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In previous ages, Christians lived in great anticipation of the Lord’s return. A belief in the imminent rapture of the church led many Christians to embrace holy living and aggressive evangelism. Times, however, have changed. Now, anyone who speaks of the Lord’s return is viewed as being on the same level as someone who claims to have seen Elvis in Burger King. Prophecy is seldom preached, and when it is, the preacher is viewed as a kook. The New Testament in general, and the books of I and II Thessalonians in particular, repeatedly emphasize, however, the fact that the King is coming. Our hope is that the pages of this commentary will help you live in light of that day.
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The hallmark of orthodox Christianity is justification by faith. The thing that separates Christianity from every other religion is the fact that men are counted righteous before God by faith in the work of Christ independent of human merit. After we are saved, however, we sometimes feel that we must work for the smile of God. We believe that we are justified by faith but sanctified by works. Paul uses no other word but “foolish” to describe this mentality. In this commentary, you will learn that growth in the Christian life is accomplished by the same means as entrance into the Christian life - by grace through faith.
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The children of Israel had returned from Babylonian captivity and were eagerly anticipating great things from the Lord. They had returned to their homeland and had rebuilt their temple. Fifty years later, however, expectations were very low. Joshua and Zerubbabel had both died. The glory of the Lord had not filled the temple as Ezekiel said it would. And the day of miracles had passed with Elijah and Elisha. This was an apathetic age, an uneventful waiting period. Malachi writes to his fellow Jews to give them cures for apathy. This commentary explores those cures and presents them as hope for our current apathetic age.
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If Haggai is the builder who encourages the Jews to complete the unfinished Temple, Zechariah is the artist who installs the colorful windows. Though Zechariah is fully aware of the present realities and spiritual needs of his countrymen, he lifts their eyes to see things from a heavenly vantage point. God is over all, working all things according to the good pleasure of His will. It is during times of deep distress that you and I should catch a glimpse of the glory. The inspired visions and prophecies of Zechariah prove that even when things are blackest, when the Shepherd is smitten and the sheep are scattered, nothing can keep God’s kingdom from being established on planet earth. When evil does its worst, the Lord remains in control. Join us in a study of Zechariah to catch a glimpse of this glory.
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Micah’s name means “Who is like God?” And the prophet goes to great lengths to present God’s incomparability. There are three sections in the book each beginning with an admonition to hear (1:2, 3:1, 6:1). The first shows that there is nobody like God in identifying sin. The second shows that there is nobody like God in judging sin. And the third shows that there is nobody like God in forgiving sin. This commentary helps you explore the book of Micah and discover God’s uniqueness. Indeed, there’s nobody like Him.
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Christians have often been criticized for majoring on the minors. We must remember, however, that the devil is in the details. The last twelve books of the Bible are often called the minor prophets, but the messages of these prophets are of major importance. This commentary explores the messages of Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai to assist you in your Christian walk. We trust these studies will help you to major on the minors.
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The prophets Obadiah and Jonah teach us that God disciplines with equity. He humbles the proud. He pillages those who pillage. Those who harass will find themselves harassed. Those who dispossess others will find themselves dispossessed. God always makes the punishment fit the crime. Even notable preachers who think more highly of themselves than they ought to think can be reduced by the overflowing water or scorching sun of God’s discipline. There is always a day of reckoning in the calendar of God. The Heavenly Father loves us enough to make us obey. This commentary explores the vital message of these two prophets to help us see how God reduces us when we become a legend in our mind.
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Life is filled with warnings. Various household products have warnings on their labels. We constantly have traffic warnings and weather warnings. Life would be dangerous indeed if we were never alerted to danger. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Bible contains very specific warnings. This is especially true in the books of Joel and Amos. Joel sounds the trumpet, and Amos roars like lion. Both are designed to alert us to the dangers ahead. This commentary is offered to help you understand the warnings of God and recognize when it is time to sound the alarm.
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However we interpret the marriage of Hosea, it was obviously the most important event in his life. This event shaped both the man and his message. It was out of this experience that Hosea would proclaim and demonstrate his understanding of God. Through his marriage, Hosea would understand our rejection of God, His discipline of us, and the cost of reconciliation. Despite our wickedness, God has eternally committed Himself to us. This commentary on Hosea explores these themes of a God who loves us till death and beyond.
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As the children of Israel were exiled in Babylon, it appeared as if God’s glory had permanently departed from their midst. Indeed, God begged them not to send Him away as His glory gradually departed. The Israelites, however, like us, often believe that life is do-able without God. The result of this humanistic philosophy is bondage and death. God, however, is not through with us. He promises to return in all of His power and fill not only the temple, but also the whole earth, with His glory. Join us in a study of Ezekiel and learn how to appreciate the glory of God that indeed fills the house.
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As you walk through the ruins of the city of Jerusalem in this study of Lamentations, you will come to a deeper understanding of why Jeremiah is called "the weeping prophet." Indeed, there are some things that motivate God and the men of God to tears.
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Though Nehemiah was privileged to live in the lap of luxury while serving as cupbearer to a Persian king, he left it all for the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding the city walls of Jerusalem. Obviously, he needed the help of God to mobilize a task force of Jewish workers. This commentary examines the prayer life, management skills, and tenacity of one of the Old Testament's greatest leaders.
