The BIG Picture (Shorts)

“Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” (Jon.1:17) Jonah learned the hard way that running from God is a futile journey. Yet, even in the darkest depths of the sea, God’s preparation of the fish was not a sign of execution, but of preservation. When we look at scripture dispensationally, we see a God who keeps His promises and works all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph.1:11). Israel ran, yet God preserved them; Jonah ran, yet God rescued him. God is not looking to destroy you when you falter; He is calling you to listen to His voice. His plans for us are always rooted in His rich mercy and grace. When we stop running and simply listen to His word, we find that His desire has always been our ultimate good. We do not serve a harsh taskmaster, but a loving Father who has already blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Eph.1:3). He knows what is best for us, and His ar...

Philippians 2:12 declares, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” At first glance, this verse might sound like a call to earn salvation, but that’s not what this verse teaches. It’s about living out what Christ has already done for us. Paul begins with “wherefore,” pointing back to Christ’s example in Philippians 2:6-11. Jesus humbled Himself, obeyed unto death on the cross, and was exalted by God. Because of His finished work—not ours—we’re saved by faith in the gospel of His death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins (1Co 15:1-4). By faith, we are declared righteous and are at peace with God.  “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:1-2 Salvation isn’t something ...