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Jacqui Adewole breaks down the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, revealing how this ancient prophetic book delivers powerful messages of judgment, mercy, and hope that still speak to us today.

• Setting the historical scene of 8th century BC with the Assyrian Empire threatening God's people
• Exploring Isaiah's spiritual diagnosis: empty worship, corrupt leadership, and injustice
• Understanding the poetic language and vivid imagery that makes Isaiah's writing distinctive
• Examining early prophecies about Jesus 700 years before his birth
• Highlighting three key applications: genuine worship over empty religion, trusting God in uncertainty, and embracing God's offer of restoration
• Walking through major sections including the "book of Emmanuel" (chapters 7-12) and the "six woes" (chapters 28-33)
• Unpacking King Hezekiah's story and how his choices impacted God's people

RELATED EPISODES

Isaiah, Part 1: What You Need to Know Before You Read

SOURCE MATERIAL

• Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2002). How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour. Zondervan.
• MacArthur, J. (2006). The MacArthur Study Bible (Rev. ed.). Thomas Nelson.
• Meyer, J. (2006). The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God's Word for Everyday Living (Amplified ed.). FaithWords.
• Nelson, T. (n.d.). The NIV Open Bible: Complete Reference System . Thomas Nelson.
• Oswalt, J. N. (1986). The book of Isaiah: Chapters 1–39 (Vol. 1). Eerdmans.
• Tyndale House Publishers. (2005). Life Application Study Bible (NIV ed.). Tyndale House.
• Thomas Nelson Publishers. (2003). Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Holman Reference.
• Thomas Nelson Publishers. (2011). NIV Open Bible. Thomas Nelson.

 

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Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

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📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

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Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

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The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus were foretold centuries before they happened through prophetic scriptures found throughout the Old Testament. 

• The prophet Isaiah described a suffering servant who would be pierced for our transgressions 700 years before Jesus
• King David wrote Psalm 22 which details crucifixion specifics like pierced hands and feet and divided garments
• Jesus' burial in a rich man's tomb fulfilled Isaiah 53:9 exactly as prophesied
• Jonah's three days in the fish was a prophetic sign of Jesus' time in the tomb
• Psalm 16:10 and Isaiah 53:11 both point to the resurrection, showing death wouldn't be the end
• These fulfilled prophecies confirm Jesus is the promised Messiah and the Bible is trustworthy
• Easter isn't just a holiday but the fulfillment of God's plan from the beginning

Please share, like, follow, comment and subscribe so that we can spread God's Word further.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

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📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
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You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

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Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

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We're unpacking one of the most powerful books in the Bible—Isaiah, often called "the fifth gospel" for how clearly it points to Jesus Christ. This massive 66-chapter book is filled with tension between judgment and hope, contains some of the most quoted Old Testament passages, and features prophecies about Christ written centuries before his birth.

• Isaiah lived in 8th century BC during the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah, a time of spiritual decline
• The prophet likely came from a noble background with access to kings and familiarity with palace politics
• His calling vision in chapter 6 featured seraphim crying "Holy, holy, holy" before God's throne
• Isaiah contains 2,186 unique Hebrew words, the largest vocabulary of any biblical author
• The book is quoted over 65 times in the New Testament, more than any other prophet
• It contains clear prophecies about Christ including the virgin birth, his divine nature, and suffering
• Some of scripture's most beautiful invitations appear in Isaiah: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow"
• Isaiah named King Cyrus 150 years before he was born

Sources: 

• Benware, P. N. (2004). Survey of the Old Testament (2nd ed.). Moody Publishers.
• Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2002). How to read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour. Zondervan.
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2010). The MacArthur Study Bible (2nd ed.). Thomas Nelson.
• Ryken, P. G., & Ryken, L. (2007). ESV Literary Study Bible. Crossway.
• Willmington, H. L. (2009). What You Need to Know About the Book of Isaiah. Liberty University, Willmington School of the Bible. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/will_know/52
• Zondervan Academic. (n.d.). Who was Isaiah? Retrieved from https://zondervanacademic.com

Related Episodes:

• Hosea: The Prophet of Relentless Love
• The Prophets: Messengers of God's Word in the Bible - Pt 2 (Re-airing)
• The Prophets: Messengers of God's Word in the Bible - Pt 1 (Re-Airing)

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

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Jonah's story reveals God's extraordinary mercy, not just for Israel but for people who didn't know Him at all, challenging our understanding of divine compassion.

