Theme 1: (1-2) : The Lord is faithful to his covenant and shows love to his people. We must be faithful to the Lord and keep his law. Our relationship with the Lord must not be taken lightly for we will be punished for our unfaithfulness to him. The Lord is faithful to his covenant with Israel for he showed his love to her constantly. ( 1: 2-5). The Lord desires our best and we must not short change him by offering him defective goods or work which is not our best. ( 1:6-13). The Lord must be shown honour for he is the great King over all. (1:14). As people who follow the Lord, we must be faithful to him in our role as mediators and not corrupt his commands by showing favortism to certain people. ( 2:1-9). Unfaithfulness to the Lord's commands is not tolerated. In particular unfaithfulness to the marriage covenant which represents our relationship with the Lord. Thus marriage must not be treated lightly. ( 2: 10-17).
Theme 2; ( 3-4): The Lord longs to restore the broken relationship between himself and humanity. Therefore he promised to send a savior who would act as a mediator between the Lord and people. ( 3:1-4). The Lord does not change and thus unfaithfulness to his covenant will be judged. Thus injustice to the alien , the poor and the widow will be judged. (3:5-12). Those who obey the covenant will be spared from the Lord 's judgement and will act as a witness to how the Lord treats the wicked who disobey and the righteous who obey him. ( 3:13-17). Those whom obeyed the Law of Moses will be perserved by the Lord. ( 4:1-3). The Lord longs to restore the broken relationships between people and himself and between people and people. Therefore he sends Christ as a mediator of a new covenant relationship in which we can know the Lord intamently. ( 4:4).
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Zechariah
Theme 1: (1-4): The Lord desires to restore the relationship he had with humanity from the start in which he knew them well. Our sin can be forgiven and blessing will return when we turn to him. Upon hearing the word of the Lord from Zechariah the people of Israel responded by turning to the Lord. ( 1:1-6). The Lord then promised to bless the people and gave the nation of Israel , peace and prosperity. ( 1:7-17). The Lord promised to dwell with the people and to shield them from harm ( 2:1-5). He promised to take people from other nations and bring them to himself as well. ( 2: 6-13). The Lord restored and protected the High Priest Joshau from Satan ( 3:1-5). He promised to remove the shame from the people as he removed the shame from Joshau the High Priest. Everyone in the land will experience peace and prosperity. ( 3:6-13). The Lord promised to empower the governor Zeurababel and use everyone in the process of restoring Jerusalem. ( 4:6-10).
Theme 2: (5-8) : Obedience to the word of the Lord and devotion to him is key in the process of restoration. Without faithfulness to the Lord our relationship with him will die. The Lord gave his people the commands they were to follow and they were judged on their obedience to them. ( 5:1-4). Everyone had been given the commands they must follow and had a knowledge of the Lord. ( 6:1-8). The Lord must be at the centre of our worship, for we worship to show our love to him. ( 7:1-6). Seeking to be joyful , peaceful and truthful in the Lord are key to living in a close relationship with him. ( 8:16-20).
Theme 3: (9-14): Those who follow the Lord will be blessed by his guidance as they experience peace. The Lord promised to be with the people when they followed him. He said that he would lead ,guide and comfort them. (9:11-17). He promised to gather the people back to himself from the nations they had been scattered in and to be with them. ( 10: 8-12). When we disobey the Lord he will raise up people to perform his judgement through. ( 11: 7-17). The Lord promised to restore the relationship he had with Israel to what it had been during the reign of David. ( 12: 1-9). The Lord promised to call out people who would love and obey him and experience intamacy with him. (13:9). The Lord would be the focus in his coming kingdom ( 14:1-9) and all who followed him in his kingdom would be blessed. ( 14: 16-20).
Theme 2: (5-8) : Obedience to the word of the Lord and devotion to him is key in the process of restoration. Without faithfulness to the Lord our relationship with him will die. The Lord gave his people the commands they were to follow and they were judged on their obedience to them. ( 5:1-4). Everyone had been given the commands they must follow and had a knowledge of the Lord. ( 6:1-8). The Lord must be at the centre of our worship, for we worship to show our love to him. ( 7:1-6). Seeking to be joyful , peaceful and truthful in the Lord are key to living in a close relationship with him. ( 8:16-20).
