In my first screencast, we talk about the fear of the Lord and how this is the beginning of knowing the nature and person of God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2A3H3iSOkk Proverbs 9:10 (CSB) — 10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 2:1–5 (CSB) — …
The God Who Hears: Acts 12:1-25
https://soundcloud.com/david-i-453005345/god-who-hears-acts-12-1-25 SETTING Our story begins by carrying forward the story that began in chapter seven with the persecution of Christians that broke out after Stephen was martyred, and advancing the narrative about what happened to those Christians who were forced to flee from their homes into Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. The apostle Paul came to …
A Solemn Truth: John 8:31-34
John 8:31-32 (CSB) — 31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:34 (NET) — 34 Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, everyone who practices …
What God Has Made Clean: Acts 11:1-8
SETTING AND REVIEW This is the final scene of Luke’s narrative about Cornelius and the Gentile Pentecost. READ ACTS 2:14-20 Peter preaches that God will “pour out his Spirit on all people”: They will prophesy They will have dreams They will see visions God will display wonders in heaven God will display signs on the …
Seeking God: Acts 10:1-48
https://soundcloud.com/david-istre/seeking-god-acts-101-43 SETTING: v. 1-8 Luke’s narrative of the Acts of the Apostles introduces us to an important character who will move Luke’s narrative forward into the redemption of the gentile world. Caesarea is of both practical and symbolic importance in the Acts narrative: Caesarea had been the provincial capital and place of residence of …
Theological Reflections: 1st John 2:28 – 3:10
1 John 2:28–3:10 (CSB) — 28 So now, little children, remain in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you know this as well: Everyone who does what is right has been born of him. …
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Why Our Evangelism Doesn’t Work: 1st Corinthians 13:1-3
1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (CSB) — 1 If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but …
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The Incarnate Glory of Christ: Philippians 2:5-18
Philippians 2:5-18 (CSB) Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, …
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The Mission of Love: What Good is Dead Faith?
James 2:14–17 (CSB) — 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can such faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, stay warm, …
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A Burning Heart
I know this will upset many Christians, but my heart burns within me because our pulpits have deceived so many people into thinking that their dead faith will save them (See James 2:26). Brothers and sisters, if you say that you love Jesus and don't love your brothers or sisters in Christ, you are a …
