A HEART FOR GOD

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF 1ST AND 2ND SAMUEL

First and Second Samuel trace the lives of three Jewish men in the eleventh century B.C.: Samuel, the last of the judges and the first of the prophets; Saul, the first of the kings, but rejected by God; and David, the beloved shepherd-king. Hannah, whose name means grace, “asked of the Lord” (the meaning of Samuel’s name) and received a male child who selflessly served the Lord’s people his entire life. Saul’s name means “asked for,” but he was not given in grace, but rather in God’s anger to teach His wayward people the ills of trusting a human ruler instead of Himself. Saul was a man after the flesh and His carnal reign caused the Jewish nation to yearn for a man of God to rule over them. The Lord had just such a man in mind, a faithful shepherd boy from Bethlehem. God’s solution for what Israel needed was answered in the beloved, the meaning of David’s name. Likewise, our solution to all life’s difficulties is also found in God’s Beloved – the Greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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AFTERLIFE

WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE?

Have you wondered: "What happens when someone dies?" "Is there a spiritual realm of bliss and peace in the afterlife?" "Is there a place that wicked people will be judged?" "What will I be like after death?" "Will I recognize loved ones after I die?" please read on - life is too brief not to have such questions answered. We need not fear death, if we have properly prepared for eternity now. When it comes to the subject of afterlife, eternity is too long to be wrong. It is my earnest belief that Biblical Christianity best answers afterlife questions. The fact is that most of us will be dead a whole lot longer than we will be alive, so a few minutes spent contemplating this important subject now will be a good investment for eternity.

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ANSWER THE CALL

DISCOVER LIFE’S PURPOSE

Answer the Call explores the three general types of divine calls to humanity as presented in the Bible. Each call is timeless, but is either answered or ignored by individuals who are constrained by time. The three general calls of God to man pertain to salvation, sanctification, and service. As the call to salvation is the beginning point of understanding the call of God in our lives, it is explained in the first chapter. The call to sanctification and the call to service are examined in subsequent chapters. Are you consistently having close encounters with the Lord? Do you hear His still, quiet voice as you mediate on His Word and petition Him in prayer? If not, it is time to take action – it is time to respond to His invitation. God desires your presence and is inviting you to have contact and communion with Him. The extent to which we respond to this invitation and have contact with God’s nature will ultimately determine our wherewithal to know God, to express His nature to others, and to adhere to His calling for our lives.

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BE HOLY AND COME NEAR

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF LEVITICUS

In Exodus, God’s covenant people had been redeemed by the blood of the Passover lamb and delivered from both bondage and Egypt. The book of Leviticus then reveals two central truths concerning Jehovah’s new beginning with His people: they were permitted to come near to worship Him through blood atonement and they must be a holy people, for their God is holy. The first Hebrew word of the Leviticus text is qara’, which means “to call out”, clearly introduces us to the theme of the book: Jehovah is calling His people to come near to Him, but they must be cleansed from defilement to do so (Lev. 20:26). Leviticus shows us that holiness has two main components: our separation from sin and our commitment to the glory of God. As the Gentiles were never under the Law, a Gentile believer living in the Church Age might well ask, “What practical value is there in studying the Jewish offerings, social regulations, and feasts recorded in Leviticus?” The real benefit of understanding Leviticus is to grow in our appreciation of Christ whose person and work are symbolized in these various facets. This knowledge should then prompt believers to desire to live a holy and consecrated life for God. Like the Jews of old, Christians today have the responsibility to be holy and the privilege of communing with a holy God. Be Holy and Come Near is the third of fourteen books in the Old Testament Devotional Commentary Series.

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BEHOLD THE SAVIOUR

CONTEMPLATING THE VAST WORTH OF THE SAVIOUR

The four Gospels present the Lord Jesus Christ to mankind in the only dignified manner that God has endorsed. In tracing those brief years of His earthly sojourn, each Gospel writer upholds a specific viewpoint of the Savior, thus, exposing various distinct glories for our appreciation, reverence and remembrance. It is to be understood that the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are not a harmonizing attempt to portray the life of Christ but four inexhaustible and unique themes of His person and attributes. Christ’s ministry was a manifestation of His person. To capture in a few words all the aspects of Christ’s person, character, emotions and doings is exceedingly difficult – which is why the Gospels, as literature, gleam with divine inspiration – each is God’s deposition of His Son. There is no attempt in this book to provide an expositional analysis of the four Gospels, rather the goal is to convey an overview of the unique Gospel vantage points of Christ. Much distinction and discretion may be found within the Gospel accounts – this is for our greater appreciation of God’s mind and admiration for His Son. The more we know of Christ, the more we will love Him, and the more we will experience Him. If you’re feeling a bit dry or spiritually despondent, “Behold the Savior” afresh – the Holy Spirit will ignite your passion for the Christ and invigorate your ministry for Him.

