Paul helps his friend Philemon to reconcile with his escaped former slave Onesimus, and shows that they are equals because of Jesus. One of Paul’s shortest and the most explosive letters, the book of Philemon demonstrates the gospel through action. It’s written to Philemon whose slave Onesimus ran away and became a believer under Paul’s teaching. Paul gets personal Paul urges Philemon to …
Author Archives: Jonathan Kobayashi
38725 Overview: Hebrews
The author shows how Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s love and mercy and is worthy of our devotion. The book of Hebrews compares and contrasts Jesus to key historical people and events from the Old Testament. Through these comparisons, we see His superiority. He is greater than angels, the Torah, Moses, the Promised Land, priests, …
38726 Overview: James
James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God. Written by Jesus’ half-brother Jacob, the book of James shares sage wisdom for all the churches and followers of Jesus. It’s influenced by Proverbs and frequently quotes Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. James’ best hits The …
38727 Overview: 1 Peter
Peter offers hope to persecuted Christians and guides them with practical instruction on living life consistent with following Jesus. 1 Peter gives persecuted Christians a powerful reminder that they have hope in the midst of their suffering. From the time of Abraham, God’s people were a misunderstood minority and should expect to face hostility because they …
38728 Overview: 2 Peter
Peter calls for faithfulness and confronts corrupt teachers who distorted the message about Jesus and lead others astray. 2 Peter is an intense, passionate farewell speech addressed to the same Messianic church communities as 1 Peter. In the book, Peter challenges Jesus’ followers to continue growing in their faith, love and service to God. Be vigilant of …
38729 Overview: 1-3 John
John calls followers of Jesus to share in God’s own life and love by devoting themselves to loving one another. Written by John the Elder to house church believers, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John echo the gospel of John. They emphasize that God is light and love and every true believer will demonstrate God’s light and love. A series of John’s letters Each …
38730 Overview: Jude
Jude confronts corrupt teachers who distort the message about his brother Jesus and lead others astray. Judah, one of Jesus’ half brothers, wrote the book of Jude to Messianic believers who were familiar with Old Testament scriptures and Jewish literature. He uses these texts to refute corrupt teachers who lived immoral lives. Living examples for the world Judah …
38731 Overview: Revelation Ch. 1-11
John’s visions reveal that Jesus has overcome evil by his death and resurrection, and will return one day as the true king of the world. The book of Revelation was written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. An apocalyptic letter, it relies on visions, symbols, and Old Testament references to reveal the ultimate fulfillment of …
38732 Overview: Revelation Ch. 12-22
A final word The book is not a secret code that allows believers to decipher the timeline of Jesus’s return. Instead, it shows that every human kingdom eventually becomes Babylon and must be resisted. Jesus, the slain Lamb who died for the sins of the world, will return one day as King with His followers …
22002.01 God in Times of Crisis
See “Hope in Times of Crisis” main menu Watch the summary video We are living in the midst of global changes, unlike anything recent generations have ever experienced — natural disasters, famines, economic uncertainty, political unrest, societal changes, racial divide, and regional and international conflicts. When we live under this type of heaviness, it is …