A Prayer of Intercession (Lamentations 5)

When I conclude an in-depth evaluation of a personality like Jeremiah, I feel I am parting with a friend. The Scriptures, inspired by the LORD, have a unique and powerful way of communicating not only the heart of God but also the personality and struggles of His servants. Thank you for participating in this study.…

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The Consequences of National Sins (Lamentations 4)

Extended before Jeremiah were the ruins of Jerusalem, with its streets strewn with rubble and the bodies of the dead in the midst. He spent his life calling on the people to repent and turn to the Lord, but they refused and continued in sin and idolatry. As Jeremiah surveyed the scene before him, he…

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Three “Good Things” Believers Should Embrace (Lamentations 3)

In Lamentations 3, the longest chapter in this small prophetic book, Jeremiah’s expressions take on a personal tone. The prophet lived to see all he prophesied against Judah come to pass. Left behind with the poor, Jeremiah gazes upon a scene of devastation. The Temple is destroyed, the palaces and homes of the city are…

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The Anger of the LORD for the Sins of His People (Lamentations 2)

Our brief study of “The Lamentations of Jeremiah” continues today in Lamentations 2. The mention of “Zion” throughout this chapter is Jerusalem.1 The people of Jerusalem boasted, “The Temple of the LORD, The Temple of the LORD” (Jeremiah 7:4), and believed the LORD would not permit the heathen to enter the city and defile His…

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Jeremiah’s Lament: Jerusalem’s Humiliation (Lamentations 1)

Though only five chapters, the book recording “The Lamentations of Jeremiah” is powerful, poetic, and a devastating portrait of the consequences of sin. As its name suggests, Lamentations records Jeremiah’s laments, cries, and groanings. As he gazed upon the rubble of King David’s once beautiful and renowned city, Jeremiah was overwhelmed with sorrow for the…

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Why a Local Church Bible Institute?

The desire of Heritage Baptist Church is to win souls to Christ and train those disciples to live for Him. Since September 1996, our church has provided a ministry we call the Heritage Discipleship Institute (HDI) to provide an opportunity for believers in our local church to fulfill this goal. Our HDI has been a…

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Christ’s Genealogy

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1 The Old Testament begins with a genealogy list in Genesis 5:1 revealing how it all started with Adam. This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness…

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Purposes of Predictive Prophecy (Part 2)

God intends prophecy to have a definite impact on people. Commentators and hermeneutics texts warn us not to misconstrue the intent of prophetic passages. Much of what they say is helpful; what’s curious is what is left unsaid or even denigrated. Many interpreters downplay some purposes that seem not only self-evident but Scripturally emphasized. The…

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Purposes of Predictive Prophecy (Part 1)

Why has God given revelation in the form of prophecy? And why so much? What is the goal of prophecy? Or are there multiple intended effects? A number of passages answer these questions. The answers are surprisingly diverse. Some passages corroborate what many interpreters emphasize about the purpose of prophecy. Other passages emphasize answers that…

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You Don’t Have to Choose a Word for the Year

We’re almost at the time of year when bloggers start considering their word for the next year. For many, choosing a word for the year replaces a list of resolutions. That one word gives them focus for the year. Christians who do this usually pray about it leading up to the new year and feel…

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