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BE ANGRY AND SIN NOT

DO NOT LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON YOUR WRATH!

Anger is often thought of as an undesired and hostile behavior, but this notion is flawed on two counts. First, anger is an emotion, not a behavior, though it usually incites behavior. Secondly, circumstances exist that require anger-motivated behavior to accomplish good. Anger should not be thought of as an evil emotion – it is the wrong choices actualized when one is angry that are harmful. If one chooses to uphold the righteousness of God when angry, then God is honored. Without Scripture, mankind would be deficient in properly comprehending what anger is and how it is to be used. Be Angry and Sin Not tackles such questions as “Why am I angry?” “Should I be angry?” “How do I control my angry feelings?” and “How can my anger benefit others and serve God?”. From Scripture, we will learn of God's holy anger, then commence upon the difficult task of aligning our selfish anger and unrighteous behavior with His righteousness. This task will require each of us to honestly evaluate our anger tendencies, to remove internal conditions that frequently induce angry feelings, and to learn techniques to manage our anger in a God-honoring way. If you mismanage anger, this book will guide you into better self-control.

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BIBLE NUMBERS AND SYMBOLS

It is necessary for human language to incorporate numerical expression to convey ideas. God uses numbers in Scripture for the same reason. Seldom does the Bible state that a number is to be interpreted in a figurative sense, instead of a mathematical expression. If the primary meaning of biblical numbers is quantity, then we need to be careful in applying a figurative sense, lest we negate their intended idea. With that said, a symbolic concept may coexist with a literal numerical meaning, but in a less prominent way. A figurative meaning may be inferred from the biblical text, if frequent and consistent associations between that specific number (or a symbol) and an idea are observed. In such cases, God is conveying additional information to us to further emphasize something in the narrative or to highlight some aspect of His purposes. The whole of Scripture forms the basis of understanding the literal and figurative meanings contained in any particular passage. It is God’s consistent use of numbers and symbols throughout Scripture that permits us to discover the various layers of truth revealed in Scripture; these He desires us to know and to appreciate.

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CONQUEST AND THE LIFE OF REST

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF JOSHUA

In Moses’ day the Israelites failed to obtain God’s rest in Canaan because of disbelief (Heb. 4:4-6). Under Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites did enter the land and after seven years of conquest obtained God’s rest, but then failed to secure their inheritance in faith after receiving it. Consequently, the rest Jehovah had for them was never fully realized and, in time, was lost. The writer of Hebrews uses their failure as an exhortation, “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” (Heb. 4:11-12). The matter of victorious living has not changed; continued faith and obedience ultimately translate into obtaining divine possessions and rest. Labor without faith or faith without labor will never translate into divine conquest and spiritual peace, but will rather conclude in human failure and emotional anxiety. Christ is the believer’s inheritance and resting place. The practical blessing of those present possessions granted the believer in Christ will be experienced through faith and obedience as one engages in active conquest and is enabled to do so by resurrection power. Conquest and the Life of Rest is a “commentary style” devotional which upholds the glories of Christ while exploring the book of Joshua within the context of the whole of Scripture. The book includes many principal gleanings from other writers. Conquest and the Life of Rest is the fifth of fourteen books in the Old Testament Devotional Commentary Series.

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DISCIPLINES OF THE HEART

CULTIVATING TRUE DEVOTION FOR GOD

What does it mean to discipline the heart? What is the anatomy of a spiritual heart? What exercises strengthen the heart to beat for God? In Proverbs 4:23, the Lord commands us, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." The heart is the center of who we are and what we do, and we must learn to guide our heart if we want to serve the Lord. Disciplines of the Heart examines what the heart is, whose it is, and how we are to govern it. This book explores how to cultivate a heart for God that will manifest itself in a disciplined life. Through such "heart-exercises" as joy, patience, and purity, we will draw closer to the Lord and bring Him glory!

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DOOR OF HOPE

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF THE MINOR PROPHETS

The twelve Minor Prophets chiefly addressed God’s covenant people between the ninth and fifth centuries B.C. One striking feature of their prophecies is how often expressions of God’s grace and affection are embedded within scathing denunciations of Jewish stubborn waywardness. Joel’s prophetic indictment concisely summarizes God’s overall plan to restore the Jewish nation, to judge the wicked, and to establish Messiah’s kingdom in the future. Scripture teaches that God’s future plan for glorifying the Church is quite different than His agenda for restoring Israel to a position of honor and blessing. Hosea refers to this latter event as “a door of hope” (Hos. 2:15). In a future day, a refined Jewish nation will pass through that door of repentance and will enter the stronghold of God (Zech. 9:12). Conversely, just as Israel yearns for their door of hope, Christians are to love “the blessed hope,” the imminent appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 4:8)! Thus, both the nation of Israel and the Church have all their hopes in Christ!

