People in the Bible: Elisha
Description
While the life of Elijah is familiar to most Christians, the mission and ministry of his successor, Elisha, is not so well known—probably because of the great drama that surrounded Elijah’s service for the Lord. The majority of Elijah’s miracles were performed in the context of death and destruction, whereas the miracles of Elisha were mainly to do with healing and restoration.
It could therefore be argued that Elijah was primarily a prophet of judgement, whereas his successor was more a prophet of grace. If this is so, the story of Elisha’s life is very relevant to the times in which we live. Elisha prophesied in Israel during the ninth century BC as a shining light amid the darkness of idolatry and unbelief which prevailed at the time. We would therefore do well to follow his noble example as we seek to be witnesses for the Lord in our generation.
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People in the Bible: Elijah
Description
When Elijah lived in Israel in 900 BC, truth was being compromised and the people had departed from the worship of the one true God. It was a multi-faith society. There was immorality at the highest level. Toleration trumped truth. True prophets were being persecuted. It was much like Western society today. What can Christians do in such a spiritual and moral climate? Elijah is our great example and inspiration as we dare to contend for the truth, even taking on the religious establishment if necessary. What could be more timely or relevant for the Christian church at the present time?
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People in the Bible: Caleb
Description
Caleb is one of the forgotten heroes of the Bible. One of the twelve spies sent out by Moses into Canaan, he was commended by God for his faithfulness. While others were fearful, he believed they could conquer the land. He remained faithful throughout forty years in the wilderness, until he and Joshua alone entered the land, as God had promised, with the younger generation. His story thus takes us all the way from Egypt to Canaan. Even in old age, he proved himself a courageous warrior, famously demanding, ‘Give me this mountain’, and a generous father, giving freely to his daughter. He is an inspiration to us all.
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People in the Bible: Barnabas
Description
If Christians were to vote for their favourite Bible character, Barnabas would surely be in the top ten. Most of us feel drawn to this warm-hearted disciple, who so wonderfully lives up to his name, ‘Son of Encouragement’. In these character studies based on passages in Acts, Robert Dale helps us to appreciate and encourages us to imitate this wonderful man, who himself is a reflection of a still greater Man, our Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest Encourager of all.
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Exploring the Bible: Obadiah
Description
It is said that ‘the best things come in small packages’ and certainly the book of Obadiah bears that out. Weighing in at just twenty-one verses, it is packed full with good things: rich theology, powerful imagery, unsettling challenges to our thinking and living, and huge promise for the triumph of God’s purposes. Obadiah uses key biblical themes such as mountains and brothers, the kingdom of God and the day of the Lord; he challenges his hearers and readers by what he says about malice, pride and complacency; he encourages God’s people with the promise of their sure inheritance; and he raises wider matters of justice, spiritual warfare and the international spread of the kingdom of God. Furthermore, like all the prophets, Obadiah over and over points us to the kindness and justice of the Lord Jesus Christ and to the greatness of what he has done for us.
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Exploring the Bible: Habakkuk
Description
Why does a righteous and sovereign God tolerate wrongdoing? How are the divine attributes reconciled with the triumph of the godless? Why do the wicked prosper and rule over the righteous? Why does God raise up ‘ruthless and impetuous’ nations to execute judgement on his own people? These are some of the questions that perplexed Habakkuk, challenged his faith and caused him to question God’s government of the world. And these are some of the questions that still perplex Christians today. Tim Shenton helpfully addresses these points in a clear and substantial exposition of the text of Habakkuk.
I’m very glad this concise gem is on my shelf – it aims to explain each verse of the much-neglected book of Habakkuk and succeeds with superb clarity. This book would prove useful to most readers, since it lends itself to being used as a succinct, non-technical reference to the meaning of this unusual dialogue between God and his puzzled prophet. The author makes many salient links with the rest of Scripture, and excels in opening our eyes to the pictures being painted by the rich word-imagery. Look here for a commentary that combines great brevity with attention to each verse. The message of a just and sovereign God who will ‘in wrath remember mercy’ rings loud and clear, and will bring comfort and strength to many. – Ben Epps (Evangelical Times)
It is an interesting, informative and well written commentary. – Peter Murcott
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Exploring the Bible: Ruth
Description
The Book of Ruth is not the longest of the books of the Bible—it contains only four chapters of text. Yet its significance is immense. Ruth was a young woman from Moab, who came to be part of the covenant community of God’s people. Consequently, she is one of only a handful of women mentioned in the genealogy of Christ: she begins as a stranger to God’s people, and ends up as a mother of God’s Messiah.
