Preach the Word!

God put Ahasuerus, Esther, and Esther's cousin (and foster-father) Mordecai in place right where He wanted them. They did not yet know the reason, but they could be certain God had His reasons. They were in the right place at the right time. So are we…trust that our God has put us where we are! […]

Whatever else the church in Philadelphia endured, this was a church that held fast to Jesus. As they did, they found that Jesus always held fast to them. The message unto the church of today? Hold fast to Christ! It is good that we started well, but a race is more than about starting; we […]

The book of Esther is about God. No, His name is not mentioned, but by no stretch of the imagination is the book silent regarding His actions. The providence of God is all over these pages, seen from the very beginning as God works His perfect plan through imperfect people, using even the sinful decisions […]

If/when a church leaves its gospel foundation in the pursuit of other things, the church dies. If/when churches leave Jesus, they leave their source of life. Sardis did, and they were condemned as dead. May we never leave our source of life, always keeping Jesus and His gospel as our foundation! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

In the remaining chapters of Ezekiel, the final details of the temple and land of the Millennium are revealed. The main emphasis, however, comes at the very end. What makes this land, this temple, and these sacrifices so special? The fact that the Lord God is among His people! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

The letter to the church in Thyatira reminds us that Jesus in indeed Lord of His church, and He does not tolerate evil within it. If He needs to bring discipline (even harsh discipline), He will. The same Jesus who wouldn't break a bruised reed will also one day rule with a rod of iron. […]

In the vision God gave to Ezekiel of the future Millennial Temple, He showed it in use. It had a function and purpose: it was meant to be a tool for God's people to worship Him. God always wants His people to worship Him, and He always provides a way for them to do it. […]

Those in Pergamos did some things well, but not everything. They were sadly too willing to compromise in important areas, being unwilling to confront things that needed to be confronted. They wanted peace at all costs, even at the cost of purity. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

In this introduction to the final section of the book of Ezekiel, the prophet received his own personal tour of a new temple, escorted by a heavenly messenger sent from God. There, God showed His prophet real things about a real temple in a real land where His people will really dwell. Why is it […]

The church in Smyrna was well-acquainted with suffering, and Jesus assured them that He saw them and knew what they were going through. These were not things to fear, although they were things to expect. But despite these things, Jesus called them to be faithful. He gave them the reward of eternal life, and that […]

The names of Gog and Magog may sound strange to the average person on the street, but they are well known to those familiar with Biblical prophecy. As is His right, God both calls out the enemies of Israel to invade Israel, only to supernaturally destroy these enemies in a powerful demonstration of His loving […]

Does the resurrection matter? Yes! It actually happened, and because the resurrection account in the Bible is real and historically accurate, everything else the Bible says about Jesus is true. Because the evidence shows that the event is real, it means Jesus truly is our Savior. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

To resurrect a nation from the dead would seem to be an impossible thing. And it is impossible, apart from the all-powerful God. For Him, all things are possible, including bringing life from the dead. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

We can get so busy doing things for God that we neglect our love for Him. As Jesus shows the Ephesians, doctrine and deeds are important…but neither is a substitute for devotion. May God help keep our eyes on the big picture! Jesus is central to His church, and our primary job is to love […]

The people of Edom posed a direct threat to the piece of land that God specifically promised to Israel, and God's word to Edom and Israel affirms that His word will always be proven true. What God gave, God would not take away. Praise God for His faithfulness to Israel! It is one more reason […]

Have you ever found yourself taking Jesus for granted? The old saying, “familiarity breeds contempt” is often true. We need to beware the kind of familiarity with the Son of God that would breed contempt for Him, when we take His mercy and grace for granted. The more we remember Him as the God worthy […]

We won't always have the best leaders (either in government or in the church); we do always have our good God. Let us look beyond fallible men, and look to our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

Following his brief prologue, John got to his greeting in v4. In it, he tells us much about what is to come in the rest of the book. This is a book from the glorious God, about the glorious God. May our eyes be on Him and give Him praise! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

In Ezekiel 33, God stated His desire for Israel's repentance. This was what God wanted from His people, and this was why He warned Ezekiel as their watchman to deliver the message – it was what He warned the arrogant still back in the land against – and it was what He warned the hypocrites […]

How do you see the book of Revelation? It is a gift from our Lord God, not only so that we would know the things to expect in the future, but that we would see and glorify our wonderful Jesus! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

In Chapters 31-32, the prophecies against Egypt continue as this general section of prophetic oracles against the nations comes to a close. Three more oracles are provided to Ezekiel, all on very specific dates, each of them sounding God's own warning of judgment soon to come to Egypt. These warnings were not to be ignored! […]

There is quite a bit of confusion when it comes to the Book of Revelation, often due to the different ways people go about studying and interpreting it. Thankfully, many of our major differences from Book of Revelation dissipate when we get on the same page about Bible interpretation. Ultimately, this is a book about […]

We serve and worship the living God! He interacts with real people every day, intervening in the affairs of nations throughout the world, including the former ancient superpower Egypt. God had much to say about this nation, and Ch 29-30 cover only half of it. They had refused to worship God, and they left themselves […]

At the close of the letter of Jude, he exhorts his readers to go all the way till the end. They weren't to stop and rest on their laurels; they were to keep going. What awaited them was wonderful, and God was more than able to ensure they got there, but they weren't to stop […]

In Chapters 27-28, the prophecies against Tyre continue, although they take an unexpected turn, seemingly looking behind the curtain of the earthly realm that we normally see, to the spiritual realm that we do not. In it, we see that pride is a sin that is judged by God. Be it an entire city trusting […]

