Chapters 8-12 of the Book of Matthew focus on Jesus' miracles, teachings, and interactions with both followers and skeptics. Chapter 8 details a series of miracles performed by Jesus, such as healing a leper, a centurion's servant, and calming a storm, emphasizing His divine authority and the centrality of faith. Chapters 9 and 10 continue with mor…

Jesus shares with His disciples the profound principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, encapsulated in the Sermon on the Mount. He begins with the Beatitudes, a series of blessings that overturn conventional wisdom, promising divine comfort and reward to those who embody spiritual humility and righteousness. As the narrative unfolds, Jesus delves deeper…

We learn about Jesus’ genealogy, establishing His royal and Abrahamic lineage. The miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit is revealed, and Joseph is instructed to name Him Jesus, meaning “He will save His people from their sins.”The visit of the Magi highlights Jesus’ recognition as King by foreign wise men. King Herod’s attempt to …

The Book of Proverbs offers profound insights into the nature of anger and how we should manage it. Proverbs emphasizes the value of patience and self-control, highlighting that a person who is slow to anger is wiser and more powerful than one who is quick-temperedThe teachings also stress the importance of responding gently to defuse anger. This u…

The Book of Proverbs provides timeless wisdom on how to navigate various relationships with wisdom, discipline, and a deep trust in the Lord. It encourages virtues of righteousness, justice, loyalty, respect, and mutual edification in all relationships.In this book of wisdom we can gain valuable insights into the nature of true friendship. It encou…

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” Why? Because he is wise enough to understand that he does not know it all.It takes sincere humility to admit, “I was wrong” rather than submitting to the captivity of our pride.Prov. 3:5-8: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on …

Proverbs: Wealth Poverty Diligence SlothThe Bible presents a nuanced view of sloth, diligence, poverty, and wealth. It warns against laziness and the love of money, while encouraging diligence and generosity towards the poor. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of a balanced perspective, recognizing that wealth and poverty are not merely mater…

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue …” Proverbs 18:21a Whether we are speaking face-to-face, talking on the phone or even using our digital tongues in a comment thread or text message, remember this: Our words are powerful, and they have consequences.By ThriveToday.TV

The Book of Proverbs is a profound anthology of biblical wisdom literature, primarily penned by Solomon. It serves as a guide to leading a life that is pleasing to God, emphasizing that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom. This collection of sayings and teachings covers a wide array of topics, including personal cond…

The intertestamental period, also known as the "400 Silent Years," spans roughly from the time of Nehemiah to the time of Christ, about 430 years. This era is significant in Jewish history as it saw the rise of Hellenistic Judaism and is roughly contiguous with the Second Temple period.During this time, while prophecy may have ceased, Israel was an…

The Book of Joel begins with a vivid description of a devastating locust plague that has ravaged the land of Judah. Joel interprets this natural disaster as a sign of God's judgment and a call for the people to repent of their sins. He urges the priests to mourn and to summon the nation to repentance and fasting.Joel's message goes beyond the immed…

Nehemiah chapters 8-13 depict the events following the completion of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Chapter 8: Ezra, the scribe, reads the Book of the Law to the people gathered in Jerusalem. The people respond with humility, weeping, and repentance as they realize how far they have strayed from God's commands. Chapter 9: The Israelites gathe…

In the book of Nehemiah, we encounter a man named Nehemiah, who serves as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in the citadel of Susa – capital of the reigning Persian empire. Nehemiah receives distressing news about the state of Jerusalem: its walls lie in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Deeply moved, Nehemiah prays to the God of heaven, c…

Throughout the book of Esther we see God's faithfulness through acts of providence. Despite God's name never being mentioned, His hand is evident throughout the narrative. Esther's rise to power as queen, Mordecai's discovery of a plot against the king, and Esther's courage to intervene on behalf of her people all demonstrate divine guidance. Even …

The Book of Zechariah, nestled within the Old Testament, offers a vivid tapestry of prophetic visions, divine messages, and historical context. Composed during the period of Israel's return from Babylonian exile, Zechariah's narrative is one of hope and restoration. Opening with a call to repentance, Zechariah's prophecies swiftly transition to vis…

The Book of Ezra narrates the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under the decree of Persian King Cyrus. Ezra, a scribe and priest, leads the effort to rebuild the temple, emphasising the importance of spiritual renewal and adherence to the Mosaic Law. The book highlights challenges faced by the returning exiles, including opposi…

Second Timothy is a letter from the apostle Paul to his protégé Timothy. Penned from a Roman prison, the letter is a heartfelt plea for steadfastness in faith and ministry. Paul implores Timothy to stand firm in the face of challenges, reminding him of the spiritual heritage passed down through their family.The letter emphasizes the importance of s…

