SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Hosanna in the Highest-Unknown Artist

A Study in Zechariah Chapter 9

(Get your Bibles and read along as we study.)

Zechariah was a prophet. This meant that he did two things: (1) He told people what God was saying about the present time. (2) He told people what God was saying about the future.

Scholars think that Zechariah was a young man in chapters 1-8, but much older in chapter 9. As Zechariah became older, he thought about the future. Much of what he said became true in the life and death of Jesus. This is why the New Testament repeats so many verses from Zechariah chapters 9 to 14.

One cannot understand Zechariah chapters 9 to 14 without the story of Jesus! 

Verses 1-5 – Hadrach was a town north of Hamath (verse 2). Hadrach, Hamath and Damascus were cities in the country called Syria. Damascus was the capital city of Syria. There is still a town at Hamath today. It is called Hama. Tyre and Sidon were towns on the Mediterranean coast. Because nobody could get into Tyre, it was called a strong place, or a ‘stronghold’.

Notice this: It is the LORD who will destroy Tyre and Sidon, not an enemy army. ‘The stronghold in the sea’ was the island part of Tyre. Ashkelon, Gaza and Ekron were cities where the Philistines lived. God speaks about these cities as if they were people. The people in those cities will see what happens in Tyre and Sidon.

Verse 6-7 – Notice that something happens in the middle of this short verse. Suddenly, God says what he will do! He will destroy everything that is valuable to the people in Philistia. The word ‘foreigner’ may mean ‘bastard’. A bastard is the child of people that are not married. Alexander the Great was a bastard. These verses are about what he did to Tyre and Sidon. He was the only leader whose army entered the island of Tyre. And he defeated the city.

The people called Philistines drank blood and they ate animals including dogs, pigs and mice. It was part of their religion (Isaiah 65:4; 66:3, 17). But God will take away these things. Then the Philistines will be as God’s people. They will even become leaders in Judah. This surprised Zechariah and it made him use the word ‘even’! The *Philistines would be like the Jebusites. King David allowed them to become part of Israel. He did this when he first defeated Jerusalem. He made it his capital city, 2 Samuel 5:6-9.

Verse 8 This verse tells us that this section is eschatological. In other words, it is about the time when Jesus will return to the earth as ruler. We know this because the Romans attacked the temple in A.D. 70. Then they defeated God’s people. A.D. means ‘years after Jesus came to the earth’. When Jesus returns to earth, nobody will defeat him or his people.

Verse 9 – This is quoted in connection with the “triumphal entry” of Christ into Jerusalem ( Matthew 21:5; John 12:15). The parts omitted by Matthew are: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout…he is just, and having salvation [victory].”  This part of the verse will be fulfilled at His second coming.  The rest of the verse was fulfilled at His first coming.

“Your king is coming to you. He is righteous and he has salvation. He is gentle and he is riding on a donkey. (He is riding on) a young donkey that is the foal of a donkey.” What a beautiful and perfect prophecy of the entry of Christ (Messiah) into Jerusalem!

Verse 10 – Peace can come to the earth only when Christ comes the second time. He will speak peace to the nations. And he will rule from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth.

Verses 11-17 – The Lord will at that time deliver His people.

A Study in Zechariah Chapter 8

(Get your Bible and read along as we study)

Zechariah, whose name means whom Jehovah remembers, is identified (1:1) as the son of Berechiah, which means Jehovah blesses. Zechariah is the one mentioned by our Lord as having been martyred (Matthew 23:35).

Chapter 8

Verses 1-5 – Here the word ‘jealous’ occurs three times. In English, this would mean ‘very, very, very jealous’. God loved his people so much that he felt angry (or on fire) with their enemies. Read Zechariah 1:15 again. This is what the word ‘jealous’ means here. Fire in the Bible nearly always means God’s anger. God says that he will live in Jerusalem. This means that his glory will again be in the temple. The glory of God means God’s greatness. The streets in these verses are really the squares in the city. There will be old people in them, and children in them. Previously there had been terrible wars in Jerusalem. But the Lord was speaking about a time when Jerusalem would be at peace.

