Issues In Perspective

Peter summarizes the position of believers and their relationship with the heavenly Father, one characterized by reverence, faith, hope and love.

Peter emphasizes the life of faith in a Savior prophesied in the Spirit-inspired Old Testament, which results in a life of hope and holiness.

Peter reviews the incredible blessings of salvation in Jesus Christ and the "living hope" to which the Father is calling us.

An introduction on the character of Peter, his impulsive nature and how God transformed him, followed by Peter's greeting to the persecuted churches of the Roman provinces of Asia, Pontus and others.

These two short epistles of John focus on truth, hospitality and faithfulness as a leader.

John summarizes the testimonies to Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God; and then how our faith in Him affects our praying and our walk with God.

John reviews the content of the Christian faith and the testimonies to the truth that Jesus is the Messiah.

"God is love"--the implications and obligations that go with that proposition are John's emphasis.

Discerning truth from error begins with how one views Jesus and the command to love one another is rooted in God's very being, for God is love.

John contrasts Cain and Jesus on the matter of love and offers three major tests of assurance for the believer.

John calls his readers to a life of purity and anchors the call in the promise of Jesus to return, when we shall be "like Him" and "see Him as He is”

John warns his people about false teachers among them and exhorts them to know sound doctrine, continue walking with the Spirit and walking in righteousness.

Walking in the "light" with Jesus is a walk of loving obedience, assurance and not "loving the world" or its desires and its pride.

John sets up the first test of assurance that we are walking with Jesus--obedience.

Our fellowship with God is affected by our sin and John gives three truths about how we deal with sin in our lives to facilitate that fellowship.

Introducing the letter with an overview, and then examining how John presents Jesus as the incarnate God in the first four verses.

In defiant pride and energized by Satan (1 Chronicles 21:1), David orders a census for military purposes which results in God's discipline but also leads him to purchase land for the Temple on Mt. Moriah.

These chapters are an epilogue to the book, covering David's just response to the Gibeonites, neutralizing the Philistines and his praise hymn to God who gave him victory in battling Israel's enemies.

David escapes Jerusalem and prepares for the battle with Absalom, who is killed by Joab.

Like a modern politician, Absalom intentionally presents himself as an alternative king, and is crowned king in Hebron; David flees Jerusalem.

David is paralysed by the guilt from his sin and cannot act decisively as the King or as a father regarding his sons Amnon and Absalom.

David mourns the loss of his son; Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar; but David refuses to discipline Amnon.

David's sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah resulted in 5 consequences for David's family and the kingdom.

David defeats and subjugates all of Israel's enemies and shows grace to Mephibosheth

David returns the Ark to Jerusalem and "dances before the LORD;" God then establishes the Davidic Covenant, promising to David an eternal throne, dynasty and kingdom.