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FORSAKEN, FORGOTTEN AND FORGIVEN

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF JEREMIAH AND LAMENTATIONS

Many Christians have read the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations, but few (including myself, until recently) have made these a topic of thorough study. Some contend that the prophetic narrative of Jeremiah and its epilogue, Lamentations, have Jewish historical significance only and no application for the Church today. Others choose to merely skim these texts because their “doom and gloom” format is distressing; they may glean little from these books other than gratitude to God that they did not have Jeremiah’s calling. Others might lack the discipline to stick with the topic to the end; after all, Jeremiah is the second longest book in the Bible. In regards to excuses for ignoring these texts, I had many, but now have none. The burden of the Lord is upon me; my meditations are full and my conscience swollen. My deepest conviction is that the Church today should heed the spiritual principles disclosed by Jeremiah, especially his warnings against idolatry and ignoring revealed truth. Forsaken, Forgotten, and Forgiven is the twelfth of fourteen books in the Old Testament Devotional Commentary Series.

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GLORIES SEEN & UNSEEN

A STUDY OF THE HEAD COVERING

Many Christians simply brush off the question of whether or not a woman should cover her head while she is praying or during meetings of the church. They consider the topic to be of low priority. What real significance does a head covering have in the 21st century anyway? On a relative scale of importance, the head covering certainly ranks lower than evangelism, holy living, Christology and many other central Christian teachings. Yet, no portion of Scripture, however trivial in our own minds, ought to be neglected. It is all the Word of God, and God proclaimed it for our benefit. So, what does the Bible specifically teach about head covering? Should women wear a head covering today during church meetings or at other times? What were the headdress practices of the early Church? Is a woman’s hair an acceptable covering for her? Was Paul’s teaching only addressing converted prostitutes? These and many more questions will be addressed within the confines of this book. Confusion over Biblical issues need not lead to controversy! Where there is a desire to learn from Scripture and an open heart to submit to revealed truth, God will bless with understanding.

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HALLOWED BE THY NAME

REVERING CHRIST IN A CASUAL WORLD

Is scriptural terminology important? Does wrong terminology tend to lead to erroneous Church practices? Do I ignorantly show disdain for the Lord’s name by the way in which I address Him or speak of Him to others? What is the sin of blasphemy? Can a Christian blaspheme God today? Do I show a lack of reverence for the Lord through vain religious practices and celebrations? These are some of the questions that Hallowed Be Thy Name examines in detail. Our speech and behavior reflect our heart’s adoration for the Lord Jesus and, thus, directly affect our testimony of Him to the world. May God bestow on us grace to “buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov. 23:23), and may each one be subject to the “good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:2).

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HIDING GOD

THE AMBITION OF WORLD RELIGION

World religion is an exhaustive system of doings apart from God's truth and God's enablement. How does world religion obscure divine truth, thus preventing man from personally knowing God? What general trends are consistently found in humanized religion? What advantage does biblical Christianity have over the religions of the world? Why should I trust Jesus Christ alone to secure eternal life? These questions and many others will be posed and rationally addressed in this book. Dear reader, please examine the evidence, and determine for yourself if biblical Christianity is a logical choice.

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IN SEARCH OF GOD

A QUEST FOR TRUTH

If you are a Christian attending a secular university or are in frequent company with skeptics, you will find this book helpful for graciously and respectfully dialoguing with others concerning your faith. Is there legitimate evidence for the supernatural realm? If so, who originated such influences? If there is a God, how can we be sure that the Bible is His message to mankind? Is the Bible we have today authentic, and can we trust what it says? What advantage does Christianity have over the religions of the world? These questions and others will be posed and rationally addressed. Dear reader, please examine the evidence and determine for yourself if biblical Christianity is a logical choice. If the Christian message is true, eternity is a very long time to suffer for ignorance. Why not invest a few moments now to think about your eternal destiny?

