Steven J. Cole

When we have been caught in a storm while hiking, it's always a relief to find a place of refuge. Today, the family is caught in a cultural storm: anger, spouse abuse, sexual unfaithfulness, divorce, and child abuse are some of the storms that disrupt Christian homes. But God wants our homes to be a refuge of love, where our relationships with one another demonstrate God's love in Christ to a world caught in destructive storms. These chapters provide help on how to make your home that refuge of love.

Ezra and Nehemiah were written to the remnant that was brave enough to return to the land of Israel after the Babylonian captivity. But restoration had not gone smoothly or quickly. Enemies threatened their security. The temple finally was rebuilt, but lacked the glory of Solomon's temple. The walls of Jerusalem were torn down. God used Ezra and Nehemiah to encourage and strengthen the people toward spiritual renewal and rebuilding.These books also speak directly to our times when the church is a tiny minority in a spiritually hostile culture. If you know Christ as Savior and Lord, you stand in continual need of renewal in your walk with Him. We all need frequent renewal because it's easy to settle into a humdrum spiritual routine. It's easy to let our first love for Christ grow dim.

Most of us would agree that we live in unusually dark times. The prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi wrote to let some discouraged people living in difficult times to know that God offers hope and light for dark times.

Have you ever wondered whether you are truly saved? Most Christians have. But how can you know for sure? The letter of First John gives some answers. John presents three tests by which we can know that we know Christ: the test of belief in the person of Christ, the eternal God who came in the flesh; the test of obedience to Christ's commandments; and the test of genuine love for other believers. The apostle wrote so that we can apply these tests personally, but also so that we can identify and steer clear of false teachers who infiltrate the church. Also, he is not looking at perfection in keeping these tests, but rather at direction. Are you walking on the path that John sets forth? Is this the normal direction of your life?The short letter of Second John gives a prescription for a healthy church. Third John tells you how to have a truly prosperous soul.

Do you struggle with prayer? I sure do I don't find it easy. Often, I must admit, it's more of a duty than a delight. These eleven studies examine thirteen different Old Testament characters (the final study looks at three men) who laid hold of God in prayer, most of them in difficult times or circumstances. I need to review these lessons repeatedly because I tend to keep slipping backward in my prayer life. If you can relate to my struggles, maybe the Lord will use these truths from His Word to help you persevere in prayer.

O the joy of seeing through God's Word to the source of all goodness, joy, peace and strength. This book is an invitation to go deeper still. Pastor Steven J. Cole explains and applies the letter to the Philippians through twenty-eight chapters. Just like in the letter, a whole variety of topics and issues are addressed. Expository teaching and application questions at the end of each chapter puts us face-to-face with these same issues and choices.May these writings stir up your meditations on His Word in order to see and know God, in whose presence is the fullness of joy, enduring joy.