Podcasts about Habakkuk

Is waiting wearing you down?In this devotional, Megan J. Conner reminds us that God’s delays are not His denials. Drawing from Habakkuk 2:3 and the fruit-bearing seasons of biblical heroes, Megan encourages readers to trust that every season—especially the slow ones—serves a sacred purpose in God’s perfect timing.

When God moves, no power on earth can stop Him. In this stirring message, Pastor Corey Erman declares that no opposition, government, or circumstance can halt what God is doing. Revival is here and nothing can stop the move of God! “I will work a work in your days which you would not believe…” – Habakkuk 1:5To support this ministry and help us reach the nations with revival visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RiverWPB.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or text GIVE and any amount to (855) 968-3708.

This is the second lesson in Dr. Camden Bucey's Reformed Academy course, Defending Our Hope: An Introduction to Christian Apologetics. How do we perceive reality accurately amidst competing perspectives? This lesson examines worldviews and explores how everyone—whether consciously or not—interprets life through fundamental beliefs. You will learn how Scripture, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, serves as a lens bringing spiritual clarity to metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Based on Colossians and the Reformed tradition, we compare the Christ-centered worldview with philosophical approaches grounded solely in human reasoning. This lesson enhances your understanding of worldviews, strengthens your ability to identify inconsistencies in contrary perspectives, and empowers you to articulate a gospel-centered understanding of reality with confidence. 01:30 Viewing the World through the Lens of Faith 03:04 Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Ethics 11:01 Worldviews in Contrast 21:25 The Pre-Eminence of Christ in Colossians 34:04 Seeing Clearly with Biblical Spectacles 37:12 Examples of Worldly Vision 39:48 Summary and Conclusion. Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress, download supplemental resources, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to more than two dozen more video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/defending-our-hope-an-introduction-to-christian-apologetics/ Camden Bucey (MDiv, PhD) is Executive Director of Reformed Forum and a minister of Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Grayslake, Illinois. He is the author of Karl Rahner (Great Thinkers) and Lamentations, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: A 12-Week Study. Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/  #apologetics #evangelism #presupp

Frustration, bitterness, resentment, anger—emotions we rarely associate with our spiritual lives, yet ones that inevitably surface when our expectations collide with reality. What do we do when God feels distant or his timing seems unbearably slow?This episode explores the forgotten art of biblical lament—a practice modeled throughout Scripture that offers us a way forward when we're struggling with difficult emotions toward God. Drawing from Jonah's selfish complaint and David's honest lament in Psalm 13, we discover a crucial distinction that changes everything: while both men brought their complaints to God, only one ended with hope and praise.The biblical pattern of lament includes four essential elements: directly addressing God, honestly expressing our complaints, petitioning for divine intervention, and concluding with an expression of trust. This final component distinguishes true lament from mere complaint, offering us a pathway through our darkest moments."The same storms that terrify the sheep also water the grass." This powerful image captures the heart of biblical perspective—our challenges often contain hidden provisions we can only see when we shift our gaze from inward turmoil to upward trust and outward service. When we find ourselves bitter or resentful, the solution isn't simply to pray differently but to see differently.The sermon reveals how figures throughout Scripture—Job in his suffering, Asaph in his envy of the wicked, Habakkuk in his impatience, and Naomi in her bitterness—all eventually discovered that their painful chapters weren't the end of their stories. Like a father guiding his visually impaired daughter, God walks beside us through our limited understanding, teaching us to trust even when we cannot see.Whether you're currently wrestling with disappointment or seeking to prepare for inevitable storms ahead, this message offers biblical wisdom for bringing your whole self—including your most difficult emotions—before a God who can handle your honesty and wants to lead you toward hope. If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Audio Treasures is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Gods view of sin! Subtitle: Puritan Devotional Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Grace Audio Treasures Event: Devotional Date: 6/21/2025 Bible: Habakkuk 1:13; Psalm 5:4-5 Length: 3 min.

Habakkuk 1:1-17 The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. 2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? 3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4 So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. 5 “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. 6 For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own. 7 They are dreaded and fearsome; their justice and dignity go forth from themselves. 8 Their horses are swifter than leopards, more fierce than the evening wolves; their horsemen press proudly on. Their horsemen come from afar; they fly like an eagle swift to devour. 9 They all come for violence, all their faces forward. They gather captives like sand. 10 At kings they scoff, and at rulers they laugh. 12They laugh at every fortress, for they pile up earth and take it. 11 Then they sweep by like the wind and go on, guilty men, whose own might is their god!” 12 Are you not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O Lord, you have ordained them as a judgment, and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof. 13 You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? 14 You make mankind like the fish of the sea, like crawling things that have no ruler. 15 He brings all of them up with a hook; he drags them out with his net; he gathers them in his dragnet; so he rejoices and is glad. 16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and makes offerings to his dragnet; for by them he lives in luxury, and his food is rich. 17 Is he then to keep on emptying his net and mercilessly killing nations forever?