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INFIDELITY AND LOYALTY

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF EZEKIEL AND DANIEL

The book of Ezekiel conveys God’s jealous anger over Israel’s idolatry, His righteous judgments to purify her of spiritual harlotry, and His future intentions of restoring the Jewish nation to Himself and fulfilling all His covenants to her. Ezekiel contrasts God’s loyalty with Israel’s infidelity as an adulterous wife. God has not abandoned His covenant people of old; He has an agenda for restoring them to a position of honor and blessing. Ezekiel’s prophecies pertaining to the Kingdom Age: the splendor of Jerusalem with its glorious temple, the esteem of the Jewish people, phenomenal worldwide blessings, and the universal exaltation of Christ by the nations. The book of Daniel highlights the personal dedication of a Jewish man named Daniel and his righteous example to other Jewish captives exiled in Babylon. About half of Daniel’s book is prophetic in nature; this shows that God alone governs the rise and fall of kingdoms. Like Ezekiel, Daniel acknowledges that the Lord knows how to best chasten and restore His covenant people in order to accomplish all His promises to them. Infidelity and Loyalty is the thirteenth of fourteen books in the Old Testament Devotional Commentary Series.

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ISRAEL’S KINGS

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF KINGS AND CHRONICLES

Kings and Chronicles cover the era of Israel’s kings, which spans almost four centuries. Kings picks up with the last days of David, while Chronicles commences with the death of Saul, Israel’s first king. Chronicles follows only the Davidic dynasty; references to Israel’s kings occur only as a necessary part of the narrative. The writers of Kings and Chronicles had different objectives. The writer of Chronicles intended to encourage disheartened Jews returning from Babylon to regain their identity as Jehovah’s covenant people and to rebuild His temple. Kings highlights the ministry of God’s prophets laboring among His idolatrous and wayward people. William Kelly surmises that “Kings is the book of responsibility, Chronicles of God’s providence.” Throughout Israel’s history, God judges the wicked and rewards the faithful, but regardless of what Israel does, He proves His covenantal love to them. Consequently, even His stern judgments are tempered with mercy to ensure all His purposes are accomplished for those He loves. Israel's Kings is the eighth of fourteen books in the Old Testament Devotional Commentary Series.

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MAY WE SEE CHRIST?

A NEW TESTAMENT JOURNEY

God the Father loves His Son and desires for us to know, appreciate, and love Him too. The New Testament discloses God's ultimate revelation to mankind in a person: God's incarnate Son, Jesus Christ, is God's message and Messenger to humanity. Christ's life, His sacrifice, His death, His resurrection, and His ascension all speak to us of God's mighty, selfless Conqueror, now exalted to His throne. Christ freely offers light, love, and life to all who will receive Him and then promises to lead them ever heavenward. By the illuminating assistance of the Holy Spirit, we are able to understand that all of Scripture speaks of Christ to some degree. The New Testament superbly declares to us the meanings of numerous Old Testament types, symbols, and allegories of Christ. Hence, the best reason to embark on this one-year journey is to more clearly see, know, and love Christ. We will not value Him at all until we esteem Him above all! May the Lord richly bless your daily contemplations of the Savior as you eagerly peer into God's oracles and witness the glory of His Son.

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MAY WE SEE CHRIST?

AN OLD TESTAMENT JOURNEY

At this particular moment, each of us is as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as we desire to be. The Lord is a perfect Gentleman; He does not force Himself on anyone. Our patient Savior is always ready to extend knowledge, grace, wisdom, mercy, and forgiveness to those genuinely seeking Him. Through His Word and by His Spirit, God aids a true seeker to have a deeper knowledge of Himself and His purposes. God the Father loves His Son and desires us to know, appreciate, and love Him too. Besides the plain language of Scripture, God has employed a variety of types, symbols, and allegories in a complementary fashion to teach us about His Son. With the light of New Testament truth and the illuminating assistance of the Holy Spirit, we are able to understand and appreciate these fascinating Old Testament pictures. All of God’s written Word speaks of Christ to some degree as He is the main emphasis of Scripture. Accordingly, the best reason to embark on this one-year journey is to more clearly see, know, and love Christ. May the Lord richly bless your daily contemplations of the Savior as you expectantly peer into God’s oracles and witness the glory of His Son.

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MAY WE SERVE CHRIST!

A NEW TESTAMENT JOURNEY

At this moment, each of us is as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as we desire to be. Our patient Savior is always ready to assist anyone genuinely seeking Him and desiring to serve Him in his or her appointed capacity and calling. Through His Word and His Spirit, God aids a true seeker every step of the way into a deeper knowledge of Himself and His purposes. May We Serve Christ! – A New Testament Journey draws practical application from Scripture to convict, to confront, and to encourage us to “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14.). There is a Savior to know, a work to do, a calling to be fulfilled, a race to run, and a higher experience with God to be enjoyed!

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MAY WE SERVE CHRIST!

