The Gibeonites choose to deceive the Israelites in this passage. In verse 14, it says, “the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord.” The failure is not that they did the work, but that they were prayerless. Many times when we plan something, it is easy for us to do it according to our wishes and plans. We lay out detailed plans as if everything is going to go exactly as we expect. But by doing that, we can miss out on so much. The important thing is not whether we do everything right. We must pray, because the most important thing is doing anything and everything in the Lord.

In the passage of Joshua 8:24–35, the total annihilation of Ai is depicted. How should Christians understand this? Herem (total annihilation) is a real thing—as God commanded—and many people often ask, How can a loving God do this? Unfortunately, this kind of suffering still happens in our daily life as well. Wars are everywhere, people are suffering under the sun, and people still dislike one another with their own prejudice and judgment. Unfortunately, I do not have all the answers to that. But in Joshua 8:30–35, Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal. This is the place where all Israelites should have died. That is where the grace of God falls. Many times, there are moments when we think this is the dead end and there is nowhere to go. God miraculously works to be with His people—not necessarily in their favor, but in God’s favor and in God’s time. It is to remind them that He never leaves, and where most of us think it is a place of curse, it becomes a moment of blessing. So trust in the Lord. As we come to know Him, before He is a loving God, He is also the Creator of this world, who gives and takes. He decided to love His people and guide His people. That is where grace begins—from where we helplessly receive His grace and see grace as grace. It is often hard to even acknowledge the goodness of God, but surely He never leaves His people.

Joshua 2:8-14 Joshua sent spies to observe Jericho. So they went into the house of the prostitute, and there is Rahab. It is interesting how people tend to underestimate the roles of prostitutes during this time. Of course prostitution is bad, and it is not something to be proud of. But when people wanted to get information, the first place they would go to was a bar or a house of prostitution. They heard most of the stories, and they really did function as the eyes and ears of spies.

God works His redemptive history through this woman. The Israelites do indeed cross the Jordan River with the help of this woman. Also, she is in the line of David and Jesus Christ. It is not just bloodline; it is also the line of faith. Rahab bears the testimony of God in verse 11—God is sovereign over the land, which King David confessed when he was facing the giant. God uses and includes these people to write His history and bring forth Jesus Christ.

It is something that we have to dwell on: God is in control. Whether our problem is invisible or visible, tangible or not tangible, God is in control and all authority is under the feet of Christ. We hold on to Him, rely on Him, and believe Him. He will surely provide comfort and peace to us.

In 2 Timothy 4:1–8, Paul delivers his final charge to Timothy—and to all believers—to preach the Word faithfully before the coming judgment of Christ. Knowing his death is near, Paul urges perseverance in ministry “in season and out of season,” with patience, endurance, and truth, even as people turn from sound doctrine to self-serving teachings. Paul reflects on his own life as one poured out for the gospel, having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. His confidence rests not in human success but in the righteous Judge who will crown all who love Christ’s appearing. This “crown of righteousness” is not a reward for merit but the grace-filled confirmation of a life completed in faith. Paul’s final testimony calls the church to steadfast endurance, gospel proclamation, and hope in the glory of Christ’s eternal kingdom.

In 2 Timothy 3:10–17, Paul contrasts the corruption of false teachers with the faithfulness of true servants of Christ, using his own life of suffering and endurance as an example. He reminds Timothy that those who seek to live godly lives in Christ will face persecution, just as Paul did, yet God’s deliverance is sure. True faith is not theoretical knowledge but a lived testimony shaped by suffering, patience, love, and perseverance under grace. Paul exhorts Timothy to remain steadfast in the truth he has learned and witnessed since childhood, grounded in Scripture, which alone imparts wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ. The Word of God, breathed by the Spirit, equips believers to stand firm, live righteously, and accomplish every good work even in an age when godliness is despised.

In 2 Timothy 3:1–9, Paul warns Timothy that in the last days—even within the church—people will display the form of godliness while denying its power. Love of self, money, and pleasure will replace love for God, leading to moral decay, pride, and rebellion. False teachers, like Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses, will exploit the vulnerable with deceptive “knowledge,” yet their corruption will ultimately be exposed. Paul reminds that true faith cannot be faked or achieved through intellect—it must flow from repentance, holiness, and obedience born of grace. Genuine godliness is not outward appearance but an inward relationship with Christ that produces humility, purity, and enduring love. Through daily repentance and reliance on Jesus’ righteousness, believers experience the foretaste of heaven even in a decaying world.

In 2 Timothy 2:14–26, Paul urges Timothy to stand firm in truth, live as a pure vessel for God’s work, and lead with humility amid false teachings and moral decay in Ephesus. He warns against empty debates and distorted doctrines that corrupt faith, calling Timothy to rightly handle the Word of truth and pursue holiness rather than intellectual pride. Believers are to cleanse themselves from sin and worldly passions, becoming honorable instruments fit for the Master’s use. Paul emphasizes that ministry must flow from love, faith, peace, and patience—correcting opponents gently so that God may grant them repentance and deliverance from deception. Ultimately, true discipleship means embodying the Word, not merely knowing it, and reflecting Christ’s character in both conviction and compassion.

In 2 Timothy 1:1–8, Paul writes from prison to his beloved disciple Timothy, reminding him that his apostleship and calling rest not on circumstance but on the eternal promise of life in Christ. Facing death, Paul displays unwavering peace rooted in grace, mercy, and divine purpose, urging Timothy to rekindle his spiritual gift and live boldly without fear. True faith, he notes, is inherited and nurtured by God’s Spirit, which grants power, love, and self-control—not anxiety or shame. Even in suffering, believers must share in the hardships of the gospel, for peace and strength come not from favorable conditions but from the unchanging presence of Christ. Through this final exhortation, Paul models how unshakable faith transforms persecution into testimony and suffering into glory.

