Download this free PDF to read excerpts from the earliest writers of The Celtic Revival, Patrick and Sechnall, and to discover the depth of their orthodox teaching.

Besides being the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119 is distinct in other ways. Except for the first three verses, Psalm 119 is entirely a prayer. In it the anonymous psalmist pours out his heart in longing to know God’s Word and to gain the benefits it affords. Psalm 119 is an abecedarian psalm, as we will explain, and this makes it a long and beautiful poem as well.

Paul is upset that the Galatians have been led astray by a group of Judaizers into thinking they need to be circumcised to be Christians. He starts his apologetic case against them by establishing his authority and by pointing out the confirmation he received from Peter, James, and Paul. More logic to come.

With the death of Moses, the task of leading Israel into the promised land is dumped on Joshua. The LORD promises to be with him and tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. So, when the people say the same words to Joshua, even though they couldn’t have heard the LORD say them, it’s a powerful moment.

The book of Acts is one of the most important books in the New Testament. It bridges the Old Testament into the New, the Gospels into the Apostolic Age, and the whole of Scripture into the time/space continuum in which we live and move and have our being.

The foundation of the faith is that it’s true—John saw and touched Jesus. The foundation of the gospel is that Jesus is light and the propitiation for our sins. The foundation of the practice of Christianity is fellowship (koinonia).

The prophet Amos, a sheep breeder, declares that The LORD roars from Zion. God is not happy. Judgement is coming.

The sons of Korah served during the days of Solomon as gatekeepers in the temple. They also composed some excellent psalms designed to enhance our vision of God and understanding of ourselves as His people.

The soul is the starting point for improving our walk with and work for the Lord. All that we are begins from within us, where our heart, mind, and conscience work together to make us the people we are. If we ignore our soul, or fail to understand its operations, we will be subject to whatever winds of doctrine might fill the sails of our soul at any time.

We want to have strong souls, like the souls of those first believers in the book of Acts. This series will help us to realize more of the presence, promise, and power of God’s Kingdom as they did, so that we may turn our world right-side up for Jesus.

Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah, so it will not surprise us that their messages resonate with one another in many ways. Like all faithful prophets, Micah brought the Word of God to His people, calling them to remember His grace and to turn from their sins, and warning that judgment from God was coming.

We have a great salvation, and Jesus is the whole of it. He has pre-eminence in all things, and He is the Head of His Body, the Church, of which we are members. The Colossians understood the power of the Gospel. They had been called to be saints of God and were conveyed into the Kingdom of His Son. They were increasing in Him and in the good works of love that mark our discipleship.

I want to insist that following Jesus is first of all a matter of the soul – heart, mind, and conscience. Unless we are inwardly devoted to Jesus, focused on Him, and committed to knowing and growing in Him, and doing His will, no amount of external involvements will make us true disciples.