Verses 6-7 – “Seem” means “in the eyes of”. In other words, this is what people see. ‘Impossible’ is something too wonderful to be true in the Hebrew Bible. It is a miracle! A miracle means something that only God can do. God will bring the people from the east and from the west. In the Hebrew language, ‘east’ is ‘where the sun rises’ and ‘west’ is ‘where the sun sets’. ‘Save’ in this verse really means ‘bring from’. God scattered his people among the nations (Zechariah 7:14). Now he will bring them home again.

Verses 8-10 – This emphasizes the covenant between God and his people. In this covenant, God promised to help his people. They promised to love him and obey him. ‘Make your hands strong’ was a Hebrew way to say ‘get ready for what you must do’. Zechariah was encouraging them to finish the work. The enemies were the people that the soldiers from Babylon moved into Judah.

Verse 11-15 – They had started to rebuild the temple two years before. Because of this, God started to do good things for his people again. The ‘people that remain’ are those that now live in Judah, some from Babylon, others were those who had not been into exile. Zechariah mentions some of the good things. The *Hebrew phrase for ‘safe seed’ is ‘seed of peace’. The vine is a plant that grows fruit called grapes. People make wine from grapes. Here, the heavens mean the skies. Dew is water that comes onto the ground at night as it becomes cooler. ‘House of’ is a Hebrew way to say ‘people of’. Zechariah put Judah first. ‘A curse’ means to say or to hope doom or destruction on someone. ‘Fathers’ in this verse means grandfathers, great-grandfathers and so on. It also includes mothers and grandmothers!

Verses 16-17 – In Hebrew Bible, ‘truth’ and ‘honest’ are the same word, ‘emet’. The word ‘sound’ in Hebrew is ‘shalom’. It means peace. It is more than just ‘peace’. It means ‘Make sure that your judgments are honest. And make sure that they satisfy people.’

Verses 18-19 – The word of the LORD has come to answer the question in 7:3. The answer is really in everything between 7:4 and 8:17, but now Zechariah makes it clear to everybody. God wants his people to obey the covenant. They only asked in 7:3 about the *fast in the fifth month. But here God includes in his answer all the major exile festivals. There is a list of them in the note on 7:3. A festival is an important event. There is often music, singing, dancing and great feasts. From now on there must not be fasts but feasts! A fast is when people eat nothing. A feast is when they eat a lot.

Verses 20-23 This section extends what Zechariah said in 2:11. It completes the section that deals with past and present history. Then it starts a section that looks to the future. The rest of the book, chapters 9-14, deals with the future.

The Conspiracy

HT: Wretched Channel

If Jesus Told Us What to Preach, Why Do We Preach Everything But?

Let's look at Mark16:15.

It reads: "Go ye, therefore into all the world and preach rules and regulations..."

No, wait. That's not right. Let me try it again.

"Go ye, therefore into all the world and preach politics..."

Hmm. That's not quite right either.

Maybe it's: "Go ye, therefore into all the world and preach philosophy..."

I can't seem to get it right.

Let's try: "Go ye, therefore into all the world and preach anti-abortion..."

Still wrong.

Well, maybe it goes: "Go ye, therefore into all the world and preach social change..."

What's going on here? I can't seem to get it right.

So: "Go ye, therefore into all the world and preach togetherness and 'fellowship'..."

Grrr!

How about: "Go ye, therefore into all the world and preach good behavior..."

Once more: "Go ye, therefore into all the world and preach the Bible..."

Well, the Bible is good to preach, but only if it leads toward a saving knowledge of Christ. If it is preached as some kind of rule book, history book, philosophy book or religious book then it is preached wrong.

The truth is, we are not commanded to preach any of those things. We are commanded to "...preach the gospel." 

