“Ancient Words That Save!”
“Ancient Words That Save!”(Prov.20:4-17).Our readings since Monday are drawn from the biblical books classified as “Wisdom literature.” These books include specifically Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; not completely excluding Psalms and Song of Songs.Each of these books contain ancient wisdom about the world. All these books try to teach about the good life.However, the emphasis of […]
“Shun Evil, Work Hard!”
“Shun Evil; Work Hard!”(Prov.14:19-24).The Bichang dance group of Bali sing, “You conspired against me and came back to tell me.” I see it in the same sense in which the wise man of the Bible said, “Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good…”Those who plot evil go astray, “but those who […]
“Going After What Matters!”
“Going After What Matters!”(Prov. 8:12-21).In the Old Testament wisdom is a personification of Christ as in: “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works…I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning before the world began”(Prov. 8:22-23ff). This is to say wisdom is an attribute of God, involved with him in creation.In later […]
“Pursuing Righteousness!”
“Pursuing Righteousness!”(I Tim.6:6-12).“But godliness with contentment is great gain…”When we talk of contentment, we should juxtapose it with progress. What is the difference between the two?Here is what somebody has stated: “Progress is the relentless pursuit of climbing higher. Contentment is knowing when to stop to savour the view. It takes wisdom and a fair amount […]
“Saved By Faith Alone, But Not A Faith That Stands Alone II!”
“Saved By Faith Alone, But Not A Faith That Stands Alone II!”(Jm.2:18-26).“But someone will say, ‘You have faith, I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do…” As it was then, just like now, some consider that faith and works are separate gifts. As […]