AN OLD TESTAMENT JOURNEY

At this moment, each of us is as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as we desire to be. Our patient Savior is always ready to assist anyone genuinely seeking Him and desiring to serve Him in his or her appointed capacity and calling. Through His Word and His Spirit, God aids a true seeker every step of the way into a deeper knowledge of Himself and His purposes. May We Serve Christ! – An Old Testament Journey draws practical application from Scripture to convict, to confront, and to encourage us to “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14.). There is a Savior to know, a work to do, a calling to be fulfilled, a race to run, and a higher experience with God to be enjoyed!

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MIND FRAMES

WHERE LIFE’S BATTLE IS WON OR LOST

If the reader has difficulty maintaining a spiritual thought life, or is ineffective in spiritual warfare, or is prone to repetitive carnal behavior, Mind Frames is for you. Besides investigating our tri-part consciousness, the author suggests six biblical exercises to strength the reader’s mind and then a dozen “mind frames” to adapt for different situations in day to day life. It is the author’s sincerest prayer that through imposing scriptural “mind frames” the reader will obtain a fortified mind and be an effective portal for the Holy Spirit’s power in a world that desperately needs God’s presence!

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OUT OF EGYPT

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF EXODUS

Out of Egypt is a "commentary style" devotional which upholds the glories of Christ while exploring Exodus within the context of the whole of Scripture. The book of Exodus reveals two central qualities of God’s salvation for man: redemption by blood through substitutional death and consecrated living apart from the world. Exodus records God’s work to deliver His people from Egypt as well as His labors to remove Egypt from His people. Out of Egypt is the second of fourteen books in the Old Testament Devotional Commentary Series.

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OVERCOMING YOUR BULLY

GETTING BEYOND WHO YOU WERE

Man, apart from God, will struggle to find significance in his existence. Life is meaningless without God, thus all that man pursues will be characterized by insecurity, inadequacy, anxiety, and guilt. The natural man may think that he is at liberty to choose his behavior, but since he possesses a fallen nature, he invariably must walk according to the flesh and commit the "deeds of the flesh" (Gal. 5:19-21). "The flesh" describes the natural man. The Lord Jesus said, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh" - it will always be flesh. God has no program to change the flesh. Rather He brings in something new: "and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). A new struggle is brought to our attention. It is no longer the new nature or the believer striving for mastery over sin in the body; it is the Holy Spirit striving against the old nature. Overcoming Your Bully provides biblical insights to assist Christians to act differently than they did in Adam and to behave more like Christ than they did the day before.

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PASSING THE TORCH

MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION FOR CHRIST

Like the Olympic torchbearers, Christians are also called to pass a torch from generation to generation. The light of biblical Christianity shines in the world today because faithful believers through the ages dedicated themselves to the accurate transfer of doctrine to new Christians and then equipped them to live out this truth. Passing the torch to the next generation in such a way to ensure that they will in turn pass it along to others is a difficult task. How does one motivate younger believers, especially our own children, to catch the vision and be sold out for Christ? How do we excite them to be active participants in church body-life, rather than being disengaged spectators? How can we inspire believers to enthusiastically receive the torch of truth, carry it boldly, and then hand it off with the confidence that the next generation will do the same? The author realizes that these are broad questions which have a variety of possible answers which will be influenced by individual circumstances. The goal of this book is to answer these questions by defining biblical principles and providing practical counsel that can be applied over a wide range of situations.

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REFINING AND REMINDING

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF NUMBERS AND DEUTERONOMY

Numbers records the wilderness experience of God’s covenant people, who are moving towards receiving the promises of God in Canaan, despite their failures and unbelief. It is a humbling story as far as man is concerned, but also a blessed and beautiful account of God’s exhaustless patience and mercy, as He works to refine His people. Deuteronomy has more occurrences of the expression “the Lord our God” than any other book in the Bible. The frequency of this phrase and the prevalent occurrences of the words “law,” “love,” “land,” and “possession” combine to declare Deuteronomy’s central message: First, through faithful obedience to God’s Law, the Israelites would properly recognize Jehovah as their God among the nations. Second, Jehovah’s love for Israel would also be evident to the nations when the Jewish nation miraculously possessed Canaan, His inheritance for them. Deuteronomy is a book of practical directives to ensure that Israel both experiences and affirms covenantal love.