Zechariah 13–14 reveals God’s final work of cleansing, judgment, and restoration that culminates in universal worship and holiness. God opens a fountain to wash away sin, removes idolatry and falsehood, and refines His people through trials until they truly call on His name. Though the nations rage against Jerusalem, the Lord Himself fights for His people, establishes His eternal kingdom, and brings living water from His throne. In the end, every aspect of creation—once divided between sacred and common—is made holy, as even ordinary pots and horse bells bear the inscription “Holy to the Lord.” The book closes not in wrath but in worship, showing that through Christ’s atonement, God’s presence now fills His people as the true temple. Thus, Zechariah ends with the promise that holiness, peace, and the fullness of God’s glory will cover the whole earth, and all who are in Christ will dwell forever in His kingdom.

Zechariah 13–14 presents God’s final plan of purification, judgment, and restoration for His people and creation. In chapter 13, God opens a fountain to cleanse sin and impurity, purging idolatry and false prophecy while refining His people through trials like gold in fire until they confess, “The Lord is my God.” Chapter 14 expands this vision to the cosmic scale: nations rise against Jerusalem, but God Himself intervenes as King over all the earth, shattering evil and bringing living waters from His throne. The sermons interpret these prophecies as both historical and eschatological—depicting moral collapse, growing persecution, and divine sovereignty that overrules all powers. Ultimately, only those united to Christ by grace will dwell in the restored Jerusalem, free from curse and death, while the unrepentant face decay under divine judgment. Through it all, the unchanging promise remains: God will find, refine, and redeem His people, and His kingdom will stand forever.

Zechariah 14 portrays the final “Day of the Lord,” when God intervenes decisively in history to judge evil and redeem His people. Though Jerusalem faces invasion, devastation, and suffering, God Himself rises to fight for His people, standing on the Mount of Olives to establish His rule. The preacher connects this prophecy to the modern world’s moral collapse and growing persecution of Christians, emphasizing that increasing darkness precedes divine light. Just as Revelation depicts the Lamb as the source of everlasting light and living water, Zechariah 14 points to Christ’s ultimate victory and the renewal of creation. No human plan or satanic power can halt God’s redemptive purpose—He will bring His kingdom to completion and restore all things. Thus, believers are called to endure in hope, finding rest and assurance in God’s unbreakable promise amid a darkening world.

Zechariah 13 depicts God’s promise to purify and preserve His people through judgment and grace. The chapter opens with a fountain for cleansing from sin and impurity for the house of David and Jerusalem, symbolizing forgiveness and renewal in Christ. God will remove idolatry, false prophets, and deceitful spirits, exposing hypocrisy and false religion. The sermon uses a personal story from military training to illustrate how deeply people long for cleansing—both physical and spiritual. It teaches that true believers, though refined by trials like gold in fire, will ultimately call upon the Lord and be recognized as His people. Suffering, unanswered prayers, and hardship are not signs of abandonment but evidence of God’s refining work, ensuring none of His elect are lost. The message concludes that affliction for the believer is proof of God’s love and the fulfillment of His unbreakable promise to make His people holy.

Progressive (dispensationalist) readers often take Zechariah 9:1–8 as a promise of national, political Israel’s protection, but the text reveals something deeper than nation or ethnicity. Verses 1–6 describe the strong nations surrounding Israel, verse 7 speaks of judgment, and verse 8 declares God’s protection over His people. This passage is about God’s covenant people in Christ. Zechariah 9:1–8 is not about nationalism—it is about redemption. If it were about nationalism, Jesus would have come as the Jews’ political ruler, and they would not have crucified Him. Zechariah 9:1–8 emphasizes the protection and power of God over human weapons, civilization, and wisdom. Though it may seem that satanic powers or cults have seized the world, Christ remains above them all.

Zechariah 8-18-23 People fast for a reason. Fourth month → remembering when Jerusalem’s wall was breached. Fifth month → destruction of the temple. Seventh month → exile. Tenth month → Nebuchadnezzar’s siege. God promises the restoration of His people through the Lord who completes the mourning fast. It was Jesus who prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and fasted. The prophecy does not point to a literal restoration of the kingdom but to the ingathering of the nations through Christ. It is where people come and feast—in Christ.

Satan constantly accuses us of sin, guilt, and unworthiness before God. He pours lies into our hearts to discourage us and make us feel undeserving of God’s love. But the Lord Himself rebukes Satan and declares His mercy. God removes Joshua’s filthy garments and clothes him with clean robes, symbolizing the forgiveness and righteousness given through Christ. In a way, it’s true—we are unworthy of God’s grace. But Jesus clothes us in His perfect righteousness.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. How does this passage help me understand the reality of Satan’s accusations and Christ’s defense?

3. What does it mean for me personally that God has “taken my iniquity away” and clothed me with pure garments?

God sees the injustices and brokenness of the world even when it seems “at rest.” He has not forgotten His people, and His mercy is still at work. God sovereignly moves through history to bring restoration.

The work of Satan has never been so active; I personally see much evilness in the world, degeneracy of people, and the effectiveness of Satan’s work every day. It truly breaks my heart, and I ask, “Lord, how long will You tolerate this evil?", "If You are truly good, bring goodness on earth.” But then I realize—as real as the evil of this world is, the goodness of God! Jesus has already won this war. He defeated Satan on the mountain, defeated sin on the cross, and defeated death in the grave. So we place our hope in Christ—who is to come.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. How does remembering Christ’s victory on the cross strengthen my faith when the world feels dark and hopeless?

3. How can I live today as someone who believes Jesus has already won the victory over Satan, sin, and death?

Romans 15:22–33 reveals Paul’s deep desire for mission. His travel plans were not driven by personal ambition but by obedience to God and love for the church. Even as an apostle, Paul humbly asked for prayer—that he might be delivered from danger, that his service would be accepted, and that he could come to Rome with joy, if God willed.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2.What does Paul’s example teach me about surrendering my own plans to God’s will?

3.Why is prayer—both asking for it and offering it—so essential to faithful service?

