chosen ⁽⁴⁵⁾

Exodus 22:21–27, 1 Timothy 5:3–16, 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 “God only helps those who help themselves.” This is one of those statements that should be considered a swear phrase in the church. This statement has been misused and people have been abused with it. Truly, if…

Ezekiel 16:7–22, 2 Corinthians 11:1–4, Revelation 19:6–9 The image of the church as the bride of Jesus was not a new concept. Israel/Judah was often compared to a wife, though, sadly, often an unfaithful wife. Despite the seeming graphic nature of this passage in Ezekiel,…

Psalm 75, Amos 1:3–2:8, Ezekiel 18:25–32 While Israel is being foretold of its doom, it is probable that a great many people were responding to the prophets (and therefore, God) that God just wasn’t being fair. Why shouldn’t they be able to be “free” as…

Ezra 1:1–6, Hebrews 13:9–15 Imagine being one of the children or grandchildren who had only heard of the homeland. Imagine having only the legends to live on. Your family told you of a place where you actually belonged, instead of being an outsider among other…

Amos 9:1–4, Amos 9:7–10 The open verses of Amos 9 are anything but comforting. It would seem that God is actively and minutely seeking the destruction of Israel. And it’s true, from a certain point of view. However, prophecy is a fickle thing, and the…