A Closer Look at God's Word

Mini Meditations 25In God’s Word we are told to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.” And God has also said . . . “Come now, and let us reason together.” So, which is it? Should a Christian operate on faith or reason? In this lesson, we will find that there is a legitimate place in God’s plan for both.Transcript is here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/025-Faith_and_Reason.pdf

Mini Meditations 24In this lesson, we will explore some amazing things about God’s ability to remember and His promise to forget the sins that are covered by the blood of Christ. We will also see how God has guarded against man’s tendency to forget their Creator—both in the case of Israel—and the Bride of Christ.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/024-Remembering_and-_Forgetting.pdf

Mini Meditations 23Joshua 3:11-13 is a thrilling account of the Children of Israel crossing the Jordan on dry ground. As far as the priests were concerned, it was a step of faith. They must walk into the Jordan—depending on God’s promise to stop those raging waters. In this lesson, we will see how every aspect of this crossing pictures the Lord Jesus on the cross as He bore our sin debt—right back to Adam.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/023-The_Crossing_of_the_Jordan.pdf

Mini Meditations 222 Samuel 10:1-3 records an event in which King David’s motives were seriously misjudged by King Hanun and the results were devastating. In like manner, when Adam and Eve misjudged God’s motives, the results were devastating. But there is some good news, and it’s found in this lesson.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/022-Misjudging_God.pdf

Mini Meditations 21One way in which man is made in the image of God is that he is a triune being, having a body, soul, and spirit. So, when Jesus became a man, a full member of the Trinity became a member of the human trinity. Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/021-The_Image_of_God.pdf

Mini Meditations 20“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” How can a yoke be easy? How could Jesus’ burden be light? In this lesson, we will discover that Jesus really knew what He was talking about.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/020-His_Yoke.pdf

Mini Meditations 19Jesus was always aware of God’s timetable, and He was determined to follow it. During His public ministry, His life had been repeatedly threatened, and He miraculously walked away from danger. But when God’s hour had come for Jesus to die, He willingly gave His life on the cross for you and me.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/019-Jesus_Wrist_Watch.pdf

Mini Meditations 18Jesus was continually hindered by the fact that some people didn’t believe in Him. His neighbours in Nazareth didn’t believe He was the Messiah. His own half-brothers didn’t believe in Him. This lesson ends by challenging Christians to believe in Jesus’ ability to meet all their needs. Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/018-Jesus_Limitations.pdf

Mini Meditations 17For the Old Testament Jew, the temple was the focal point for prayer. That belief goes back to Solomon’s prayer of dedication. In that prayer, he recognized the fact that God is everywhere. However, he asked God to graciously fill that holy structure with His divine presence.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/017-The_Location_of_God.pdf

Mini Meditations 16In this lesson, we will see how Jesus took the remnants of the Passover meal and forged them into a new memorial that would bind the church to Himself and to their fellow Christians.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/016-The_Lords_Supper.pdf

Mini Meditations 15In this lesson, we will see how the first sacrifice, offered in the Garden of Eden, was a perfect representation of Jesus Who is both our substitute and our covering.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/015-The_First_Sacrifice.pdf

Mini Meditations 14Abraham and Moses were special vessels set aside for a special purpose. However, it would be years before their practical sanctification caught up with their positional sanctification. It was the same with Jesus’ disciples, and it is the same with Christians. But God is working on us to make us more like Jesus.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/014-Progressive_Sanctification.pdf

Mini Meditations 13As Jesus looked down from the mountain and saw His disciples “. . . straining at rowing” in the midst of the troubled sea, so He both sees and cares for us in the midst of our trials and tribulations. Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/013-Jesus_Care_For_His_Disciples.pdf

Mini Meditations 12During those 40 days of temptation in the wilderness, what was Satan’s agenda when he offered Jesus temptation number two and temptation number three? Well, they were shortcuts—an easy way to obtain success at the cost of disobeying His Heavenly Father.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/012-Shortcuts.pdf

Mini Meditations 11When Jesus visited His hometown of Nazareth for the second time, His neighbours just couldn’t believe that He was the Messiah. The result was “. . . He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.” Not that He would not, but He could not do many mighty works there. For Someone who had flung the stars into space, that was a shocking statement.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/011-Limiting_the_Lord.pdf

Mini Meditations 10At the height of Jesus’ Judean campaign,  John’s disciples came to Him as He was preaching and asked the question . . . “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” It might surprise you how Jesus handled this embarrassing situation.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/010-An_Embarrassing_Situation.pdf

Mini Meditations 09Jesus made it clear that the religious leaders were His enemies. “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.” Christians are also engaged in a war, “. . . against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” And, as in any battle, you need to know where the front line is. When you have a front line, you have the comfort of knowing your enemies are in front of you and your friends are behind you.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/009-The_Front_Line.pdf