This remarkable story is both an example and an illustration of how sinners like us can become partakers of God’s covenant salvation. In Ruth’s story, God’s grace worked in her life, bringing her from a place where she was far away from God, into an inheritance of covenant blessing. And just as she found her rest and satisfaction in her marriage to her redeemer, Boaz, so we find ours through union with the great Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Read the story of Ruth—and let the power of God’s amazing grace grip your soul!
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Note: Does not display commentary under Bible text.
Genesis 1-11 verse-by-verse commentary by Andy McIntosh
In this commentary, Andy McIntosh considers the most attacked part, Genesis 1–11, which is the major historical timeline from the creation of the universe through Adam to Noah, and on through the worldwide Flood to Abraham.
31 days with the Master Fisherman
Written in a one month, daily devotional format, this book will encourage all believers to join in the Great Commission to share the Good News.
Exploring the Bible: Haggai
Description
A selfish disregard for the purpose of God is all too common among Christian people who live in ‘panelled houses’ while God’s house ‘remains a ruin’. As in the days of Haggai, excuses for apathy are shamelessly voiced, blind eyes are turned to the judgements of God, and defiled hearts sink into unfaithfulness. And yet the LORD Almighty remains faithful to his people and true to his word. Through repeated trials he calls the backslider to repentance, with timely encouragements and gracious promises he strengthens the downhearted, and for his own glory he transforms the sins of neglect and ignorance into the servants of his purpose.
With urgency the prophet condemns the wickedness of waiting for the ‘right’ time when duty calls today, and of lamenting the past desiring an experience today similar to that of yesterday. And he warns of the grave peril of expecting immediate material results. It is a message that must be taken seriously by the twenty-first century church.
A helpful book. – John Benton (Evangelicals Now)
A useful guide. This volume is certainly recommended for those preparing messages and for Bible students. The format of the book and the easy style of Mr Shenton’s writing make it readable and accessible to anyone wanting to understand this less-well known Old Testament book. – Martin Leech (Grace Magazine)
theWord Features:
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Note: Does not display commentary under Bible text.
Exploring the Bible: Malachi
As the last book in the Old Testament, Malachi stands as a gateway in the city walls awaiting the arrival of the King.
This prophet provides us not with leather sofas and warm slippers, but with truth which drives us out of complacency and makes us dive deep into a life-changing faith in Almighty God.
Whatever our situation, growing in love for God is what benefits us most.
So why not read through Malachi with eyes and hearts open to the God who yearns to love us into life? Malachi for the Masses unfolds the message of Malachi and its enduring relevance to us today as we wait at the gateway for the return of the King.
theWord Features:
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Note: Does not display commentary under Bible text.
People in the Bible: Jonah
Description
We are often told that good things come in small packages, and this is the case when it comes to the book of Jonah. Through just four chapters we discover many layers to the life of this prophet and to the character of the God who does not give up—whether on this prophet, or on the barbaric city he called this prophet to reach.
We follow Jonah on the run, on the beach, in the city and eventually in the great dock of God. As we uncover this dramatic story, we see that God has not only the will to reach a violent city, but also the grace to reach the heart of a stubborn prophet
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People in the Bible: Jesus
Description
We can be glad for Mel Gibson’s film, The Passion of the Christ, in at least one respect: it has familiarized many with the term ‘Passion’. People now know it refers to the suffering of Jesus Christ. How did his suffering come to be called the ‘passion’? The answer is our word ‘passion’ comes from the Latin word ‘passio’, which means ‘suffering’.
The Passion of Christ is an inexhaustible subject. In these warm and challenging devotional studies, Roger Ellsworth takes a look at the Passion through the eyes of the people most closely associated with it. By reminding us again of the wonder of what Christ did on the cross for ordinary people, he encourages us to become more passionate about the Passion and how we serve our Saviour.
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People in the Bible: Philip
Description
Evangelism.