Romans 15:14-21 Many Muslim apologists claim that Christianity was created by Paul, claiming that Jesus never intended to make a religion but that Paul turned His message into one. However, when we read Paul’s letters—especially Romans—it becomes clear that Paul is not making a religion; he is testifying to the finished work of Jesus Christ and participating in that work through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In Romans 15:16–17, Paul identifies himself as a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, called to proclaim the gospel so that the nations might be sanctified by the Spirit. He has nothing to boast about in himself; his only message is Christ and what Christ has accomplished. Paul’s deepest concern is not to spread his own ideas or to compete with other teachers, but to faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus as one who bears witness to the risen Lord.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. What does it mean for me personally to “minister the gospel” rather than promote my own ideas or agenda?

3. Am I relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in my service to others, or am I working in my own strength?

Paul reminds believers that submission to governing authorities is part of Christian discipleship. God is still in control—whoever sits on the throne or in office has been allowed by God. This has been a millennia-long struggle for Christians, from the Roman Empire to this day. The purpose of government and the state is to protect its people, but we see the state fail to do so many times. Often, rulers and officers tend to be evil or even satanic. Christians are witnesses in this evil world, called to live as followers of Christ. Submission to authority is part of living out the gospel in the public sphere—in the center of evil, Christians bear righteous and heavenly living. God can overthrow any government or ruler in one sweep, and they remain in power only for us to learn patience and faithfulness in the Word of God.

When is enough? I do not know. I see many Christians in Nigeria being slaughtered, many Christians in Europe suffer and churches burned down by Islamic invasions, and many children from the US being taken to Israel. How long, Lord? How far will He endure? The best thing we can do is pray, fight against our sins, and stand up to do what is right. Be better Christians in this evil world, so that the satanic cults may be confronted by our faithfulness to Christ. The strongest weapon we have is not guns or cameras, but the Word of God that we speak, preach, and proclaim.

Paul shows that Christian love is active—we weep, rejoice, seek peace, show kindness, and refuse revenge. It is Christlike love that reflects God’s mercy and overcomes evil with good. Everything listed in these verses is totally controversial from a worldly perspective. The Qur’an writes that if infidels do not convert, they should either be taxed or killed. The rabbinic texts also state that goyim (the Gentiles) can be treated like animals and killed at will. But the Bible says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil” and “If your enemy is hungry, feed him.” Christianity has a totally different ethic and foundation—almost to the point of seeming naive. It completely disarms us from protecting ourselves, for Christ is our foundation and shield. I do not know when enough is enough; I do not know what the crossing line is for us to retaliate. The Bible does not seem to state one, for God is in control.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. How does Paul’s call to overcome evil with good challenge the way I naturally want to respond to hostility or injustice?

3. Where in my life do I struggle to trust that God is in control, and how does that make me tempted to “retaliate” rather than leave it to Him?

Paul calls believers to a lifestyle where love is genuine, holy, active, and enduring—even toward enemies. This is Christian worship in action: a life transformed by mercy, lived out in humility, generosity, and Christlike blessing. A recent study I found shows that Muslims are mandated to give offerings to help poor Muslims. There are about 2 billion Muslims in the world, and about 2.5 billion Christians (including Catholics). Yet the total amount of money given in offerings is almost equal—around 200 billion dollars. The United States alone is responsible for 75% of worldwide Christian charity. Some may think that Islam, which mandates its people to give charity, would absolutely out-scale Christian charity. But in fact, the total amounts are about the same. Of course, there are many layers and factors involved here, but still there is a clear difference between the works of Muslims and Christians. Muslims give because it is written law, but Christians give out of compassion and love. That is what Christianity firmly stands on—loving neighbors, practicing generosity, and contributing to the needs of others.

Romans 12:1–8 calls believers to respond to God’s mercy with whole-life worship, renewed minds, humility, and service. Christian life is not about isolation but about belonging to Christ’s body, using God-given gifts to build one another up in love.

I recently talked to some college friends, and they said going to church feels like too much work—they have to go out and do something on their only day of rest. It seems like a lot of effort just to go to a local church. So I asked them, out of pure curiosity, “Why do you come to church?” They said that at first they did it out of habit, family pressure, or culture. But now they feel like they are being called to be at church. There may be many reasons, but I see that God brings each of them for a specific purpose. The Christian life is about gathering and worshiping together. It is not necessarily its community or friends, but it is the Word of God that calls them home.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. When church feels like a burden or obligation, how can I remind myself that it is ultimately God’s Word that calls me home to worship with His people

3. In what areas of my life am I tempted to be “conformed to this world” instead of being “transformed by the renewing of my mind”?

Paul talks about the mystery of God’s redemptive plan—not just for the people of Israel, not just for the Gentiles, but for all people. God is weaving history in such a way that both Jew and Gentile are shut up under sin, so that salvation would be by mercy alone. This teaches me that God’s promises never fail. Even when His ways are hidden from me, He is faithful to His covenant. Salvation is not built on human wisdom, power, or privilege, but on God’s mercy and His unshakable promises in Christ.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. How does God’s mercy toward both Jews and Gentiles challenge the way I think about who “deserves” salvation?

3. Where in my life do I struggle to trust God’s hidden ways, and how can this passage help me rest in His wisdom?

Paul states that God’s salvation comes through the preaching of Christ. The Gentiles, who were not seeking Him, have been brought in, while Israel, though hearing, has rejected Him. God’s hands remain outstretched—gracious, patient, and calling people to faith. God does not just choose people to be saved—they have to go through the journey and the way of the cross. Stay close to the Word of God, live by the Word of God, and rely on the Word of God until the end. I have seen people achieve great things without Jesus, but in the end, without Jesus, we have nothing.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. What does it mean for me personally to “go through the journey and the way of the cross” in my daily life?