Mini Meditations 08Sometimes we try to fool ourselves and others concerning the real reason for our actions. For instance, during Jesus’ earthly ministry, the religious leaders wanted to kill Him because He was interfering with their control over the people. But the religious reason they gave for wanting to eliminate Him was—He was guilty of blasphemy. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but it would cost him too much to offend Caesar. And there are other interesting situations that we will discover in this lesson.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/008-Reasons.pdf

Mini Meditations 07After the disciples had worked so hard to proclaim the kingdom—a kingdom that seemed to be just around the corner—they found that the kingdom and their place in it was gone. And not only that, but their Messiah would soon be gone. However, amid their sorrows and disappointments, Jesus told them . . . “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/007-Our_Place.pdf

Mini Meditations 06Ironically, the mocking that was going on around the cross was both cruel and clever. The general crowd and the religious leaders said much the same thing . . . “Come down from the cross.” And one of the criminals made this suggestion: “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” The soldiers mockingly said . . . “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” But why describe this mocking as cruel? Well, there was something else going on here. Using that crowd as his mouthpiece, Satan was doing his best to bring Jesus down from the cross and sidestep His Father’s plan of salvation.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/006-Cruel_Mocking.pdf

Mini Meditations 05 Like a Good Shepherd, Jesus could say. . . “Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” And, on the cross, He would redeem our soul and spirit. And someday, when Jesus comes back for His church, He will complete His work by redeeming our body. As Philippians 3:21 tells us, Jesus . . . “will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body.”Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/005-Complete_Redemption.pdf

Mini Meditations 04 Privilege often entails responsibility. For instance, Peter, James, and John had a closer relationship to Jesus than the other disciples. However, in the Garden of Gethsemane, they were told to . . . “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation”, while the others were only told to sit here . . . “while I go and pray over there.” Being a friend of Jesus is an unbelievable privilege— and one we don’t deserve—but it does make many demands on our lives.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/004-Close_to_Jesus.pdf

Mini Meditations 03 When someone evaluates another person, they often reveal more about themselves than the one they are evaluating. For instance, the lady with the alabaster flask, the traitor Judas, and the two thieves on the cross had very different opinions of Jesus. And you know what? Their opinions of Jesus determined their eternal destiny.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/003-Evaluation.pdf

Mini Meditations 02In this lesson, we will see how the tests that Jesus met and conquered at the end of those 40 days of temptations in the wilderness were a preparation for the temptations He would meet while on the cross.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/002-Jesus_Temptations.pdf

Mini Meditations 01In this lesson, we will see Jesus setting aside His legitimate desires in favour of His Father’s will. He did that in the Garden of Gethsemane, during His various interrogations, and at the cross on Calvary. We will also see a foreshadowing of some of these events in Father Abraham and his own beloved son, Isaac.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Nevertheless.pdf

Lesson 18 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.Jesus began His public ministry in a land that was deeply divided, both politically and religiously. To make a long story short, the Jews living in Judea had no dealings with Samaritans and looked down their noses at the Galileans. In this lesson, we will see how Jesus handled this complicated and volatile situation.(End of Miscellaneous Messages)Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson18-The_Stranger_of_Galilee.pdf

Lesson 17 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.When Israel entered the promised land, each tribe received their own piece of real estate. To secure that property, God set up landmarks that were not to be altered. Spiritually speaking, God has set up landmarks in our conscience, and He expects our obedience. At the same time, Satan encourages us to rebel. However, as Christians, we can have victory in Jesus.Transcript is here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson17-Ancient_Landmarks.pdf

Lesson 16 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.This lesson is all about home. John the Baptist left his home and would never return, giving his whole life for God’s service. Jesus left His home in Nazareth and returned twice. The first time, His neighbours tried to throw Him over a cliff, and the second time, they would not believe that He was the Messiah. In the Upper Room, Jesus promised His disciples—and all who would believe in Him as their Saviour—that someday He would “. . . come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson16-Going_Home.pdf

Lesson 15 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.Jesus cleverly employed the parable of the sheepfold to reveal many things. For example, the sheepfold is used to represent Old Testament law, and the shepherd pictures Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus is also portrayed as the door to heaven. Lastly, Jesus mentions "other sheep" and "another fold," referring to the Gentile nations that He will bring into the church of Jesus Christ. And there is much more in this lesson that reveals the character and authority of Jesus.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson15-The_Shepherd_and_the_Judge.pdf

Lesson 14 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.My Dad had a big, strong horse who had been a marvellous asset. But, as time went on, King became so uncontrollable that my father had to sell him. Peter was a lot like that horse. He was strong and brave, but at times almost uncontrollable. When Jesus called Peter, He told him He would make him a fisher of men, and despite everything, He kept that promise.Transcript is here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson14-Persevering_with_Peter.pdf

Lesson 13 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.A rich young man came to Jesus with a question that many of us have asked: “. . . what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” This lesson contains Jesus’ answer, and it might surprise some of you. He said “. . . With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This lesson explains why He said that.Transcript is here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson13-The_Rich_Young_Ruler.pdf

