Sword of the Spirit

Apocalyptic Writing

November 19, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Revelation 1—3

The letter of Revelation is a specific type of literature filled with vivid symbolic imagery that is connected to various Old Testament passages. While it can be difficult for us to understand, the author encourages us to read it and follow its instruction. We are reminded that God will one day vindicate His people and make all things new, and the hope that comes from this promise motivates us to be faithful now.

The Letters, Part 2

November 12, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Philippians 2:1–8

A common theme in the New Testament letters is to love God and love others. In Philippians 2, Paul writes that this happens as we have the mind of Christ and walk in humility. This important character trait is infused into our hearts as we trust in God to give us the desire and power to obey Him.

The Letters, Part 1

November 5, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Romans 15:1–7

Romans is commonly thought of as Paul's theological masterpiece, but the last five chapters instruct believers how to practically apply the doctrines he lays our in the first portion of the letter. In Romans 15, we see that Jesus is our example for how we are to live out our faith ... and it has much to do with how we live together with other people.

The Gospels/Early Church History

October 29, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Matthew 5

First century Jews wanted a messiah who would conquer the Roman Empire and set them free from foreign rule. However, Jesus came in humility and taught a message of service and sacrifice. Which Jesus are we following: the Jesus we selfishly want or the Jesus we see on the pages of Scripture?

The Minor Prophets

October 22, 2023 • Brian Morrison • Jonah 2

Jonah was called by God to confront a foreign nation with their sin so they would repent and turn to the Lord. Rather than obey, Jonah went the opposite direction. He allowed his own opinion of that nation to cloud his calling. We must learn from this and lay down our opinions about people as we follow God's call to make disciples.

The Major Prophets

October 15, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Ezekiel 37:1–14, Jeremiah 31:31–34

Into the barren landscape of a destroyed Jerusalem and its exiled inhabitants, God sent a prophet named Ezekiel. He had conveyed messages of warning before calamity struck, and then God gave to him a striking vision that would acknowledge Israel’s current state and also what lie ahead.

The Books of Poetry and Wisdom

October 8, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Psalm 42

Biblical poetry uses the creativity, artistry and beauty of literature to convey powerful truths about the Lord and humanity. In Psalm 42, the author was inspired to use literary devices to convey a longing for God that was the result of a troubling time, and how he made the choice to trust in God rather than run from Him.

The Books of History, Part 2

October 1, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Nehemiah 9, Luke 15:1–7

The history of Israel as seen in the Old Testament tells the story of the nation's rebellion against God, consequences of those choices, God's faithfulness to His people even in their sin and His provision for them to turn back to Him once again. Our story is much the same, though we live under a new covenant. Though these writings are ancient, we can still draw practical applications from them today.

The Books of History, Part 1

September 24, 2023 • Dan Londeree • 1 Samuel 16:1–13

Using the inductive method of Bible study, we walk through 1 Samuel 16 where we read about God choosing a new king for Israel. This method allows each of us to read, study and apply God's Word to our lives, and draw closer to our Heavenly Father.

The Books of the Law

September 17, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Genesis 22:18, Genesis 12:3

The books of the law are filled with the themes of human rebellion, God's judgment of sin, His grace in providing redemption and fulfilling His promises. As we consider the original intent of these writings, we are then able to apply them to our lives in light of the new covenant of redemption through Jesus.

The Journey Begins

September 10, 2023 • Dan Londeree • Joshua 1:8, James 1:19–22

The Bible is a complex collection of writings that can be confusing if we don't know how to interact with it. Our new series is meant to help tackle that problem by providing teaching and resources that help us better understand God's Word ... and allow Him to transform us as we immerse ourselves in it over a lifetime.

Pea Ridge Baptist Church

Transformed by the Word of God