In the Waiting Have you ever found yourself in a waiting room—physically or spiritually? At first, you lean in with hope. Then comes frustration, comparison, and passivity. The prophet Habakkuk knew that tension. His raw cry—“How long, Lord, must I call for help?”—echoes in every season of delay. In this message, we unpack how God doesn't silence our questions—He meets us in them. Habakkuk reminds us: real transformation starts when we stop performing and start trusting.  Whether you're leaning forward or slumped in silence, this message calls you to wait well—with faith, conviction, and hope.  Habakkuk Discussion topics Icebreaker - Have you ever experienced a "spiritual waiting room"? What did it feel like—anticipation, frustration, doubt, resignation?  In what ways do you relate to the imagery of leaning forward, sitting back, looking around, or slipping into a passive posture?  Read Habakkuk 1:2-4 - What stood out to you about Habakkuk's honesty in his prayer to God?  How do you typically respond when it seems like God is silent in the face of injustice or suffering? Living in a Christian Nation - With such a high percentage of elected officials identifying as Christian, why do you think society still reflects so many of the problems Habakkuk described in his time? What does it mean for us personally to “not ignore the Torah”—or to return to God's truth in our cultural moment? NOTE- This is not a time to debate politics or get off on personal political agendas.   Read Habakkuk 2:4 & 3:17-18 -  What does it look like to live by faith when your circumstances haven't changed?  What would it mean for you to “rejoice in the Lord” this week, even when the “fig tree does not bud”? Personal Reflection & Action: Which posture do you find yourself in today—leaning forward, sitting back, looking around, or giving up?  What's one small, faithful action you can take this week to choose trust over passivity?  Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

Speaker: Seth Choi, Habakkuk: Faith in the Face of Calamity, Habakkuk 3:17-19

Why does a just God allow evil to persist? When I am overcome by injustice and suffering, how will I respond? Habakkuk can teach us the role we should play in a broken, complicated world.

In his sermon, Marcus explores the theme of waiting on God as exemplified by the prophet Habakkuk, who questioned God during times of injustice and silence. He emphasizes that waiting is an active process involving seeking perspective, standing firm in faith, listening for God's voice, and maintaining patient expectation. Marcus reminds the congregation that God's timing is perfect—which comes from the Hebrew word "moe-abe"—and encourages them to trust that even during delays, God is at work. Ultimately, the waiting period can strengthen their faith, shaping them into individuals who value their relationship with God over mere blessings.___________________________________________En su sermón, Marcus explora el tema de esperar en Dios, ejemplificado por el profeta Habacuc, quien cuestionó a Dios durante tiempos de injusticia y silencio. Él enfatiza que esperar es un proceso activo que implica buscar perspectiva, mantenerse firme en la fe, escuchar la voz de Dios y mantener una expectativa paciente. Marcus recuerda a la congregación que el tiempo de Dios es perfecto—que proviene de la palabra hebrea "moe-abe"—y los anima a confiar en que incluso durante las demoras, Dios está trabajando. En última instancia, el período de espera puede fortalecer su fe, transformándolos en individuos que valoran su relación con Dios sobre las meras bendiciones.

Habakkuk 2:2-3

Habakkuk 1:13, "You are of purer eyes than to behold evil; You cannot look on wickedness." Psalm 5:4–5, "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with You the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all who do wrong." If we would know how God views sin, we must not measure it by how lightheartedly man treats it, nor by how common it appears in the world, nor even by how it wounds our own conscience. No. We must measure sin by the cross. Sin is not merely a mistake, a weakness, or an unfortunate choice. It is a direct offense against the holiness of the eternal God. Sin is a daring defiance of His Word, a trampling upon His glory, and a mockery of His authority. But if we would truly understand the infinite evil of sin, we must look to Calvary. There, on the accursed tree, God unveiled His view of sin. He did not even spare His own beloved Son, when He stood in the sinner's place. What horror must belong to sin, when its payment required the abandonment of the sinless One by His own Father? What dreadful weight must sin carry, that it could crush the eternal Son of God into the dust of death? What must God think of sin, when He would lay upon Jesus the iniquity of His people, and exact from Him every drop of wrath which our guilt deserved? Behold the bloodied brow, the pierced hands, the parched lips, the darkened sky, the cry of dereliction: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me!" These are God's thunderous declarations that sin is no trifle. Sin is not something He can simply overlook. Sin is a monster so vile, that it demanded nothing less than the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Here is a sight too deep for words: the infinit

Article 4: The Canonical Books We include in the Holy Scripture the two volumes of the Old and New Testaments. They are canonical books with which there can be no quarrel at all. In the church of God the list is as follows: In the Old Testament, the five books of Moses— Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth; the two books of Samuel, and two of Kings; the two books of Chronicles, called Paralipomenon; the first book of Ezra; Nehemiah, Esther, Job; the Psalms of David; the three books of Solomon— Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song; the four major prophets— Isaiah, Jeremiah*, Ezekiel, Daniel; and then the other twelve minor prophets— Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. In the New Testament, the four gospels— Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the Acts of the Apostles; the fourteen letters of Paul— to the Romans; the two letters to the Corinthians; to the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians; the two letters to the Thessalonians; the two letters to Timothy; to Titus, Philemon, and to the Hebrews; the seven letters of the other apostles— one of James; two of Peter; three of John; one of Jude; and the Revelation of the apostle John. * "Jeremiah" here includes the Book of Lamentations as well as the Book of Jeremiah. Article 5: The Authority of Scripture We receive all these books and these only as holy and canonical, for the regulating, founding, and establishing of our faith. And we believe without a doubt all things contained in them— not so much because the church receives and approves them as such but above all because the Holy Spirit testifies in our

