Showing results by author "Christopher Glyn" in All Categories

The epistle of 2 John confronts the issue of false teachers infiltrating the Christian church and spreading doctrines that did not coincide with true Christian teachings. John urges the believers to stand by the truth and to love others while simultaneously being wary of whom they allowed into their homes and minds. 2 John is an important reminder to follow the words of Jesus as a guideline and not only the words of those claiming to speak for him.

Only one chapter long, Philemon is an epistle written by Paul to exhort a slave owner to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus. As a close friend of Philemon, Paul encourages him to no longer see Onesimus as a slave but as a fellow brother in Christ, whose forgiveness should be emulated by all his followers.

Written at the end of the Apostle Paul's life as he was once again imprisoned by the Romans, 2 Timothy was addressed to the pastor by the same name who accompanied Paul on many of his missionary journeys. In these chapters, Paul gives Timothy instructions for the growing churches so that he might be prepared to succeed Paul as leader of the Christian faith. Along with these important directions, 2 Timothy contains encouraging thoughts about death and the rewards which come to faithful servants of God in the next life.

Titus is an epistle written by Paul to the man of the same name who was a respected leader of the church in Crete and a close friend of Paul. This book contains detailed directions on how to live a life that exhibits the grace of God and produces good deeds. Paul also gives instructions on the proper roles of each group in the church to further the stability and growth of the Christian faith....

The first book of Kings recounts the lives of the kings of Israel and Judea over a period of 400 years after the death of King David. His son, Solomon, features heavily in these chapters, first to show God's generous blessings to a faithful king and later as an example of the consequences of turning away from God. This book also details the split of the northern and southern tribes of Israel and the subsequent appointment of the prophet Elijah to bring hope to the true followers of God and vengeance on those who had renounced him.

Written shortly after its prequel, 2 Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul to reassure the Thessalonian church of the second coming of Christ and to refute the teachings of false prophets. After several forgeries of Paul's letters, the apostle himself alleviated their fears that the time of the end had already begun. In 2 Thessalonians, there are many prophecies depicting the rapture, the Antichrist and the times of tribulation which are detailed fully in Revelation.

The book of 1 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul to a young pastor by the same name, who was based in the church at Ephesus. Paul instructs him on the importance of not being led astray by false teachings and to keep his faith in God. This book contains clear directions on the organisation and structure of a church as well as practical advice on how to lead one.

The second book of Kings depicts Israel as a land divided, being ruled by wicked kings who lead the Israelite people only further into idolatry and sin. Throughout this period, the prophets, notably Elijah and Elisha, bring hope for repentance and reformation by performing astounding miracles and spreading the word of God. Their efforts to lead the Israelites from their stubborn and disobedient path are chronicled in 2 Kings, and once again God shows how he rewards obedience with blessings but rebellion with tragic consequences.

The epistle of Hebrews was written by an unknown author to a community of Jewish Christians living in Rome under heavy persecution. This book encourages the church to keep their faith in difficult circumstances and not to return to Judaism and the Mosaic Law. Hebrews extols Jesus as the Son of God and clearly emphasises that only through Jesus can Christians achieve salvation.

In this sequel to 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul responds to accusations that his apostleship is not justified and genuine. Paul writes of his own suffering and relationship with God and also condemns the false messengers of God for spreading division amongst the church. This book is an encouraging reminder that God allows affliction and suffering for a purpose and that his grace is always present during these times of difficulty.

The first of two letters to the church in Corinth, 1 Corinthians is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul due to reports of the sin and immorality present within its members. A frank discussion of Christian views on immorality, marriage and division within a community, this book is an essential guide to living a Christian lifestyle when surrounded by sin and temptation.

Romans is the first of the epistles to be penned by the Apostle Paul. As its name suggests, it was written directly to the newly founded Christian church in Rome, which was struggling to uphold the beliefs and morals of Christianity. In this book, Paul clearly lays out the doctrine of Christianity and gives illuminating instructions on how to live righteously in the midst of sin.