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RELATIVITY AND REDEMPTION

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF JUDGES AND RUTH

“Relativity and Redemption is a devotional exposition of the often neglected books of Judges and Ruth. With an engaging and accessible style, the author unpacks the teaching of these books in their historical contexts, while making pertinent applications to modern believers. He quotes some of the best Bible expositors of the past (Matthew Henry, Hamilton Smith, H.L. Rossier among others), and also brings the fruit of his own study to bear on the text. It is not designed as a highly technical commentary, seeking rather to stir the heart via the mind. Having said this, brother Henderson does not shy away from controversy or difficult passages. I heartily commend this book to anyone wanting to understand Judges and Ruth better, as well as those who want their devotional appreciation of the Lord enriched.”

- Keith Keyser

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REVEALING HEAVEN’S SECRETS

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF THE PAULINE EPISTLES

Paul quotes Isaiah, “Who can know the mind of the Lord that He may instruct Him?” to explain that God and His ways cannot be known by man without receiving divine revelation and illumination. Paul was assigned the special ministry of revealing the hidden mysteries of God being accomplished in Christ (1 Cor. 4:1). If Satan had understood what God was going to achieve through Christ’s death and resurrection, Satan would not have had Jesus Christ crucified (1 Cor. 2:7-8). So, God kept His plan of salvation a mystery until after Christ’s work of redemption and His resurrection were complete. Then through Paul and the other apostles, God revealed what had been previously concealed so that all may “see what is the fellowship of the mystery” obtained in Christ. Paul is credited with writing thirteen of the New Testament epistles. He may have written Hebrews also. Paul’s writing style is logical in construction and draws precedents from Old Testament Scripture to establish and defend New Testament doctrine. The Pauline epistles provide the doctrinal basis to compel believers to live for Christ. Paul generally uses identification truth (i.e., the believer’s position with Christ) to implore Christians to practically live for Christ.

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REVIVE US AGAIN

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF EZRA, NEHEMIAH AND ESTHER

Many believers today are wondering if the Church's present lethargic state is the final curtain call for the Church Age. Many of the great revivals of the last three centuries began when a few consecrated Christians desperate for God, disgusted by the spiritual darkness of their time, pleaded with the Lord to do the spectacular. In response to those prayers, a great work of grace invigorated the Church, and many believers were emboldened to proclaim the gospel message, which ushered millions into the Church. Is it possible for God's people in the 21st century to be enflamed with the same evangelical fervor? This author thinks it is, but not without an awakening within the Church first. As witnessed in the book of Esther, whenever God’s people are settled in the world, they will lack reverence for Him and devalue the things important to Him. In contrast, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah display the authentic nature of spiritual revival, what necessitates it, and what it produces. May we press forward in expectation of the great things God can still do, rather than permitting a defeated foe to wrangle as many into hell as he can because of our smug complacency.

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SEEDS OF DESTINY

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF GENESIS

Genesis, more than any other book of the Bible, provides an overview of God’s immense purpose for humanity. This fountainhead of Holy Scripture stretches from the dawn of time, past the birth pangs of the world, the fall of man, and beyond to the restoration of mankind to God. God’s plan of redemption is displayed through dazzling allegory in Genesis. The climax of Genesis is the exaltation of the Son of God, and redeemed souls receive eternal bliss and communion with Him. Although Genesis reveals much concerning human affairs, most of this information is in “seed form.” The word “seed” is a key word in Genesis. It occurs fifty-six times – over twice as many references as any other book in the Bible. The main teachings of the Bible derive their heritage and features from Genesis seeds. Genesis is full of “initial seeds” which give evidence to realities not yet complete. As God is sovereign over creation there is nothing that can thwart His plans for mankind. Hence the seeds of Genesis are nothing less than “seeds of destiny.” Genesis is a book of beginnings – the “seed plot of the Bible.”

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SORROW AND COMFORT

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF ISAIAH

Our English word “comfort” is derived from two Latin roots, con, “to be with,” and fortis, “strong.” Comfort means “to strengthen by companionship.” Comfort in times of distress is one of the principal benefits of walking with God. Hence, Isaiah implores his countrymen who have suffered God’s chastening to seek His forgiveness and comfort through genuine repentance and humility. Isaiah yearns for the Jews to experience the meaning of his name, God’s salvation. It is not surprising then that “comfort” (Hebrew nacham) appears more times in Isaiah than in any other book in the Bible. Godly comfort is the sole lasting solution for life’s sorrows. Additionally, no other book in the Bible has more occurrences of the word “sorrow.” Plainly, sorrow and comfort are intertwined qualities of the prophet’s messages to God’s covenant people (Isa. 51:11-12). Isaiah reveals how God can righteously forgive repentant sinners and share with them His glory through the finished work of His faithful Servant, the Lord Jesus Christ – Israel’s Messiah. We, in the Church Age, do well to consider all that Isaiah reveals about God’s means of forgiveness, extending salvation, comfort, blessing, and the fullness of joy to the repentant.