3. How am I staying close to the Word of God—not just hearing it, but living and relying on it until the end?

Many times I would say sincerity and passion can do wonders. As much as you want something and pursue it, you will most likely get it. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ is absolute. That is probably why Paul begins chapter 10 with a prayer. He prayed that the people of Israel would come to Jesus Christ and have zeal not based on their own knowledge of God, but on the work of Christ. Religious knowledge and practices without Jesus Christ are an empty cart.

In this very specific case of redemptive history, sincerity and passion based in the wrong place of the heart not only do nothing for us, but also bring the wrath of God. It is Christ’s faithfulness, Christ’s passion, and Christ’s work that establish a reconciled relationship. This salvation is not based on race, ethnicity, or knowledge, but on Christ and one’s personal relationship with Him.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. How does Paul’s prayer for Israel challenge me to pray more earnestly for those who do not yet know Christ?

3. How does remembering that salvation is not based on race, ethnicity, or knowledge, but on Christ alone, shape the way I view myself and others?

There are extreme Zionists and Jews in this world who claim that the goyim (the Gentiles) must serve every single Jew. They claim themselves as the chosen people and the masters of all goyim. For them, salvation is already given to them exclusively, and then they drive their vehicle of ideology seizing every sector of normal life—such as banks, politics, and media.

Paul, throughout his entire epistles, says otherwise: “What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith” (v. 30). The people of Israel failed in keeping the law and stumbled on Christ. Christ fulfills the law, and only through the righteous King can people—whether Jews or Gentiles—have faith.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. How does Paul’s teaching remind me that righteousness is not found in law-keeping, lineage, or status, but only by faith in Christ?

3. Since Christ fulfills the law and offers righteousness to all who believe, how can I testify to this truth—whether to those who think they are “good enough” without Christ or to those who feel far from God?

From time to time, as we live in this world, we realize that we do not know everything. People have spent years studying and mastering specific subjects, yet they still make mistakes and do not know everything. Especially smart people—they often look down on others with condescending looks because some people do not get things quickly, or perhaps never get them at all. But how much do we really know about the world and about God? Even the smartest person in the world has sinned as greatly as his wisdom. All the knowledge we have would be nothing without receiving and knowing the grace of God.

Often, I think that I wish I were a smarter person. Seeing all these academic geniuses and high-IQ people in politics, it is very hard to follow them. Many times, I wish I could speak better, like great speakers and leaders. But Christ has made me just as He wanted, and it makes me say: Christ is enough. Hopefully, when the time comes, we will be ready to testify to His love and joy before the world.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. How does this passage remind you that human wisdom and knowledge are limited, while God’s wisdom and purposes never fail?

3. In what ways do I struggle with comparing myself to “smarter” or more gifted people, and how does Christ’s sufficiency reshape my sense of identity?

God's Word and faithfulness do not fail. Throughout history and the stories of the Bible, we see that God chooses certain people to lead. His love is not based on physical lineage or on acts, but on His unconditional love alone. A good way to describe His love is undeserving—in other words, it is unfair.

There are many times I personally want to be great in what I do and as a person. Many times a day I think I am not good enough to even be a pastor or to preach. I fail when I try to find my identity in myself, or when I try to find role models and be like them. But I find my identity in Christ. My identity is not from someone I try to be, or even from myself—it is in Christ. I hope to realize one day that I am good enough in Christ—and that as much as God loves me, I may also be able to love myself, and others.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. Where in my life do I feel like God’s promises have failed, and how does this passage remind me that His Word always stands?

3.How does Paul’s anguish for the lost challenge me to care more deeply for others, even as I trust in God’s sovereign purposes?

The law is not the problem—sin is. God’s law is holy, righteous, and good. The law has been given so that we might know God and draw closer to Him. But human beings, with sinful nature, misinterpret and misuse the holy law. And it’s not just the law—we also experience inner conflict within our own bodies. Paul does not minimize this struggle; he calls himself a wretched man. The weight of sin and the sinfulness of humanity in the world lead us to cry out for the mercy of God. Yet Paul does not leave us in despair. At the end, he erupts in thanks: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” We will still battle, but Christ has already won the war.

1. What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2. Where do I see myself misinterpreting or misusing God’s good law because of my sinful nature?

3. How does it strengthen me to know that although the battle with sin continues, Christ has already won the war?

The law’s jurisdiction ends at death. In Christ, we have died to the law. Sin and death came to condemn us, for the wages of sin is death, and indeed they must pronounce the death sentence on sinners. But those who are in Christ have already died in Him and with Him. How can someone who has already died receive the penalty again? Therefore, law, sin, and death no longer have power over us. When Christ was raised from the dead, we were raised with Him, to live in Him and for Him. Union with Christ is not only freedom from the law’s condemnation but also new life that bears good fruit for God.

1 What stands out to you from this passage, or which verse speaks to you most clearly?

2 How does knowing that sin and death no longer have power over me change the way I view guilt, shame, or fear of judgment?

3 Since I have been raised with Christ, how can I live more fully “in Him and for Him” in my daily life?

The basis of faith is not believing that God will provide whatever we want. The basis of faith is believing that God never fails to give what we truly need. What Abraham learned from Isaac was not, “If i pray, i will receive,” but rather, “My God is unfailing; He is Almighty God.” Abraham did not learn religion—he learned obedience to God. That is the essence of faith. This believing was credited to him as righteousness. What we receive is not the righteousness of Abraham, but the righteousness and obedience of Jesus Christ.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. How does it strengthen my assurance to know that I receive not Abraham’s righteousness, but the perfect righteousness and obedience of Jesus Christ (v.24–25)?

3. In what situation today can I glorify God by trusting His unfailing promise, even when circumstances seem impossible?

In chapter 4, Paul is talking about Abraham and justification. Abraham was not justified by the act of circumcision. Abraham became righteous by believing. Christ's perfect righteousness is imputed to his people, making them good and righteous, not by their acts or religious practices, but by the faithful work of Jesus Christ. The people of Israel indeed had the law and the privilege to be with the living God throughout the Old Testament, but ethnicity or race is not the basis of justification—faith and the goodness of God are.