• Jonah was a real historical prophet from the 8th century BC mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25
• Jesus directly links his death and resurrection to Jonah's three days in the fish (Matthew 12:38-41)
• The book of Jonah uniquely focuses on the prophet's personal story rather than his messages
• Nineveh was part of Assyria, one of Israel's most feared enemies, known for brutality
• Jonah ran from God not out of fear, but because he didn't want God to show mercy to Nineveh
• The entire city of Nineveh repented after hearing Jonah's brief message
• Jonah became angry at God's compassion, revealing his spiritual superiority
• God used a plant, worm, and hot sun as an object lesson about misplaced priorities
• God's mercy often challenges our sense of justice and reveals our own prejudices
• Four key messages: God's mercy can reach anyone, extends beyond borders, may offend our sense of justice, and requires us to share His heart

If you've appreciated this exploration of Jonah, join us next time as we step into Isaiah's powerful message of judgment, hope, and the coming Savior.

Sources:

• Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. (n.d.). Jonah [Sermon]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8NFrejSeEQA?si=Y1phiIQncCQP3MxZ
• Elliot, B. R., Smith, C., & Weidemann, V. (1997). Book introductions (D. Lucas, Ed.). In Thompson Chain Treasure Study Bible. Kirkbride Bible Company.
• Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2002). How to read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour. Zondervan.
• Galan, B., & Curiel, J. (n.d.). Bible Overview .
• Garrett, D. A. (2013). Explore the Bible: Adult Commentary: Hosea, Amos, Jonah (Winter 2012–13): Revealing the Heart of God. LifeWay Christian Resources.
• Hays, J. D. (2010). The Message of the Prophets: A Survey of the Prophetic and Apocalyptic Books of the Old Testament. Zondervan.
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2010). The MacArthur study Bible (Rev. ed.). Thomas Nelson.
• Nelson, T. (Ed.). (2011). The NIV, Open Bible: Complete Reference System. Thomas Nelson.
• Youngblood, K. J. (2015). Jonah (D. I. Block, Ed.). Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament (p. 37). Zondervan.
• Youngblood, K. J. (2019). Jonah: God’s Scandalous Mercy (2nd ed., D. I. Block, Ed.). Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament. Zondervan Academic.
• The Word in Life Study Bible. (1996). Thomas Nelson.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

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The Book of Joel offers a powerful prophetic message that connects a devastating locust plague to God's warnings, calls for genuine repentance, and promises ultimate restoration through the outpouring of His Spirit.

• Joel likely prophesied in 9th century BC Judah during King Joash's reign
• The locust plague devastated crops, economy, and interrupted temple worship
• God had previously warned about locust destruction in Deuteronomy 28 as consequence for disobedience
• "The Day of the Lord" appears throughout Joel as both immediate judgment and future prophecy
• Joel calls for genuine heart repentance, not just outward expressions of mourning
• God promises to restore everything lost when people truly repent
• The prophecy in Joel 2:28-32 about God pouring out His Spirit was fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2)
• Joel emphasizes God's character as both just and merciful
• The book provides three key messages: wake up and repent; God will restore; future hope
• Joel's prophecy ultimately points to restoration through Jesus Christ

Please share, like, follow, comment and subscribe to help spread God's word further.

Sources:

• Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2002). How to read the Bible book by book: A guided tour. Zondervan.
• MacArthur, J. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible (Rev. & updated ed.). Thomas Nelson.
• Nelson, T. (Ed.). (1997). The NIV Open Bible: Complete reference system. Thomas Nelson.
• Prior, D. (1988). The message of Joel, Micah and Habakkuk: Listening to the voice of God (J. A. Motyer & D. Tidball, Eds.). Inter-Varsity Press. (The Bible Speaks Today series)
• Thomas Nelson (Ed.). (1997). The Word in Life Study Bible (NIV ed.). Thomas Nelson.

Related Episodes:

• The Prophets: Messengers of God's Word in the Bibile - Pt 1
• The Prophets: Messengers of God's Word in the Bible - Pt 2 (Historical Context)

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

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God delivers a powerful message of judgment against Edom in the book of Obadiah, addressing their betrayal of Israel and their destructive pride. This shortest book in the Old Testament reveals how family rivalry turned into national enmity, with God promising justice for the oppressed while establishing His eternal kingdom.

• Obadiah, meaning "servant of Yahweh," delivers God's judgment against Edom
• Edom descended from Esau while Israel descended from Jacob, making them family
• The rivalry between Jacob and Esau began in the womb and continued through generations
• Edom's sin of pride centered on their seemingly impenetrable mountain fortresses
• During Jerusalem's invasion, Edom betrayed Israel by gloating, looting, and blocking escape routes
• God's justice principle: "As you have done, it will be done to you"
• The Edomites were eventually wiped out in AD 70, fulfilling Obadiah's prophecy
• Obadiah ends with hope: "The kingdom will be the LORD's"
• Jesus fulfills Obadiah's prophecy as the true King who humbles the proud and exalts the humble

Please share, like, follow, comment and subscribe to help spread God's word further.

