“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” (Hebrews 1:1–2 ESV). The writer of Hebrews opens his letter with a majestic declaration about God’s revelation. In the past, God spoke “at many times
Chapter: 1
SHARED FAITH STRENGTHENS FAITH
“I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ” (Philemon 1:6 ESV). Paul’s brief letter to Philemon is deeply personal yet profoundly spiritual. In verse 6, he prays that Philemon’s “sharing of [his] faith” (koinōnia tēs
THE FOREMOST SINNER, THE ULTIMATE SAVIOR
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15 ESV). In this verse, the Apostle Paul captured the essence of the gospel in a single phrase: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” He
WHEN CHRIST COMES AGAIN IN GLORY
“They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed…” (2 Thessalonians 1:9–10 ESV). Paul wrote to the weary Thessalonian believers
TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15 ESV). In the opening chapter of Colossians, Paul breaks into a majestic hymn exalting Christ (Col. 1:15–20). Writing from prison, he wanted the believers at Colossae—who were being tempted by false teachings that diminished Christ—to fix their eyes on His
GOD’S SCHOOL OF THE UNKNOWN
“And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ” (Galatians 1:22 ESV). Paul reminded the Galatians that even after his dramatic conversion, he did not immediately step into public ministry. For years, he was “unknown” to the churches in Judea. Galatians 1 provides one of the clearest autobiographical
WHAT OF LIFE BEYOND THE SUN?
“I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:14 ESV). In Solomon’s book of Ecclesiastes, he referred to himself as the Preacher (Qoheleth) who looked at life “under the sun” and concluded that everything was “vanity” and like “striving after wind.” The
CHRIST IS GOD’S YES TO US!
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV) Paul wrote these words to assure the Corinthians that God’s Word can always be trusted. Unlike human plans that may shift, God’s promises
THE RESTLESS ROAMING OF THE ACCUSER
“The LORD said to Satan, ‘From where have you come?’ Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.’” (Job 1:7 ESV). This heavenly scene introduces us to Satan, whose very name means “Accuser.” When summoned before the Lord, he must give
SUCCESS THROUGH SURRENDER
“O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man” (Nehemiah 1:11 ESV). Nehemiah prayed this after hearing the distressing news that