1 Timothy is one of the pastoral letters in the New Testament, written by the Apostle Paul and addressed to Timothy, a young leader in the early Christian church in Ephesus. The primary focus of the book is on instructing Timothy about the proper organisation and conduct within the Christian community. Paul emphasises the importance of sound doctri…

Colossians:Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians while he was in prison, addressing a community in Colossae facing various doctrinal challenges, including the influence of false teachings.Key Themes:Supremacy of Christ: Paul emphasises the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ in all things, both in the heavens and on earth.Freedom from Legalism: He warns…

The Book of Philippians, is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. One of Paul's "prison letters” this letters predominant theme is of joy and gratitude. Despite Paul's imprisonment, he expresses profound joy and encourages the Philippians to find contentment in all circumstances through th…

These chapters of Ephesians provide a comprehensive guide for Christian living, emphasising unity, ethical conduct, and the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in as folowers of Christ. Pauls practical advice is rooted in the theological understanding of the believer's identity in Christ and their position within the body of believers.…

Ephesians 1-3 encourages us as Christians to anchor our identity in Christ, embrace the gift of grace, live in unity with fellow believers, and actively share the transformative message of the gospel with others. It calls for a life characterised by gratitude, humility, and a deep understanding of God's love and purpose.…

The book of Daniel, chapters 7-12, provides a sweeping narrative of prophetic visions and revelations. In Chapter 7, Daniel dreams of four great beasts representing four empires, with the final one being a terrifying beast symbolizing a future oppressive kingdom. Then, in a divine vision, he witnesses the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man receivin…

Chapter 1 - Daniel's Faithfulness and Integrity: In this chapter, Daniel and his friends demonstrate unwavering faith and integrity by refusing to eat the king's food against their beliefs.Chapter 2 - Daniel's Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's Dream: Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, showcasing the importance of relying on God for wis…

Biblical scholars acknowledge that the temple vision, which occupies the last nine chapters of Ezekiel, presents special challenges in its interpretation. Some have even described it as the most difficult passage in the Old Testament.At the time when Ezekiel received this vision, the Israelites were in exile in Babylon, and the Jerusalem temple had…

Ezekiel chapters 33-39 convey a message of divine judgment, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of God's plan. They remind us of the importance of repentance, the consequences of disobedience, and the assurance of restoration for those who turn back to God. These chapters highlight God's faithfulness to His covenant and His unwavering commitment t…

Ezekiel chapters 21-32 in the Bible are a collection of prophecies and messages delivered by the prophet Ezekiel. These chapters primarily focus on God's judgment against various nations, including Judah and its neighbors, for their idolatry, wickedness, and disobedience. Consequences of Sin: These chapters illustrate the sobering reality that sin …

Ezekiel 12-20Chapter 12: Ezekiel symbolizes the people's exile by moving his belongings at night. The exiles doubt the prophecies, but God confirms their fulfillment.Chapter 13: False prophets are rebuked for spreading deceitful messages. God will punish false prophets who give false hope.Chapter 14: Elders come to Ezekiel for guidance, but their h…

In the midst of the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel, a prophet and captive in a foreign land, is chosen to bear witness to remarkable visions and profound messages. The initial vision paints a vivid tableau of a stormy whirlwind, from which emerges a wondrous entity comprising four living beings with human, lion, eagle, and ox-like features. This enigmat…

Jeremiah chapter 41 to 52, covers the period following the fall of Jerusalem, with a focus on the events that occurred in the aftermath of the city's destruction. We see the chaotic situation in Judah, the assassination of Gedaliah, the fear of reprisals from the Babylonians, and the eventual escape of some Judeans to Egypt against Jeremiah's warni…

The overall context of Jeremiah 33-40 is one of impending doom and captivity for the people of Judah, as well as the prophet Jeremiah's steadfast proclamation of God's judgment, restoration, and hope amidst challenging circumstances. In 605 BCE, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II launched the first of several campaigns against Judah, leading to …

In these chapters, Jeremiah confronts the false prophets who have been deceiving the people with their misleading words. He denounces their lies and condemns their actions, warning of the dire consequences that await them.Amidst this criticism, Jeremiah emphasises the sovereignty of God and the importance of true prophetic messages. He assures the …

Judgment and Consequences: Jeremiah proclaims that God will bring upon them severe punishment, including famine, warfare, and exile, as a result of their persistent rebellion. False Religion and Idolatry: Jeremiah denounces the worship of false gods and the practices associated with idol worship, highlighting the people's unfaithfulness to the true…

In these chapters, Jeremiah speaks out against the wickedness and disobedience of the people of Judah. He warns them of the impending destruction and judgment that will befall them if they do not repent and turn back to God. Jeremiah uses vivid imagery and metaphors to depict the severity of their sins and the consequences that await them. The peop…

