Bible Overview: Book by Book
Esther: If I Perish, I Perish
With Esther 4:13–17, we continue our survey of Bible books. The book of Esther is the story of an orphan raised by her Uncle Mordecai, who seems to be in a hopeless situation. Through her beauty, humility, and dependence on God, she wins the kindness of King Ahasuerus. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches God’s providential deliverance of Israel; Haman: greed and pride…
Lamentations: Poems of Deep Sorrow
With Lamentations 3:31–33, we continue our survey of Bible books. The book of Lamentations describes the sorrow the Israelites felt after they experienced the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches the sorrowing widow, sorrow at the wrath of Yahweh, the afflicted man who has hope, the contrast between past and present, and…
Ruth: You Reap What You Sow
With Ruth 1:16–18, we continue our survey of Bible books. Ruth is a book of hope in God’s providence. It is not only a beautiful story of grace toward Ruth, but it also shows God’s providence in the preparation of the Davidic line. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches blessings come with the harvest, blessings come with loyalty to Yahweh, and God’s anticipation of the…
The Song of Songs
With Song of Songs 7:10, we continue our survey of Bible books and the Wisdom Literature. The Song of Solomon is sometimes seen as a celebration of love, which it is. Others have interpreted it as a depiction of the love between God and His people, which it is. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches the textual horizon: romance in marriage, the covenantal horizon: love of…
Job: The Man Whose Eyes Were Opened
With Job 42:5-6, we continue our survey of Bible books and the Wisdom Literature. The book of Job describes the terrible hardships that Job suffered at the hands of Satan. It’s an unusual book, yet it contains some very important lessons. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches why did the friends give Job the wrong advice? How should we understand Elihu? Why did God allow…
Proverbs: Living Life Well
With Proverbs 1:7, we continue our survey of Bible books and the Wisdom Literature. The book of Proverbs is a collection of proverbs that teach God’s people how to live faithfully before God and wisely towards others. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches life as a journey, listening to Lady Wisdom, measuring up to the Virtuous Woman, and living a life of fearing…
Psalms: Book 5
With Psalm 107:43, we continue our survey of Bible books and the Wisdom Literature. Book Five of the Psalms contains Psalms 107-150, with Psalms of Restoration in which the people celebrate God’s salvation, anticipating Yahweh will set His people free. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches the Lord’s steadfast love will save His people, let us be faithful to Him, and let…
Psalms: Book 4
With Psalm 92:1-2, we continue our survey of Bible books and the Wisdom Literature. Book Four of the Psalms contains Psalms 90-106, beginning with a prayer of Moses asking when the Lord will pity His people, followed by psalms exulting the greatness of God’s justice, majesty, and creation. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches it is good to praise the Most High, examples…
Psalms: Book 3
With Psalm 89:46-52, we continue our survey of Bible books and the Wisdom Literature. Book Three of the Psalms contains Psalms 73-89, focused primarily on the time after David and the fall of the kingdom. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches the plea to restore Israel, Israel rebelled and has fallen, but Yahweh will be merciful in the end!
“Lord, where is your steadfast…
Psalms: Book 2
With Psalm 46:1-7, we continue our survey of Bible books and the Wisdom Literature. Book Two of the Psalms contains Psalms 42-72, primarily expressing David’s public prayers during the time of Samuel and Kings. Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven preaches praying through communal and personal blessings, sins, and sufferings; the righteous will suffer affliction, but God will…