Theme 3: (9-14): Those who follow the Lord will be blessed by his guidance as they experience peace. The Lord promised to be with the people when they followed him. He said that he would lead ,guide and comfort them. (9:11-17). He promised to gather the people back to himself from the nations they had been scattered in and to be with them. ( 10: 8-12). When we disobey the Lord he will raise up people to perform his judgement through. ( 11: 7-17). The Lord promised to restore the relationship he had with Israel to what it had been during the reign of David. ( 12: 1-9). The Lord promised to call out people who would love and obey him and experience intamacy with him. (13:9). The Lord would be the focus in his coming kingdom ( 14:1-9) and all who followed him in his kingdom would be blessed. ( 14: 16-20).
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Haggai
Theme 1: The Lord must be our central focus and the purpose on which we focus our work and energy. Haggai preached a message of rebuke to the Jewish people who had come back from the exile for ignoring the Lord. They were rebuked for enriching themselves and building fine houses while ignoring the Temple or house of the Lord. (1:2-4). They are told that the challenges they face are a result of ignoring the Lord's House. These challenges were hunger ( 1:5), nakedness( 1:6), not being productive ( 1:7), drought ( 1:8), famine (1:9)and poor quality livestock (1:10-11). Once they turned their focus to the Lord and his plan , after hearing the message of Haggai , prosperity and blessing came when the people began to obey the Lord by working on the Temple restoration. Haggai preached a message of encouragement stating that the Lord was with them and would bless their labour from that time onward. (1:12-15).
Theme 2: when we diligently obey the Lord and make him the focus of our lives, great things will be accomplished as he works through us. Some of the people who returned from the exile had remembered the splendor of the former Temple and become discouraged by their work. However the Lord told them that he would bless their work and that the new Temple would be more spectacular than the former one. (2:1-9). Prosperity and blessing come to the people when they obeyed the Lord. Once again they enjoyed bountiful harvests and the Lord's blessing on their livestock and work. ( 2:10-19). The prophetic message of Haggai concluded with a message of encouragement ,hope and salvation. A time was coming when the High Priest Zerubabel would be used to restore the fortunes of Israel and bring back the Lord's blessing. ( 2: 20-23).
Theme 2: when we diligently obey the Lord and make him the focus of our lives, great things will be accomplished as he works through us. Some of the people who returned from the exile had remembered the splendor of the former Temple and become discouraged by their work. However the Lord told them that he would bless their work and that the new Temple would be more spectacular than the former one. (2:1-9). Prosperity and blessing come to the people when they obeyed the Lord. Once again they enjoyed bountiful harvests and the Lord's blessing on their livestock and work. ( 2:10-19). The prophetic message of Haggai concluded with a message of encouragement ,hope and salvation. A time was coming when the High Priest Zerubabel would be used to restore the fortunes of Israel and bring back the Lord's blessing. ( 2: 20-23).
Zepheniah
Theme 1: The Lord is sovereign and in control of all things , ordering the events of human history.He rebukes his people for not honoring the covenant he made with their ancestors and worshiping Baal. (1:4). Judgment is uttered against the people for not turning to the Lord and showing him honor.( 1:5-6). The power of the all existing one ( Yahweh) over the kingdoms of the world is noted and the people are warned that their wealth and prosperity will be of no value when they face his judgment. ( 1:7-13). The Lord's power will be enforced against the nation of Judah and none of the wealth of the people will be able to help them. ( 1:14-18).
Theme 2 : The Lord in his sovereign role as King over the universe responds to the actions of people. A warning is given to the people that if they repent of their sins, seek the Lord, are obedient to his Law and live righteous and humble lives, they might be spared calamity.(2:3).The nations surrounding Judah are also held accountable for their actions and judgment is made against the Philistines (2:8-11), Ammonites (2:8-11), Ethiopians (2:12) and Assyrians (2:13-14). In each case taunting against the Lord and holding his people in contempt is judged. ( 2:8&2:10). In his sovereign role , the Lord is also faithful to his covenant with Israel as he promises to restore the nation after the time of judgment. (2:7).
