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Amen. Those verses from Paul in Ephesians are benchmark, foundational concepts that encapsulate a core concept of Christianity. We are saved by grace through faith, and it is a gift of God. We can't earn salvation by our own futile efforts at obeying the old covenant laws - that's an...

That's a great point, Pilgrim. We need to have that living faith stirring up the Holy Spirit to generate fruit that pleases God and serves others. And James talks about what true religion is all about: "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in...

It's been awhile since I've looked at the theories on what day Jesus was actually crucified on, but the chart above aligns with the research I looked at back in my "seminary" days that made the most sense to me. The "Sabbath" referred to after Jesus had died was likely the First Day of...

When I opened my Bible this morning, the first page I turned to was Job chapter 16, and I had these verses underlined with "Jesus" written in the margin: Job 16:9-11 New King James Version 9 He tears me in His wrath, and hates me; He gnashes at me with His teeth; My adversary sharpens His...

Amen. We are without excuse. Even before conversion as a hard-hearted teenager, I looked at the creation around me and the wonders in the sky above and knew we had a Creator. I love those verses you referenced from Psalm 8: Psalm 8:3-4 New King James Version 3 When I consider Your heavens...

Great point, it's all about Jesus. Like Paul said, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (I Cor. 2:2). God has "...spoken to us by His son," and Jesus continues to speak to us today. And, as we remember on this Good Friday, He speaks to us not...

The Old Testament and New Testament fit so nicely together, brother, and prophecy is a large part of God's Word. We are assured that God keeps His Word and the promises of redemption we have in Jesus Christ. A good portion of the New Testament actually has its roots in the Old Testament, and...

What else has the "preacher" learned from his life of excess and experimentation? Ecclesiastes 5:8-17 New King James Version 8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent [a]perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official...

James has some excellent things to say about love, listening, and following through on our vows to obey the Lord with our whole being: James 2:8-13 New King James Version 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well...

Great comments as usual, brother. Unfortunately, this blindness still holds true today. God's Word and the gospel are poured out in abundance, yet how many are taking advantage of this by repenting and turning their hearts to the Lord for the blinders and hardness of heart to be removed through...

Solomon shares some good thoughts about God in chapter 5 of Ecclesiastes, but it appears to me at this point that he never really had an intimate relationship with the Lord like David did: Ecclesiastes 5:1-5 New King James Version Fear God, Keep Your Vows 1 Walk prudently when you go to the...

The "old and foolish king" reference reminds me of the rich fool Jesus talks about in Luke chapter 12 who thinks he has it made with the bountiful harvest he yielded: "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have...

Back to chapter 4 of Ecclesiastes: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 New King James Version The Value of a Friend 9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one...

My friend and I also discussed how quickly the united Israel fell apart as a result of Solomon's disobedience. He inherited the throne at 15 years old, took 20 years to build the temple and palace, and Israel had peace with their neighbors on all sides. Once Solomon strayed from God, "...the...

We've already touched on Solomon and his "foreign women" leading their willing captive into idolatry, and here's what happened as a result: 1 Kings 11:4-10 New King James Version 4 For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not...

1 Kings 9: 1-9 New King James Version God’s Second Appearance to Solomon 1 And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord and the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire which he wanted to do, 2 that the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had...

I finished reading the accounts of Solomon's kingship in I Kings chapters 1-11 and II Chronicles chapters 1-9, and there isn't a great deal of detail given on the 2nd half of his 40 year reign over a united Israel. Seven of the nine chapters of Chronicles cover the first 20 years that...

I like Bible Gateway's subtitle to this section of Ecclesiastes, and Solomon certainly has a lot to say on this topic: Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 New King James Version 4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the...

Ecclesiastes 4 has a pessimistic tone, yet there are some good things to consider as well: Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 New King James Version The Uselessness of Selfish Toil 4 Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, But they...

Going back to Psalm 37, David says: But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (v. 11) James joins in on this conversation and has a lot to say about meekness, humility, and the importance of being a good listener. "So then my beloved...