Send us a textThe devotion for today, Friday, June 20, 2025 was written by Donna Jacksonand is narrated by Dana Goodenow. Today's Words of Inspiration come from Habakkuk 1: 1-3How long oh Lord, must I cry out for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you“VIOLENCE” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice?  Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?  Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife and conflicts abound. Support the show

THE RESTORATION OF THE CHURCH 33: THE WHITE HORSE Part 6 - Habakkuk 3 and other issuesSend us a textSupport the showThank you for listening to our podcast!If you have any questions, subjects you would like to hear discussed, or feedback of any kind, you can contact us at:greengac@yahoo.com or through the links below, where you can find additional information about our work as well as other materials: Green Gospel Assembly Church – The Church that is Different (church website)

Matt Blackwell explores Habakkuk's song of trust, calling us to remember God as our Creator, Savior, and Judge.

This is the first lesson in Dr. Camden Bucey's Reformed Academy course, Defending Our Hope: An Introduction to Christian Apologetics. What does it mean to defend our hope in a world filled with doubt and competing worldviews? In this opening lesson, you will be introduced to the discipline of apologetics—not as an academic abstraction but as a deeply personal, biblically grounded calling for every believer. Drawing from 1 Peter 3:15, we explore how the hope of Christ's resurrection transforms the way we engage with others, and why a distinctly Reformed approach—centered on Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and covenant theology—offers a robust framework for defending the faith with gentleness and respect. This lesson sets the foundation for a life of confident and compassionate witness. 00:09 Introduction 03:20 Foundations of Hope: Understanding Apologetics 08:13 The Benefit of Apologetics 15:14 A Distinctly Reformed Apologetic Register for this free on-demand course on our website to track your progress, download supplemental resources, and assess your understanding through quizzes for each lesson. You will also receive free access to more than two dozen more video courses in covenant theology, apologetics, biblical studies, church history, and more: https://reformedforum.org/courses/defending-our-hope-an-introduction-to-christian-apologetics/ Camden Bucey (MDiv, PhD) is Executive Director of Reformed Forum and a minister of Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Grayslake, Illinois. He is the author of Karl Rahner (Great Thinkers) and Lamentations, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah: A 12-Week Study. Your donations help us to provide free Reformed resources for students like you worldwide: https://reformedforum.org/donate/ #apologetics #evangelism #presupp

Imagine a leadership approach that stands in stark contrast to today's self-promoting culture—one where your character matters more than your resume and God's glory takes precedence over personal recognition. That's exactly what we explore in this spiritual kickoff focused on Habakkuk 2:14.Ready to stop drifting and lead with clarity, conviction, and brotherhood? Our Leadership Mastermind groups launch this July—just 7 men per group. Real discipleship. Real accountability. This isn't for everyone—but if you're ready to be sharpened, we want to hear from you. Step into the man God's called you to be. Your next level starts now. Apply here with our Leadership Mastermind Interest Form We're going live every weekday with our Daily Spiritual Kickoff—free and exclusive inside our community. Join us for a powerful Word, real encouragement, and practical ways to lead with faith at home and work. No cost. No excuses. Just truth, brotherhood, and bold leadership. Claim your free access now It's time to stop sitting on the sidelines.Step into the fight and become the man God called you to be. Join a brotherhood built on truth, strength, and action. Visit thelionwithin.us right now and start leading with boldness and purpose. Iron sharpens iron — let's go.

The opening sermon in a series called, "Do It Again," in which we are looking at Habakkuk's message for today. In this message, we look at Habakkuk's conviction that only God could do something about the situation they were facing and this drove him to prayer and lament.Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-11

Speaker: Seth Choi, Series: The Minor Prophets, Passage: Habakkuk 3:17-19

Pastor Ken discusses the theme of hope in the face of life's challenges, emphasizing that it's common to feel hopeless due to various circumstances. He references the biblical figure Habakkuk, who questioned God's fairness amid suffering, reflecting our own struggles with doubt and understanding. The sermon highlights that hope is a tangible lifeline we can cling to during difficult times, and that wrestling with God through our questions is a vital part of faith. Ultimately, Pastor Ken encourages us to embrace both our doubts and our faith, reminding us that even when life is tough, God remains in control and offers us hope for the future.___________________________________________El Pastor Ken discute el tema de la esperanza frente a los desafíos de la vida, enfatizando que es común sentirse sin esperanza debido a varias circunstancias. Hace referencia a la figura bíblica de Habacuc, quien cuestionó la justicia de Dios en medio del sufrimiento, reflejando nuestras propias luchas con la duda y la comprensión. El sermón destaca que la esperanza es un salvavidas tangible al que podemos aferrarnos durante tiempos difíciles, y que luchar con Dios a través de nuestras preguntas es una parte vital de la fe. En última instancia, el Pastor Ken nos anima a abrazar tanto nuestras dudas como nuestra fe, recordándonos que incluso cuando la vida es difícil, Dios sigue en control y nos ofrece esperanza para el futuro.