Theme 3: The Lord treats all people equally and does not hold anyone to a different standard. All those who disobey his commands even his chosen people Israel face his judgment. (3:1-8). The Lord promised to transform and shape the peoples of the world through the events he was orchestrating. They would become people with a new attitude and mindset .(3:9-15). The Lord's desire is to bring peace to all people and allow them to get to know him intimately. (3:16-20).
Theme 2 : The Lord in his sovereign role as King over the universe responds to the actions of people. A warning is given to the people that if they repent of their sins, seek the Lord, are obedient to his Law and live righteous and humble lives, they might be spared calamity.(2:3).The nations surrounding Judah are also held accountable for their actions and judgment is made against the Philistines (2:8-11), Ammonites (2:8-11), Ethiopians (2:12) and Assyrians (2:13-14). In each case taunting against the Lord and holding his people in contempt is judged. ( 2:8&2:10). In his sovereign role , the Lord is also faithful to his covenant with Israel as he promises to restore the nation after the time of judgment. (2:7).
Theme 3: The Lord treats all people equally and does not hold anyone to a different standard. All those who disobey his commands even his chosen people Israel face his judgment. (3:1-8). The Lord promised to transform and shape the peoples of the world through the events he was orchestrating. They would become people with a new attitude and mindset .(3:9-15). The Lord's desire is to bring peace to all people and allow them to get to know him intimately. (3:16-20).
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Habukuk
The central theme of the book is that of the Lord's sovereignty. He is in control of all and must be worshiped. The Lord used the Bablyonians to execute his judgement against his people for not following him. ( 1: 1-11). Those who do not follow the Lord will perish , but those who do follow him will be spared calamity and destruction.(2:1-4). In his sovereign role as judge over the world , he judges and punishes violence and injustice.( 2:5-17). Idols are worthless to do anything and the Lord alone is to be worshipped . ( 2:18-20). He rules the world ( 3:1-12) and in his sovereignty he is faithful to his covenant with Israel and promises to restore her after the exile. ( 3:13-16). A key insight I gain from Habukuk is that despite our cirumstances the Lord is to be worshipped. ( 3:17-19).
Nahum
The central theme of Nahum is that the Lord is sovereign over all and must be worshiped and obeyed. Niveah , the capital of the Assryian empire is condemned for their not seeking the Lord and making their own plans. (1: 1-11). The things they worshiped will be made useless( 1:12-15) and those who follow their example will be punished like the Assryians were for not following the Lord and worshiping him. ( 2: 3-9). The symbol of the Lion central to them is used against the Assryians as they are compared to an animal being devoured by a lion, when they are judged by the Lord. ( 2: 10-13). Empires like the Assryian empire who do not follow the Lord will be judged and brought down as the Lord harshly punished them. ( 3:11-19).
Micah
Theme 1: (1-3): Following the Lord involves being just and our relationship with the Lord involves caring for others and treating them right. A vital aspect of following the Lord is not following other gods and worshiping other than the Lord. ( 1: 1-9). Violence and injustice against the poor is punished by the Lord and all acts of violence and injustice will be judged by him. ( 2: 1-11). The Lord condemed the corrupt judges whom are portrayed as vicious beasts. ( 3:1-4). Leadership based on greed and corruption is rebuked and judged . Jerusalem is told that it will become a ruin because of these acts. ( 3:9-12)
Theme 2: (4-5): The Lord plan for the world involves building a kingdom based on peace. In this perfect time , the world will cease from war and people will walk in the Lord's ways. ( 4:1-5). The Lord's plan to restore Israel involved all of his people being included in the kingdom , even the weak and needy. ( 4: 6-10). The Lord planned to send a Savior into the world from Bethleham to establish his kingdom. ( 5:1-4). The Lord will harshly judge those who refuse to follow him after seeing his power. ( 5 :9-15).
Theme 3: (6-7): The Lord requires us to worship him and part of worship involves justice and right living in which we care for other people. The people of Jerusalem are told that the Lord required them to love mercy, seek justice and walk humbly with him. ( 6:8). Prosperity based on corruption , violence and lies will perish. Those who gain prosperity from these methods will be judged harshly. ( 6:9-16). Security is found in the Lord and obeying his commands ( 7:7).
