Showing results by narrator "David Cochran Heath" in All Categories

In this popular Old Testament book, we learn that God will unleash judgment on a rebellious Israel but also that he will redeem his people with deep compassion. The prophet Isaiah encourages the Israelites to repent from their sinful ways and to live a life of obedience to the Lord.

A new generation of Israelites is about to enter the Promised Land. God’s people need a reminder of God’s law and promises before they enter Canaan, as they are about to face many dangers. Sit at the feet of Moses as he reminds the Israelites about God’s blessings, faithfulness, holiness, and warnings.

The church has always been in danger of “secret agents” who gain entry into the Christian community and thwart the gospel, consequently leading believers astray. We see this in Jude’s letter as he tackles the same issues Peter did in his second letter.

Salvation from the Lord has no barriers. The prophet Zechariah teaches God’s people that the invitation of salvation goes out to all people, regardless of their nationality. In this book, the prophet foresees people from all over the world worshipping God. Listen to Zechariah as he scolds the people for their disobedience and tells of the future restoration of the faithful.

The Israelites are returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. In many ways this story resembles the life of a Christian who repents from sin and rebellion and turns around to find God welcoming them into his unfailing love. The Book of Ezra is a record of hope for those who are weighed down with discouragement. No sin is too big for God’s grace.

Hebrews is about persevering in the faith. Written concerning the Jewish Christians, this letter serves as a reminder that Christ is superior to priests, angels, and the old covenant laws. His sacrifice is once for all unlike the sacrificial system.

After Jesus rose from the dead, he gave his Spirit to dwell within all who believe in him. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, leading, instructing, and equipping us. A sequel to the Gospel of Luke, this book gives a history of the early church and provides a heavy emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. In many ways, Acts serves as a transition from law-keeping to grace and faith in Christ. Listen to Acts and learn about how God uses the Holy Spirit to transform the hearts of believers and then uses them to fulfill his plan of restoration.

Edom was at odds with Israel ever since its forefather Esau had struggled in the womb with his twin brother Jacob, the patriarch of Israel. After Edom played a role in the destruction of Jerusalem, the prophet Obadiah gives warning to the nation of their coming judgment, fulfilling God's promise from hundreds of years earlier: "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curseth thee." (Gen. 12:3)

The prophet Nahum cries out to Nineveh, hoping they will turn from their wicked ways. They listened to Jonah the first time by repenting and turning to God, but will the powerful and proud Nineveh listen to the warnings of Nahum a century later? This story teaches us that even the strength of a powerful city cannot hold out against God's power.

The prophet Hosea has much to say about the sinfulness of Israel, but he also has much to say about the faithfulness of God. As the Israelites worship other gods and move further away from their Creator, God's judgment comes upon them. After judgment, however, God displays acts of mercy as he acts tenderly to his people, like a loving parent would. Listen to Hosea as he reminds Israel of God's faithfulness and speaks prophesies concerning the redemption to come in latter days.

The Israelites have not been pursuing holiness as they should be. Rebellious and sinful, the people are in need of a savior. The prophet Malachi plays an important role in Israelite history. God warns Israel through Malachi. He tells them to repent and speaks of future restoration, foreshadowing of the coming Messiah. Listen to Malachi as he warns the people while still managing to remind them of God’s endless love.

After finding out that the Corinthian church was filled with pride and committing sexual immorality, Paul teaches believers about the dangers of abusing freedom. The real problem is that the believers have a misunderstanding of grace. The Corinthian church was basing its faith on cheap grace. Cheap grace is grace without the cross, grace without repentance, and grace without cost. Listen to Paul as he tells believers about Christ who has given us grace as forgiveness for our sins but also as power to flee from our old ways.

John writes to a believer named Gaius urging him to continue walking in truth and love. Along with general instruction for church leaders, the apostle warns about those who oppose the gospel of Jesus Christ, specifically warning Gaius about a man named Diotrephes. An individual with selfish ambition that is never satisfied, Diotrephese is no different than much of the opposition we face today. Listen to John as he addresses this in his godly wisdom.

After admonishing believers in Corinth for their sinful ways and abuse of grace, Paul writes a second letter, commending them for their positive response to his first letter. He expresses his joy in hearing that they’ve repented and embraced his teachings. Paul then goes on to encourage believers to “...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Listen as he reminds the church at Corinth that God has made them a new creation in Christ.

Paul protests against the perversion of the Gospel. Many are teaching the Galatians that they can be justified by works, and, as a result, they’ve abandoned the truth. Listen to the book of Galatians and rest in the fact that we are justified by grace through faith.

As Christians, we have a hope that withstands all trouble. In fact, while many strive to avoid suffering, believers can actually rejoice in it. Why? Because God will vindicate his people. We can rest in God’s salvation now and look forward to the day he will bring full redemption. This letter, written by the apostle Peter, points us to Christ in times of tribulation and encourages us to persevere in the midst of suffering.

Like many of us, the Thessalonians need to be reminded of the reality of Christ’s second coming. In this book, Paul encourages believers to look forward to the second coming as the final accomplishment of God’s promise to save his people. In light of the Thessalonians’ false sense of security, Paul only addresses the timing of the second coming by saying, “…the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thes. 5:2)

Filled with allegories and themes of the awesome majesty of God, the book of Ezekiel is both painful and rewarding. The difficulties in reading this book derive from Ezekiel’s prophecies of judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. The comfort, however, exceeds the painful parts. The book closes with a glimmer of hope for the Jews as the prophet depicts the restoration that is to come.

The apostle Peter writes to churches pertaining to the false teachers and opposition among them. His letter is a reminder that God’s grace is not only pardon but also power to live righteously in the face of opposition. Because we have the Holy Spirit, we can pursue holiness, bear fruit, and deny false teachers. Peter’s exhortations are an encouragement to remain steadfast and firm in the faith.

“God is light.” (1 John 1:5) This means we can always count on him to overcome evil with good. Having assurance of our salvation in Christ equips us to stand firm in the face of evil. This letter points Christians back to the gospel. “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13) It encourages believers to live obedient lives in light of the salvation they have in Christ.