Sermons and Biblical Studies

A querist asks, “In Genesis 2:15 – KJV, the text reads: ‘And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.’ What does the phrase dress it mean? Was Adam a gardener?” In Genesis 2:15, the word for “dress” in the Hebrew is … Continue reading “Was Adam A Gardener? – Bible study”

It was a summer morning, and the first rays of sun were falling across my garden. The prior evening the leaves on the tender okra were drooping from intense heat and lack of rain. But in the morning the plants were straight and fresh, and each leaf was adorned with sparkling drops of dew. During … Continue reading “The Blessing Of God's Dewdrops – Bible study”

As we watch the news on television, we often hear news of despair. For example, there was a recent news story regarding a man who shot and killed his 19-year-old grandson. After a standoff with police, the man turned the gun on himself. According to a letter written in the hours before his death, the … Continue reading “Let's Never Despair! – Bible study”

The story is told of a noncommissioned officer who was directing the repairs of a military building during the American Revolution. He was barking orders to the soldiers under his command, trying to get them to raise a heavy wooden beam. As the men struggled in vain to lift the beam into place, a man … Continue reading “How God Measures True Greatness – Bible study”

We’ve all known of folks who were seriously ill and near death, but then recovered. Recalling their experience, some say that recovering from the surgery that saved their life was extremely painful. But then they jokingly remark, “Think of the alternative!” As Christians, even we are guilty of sometimes making that remark. Yet what does … Continue reading “Heaven — What A Blessed Alternative! – Bible study”

“My great-grandfather owned this fiddle,” my friend said proudly. In his hand was a mint-condition fiddle from the days when the pioneers were moving across the American West. As I admired its beautiful finish and craftsmanship, he continued, “It was handed down to my grandfather, who passed it on to my father, who gave it … Continue reading “The Most Valuable Heirloom Of All – Bible study”

We don’t have to live very long in this world before it becomes painfully clear that nothing lasts forever. The new car we were so proud of when we purchased it is now spending more time in the shop than on the road. The clothes we picked up on sale are now in a hand-me-down … Continue reading “God's Mercy Endures Forever! – Bible study”

In Deuteronomy 3:23-29, we read that Moses encouraged Joshua as he was about to assume leadership of the nation of Israel. No doubt Joshua was filled with fear and a feeling of inadequacy as he contemplated filling Moses’ shoes. Therefore the Lord told Moses to encourage Joshua (Deuteronomy 3:28). All of us need a word … Continue reading “Have We Encouraged Someone Today? – Bible study”

Some online dictionary sites report at the end of every year as to what words were looked up the most on their site. Because of worldwide catastrophic events in 2005, some of the most popular words were refugee, pandemic, tsunami, and levee. We can readily understand why those words were checked. The most popular lookup … Continue reading “Integrity — Read About It — Then Live It Out! – Bible study”

Leonardo da Vinci’s contributions to art, science, and engineering established him as one of the great geniuses in history. Whether it be designing a flying machine or painting the Mona Lisa, his mind was alive, observant, and creative. He is credited with making this comment about maintaining mental sharpness: “Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water … Continue reading “Staying Spiritually Fit – Bible study”