the First Week of Advent
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Bible Commentaries
Ironside's Notes on Selected Books Ironside's Notes
Old Testament
Laws on sacrifices, purity, and holiness, guiding Israel's worship and community life. Joshua
Israel's conquest, division of Canaan, and Joshua's leadership in settling the Promised Land. 1 Kings
Solomon's reign, the temple's construction, and the kingdom's division after his death. 2 Kings
Chronicles the history of Israel and Judah, detailing the reigns of their kings and the fall of Jerusalem. Ezra
The return from exile, rebuilding the temple, and reestablishing the Law in Jerusalem. Nehemiah
Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore the community's faithfulness. Esther
A Jewish queen's courage saves her people from a plot of genocide in Persia. Psalms
A collection of songs and prayers expressing worship, lament, thanksgiving, and praise to God. Proverbs
Wisdom sayings offering guidance on moral living, relationships, and the fear of God. Song of Solomon
A poetic celebration of love, expressing deep romantic and spiritual devotion between lovers. Isaiah
Prophecies of judgment and redemption, foretelling the Messiah's coming and Israel's restoration. Jeremiah
Warnings of Jerusalem's destruction, calls for repentance, and promises of a new covenant. Lamentations
Poems mourning Jerusalem's destruction and expressing deep sorrow, yet hope in God's mercy. Ezekiel
Visions and prophecies of Jerusalem's fall, Israel's restoration, and a future temple. Daniel
Stories of faithfulness in exile and visions of future kingdoms and God's ultimate victory. Hosea
A prophet's marriage symbolizes God's steadfast love for unfaithful Israel, calling for repentance. Joel
Prophecies of a locust plague, judgment, and the outpouring of God's Spirit. Amos
A call for social justice, condemning Israel's complacency and predicting divine judgment. Obadiah
Prophecy against Edom for its betrayal of Israel, foretelling its destruction. Jonah
A reluctant prophet's mission to Nineveh, highlighting God's mercy towards repentance. Micah
Warnings of judgment, calls for justice, and prophecies of a future ruler from Bethlehem. Nahum
The impending fall of Nineveh as God's judgment against Assyrian cruelty. Habakkuk
A prophet questions God's justice, leading to a vision of divine sovereignty and faith. Zephaniah
Prophecies of judgment on Judah and surrounding nations, with promises of restoration. Haggai
Encouragement to rebuild the temple after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's presence. Zechariah
Visions and prophecies encouraging the returned exiles, foretelling the Messiah's coming. Malachi
A call to covenant faithfulness, addressing Israel's spiritual apathy, and predicting Elijah's return.
New Testament
Jesus' life, teachings, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies as the Messiah. Mark
A fast-paced account of Jesus' ministry, focusing on his actions and sacrificial death. Luke
Jesus' life, emphasizing compassion for the marginalized and the universal scope of salvation. John
Theological reflections on Jesus as the Word of God, focusing on his divine nature and mission. Acts
The early church's growth, the apostles' ministry, and the spread of the Gospel. Romans
A theological treatise on salvation, grace, faith, and righteousness through Jesus Christ for all. 1 Corinthians
Paul addresses divisions, immorality, and spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. 2 Corinthians
Paul's defense of his apostleship, his sufferings, and the power of God's grace. Galatians
Paul's defense of the Gospel of grace against legalism, emphasizing faith in Christ alone. Ephesians
Paul's teachings on the church's unity, spiritual blessings in Christ, and Christian conduct. Philippians
A letter of joy and encouragement, urging humility and faithfulness amid persecution. Colossians
Paul's emphasis on Christ's supremacy and warnings against false teachings. 1 Thessalonians
Encouragement to a young church, with teachings on holiness and Christ's return. 2 Thessalonians
Clarifications about Christ's return and exhortations to stand firm in faith. 1 Timothy
Guidance for church leadership, sound teaching, moral conduct, and defending the truth of the gospel. 2 Timothy
Paul's final exhortations to Timothy, emphasizing perseverance and faithfulness. Titus
Instructions for establishing order in the church, promoting sound doctrine, and living with integrity. Philemon
A personal appeal for the forgiveness and restoration of a runaway slave, Onesimus. Hebrews
An insightful look at Christ's supremacy, priesthood, and the fulfillment of prophecies. James
Practical wisdom on living out one's faith through good works and righteous behavior. 1 Peter
Encouragement for suffering Christians to remain faithful and hopeful in their trials. 2 Peter
A reminder to grow in faith, resist false teachings, and remain steadfast awaiting His return. 1 John
Teachings on love, obedience, and assurance of salvation through fellowship with God. 2 John
A letter encouraging love, obedience to God's commands, caution against teachings that deny Christ's truth. 3 John
A personal letter commending hospitality and warning against arrogance in church leadership. Jude
A strong warning against false teachers and a passionate call to defend the faith and uphold the truth. Revelation
Apocalyptic visions of God's ultimate victory, Christ's return, and the new heaven and earth.
Author's Biography
Harry A. Ironside
Harry A. Ironside (1876-1951) was a prominent Canadian-American preacher, theologian, and writer, renowned for his evangelical work and profound influence on Christian thought in the early to mid-20th century. Born in Toronto, Canada, Ironside's early years were marked by hardship and a deep quest for spiritual truth. His family faced financial difficulties, and Ironside was introduced to religion through his devoutly Christian mother. Despite lacking formal theological training, Ironside's voracious reading and innate understanding of the Bible led him to start preaching at a young age.
Ironside's ministry began in the Salvation Army, but he soon became associated with the Plymouth Brethren, through which he found his theological home. His itinerant preaching took him across North America, where his profound biblical knowledge, eloquent speaking, and engaging writing won him many followers. Ironside was known for his clear, direct preaching style that made complex theological concepts accessible to a wide audience.
In 1930, Ironside became the pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago, where he served for almost two decades. His leadership period was marked by growth and a deepening of the church's evangelical mission. Ironside's literary legacy is vast; he authored over 100 books and pamphlets, focusing on biblical commentary, Christian living, and eschatology. His works, such as "Lectures on the Book of Revelation" and "Notes on the Book of Proverbs," remain influential in Christian circles.
Ironside's contribution to evangelical Christianity extended beyond the pulpit and the printed page. He was a passionate defender of the faith, engaging in debates and discussions that helped shape conservative Christian theology. His emphasis on the inerrancy of the Bible, salvation through faith in Christ, and the importance of living a holy life influenced generations of believers.
Harry A. Ironside's legacy as a preacher, teacher, and writer continues to impact Christian thought. His commitment to spreading the gospel and explaining the Scriptures with clarity and conviction made him one of the most respected Christian leaders of his time.