Related Episode:

Unveiling Old Testament History: A Virtual Journey Through Time

Sources:

• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2006). The MacArthur Study Bible. Thomas Nelson.
• MacArthur, J. (2002). MacArthur’s Quick Reference Guide to the Bible. Harvest House Publishers.
• Mangum, D. (2016). Obadiah the Prophet. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, & W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Lexham Press.
• Benware, P. N. (2003). Survey of the Old Testament (Rev. ed.). Moody Publishers

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

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• Hosea's powerful story demonstrates how God used one prophet's painful marriage to unfaithful Gomer as a living metaphor for His relentless love for wayward Israel. We explore the shocking imagery, historical context, and timeless message of this prophetic book that foreshadows the gospel's redemptive love.

• Hosea prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel between 755-710 BC during a time of prosperity masking spiritual decay
• God instructed Hosea to marry Gomer, knowing she would be unfaithful, as a living picture of Israel's betrayal
• The prophet's three children were given symbolic names representing judgment that God later transformed into promises of restoration
• Israel's primary sins included idol worship, political alliances with pagan nations, and corrupt spiritual leadership
• Despite certain judgment through Assyrian conquest, God promises eventual healing and restoration
• The book reveals three key truths: God hates sin, judgment is coming, but His loyal love never gives up
• Hosea's redemption of Gomer from slavery foreshadows Christ's redemptive work on the cross
• The final chapter offers a beautiful invitation to return to God's healing love rather than condemnation

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Some of my favorite choirs singing “Come Thou Fount, Robert Robinson”

• The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
• Oakwood University Aeolians
• GHAMSU Choir UCC
• Morgan State University Choir

Resources:

• Galan, B., & Curiel, J. (n.d.). Bible Overview.
• Hays, J. D., & Longman, T. (2010). A Survey of the Prophetic and Apocalyptic Books of the Old Testament. Zondervan.
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2019). The MacArthur Study Bible, NIV edition. Thomas Nelson.
• Nelson, T. (n.d.). The NIV, Open Bible: Complete Reference System.
• Wood, L. J. (n.d.). Prophets of Israel. Baker Book House

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

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Today's episode dives deep into the Book of Amos, exploring core themes of justice and true worship. Listen in as we uncover the powerful messages delivered by an ordinary farmer chosen by God to call out societal injustices and surface-level faith.

• Introduction and expression of gratitude to listeners 
• Overview of Amos's background and context during the 8th century BC 
• Examination of key themes: justice, righteousness, and the pitfalls of empty rituals 
• Amos's critiques of societal injustice, exploitation, and false security 
• Exploration of poetic language and structured prophecies in Amos 
• Conclusion with a call to reflect on personal faith and action 

Audio Recordings of the Book of Amos:

Book of Amos (KJV) - Read by Alexander Scourby 

Book of Amos (NKJV)

Book of Amos (NIV)  

Sources:

• The Old Testament Prophets Then and Now, James M. Efird 
• Old Testament Prophets for Today, Carolyn J. Sharp
• The Message of the Prophets: A Survey of the Prophetic and Apocalyptic Books of the Old Testament 
• MacArthur Study Bible
• Nelson, Thomas. The NIV, Open Bible: Complete Reference System
• Ryken, Leland. Literary Introductions to the Books of the Bible
• Ryrie Study Bible

Related Episodes

The Prophets: Messengers of God's Word in the Bible - Pt 2 (Re-airing)The Prophets: Messengers of God's Word in the Bible - Pt 1 (Re-Airing)

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

This is a re-airing of the episode that focuses on the historical context of Old Testament prophets, highlighting their significance during three major periods: the pre-monarchy, monarchy, and writing periods. Key figures such as Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah are examined, emphasizing how their messages were shaped by their times and continue to resonate today. 
• Overview of Old Testament prophetic tradition 
• Examination of early prophets before the monarchy 
• Insights into the monarchy period and influential prophets 
• Discussion of the writing prophets and their historical stages 
• The role of exilic and post-exilic prophets in conveying hope and renewal 
• Connection between prophet messages and historical contexts

Related Episode:

The Prophets: Messengers of God's Word in the Bible - Pt 1 (Re-Airing)

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

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This is a re-airing of the episode that provides an in-depth exploration of biblical prophets, defining their roles, calling, and significance as God’s messengers. We uncover their multifaceted functions beyond predicting the future, emphasizing their impact on guiding the people back to faith and righteousness. 
• Exploration of what defines a prophet 
• Discussion on the divine calling of prophets 
• Examination of the prophets' functions and roles 
• Insights on the interaction between prophets and rulers 
• Importance of the prophets’ dramatic and verbal messages 
• Reflection on the relevance of prophets for today's faith journey

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.