The prophet Habakkuk was alarmed at the abuse of power he saw going on and asked God for help to deal with it. In our modern era of #NoKings, we see similarities with abuse of political power . We need help from God to deal with it.

Habakkuk, “The Prophet of Ancient Drama”

Don't be a bystander… a city on a hill cannot he hidden. Jesus wants to shine His light through those who are called by His Name. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus and in His word? Then What are you doing in this moment of time where the world is growing colder and evil is going rampant? Don't be a bystander, there is a role need to play. In this requires you to arise and shine in life, Singlehood and in relationships. It begins when you… press play to hear more! Meditated scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:19-24, Isaiah 60:1-3, Habakkuk 2:14.Suggested readings: 2 Timothy 2, Isaiah 60, Titus 3, Colossians 3, Matthew 28. This year we are praying more people would hear such messages, to be stirred to read God's word to live the life He always destined them to live, including having the right spouse and marriage He desired for them to have. If you enjoyed our series, “ Dating & Marriage Prerequisites., you don't want to miss our live session this year, “ Kingdom Relationships 2.0.” We'd love to meet you and exhort you in person. Subscribe to our site for updates!

Are there parts of the Bible that you just don't think are very useful? Obscure passages, maybe out of Ezekiel or Habakkuk, that don't mean anything to you? Let me assure you that if God inspired them, just as he inspired all Scripture. Then it must be useful for you! Join us this week to hear Dr. James Boice talk about the encouragement we can get from Scripture, right here on The Bible Study Hour. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29

It can be really hard to have joy in your life when everything seems to be falling apart around you. You lost your job, you lost your friends, the car is breaking down, your marriage is failing, it seems like things just can't go your way, so how do you find joy during those unfortunate circumstances? Well the Lord is the answer. He can provide joy that's everlasting. Today Pastor Ricky is going to use the story of Habakkuk to teach us how to have joy. Habakkuk understood how to rejoice in the Lord even when his circumstances weren't perfect.

The old prayer, “Lord, give me patience and give it now” has more truth than we would like to admit. As Pastor Ricky teaches today, learning to trust God requires a great deal of patience and waiting. We're learning in Habakkuk that God is squarely in charge. Another word for that is sovereign. Pastor Ricky reminds us that as we acknowledge that, it requires us to let go of forcing our own path and agendas in order to see progress the way we prefer it. Trust in God always pays off.

In this episode of Weekend Debrief, Dave and Wes discuss some questions about hope and Habakkuk and answer a question about why there wasn't a sermon about mothers on Mother's Day. Send comments or additional questions to (971) 301-2414 or ⁠podcast@graceindallas.org⁠. Recommended Links: Missions Partner Highlight for June (Safe Families for Children) - https://safe-families.org/ Spotify Podcast Link - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/graceindallas Apple Podcast Link - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-church-dallas-oregon/id414919476 Podcast Sponsor: Silver Falls Coffee - ⁠https://silverfallscoffee.com Christian Online Bookstore: 10 of Those - https://us.10ofthose.com/

"Why, Lord?!" That's what the prophet Habakkuk asked God when he saw the wicked overcoming the righteous. God didn't give him an easy answer—but He assured Habakkuk that He was in control and that He would put it all right in the end. When everything seems backwards and we can't see the upside, we need to get alone with God, like the prophet did. Keep believing! God is still on the throne, and His plan is still good.

By Jonny Sharp

(Part 2) Look and see. This pattern is processed in the song-like structure of Habakkuk. The prophet cries, "Look and see," to a God that can bring justice. Yahweh God responds, "Look and see," to a prophet who cannot understand the mighty works of God. In part two of this miniseries, we see the song shift from a lament to a taunt to a victory hymn of faith. Some of the most popular and comforting words of the prophets are found in these chapters. Links: (1) Help make PSB better: become a Patron at www.patreon.com/PureandSimpleBible. You'll get some behind the scenes access to the podcast and videos, opportunities to vote for future content, and most importantly the joy of partnering and encouraging Jonathan to continue to produce pure and simple conversations about the Bible. (2) Get free resources for PDF download from www.pureandsimplebible.com/studyseries. These study books can help you, your family, and others in your life.

In this message, Matt Fisher encourages us to explore the deep tension between God's justice and mercy through the lens of Jonah chapter 4. Why was Jonah so angry at God's compassion for Nineveh? And how do we reconcile a God who punishes evil yet forgives the repentant? Through powerful biblical examples—from Jonah to Job, Peter, and Habakkuk—we wrestle with what it means to follow a God who is both just and merciful. Matt challenges us to examine our own hearts and how we live in light of the cross, where ultimate justice and mercy meet.

