Issues In Perspective

Paul describes Christ's dispensing of gifted leaders to the church to equip the saints for ministry and to edify the church so that it can be unified around sound doctrine and achieve growth and maturity in Christ.

Paul describes the walk of unity, which, as with our Trintarian God, manifests a unique diversity within the unity of the body of Christ.

Paul prays for the Holy Spirit's transforming power, for Jesus to be the controlling force in our lives and for the capacity to fully understand and know the riches of God and His love.

Paul explains the "mystery" of Jew and Gentile sharing equally in New Covenant blessings in the church.

Paul describes the unified body of Christ—Jew and Gentile together—as a new kingdom, a new family and a new Temple.

An extended discussion on legalism vs. grace.

Paul contrasts our past ("dead in our sins") with now being "alive to God" by grace through faith in Jesus.

Paul prays that God will through His Spirit enable the Ephesians to understand all God has done for them in the past, the present and the future and that they will understand the power now available to them.

Paul invites us to praise each member of the Trinity for their work in the plan of redemption.

An introduction to the city of Ephesus, its importance and the themes of this letter are presented.

In a world of deceit, sin, rebellion and oppression, these Psalms give counsel on how to live with faith, confidence and hope. Although King David laments God's seeming silence in the midst of his suffering, in the end he affirms his confidence and trust in God.

Psalm 9: God, the Sovereign Lord of history, with justice and righteousness, holds civilizations and individuals accountable.

As God offers the five reasons why He will judge Babylon, Habakkuk then presents a praise hymn to God celebrating His splendour, power and righteous judgment.

Habakkuk cannot understand how a holy God could use a pagan nation to judge His people—but God reminds him of His sovereignty, His goodness and His purpose in discipline.

Habakkuk, God's prophet, questions why God has not judged Judah for its idolatry, corruption and immorality; God's answer is surprising.

Although Jonah obeys God and preaches His message, Jonah is upset that God showed mercy and compassion to Nineveh.

From the belly of the "great fish," Jonah confesses his rebellion, repents and worships His God.

Commanded by the LORD to go to Nineveh in ruthless Assyria, Jonah goes in the opposite direction, openly defying His God.

The resurrected Jesus continues to serve as He makes breakfast for 7 of the disciples and restores Peter with the three-fold, piercing question, "Do you love me?"

The resurrection of Jesus is followed by several appearances of the risen Lord to various women and to His disciples, validating His literal, bodily resurrection.

John testifies to the final trial before Pilate, the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.

Jesus' arrest and trial before Annas and Caiaphas are followed by the trial before Pilate, who cannot find any reason to convict Jesus.

As our high priest, Jesus prays that His Father will be glorified by His sacrifice, that the Father will keep His disciples from the evil one, and that His church will manifest a unity, a unity evident among the members of the godhead.

Jesus teaches that the Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment and that He teaches and guides in all truth.

Using the analogy of a vine and the branches, Jesus challenges us to "abide in Him," a dependency on HIm that has four intended results and four key characteristics.