The Twelve Minor Prophets (Hosea through Malachi) conclude the Hebrew Scriptures with a vivid mixture of judgment and hope. Though many oracles warn of impending judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, they repeatedly glimpse a future restoration under God's appointed ruler. The overarching theme is that Israel's exile and failure are not the final word. A renewed... Continue Reading →
Gospel on the Web, Using Technology for Kingdom Impact
“We know enough to be sure that the scientific achievements of the next fifty years will be far greater, more rapid and more surprising, than those we have already experienced.”~ Winston Churchill, “Fifty Years Hence” (1931)1 Technology is a powerful tool. It has reshaped how people connect, learn, and share ideas. For many, life online... Continue Reading →
The Messiah in the Prophets
From the early prophets through the exile, Israel's future king was the pulse of hope in dark times. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel each paint different aspects of that hope: a suffering yet exalted servant, a Spirit-empowered leader, a restored kingdom under a new covenant. These themes come together to form a complete picture of Christological... Continue Reading →
Recognizing and Resisting Online Sin
Think briefly about the last time you closed a browser or swiped away from social media, feeling angry, ashamed, or empty. What triggered those feelings? Was it a hostile comment thread? An alluring image? Or a highlight reel of someone else’s life that stirred envy? The internet extends our world and intensifies our desires. The... Continue Reading →
Poetry and Wisdom’s Messiah
The Old Testament's poetic and wisdom books offer a unique perspective on the anticipated Messiah. These writings, including Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and others, express God's people's hopes, struggles, and faith in songs and sayings. Through these creative expressions, Israel's longing for a coming righteous king and wise savior was woven into worship and daily... Continue Reading →
Phillip W. Martin 