InPerspective

Exodus 15:19-21

Biblical biographies honestly record personal flaws and failures as well as strengths and triumphs – and Miriam is no exception. She was a great example of Godly female leadership, a proactive problem solver always seeking solutions – but Miriam was also a sinner saved by grace, for although she was a prophetess and leader she did falter and needed to repent and seek God's grace.

Exodus 15:19-21

The life of Moses may have turned out very differently were it not for his sister Miriam. Her quick thinking and decisive leadership as a godly woman not only helped preserve his survival, but ensured that he would enjoy the godly influence of his mother as he grew up in the household of Pharaoh. What insights can we draw from a closer look at the prophetess and leader, Miriam?

Colossians 2:16-17

Walking through a minefield will kill you without a map showing where the landmines are. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he reveals the Apostle Paul's warning map to the Colossians that exposed a deadly spiritual minefield

Hebrews 11:32-40 & Judges 13-17

Samson was a man of perplexing spiritual extremes. From birth, the Lord set Him aside as Israel's deliverer, and he performed remarkable feats of strength through the power of the Holy Spirit. And yet, he demonstrated a shocking propensity for immorality, disobedience, and spiritual adultery, with tragic consequences. How can we avoid the dangers of moral and spiritual compromise?

Judges 6-8

It is possible to achieve great victory in our spiritual lives – and yet, at the same time, lay the groundwork for devastating failure and loss down the road. God worked powerfully in and through Gideon – and yet, he faltered and did not finish well in his walk with the Lord. How can we prevent spiritual victory from turning into tragic failure and defeat?

Judges 6-8

God gave Gideon a rather unorthodox battle plan – take an army of 300 against over 200,000 Midianites, with weapons of jars, torches, and trumpets. This would appear to be an easy victory for the Midianites, but the Israelites had one huge advantage that made all the difference – they had the living God on their side, who had promised to bring them victory.

Judges 4 & 5

Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as Ruth, Esther, Sarah, and Rahab are a few examples of women in Scripture noteworthy for their faithfulness and commitment to the Lord – and Deborah is no exception. God raised up this mighty woman of faith and courage to inspire Barak to deliver the Israelites from the Canaanites, and her sterling example encourages us to find our strength in God alone.

Colossians 2:6-15

A pack of cigarettes comes with a warning label – but heresy and false teaching don't. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he exposes the false teaching and deceptive human philosophies that threatened the ancient Colossian church.

Judges 4 & 5

There is a cycle that is repeated throughout the book of Judges – God's people wander away to serve idols and false gods, God allows them to be punitively oppressed by their enemies, they cry out to the Lord, and God sends a judge to deliver them and bring peace to Israel. Today we examine this cyclical pattern in Israel's history and Deborah's unique role as spiritual leader and deliverer.

Many people constantly look back on their past mistakes and failures, and become paralyzed with regrets, guilt, and crippling fear of failure. John Mark stumbled in his walk with Christ but two factors got him back on the right track – the influence of godly mentors like Barnabas, Paul, and Peter coming alongside him, and his willing and teachable responsiveness to those mentors.

Paul and Barnabas made quite a team – but there arose such a sharp disagreement between the two, that they actually separated and went their own ways. They disagreed over John Mark's continuing role in their ministry as Paul's uncompromising passion for truth and the mission of the Gospel came into conflict with the compassionate heart for people and encouragement that Barnabas displayed.

Acts 15:22-41

The New Testament mentions Silas several times but does not really single him out for special attention – and you get the sense that Silas would not have it any other way. Silas was not a troublemaker or a magnet for conflict, nor a man seeking his own recognition or benefit. He was a bridge builder, a loyal and faithful companion for the Apostle Paul, and a pillar of support for the apostolic church.

Acts 15:22-41

We all know fictional heroes and their loyal sidekicks – Batman and Robin, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. But a real-life biblical hero, the Apostle Paul, had a faithful faithful sidekick who is often overlooked. Yet one might wonder if Paul's ministry would have been so effective without the steadfast faithfulness and support of godly companions like Silas.

Colossians 2:6-7

A pack of cigarettes comes with a warning label – but heresy and false teaching don't. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he exposes the false teaching and deceptive human philosophies that threatened the ancient Colossian church.

2 Samuel 7:4-17

What would you do if someone boldly confronted you about your sin? Many of us might instinctively try to defend ourselves or justify our behavior. But when Nathan rebuked King David for his iniquity, David repented and turned his heart again to the Lord. We need preachers in our day who like Nathan will boldly confront sin, uproot spiritual pride, and turn people back to Jesus Christ.

2 Samuel 7:4-17

Nathan was not only a prophet-preacher but a prophet-pastor and prophet-advisor who played a valuable role in the life of King David. As God worked in David's life through Nathan, He was also working in Nathan's life at the same time. Nathan was a prophet called by God who was not perfect, but is shown to be committed, pliable, teachable, and surrendered.

Genesis 5:18-24

It is said that there are only two certainties in life – death and taxes – and yet, in the pages of Genesis we meet a remarkable exception to this popular saying. Enoch walked closely with the Lord, spoke out against the ungodliness of his day, and pleased God with His life of faithfulness. Remarkably, he did not experience physical death, as one day God took Him away directly into His presence.

Genesis 5:18-24

The prophet Micah wrote, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Well, Enoch was a man who did just that, for Genesis chapter 5 tells us that Enoch walked with God. How can we follow in Enoch's footsteps and learn to walk closely with our God?