Author: Administrador

ECCLESIASTES 9:7–18 Go, eat your bread with joy (Eccl. 9:7). Charles Bridges observed that “it is indeed too rare to find a real Christian—much more rare to find a joyful one.” If Bridges is correct, many Christians are guilty of neglecting the advice of the Preacher, who said, “Go, eat your food with gladness, and … Continue reading “ENJOY LIFE!”

ECCLESIASTES 10 Woe to you, O land whose king is a servant (Eccl. 10:16 niv). Charles Bridges lived in days filled with excitement as pioneers set out from England in droves to explore the new world. Ministers, like Bridges, who remained home in England, supported the exodus to the Americas, but soberly warned pilgrims of … Continue reading “LEADERSHIP OF THE WISE”

EPHESIANS 1 In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons (Eph. 1:5 niv). The key understanding man’s free will and God’s sovereignty in salvation is to understand man’s fallen nature. Many in the church today argue against the doctrine of predestination (or election) because they say it violates man’s free will and … Continue reading “BONDAGE TO SIN”

ECCLESIASTES 8:2–17 No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun (Eccl. 8:17 niv). After making numerous observations under the instruction of God’s providence, the Preacher realizes that despite all his efforts he really understands little of God’s ways: “No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to … Continue reading “LEARNING BY FAITH”

ECCLESIASTES 9:1–6 Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil (Eccl. 9:3). The biblical doctrine of the depravity of man is integral to Christian orthodoxy. Those who deny the sinfulness of human nature deny the very essence of the Gospel. The offer of salvation hinges on the presupposition that mankind is … Continue reading “HEART OF CORRUPTION”

DANIEL 4:28–37 No one can restrain His hand … (Dan. 4:35). Because the underlying doctrine of Ecclesiastes 7:13–14, God’s sovereignty, is one of the most controversial in the church, we will spend most of this week studying this vital doctrine more carefully. The Preacher does not presuppose that chance is the mysterious cause behind the … Continue reading “GOD IS SOVEREIGN”

ECCLESIASTES 6 All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied (Eccl. 6:7). The Preacher could not escape the daunting reality of life’s emptiness. People spend their energy storing up treasures for themselves, pampering the needs of the flesh while neglecting the needs of the soul. “All the … Continue reading “THE NEEDS OF THE SOUL”

ECCLESIASTES 7:13–8:1 … who can make straight what He has made crooked? (Eccl. 7:13). The Preacher asks us to consider a deeply profound truth, which, when rightly understood, can help us through difficult times: “Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be … Continue reading “CONSIDER GOD’S WORK”

ECCLESIASTES 5:1–3 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God (Eccl. 5:1). Do you enter public worship distracted by worldly concerns? Do the preacher’s words fly in one ear and out the other, leaving no discernible impression on your mind and heart? Do you find it difficult to concentrate in prayer because your … Continue reading “HOLY REVERENCE IN WORSHIP”

ECCLESIASTES 5:4–7 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it (Eccl. 5:4). The beginning of Ecclesiastes 5 deals with the ordinary service of God. The next four verses relate to a special exercise, namely the making of vows. Very often vows are a part of the worship of God; this … Continue reading “FULFILLING YOUR VOWS”