What immediately springs to mind when you read that word? Whatever reaction you may have, evangelism is becoming increasingly dangerous in an apparently post-secular Western world, yet the church has a continuing mandate to be a witness and to share the great message of the gospel.
This book looks at the gospel adventures of Philip the Evangelist and draws lessons that will encourage, enliven and challenge you. It will ultimately also inspire you to lift up the sword of the Spirit boldly and, for the sake of lost souls, enter into the evangelistic fray.
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People in the Bible: Judah
Description
A book about Judah? Maybe you don’t even remember the man himself. Or, if you do, you may feel that his story is a very unpleasant one, one you’d rather not dwell on. But perhaps you also remember him pleading for the life of his half-brother Benjamin. Can you read that part of his story without being deeply moved—perhaps even to tears? And the tribe of Judah: why did that become so important in the Bible? And who is it who is ‘the Lion of the tribe of Judah’? In this book, Paul E. Brown discovers many surprising and helpful truths as he reviews the frequently ignored life and legacy of Judah.
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Exploring the Bible: Nahum and Obadiah
Description
Nahum
Approximately one hundred years after Jonah preached to the citizens of Nineveh to turn ‘from their evil ways’ and escape imminent judgement, God commissioned Nahum to prophesy the city’s complete destruction. At the time of his ‘burden’, the Assyrian Empire was both strong and wealthy, yet Nahum prophesied that soon the entire kingdom would be crushed forever under the power of God’s wrath.
From the opening sentence: ‘The LORD is a jealous and avenging God filled with wrath’ to the poignant conclusion: ‘Nothing can heal your wound; your injury is fatal’, the fury, the omnipotence, the righteousness, the faithfulness of God are strikingly portrayed. Nineveh will fall, not because of the might of other nations, but because the Holy One of Israel ‘takes vengeance on his foes’.
Obadiah
Obadiah’s prophecy unveils God’s sovereignty over all nations and events, and gives an example of his direct intervention in the political and military affairs of human history. The Sovereign LORD does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’
It is the God of history who summons and equips the nations to destroy the Edomites for their arrogance and violence against their brother Jacob. It is the Judge and Ruler of mankind who gives the Edomites no hope of salvation. It is ‘the great King over all the earth’ who, in accordance with his everlasting covenant, delivers the house of Jacob from their enemies and reunites them with their northern brothers.
Both prophecies are a revelation of God’s character and his moral government of the world – a revelation that contains a message of hope, comfort and encouragement for every Christian: ‘THE LORD REIGNS FOR EVER’! It matters not how many nations oppose his rule or oppress his people; it makes no difference how many spiritual forces of evil ally themselves for his dethronement, for the Lord’s purposes will prevail. All that he has promised will be fulfilled. He is in control. His dominion is an eternal dominion
An excellent verse by verse (almost word by word) commentary, based on NIV. Helpfully trustworthy. – Clifford Pond (Evangelicals Now)
A useful guide. This volume is certainly recommended for those preparing messages and for Bible students. The format of the book and the easy style of Mr Shenton’s writing make it readable and accessible to anyone wanting to understand this less-well known Old Testament book. – Martin Leech (Grace Magazine)
theWord Features:
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- Verse synchronization
- Fully searchable text
- Commentary link popup can be set in Bible view.
- Easy navigation of topics via topics tree display.
Note: Does not display commentary under Bible text.
DIVINE FOREKNOWLEDGE, PROVIDENCE, PREDESTINATION & HUMAN FREEDOM
Description
Have you ever wrestled with God’s sovereignty and our human free-will? Brother John Cook takes us on a journey through this deep subject. His use of the Word of God and various historical and modern resources on this topic should help us grow in our understanding of this deep subject. So please setup your favorite Bible in theWord Bible Software and join him in his book.
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Exploring the Bible: Esther
Description
The study of the providence of God is both exciting and profitable: it thrills our hearts as we see the wisdom and power of our Heavenly Father; it strengthens our resolve as we marvel at the sufficiency of his grace; and it brings comfort when we do not understand what is happening to us or around us. Esther is all about that marvellous providence. Studying it can deepen our trust, enrich our worship, and intensify our love for our great God. It will reassure us that though we may not always see him, he never looses sight of us. The history of Esther is one of the clearest examples of Paul’s great assertion in Romans 8:28: ‘We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.’
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