The Christian has a bold claim of salvation and hope, but is there evidence for such a claim? The apostle Peter wrote, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). What is a legitimate defense for the claim of hope?

Some seek to distinguish the gospel from doctrine and minimize the importance of the latter in the process. Is doctrine unimportant? Will doctrine affect my life? How does doctrine shape my life?

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) Jesus built His church as He said He would. What does the church Jesus built look like?

“For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10) God encouraged Zerubbabel to finish building the temple. God’s hands were involved in “the day of small things.” This day is something we all experience, and we must realize its importance.

When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, the scripture tells us he saw the grace of God (cf. Acts 11:23). The grace of God is visible, though in spiritual ways (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7). What will we be seeing when we see the grace of God?

“I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” (John 4:38) It is important that we remember those who labored before us, and the blessings we receive from their work as we seek to continue it with our own labors.

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest…let us draw near…” (Hebrews 10:19, 22). The book of Hebrews is filled with encouraging truths about the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. These give Christians boldness to approach Godl

"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:5) The importance of self-examination cannot be overemphasized. A Christian cannot be faithful without the practice. How are we to examine ourselves?

The call to spread the gospel to the lost and dying world is given to each individual Christian, and to the church collectively. The task can be daunting, and Christians often shrink from it. The words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 give insight into the nature of sowing the seed of God's word, and our involvment in it. His teaching should embolden us to do God's work.

The death of king Josiah is given more detail in 2 Chronicles 35 (cf. 2 Chronicles 35:20-25). The account shows that God spoke to Josiah through Necho, the king of Egypt. God was warning the king not to meddle with His affairs. The account demonstrates how Josiah meddled with God, and we should avoid doing the same.