An introduction to the book of Lamentations, focusing on grim hardships (similar to Paul's perils) Christians may face in the future.

Ecclesiastes teaches us to rejoice when times are good and to reflect soberly when times are bad. Adversity is a tool God uses to create something beautiful.

Paul is brought before King Agrippa to make his defense. Paul gives his testimony and preaches the gospel. Agrippa is impressed but Paul appeals to Caesar.

In Carly Simon's song 'Anticipation,' she wonders whether the present moment of joy will last into the future or turn into disillusionment.

Paul established his identity and credentials as a Jew in order to build a foundation from which to provide a logical defense of his 'apostasy'.

Acts 27 teaches that we must distinguish among several types of suffering. Regardless of the type of suffering, we must remember that God will deliver us.

Paradoxically, when God seems to be silent, He is feverishly at work micro-managing what otherwise appears as insignificant details.

Some people cannot seem to realize a blessing if it slaps them across the face! Ingratitude can hold a person back in his or her relationship with God.

Daniel foretells of a leader who will 'wear out the saints of the Most High.' Though we may feel worn out now, we will prevail in the end if we stay the course.

Of all people, one might think, Christians should be the most blessed, yet they often fall under heavy trials. Why does God allow this? What is His purpose?

The Bible certainly applies to true Christians, but sometimes individual verses do not apply to us at all (i.e. instructions for ministers when we are not one).

Contentment does not come without work, but must be developed as the result of weathering trials by the faith of Christ.

The most dangerous lap we encounter is when everyone around us tends to be compromising. Today, what was once aberrant behavior is now considered normal.

Affliction is a necessary aspect of life, yielding strength of character, while ease and comfort weaken us. Christ was perfected as High Priest through suffering.

Daniel 7:25 reveals the strategy of the enemy: a concerted effort of the Beast to physically, mentally, and if possible, spiritually wear out the saints.

Luke had the gift of an investigative journalist, presenting the words in a plain, logical, orderly fashion, making matters crystal clear.

Paul encountered persecution but also saw his work bear fruit. He was driven from the synagogue, but paradoxically won over its leader, Crispus.

Paul enjoins God's people to enlist as soldiers of Christ, enduring hardship, keeping themselves from the world, and putting on armor for spiritual battle.

In God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.

The phrase 'first day of the week' is used 8 times in scripture, but none does away with the Sabbath nor establishes Sunday as the 'Lords Day.'

The Cretan people had earned the reputation of duplicity. Church members faced the consequences of being tarred with the same brush—sometimes deservedly.

God is absolutely faithful to finish what He started, knowing the end from the beginning. Our strength is dependent upon the relationship we have with God.