Showing results by author "Ricky LaVaughn" in All Categories

The book of Joel begins with an urgent and commanding tone, illustrating a locust swarm ravaging the land. It describes four different groups of locusts, each sequentially consuming as much as they can from the people. This natural catastrophe is portrayed as a result of the people’s disobedience and actions against God. Yet, the Lord’s love for His people stops Him from entirely abandoning them. Midway through, the tone shifts, and Joel offers a message of hope and an appeal for repentance. This message remains relevant for modern followers of God.

It was a period of significant wealth and territorial expansion. Under the reign of King Jeroboam II, Israel experienced prosperity and extended its borders. The prosperous thrived and appreciated the benefits brought forth by the king for both himself and his subjects. Despite these favorable circumstances, the king and the priests persisted in leading the populace away from divine worship, promoting the reverence of a pair of golden calves that symbolized a false deity.

Love One Another is a Biblical study on the First Epistle of John. This extensive multi-chapter work offers a comprehensive analysis of God’s love for everyone through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Throughout the text, John emphasizes specific truths and facts to the listeners, aligning them with the Divine will and desires of God. Aware of the ongoing societal pressures faced by the early church, John aimed to reassure believers that they serve a God who is vastly greater than any peril they might encounter.

There exists a psychological relief in the knowledge that one possesses the means to enjoy an exceptional lifestyle while traversing the globe, or in times of adversity, the resources to address such challenges. For reasons that defy explanation, numerous religious doctrines stigmatize discussions surrounding finances and monetary matters. Such topics are often approached as though they constitute a sin or an inherent evil; however, in actuality, they are neither. Wealth serves as a resource that grants individuals access to a diverse array of opportunities that life presents.

Stir Up The Gifts is a Biblical study on both books of Timothy. Paul wrote to inspire the young minister in being a leader for a church in Ephesus. God knew that Timothy would deal with a variety of situations and problems. Due to these issues, Paul wrote to the young man for help and instruction. These letters cover everything from how to be a leader, teaching people how to live, navigating societal norms, and being a generally good person in the community. Although this was for Timothy, we, in modern times, can use these letters for our enlightenment as well.

The Gospel of Mark is a Bible study on the book of Mark. It teaches us how to examine the life of Christ, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. The questions are crafted so you can learn about the character and actions of Jesus. By His example, you can go into the world and make a positive change in the community and all you meet. Not only do you learn how to interact with people, but personal changes and character development.

There is an epidemic of problems, misfortunes, trials, and tribulations infecting our lives. Everywhere a person goes, sees on television, and experience through social media is another disaster. Sometimes the problems come by way of nature through storms and extreme changes in weather. In other cases, we’re dealing with diseases, infections, and a literal pandemic mutating more often than hours in a day. To many of us, we’re suffering from physical, financial, social, spiritual, and psychological problems that seem to be relentless and exhausting.

The seventy years had come to an end, and now a group of exiles can finally return home. The only problem is that this new generation only knew the streets and walls of Babylon and Persia as their resting place. Nevertheless, God sent a message to the ruling King to return His people to their promised land. There was joy and excitement as the people returned to their fathers and grandfathers’ home known as Jerusalem. A mission was instructed, and resources were given for success. And then it happened.

Stop whoring with other gods and follow the real God of the universe. This was the basic message of Hosea to his people. He wanted to help the citizens of Israel and Judah continue a relationship with the God that lead their forefathers from the nadirs of slavery. Hosea showed God’s love not only with words but by action in marrying a prostitute. This unconventional marriage from the prophet was an active symbol of God’s love to people who worshiped man made idols and earthly creations. Restoring the Fallen is a Bible study on the book of Hosea to those who claim to be God’s people.

Offerings and Sacrifices, is about what we bring to God in worship and sometimes what it costs. We like the idea of gaining blessings and a relationship from God but hate the concept of sacrifice and giving something up to obtain it. Worship isn’t just about showing up at church, hearing a good message, singing a random song, being good for a few hours, and then returning to everyday life as though religion is nothing more than a pick me up. Worship is about preparing oneself to come in contact and commune with the Most High.

There is a current onslaught of lies and misinformation spread through various resources. The ability to disseminate false intelligence or slant the truth to benefit oneself is staggering. People can now use news media, create websites, manipulate social media, and disclose personal rumors to reap the rewards of the spread of negative information. Businesses convince customers to change their behavior, making them billions in profits. Political organizations stretch the truth to create hysteria or influence voters to empower their candidates.

“Yet Will I Trust Him”, is a Bible Study on the book of Job. In this life all people go through tragedy and trials. It’s a part of being human and living on this world. Everyone goes through their own problems and the Book of Job deals with this issue head on. Through a series of lessons, “Yet Will I Trust Him”, allows the listener to study the life of a man who suffered a series of misfortunes only to defend himself before society and God. Learn from him and become a stronger person. The book of Job has 42 chapters and this study is broken into 26 lessons.

“Your God Will Be My God” is a Biblical study on the book of Ruth exploring the various truths and lessons we can obtain from studying the title character. This book goes verse by verse into Ruth, comparing concepts and scriptures with many other Bible texts. Regardless of how you plan to study the book of Ruth, take your time and glean from the deep spiritual knowledge given.

In The Beginning is a detailed Bible Study on the book of Genesis. It covers all 50 chapters in twenty-six lessons that are designed for learning and application. Each lesson is divided into two sections. Part one covers the chapters directly from the Bible where as part two allows for deeper thinking and applying the knowledge on a personal level. Genesis is the foundation of the Bible because it states God as being the creator of all things. Then we see the people who proclaimed God but were not always perfect.

The Declaration is an exploration of the book of Zephaniah. It goes through verse by verse and highlights the important themes tailored made for the modern Christian. This Bible study covers topics such as the authority of God, meekness, leadership, and victory over tribulations. If you’re looking for a spiritual self-help book, then devouring the truth from Zephaniah is the best way to go. Be blessed and prepare for God’s declaration in your life.

Most people want to be great or excel at something. The problem isn't the dream but the work to make that dream a reality. As with all goals, there has to be a beginning. Prelude to Greatness is that start to encourage anyone who has a desire to become great in their Spiritual lives. This compact Bible study uses the tools given in the books of Titus and Philemon to help energize the path to reaching your personal goals of greatness.

It started as a rivalry between two brothers. Promised twins destined to be a nation with the older serving the younger. Esau, the elder of the two men whose loins produced the country of Edom, would often have conflicts with Jacob, whose group of sons formed Israel. Due to internal problems and strife, these two tribes, bonded by blood, would become a fester of pain and struggle towards each other in a land full of hostile empires and nations. During an exile of Israel, a message was sent by the prophet Obadiah to the people who lived on Mount Seir, known as the Edomites.

Out of Darkness is a compact Bible study that journeys through a portion of Jonah’s life. There was a call to action given to Jonah, and this prophet decided to do things his way. That mindset leads to a mysterious rescue and a change of behavior. Some of the themes in this book includes human frailties, inciting prejudices, and the compassion of God. Out of Darkness is perfect for individuals as well as church ministries wanting to encourage their people.