Core Passage: Jacob’s dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22) 1. Historical Context: Jacob fleeing from Esau after deceiving him (Genesis 27) Alone in wilderness, vulnerable and uncertain Location later becomes significant worship site (Bethel means “House of God”) 2. The Divine Encounter (vv. 10-15): A. The Vision: Stairway/ladder connecting heaven and earth Angels ascending and descending (John 1:51...
Core Scripture: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16, KJV) 1. Contextual Background: Part of Paul’s ethical exhortations to Ephesian believers (Ephesians 4:1-6:9) Follows instructions for Christian living (5:1-15) Precedes guidance on being Spirit-filled (5:18-21) Written to a church in a major pagan city with time-wasting temptations 2. Key Concepts: A. “Redeeming” (Greek:...
Core Scripture: “God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.” (Psalm 62:11, NKJV) 1. Contextual Background: Psalm 62 is attributed to David, written during a time of distress (possibly Absalom’s rebellion) The psalm contrasts human frailty with divine sovereignty Verse 11 serves as the theological climax of the psalm...
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) Key Themes & Meaning The Call to Visibility – Jesus (in the Sermon on the Mount) compares believers to “light” (Matthew 5:14), urging them to live purposefully, not in hiddenness. Light exposes truth, guides,...
