Podcasts from Cornerstone Baptist Church of Lafayette, IN.
1 John 2:1-17 addresses believers at various stages of spiritual maturity - children, young men, and fathers - offering tailored encouragement and exhortation. The passage underscores the importance of spiritual growth, steadfastness in faith, and the enduring value of obedience to God.
The passage of 1 John 2:3-11 emphasizes the intimate connection between knowing God and obeying His commands. It challenges believers to align their walk with that of Jesus, stressing that genuine faith is demonstrated through ongoing obedience to God's Word.
The opening chapter of 1 John powerfully establishes the foundation of the Christian faith. John proclaims the eternal Word of life, Jesus Christ, who was from the beginning and yet made manifest in human form.
To close the Minor Prophets Series, the final book of the Old Testament reminds us of God's enduring love for His people, while also giving practical examples of God's expectations for believers in several specific areas of life.
The prophet Zechariah presents a series of vivid visions in his book, highlighting the roles of priest and king, which foreshadow the then coming Messiah who will remove sin. The latter chapters contain oracles that paint a picture of the promised Christ: coming in humility, destined to be pierced, and His return in great power. Zechariah weaves a message of hope and restoration, pointing to God's faithfulness and the future redemption through His chosen servant.
Haggai emphasizes four key themes: prioritizing God's Kingdom over personal comfort, relying on God's power in the face of discouragement, experiencing God's blessing through obedience, and anticipating God's servant. Haggai's message challenges believers to examine their own priorities, trust in God's strength, and look forward to God's faithfulness in fulfilling promises, pointing to the coming of Christ as the true coming of the temple and the source of God's presence among His people.
The book of Zephaniah reveals a profound journey from hopelessness to joy. Beginning with God's severe judgment against sin, Zephaniah warns of the final judgement on the day of the Lord that will bring sweeping devastation. Yet amidst this dire pronouncement, hope is possible to those that seek righteousness. God's love will transform judgment into joy and His people will be renewed in His presence.
In the face of injustice and suffering, Habakkuk wrestles with God, questioning His seeming inaction and the apparent triumph of evil. God responds by affirming His sovereignty, promising judgment on the wicked, and revealing His ultimate plan for redemption.
Solomon writes about wisdom regarding work and diligence, contrasting the behaviors of the sluggard and the diligent. We learn that laziness leads to poverty and shame, while hard work and planning bring honor. Though it is also important to balance diligence with proper rest, working as unto the Lord, and pursuing the ultimate goal of entering God's rest through faith and obedience in Christ.
We explore God's guidance from Proverbs on what wisdom in the family looks like. We learn that children's obedience to their parents brings blessings, while parents are called to be actively involved in teaching and disciplining their children. God also cares for the defenseless and His call for us to protect and support the vulnerable in our families and communities.
Proverbs 5 and related passages address the challenges of maintaining purity in a culture of accessibility and autonomy. It explores God's design for marriage and sex as outlined in Genesis 2, emphasizing the three purposes of sex: procreation, unification, and recreation. For both married and single individuals, it is important to pursue one's spouse and cling to Jesus to maintain purity in accordance with God's plan.
Proverbs addresses the challenges of both poverty and wealth. It warns against dishonest gain and frivolous debt, while encouraging hard work, responsible wealth-building, and care for oneself and others. True financial wisdom lies not in the pursuit of riches, but in setting one's hope in the Lord, as exemplified in 2 Corinthians 8:9, which speaks of Christ's sacrificial giving for our spiritual enrichment.
We explore four key lesson of wise communication given by Proverbs - knowing when to be silent, how to listen, how to speak, and how to remain calm - which lead to knowledge, life, and freedom. Ultimately, we are presented with a choice between the way of the fool and the way of the wise, emphasizing that true wisdom in communication stems from a transformed heart.
Proverbs teaches that food is a gift from God to be enjoyed with thanksgiving, but also with wisdom and self-control, making prudent choices about consumption, avoiding gluttony and drunkenness.
The book of Proverbs provides God's wisdom for cultivating healthy relationships and marriages, contrasting the characteristics of sinful friendships with those that encourage, support, and spur spiritual growth.
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