A Sermon for Whitsunday Acts 2:1-11 by William Klock In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  And so the great story began.  Six day.  God speaks.  And creation takes shape.  On the first day…on the second day…on the third day…and so on…like a liturgy.  In fact, there's a theory that Genesis 1 was written to be used at the dedication of the second temple.  Because it describes God creating the heavens and the earth as his own temple.  In Genesis 2 we even see that this temple has a holy of holies: a garden called Eden.  There he carefully crafts a man from the dust of the earth, breathes his own life into him, and places him in the garden, in that holy of holies, to act as his priest, to care for his temple, and to live in his presence. And then we humans sinned and it all went wrong.  But Genesis stands as a reminder of what the Lord intended and how it's supposed to be.  The pagans tried to get it back.  They built temples for their gods and in them, to represent the gods' rule, they placed idols carved of wood or stone.  And attempt to recover Eden, to re-enter that fellowship with God, but on our terms, not his.  But Genesis reminds us that God has built his own temple by the power of his creative word and that he created us to be his image, to tend and to keep his temple, and to steward his rule on earth. And Genesis…and the whole story that follows…reminds us that the Lord will not leave us forever cast out.  Into the midst of the darkness God spoke again and called forth Abraham and with Abraham and his family, God launched a new heaven-and-earth project.  Over and over he showed his faithfulness to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, and to the whole people of Israel.  When they were slaves in Egypt he heard their cry and he rescued them.  He defeated Pharaoh and the Egyptians and led his beloved people through the Red Sea and into the wilderness.  At Mount Sinai the Lord gave the gift of the torah, the law, to Moses and the people.  And with the torah he gave them instructions, think of them as blueprints, for the tabernacle.  The Lord promised: I will be your God and you will be my people.  Once again, the Lord would take up his dwelling in their midst.  The tabernacle was a portable temple full of the symbols of the garden of Eden.  Wherever the people stopped to camp, they set up the tabernacle, and the glory cloud, the shekinah representing the Lord's presence, would descend to fill the holy of holies.  And the torah set the people apart from the nations and taught them how to be holy so that they might be the people who lived with the Lord in their midst.  Israel, camped around the tabernacle and the Lord's glory cloud, were a sort of new creation in miniature—heaven and earth, God and human beings back together, even if imperfectly.  It gave the people hope.  A hope that one day the Lord would truly and fully set this broken world to rights—to make things the way they're supposed to be.  And it wasn't just hope for Israel.  The Lord intended the watching nations to see his people and take note. That's the climax of the Exodus.  Not the Passover or the Red Sea.  Those are important—vitally important—parts of the story.  But it's Exodus 40, the last chapter of the book, where the Lord's glory clouds descends to dwell in the tabernacle—that's the climax.  The Lord once again dwelling with his people. We see it happen again when the Israelites are settled in the land of Canaan.  King Solomon builds a permanent temple for the Lord and, once again, at its dedication the glory cloud descends to fill the holy of holies. It was all there as part of the story to point the people in hope to God's restoration of heaven and earth—to the day when the Lord's promises would be fulfilled.  Because the Lord didn't just come to Israel and manifest himself in a cloud of glory; he spoke.  Israel's prophetic tradition was full of promises looking forward to that day. King David knew the Lord's promises and sang out in prophetic hope of that future day in Psalm 72: May he have dominion from sea to sea…May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him…Blessed by the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.  Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory!  Isaiah sang of the coming Messiah who would set creation to rights: There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.  And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.  And when God has done his work through the Messiah, Isaiah sings, the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.  Habakkuk similarly would sing out in hope: For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.   When the Lord's cloud of glory descended to fill the temple, it pointed forward to that day when he would—when he will—fill all of creation with his glorious presence. Think about this hope that Israel had and how great it was and I think it helps give a sense of just how tragic it then was when Israel failed to keep her end of the covenant and the Lord allowed the Babylonian army to capture Jerusalem and to destroy the temple—his temple.  Israel sinned, Israel showed disregard for the law the Lord had given to keep her holy.  And worst of all—over and over and over—Israel prostituted herself to the gods of the pagans.  It was a deep, deep tragedy.  As the Psalmist laments in Psalm 137: By the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept.  Not just for what was lost, but like Adam and Eve, cast out and weeping over their own disobedience.  But even then, in those dark, dark days of exile the Lord still spoke.  Through Isaiah and Ezekiel, through Zechariah and Malachi the Lord promised that he would come back to dwell with his people. And yet, as the Gospels begin, hundreds of years had passed and the Lord had yet to return.  Israel had returned from her exile.  The temple had been rebuilt.  The people and the priests went through all the motions.  