It is about faith in God's promise—which makes the door wide open—to Jew and Gentile, to anyone who will have faith in Christ. When the people of this world face unexpected situations, they do their prayers and rituals to bend their deity’s will and receive what they want. But Christ’s followers get on their knees to be grateful for His immeasurable grace—our hope in life and in death.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. Where do I sometimes trust in outward acts (religious habits, service, background) instead of trusting in Christ alone?

3. Why is it important that God’s promise depends on grace through faith, and not on human works or ethnicity?

Paul begins with thanksgiving. He thanks God for the faith of the Roman believers. Even though Paul has never met them, he is praying for them constantly, asking that God would make a way for him to visit. Paul wishes to share encouragement—believing in Jesus Christ and living out the way of Christian. As we will further study in the letter to the Romans, Paul reminds believers that they have been justified, clothed in Jesus’ righteousness. They are all called righteous, and they live by believing what Jesus has done for them.

Paul is under obligation to preach the gospel to all kinds of people—Greeks and barbarians, the wise and the foolish. The gospel is not just for one group, but for the whole world. That’s why he is eager to come to Rome. The gospel doesn’t rest on human wisdom or strength. It is the power of God that gives faith and hope in Christ.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. Paul speaks of mutual encouragement through faith. How have you experienced encouragement from the faith of other believers, and how might you encourage others in their walk with Christ?

3. Paul says the gospel is for all people. What does this reveal about the universal nature of the gospel, and how should that shape our view of others?

Paul opens Romans with a brief introduction of himself: a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle. At that time, every Roman officer and citizen understood themselves as servants of the emperor. But Paul doesn’t start there—he calls himself the servant of Jesus Christ. Right away he is saying that Jesus is greater than the emperor, higher than any known king. Jesus is the descendant of David, the one the prophets spoke of, the fulfillment of Scripture.

We belong to Christ even though we live in this world, going through real pain and suffering. It is easy to forget that Christ is over all things when what we see daily is endless work and tasks. Paul begins his letter to the Romans by realigning our allegiance. Paul states our identity in Christ right then: we have received grace, and he commends us to enjoy grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. In a world that constantly demands our loyalty—to work, to leaders, to culture—what does it mean to live with our ultimate allegiance to Christ?

3. Why does Paul begin by reminding the Romans that they have received grace and peace? How does that truth anchor us when daily life feels like endless work and tasks?

God uses extreme imagery here because He wants His people to feel the ugliness of idolatry. Spiritual unfaithfulness isn’t just “breaking a rule”—it’s like adultery, prostitution, and betrayal in marriage. By comparing Israel and Judah’s idolatry to promiscuity and lust, God is showing how deeply offensive and dishonoring their sin is to Him.

Sin is never neutral—it is betrayal. Sin promises strength, power, and satisfaction, but it always enslaves. God shows me that unfaithfulness is ugly, but His faithfulness endures.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. In what ways does sin promise strength, power, or satisfaction in your life—but end up enslaving instead?

3. What does it mean to you personally that, even in the face of unfaithfulness, God’s faithfulness endures?

Ezekiel 20:10–26 is a sobering reminder that deliverance from Egypt, it was not the end of Israel’s story, rather it was the beginning of God’s call to holiness. Instead of walking in His statutes, Israel tested His patience again and again. God gave them His Sabbaths as a sign of rest and belonging, but they were restless to rebel against God. And when people persistently reject God, He sometimes gives them over to their own ways, letting them taste the bitterness of sin.

This passage reminds me that being redeemed is not just about being set free—it’s about being set apart. In the end, God clearly proclaims that He is the sovereign Lord. It is His faithfulness, mercy, and patience that carry His people to the end—not for Israel’s glory, but for His.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. How do you see the difference between being freed from sin and actually walking in obedience to God?

3. What does it mean when we say - God is sovereign?

Ezekiel 20:1–9 shows that God is not deceived by appearances. So many people think they can make it up to the Lord with religious actions and outward performance. I used to think that way too. But do we really want to be judged by how well we perform or how many religious deeds we produce? If that were the standard, every single one of us would be nailed to the cross. I am thankful that our standing before God is not based on our works, but on the grace of Jesus. Some may say that is not fair—but if God were to be fair, no one would escape condemnation. Grace, and grace alone, is the only foundation of our salvation.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. Why do you think people are often tempted to rely on outward religious performance instead of true repentance and faith?

3. How does it change your perspective to realize that if God judged us by fairness and works, no one would escape condemnation?

God confronts a popular but false belief in Israel—that people suffer primarily because of their ancestors’ sins. God directly rejects this. Every soul belongs to Him, and each person will be judged by their own actions through a personal relationship with Him.
I cannot hide my sins from the Lord—every sin will be counted. Righteousness is not inherited or rightfully deserved, but it is counted and measured. We are called to be faithful in that righteous relationship. It is ironic how this both humbles and frees me. If I walk 100 miles, I will be off 100 miles from the Lord. Through this righteous relationship, God guides me. Though the road may not be pleasant—through sins and guilt—at least I can walk toward life. And Jesus walks with me from the start to the end.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. What does it mean for you personally that every sin will be counted before the Lord?

3. How does the truth that Jesus walks with you “from start to the end” shape your daily choices?

This passage shows me that breaking faith with God is covenant betrayal. Zedekiah thought he was simply shifting alliances from Babylon to Egypt, but in reality, he was despising the oath he had made before God. He sought security and rest through political shifts, but wars and battles are won by God.
My faithfulness is so fragile, but God’s covenant faithfulness is unshakable. If my hope rests in political strength, human promises, or my own ability to hold on, I will fail.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. Where are you most tempted to place your trust—God’s covenant faithfulness or human strategies?

