Series
The Passion of Jesus
Series: Year Of The Message
John begins his Gospel with the amazing description of the Word which was with God and was God. Then he writes, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have sen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). He then declares, "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known" (John 1:18).
The Ministry of Jesus
Series: Year Of The Message
Luke begins his gospel account this way: "Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught" (Luke 1:3-4).
The Parables of Jesus
Series: Year Of The Message
The Book of Mark begins with a quote from Isaiah 40:3, one of the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah. It tells about a messenger who will go ahead to "prepare the way for the Lord" (Mark 1:3). This role of John the Baptist as one who prepares the way for Jesus is emphasized in Mark.
The Sermons of Jesus
Series: Year Of The Message
The Book of Matthew begins with "the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David" (Matthew 1:1). It moves immediately to the birth narrative, including the Magi from the east, asking, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2).
The Final Word
Series: Year Of The Message
The end of a book is very important. Sometimes I will read the conclusion before I read anything else just to see what the author is truly concerned about.
He Will Be Their Peace
Series: Year Of The Message
The prophet Micah makes an amazing prediction: But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, our of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient time (Micah 5:2).
God Loves the Lost
Series: Year Of The Message
Jonah is the most reluctant prophet of all--even more reluctant than Moses! When God calls Jonah, he does not hesitate or cogitate. He immediately takes off in the opposite direction. Why is Jonah so ready to run from God?