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THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM

DEVOTIONAL STUDY OF JOB, PSALMS, PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES AND SONG OF SOLOMON

The overall theme of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon is succinctly stated in Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Concisely put, to know God is what knowledge means and such understanding should prompt fearful awe of Him. In his early years, Solomon's son learned that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov. 1:7). As Solomon's son advanced into the school of life, wisdom instructed him that it was foolish to live without God in the world. True wisdom is inseparable from the fear of the Lord; it is man's starting point in understanding the mind of God, which enables him to resolve questions otherwise inscrutable. Those who choose to walk in the path of godly obedience find life and blessing, and demonstrate their understanding of who God is and of His ways.

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THE BIBLE: MYTH OR DIVINE TRUTH?

“Every religion claims divine authorship for its "holy book." But when one asks whether the claims to divine authorship are supported by history, archeology and sound scholarship, the answer is usually a resounding "no!" But is this the case with the Bible? Is the Bible simply another book mixing history and historical fiction? Is the Bible mythology or Divine revelation? This small booklet brings together the facts of history, archeology, cosmology and logic with sound biblical scholarship to answer these important questions about the Bible. You owe it to yourself to find the answers to these and other questions about the Bible because the truth of God's message will change your life and your destiny. So I invite you to examine the evidence for yourself and settle the matter in your own mind. You can know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

- Michael G. Windheuser Ph.D.

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THE EVIL NEXUS

ARE YOU AIDING THE ENEMY?

“Nexus” speaks of a connection which links two or more things together. The Evil Nexus investigates seven ways that Christians can, often unwittingly, be unnaturally linked with the devil to accomplish his wicked agenda. Paul sharply rebuked believers in Galatia for their destructive conduct towards each other (Gal. 5:15). Regrettably, this onslaught continues to this day. The Christian community is the only army on earth which regularly permits the assault of its own soldiers, resolutely ignores their wounded, and abandons those missing in action.

Dear believer, is it possible that you are actively harming the body of Christ through devil-like behavior? Instead of being an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ, could you be the puppet of Satan, wreaking havoc in the Church? Is it possible that your envy, critical spirit, and pride have blinded you to the fact that you have become a meat cleaver in the devil’s hand to hack down the bride of Christ? Is the devil using you as bullhorn to incite his evil agenda in others? Peer down, look closely: is the splattered blood of your brethren soiling your self-righteous attire? Oh God, deliver us from the pagan sacrilege of offering such blood sacrifices to the god of this age! This carnage must stop! The Lord said, “every city or house divided against itself will not stand” (Matt. 12:25). How can the Church represent Christ to lost souls when believers are devouring each other? For the glory of God, may we consider our ways, repent, and stop aiding the enemy!

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THE FRUITFUL BOUGH

AFFIRMING BIBLICAL MANHOOD

The Fruitful Bough is part of the foliage trilogy on biblical family life: The Fruitful Bough – Affirming Biblical Manhood, The Fruitful Vine – A Celebration of Biblical Womanhood, and The Olive Plants – Raising Spiritual Children. The book is divided into four major sections. The first section, The Marital Union, supplies the biblical foundation for the remainder of the book: Why was marriage instituted, and what was God’s best plan for marriage? The next two sections pertain to the natural roles a married man will find the most joy in fulfilling – namely, being a companion to his wife, shepherding his children, and satisfying the spiritual and physical needs of his family. The final section contains a character sketch of a spiritually-minded man and discusses the types of ministries he is expected to engage in. Just as woman was fashioned from and for man, biblical manhood advocates biblical womanhood. God reveals both what He finds admirable in a man and what He expects him to do to please Him. In the visible realm, few exhibitions of divine order can rival the man who so identifies with Christ that his guidance and love for others, especially his wife and children, is selfless and tenacious. Such a man is a fruitful bough and affirms God’s design for manhood. There is a study guide and teacher’s guide for this book.