3. How does knowing that wars and victories belong to God change the way you face challenges?

Each figure represents kings and nations, such as the first great eagle as Nebuchadnezzar, the planted seed as Zedekiah, and the second great eagle as Egypt. Long story short, it is a parable of God's judgment on Judah's unfaithfulness.
If I cannot be happy where God has placed me, where will I find joy? Many times, I become complacent. If I cannot enjoy my current situation in my current place, I will not be joyful in the next stage—for joy is found in the Lord.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. When have you been tempted to look for security or joy somewhere other than where God has placed you?

3. How can you cultivate contentment and joy in God’s presence in your current season?

After chapter upon chapter of judgment, God promises to restore even Sodom, Samaria, and Jerusalem—not because they deserve it, but so that shame would turn into humility, and pride would be silenced.

I see myself here: guilty, covenant-breaking, without a single claim on God’s kindness—yet He remembers His covenant and atones for all my sin.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. How does it change your understanding of grace to see God promise restoration to those He just condemned so severely?

3. When have you experienced God using restoration to humble you rather than to elevate you?

God compares His people to a vine—not one full of fruit, but dry wood, useless even for small tools. If it bears no fruit, what’s left but to be thrown into the fire? I’m reminded that being “chosen” does not mean being entitled. It means being set apart for a purpose. Israel forgot that. They wanted the name without the obedience. They had the temple, the traditions, the identity—but no faithfulness. And so they were cast into the fire.

I think about my own life—how easy it is to look like a vine but bear no fruit. I hope and pray that my heart will be full of love for God, and that I will never let go of the One who called me.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. What kind of “fruit” do you believe God desires to see in your life right now?

3. How can you guard your heart from growing dry or detached from God?

Ezekiel 14:12–23 reminds me that righteousness cannot be borrowed. Noah, Daniel, and Job—three who were indeed righteous—could not deliver salvation to all. God is holy, and judgment and righteousness are personal. Knowing and relying on the righteous God is the righteousness of a man, and based on that personal relationship, judgment falls. It is sobering to see that judgment does not fall randomly, but it is measured, deliberate, deserved, and personal.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. What does it look like to pursue a personal, living relationship with God in the midst of a faithless culture?

3. How does it change your view of God to know that His judgment is not random, but deliberate and just?

Ezekiel 14:1–11 reminds me that God sees through our hearts. The elders came to Ezekiel as if they wanted to hear from the Lord, but God saw their idols hidden deep inside their hearts. It is terrifying, and it should be terrifying. I can preach, pray, and lead, but God sees all my pride and sins. Doing visible things is easy—what is really hard is actually living a righteous life. God is slow to anger; it is to bring us back and to be patient with us. I ask the Lord to search me, tear down the idols, and bring me back to the fear and joy of knowing Him as my God.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. Have you ever experienced the conviction that you were seeking God outwardly, but inwardly holding on to something else?

3. What would genuine repentance look like if God revealed hidden idols in your heart today?

Ezekiel 13:17–23 is God’s judgment on those who use His name to manipulate, control, and profit from His people. What strikes me is how God Himself promises to tear off the snares, free the captives, and end the lies. Can you imagine if God did not punish the unjust? There is hope here—God does not abandon His people to false shepherds.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. How can we discern the Word of God without running to prophecy?

3. How can we recognize when someone is offering “false assurance” that discourages the righteous?

Ezekiel 13:1–16 is God’s direct judgment against the false prophets in Israel. As we talked about prophecy and judgment last Sunday, there is judgment on the people of Israel who do not speak of the Lord and misinterpret the Lord. For a long time I wondered why it is a big deal. Peace and comfort only come from the Lord. No distorted truth, no misinterpreted prophecy, no misrepresented glory will ever bring peace and comfort.

What this “false assurance” leaves in people is complacency and pride. Elders who are not accountable speak the law of death—not just a little off from the path of eternal life, but in the opposite direction entirely. A preacher should fear and tremble, lest God strike him on the pulpit. The preacher walks toward the pulpit as if he were a cow about to be slaughtered. We speak and listen to the Word of God by the grace of God. There is an infinite gap between God and man—a vast distance marked by reverence and awe—but the grace of God bridges that gap, bringing us into His presence.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. When you hear a message about peace or comfort, how do you discern whether it comes from God or from human imagination?

3. How should the reality of God’s holiness and the infinite gap between Him and us affect the way we listen to and respond to His Word?

Pelatiah drops dead and the glory of God departs the city—God still speaks hope. Ezekiel falls on his face, afraid that this is the end of Israel. But God replies with a promise: “I will be a sanctuary to them in the countries where they have gone.” That line stays with me. The temple is gone. The land is lost. But God says, “I am still with you.”
It humbles me because I realize how often I assume God's presence depends on external situation.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. Where have you been tempted to think God’s presence depends on external circumstances—rather than His promise?

3. What does it mean for you personally to receive a new heart from God, and not just improvement or behavior change?

Ezekiel 11:1-12 warns us: it’s possible to look secure, sound religious, and lead confidently, yet be utterly opposed to God’s will. The leaders Ezekiel confronts were powerful, respected, and self-assured—but their confidence was misplaced, rooted not in repentance but in tradition and pride. God speaks through Ezekiel to break the illusion: “You are not safe. You are not the protected ones. You are the judged.” This should drive us to examine where we place our hope.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. Have you ever ignored or resisted a hard truth from God because other voices gave you comfort or false hope?

3. Are you confident that you will not be judged?

The glory departs, but not without witness—Ezekiel sees it, so he can tell the exiles: “God has left the temple. You must repent.” Every prophecy needs witnesses and people who will live to verify it. This is a devastating prophecy. The temple—the very center of the people’s identity, where God dwelt, where sacrifices were offered, and sins were taken away—is now empty. Not because Babylon is stronger, but because Israel has turned its back on God. We often assume God’s presence will always remain—but Ezekiel shows us that God will not stay where He is rejected. This passage should stir fear, reverence, and hope, because even in judgment, God still speaks righteousness.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. When have you tried to maintain the appearance of godliness while ignoring the need for true repentance?

