July 17, 2013

What All Men Have in Common

Handshake

People are different. Sadly, there are some who unfairly judge or even hate others simply because they are of a different race, culture, economic class, etc. Christians are to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24) and “abound in love for one another, and for all people” (1 Thessalonians 3:12). In order to do this, we need to remember what all men have in common rather than focus too much on certain differences that may exist.

In this article, we will consider seven things which all of us have in common.
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July 3, 2013

“Do Not Let Your Heart Envy Sinners”

Bar

Christians are not to be envious of anyone since “envying” is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Yet it is particularly important that we not envy those who live their lives in such a way that is contrary to the will of God. Solomon gave a clear warning: “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always” (Proverbs 23:17).

Why did Solomon have to explicitly state that God’s people were not to be envious of those who were not of His people? Sadly it is because it is common for the righteous to envy the unrighteous. Notice the words of the psalmist: “For I was envious of the arrogant as I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:3).
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May 30, 2013

The Application of Wisdom: Teachings About God (Part 1)

Notes on Proverbs

The final point of application in our study of Proverbs has to do with God and our relationship to Him. The entire book of Proverbs has been a discussion of the wisdom that comes from above. Of course, the source of this wisdom is God Himself. But without understanding God and our place before Him, it would be difficult for us to find sufficient reason to trust that His way is best and live our lives according to it. Therefore, we must understand God to fully understand the importance of the wisdom contained in this book.
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February 7, 2013

The Acquisition of Wisdom: The Proper Approach

Notes on Proverbs

Now that we have considered the appeal of wisdom and can now appreciate the reasons why we should pursue wisdom, we turn our attention to acquiring wisdom. Once we know we need wisdom, how do we obtain it? The book of Proverbs addresses this question for us as well.
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January 29, 2013

Notes on Ecclesiastes

I have just released a new book – Vanity of Vanities: Notes on Ecclesiastes. It is a verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes based on the New American Standard version of the text. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, or want to find out more about the book, you can click on the link above.

The following is an excerpt containing my closing thoughts on the book of Ecclesiastes:
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November 13, 2012

What the Thief on the Cross Understood (11/13)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Luke 23; John 18-19.

There are several lessons to be learned from the thief who was crucified next to Jesus. Notice what Luke recorded in his gospel:

“One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, ‘Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!’ But the other answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!’ And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise’” (Luke 23:39-43).

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September 26, 2012

"Neither I Nor My Kinsmen Have Eaten the Governor’s Food Allowance" (9/26)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Nehemiah 1-5.

While Nehemiah was in Jerusalem leading the people in rebuilding the wall, he was appointed as governor over Judah. Many civil rulers in that time (and even today) lived richly as they felt free to take what they wished from the people. Nehemiah, however, was different.

“Moreover, from the day that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, for twelve years, neither I nor my kinsmen have eaten the governor’s food allowance. But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their servants domineered the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God” (Nehemiah 5:14-15).

There was a certain allowance of food that was provided to the governor during that time. Though Nehemiah could have taken it, as it would have been expected, he refused to do so. Why? Because he feared God!
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