The smoke went up from the great altar.  But the cloud of glory had never come down and returned to the temple.  And pagan kings still ruled with Israel under their heels. Again, this is where the Gospels begin.  St. John describes the darkness, the hopelessness, the absence and then he says that the word became flesh and lived among us…The light shone in the darkness.  Brothers and Sisters, the Gospels are about the return of God to his people in fulfilment of his promises.  The word—the embodiment of God's creative power—the word took on our flesh and was born of Mary.  In Jesus God not only returned to his people, he brought heaven and earth, God and humanity back together in his person.  Jesus is the manifestation of the hope of creation set to rights, of the breach between us and God healed.  Matthew puts it in terms of Isaiah's prophecy: Jesus is the promised Immanuel: God with us. And as the church has led us through the story of Jesus these last months, we've followed him to the cross where he took on himself the role of the Passover lamb.  He died for the sins of his people.  And just when sin and death thought they'd done their worst and defeated God once and for all, God raised Jesus from death.  It was like the Passover and the Red Sea all over again, only this time it wasn't an Egyptian king and his army that were defeated, it was evil itself. And then, last week, we stood with the disciples and watched as Jesus ascended to take his throne in heaven.  And if you know the story of Israel, if you know the Old Testament like Luke's readers did, you can't help but draw the connection.  If Jesus' death was a new Passover, then his ascension isn't just his going to heaven to take his throne as king.  It's definitely very much that and that's significant, but it also parallels Moses going up Mount Sinai to meet with the Lord.  And when Moses came down, he had the gift of the torah, the law, with him. And so now, in today's Gospel, from Acts 2 Luke writes: When the day of Pentecost had finally arrived, they were all together in the same place.   I'm sure Jesus' disciples were expecting something.  I don't think they knew exactly what.  As we heard in last week's Gospel, Jesus said that he had to leave, to take his throne—and the disciples would be sorry to see him go—but that it had to be that way, because Jesus would send the Holy Spirit to empower them.  At the last supper he'd said that with his blood he was making a new covenant.  They knew that a new covenant would need a new law—a new torah—because the law was what taught the people how to live out their end of the covenant, how to live as the people in whose midst the Lord dwelled. But what that would like was anyone's guess.  But when Jesus told them to go and wait in Jerusalem and that he would send the Spirit in a few days, I fully expect they made the connection with Pentecost, because Pentecost—which is just Greek for “fiftieth” because it's fifty days after Passover—because Pentecost was the great feast when Israel remembered and celebrate the giving of the law at Mount Sinai.  I think that by this time, the disciples were finally putting things together.  They were waiting those ten days with baited breath.  Jesus was alive.  Jesus was king.  Everything was happening just as he promised.  So they knew the Spirit would come.  But how?  And what would happen when he did?  And how would the Spirit be a new torah for this new covenant.  And so they obeyed Jesus.  They waited all together in Jerusalem—probably in that same “upper room” where they'd eaten the Passover.  And Luke goes on: Suddenly there came from heaven a noise like the sound of a mighty, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.   So many parts of the story come together here.  It helps to understand that wind and breath are the same word in both Hebrew and Greek.  And so this divine wind sweeps in to the room to breathe the breath of God into the disciples, reminding them of the way God gave life to Adam in the beginning—taking that lifeless lump of moulded clay and animating it, making it as we say, a soul—a living being.  But this time it's God breathing life into his new Israel.  There's a reason that the one thing the disciples made sure they did during those days of waiting was to appoint Matthias as a successor to Judas.  If they were to be the new Israel, they had to be twelve.  And now the Spirit comes and breathes the life of God into this new people. But, too, the imagery of the wind filling the house.  It doesn't just recall God breathing life into Adam.  It also recalls God's presence filling the tabernacle in Exodus 40 and the temple in 1 Kings 8.  The way God gives his Spirit is a reminder that Jesus people aren't just a people full of the Spirit.  Brothers and Sisters, being full of the Spirit makes us God's temple.  Jesus and us—together we're the beginning of God's new creation, the beginning of his restoration of heaven and earth.  Jesus has ascended to heaven bearing our human flesh.  And in the Spirit, God has come to earth to dwell with us.  In us, in Jesus' people, the restoration of Eden has begun.  That's why at the head of Jesus' prayer are is that powerful petition: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. I think this is why all through the rest of Acts, stuff keeps happening at temples, whether it's the next couple of chapters as we follow the events of Pentecost and Peter preaching and thousands being baptised or later as Paul confronts the pagans in their temples in Athens and Ephesus.  All because in Jesus and his people God's real temple is being built—brick by brick, stone by stone, with each baptism…all laid on the foundation of the death and resurrection of Jesus. So the disciples already knew when Jesus rose from death that new creation had begun.  Jesus was the first part of it.  And they were so excited to go out and tell everyone that Jesus had to calm them down and tell them to wait.  