Having seen some of the promises that attend the wisdom of trusting God (vv. 1–12), and having observed what should be the norm for every Christian—blessedness, happiness (vv. 13–20)—we now complete our study of Proverbs 3 with a look at more benefits that attend the life of wisdom; blessings that accompany the life lived within the boundaries of God’s rules (vv. … [Read more...]
Wear It Well (Proverbs 3:21–35)
Having seen some of the promises that attend the wisdom of trusting God (vv. 1–12), and having observed what should be the norm for every Christian—blessedness, happiness (vv. 13–20)—we now complete our study of Proverbs 3 with a look at more benefits that attend the life of wisdom; blessings that accompany the life lived within the boundaries of God’s rules (vv. … [Read more...]
Confident (Psalm 125:1–6)
Eugene Peterson says that the theme of Psalm 125 is, “‘Relax.” We are secure. God is running the show.”[1. Eugene Peterson, The Journey: A Guide Book for the Pilgrim Life (London: Marshall Pickering, 1989), 76.] That is a wonderful summary of these five stanzas. However, the word “confidence” might best reflect the tone of these verses. Confidence in the midst of challenges to … [Read more...]
The Final Word (Hebrews 13:22–25)
A couple of weeks ago the elders met together in my study to discuss some matters and my computer screen was visible to a couple of them. I had been working on a sermon and was on my last point. I had only typed two words under the final heading which were, “In conclusion.” One brother said to me, with a mischievous smile, “Is that the first or the last conclusion?” My … [Read more...]
Considerable Confidence (Hebrews 3:1-6)
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and/most neglected doctrines in the church of our day is that of the perseverance of the saints. Simply put, “continuance in the Christian life is the test of reality. The doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints has as its corollary the salutary teaching that the saints are the people who persevere to the end.”[1. F. F. Bruce, The … [Read more...]