That is very specific. The gospel is one thing and one thing only. "Gospel" means "good news," and the good news is that Christ has paid the sin debt we owe. If we repent of that sin and turn to Him in faith, trusting in, and only in, His finished work at the cross of Calvary, we will be saved."

So what Jesus was saying in Mark 16:15 was, in effect: "Go ye, therefore into all the world and preach that Christ has paid the sin debt we owe. That if we repent of that sin and turn to Him in faith, trusting in, and only in, His finished work at the cross of Calvary, we will be saved."

In fact, we have no other message. 

All of the "other messages" can be dealt with by philosophers, politicians, moralists and others.

Now, if the gospel seems irrelevant, boring or too repetitious to you, you are not saved. The gospel is the most exciting news ever given. If it does not excite you, you need to discover the joy of salvation.

1. I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
   Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love;
   I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true,
   It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do.
   • Refrain:
     I love to tell the story,
     ’Twill be my theme in glory,
     To tell the old, old story
     Of Jesus and His love.
2. I love to tell the story, more wonderful it seems
   Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams;
   I love to tell the story, it did so much for me,
   And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.
3. I love to tell the story, ’tis pleasant to repeat,
   What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet;
   I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
   The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.
4. I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
   Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest;
   And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song,
   ’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE PART 12, OR WHATEVER

Let's do a BIBLE verse study!

Let's look at Matthew 28:19.

Most people do not seem to understand this passage, as evidenced by their actions.

Perhaps they have trouble reading it, so here I am to help.

In this Bible study, you will be given some choices from which to choose that will help you with your understanding.

For simplicity's sake, we will take it one word at a time.

Matthew 28:19

"Go..."

Select the best meaning for the word, "Go:"

1) Move from where you are to somewhere else.
2) Stay
3) Meditate
4) Pray
5) Give money to missions

Did you choose number one?

Oh, good! You can read two-letter, one-syllable words.

Let's try another.

"Ye" (Some translations use the word, "you." Others adopt the conventionally understood "you" as the subject of the sentence).

Select the best definition of the word "ye:"

1) You, yourself (as opposed to someone else) - Second person singular or plural.
2) Nobody
3) The other person
4) Men only
5) Women and children first

Did you select number one?

Oh, good! You have reinforced the idea that you can read two-letter, one-syllable words.

"Therefore"

Select the best definition of the word "therefore:"

1) A conjunction connecting the thoughts of this command with the thought Jesus iterated that He has the power and authority to tell you to do it.
2) If you want to
3) Who knows?
4) A shout used on the golf course to keep others from being hit by your ball.

Did you select number one?

Oh, good!

That's a big one. Two syllables and nine letters!

How well you are doing!

"And"

Select the best definition of the word "and:"

1) A conjunction connecting the first command in the verse with the commands to follow.
2) A small, six-legged insect found at picnics.
3) Particles of silica found on beaches
4) A word inserted to confuse you.

Did you select number one?

Oh, good!

We're making progress!

"Teach"

Choose the best definition of the word "teach:"

1) Transfer information meaningfully from one person to another.
2) Preach
3) Run
4) Nag

Did you select number one?

Oh, good!

How are you doing so far?

"All"

Choose the best definition of the word "all:"

1) Including each and every one
2) Some
3) A few
4) A sharp pointy tool

Did you choose number one?

Oh, good!

We're rollin' now!

"Nations"

Choose the best definition of the word "nations:"

1) Countries where people live
2) Vast, void expanses of water
3) Underground oil deposits
4) The undercarriage of your car

Did you select number one?

Oh, good!

Progress used to be GE's most important product.

"baptizing"

Warning!! Trick question!

Choose the best definition of the word, "baptizing:"

1) Dipping a saved person beneath water in representation of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
2) Dipping a person beneath water as a part of his/her salvation package
3) Dripping a little water hither and yon
4) A religious ritual affirming that one is not Muslim, Buddhist or some other religion, therefore one must be Christian.

Did you select number one?

Oh, good!

You actually know how to read the part in terms of the whole.