Enthusiasm is never enough.  They needed to be made part of that new creation too.  And that's what the Spirit does here.  One day, when the church's work is done and Jesus returns to finally cast death itself into the lake of fire, God will raise us as he raised Jesus and we will know fully the life he intends for us.  But the time for that hasn't yet come.  The gift of the Spirit is the downpayment on that life—or to use an Old Testament term for it: the Spirit is the firstfruits of God's new creation. And that's the other part of the feast of Pentecost that comes into this.  Pentecost wasn't just the celebration of God's giving of the law to Israel.  It was also the festival where the people brought their firstfruits to God.  They brought the first of their crops—like a sheaf of wheat—not just to give thanks for the harvest, but in expectant hope of his provision—trusting him for a plentiful harvest.  From now on, for Jesus' people, Pentecost is just that: a reminder that the harvest has begun and that the Spirit is sure to make it a plentiful one. But it wasn't just the wind.  Luke goes on in verse 3: Then tongues, seemingly of fire, appeared to them, moving apart and coming to rest on each one of them.  They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them the words to say.   The wind from heaven fills them and the Spirit manifests himself as flame and then they start to speak in other languages.  Again, the big story tells us why the Spirit came this way.  Genesis explains the origin of different languages and people groups with the story of Babel.  It's the low point in human history.  Adam and Eve sin in Chapter 3, Cain murders his brother in Chapter 4, and humanity goes downhill from there until, in Chapter11, we've lost all knowledge of God.  In their hubris, the men of Babel built a tower to reach heaven and in response, the Lord confused their languages and scattered them.  It's a bit like Psalm 2 and Daniel 7 that I mentioned last week.  The nations rage, but God laughs.  But all the while he has a plan to set us to rights.  In Psalm 2 it's the son of David who will reign as king.  In Daniel 7 it's the son of man who will be enthroned by the Ancient of Days.  And here at Pentecost, the son of David who is also the son of man takes his throne and sends the Spirit who creates a people ready to undo Babel. Luke goes on in verse 5: There were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem at that time.  [Remember, because it was Pentecost.]  When they heard this noise they came together in a crowd.  They were deeply puzzled, because every single one of them could hear them speaking in his or her own native language.  They were astonished and amazed.  “These men who are doing the speaking are all Galileans, aren't they?” they said.  “So how is it that each of us can hear them in our own mother tongues?   Luke goes on to list people from countries across the whole Roman empire and some from even beyond that.  And the men hearing this go on with the most important detail, “We can hear them telling us about the mighty things God has done—in our own languages.”   What does it mean?  Brothers and Sisters, this gift of tongues to the disciples was a sign.  It was a sign that Jesus truly had ascended to his throne and he now rules over a global dominion.  And it means that through his people, through his church, Jesus has inaugurated God's new creation and has begun the work of setting everything to rights—starting with the confusion of Babel. And that's where today's Epistle ends, which is a bit disappointing.  I wish we had a Pentecost season where we could at least work through the next couple of chapters.  “What does all this mean?” they ask, and in response Peter begins to preach and he explains to the gathered men how this was all in fulfilment of God's promises.  These first eleven verses will have to be enough for today. Brothers and Sisters, Pentecost reminds us who we are.  Again, think of Israel, rescued from Egypt and then formed as a people in the wilderness—a people defined by the law and by God dwelling in their midst.  Pentecost is a reminder to us that in Jesus, God has delivered us from our bondage to sin and death and that he has made us a people defined by his new law: the life of the Spirit.  And we don't just have God in our midst; we are indwelt by God himself in the Spirit.  Pentecost is a reminder that in making us this Spirit-filled people, God has made us his temple.  We are the place where the world meets God.  But our calling isn't simply to sit here like the temple on Mount Zion and wait for people to come.  Our calling is to be a temple on the move and a temple dispersed—a temple that goes out and meets the world with God and with the gospel—with the good news that Jesus, crucified and risen, is the world's true Lord.  You and I have been entrusted with the story.  Go out and proclaim the mighty deeds of God and the Spirit will use that proclamation to change hearts and to grow the kingdom.  And, finally, Pentecost is a reminder that as God's temple, we are also the firstfruits of God's new creation.  We as a people are called to live out the life of God—not just to steward his word and to proclaim his gospel, but to truly be light in the darkness: living out and working for mercy and love and justice, showing the world the value of goodness, truth, and beauty, teaching reconciliation, bringing healing.  In other words, Brothers and Sisters, pulling God's future into the present.  Not just praying “on earth as in heaven”, but living out that prayer so that all the world will see and doing so in trusting hope that God's promise is true.  One day, when the church has done her job declaring the mighty deeds of God, the earth will be filled with the knowledge of his glory as the waters cover the sea.  That is what it means to be a “Pentecostal” people. Let's pray: O GOD, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

