Ephesians 6:16-17

FINDING ENCOURAGEMENT IN HEBREWS

(January 28, 2024) Brian Bell shares…

I’ve been reading my way through the book (letter) to the Hebrews, and in my previous article shared some encouraging thoughts from chapter 12 to take us into 2024.

While Hebrews’ author is not identified, many believe it originates with Paul (a view I hold myself) while Bible teacher and author Robert M. Solomon (without suggesting a name) proposes it is very likely written by a Jewish Christian believer possibly before the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem in AD70.

The context of the book was to help those Jewish believers in the face of persecution, because while Jews were exempted from worship of the Roman emperor (who saw themselves as being a god), this exemption did not apply to Christians.

I am sure you’re familiar with the type and measure of persecution faced by Christian believers living in the days of the Roman Empire. Many were cruelly and brutally treated, tortured and killed in places such as the Colosseum in Rome.

(more…)

THE GOD OF THE ‘FEAR NOT!’

(September 17, 2023) S. Sam Selva Raj encourages troubled hearts.

Heard individuals say something along the lines of  ‘Every morning I wake up only to be confronted with indescribable problems.’

They talk of burdensome problems – physical, emotional, career, financial, or family-related – constant worries that weigh them down. Frequently, they express their feelings saying, ‘This is all too overwhelming for me to handle. My problems continue to pile up and defeat me! I don’t have the strength to fight them any longer. How will I ever make it?’

What about you, dear reader?
Are you facing such experiences? Our ministry receives letters from troubled souls (even some saints) undergoing extremely difficult circumstances and asking for help. I highlight a couple –

(more…)