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THE FRUITFUL VINE

A CELEBRATION OF BIBLICAL WOMANHOOD

The Fruitful Vine is part of the foliage trilogy on biblical family life: The Fruitful Bough – Affirming Biblical Manhood, The Fruitful Vine – A Celebration of Biblical Womanhood, and The Olive Plants – Raising Spiritual Children. For a wife to achieve full femininity, she must comprehend the divine purpose for which she was created and she must be sustained by God’s grace for the strenuous responsibility. This book is divided into six sections. The first section, The Marital Union, supplies the biblical foundation for the remainder of the book: Why was marriage instituted, and what was God’s best plan for marriage? The following three sections pertain to the main natural roles a married woman will find the most joy in fulfilling – namely, being a companion to her husband, bearing and nurturing children, and keeping an ordered home. The fifth section, The Autumn Years, provides counsel to the “empty-nesters” and encouragement for widows. The final section provides a character sketch of a spiritually-minded woman and the types of ministry she may engage in. God reveals both what He finds beautiful in a woman and what He expects her to do to please Him. We will explore and decipher each depiction of the vine as related to biblical wifehood in Scripture, then apply the teaching through sensible helps for both men and women. Only when a wife appreciates and apprehends true femininity will she truly enjoy being a woman.

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THE HOPE OF GLORY

A PREVIEW OF THINGS TO COME

The whole Bible is an expression of divine truth. Our understanding of that truth is not gained by the private interpretation of any one particular Scripture (2 Pet. 1:20), but rather through the guidance of the Holy Spirit in comparing Scripture with Scripture (1 Cor. 2:13). By reviewing the whole of Scripture, we are able to answer with a high degree of confidence such questions as: Does God have a future plan to bless the Jewish nation of Israel? How does His agenda for the Jewish people differ from His future plans for the Church? Is the Church to be looking for the coming of the Antichrist or Christ Himself? Has Christ already come for the Church? Is it true that Christ will not return until the Church prepares His kingdom? A literal interpretation of Scripture naturally leads to a literal fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Accordingly, many yet unfulfilled Bible prophecies simply call our attention to a future day in which God will honor His Word. To this end, The Hope of Glory reviews twenty-four biblical reasons which suggest that the return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His Church is imminent!

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THE OLIVE PLANTS

RAISING SPIRITUAL CHILDREN

The Olive Plants is part of the foliage trilogy on biblical family life: The Fruitful Bough – Affirming Biblical Manhood, The Fruitful Vine – A Celebration of Biblical Womanhood, and The Olive Plants – Raising Spiritual Children. This book was ten years in the writing and covers the gambit of childrearing topics from infancy to matrimony. Because each new child and each new year brought different challenges and unique experiences to learn from, it seemed only prudent to hold back from publishing an incomplete resource or imparting advice that might later prove to be flawed. Special attention is given to the five major developmental areas in a child’s life: Character, Spiritual, Academic, Physical and Life-skills. Wisdom is something that all parents gain over time, some more than others, and some later than others, and for these the learning is often accompanied by frustration and sorrow. It is our earnest prayer that this resource will alleviate parents from experiencing the latter situation. The Lord develops parents as He raises up spiritual children for Himself – to this end, we praise God that children survive despite their parents.

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THE PARABLES CHRIST TOLD

One of the most mystifying aspects of the Lord’s ministry was the parables that He spoke. Jesus Christ told parables in response to questions, self-righteous attitudes, pious murmuring, or as a means of engaging an audience to think more deeply about spiritual matters. His parables revealed truth, but in a partially-veiled manner that would test those listening. The casual onlooker, the “window shopper,” would hear and not comprehend, nor desire any more understanding – “thanks for the good story.” But those longing to grasp the significance of the story would seek the Lord for further instruction. Hence, Christ’s parables were not intended to develop foundational doctrines of our faith, but to confront smug religiosity and carnal attitudes, and to prompt repentance and righteous behavior. Much false doctrine has been derived from wrongly interpreting stories that were designed to be ambiguous. Yet, through the light of the New Testament Epistles the meanings of Christ’s parables are more clearly understood and appreciated.

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Not available as an eBook

YOUR HOME - A BIRTHING PLACE FOR HEAVEN?

Your Home—A Birthing Place for Heaven? has been written to inspire those considering hosting or leading a small group Bible study, and also to encourage and aid those already laboring in this special ministry. Not only do the angels rejoice in heaven when one repentant sinner receives salvation (Lk. 15:10), but there is tremendous joy to the one declaring the gospel truth also (Jn. 3:29). Watching as hungry, needy souls find fulfillment and satisfaction in the Lord Jesus Christ is one of the most exciting experiences in life. This book provides a short history and evaluation of the present small group movement, which has gained tremendous momentum over the past thirty years. From this evaluation, we will learn what techniques have been profitable in reaching the lost, which have faltered and why. How do I know if God is calling me to lead a Bible study? What are the biblical principles for evangelizing my friends, co-workers and neighbors? How do I invite and encourage them to come to a home or workplace study? How do I get started? How does one become a good study leader? How do I lead individuals into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and then encourage them to grow and mature in their faith? What study materials do I use? How do I handle difficult situations like personality conflicts or an argumentative person?

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