Of the letters which Paul wrote to churches, 1 Corinthians is the one in which he had to correct Christian practice most. One gains the impression that many in Corinth would have been quite satisfied with the way they were living, but Paul saw a number of areas where correction was necessary. In their wisdom, Christians in Corinth were claiming to be followers of different men. However, they needed to learn that true wisdom avoided a party spirit. They needed to avoid taking fellow believe...

Paul had a deep concern for the Christians in the churches, which he planted. This is something that is very obvious in the second letter to the church in Corinth and the letter to the Galatian churches. Pauls integrity was being attacked by intruders in Corinth, and he needed to defend himself in order that Christians there would not be destabilized in their faith. One of the things that stands out very clearly is Pauls pastoral heart and care for these Corinthian believers. The letter to...

Revelation is probably the least read book of the New Testament even though it is the one in which a blessing is promised to those who read and listen to the words of the prophecy. The problem stems from several things. The unusual symbolism makes the message difficult to understand, a difficulty increased by the multitude of interpretations, some of which are hard to comprehend. The basic approach in this study is premillennial and tends to dispensationalism, although some questions are r...

This collection of studies in the New Testament books of James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude are filled with very practical explanations of the teachings of each letter. Comments address the biblical text according to its themes by paragraphs and segments, which help the reader to see the flow of thought in each letter. Bible study groups can benefit from this material both for its good information and as a stimulus for group discussions. Individuals will also gain a better understanding ...

Letters written under difficult circumstances are writings that reveal what is most important to the writer. Pauls prison letters are no exception. They show the depth of his spiritual understanding. In particular, he reveals his deep appreciation of who Jesus Christ is in the opening chapter of Ephesians and in the Christ-hymns of Philippians 2 and Colossians 1. As is customary with Paul, we read first about the doctrinal foundations of our faith. Once the doctrinal foundation has been ta...

In The Art of Prophesying, Puritan William Perkins (1558-1602) teaches how to preach the Word with "studied plainness," not relying on technique or soaring flourishes of oratory, but rather by unleashing the majestic power of the unencumbered Word of God. Unlike so much of the milquetoast preaching heard today, Perkins teaches how to utilize the Scripture in all its capacities: for teaching correct doctrine, for reproof and correction, and for training the godly in righteousness (...

A simple verse by verse guide to the Gospel of Matthew for individual or group use. Every chapter has thought provoking discussion questions to aid study and sample answers are provided."These studies have helped me stand in the most difficult times of my life""I feel that I have grown spiritually through the study of God’s Word"Faithbuilders Bible study guides will lead you to a deeper appreciation of God’s Word and its relevance ...

I will commit myself to you forever … in steadfast love and tender compassion. (Hosea 2:19)The prophet Hosea used the heart-rending story of his marriage to an unfaithful wife as a moving object lesson of the pain which God felt when his people Israel rejected his love. Rather than worshipping the true God, who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt, the nation had reverted to worshipping idols to such an extent that God was compelled to use the words of the divorce form...

We are living in a time when the Christian message is being increasingly watered down and misrepresented. The age-old Juedo-Christian norms no longer serve as signposts of community life and law, and are being called into question even by leaders in the church.Because of this, it has become ever more important to clearly establish what classical Christian faith is actually built upon and defend and uphold its fundamental truths and spiritual realities.Quoting from the creed...

What is a church? What is its purpose? How did the church in the New Testament function?If you cannot answer these three basic questions you will not know how to function as a Believer.This book focuses on defining the word church and tracing its origin and meaning in the Bible from the first time that word church occurs in the Bible (Lev. 8.3) through to the last mention of the church.The goal is to discover what Jesus and the apostles understood a church to be and ...

According to author Daniel Gwira, I once decided to try to read the Bible and take notes. It took me almost a year! Although the Message was clear, powerful and good, I wondered why there had never been a précis version of the Holy Book and this gave me the idea to turn the notes I took into a shortened version of the Bible. I have to the best of my ability accurately and faithfully summarised the Bible in all its paradoxical mix of confusing complexity and sizzling simplicity. I hope it w...

Although this book carries as its title the name of Elisha, it does not concentrate on this prophet only, but it sets out to describe the work done by the covenant God in the days of Elisha.This prophet had to announce the blessing and the curse of God's covenant in the situation of his own times. God's Word needed to be accepted. Woe unto them who were unwilling to do so, however, a faithful remnant was comforted and encouraged.Today also this is God's way: Everything happen...