, and connect it to us right hear and now in Toronto
-so that it means something very directly and specifically to us.
The God who Offers Attachment
Understanding the Old Testament Part 47 (Jacob, David & Israel) A core teaching of the Bible that is often missed, and that is deeply encouraging.
Why the Story of Naaman is so Disruptive and Challenging
Understanding the Old Testament Part 46 (2 Kings 5) As we dive deeper into this account, we see more and more of the challenges, conceptual reversals and artistry in the narrative composition, with an exciting conclusion.
Stories of God Responding to Prayer
Understanding the Old Testament Part 45 (Gen, Josh, Chron etc.) Seven suggestions about the kinds of prayers that God responds to, based on stories found in the Bible.
The Psalm with No Hope: Psalm 44 - when God doesn’t even seem to be listening
Understanding the Old Testament Part 44 (Psalm 44) The Psalm does not directly provide an answer, but there is an answer which is beyond our dreams.
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.