Writing to the Galatians, Paul explained that he had “died to the law”; He had been “crucified with Christ.” And He had “crucified the sinful nature.” In addition, he told them that through the cross “the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.” These startling statements deserve our attention.
Scripture: Galatians 6:14
Jeremiah never wanted to be a prophet. It broke his heart and endlessly frustrated him that the people of Judah would not heed his warnings of impending judgment. Even more heartbreaking for Jeremiah was living to see all that he warned about come to pass.
But even as Judah is overtaken, we see that Jeremiah’s work is not yet done as he moves from a message of warning to a message of encouragement. But is it even possible to encourage a people who didn’t trust God in the first place to now trust Him during troubled times?
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1-29:14
Can God revive the believer and animate the moral corpse of the unbeliever? In other words, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel had a vision and a mission that can be ours. What God is looking for is a “blessing bone.”
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-37:14
We have learned how to send people to the moon—and get them back again. But we have not succeeded in solving many of the pressing problems on earth. Many despair that we ever will. So the news that God visited our planet to put matters right is exciting. Or is it?
Scripture: John 1:10-1:13
As Jesus outlined His expectations to His disciples, they clearly needed a lot of help. So He promised to ask the Father to send them the Counselor, the Parakletos, which means literally “one called alongside,” to help. We need Him, too.
Scripture: John 14-16
John concludes his Prologue by calling Jesus “the One and only” to show us His uniqueness. If we are convinced that John is right about Jesus, the question arises: What are the ramifications of the Word becoming flesh? So what? Now what?
Scripture: John 1:14-1:18
Paul’s statement, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love,” succinctly answers the legalists who imposed Law and the libertines who abused Liberty. It reminds us all that genuine believers live by faith and show it in love.
Scripture: Galatians 5:1-5:6
God allows us freedom to choose how we live, but He doesn’t allow us to choose the consequences of our decisions. That’s the painful lesson we see the people of Judah live through as they are under siege with rampant famine and plague. In such dire circumstances, is it possible to live with hope that God will ever restore His people?
In this message, Stuart Briscoe explores the purpose for God’s plan in allowing Judah to be taken over by foreign rule.
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:1-32:44
Sometimes we think that if we could only get what we want, we would finally be happy. Solomon thought that, too. He had a “getting” obsession, never denying himself anything he wanted, and he became “greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before [him].”
But all these things didn’t bring Solomon the happiness he was looking for. Solomon and you and I are all trying to soothe a heart ache that can’t be cured by “things” but only by finding our purpose, the reason we were made!
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2
Ever feel like something is missing, like you just don’t belong? You probably feel that way because it is true! God created us for Himself and put eternity in our hearts—we were not made for here. So how do we make the most of this life where “everything is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (as Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes) in a world which is not our home?
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:11
When tragic events happen, we're tempted to think everything is different and will never go back to normal again. It's sometimes referred to as the "new normal," and it's rarely seen as a good thing.
However, evil is evil—that's not new! In the Western world, it feels that way because so much of the evil we hear about is far away, happening to people we don't know. When it hits us in our own back yard, through a national crisis or other circumstance, it is new to us—and it seems desperately unfair. It's then we can choose to berate and judge God for not stepping in, or turn toward Him and recognize that our finite minds cannot understand everything. Nevertheless, God is good, and He is in control!
In this single message by Jill, she shares lessons about a believer's response to tragedy by looking back at her own experiences during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. As she sat in a grounded plane in Newfoundland waiting to return to the United States, God used that time to teach her about the eternal promise of safety He has made to all of us who believe in Him.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:26-7:35
John, the aged overseer of the church at Ephesus had been exiled on the island of Patmos because of his faith and ministry. While there he received a vision, an apocalypse, of Christ thst he was required to share with the churches around Ephesus. Christ’s words need to be heard today.
Scripture: Revelation 1:1-1:20
When Christ was living amongst men, He was always the center of controversy. The centuries since have seen no real change. The reason is that His claims and challenges are so extraordinary that they demand reaction. But when taken seriously, they lead to life abundant.
Scripture: John 6:25-6:71
Blind beggars were not uncommon in Christ's time. When He met one and healed him on the Sabbath, He stirred up a great controversy. But when He claimed to be the light of the world, the challenge was firmly laid down.
Scripture: John 9:1-9:41
The church in Ephesus had many advantages. Planted in “the metropolis of Asia.” led and taught by outstanding leaders, it had flourished. But Christ pointed out their lack of love.
Scripture: Revelation 2:1-2:7
Smyrna called itself “the glory of Asia.” Situated 35 miles north of Ephesus, its great rival, it is still a flourishing city; although now it is called Izmir. The church in Smyrna receives no criticism from her Lord only understanding and encouragement.