To make a long story short (have you ever noticed that when people say that it is usually too late?), we'll skip to the last three nouns of the verse.

"Father," "Son," "Holy Ghost"

Choose the best definition of the nouns: "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost"

1) The three persons manifested by God of His ultimate being, to which we have give the name, "Trinity."
2) Three different Gods worshipped by "Trinitarians"
3) Three random and meaningless names found in the Bible
4) A dad, his kid and and expression of surprise.

Did you selection number one?

Oh, good!

You got it right.

Now that you, by your own evidence, understand this verse,

What are you actually going to DO?

Ramblin' Prose

I've been listening to different preachers lately.

A good message is priceless. Sadly, I don't hear many.

Scripture dictates the topic of a "Topical Sermon." (As opposed to finding a topic and seaching for some Scripture that supports the point of view. )

The other method of preaching exposes the Scripture verse-by- verse (which I personally like best.)

In either message, the preacher must have a point he wants to get to. (In my humble, but correct opinion, that should be how to be saved and grow closer to God through trust in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at Calvary.)

Each element of the message should lead logically to the next and move the speaker prgressively toward his/her point.

The sermon should end with a climax that points the audience to Jesus.

Instead, most of the sermons I hear go like this:

"Our text is II Hezekiah 4:12

"Ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, chase a rabbit...off topic, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, tell an unrelated joke, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble, ramble.

"Anybody here want to come to Jesus?"

I can hardly express my underwhelmment.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-You Brought Us Out-Gaither Vocal Band

A Study in Obadiah Week 1

(Get your Bible and follow along as we study.)

This is the shortest book in the Old Testament. Obadiah means ‘the servant of Yahweh’. Or it means ‘the person who gives honor to Yahweh’. There are many people with this name in the Old Testament. This Obadiah is not the same as the other ones.

Edom has its origins from Esau, Jacob’s brother.  After Israel's people had left Egypt, they wanted to go through Edom. But Edom's people did not allow Israel's people to go through (Numbers 20:14-21). Hadad, the king of Edom, was an evil enemy of Israel. He caused great suffering.’ (See 1 Kings 11:22.)

The writer gave a message of hope to God’s people. He told them that they would see God’s judgment. God ruined Edom.

Verses 1-4 – God warns Edom that they think too highly of themselves and that He will ultimately cut them down to size.

Verses 5-7 – These verses speak of a hypothetical given to Edom. The prophet speaks of thieves who attack Edom and steal whatever they want. He prophesizes that Edom will be utterly destroyed…wiped from the map. (By the way, they were.)

Verses 8-9 – The phrase “that day” references the Day of Judgment for Edom. For all of their narcissism, Edom would find that they were not a great as they thought they were and every last one of them would be killed.

Verses 10-11 – “Jacob” means Israel in this context. Edom had used force against Israel, God’s people chosen to be the root of Messiah. They had refused to help Israel when they were in trouble, and now there was to be no help for them.

Verses 12- 14 – First Edom had considered Israel worse than they were. Then they acted on their consideration and entered the city. The repetitive use of the word “day” is a reference to the events against Israel perpetrated by Edom.

Verses 15-18 – In this section, the words “The Day of the Lord” references the day of God’s judgment. The time was nearing when man’s sinful nature would be judged, and those who trusted in Messiah would be save while everyone else would be lost.

Verse 19-21 – These verses are the only ones in the book of Obadiah not written in poetic form. They explain how much land Israel will own. It includes Southern Judah, the land of the Philistines, Ephraim and Samaria, Gilead, Zarephath in Syria and so on.

The kingdoms of Israel and Judah will unite to rule the country. 

People will free Jerusalem (Mount Zion) and they will rule over Mount Esau. Mount Esau is like all the nations that oppose God. The Lord (Yahweh) will be the king. 

In fact the Israelites have never obtained all these lands. These verses may refer to how the good news about Jesus will spread. They also refer to the time that the writer of Revelation 11:15 describes. ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Messiah. He will be the king for ever and ever.’

