In chapter 1, God answered Hannah’s prayers for a son—a son whom she vowed to give back to Yahweh all the days of his life. Now, in chapter 2, we hear another one of her prayers, and it’s a psalm of thanksgiving. As we saw last time, Hannah’s story is meant to be a picture […]
After learning about the day of God’s vengeance and year of his redemption, Isaiah calls Israel to remember God’s steadfast, covenant love. Drawing on imagery from the exodus and their time in the wilderness, Isaiah reminds Israel of all that their God had done for them, his goodness, his compassion, and his faithfulness. Israel was […]
After being hurled into the raging sea, God mercifully preserves Jonah’s life by sovereingly appointing a great sea creature to swallow him. From the belly of the fish, Jonah offers a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord from the belly of the fish, acknowledging that he had been spared from a death he deserved. In […]
When reading Paul’s letters, it’s easy to gloss over his greetings and introductory remarks. Yet when we look carefully at what Paul is saying, we find there is much we can learn about the Christian life in the local church. In this sermon, pastor Keith considers Paul’s introductory remarks to the Roman Christians, highlighting his […]
Isaiah foretold that the people who lived in darkness would one day see a great light. We didn’t ask for it; we couldn’t have imagined it; and we did not deserve it. And yet, unto us a child was born, and a Son was given. Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who came […]
Isaiah 11 describes the hope of a renewed world and a redeemed people under a righteous King. There, we learned that this King is none other than the Lord Jesus, our Immanuel. Isaiah 12 concludes the first major section of Isaiah by describing the response of those who belong to this kingdom. This chapter is […]
In the midst of a life-threatening situation, David is calling upon the name of the Lord for grace. However, while it’s true that David’s need compelled him to pray (Ps. 86:1), he can only stay focused on his present circumstances for so long. As he seeks deliverance from the Lord, he begins to consider the […]
The puritan preacher, John Flavel, once remarked: “Every man loves the mercies of God, but a saint loves the God of mercies.” In times of trial, suffering, and need, anyone will gladly receive blessings from God; it doesn’t take the new birth to appreciate his mercies. In fact, anyone can perform religious duties and portray […]
Our God, the sovereign ruler of the cosmos, is infinitely wise, good and just, ruling over creation with providence. 2 Peter 3:8 reminds us that “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” This is not some formula or a literal conversion rate, but rather a beautiful […]
