Otherwise Your Children Would Be Unclean (1 Cor. 7:14)

Paul refers to some children as clean, rather than unclean. Is baptism the cleansing bath? Does baptism make the child clean, or does Paul refer to something more fundamental and traditional? Why does Paul use Old Testament terms like clean and unclean?

Exhorted from Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29)

The Church in Tyatira struggles to balance faith and daily life, torn between its Christian values and worldly temptations. They are compromising their beliefs, and losing focus on their spiritual goal. they are exhorted to cling and live for the conquering Christ who forced Balaam, the great prophet, to speak his words.

Approaching the Lord of Healing (Luke 5:12-26)

Two men go to Jesus Christ for healing. One understands Jesus' power despite his mental barrier, while the other realizes his paralysis is not his real problem as his friends cut through the barrier. Jesus demonstrates the genuine healing in the kingdom.

Christ’s Resurrection Revelation (John 20:1-18; 21:1-19)

Christ obeys the father and dies on the cross to fulfill his father’s mission. Without being raised, his perfect obedience would be pointless. Christ's prayer in John 17 is confirmed because he has finished his work from the father. His resurrection testifies that he has completed the work His Father gave Him to do. His resurrection validates the Gospel.

Exhorted from Smyrna (Revelation 2:1-7)

The church in Smyrna is encouraged to stay strong despite challenges. They will endure hardships, but should know they are spiritually wealthy in Jesus Christ, even if they lack material wealth.

Calling the Fishers of Men (Luke 5:1-11)

Christ came to liberate the imprisoned. We expect the demon-possessed and the sick to turn to Christ. Peter was chosen as a disciple. Peter's response challenges the idea that the healthy are self-sufficient.

Lord Over All (Luke 4:31-44)

Christ enters a synagogue in Capernaum to preach the gospel. There is a man possessed by a demon. Christ commands the demon to leave and even the demon obeys. Christ not only drives out demons but also cures illnesses. He has authority over everything and aims to not only free us from sin but also bring healing.

Introduction to the Seven Edicts (Revelation 1:1-8)

John, the apostle in exile, is granted a profound revelation encompassing messages directed towards the seven churches. Within these divine edicts lie cautionary messages aimed at the historical churches of yore, yet their significance transcends the boundaries of time and directly warns the modern-day church.

Christ’s Divided Success (Luke 4:14-30)

Christ travels to different synagogues preaching the gospel. He is praised in Galilee but faces danger in his hometown of Nazareth. Christ escapes a near-death situation by slipping away from the crowd. We might think that this is an act of cowardice, but it testifies to the reality that Christ is simply following his father's plan.

Conquering the Slanderer (Luke 4:1-13)

In the biblical narrative, Jesus confronts the Devil in the wilderness, a crucial moment establishing Christ’s integrity over the Devil. The Devil attempts to manipulate Scripture in order to deceive Jesus, testing His resolve. Despite facing these challenges, Jesus remains steadfast and overcomes the temptations presented to Him, emerging triumphant after three encounters with the adversary.

Approaching a Just God (BC Art. 1; Rom 3:24,25)

We believe that God is completely just. It's scary because God can see into our hearts and know our hidden wants. If we're even a tiny bit wrong, God is bound to punish us. That is why we rely on Christ and the Spirit to give us faith. If we're not connected to Christ, his work will not benefit us.

Advancing Heavens War (Luke 3:19-38)

Luke tells us that John was arrested. This shows us that God's plan continues with the arrival of Christ, despite Rome's apparent world peace. We understand that God's plan and victory are different from what this world sees, and are seen through our heavenly eyes by faith.

Recipients of Wisdom (BC 1; Romans 16:27)

We know that wisdom is applying knowledge. Knowledge is just learning things, but wisdom is using that knowledge. God has perfect knowledge and wisdom. We are supposed to have wisdom too, but it's not perfect like God's. How can we, as mere mortals, have wisdom like God?

Learning from Job’s Confession (Job 40:2)

We believe that God is all-powerful. God communicates this truth through his name El-Shaddai which means God-All-mighty. In Psalm 139, David asks the Lord to examine his heart. Job struggles with God searching his heart because Job believes there is no appeal. Job wants to appeal his case to God, but he claims that God is so mighty that one cannot draw near to God. Job eventually finds comfort in knowing that God is almighty because Job realizes the problem is with Job and not God.

How Can Jesus Increase (Luke 2:39-52)

We believe that Jesus is both fully God and fully human at the same time. These two natures are united in one person, without blending together. When we hear that Jesus "increases," we might ask how it's possible for God to become more? We learn a great deal about Jesus' purpose and his role as both God and man, who is our Savior.

God's Peering Eye (BC 1; Psalm 139)

In Job 13:27, Job accuses God of tracking his every move and restricting him. Elihu criticizes Job for portraying God as a sinister figure, while David welcomes God's presence in his life. Job eventually realizes that God is not malevolent. This is why David invites God to search his heart.

God's Promise Stands (Hosea 14:1-9)

Hosea tells us that the people have turned away from the Lord, looked to other nations, and sinned openly. He warns that Israel will be exiled for their sins, but offers hope by calling them to return to the Lord. We're reminded not to test God's grace, but also assured that it can reach even the darkest places. We are ultimately assured that the Lord will heal our apostasy and brokenness.

Anchored in God's Consistency (Jonah 4; James 1:17)

The Lord is merciful and doesn't punish Nineveh when they repent, but Jonah is unhappy about it. Some might think God is inconsistent, but Jonah knows God is merciful and will relent if people repent. Some believe God can change, but God is unchanging. God is passionate and fulfills his plans, so we should be encouraged that we are rooted in the unchanging true God, as James assures us.