The Book of Habakkuk is unique in that it is a dialogue between the prophet and God, rather than a collection of prophetic oracles. It deals with timeless questions about the problem of evil, the nature of God's justice, and the role of suffering in the world. It teaches that even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos, God is still in control, and …

The Book of Nahum is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible. It consists of three chapters and is primarily concerned with the destruction of Nineveh (located in modern day Iraq), the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The book is believed to have been written during the seventh century BCE, around the time when the Assyrians were at the…

Chapters 16-21 of the Gospel of John contain some of the most significant events in the life of Jesus Christ. In Chapter 16, Jesus predicts his impending death and the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide his disciples after his departure. In Chapter 17, Jesus prays for his disciples and for all believers, asking for their unity and protection. Chapt…

In John Chapters 11-15, we see Jesus' power over death as he raises Lazarus from the dead. He then arrives in Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, where he teaches his disciples about his impending death and the importance of serving others. Jesus washes the feet of his disciples, predicting his betrayal and denial. He reassures his disciples o…

TIn John Chapters 8-10, Jesus confronts the Pharisees, who are trying to trap Him with questions. He tells them that He is the light of the world and the Son of God. He also forgives a woman caught in adultery and heals a man born blind, which causes controversy among the Pharisees. Jesus also teaches about being the good shepherd who lays down His…

John Chapters 4-7 focus on the interactions of Jesus with various people and groups, highlighting his teachings and miracles. In Chapter 4, Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at a well, breaking social and cultural norms, and revealing to her that he is the Messiah. This interaction leads to many Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus. In Chapter 5…

Overall, John Chapter 3 teaches about the need for spiritual rebirth through belief in Jesus, the love and salvation that God offers through his Son, and the importance of testifying to Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus tells Nicodemus that to see the kingdom of God, one must be "born again". This represents a spiritual transformation that occurs when so…

The Gospel of John 1-2 is seen as a profound theological reflection on the nature of Jesus and his relationship to God. The central idea of these chapters is that Jesus is the Word (Logos) of God, a term that has rich philosophical and theological connotations in the ancient world. The Word is not only the source of all creation, but also the sourc…

• We’ve seen Isaiah’s message of both Judgement and Hope for Jerusalem• Isaiah made it clear through his messages that the people of Israel and Jerusalem had rebelled against God, amongst other things they had continued with their worship of idols, and treating the poor and less fortunate with contempt.• As a result of this rebellion, Isaiah tells …

Through Isaiah, God warned that he would bring military crisis and judgement upon Jerusalem.People were characterised by spiritual insensitivity, religious hypocrisy and unwillingness to trust their destiny to God.The coming crisis would be severe , but God would suddenly and miraculously rescue the city from the armies outside the walls of Jerusal…

Isaiah Chapters 13-28 are focussed on Isaiah’s Judgment Speeches.These are not just judgements on Israel and Judah, but all the nations of the world and specifically those surrounding Israel and Judah at the time.God is sovereign over ALL nations. God’s people should not have feared the surrounding nations, but they also should not rely on them for…

Isaiah 1-12 (740-700 BC)Isaiah the Prophet lived in Jerusalem in the last part of the 2 Kingdom period (Israel in the North and Judah in the South) and his prophetic word was directed to the leaders of Jerusalem and Judah.Isaiah had been warning Hezekiah (the king of Judah at the time) about the nations rebellion against God and under Hezekiah’s re…

Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea – He prophesied mostly in Judah (but speaking to all Israel (North and South), across the reigns of 3 kings of Judah: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.This book, much like Hosea is also written in Hebrew Poetry. Micah announces God's judgment against Israel.Israel has exploited the poor and twisted the laws of…

The book of Hosea is mostly written in the form of Hebrew poetry. Hosea actually means ‘Salvation’ in Hebrew.Hosea was a contemporary of Isaiah and Micah – at the time of Israel (Northern Kingdom) ruler Jeroboam 2. 750-722 BC.Hosea is one of the most autobiographical of the prophetic Books in that the opening account of Hosea’s own marriage and fam…

In this episode we cover the books of Jonah and Amos, both written about the same time period during the rule of Jeroboam 2 one of Israel’s worst Kings. The story of Jonah, is probably one of the most well known Bible stories. In many ways, it is holding up a mirror to our own disfunction when it comes to understanding God’s ways and in particular …

Written to Christians in the Roman province of Galatia. (In the center of modern Turkey). Capital of Galatia at the time was Ancyra. Written about the same time as Corinthians or alternate view is that this was Pauls earliest letter.The Christians in this province came manly from a Gentile background. They were relatively new believers (most likely…