Author: Alan Holden

Some accused Paul of being in the ministry for “what he can get out of it.” Paul gives evidence that proves his ministry is sincere. His Determination, v. 1 Paul endured many dangers in preaching the Gospel. Why would he keep on preaching if he were not sincere? Paul ministry was a stewardship: God gave…

Jeremiah publishes God’s judgments on the nations in chapters 46-51. God’s Judgment on Egypt, 46:1-28 A. The Parties: Pharaoh Neco attacks Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish. Pharaoh is defeated in 605 BC, v. 2. B. The Pride, vv. 3-4, 7-9 C. The Panic, vv. 5-6, 13-18 1. The Egyptian soldiers are terrified and flee. 2. The Egyptian…

Paul states that the grace of God and glory of the New Covenant is greater than the Law. The Grace of God, vv. 1-6 A. The Pharisee’s written letters of recommendation, v. 1. These itinerant Jewish teachers carried long letters of recommendations with them. B. The Apostle’s living letters of recommendation, vv. 2-6. The transformed…

Johanan Asks What God’s Will Is, 42:1-16 Jeremiah Announces God’s Will, 42:7-22 A. Remain in Judah and live, 42:7-12 B. Retire to Egypt and die, 42:13-22 Jews Adventure to Egypt, 43 A. The People’s Sin, in spite of the prophet’s warning, the Jews travel to Egypt, forcing Jeremiah to go with them, 43:1-7. B. The…

God established only three institutions on earth: the home (Genesis 2:1-25), the church (Acts 2:1-47), and human government (Genesis 9:1-29). Their functions are not to overlap; when they do, there is confusion and trouble. While Christians are called out of this world system (John 17:14), they still have responsibilities to the world. Paul here discusses…

In chapter 2, Paul explains his changed plans and shows his love and concern for the church. Paul’s Tears over the Church, vv. 1-4 A. The Purpose of 1 Corinthians: correct problems in the church before he visited them, vv. 1-3. B. The Pain behind 1 Corinthians, v. 4: Paul was distressed. Paul’s Testimony to…

Isaiah prophesies Jerusalem’s retribution and Shebna’s replacement. Jerusalem’s Retribution, vv. 1-14 A. The Revelation, vv. 1-7 1. The Valley of Vision is Jerusalem, in the midst of three valleys. 2. In times of distress or joy, the people went to their housetops and cried to heaven. 3. “Is this the sound of tumult or joy?”…

The Babylonians free Jeremiah and appoint Gedaliah governor of Judah. Gedaliah is assassinated by Ishmael. Jeremiah’s Emancipation, 40:1-6 Gedaliah’s Encouragement, 40:7-10 A. The Anxiety: Will there be peace with Babylon? B. The Assurance: Gedaliah promises peace and prosperity. Refugees Return, 40:11-12 Johanan’s Warning, 40:13-16 A. Johanan’s Report: Ishamel has been sent by Baalis to assassinate…

“Lord, why do You allow the wicked to oppress the poor and helpless? Please, punish the wicked.” The Pride and Gall of the Godless, vv. 2-11 A. How the wicked regard the Lord, vv. 3-4, 11. 1. They curse the Lord, v. 3. 2. They ignore the Lord, vv. 4, 11. B. How the wicked…

Introduction, vv. 1-2 A. Paul introduces himself as an apostle, not by any decision of a church council, but an apostle by the will of God. B. Paul calls the Corinthian Christians saints, regardless of their many problems. They are saints, not by what they have done, but are saints set apart by a relationship…