Theme 2: (4-5): The Lord plan for the world involves building a kingdom based on peace. In this perfect time , the world will cease from war and people will walk in the Lord's ways. ( 4:1-5). The Lord's plan to restore Israel involved all of his people being included in the kingdom , even the weak and needy. ( 4: 6-10). The Lord planned to send a Savior into the world from Bethleham to establish his kingdom. ( 5:1-4). The Lord will harshly judge those who refuse to follow him after seeing his power. ( 5 :9-15).
Theme 3: (6-7): The Lord requires us to worship him and part of worship involves justice and right living in which we care for other people. The people of Jerusalem are told that the Lord required them to love mercy, seek justice and walk humbly with him. ( 6:8). Prosperity based on corruption , violence and lies will perish. Those who gain prosperity from these methods will be judged harshly. ( 6:9-16). Security is found in the Lord and obeying his commands ( 7:7).
Jonah
Theme 1: The Lord is sovereign and we must be willing to obey his commands. Even when we do not understand Jehovah's logic and his commands seem foolish to us , he must still be obeyed. Jonah fled from the Lord heading west instead of east as he did not want to proclaim God's message of salvation to his country's enemies the Assryians. ( 1:1-3). The Lord caused a great storm and the people with Jonah are afraid and they listen to his command and throw him into the sea. Jonah is saved by a whale. ( 1:17). The whale takes him to Niveah and spits him out on dry land. Thus Jonah beings to tell the people God 's message. ( 4:4).
Theme 2: The Lord alone is to be worshiped as he is the one who saves us from death. In the belly of the whale Jonah prayed to the Lord and thanked him for saving his life and acknowledge that the Lord was in control of all things and that deliverance from death was his alone. ( 2:6-9).
Theme 3 : The Lord in his mercy listens to our prayers and can change his mind. Jonah proclaimed the Lord's message of judgement walking around the city for 3 days. The King of Niveah proclaimed a fast and the people repented. Thus the Lord decided not to destroy the city of Niveah. ( 3:1-10).
Theme 4: We must have compassion on all people and see them from the Lord's viewpoint. Jonah was angry and said to the Lord that he was mad enough to die because of what happened. ( 4:1-3). God provided him with a plant to shade him from the sun and then caused the plant to die. Jonah became angry at the Lord and was rebuked by him. The Lord told him that it was foolish to be upset about a plant that he did not make and not be concerned about Niveah which had 120 000 men plus women and children. ( 4:4-11).
Theme 2: The Lord alone is to be worshiped as he is the one who saves us from death. In the belly of the whale Jonah prayed to the Lord and thanked him for saving his life and acknowledge that the Lord was in control of all things and that deliverance from death was his alone. ( 2:6-9).
Theme 3 : The Lord in his mercy listens to our prayers and can change his mind. Jonah proclaimed the Lord's message of judgement walking around the city for 3 days. The King of Niveah proclaimed a fast and the people repented. Thus the Lord decided not to destroy the city of Niveah. ( 3:1-10).
Theme 4: We must have compassion on all people and see them from the Lord's viewpoint. Jonah was angry and said to the Lord that he was mad enough to die because of what happened. ( 4:1-3). God provided him with a plant to shade him from the sun and then caused the plant to die. Jonah became angry at the Lord and was rebuked by him. The Lord told him that it was foolish to be upset about a plant that he did not make and not be concerned about Niveah which had 120 000 men plus women and children. ( 4:4-11).
Obadiah
Theme 1: Pride and self reliance is condemned as the Lord alone is in control of all things. Edom is told that it will be brought down and not stand despite its mountain fortress as the Lord himself will bring about their defeat. ( 1:3-4). The allies of Edom will not help her and she will be plundered. Her wise and understanding people will no longer remain and the great warriors of the nation will be defeated. ( 1: 6-9).
Theme 2: Boasting and arrogance at the misfortune of others is condemned. The descendants of Esau are rebuked for gloating over the misfortunes of their related descendants of Jacob. (Judah). They are rebuked for rejoicing over Judah's defeat, of sharing in her plunder and of selling her people into slavery.(1:10-14). The Lord in his judgment upon the nation stated that Edom would no longer exist and that her land would be divided between Israel and Judah. They would make it a kingdom of the Lord. (1:15-21).