WOW! We're Part of a Global Enterprise!

SUNDAY RESPITE-Before the Throne-Shane and Shane

A Study in Zephaniah Week 2

(Get your Bible and follow along as we study.)

Chapter 3

Verses 1-5 – Here is the judgment on Jerusalem. The judgment on Israel is in ratio to her privilege. Her favored position among nations caused more to be expected of her.

Verses 6-8 – God’s judgment extends to all nations. "But they rose early, and corrupted all their doings": They were diligent, industrious eager and early in the commission of sins, in doing corrupt and abominable works; receiving and tenaciously adhering to the traditions of the elders; seeking to establish their own righteousness, not submitting to God's.

The rejected the true Messiah; blaspheming His doctrines, despising His ordinances, and persecuting His people; besides other vices, which abounded among them; for which the wrath of God came upon them to the uttermost.

These verses (6-8) speak of Armageddon, which ends with the return of Christ to the earth.

Verse 9 - This does not mean there will be one language for the entire world. The thought here is “pure” in the sense of the removal of the filthy, profane, and nasty language. A remnant of the nations, converted to the Lord, will worship Him in righteousness and truth (Zech. 8:20-23; 14:16). Pure speech will come from purified hearts. (Luke 6:45).The “four letter words” will disappear.

Verses 10-12 – These are the conditions that will be found in the Kingdom. The Lord will purge the proud and ungodly from among them. (Zech. 13:1-6), leaving a meek and humble people. These were an "afflicted" people, as the Lord's people in all ages are afflicted with a body of sin; with the temptations of Satan; with the hidings of God's face; with bodily infirmities, and with the reproaches and persecutions of men.

The first Christians, both among Jews and Gentiles, justly bore this characteristic. They were "poor", for the most part, referring to the poor of this world, being stripped of their worldly enjoyments for the sake of Christ.

But they were especially poor in spirit, broken hearted, contrite, lowly ones. they had a "mean" opinion of themselves, modest, meek, and humble; sensible of their spiritual poverty, and seeking after the true riches of grace and glory.

Material prosperity and peace will accompany them as well, allowing them to enjoy the rich blessings of God undisturbed (Joel 3:18-20; Mica 4:4).

Verses 13-16 – Here we see the remnant of Israel entering the kingdom. Their attitude and speech are changed. Fear is removed. The remnant of Israel, throughout the Bible, is the group who has never bowed their knee to Baal. This just means they have never worshiped false gods. They have always remained faithful to God. These are those people who are holy, because He is holy. They are not interested in sin. They are interested in pleasing God.

Christians have all the good habits of Christ, because Christ lives in them. These are speaking of those who have made Christ their Lord. 1 John 3:9 "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."

The Lord Jesus Christ reigns over them personally. This refers to the second coming of Christ.

Verse 17 – This is the key of the book. This is the white light in a black background. The purpose of judgment is not vindictive, but to cleanse and purify in order that blessing and goodness might ensue from the ordeal.  As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride (Isa. 62:4), the Lord will exult over His people with gladness and song, resting in quiet ecstasy over His people in whom is all His delight (Deut. 30:9; Isaiah chapter 54).

The might of man cannot be compared to that of God. God created the world, and all that is in it. He controls everything. Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Verses 18-20 – Once again we see the kingdom conditions. Being converted, they shall be spoken well of everywhere; they shall be praised for their acknowledgment of their sins; for their sincere repentance of them; and for their faith in Messiah.

What's the Difference?

HT: JUCE TV Network

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-The Prayer-Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin

A Study In Zephaniah Week 1

Chapters 1 and 2 (Get your Bible and follow along as we study)

Zephaniah identified himself better than any of the other Minor Prophets. As Habakkuk concealed himself in silence, Zephaniah went to the opposite extreme. He traced his lineage back to his great-great-grandfather, who was Hizkiah, whom we know as Hezekiah, king of Judah. Zephaniah was of the royal line (Zephaniah 1:1).

