Grounded in Truth with Janet Denison

Ministers who are dedicated to teaching the truth of the gospel are essential in carrying the whole gospel truth from one generation to the next. Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage his calling, strengthen his soul, and warn him of the inevitable difficulties that would come as he did the work of the ministry. Let’s find out how Paul’s words can help assure us that while sharing the truth of the gospel message will require great commitment and sacrifice, the rewards of faithful service are eternal.

This audio is from Until the Whole World Hears Bible study. This and other studies can be found at https://www.foundationsbiblestudies.org/.

Let’s look at the book of 2 Timothy and Paul’s final words of instruction and encouragement to his protégé in the faith, Timothy. Paul had invested in Timothy’s life and knew he would continue the important ministry of carrying the gospel to the Gentiles. This letter is a window into both Paul’s relationship with his protégé and his investment in his ministry.

This audio is from Until the Whole World Hears Bible study. This and other studies can be found at https://www.foundationsbiblestudies.org/.

Being patient when we want God to answer our prayers is difficult for anyone, especially when we are living faithfully. Jesus told us that in this world, we will have tribulation, but his encouragement which follows that truth is the same message James writes to his readers. Jesus has overcome this world, and so can his followers.

This audio is from Until the Whole World Hears Bible study. This and other studies can be found at https://www.foundationsbiblestudies.org/.

Cultural clashes have always caused controversy between believers and non-believers, and even among those who believe. In Chapter 4 James addresses these types of conflicts, reminding the reader that they can harm believers and their witness with others. History reveals that this issue is generational and remains important for believers today.

This audio is from Until the Whole World Hears Bible study. This and other studies can be found at https://www.foundationsbiblestudies.org/.

James has said that our faith is made known to others because of our works, and people are drawn to the faith by those whose character is inspired and controlled by Christ. Chapter 3 continues this theme as James encourages Christians to allow the wisdom of God’s Holy Spirit to control our words as well as our witness.

This audio is from Until the Whole World Hears Bible study. This and other studies can be found at https://www.foundationsbiblestudies.org/.

In James 2 believers are reminded that God and his love are unchanging. As God-blessed children, we are to live lives pleasing to God. James wrote his letter to people who were called to live separate from the culture, but also live in such a way as to draw others into the Christian faith through their witness. Let’s explore why this charge is still critical for believers today.

This audio is from Until the Whole World Hears Bible study. This and other studies can be found at https://www.foundationsbiblestudies.org/.

Link to order Advent book to go in show notes: http://foundationswithjanet.org/advent

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15)."

The book of James has an interesting history. Debate surrounded its inclusion into the Canon and some thought it lacked theological, apostolic teaching. The author is simply stated as “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 1). There are four James mentioned in the New Testament, but most theologians believe the author of James to be the half-brother of Jesus. He was a leader in the Jerusalem church and the head of the important Jerusalem Council mentioned in Acts 15. The book of James is less about theology and more about the practical aspects of living a dedicated, faithful life. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, James was martyred in AD 62. Therefore, the book that bears his name is thought to have been written around AD 50, toward the end of his life. James wrote his letter to the “twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (James 1:1). These were the Jewish Christians that fled Jerusalem during the persecution that followed the death of Stephen (Acts 7). These Jewish Christians had been separated from their homes, their culture, their families, and their way of life for more than two decades. The difficulties these people faced had caused some of them to grow weary, even apathetic about living a faithful Christian life. James had been a pastor to them, and his letter was written to encourage and admonish them to continue in their commitment to live as evangelists for the Gospel of Christ.

The book of James has continued to remind Christians of the great need to do more than have a strong faith in Christ; we must also live a life of service so that others are drawn to faith because of our witness.

Micah 6 and 7 reveal the prophet’s third and final oracle. Micah uses timeless aspects in nature to stand as a witness to changes in human nature. The Holy Land had witnessed the choices of unholy people, and the Lord would find them guilty for their unfaithfulness. Many in Israel would suffer, but the Lord promised there would be an end to their suffering. God’s grace would always redeem and preserve the faithful for the generations to come.

Micah knew God would judge, discipline, punish, and restore in order to preserve a people who would remain faithful to him. In this episode, Janet teaches from Micah 4 and 5 about the group of people God will preserve to teach and preach the true faith in the generations to come.

This audio is from Until the Whole World Hears Bible study. This and other studies can be found at https://www.foundationsbiblestudies.org/.

Prosperity at the expense of others has always been a cultural problem. When spiritual apathy occurs, concern for fellow man decreases, while self-indulgence increases. These ancient words in Micah 2 and 3 speak a contemporary sermon for our culture today.

This audio is from Until the Whole World Hears Bible study. This and other studies can be found at https://www.foundationsbiblestudies.org/.