Text: Isaiah 53 He Did Not Have the Appearance of a King (v. 2) Man often superficially judges according to appearance (1 Samuel 16:1,6-7) God expects us to judge righteously (John 7:24) Man of Sorrows (v. 3) Jesus lived as a man (John 1:14) — necessary to fulfill God’s plan (Hebrews 2:14-15) In His life [...]

Text: Genesis 1:1 Different Theories to Explain Genesis 1 The Bible describes the Creation as occurring over six consecutive, literal, 24-hour days — but this does not fit with “science” (cf. 1 Timothy 6:20-21), so man has come up with alternate explanations The gap theory — large gap of time between verses 2 & 3 [...]

Text: 1 Kings 19:16 Requested a Double Portion of Elijah’s Spirit (2 Kings 2:6-14) Not referring to a greater ability to prophesy or perform miracles, but it had to do with the desire to follow in the footsteps of his master and continue his work (cf. Deuteronomy 21:17) Those who have led us are worthy [...]

Text: 1 Kings 17:1 Miracles Confirm the Spoken Word (1 Kings 17:17-24) Miracles were a sign that God was with the speaker & was confirming the message (John 3:1-2; Mark 16:15-20) Today, we have inspired testimony to lead us to faith (John 20:30-31; Romans 10:17) Who Are The Troublemakers? (1 Kings 18:17-18) Elijah was accused [...]

Text: Leviticus 10:1-3 God Must Be Treated As Holy He is worthy of such treatment (Revelation 4:11; Jeremiah 10:10; Exodus 20:2) We honor God through careful obedience (John 17:4; 14:15) What Did Nadab & Abihu Get Wrong? Strange fire “which He had not commanded them” (v. 1) — important principle of authority & silence (Hebrews [...]

Text: Amos 1:1 Amos Was a Regular Guy He was a sheepherder (Amos 1:1) — common occupation He was “not a prophet” (Amos 7:14) — he certainly prophesied (7:15), but was not formally recognized or received wages as a prophet He was not a “son of a prophet” (Amos 7:14) — he received no formal [...]

Text: Genesis 4:1 Two Ways in which God Can Operate Directly — through miracles Indirectly — through providence Childbirth fits into the realm of providence, rather than the miraculous Childbirth is Common This is not to say that conception & childbirth are automatic & without risk of complications But childbirth is common for all peoples, [...]

Text: Joshua 6 Follow God’s Instructions (v. 3-5) Begins with faith (v. 2) – God had already given the people the city God’s instructions are simple – easy to understand (Ephesians 3:4) and carry out (1 John 5:3) God’s instructions are unconventional – different than man’s solutions, but God’s way is always best (Isaiah 55:8-9) [...]

Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 Clear Distinction Between Old & New Laws Many people blur the lines between the OT & NT – yet the Bible presents a clear distinction between the two New & better covenant was coming (Jeremiah 31:31-34) – old was obsolete (Hebrews 8:13) Old law was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14) [...]

Text: Malachi 1:1-5 How Might We Fail to See God’s Love? (v. 2) We take it for granted We’re looking for something else We’re just not looking at all Existence without God’s Love (v. 3-4) Contrast the love shown for Jacob & the animosity toward Esau — if we separate ourselves from God’s love, what [...]