Scripture: Revelation 2:8-2:11
After the blind man had been thrown out of the synagogue (John 9:34), Jesus received him and, in so doing, set His authority over against that of the religious leaders. In case they missed the point, He added that He was the Door—and the only one at that!
Scripture: John 10:1-10:10
Christ's claim to be the Good Shepherd has been a source of comfort and assurance to believers down through the centuries. But when the claim was made, some of His hearers were so incensed that they tried to kill Him—once again showing the challenging and controversial nature of His claims.
Scripture: John 10:11-10:30
Pergamum was never able to compete with Ephesus and Smyrna as a trade center but after it was willed over to Rome by its dying king, it became the capital of Asia and was therefore of great political significance. This made life in the church particularly difficult.
Scripture: Revelation 2:12-2:17
Jesus had proved His remarkable ability to heal, and many apparently accepted this without question. But He wished to show His ability to conquer death as well as disease. So He raised Lazarus.
Scripture: John 11:17-11:44
Thyatira was the least important of the seven cities but its church received the longest letter. This may have been because while outwardly the church was prospering, he who “searches hearts and minds” had detected serious problems that needed immediate attention.
Scripture: Revelation 2:18-2:29
The opposition to Jesus intensified after the raising of Lazarus, so He withdrew to a small village with His disciples. His public ministry was practically completed, but He had many things to tell the disciples, including word of His imminent departure.
Scripture: John 13:31-14:14
Sardis had a great reputation both commercially and militarily. Unfortunately, the city rested on its reputation, became careless and self-indulgent, and, on two occasions, was overthrown. The church at Sardis had a great reputation, too, but Christ looked behind the reputation to the reality and was less than impressed.
Scripture: Revelation 3:1-3:6
Philadelphia (“Brotherly Love”) was a border city situated on a major highway where Mysia, Lydia and Phrygia met. It was “the gateway from one continent to another” (Barclay). The church, therefore, had no difficulty understanding “the open door” Christ had set before them.
Scripture: Revelation 3:7-3:13
Both ancient and modern Israel have seen great symbolic significance in the vine and its fruit. The prophets and psalmist used it repeatedly, so Jesus' claim to be "The True Vine" struck a responsive chord in the disciples. But what does it mean to us?
Scripture: John 15:1-15:17
Laodicea, Hierapolis and Colosse were situated within a few miles of each other in the Lycus Valley, due east of Ephesus. Laodicea, which was famous for its wealth, medical expertise, and garment industry, unfortunately lacked an adequate water supply. Christ used all these factors to illustrate His powerful message to the church.
Scripture: Revelation 3:14-3:22
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. We use the expression "from A to Z" in different ways, but usually the meaning has to do with completeness and thoroughness. What did Jesus mean?
Scripture: Revelation 1:8-1:20
Balancing family and ministry is a challenge for all who are seeking to serve the Lord. How do we serve Him without burning out? Will children rebel if the parents get things out of sync? What is balance anyway, and how did Jesus balance His life? The Scriptures have principles that point us in the right direction, while the Holy Spirit helps us to put them into action.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:20
Balancing family and ministry is a challenge for all who are seeking to serve the Lord. How do we serve Him without burning out? Will children rebel if the parents get things out of sync? What is balance anyway, and how did Jesus balance His life? The Scriptures have principles that point us in the right direction, while the Holy Spirit helps us to put them into action.
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7-3:22, 1 Peter 4:11, 1 Corinthians 9:5, Mark 1
Balancing family and ministry is a challenge for all who are seeking to serve the Lord. How do we serve Him without burning out? Will children rebel if the parents get things out of sync? What is balance anyway, and how did Jesus balance His life? The Scriptures have principles that point us in the right direction, while the Holy Spirit helps us to put them into action.
Scripture: Proverbs 10:31, Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 6:20, 1 Corinthians 13, James 1:23-1:24
“That though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
There are over 350 prophesies in the Old Testament that describe the Messiah. Jesus, born with no fanfare or even a crib, fulfilled every single one! The mathematical odds of that are virtually impossible.
And yet, even with that knowledge, the question about Jesus is ultimately a personal one you have to decide on your own. Who do you think the baby Jesus was?
In this message from Jill, she asks you this very question. If you believe the baby Jesus is God, you will live your life with a different perspective and purpose.
Contemporary society is being rocked by powerful forces seeking to redefine marriage and restructure the family. It is therefore most important that the biblical and traditional views of marriage and family should be carefully explained and firmly embraced.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:31
Biblical and traditional teaching describes marriage as two people becoming "one" as God joins them together! Experiencing this obviously requires considerable adjustment involving, among other things, the wife "submitting" to her husband and the husband "loving" his wife. This is not easy to grasp or do!
Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-5:24
The Christian view of marriage is that God joins two people together and they become one flesh. This unique relationship holds great promise and presents great challenges for all concerned. For men, it means loving their wives as Christ loved the church!
Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-5:33
Ancient cultures developed "Family Codes," which addressed relationships between members of the household. Paul adapted these codes in order to present specific Christian teaching concerning relationships in the family, including parent/child relations.
Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-6:3
Having exhorted Christian children to obey their parents, Paul turns his attention to fathers (Gk. pateres which can mean "parents"), telling them to avoid exasperating and to concentrate on educating their children in "the Lord."
Scripture: Ephesians 6:4
The Bible gives detailed instructions about such practical issues as marriage, parenting, and employment. But it is important to realize that they are related to such spiritual issues as "living in the fullness of the Spirit." We need to understand the connection.
Scripture: Ephesians 5:18
James' epistle has been the center of controversy throughout church history. Questions about authorship, date, recipients, and content abound. But on one thing there is agreement, James was essentially practical. His faith wore boots!
Scripture: James 1:1-1:11
We sometimes say facetiously that we can resist everything but temptation. But this is hardly the way to deal with a problem that is behind innumerable personal and societal ills. We need to understand temptation in order to handle it better!
Scripture: James 1:12-1:21
In studying the Book of James, there are solid grounds for believing the author was the half-brother of Jesus. James was skeptical until the resurrection. Then he did a 180 and eventually became the leader of the church at Jerusalem. Unusual credentials, wouldn't you say? Perhaps that's why his Epistle is so unusual. Sometimes it pulses with the fire of an Old Testament prophet, and other times it throbs with a sensitive pastoral heartbeat. But whether prophetic or pastoral, it is always pointed and practical.
Scripture: James 1:22-1:27
We all have our likes and dislikes, and there truly is no accounting for taste. But when our dislikes become discriminatory and prejudicial, they need correction. James is excruciatingly clear on this point.
Scripture: James 2:1-2:13
We’re all familiar with the mistaken idea that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere. James also stresses the importance of how we believe. He insists that valid faith is readily observable in action.
Scripture: James 2:14-2:26
Anyone who has had a physical examination has heard the words, "Put out your tongue." By looking at this peculiar organ, the doctor can tell a lot about our condition. James goes much further!
Scripture: James 3:1-3:12
The good life to which most people seem to aspire is usually related to things that will make them happy, comfortable, and trouble-free. They would probably say, "The best things in life are things." James begged to differ.
Scripture: James 3:13-3:18
"Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness," says James. But he is practical enough to know that trouble and strife are all too common and they need to be addressed.
Scripture: James 4:1-4:10
James insists that the problems Christians experience are often caused by attitudes that are wrong. His solution is, "Humble yourselves before the Lord…" Criticism and cockiness aren’t evidences of humility and must be curbed.
Scripture: James 4:11-4:17
The return of Christ in glory, or the second advent, will be in marked contrast to His initial coming, or first advent, in obscurity and humility. People look at this facet of Christian doctrine differently, but James, true to form, views it practically and outlines the concern that accompanies an understanding of the return.
Scripture: James 5:1-5:12
Having advocated patience and perseverance, James instructed his readers concerning what they should do while being patient! Among other things, they should pray. What he meant by prayer and what it accomplishes are the topics for today.
Scripture: James 5:13-5:18
James has spoken about those who are in trouble, those who are happy, those who are sick, and those who are having relational problems, and he has explained what should be done. But what about those who are wandering away? What should be done about them?
Scripture: James 5:19-5:20
Life is full of squalls—sudden unannounced and unexpected storms that can lead us to question if God is in control of our lives. Death, sickness, unemployment, broken relationships, fears and failures are some of the troubles Satan uses to swamp us with doubt, usually when we’re already stressed and exhausted.
How do you respond when you’re hit with the squalls of life? Are you like the disciples in Mark 4 who wondered why Jesus slept while their boat was sinking, or do you believe God is in as much control when He’s seemingly asleep as when He’s obviously awake? Do you pray, “Don’t let there be another squall”? Or do you see storms as part of God’s plan for your life?
Teaching from the Gospel of Mark, Jill Briscoe addresses the issues of suffering and faith, challenging us to examine our beliefs in God in the midst of trouble.
Scripture: Mark 4:35-4:41
In their 5-message series, Powerful and Effective Prayer, Stuart and Jill Briscoe help you discover the power of a life rooted in prayer—and how it can become the place you turn to in every situation.
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to react first and pray later. But this encouraging series shows you how prayer can bring clarity, peace, and steady confidence in God, no matter what you’re facing!
This special resource, available as a digital download or on USB, is our thanks for your gift to help more people experience the truth of God’s Word.
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