What stands out to you about the prophets? Do you have a passion for G-d? Join guest speaker Rabbi David Levitt from Congregation Ammudim in Fayetteville, Georgia, as he looks back at the words of the prophets, and connects those ancient words to what is to come, and how it can light a fire for G-d in our hearts. G-d is faithful and keeps His promises, and we can be a part of fulfilling His goals even today. May this message inspire you this Shabbat!Habakkuk 2.4; Romans 10.17; Ephesians 2.20; Luke 24.13-30; Luke 11.49-52; Zechariah 8.1-4; Isaiah 51.15-16; Isaiah 61.1-4; Ezekiel 37.12-14; Daniel 7.13-14; Isaiah 25.6-10; 2 Peter 1.16-21Prayer Requests or send an email to info@bethhallel.orgCBH WebsiteDonateYouTube Channel

God has your best interest in mind. God's plan is for His glory and for your good. As Pastor Ricky teaches us today, God is about wholeness and restoration. The application from our scripture lesson is timely and relevant. Pastor Ricky reminds us that we might be confused with all of the bad things going on, and it seems to continue, and many seem to get away with it, so we're tempted to wonder, where is the justice? Habakkuk shows us that God is in charge. He hasn't lost control. He's not overwhelmed. He is big enough for what we're facing.

Habakkuk whose name means “to embrace” or “cling to” was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah and served during the difficult days that preceded the demise and destruction of the nation of Judah and the subsequent Babylonian Captivity.  Fear and uncertainty were rampant!  So many people were living lives of quiet desperation.  It is not unlike the times in which we live.  Uniquely, Habakkuk did not confront the people but CONFRONTED GOD as he wrestled with the problems of sin, evil and suffering around him.  God's final word to him and to us was “the just shall live by faith” (2:4).  This message challenges us to have “the faith that holds on when life holds out”.

(Part 1) There are many Bible writers and narratives where people cry out to God. There is even a specific type of Bible literature called "Lament Scripture." Often, laments are left unanswered. These powerful cries give voice to the suffering and pain of God's people who may have faith and yet are coping with extreme challenges. Habakkuk's work is a brief song-like book that contains lament. One of the unique features of this little work is that Yahweh God answers! Join us as we process the cries of a prophet who sees injustice and suffering. Consider the replies of a long-suffering and just God. Links: (1) Help make PSB better: become a Patron at www.patreon.com/PureandSimpleBible. You'll get some behind the scenes access to the podcast and videos, opportunities to vote for future content, and most importantly the joy of partnering and encouraging Jonathan to continue to produce pure and simple conversations about the Bible. (2) Get free resources for PDF download from www.pureandsimplebible.com/studyseries. These study books can help you, your family, and others in your life.

Pastor Doug reads and comments on Habakkuk 3.

In season 2 episode 5 of the Chosen, Mary Magdeline makes a mistake and feels unworthy to come before Jesus. Pastor Shawn Hennessy sees three ways we doubt God and reminds us of who we are.Scripture in this message: Mark 9:22-24, Genesis 18:23-25, Habakkuk 1:2-4, Exodus 17:1-7Watch this message on YouTubeJust starting your Jesus journey? Let us know by filling out this form so we can connect with you personallyHello Card Tithes & OfferingsPlease consider giving to help us spread the life giving message of Jesus to the 920 and beyondGive Here --Follow Life Church on socialsLCGB Facebook LCGB Instagram LCGB YouTube

In this heartfelt episode, T. Louise takes us on a journey through the consequences of moving ahead of God. Through raw and personal testimonies—from rushed career moves, reckless financial decisions, to unhealthy relationships—she reflects on how desperation and pride led her to make choices that ultimately delayed what God had already promised her.But this isn't just a story about mistakes—it's a message of grace. T. Louise shares how God's mercy met her in her mess, how He gently corrected her course, and how His promises were never voided—just postponed. Whether you've found yourself in a similar season or you're on the verge of making a big decision, this episode is a reminder to pause, seek God, and be patient.She dives into the dangers of spiritual impatience, the importance of discernment, and how rushing can blur our ability to hear from God clearly. If you've ever felt like you missed your moment or wondered why doors aren't opening—this one is for you.

Guest speaker, Pastor Jim Smith, brings the word from the book of Habakkuk.June 1, 2025

Psalm 51 Habakkuk 3:2-4,13a,15-19 Psalm 147:12-20 Acts 5:30-32 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com

This week, Paul asks a revealing question: Are you following God for who He is…or for what you hope He'll give you? Drawing from the story of Habakkuk, we'll explore how true joy is found not in fulfilled desires, but in God Himself.Join us for a weekly narration of Paul Tripp's popular devotional. You can subscribe to our email list to receive this devotional straight to your inbox each week, or read online at PaulTripp.com/Wednesday or on Facebook, Instagram, and the Paul Tripp App.If you've been enjoying the Wednesday's Word podcast, please leave us a review! Each review helps us reach more people with the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley wrap up their conversation on the book of Revelation by looking at Chapters 21-22.Questions Covered in This Episode:What have we learned? Why should someone spend the time to study Revelation?What are the seven sevens?How does this connect to Genesis 1-2?What's the importance of the presence of God?Why does the sea disappear in Revelation 21?How do we see the blend of restoration and judgment?What is this city, the New Jerusalem? Why the attention to its details and design?How does Revelation 22 put us back into the imagery of Eden?How does the book end?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Revelation 21-22, Habakkuk 2:14, Psalm 1, Exodus 3, John 8:12, Matthew 6:10In the Word with Jen WilkinStarting Place with Elizabeth WoodsonDeep Discipleship Program Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.