March 20, 2019

Good Things to Do When You’re Young

Young People

The wise man noted, “Childhood and the prime of life are fleeting” (Ecclesiastes 11:10). One does not need to possess the wisdom of Solomon to see this. The fleeting nature of youth becomes more apparent with age, yet it is often not appreciated by those who are young.

At every stage of life, it is important to make the most of our time (Ephesians 5:16). How can one do this in youth?

Depending on who you ask, you will receive different answers to that question – pursue an education, build friendships, etc. What does the Bible say? Let us notice six things that the Bible says are good to do in one’s youth.Continue Reading

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August 3, 2016

Studying the Bible

Bible Study - Outdoors

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Learning how to accurately handle God’s word is necessary for one to be approved to God. However, this process requires diligence. If we are to learn God’s will, we must be diligent in our efforts to study the word that He has revealed to us.

In this article, we will discuss how to study God’s word in such a way that will lead us to enjoy His approval. This involves preparations to study, developing a habit of studying, and also applying our studies to our daily lives.
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March 16, 2016

Three Thousand Souls

Crowd

The Lord’s church was established on the day of Pentecost following the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ (Acts 2). The Scriptures indicate that three thousand individuals responded to the preaching of the apostles on that day by obeying the gospel (Acts 2:41). As a result, God added them to the church (Acts 2:47).

There were many others in Jerusalem on this day than just the three thousand who obeyed the gospel – including many who would have heard but did not respond to the preaching done by Peter and the other apostles. What can we know about these “three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41) that contributed to their reception of the gospel? Let us consider six things we know about these individuals from the text:
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February 11, 2013

To Acquire Wisdom, We Must Listen

Notes on Proverbs

As wisdom is based upon instruction, it is therefore necessary for us to listen to wise counsel in order to acquire wisdom. So the wise father calls upon his son to listen to his words.

“Hear, my son, and accept my sayings and the years of your life will be many. I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life” (4:10-13).

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January 17, 2013

The Appeal of Wisdom: The Timeless Nature of Wisdom

Notes on Proverbs

After considering the appeal of wisdom – both from a father and from wisdom itself – it is important to consider whether or not this same wisdom is good for us today. The wisdom we are considering in the book of Proverbs is not worldly wisdom but wisdom that comes from above. As Solomon explains in the following passage, godly wisdom will never become obsolete or irrelevant. For this reason, wisdom also appeals to us.
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October 15, 2012

“Take Care What You Listen To” (10/15)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 8:14-34; Mark 4-5.

“‘If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.’ And He was saying to them, ‘Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides’” (Mark 4:23-24).

Jesus made these comments after explaining the parable of the sower to His disciples. The four soils in the parable represented four different types of hearts that would hear the gospel. The type of heart one has will determine how he listens and what he chooses to listen to.
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September 28, 2012

Effective Teaching and Hearing (9/28)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Nehemiah 8-10.

The following passage describing Ezra reading the law of God to the people shows how the word of God can be effectively presented by the speaker and received by the audience.

“And all the people gathered as one man at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had given to Israel. Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women and all who could listen with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law” (Nehemiah 8:1-3).
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