Fear of people and our current circumstances, fear of what the future might hold, fear borne out of past pain can grow so large it pushes aside our fear of the Lord. That is part of what was happening with Isaiah’s audience. #Isaiah51 #JudeanExile
Abraham’s Gate
So far I've been talking about Iron Age and Bronze Age archaeological sites. But this structure dates even further back to the Chalcolithic period.
Hebrews: Hall of Faith, the Patriarchs
The writer of Hebrews turned to the faith of the ancients in a passage often called the “Hall of Faith,” or “Faith’s Hall of Heroes.” These were of the believing remnant spoken of throughout the Hebrew scriptures, who persevered in faith against great odds, and chose to believe in God’s promises, though they would not be fulfilled in their own lifetime.
Hebrews: A Better Priesthood
Melchizedek is a fascinating and mysterious figure in the Bible. Here is the sum total of his appearances in the pages of scripture.
Hebrews: Anchor of the Soul
The writer had given nearly three chapters of exhortation, dire warnings in stern language. Now he turned to encouragement, feeling certain his audience would respond to God’s call through his letter.
James: Demonic Faith or Dynamic Faith?
Genuine living faith is costly, in selflessness, sacrifice, humility, obedience to God and godly love. Yet, James taught, it is this genuine faith that receives the crown of life from God.
2 Peter 2: Sodom and Gomorrah
Now, Peter would present his second and third examples, God’s cleansing the whole earth of abject wickedness, yet rescuing the tiny remnant of righteous ones.
Sarah
Sarah’s character and faith were going to be put through several severe tests over the course of her marriage, trials that would include long years of travel, homelessness, risk to her life and to her honor, turmoil in her home, even internal soul-searching.
Loneliness
We are going to see God rescuing a very lonely person who had reached the very end of herself, literally all lone, without friend or family, without resources, and finally, without hope.
Hagar
Hagar realized God had “seen” her, the Lord knew her just as she was, understood her with great compassion in her inmost depths and all that concerned her.