Buying her back from the market for the price of a slave (fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a half of barley being the equivalent of 30 shekels called for in Mosaic Law, cf. Exod. 21:32), Hosea’s redemption of his wife provides a breathtaking picture of God’s love for, and faithfulness to, His people.
Read MoreLike the Apostles, Amos had no theological credentials (cf. Amos 7:14)—he was not a prophet (no formal role in prophesying) nor the son of a prophet (no formal training in prophesying), just as they were uneducated and untrained men (cf. Acts 4:13). But, like the Apostles, Amos was compelled to speak the message he was given, just as they were (Acts 4:20). And what a message it was.
Read MoreAlthough telos is an English word, it is a direct transliteration of the Greek word τέλος, which means "an ultimate end" or "a purpose." In other words, if you are looking for the point of education, you are seeking its telos.
Read MoreFar from being personally vindictive, imprecatory prayers offered in the right spirit are the means by which the saints of God express faith that their persecutors will be prosecuted. And it is actually the hatred of God, expressed in eternal wrath toward the unrepentant, that frees believers to love their enemies in this life.
Read MoreAs the shortest book in the Old Testament, one would think that Obadiah would be among the more familiar passages of Scripture. Sadly, such is not the case. And because Obadiah was preaching primarily to an ancient pagan nation (one of only two minor prophets who did so—the other being Jonah), the modern reader might see little of value in this short prophecy. But again, such is not the case.
Read MoreThis book offers a stark depiction of God’s wrath (cf. Joel 2:15-18), a compelling description of true repentance (cf. Joel 2:13), and a hopeful declaration of future blessing (cf. Joel 3:18).
Read MoreYou can't count on the northern Kingdom of Israel, much less King Ahaziah, to lead you to reconciliation with God, but you can count on Jesus. His perfect life, substitutionary death, and triumphant resurrection accomplished the flawless work of redemption that our sin-sick hearts desperately need.
Read MoreIn reality, there are grave consequences (no pun intended) without a resurrection. We face insurmountable despair if Easter is about a bunny rather than a risen Lord.
Read MoreUltimately, the ability to praise God amidst suffering and difficulty only comes by way of knowing Him through His Word. Is it any wonder, then, that so many people struggle with the sin of anxiety?
Read MoreGod is in control. Do you believe this? Your fears will melt away when placed under the sunlight of God's sovereignty.
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