3. If only the grace of God can bridge the gap between His glory and our sin, what does daily repentance look like in light of that truth?

Ezekiel is often filled with solemn and terrifying scenes. It reminds me of the word “Hebel”—breath, vapor, spirit. We stretch out our hands to grasp it, but it slips through our desperate fingers. There are many things that escape from us: moments missed in the past, relationships, opportunities, or hopes and dreams fleeing from our reach. But nothing is more terrifying than trying to catch the fleeing glory of God. I often feel that on the pulpit. A human being can put on a mask, rehearse a speech, and spend hours refining a draft. But what about the presence of God?

Could the might of a capital church ever replace the glory of God that once hovered over a fading tabernacle? Can a mere man chase down fleeing mercy? What could possibly bridge the gap between God and man—the gap between the infinite and the finite? Only thing that can fill that infinite distance is the grace of God.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. Have you ever felt like the presence of God was slipping away, like breath through your fingers? What did that moment teach you?

3. What does it mean for you personally that only the grace of God can bridge the infinite distance between Him and us?

The true believers have always been few in number, weak in power, and outcast in society. How many will there truly be who are saved in the end? One of the most dominant religions in the world today is Christianity, but the Bible clearly speaks of a remnant. Cultural Christianity—by percentage and population—has been diminishing steadily since the 1900s across many nations, and projections show it will only worsen in the next 100 years. Many scholars and leaders give a hopeful anticipation: that Christians will fill the earth, ushering in a new age of light and influence. But both the Bible and the current trajectory suggest otherwise. Persecution will increase, faithful believers will be rejected, marginalized, and even removed. In the end, there will be few who truly endure and remain faithful. And so I ask myself: how can I be so sure that I will be one of them? This thought humbles me. So I plead for mercy from God who even preserves a remnant by grace alone.

1. What stands out to you from this passage or your favorite verse?

2. Do you think Christianity will increase or decrease in the next 100 years?

3. “So they began with the elders who were before the house.” Judgment begins at the temple—what would that mean?

What strikes me deeply is that this judgment is not abstract or impersonal. God says repeatedly: “Then you will know that I am the LORD.” It reminds me that even in judgment, God is revealing Himself—not just His power, but His holiness. It is deeply personal and humbling. He speaks, warns, and then acts. I certainly worry that whatever I have, whatever I have done, will not be enough when the day comes. There will be no excuse—only shame and guilt. And yet, there is grace that is greater than my sin, guilt, and shame.

Ezekiel 6:1–14 God's judgment falls where the covenant has been broken and worship has been corrupted. The mountains of Israel—once places where God met His people—have now become polluted by idolatry. The altars, pillars, and incense stands will be shattered; the bones of the people will lie scattered before their powerless idols. In the midst of wrath, God remembers mercy. The passage where I found the most hope is verses 13–14: “Then they will know that I am the Lord.” 1) I find immeasurable hope in acknowledging that salvation do not come from me, because if it did, I would always fall and fall short. 2) Looking around, there is no good in this world and in me. But God is in control, and His goodness overcomes. 3) I often do many things without remembering that God is in control. This truth completely reshapes what I do and how I do everything—as small as making tiny decisions throughout the day, and as big as making major decisions in life.

God’s judgment is not random—it is measured, righteous, and covenantal. The more grace a people receive, the more accountable they are. And yet, even in wrath, there is a hint of mercy—a few hairs tucked into the prophet’s robe.

Many do not fear God because they do not truly know who God is. The grace we have received is not our default setting. It is right and just for God to punish us eternally. An unimaginable price was paid on our behalf: our only ground of hope and merit is the blood of the eternal Son.

Historically, Ezekiel is writing this around 593 BC, a few years before the destruction of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) in 586 BC. The Northern Kingdom was already destroyed in 722 BC. Ezekiel writes this during the exile (which began in 597 BC), and the main audience is the people who went into exile with him in Babylon. As people hoped they would return to the land, Ezekiel is essentially telling them, “No—Judah will fall, Jerusalem will fall soon, and we are not going back.”

It is truly remarkable how tightly packed the prophecy and fulfillment are in Ezekiel’s case—we are talking about a window of only 6–7 years between Ezekiel’s first prophecies and the fall of Jerusalem. Jeremiah, still in Jerusalem, was prophesying at the same time as Ezekiel. God’s word is not vague or myth. His judgment is measured and precise, and His prophets are accountable witnesses—not only to God’s judgment but also to His faithfulness.

God appoints Ezekiel as a “watchman for the house of Israel.” A watchman was someone who stood guard and warned of danger. Spiritually, Ezekiel is tasked with warning people of coming judgment—both the wicked and the righteous. If Ezekiel fails to warn the wicked and they die in their sin, their blood is on Ezekiel’s hands. But if he warns them and they ignore him, Ezekiel is not guilty. Our sin and spiritual laziness have consequences. It is often hard to see in the moment because we simply do not realize how it will affect us and future generations. Failing to abide by the word of God casts a very long shadow; kingdoms and nations rose and fell throughout the Old Testament because of it. What would you do if you knew there was an apparent wicked scheme—a plan of Satan to take over the world? Many do not wish to hear it, nor do they understand it or care. The main theme of Ezekiel up to chapter 3 is the reality of divine calling and human accountability—narrowly for prophets, but broadly for all of God’s people.

Ezekiel 1:15–28 is a visionary passage in which the prophet Ezekiel sees a divine throne-chariot—a powerful, symbolic representation of God’s glory, presence, and sovereignty. The wheels represent the omnipotence and omniscience of God. Throughout the verses, kingly authority is indicated—such as the throne—not just of a king, but of the Lord over all things. The reason this vision is important is that it is a reminder of God’s sovereignty even in exile. There are many questions we ask, such as the presence of evil in the world under God's rule. One of the hardest parts of suffering is feeling like God is far away. But the truth of the gospel is the opposite: God drew near to us, entered into our suffering, and took evil upon Himself. He doesn’t watch pain from afar. He bore it. He felt it. He understands it from within.