Theme 2: Boasting and arrogance at the misfortune of others is condemned. The descendants of Esau are rebuked for gloating over the misfortunes of their related descendants of Jacob. (Judah). They are rebuked for rejoicing over Judah's defeat, of sharing in her plunder and of selling her people into slavery.(1:10-14). The Lord in his judgment upon the nation stated that Edom would no longer exist and that her land would be divided between Israel and Judah. They would make it a kingdom of the Lord. (1:15-21).
Monday, August 10, 2009
Amos
Theme 1: (1-3): People and nations are accountable to the Lord for their actions. We all must follow the Law and its respect for community in dealing with others. Syria is rebuked for its harsh punishment against Israel. (1:3-5) and the Philistines are told they will no longer be a people for they sought to sell Israel into slavery. ( 1:6-8). Judah is condemned for not keeping the statues of Jehovah. (2:4-5). Those who know the Lord's law will be held more accountable for disobeying it. (3:1-8). The Lord hates robbers and violent acts noting they will be punished.(3:9-15).
Theme 2 : (4-6): The Lord desires a relationship with us and in this relationship we live differently as we care about other people and look after the needy and vulnerable in society. The Lord judged Israel for their abuse of the poor and needy. (4:1-3). He desired them to turn from their sins and sent plagues upon the land but they did not respond to these plagues and return to the Lord. ( 4:4-11). He desired the people to repent of their sins and be restored to him. (5:4-7). Injustice against the poor damages our relationship with the Lord and we can not worship him without ethical living. ( 5:21-24).Pride and self reliance is judged. ( 6: 4-10).
Theme 3: (7-9): The Lord is in control and no one can thrawt his plans. When we are unfaithful in keeping his commands we face judgement. This is used to restore our relationship with Christ. Amos begs the Lord and he relents in his harsher judgement of Israel. ( 7:1-6). Like the High Priest Amaziah , those who oppose God 's plans will face judgement. ( 7: 10-17). If we reject God we should not expect to be able to call to him in times of distress. Repentence is our only option. ( 8:10). The Lord judges nations and individuals and in doing so desires us to turn to him. (9:1-9).
Theme 2 : (4-6): The Lord desires a relationship with us and in this relationship we live differently as we care about other people and look after the needy and vulnerable in society. The Lord judged Israel for their abuse of the poor and needy. (4:1-3). He desired them to turn from their sins and sent plagues upon the land but they did not respond to these plagues and return to the Lord. ( 4:4-11). He desired the people to repent of their sins and be restored to him. (5:4-7). Injustice against the poor damages our relationship with the Lord and we can not worship him without ethical living. ( 5:21-24).Pride and self reliance is judged. ( 6: 4-10).
Theme 3: (7-9): The Lord is in control and no one can thrawt his plans. When we are unfaithful in keeping his commands we face judgement. This is used to restore our relationship with Christ. Amos begs the Lord and he relents in his harsher judgement of Israel. ( 7:1-6). Like the High Priest Amaziah , those who oppose God 's plans will face judgement. ( 7: 10-17). If we reject God we should not expect to be able to call to him in times of distress. Repentence is our only option. ( 8:10). The Lord judges nations and individuals and in doing so desires us to turn to him. (9:1-9).
Revelation
Theme 1(1-7): Christ alone is to be our focus as everything else in life is temporary and will pass away. Christ in his sovereignty allowed believers in him to act as intercessors making Christians priests.(1:6). In his dominion he chose to give us a glimsp of what will happen at the end of the world. ( 1: 18). We as Christians need to keep Christ as our first love and the object of our devotion. ( 2:2-8). We must abstian from teachings contrary to Christ's and focus on the Word. ( 2:19-24). We must not become self reliant and lose our focus on Christ. ( 3:14-22). We must respond in gratitude and devotion like the Elders around the throne of God , giving praise to Jesus. ( 4:9-11). Christ has reedemed us and he alone is to be worshipped. ( 5:11-14). The people of the world respond in fear to the Lord's judgement and our unable to hide from him , because he is sovereign. ( 6:15-17). Those who follow Christ , who judges the world will be comforted by him as he wipes away our tears. ( 7:15-17).