Lesson 12 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.Technically speaking, misconceptions are not deliberate lies, but they are untrue. For instance, before 1492, everyone believed the Earth was flat. That was a common misconception. But for most people who never travelled very far, it didn’t matter whether it was true or not. Jesus’ case was quite different. He had to deal with many misconceptions that were both misleading and harmful. In this lesson, we will see how He handled these misconceptions. Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson12-Misconceptions.pdf

Lesson 11 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.When Abraham described God as . . . “the Judge of all the earth,” he was correct in his description. Yes, as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, God has the right to evaluate and judge all the nations of the earth. This lesson describes some of God’s many agendas, and although somewhat rambling, contains some valuable lessons for Christians.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson13-The_Rich_Young_Ruler.pdf

Lesson 10 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.The war began in heaven and has spilled over onto the earth. Since that fateful day when Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan’s temptations, spiritual warfare has prevailed in our world. However, Ephesians 6:11 encourages the Christian to . . . “Put on the whole armour of God” that we . . . “may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” And as an example of endurance, we have Jesus Who both endured the temptations in the wilderness and the sufferings on the cross.Transcript is here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson10-Boot_Camp.pdf

Lesson 09 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, the Apostle Paul is dealing with a dispute between two Christians in which one Christian had taken the other to court. After commenting on all aspects of the situation, Paul makes his judgment: It is better to accept wrong at the hands of another Christian than risk turning unbelievers away from Christ, their only hope of salvation.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson09_Lawsuits_between_Christians.pdf

Lesson 08 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.As we go through life, we are continually evaluating those around us. So, it’s not surprising that someone like Jesus would generate a multitude of opinions. In this lesson, we will witness the proper perception, a total lack of perception, a misguided perception and a distorted perception of Jesus. And you know what? Our perception of Jesus will determine our eternal destiny.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson08-Popular_Perceptions_of_Jesus.pdf

Lesson 07 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.God gave Israel prophets, priests and kings, some of whom failed badly. However, they were only the imperfect type of Jesus, God’s Prophet, Priest and King.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson07-Jesus_the_Prophet.pdf

Lesson 06 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.In this lesson, we will be discussing the sovereignty of God and man’s free will. We will also be looking at three of God’s chosen vessels: Samuel, Sampson, and John the Baptist.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson06-God_Chosen_Vessels.pdf

Lesson 05 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.The principle of indwelling, both physical and spiritual, is woven into God’s plans and strategies. As an example, in creation, we have a mighty oak inside the tiny acorn. Spiritually speaking, God’s marvellous plan of salvation and the driving power behind the church of Jesus Christ involves the principle of indwelling. And there are many more examples that we will discuss in this lesson.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson05-The_Principle_of_Indwelling.pdf

Lesson 04 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.1 Timothy chapter 3 is all about the qualifications of elders and deacons. In a word, an elder’s responsibility is to shepherd the flock of God, while the deacon’s responsibility is to assist the elders.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson04-01Timothy03_01-16.pdf

Lesson 03 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.Did you know that the Gospel of John was written about 20 years after the rest of the New Testament was completed? By this time,  a false doctrine had taken root, attacking Jesus’ perfect manhood and His divinity..John’s Gospel is the answer to this attack, proving the legitimacy of Jesus’ equal membership in the Godhead.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson03-John01_and_Historical_Introduction.pdf

Lesson 02 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.In this lesson, we will discover that Eve’s unique creation foreshadows the special relationship that exists between Christ and His church. And the Old and New Testament scriptures contain several other types of  Christ and His bride.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson02-The_Bride_of_Christ.pdf

Lesson 01 of 18 of Miscellaneous Messages.In this lesson, we will be looking at tribulation from many different sides. It can drive us away from God or it can bring us nearer to Jesus. It all depends on our evaluation of this almost daily force in our lives.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lesson01-Tribulations.pdf

Lesson 10 of 10.In this chapter, we have a description of the spiritual warfare that is mounted against the believer and God’s armour that has been provided for his protection.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ephesians06_10-24.pdf

Lesson 09 of 10.The relationship of Christ to His Bride, the church, is a blueprint for acceptable behaviour within Christian families.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ephesians05_22-33and06_01-09.pdf

Lesson 08 of 10.In this lesson, we see the walk of the believer as God’s dear child. As such, we should walk in love, avoid the sins of immorality, covetousness, and foolish talking.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ephesians05_01-21.pdf

Lesson 07 of 10.We have now progressed from the blessings bestowed upon the believer to his or her practical walk as a new man in Christ.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ephesians04_17-32.pdf

Lesson 06 of 10.Here we see the gifts of the risen Christ that have been bestowed upon individual believers for the building up of the church.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ephesians04_07-16.pdf

Lesson 05 of 10.In this lesson, we see the seven unities of the Church of Jesus Christ. Namely, one body, one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ephesians04_01-06.pdf

Lesson 04 of 10.The subject of this chapter is The Church, a mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages but has now been revealed to His apostles and prophets by the Spirit.Transcript here: https://closerlook.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ephesians03_01-21.pdf