BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

The One Baptism Practiced in the New Testament

There are at least ten baptisms referred to in the New Testament. However, at the time Paul wrote Ephesians 4:5 he could say, "There is one baptism." In this lesson, those  many baptisms are considered briefly, the focus then turning to the one baptism which Paul affirms was practiced by the church revealed in the New Testament.  

Nahum 1:1-15

Nahum begins his prophecy with a picture of the Great I AM, a vivid description of His holiness, longsuffering, justice and ultimate righteous vengeance upon His enemies. Then the prophet turns to Nineveh and calls for her utter destruction because she is lifted up with pride against the Lord.

The Jews Try to Kill Jesus (John7:14-31)

In the middle of the feast of Tabernacles Jesus enters the Temple to teach the people. This creates an opportunity for Jesus to distinguish Himself from the rulers of the Jews as a teacher (John 7:18). This leads to a debate among the people as to the identity of Jesus, is He the Messiah (7:25-26). Jesus continues making the claims he has for these 18 months, "I am from Him and He hath sent me" (7:29). Because of these claims the Jews want to kill Him (7:1, 30). 

In Search of Ultimate Authority

Where does authority reside? Is it in the preacher? Is it in the elders? Do the churches have the authority? Where is the authority in religion to be found? This is an important and relevant question as we see confusion and division resulting from so many questions that men seem unable to resolve. Could it be avoided if we recongnized an ultimate authority?

Introduction to the Book of Nahum

One hundred years after the prophet Jonah visited Nineveh. God sent Nahum (Comfort) to announce the overthrow of the Assyrian nation by "an over-running flood" (1:8-10). Nahum preaches this message of divine judgment when Nineveh is the at its height military power and economic strength. There seems to be no stopping them, but God will make "an utter end," and they shall "be devoured as stubble fully dry."  

Cain & Abel

What is the spiritual signninficance of this tragic story of two brothers? Many have failed to properly consider the magnificient example of faith which Abel manifests. How is it that he being dead yet speaks to the believer today?

Jesus Goes Up to the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:1-13)

Jesus is challenged by His brethren about His claims and His miracles. Jesus responds to them diiferentiating Himself from the expectations of the worldly. Jesus' words of explanation to them should be considered by the church today so that it may understand its role and place in the world. 

Micah 7:11-20

Micah announces the glorious hope of the penitent remnant through the Messiah. Under the magnificient figure of the Shepherd King Micah describes the peace and prosaperity God's people will enjoy in the eternal Kingdom of Christ.

Micah 6:9-7:10

Jehovah states His second complaint in the indictment against Judah. They have stored up their wickedness. They lie, cheat, and steal from the poor and the weak. They have formed a cabal of violence and oppression  between the rich and the powerful. God is sick of them and He will make them sick. The good man has perished from the land; judgment is coming. However, there is hope for the penitent remnant who will suffer persecution as well as the consequences of the sins of the wicked. 

Away from the Manger

Everyone loves a baby! Perhaps the most popular baby born in the history of the world is Jesus of Nazareth. However, the popularity of this babe lying swaddled in a manger is misleading. That baby grew into the Son of Man, the Son of God. Arguably, the most unpopular man in the history of the world. Let's consider what we should learn from this baby in the manger.