Jude continues to warn his readers about false teachers, warning them of the various things to look for. As he does, Jude looked at both the Bible and other sources, ultimately pointing his readers back to the trustworthy teaching of the apostles. The more Christians are grounded in apostolic teaching, the better off we will […]

God takes notice of those who build up themselves while tearing down others. This is true both of individuals as well as nations. People groups that boast against the people of God put themselves especially in the crosshairs of God's judgment, for this is according to His ancient promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3. The […]

Jude briefly turned to Hebrew history in his already-brief letter. The people of God had routinely dealt with false teachers in the past. It shouldn't have been surprising for the Christians in the then-present (nor for us today). They could look to their past to see what to expect in the present. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: […]

God held nothing back in either the description of His people's sin, nor in His judgment guaranteed for them. They had acted in terrible ways, committing spiritual harlotry against the God who loved them and who provided for them. Thus, His judgment would consume them. What do we do with difficult chapters such as these? […]

As Christians, is it possible for us to cross God's red-line? Yes. While we cannot sin our way out of God's free gift of salvation, it is possible for us to provoke God's hand of discipline against us. Let us not be those who take the grace of Jesus for granted! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

While the New Testament never tells Christians to come to blows over doctrine (quite the opposite!), it does affirm that there some things worth fighting for. This is especially true when it comes to the gospel and the core doctrines concerning Christ. Christians are to stand the line and contend for the faith. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 […]

No word of judgment is easy to proclaim, and God gave Ezekiel many. Ezekiel had the responsibility to rightly proclaim this judgment, just as the people to whom he preached had the responsibility to believe and respond. This is always the way it is, no matter in what century we live. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

Every local church occasionally has a Diotrephes, even as we pray for more Demetriuses and Gaiuses. How should we handle the former, while seeking to be the latter? This is where we pay close attention to 3 John, particularly in v11: “do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

The problem we often have with mercy is that we don't always appreciate it. God's mercy is always wonderful…but we don't always recognize it. Or, we just assume He will always give it, and we take it for granted. We aren't the only ones. God reminds His people of this in Ezekiel 19-20. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 […]

When John wrote to Gaius, he wrote of that which is true. Gaius walked in the truth – he helped other Christian teachers continue to promote the truth – he lived as an example of how every Christian can walk in truth. The Christian gospel is true…and we can/should base our lives upon it! Apple: […]

Isaiah prophesied good news for Christmas, 700+ years before Christmas! God promised a Child, a Son to be given for us…God Incarnate, encompassing everything that is wonderful about God Himself. He is God – He is King – He is marvelous! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

God used figurative language to help Israel understand they had earned God's just judgment, and also that God's desire for them was their repentance. This is God's desire for all people everywhere! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

There will always be some who try to infiltrate the church and undermine the gospel. Let us be on guard! God has entrusted us with the most valuable news ever to grace the ears of humanity…let us be discerning, beware, and be grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ which saves! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

Anyone can claim to be a Christian; not all claims are true. The words of our mouths only have weight when they are backed up by faith in our hearts. Without true faith (sincere faith), our claims are empty…and God knows. God looks upon the heart, and His desire is to see sincere faith within […]

As the apostle John opened this brief personal letter, he rejoiced to find Christians walking in faithfulness. We who have been saved have been so by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Now, we are determined to be found faithful. God help us keep living faithfully for Jesus! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

Is a little knowledge about spiritual matters a dangerous thing? It is, if it takes away your certainty in Jesus. Thankfully, we don't have to live with that kind of uncertainty. We can know we belong to Christ and we can have blessed confidence in Him. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

Not all of God's lessons are easy, but all of them are good. Through various means, God teaches us to put our eyes on Jesus and to keep our eyes on Jesus, always trusting His word. And this is a lesson we need to learn again and again. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

Do you believe the testimony of God concerning Christ? If you do, you have great confidence of eternal life! If you don't, you don't. But John wants you to have this confident assurance. Better yet, God wants you to have this confident assurance. There is only one thing you must do: believe the testimony of […]

God's people need God's presence. It is how we worship God and serve Him. For the ancient Israelites, the presence of God was about to depart from the temple, but they were not left without hope, because He promised to return to them and dwell among them. Good news for the Christian: He already dwells […]

Do you want to walk in the blessing of God? Do you want power over the world today and confidence for the future? Then do like your Lord Jesus and love other Christians! He has already saved you by His grace; now go and love others like He has loved you! Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ

As God prepared to have His glory leave the Jerusalem temple, He used a spiritual vision to show Ezekiel why He was leaving: the abominations of rampant idolatry. We tend to forget how much God hates idolatry. It is no minor thing to Him; it is an absolute abomination. Thankfully, we have the Lord Jesus […]

As John continues his discussion about love, we see love described in two ways: (1) as a command, (2) as a sign. Why? Because amazingly, God loves *us*. We see the extent of God's love for us when we look at Jesus and the cross. For those of us who believe in Him and confess […]

Jerusalem would go through some very difficult things before they finally learned their lesson. They would face horribly difficult judgments from God, but those very judgments would be the things that would bring them to a true knowledge of God. What might it take for us to know Jesus as the true God? Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 […]

How are we to discern truth from error? How can we tell what is of the Holy Spirit, and what is not? Thankfully, the Bible tells us exactly how we can know what is of God and what is not. Let us be discerning, and by the grace of God, let us test the spirits […]

God did not wait until Jesus' earthly ministry to use parables. In Ezekiel 4-5, we see two visual parables commanded by God to be enacted by the prophet. What were they? Parables of judgment, for God never ignores sin…not even the sin of His own people. Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/preach-the-word/id1449859151?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2aSveQvIs7SPHWB4UcmSUQ