Theme 2(8-15): The Lord executes partial judgement in order to cause people to see their sin and return to himself. After 4 trumpets are blown and disater comes upon the earth a warning is given to the people of the coming judgement on the earth. (8:13). Despite seeing he Lord's power, they do not worship him but worship other things. ( 9:20-23). Angels proclaimed a ,message of God's glory and greatness but the people do not respond to it. (11:15-18). When Satan tries to war against Christ , he is defeated and cast down into the earth. ( 12:13=17). Those who worshipped and followed Christ were spared and were not sealed with the mark of the beast but with the mark of Christ. ( 13:16-17). Christians are told to persevere in their faith as they will have rest from suffering. ( 14:13_. Those who know Christ will sing a song of praise , praising him for his faithfulness to them. This is a song about his salvation. (15: 3-4).
Theme 3 (16-22): Christ desires all people to come to him but after a long period of time and several warnings, the ultimate judgement will come. The Lord showed his authority by sending plagues on the earth. ( 16). Although the people cursed God because of his judgement, they refused to repent of their sins and acknowlege him. ( 16:11). The Beast will try to oppose Christ by warring against him , but will be deafeated by him. (17: 13-14).Bablyon representing the sin of the world is destroyed and an angel called for the followers of Christ to rejoice. ( 18:20). In the final judgement the Beast and his prophet are judged being thrown into a fiery lake. (19:20-21). All those who do not repent and accept Christ will experience the same judgement and torment. (20:13-14). Christ prepared a place for those who have accepted his salvation through repentence and faith in him. In heaven we shall live with him and our sorrow will be gone forever. (21:1-8). In heaven we will have intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ.( 22:1-5).
Theme 2(8-15): The Lord executes partial judgement in order to cause people to see their sin and return to himself. After 4 trumpets are blown and disater comes upon the earth a warning is given to the people of the coming judgement on the earth. (8:13). Despite seeing he Lord's power, they do not worship him but worship other things. ( 9:20-23). Angels proclaimed a ,message of God's glory and greatness but the people do not respond to it. (11:15-18). When Satan tries to war against Christ , he is defeated and cast down into the earth. ( 12:13=17). Those who worshipped and followed Christ were spared and were not sealed with the mark of the beast but with the mark of Christ. ( 13:16-17). Christians are told to persevere in their faith as they will have rest from suffering. ( 14:13_. Those who know Christ will sing a song of praise , praising him for his faithfulness to them. This is a song about his salvation. (15: 3-4).
Theme 3 (16-22): Christ desires all people to come to him but after a long period of time and several warnings, the ultimate judgement will come. The Lord showed his authority by sending plagues on the earth. ( 16). Although the people cursed God because of his judgement, they refused to repent of their sins and acknowlege him. ( 16:11). The Beast will try to oppose Christ by warring against him , but will be deafeated by him. (17: 13-14).Bablyon representing the sin of the world is destroyed and an angel called for the followers of Christ to rejoice. ( 18:20). In the final judgement the Beast and his prophet are judged being thrown into a fiery lake. (19:20-21). All those who do not repent and accept Christ will experience the same judgement and torment. (20:13-14). Christ prepared a place for those who have accepted his salvation through repentence and faith in him. In heaven we shall live with him and our sorrow will be gone forever. (21:1-8). In heaven we will have intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ.( 22:1-5).
Monday, August 3, 2009
Jude
Themes and Insights Jude :
Theme 1: 1-16: The need to be aware of the opposition to the faith and to trust in the Lord. Jude wrote to all believers and wanted them to struggle for and defend their faith in Christ. ( 1:1-3). He goes on to warn them about those who distorted the truth of Christ and denied him. (1:4). Jude recounted the disobedience of those who rebelled against Christ including Sodom and Gommorah, Cain, Balaam and the clan of Korah. These people were filled with wickedness and indulged in their sinful passions. ( 1: 5-16).
Theme 2 : 17-25: : The need to live lives faithful to the Lord and to be his witnesses in a dark world. Judge again warned them that in the last days sinners and scoffers would abound, causing divisions in the Church. ( 1:17-19). However he urged them to pray , keep focused on God 's love and look forward to eternal life with Christ. ( 1: 20-21). He urged them to save those they could through their witness. ( 1:22-23). Jude concluded with a doxology reminding us that the Holy Spirit , Christ and God who keep us from destruction are to be worshiped and praised forever. ( 1: 24-25).