God does not offer us full understanding to explain away our sorrows, but offers us Jesus. He does not promise to answer every question, but He promises Himself—and sometimes, that is the deeper comfort we receive.

This vision introduces the idea that God is not confined to the Temple in Jerusalem. He is mobile, transcendent, and present even among the exiles. This is crucial because the exiles would have felt abandoned by God—but Ezekiel’s vision proves otherwise. The vision shows that the God of Ezekiel is almighty, holy, sovereign, and consistent. If anything changes in the relationship between God and man, it is we who have changed. The situation and the current of time matter, as they are mobile like God—but we do not have to be fearful or unstable in the water, because God is stable. It gives both urgency and confidence—being with the Lord does not mean there will be no storm, but it means the ship will not sink.

Knowledge can be a weapon against a pure heart. Often, we see smart people with great knowledge and good works. Many times, knowledge and good works are seen as virtues—something people admire and seek to resemble. However, we often see that smart people use their knowledge to impose “right answers,” dismissing people’s hearts and feelings. The right answer is not always the right answer. Too often, in winning the debate with knowledge, we lose people with heart. As a Christian, one thing I’ve learned is that there is a time to earn the heart, and a time to give the heart with knowledge. In one hand, we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ; in the other, the love of Jesus Christ—two things that change people’s lives.

It made me think about a “what-if” scenario. Everybody has written records that others could look up – documents revealing a person’s history such as criminal records, body counts, even the most private parts of their lives. Some might find this scary, but others might believe it would make the world better – because people tend to make better choices when they know consequences and responsibilities follow.

And yet, there is already one group in this world that ought to live this way – always doing what is right with a good conscience, living with responsibilities in response to grace, and speaking with consistency and truthfulness. Because in reality, there is one true Audience: God – the Audience who sees everything – every motive, every thought, every secret. In the end, no one will be able to say, “I did not do it,” or “I don’t deserve to be judged.”

Of course, no human is perfect but Christ — and that one perfect person poured out His grace and righteousness. We are not called to live perfectly, but to live righteously in Him. With His grace and mercy, and with endless shameful things in our past, we get to come to the Lord.

Today's passage is about offices in the church. As PCA as it can be, I will spare yall from it. God gives and takes. We often forget that. We rush to make decisions, and oftentimes we think our choices are right and what God wants. But really, it is God who gives and takes. Mighty kings are not there because they won battles or are wise, but because God raises kings. No matter how small or big, God delegates offices, jobs, money, partners, and children. If we take God out of it, we are left with burdens and meaningless efforts.

Let us pray before we make decisions. Let us come to the Lord before we face the world, people, and daily battles.

Verses 1–8 and 9–15 are both about order in the gathered church, but only verses 1–8 explicitly address the church’s public prayer life. Verses 9–15, often misunderstood and misused, shift the focus to the conduct and roles of women in worship. Historically, these verses have been wrongly used to devalue women, limit their voices, or silence them in all settings—which goes far beyond what Paul teaches. Others have misinterpreted verse 15 as saying that a woman must bear children to be saved, which contradicts the gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith.

Paul’s teaching on modesty (v. 9) is not about external purity codes or legalism, but about the heart. Modesty flows from a godly heart marked by humility, holiness, and self-control. It is about reflecting Christ. In verse 11, the word “quietly” does not mean silence, but rather a peaceful, non-disruptive posture.

In verse 13, Paul writes, “For Adam was formed first, then Eve.” Unlike Islam, which sometimes teaches that men are “one degree above women” to justify inequality, Paul does ground his teaching in creation order. Adam’s priority of creation reflects headship, not hierarchy. Man and woman are equal in worth, but given different roles. If a woman says, “It’s unfair that I can’t do certain things in the church because I’m a woman,” she misunderstands the beauty and purpose of God’s design. And if a man says, “I don’t want to lead or take responsibility,” he too fails to understand his calling. These roles are not about privilege, but about service to the church, family, and God. In this covenantal relationship between man and woman, both learn the grace of Jesus Christ, who fully submitted to the Father and laid down His life for the church.

As for verse 15—“Yet she will be saved through childbearing”—this has been misused to suggest that women must give birth in order to be saved. But this cannot be, since salvation is by grace alone, not by works or biological roles. Childbearing refers to the birth of Christ, the promised seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15). Through that Child, salvation came to the world. And those who know this grace—men and women alike—are called to live in faith, love, holiness, modesty, and self-control. By living this way, we display and deepen the love of Christ in our homes, churches, and communities.

In 1 Timothy 1:12–20, the Apostle Paul is setting both the theological foundation and the pastoral tone for the entire letter by giving a testimony of grace and a charge to Timothy to faithfully teach and guard the gospel in the face of false teaching. Paul shares his shameful testimony as a former persecutor and blasphemer. That is where the grace of God found him—he was not just offered salvation, but irresistibly drawn and transformed. Every single one of us is saved from sin and death in this same way. Now, sinners who have been saved by the grace of God live with faith and a good conscience. Unbelievers have their own moral compass, but it is often broken. They may try to make the best decisions, but with a broken moral compass, they will always end up lost. A good conscience is knowing God, embracing Christian ethics, and living a godly life.

The apostle Paul opens his pastoral letter to Timothy with both a personal greeting and an urgent warning about false teaching in the church and the misuse of the law in the culture. The law is not the problem—but its misuse is. It was never given to make people righteous, but to expose sinners. Many assume that law and enforcement can change people, but if evil men are placed under the holy law, they will twist it to serve their own ends. In this way, the law further reveals sin and identifies sinners. It points to the truth that nothing can truly change the human heart but the cross of Jesus Christ. The necessity of Christ’s righteousness is not to improve or infuse sinful humanity, but to completely remove their guilt and impute His righteousness to them.

Paul urges Timothy to confront evil and to teach the law rightly, so that it may be remembered and used to draw people closer to God.