Guest speaker Rev. Ron Thomas The church in ancient Ephesus had been planted by the Apostle Paul in approximately 60 AD, who stayed there to teach and lead them for three years. Paul appointed Timothy as an elder of the church, and later the Apostle John pastored there as well. It was a pagan city, […]
Revelation 2:1-5 // Thrive or Strive Read More »
As we study through entire books of the Bible, there are sometimes passages that may seem obscure or irrelevant to our modern life. However, these two chapters related to the nation of Moab are more relevant than they may appear at first sight. They will help us to know God better, love Him more, and
Isaiah 15:1-16:14 // Longing for the King Read More »
The prophet Isaiah had been delivering an oracle against Assyria, and now he turns to the nation of Philistia. This was one of the neighboring nations that Judah may have wanted to turn to for help. King Ahaz The oracle is introduced by placing it on the timeline— 28 In the year that King Ahaz
Isaiah 14:28-32 // Finding Refuge Read More »
Through the prophet Isaiah, God has been warning that discipline is coming via the nation of Assyria for Judah’s rebellion against His will. Times of difficulty and hardship can make anyone wonder—Does God still love us? Is God really in control? Why is this happening? Isaiah now has an encouraging word for Judah that even
Isaiah 14:24-27 // God’s Plans Stand Read More »
When you were a child or teen, how did your parents discipline you? Spanking, time-out, grounding, restrictions? What works with one child may not work with another. Hopefully, parents learn that there is a difference between punishment and discipline. Punishment is inflicting painful consequences for breaking rules. The goal of punishment is making the child
Isaiah 14:1-23 // Punishment for the Proud Read More »
God’s Word 1 The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw. 2 On a bare hill raise a signal; cry aloud to them; wave the hand for them to enter the gates of the nobles (ESV). Scripture contains all the highs and lows of life in this world. Chapter 12 of Isaiah
Isaiah 13 // God Will Punish Sin Read More »