Theme 1: 1-16: The need to be aware of the opposition to the faith and to trust in the Lord. Jude wrote to all believers and wanted them to struggle for and defend their faith in Christ. ( 1:1-3). He goes on to warn them about those who distorted the truth of Christ and denied him. (1:4). Jude recounted the disobedience of those who rebelled against Christ including Sodom and Gommorah, Cain, Balaam and the clan of Korah. These people were filled with wickedness and indulged in their sinful passions. ( 1: 5-16).
Theme 2 : 17-25: : The need to live lives faithful to the Lord and to be his witnesses in a dark world. Judge again warned them that in the last days sinners and scoffers would abound, causing divisions in the Church. ( 1:17-19). However he urged them to pray , keep focused on God 's love and look forward to eternal life with Christ. ( 1: 20-21). He urged them to save those they could through their witness. ( 1:22-23). Jude concluded with a doxology reminding us that the Holy Spirit , Christ and God who keep us from destruction are to be worshiped and praised forever. ( 1: 24-25).
Joel
Themes Insights Joel
Theme 1 : 1-2:17: The Lord will bring calamity and judgement against the people for their disobedience. Joel proclaimed judgement against the nation of Judah telling of a coming destructive swarm of locusts who would ravage the fields. ( 1:1-4).Destruction of all the harvests and the removal of offerings to the Lord foretells calamity. ( 1:5-10). A call for repentance and worshiping the Lord is made. ( 1: 11-14). The destruction of the Lord is to be so severe that even the animals would cry for mercy. ( 1:15-20). A call is made to be prepared for the Lord's judgement as a swarm of locusts ravaged the land. ( 2:1-6). This disaster is a direct judgement from the Lord for the people's disobedience and will be a harsh one. ( 2:7-12). The people are encouraged to repent and to seek the Lord's healing and forgiveness. ( 2:12-17).
Theme 2 : 2:18-3:21: The restoration of Judah and the blessing of the Lord. The plague of locusts would end and prosperity would be restored. Most importantly the people's relationship with the Lord would be restored. ( 2:18-27). The coming day of the Lord's judgement is announced and those who sought the Lord would be saved and in that time the Lord's spirit would be avaliable to all who sought him. ( 2:28-32). The nations who opposed Israel would be judged . ( 3:1-3). The coastal nations surrounding Israel would also be judged( 3:9-17). The prophecy concluded with the blessing of the Lord being poured out on Zion , the Lord's dwellling place and the place of Temple worship. ( 3:18-21).
Theme 1 : 1-2:17: The Lord will bring calamity and judgement against the people for their disobedience. Joel proclaimed judgement against the nation of Judah telling of a coming destructive swarm of locusts who would ravage the fields. ( 1:1-4).Destruction of all the harvests and the removal of offerings to the Lord foretells calamity. ( 1:5-10). A call for repentance and worshiping the Lord is made. ( 1: 11-14). The destruction of the Lord is to be so severe that even the animals would cry for mercy. ( 1:15-20). A call is made to be prepared for the Lord's judgement as a swarm of locusts ravaged the land. ( 2:1-6). This disaster is a direct judgement from the Lord for the people's disobedience and will be a harsh one. ( 2:7-12). The people are encouraged to repent and to seek the Lord's healing and forgiveness. ( 2:12-17).
Theme 2 : 2:18-3:21: The restoration of Judah and the blessing of the Lord. The plague of locusts would end and prosperity would be restored. Most importantly the people's relationship with the Lord would be restored. ( 2:18-27). The coming day of the Lord's judgement is announced and those who sought the Lord would be saved and in that time the Lord's spirit would be avaliable to all who sought him. ( 2:28-32). The nations who opposed Israel would be judged . ( 3:1-3). The coastal nations surrounding Israel would also be judged( 3:9-17). The prophecy concluded with the blessing of the Lord being poured out on Zion , the Lord's dwellling place and the place of Temple worship. ( 3:18-21).