Zephaniah is filled with the wrath and judgment of God (Zephaniah 1:15; 3:8), but there is the undertone of the love of God (Zephaniah 3:17).

Chapter 1

Verses 1-4 — Zephaniah completely identifies himself and his time. Worldwide devastation is predicted. The Book of the Revelation confirms this and places the time as the Great Tribulation. All living creatures are included in the judgment. Judah and Jerusalem are singled out for judgment.

Verses5-6 — The reason for the judgment is idolatry. They had turned completely from God.  Some were backsliders; some had never been saved.

Verses 7-16 — “The day of the LORD” is judgment.  “The day of the LORD” occurs seven times. Obadiah and Joel, the first of the writing prophets, were the first to use this expression; Zephaniah, the last, brings it to our attention again. This has particular application to the Great Tribulation, which precedes the kingdom and is included in “the day of the Lord.” It is a time of wrath.

The coming of Nebuchadnezzar is treated as a picture of the day of the LORD. “Hold thy peace” means to hush; to keep still. The “sacrifice” is the judgment of Judah. “That day” is the day of the LORD.

Evidently this is one of the first groups that said that God was dead. They were the self -sufficient of an affluent society. This marks the end of prosperity and the beginning of a depression. This is a doleful, dreary, and dreadful picture of the Great Tribulation. It is a day of fear.

Verses 17-18 – Sin of man brings the judgment. There will be no deliverance. Silver and gold are their gods. Silver and gold are powerless to save.

Chapter 2

Verses 1-2 — A call to Israel to come together to plead for deliverance from the wrath of the day of the LORD. The phrase, “Not desired” means that they were insensible to the shame of their sinful condition. This is a brief but vivid description of the day of the LORD.

Verses 3-15—The call is extended to the inhabitants of the earth who in meekness seek the Lord. This is judgment upon surrounding enemy nations and their idols. Judgment on Ethiopia. Judgment on Assyria (literally fulfilled…Assyria is no more).

God’s judgment is extended to those who refuse to follow Him. Christ provided direct access to the Father and the escape from His judgment. Christ enables us to stand before the judgment seat and be judged by the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary. 

Some Ways God Communicates

1.   

 

The Old Testament is the record of how God revealed Himself to His creation.

The OT points toward Christ.

The OT reveals the sin nature of man; even God’s chosen people strayed.

The OT reveals the penalty of sin.  

Because the people of the OT did not have the Word, God spoke audibly to a chosen few.

Notice that God did not speak to everyone,

God spoke to people whom He wanted to lead His people.

God chose ordinary people to accomplish His purposes

Noah – Son of Lamech, but one who became a drunkard (Gen 9:20-29)

Abraham – Son of Terah, but eventually became a philanderer and polygamist.

Moses – A non-descript baby boy.

David – A shepherd boy, king, murderer and adulterer.

Experience is not the way to prove God’s speaking.

We must always move from Scripture to experience, not the other way around.

God’s Word is all authoritative and requires no proof.

Bible study, prayer and submission is the way to hear God.

In the gospels, God spoke through Jesus.

Jesus always taught in great, sweeping principles.

Jesus said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9)

Jesus’ message was relational.

In the rest of the New Testament, God spoke through chosen ones.

Primarily Paul, the former persecutor of Christians.

Luke (Acts), Peter, James, Jude

John (the apostle whom Jesus loved)

Today God speaks through His Word and through the Holy Spirit.

God’s Word is true, even when we don’t understand it.

The Holy Spirit is evident throughout the Word of God

The Holy Spirit always conforms to the Word of God.

One of the main purposes of the Bible is to reveal

God’s character

His purpose

His way.

The Holy Spirit leads us to a proper understanding of God’s Word.

He never contradicts God’s Word…after all, He is God.

He always points us to Jesus.

He always abides in our hearts.       

The truth taught in Scripture is not a thing, it is a person: Christ.

Christ is paramount.

Christ is all sufficient.

Christ is the fulfillment of God’s revelation.