The Importance of Reading the Scriptures in Context

One of the essential aspects of studying the Bible is the importance of reading it in context. Whether you approach the Scriptures from a position of faith, curiosity, or academic interest, understanding the context in which they were written is crucial.

The Old Testament, or Hebrew Bible, contains texts that originate from various periods of ancient Israelite history. For instance, the Torah (Pentateuch), the first five books, attributed to Moses, cover creation, the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), the Exodus from Egypt, and the establishment of Israel’s laws. These books likely reached their final form during the Babylonian Exile (6th century BC). The historical books, books like Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings recount the history of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian Exile. They provide insight into Israel’s political and religious development.
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Question: All Things New

“What does the Bible mean when it says God is creating all things new?”

In chapters 65 and 66 of the Book of Isaiah, there are prophecies about God’s future restoration and renewal of all things. When it speaks of Jehovah creating all things new, it refers to a time when God will bring about a complete transformation of the world, ushering in a new era of righteousness, peace, and blessing. This is closely related to the broader biblical theme of restoration and redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s take a look at three of these verses from Isaiah.
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Lessons from Psalm 88

1 O Jehovah, the God of my salvation,
I have cried day and night before thee.
2 Let my prayer enter into thy presence;
Incline thine ear unto my cry.
3 For my soul is full of troubles,
And my life draweth nigh unto Sheol.
4 I am reckoned with them that go down into the pit;
I am as a man that hath no help,
5 Cast off among the dead,
Like the slain that lie in the grave,
Whom thou rememberest no more,
And they are cut off from thy hand. Continue reading →

Lessons from Deuteronomy 5

5 And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and observe to do them. 2 Jehovah our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 Jehovah made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. 4 Jehovah spake with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire 5 (I stood between Jehovah and you at that time, to show you the word of Jehovah: for ye were afraid because of the fire, and went not up into the mount), saying,

6 I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Continue reading →

Our Hope is in Christ Jesus

In a world where uncertainties abound and the foundations of society are crumbling beneath our feet, the words of Psalm 62:2 are reassuring. “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken.” (HCSB) Our hope is not anchored in the fleeting promises of men, but in the eternal and unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. He is our sure foundation, the cornerstone upon which we build our lives and anchor our souls.

The epistle to the Hebrews reminds that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (13:8) This constancy a unsinkable ship on a turbulent sea. When political systems fail, economies falter, and social structures break down, the Christian’s confidence remains steadfast because it rests not in temporal constructs but in the eternal Word of God.
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He Shall Save His People

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

The foretelling of Jesus’ birth to Mary holds deep theological significance within our faith. The name ‘Jesus,’ originating from the Hebrew “Yeshua” or “Yehoshua,” captures a message within its very essence. Its meaning, “Yahweh/Jehovah saves” or “God is salvation,” forms the core foundation of the divine mission entrusted to Messiah.

The Old Testament prophesied the coming of a Messiah—a chosen one who would bring salvation and redemption to God’s people. This anticipation of a messiah within the Jewish faith, carries with it the hopes and expectations of deliverance from oppression and the restoration of divine favour. Within the Christian faith, the annunciation of Jesus’s birth to Mary, delivered by the angel Gabriel, marks the point in history when the divine plan for humanity’s redemption begins to unfold. Mary, a young woman of deep faith and humility, receives this extraordinary news with awe and reverence. Her role as the mother of Jesus helps us have a better understanding of the divine intervention and the miraculous nature of our Lord’s birth. Continue reading →

Scripture Minute – Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” (Psalm 73:26)

In this Psalm, David is acknowledging human frailty and vulnerability. In our frailty, as humans we can experience physical weaknesses, emotional struggles, or even spiritual doubts and challenges. Despite the limitations and weaknesses of the human condition, we find our strength and support in God. Spiritual strength, encouragement, and comfort comes when we put our trust in the Lord.

That very Source of strength is not temporary; the Lord is Eternal. Our Lord is a permanent and enduring Source of provision, guidance, and comfort throughout life and into eternity.
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Scripture Minute – Galatians 5:25

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)

Living in the Spirit signifies a close relationship with the Lord and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us. When this relationship is properly maintained, it causes a transformed and renewed life in alignment with God’s will.
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There Are Only Two Roads

“Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

In our journey of faith, we often encounter choices and crossroads that shape the direction of our lives. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus presents us with a profound truth: there are only two roads of choice for a Christian. One is wide and easy, leading to destruction, while the other is narrow and challenging, leading to life. These two paths represent the contrasting choices we face as followers of Christ. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the significance of these roads and their implications for our daily walk with God.
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Living in Readiness for the Lord’s Coming

“Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:42-44)

In these verses, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the importance of vigilance and readiness in anticipation of His return. He urges us to watch and be prepared, placing emphasis on the fact that the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour. These words carry a ageless message that resonates with us today, calling us, as disciples of Christ, to examine our lives and ensure that we are living in readiness for the glorious return of our Lord.
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