Hosea
Themes Insights Hosea
Theme 1: Unfaithfulness to the Lord and to his covenant relationship results in judgement and loss of the Lord's favor. Hosea married a prostitute who bore him 3 children. The first was called Jezreel meaning God's sows noting the punishment the nation would face. The second is called Lo-Rumah meaning not pitied for the Lord would not have pity on the people. The final child is called Lo-Ammi meaning not my people for Israel would no longer be regarded as his people as a result of their sin. ( 1:4-11). Israel is told of the Lord's displeasure in them seeking other gods noting that this has resulted in loss for their vineyards. ( 2:8-13). The Lord will remember our sin and judge us for our unfaithfulness. ( 4:5-12). Pride and unfaithfulness to the Lord in worshiping other things result in judgement. ( 5:1-7). The Lord notes our deeds and sins (7:1-2) and knows that pride is a source of our sin and unfaithfulness to him.( 7: 10). God is in control of all things and seeking strength in anything apart from him is foolish( 8:8-9). The worship of other dieties is punished ( 9:1-10) and the Lord rejects those who reject him as Israel is scattered among the nations. (9:11-17). The Lord 's correction is to restore the broken relationship we have with him and to make us closer to him. ( 11: 10-11). The Lord's desire in discipling us is to bring us back to himself and cause us to repent. (13:1-9).
Theme 2: The Lord loves us and longs for us to repent and return to him. His desire is to restore us back to himself and not to judge and punish us. The Lord told Hosea that he would restore the broken relationship between Israel and himself. They would once again be known as his people. ( 2:14-23). Hosea 3 tells of Hosea marrying a wife who is a whore and then reedeming her life. This illustrates how God relates to us and he longs to redeem and restore us. The Lord is willing to forgive and restore us when we repent and he is willling to love us again. ( 5:14-15). God desires to restore and heal the broken relationship with his followers ( 6:11). We can always come back to the Lord as he is willingly to love us uncondtionally. ( 10:12). The Lord is willing to restore the good things of the past when we turn to him. ( 13:14-16). Although the Lord judges and disciplines us, his judgement is temporary but his love lasts for all time. ( 14:4-9).
Theme 1: Unfaithfulness to the Lord and to his covenant relationship results in judgement and loss of the Lord's favor. Hosea married a prostitute who bore him 3 children. The first was called Jezreel meaning God's sows noting the punishment the nation would face. The second is called Lo-Rumah meaning not pitied for the Lord would not have pity on the people. The final child is called Lo-Ammi meaning not my people for Israel would no longer be regarded as his people as a result of their sin. ( 1:4-11). Israel is told of the Lord's displeasure in them seeking other gods noting that this has resulted in loss for their vineyards. ( 2:8-13). The Lord will remember our sin and judge us for our unfaithfulness. ( 4:5-12). Pride and unfaithfulness to the Lord in worshiping other things result in judgement. ( 5:1-7). The Lord notes our deeds and sins (7:1-2) and knows that pride is a source of our sin and unfaithfulness to him.( 7: 10). God is in control of all things and seeking strength in anything apart from him is foolish( 8:8-9). The worship of other dieties is punished ( 9:1-10) and the Lord rejects those who reject him as Israel is scattered among the nations. (9:11-17). The Lord 's correction is to restore the broken relationship we have with him and to make us closer to him. ( 11: 10-11). The Lord's desire in discipling us is to bring us back to himself and cause us to repent. (13:1-9).
Theme 2: The Lord loves us and longs for us to repent and return to him. His desire is to restore us back to himself and not to judge and punish us. The Lord told Hosea that he would restore the broken relationship between Israel and himself. They would once again be known as his people. ( 2:14-23). Hosea 3 tells of Hosea marrying a wife who is a whore and then reedeming her life. This illustrates how God relates to us and he longs to redeem and restore us. The Lord is willing to forgive and restore us when we repent and he is willling to love us again. ( 5:14-15). God desires to restore and heal the broken relationship with his followers ( 6:11). We can always come back to the Lord as he is willingly to love us uncondtionally. ( 10:12). The Lord is willing to restore the good things of the past when we turn to him. ( 13:14-16). Although the Lord judges and disciplines us, his judgement is temporary but his love lasts for all time. ( 14:4-9).
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