Understanding the Old Testament Part 53 (Isaiah 15-16; 19-20 & Jonah) On the surface these prophecies against other nations can seem like unrelenting destruction, but on closer inspection there is a surprising revelation of the true heart of God in love and mercy, which culminated in the sending of his own son to die for the sins of his enemies.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 52 (Isaiah 5) Learning a few basic ideas about how to read the Prophets can make a huge difference in how well we can understand and connect with the message. Many people today think the Old Testament God is harsh and angry, but a correct reading of Isaiah 5 paints an entirely different picture.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 51 (1 Kings 22, Ps. 19 & 2 Kings 20) Sometimes we can feel God was leading us, but end up in a bad place. How should we understand this if this happens? and guard against it happening to us?

Understanding the Old Testament Part 50 (Habakkuk) How is it that the events of our lives don’t always seem to match up with the promises of God? It turns out that this is not just a personal struggle for a few, but one of the central themes of the Bible.

This is such an encouraging verse, but it seems to big. What does ‘all things’ include? Learn what it means and how to access this power. (Phil 4:10-19)

The Resurrection Part 2 (1 Cor 15-16 +others) We will do some digging and strengthen the roots of our faith in resurrection, then we can enjoy the fruits and feel the richness of the blessing. Here are three roots and three fruits.

The Resurrection Part 1 (1 Cor 15 +others) The truth of the resurrection is at the foundation of everything we believe. When we see how strongly supported this evidence is, it can be a great encouragement to our faith, our joy and our hope.

Understanding the Old Testament Part 49 (Isaiah 46) God says, “Even when you have grey hair, I will carry you. I made you and I will support you;” (Is 46:4) Do you believe this, or are you investing everything in the idols of this age which will not be there for you in the end?

In two beautifully compact verses, Paul gives us a new “rule of life” for living under the New Covenant and lays a foundation to everything that follows about the gifts of the Spirit. —a perfect summary of what it means to be part of the new people of God. (Romans 12:1–2)

Understanding the Old Testament Part 48 (Daniel 3) Let’s take this distant story in a distant land at a distant time under a hot sun, and connect it to us right here and now in Toronto so that it means something very directly and specifically to us.