Showing results by author "King James Bible" in All Categories

The second book of Samuel paints a portrait of Israel's greatest king. King David had many military triumphs and was richly blessed by God. Despite this, even David was prone to fall into temptation. In this book we can grow in knowledge of sin and its consequences. More importantly we can better understand how our merciful God still wants to use us in his redemption plan.

After admonishing believers in Corinth for their sinful ways and abuse of grace, Paul writes a second letter, commending them for their positive response to his first letter. He expresses his joy in hearing that they've repented and embraced his teachings. Paul then goes on to encourage believers to "...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Listen as he reminds the church at Corinth that God has made them a new creation in Christ.

Paul protests against the perversion of the Gospel. Many are teaching the Galatians that they can be justified by works, and, as a result, they’ve abandoned the truth. Listen to the book of Galatians and rest in the fact that we are justified by grace through faith.

As Christians we have a hope that withstands all trouble. In fact while many strive to avoid suffering, believers can actually rejoice in it. Why? Because God will vindicate his people. We can rest in God's salvation now and look forward to the day he will bring full redemption. This letter, written by the Apostle Peter, points us to Christ in times of tribulation and encourages us to persevere in the midst of suffering.

Many called Jeremiah the "Weeping Prophet" and, as shown in this book, he has every reason to mourn. Jeremiah's ministry is primarily concerned with preaching the word of God to an idolatrous people. When he comes to realize the Israelites' refusal to repent, Jeremiah begins to describe a future judgment. Interestingly enough, even today the words of this prophet provide us with a study of our own sinfulness.

God tells Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh, a ruthless and idolatrous nation. Jonah, a prophet who does not like the Assyrians, wants Nineveh to be destroyed. Instead of following God’s call, Jonah rebels and sails in the opposite direction, deliberately fleeing from God. Stubborn Jonah ends up in the belly of a fish. Listen to the story of this prophet as God disciplines him for his disobedience and teaches him that he loves all people, even the enemies of his chosen ones.

The apostle John shares with us his main goal: "...that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31). John states that Jesus is the son of God whom the Father sent to us to accomplish something no one else could. Follow John as he prepares the way for the one who is the only way to eternal life.

The Israelites are returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. In many ways this story resembles the life of a Christian who repents from sin and rebellion and turns around to find God welcoming them into his unfailing love. The Book of Ezra is a record of hope for those who are weighed down with discouragement. No sin is too big for God’s grace.

The Israelites are becoming a unified nation under a king. The first two kings, Saul and David, are anointed by Samuel. Take a look into the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David as they experience struggles and reveal the many faults of the human condition, giving us a picture of our own humanity.

Imagine marching hundreds of miles across the wilderness in order to get to a land flowing with abundance, filled with lush meadows and beautiful flowers. In Numbers, the Israelites are headed to the "promised land” of Canaan. This journey may take longer than expected. Will they remain faithful to the God who brought them out of Egypt?

Filled with allegories and themes of the awesome majesty of God, the book of Ezekiel is both painful and rewarding. The difficulties in reading this book derive from Ezekiel’s prophecies of judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. The comfort, however, exceeds the painful parts. The book closes with a glimmer of hope for the Jews as the prophet depicts the restoration that is to come.

In Ephesians, Paul gives us a detailed description of Church members' relationship to Christ. The apostle is writing to strengthen the churches of Ephesus. He tells them, "In him [Jesus] you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." (Ephesians 2:22) This reminds us that we are all part of the "body" of Christ, his Church. Listen to Paul, and be encouraged about your role in redemptive history.

God’s providence always comes through, even in the worst of situations. This is something we learn in the life of Queen Esther. A woman of strength and humility, Queen Esther endures the struggles that come with living a life of obedience to God. She knows that God’s hand is on her and that his plans are not moved, not even by the actions of evil men.

The Book of Nehemiah is a book of the Hebrew Bible beautifully told in the form of a first-person memoir by narrator and voice actor Glenn Hascall. It concerns the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah, and the dedication of the city and its people to God's laws. The events take place in the second half of the 5th century BCE, and together with the Book of Ezra, it represents the final chapter in the historical narrative of the Hebrew Bible.

It is not clear who wrote the Book of Proverbs or when it was written. However, we know that a part of it was written by King Solomon, who was the son of King David of Israel. This book is considered a set of instructions with which to tune the compass of one’s moral life. It is written in a poetic form using vivid imagery and begins with an emphasis on the quest to acquire wisdom. The first part of the book is about a father’s advice to his son. The central message of this advice pertains to seek virtue, integrity, and generosity, as only then can one achieve success and peace.

Shakespearean actress Tina Packer takes on St. Luke! The Gospel of Luke springs to new life in the hands of famed Shakespearean actress Tina Packer! The powerful King James Version of the Gospels has never been more accessible. Packer's powerful narration boldly showcases the historic text and is delighting listeners all over the world.

The Book of Daniel is a series of stories and visions. It is divided into three sections. It begins with an overview followed by stories about Daniel and his three friends who belong to the royal family of David. After being captured by the Babylonians, they are chosen to serve in their royal court, where they are instructed to adapt to their culture and food. They refuse to violate God’s law and are ordered to be burned alive in a furnace. The fire does not kill them.

In the Book of Hosea, God talks to the Israelites through the Prophet Hosea. He was married to a woman named Gomer, who was unfaithful to him, and they had children together. Despite her infidelity, God tells Hosea to get her back. He obeys God. It also tells of God's relationship with Israel where God is like a faithful husband. The book tells about the favors that God bestowed upon Israel and how they broke their covenant with Him. But despite that, God was faithful to them because He is loving and compassionate.

The Book of Joel narrates the story of the Prophet Joel. The book starts with him telling the people that a locust invasion has wreaked havoc on the land. He asked the priests and people to ask forgiveness from God and prayed. He then goes on to describe a day in the future when the locusts will attack again. This time, he describes the locusts in a way that seems like God will send them as He would his army. He again tells the people to ask for forgiveness.

The Book of Amos is a collection of sermons, poems, and calling Israel's wealthy to propagate justice and compassion among the poor. The poor were being marginalized, sold into debt slavery, and the justice system did not protect them. He warned the corrupt against God's judgment. Then God says that He chose Israel amongst everyone else and that He will punish them for their transgressions. Amos addresses these individuals and says that they go to the temples to pray and offer sacrifice, but it is all a sham for they neglect the poor and deny them justice.