Mike Leake
We see in Daniel that there is a kingdom, and a King, that is unshakeable. This is Christ for us, able to rescue us in our weakness. The people are in exile because of sin—and the narrative here is th...
Mike Leake
In some ways the story in 1 Kings (especially if we finish it up with 2 Kings) is the story of the Garden of Eden 2.0. It starts with God blessing humanity and putting them into a beautiful place. For...
Pamela Palmer
This demonstration of prayer taught by Jesus was simple, yet it shows us how we can come to God in prayer. Jesus was often seen going away from crowds to pray and spend time with the Father. He recogn...
Mike Leake
The “Preacher” attempts to search everything “under the sun” to find meaning. It all turns up empty. Vanity of vanities, he concludes. And that is really the sad message of Ecclesiastes — nothing unde...
Mike Leake
The character of Boaz is a pretty clear type of Christ. But we also see Ruth as a bit of a Christ figure. Her words in Ruth 1:16-18 have been used time and again in marriage ceremonies. And that is ce...
Mike Leake
Malachi, like so many other places within the Old Testament, tells us about the truth of the human condition. We are rebellious people. And even the pain of exile and the joy of being brought back fro...
Mike Leake
David is pointing to another. It will not be through King David that our high calling to rule will be restored. No, this will come through the finished work of King Jesus. 1 Samuel points to what ough...
Mike Leake
God will need to rescue and redeem His bride from all of the awful decisions and covenants and relationships that she has made. But He will do it. He will buy her back. And this is what we see the Lor...
Mike Leake
What if I told you that just like every other book of the Bible, Leviticus actually points us to Jesus? It does. Yes, it can be a difficult read in places. But there are places in Leviticus which clea...
Britt Mooney
Did Jesus really say, “Woman behold your son” as he was dying? If so, was he talking about himself or giving final directions?...
Paul's teaching on union with Christ has often been labeled as Christian "mysticism." This is an appropriate term if understood in a qualified sense....
Michael Jakes
The church is the body of Christ, a gift from the Father for us to grow in community, and grow closer to Him. But churches are filled with sinful human beings, ourselves included! When problems arise,...
Stephen Baker
Laodicea is one of seven first-century churches Jesus addressed in the book of Revelation. It is also the only church of the group which receives no praise from our Lord, only rebuke....
Mike Leake
What we break and unravel God restores. The people will be overcome by the Assyrians. Centuries later they will be exiled. Many years later people’s unfaithfulness will continue. But through all of th...
Mike Leake
One of the major themes of the book, then, is that God keeps His promises. But there is another thread which runs through this story — that of human failure. 2 Kings ends with the people carried off i...
Sue Schlesman
Here’s a look at some major differences between Jesus’ words and some other ancient philosophers. What do the world’s major religions say about life, love, relationships, and purpose?...
Mike Leake
There is a pattern found in the book of Judges that parallels the gospel story. God has set them in the land — and charged them with the creation mandate. They are to rest in God, rule their sphere fo...
Bethany Verrett
Because culture is greatly influenced by man, and man is creative in ways that are both good and bad, many cultures have elements that are a mix of good, bad, or neutral. Removing any objective standa...
Mike Leake
Some Old Testament scholars contend that the Proverbs are void of legitimate allusions or connections to Jesus. At first glance, they appear to have a case. Yet, I am still convinced that the Pr...