Sermons and Biblical Studies

EZEKIEL 14:12–23 … these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job … (Ezek. 14:14). Job, whose location in the Canon has varied through the centuries, is placed before the Psalms in English Bibles. Matthew Henry tells us that this is because scholars have considered this book to stand alone, laying the foundation of the doctrine of … Continue reading “THE BOOK OF JOB”

ECCLESIASTES 12:13–14 Fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13). “Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments.” After all the searching under the sun, after all the pondering of vanity, death, and life’s emptiness, the Preacher comes to a life-changing conclusion: Fear God and keep His commandments. Bridges explains … Continue reading “THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER”

ECCLESIASTES 12:9–12 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words (Eccl. 12:10). In Jesus’s parable of the talents, the master praises two of his servants for putting their talents to good use. The writer of Ecclesiastes proved himself wise by using his own talents profitably. He did not keep his wisdom to himself, but he imparted … Continue reading “IMPARTING WISDOM AND TRUTH”

ECCLESIASTES 12:1–5 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth (Eccl. 12:1). As the years go by, our strength fails and old age tightens its grip. We grow weak, our minds become dull, we become more dependent, and we find little comfort in life. These are the days that need the comfort of … Continue reading “REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR”

EPHESIANS 2 For by grace you have been saved through faith … (Eph. 2:8). Our final lesson on the fallen condition of man deals with the extent of our fallenness. Throughout Christian history, churchmen have generally agreed that sin has corrupted humanity. But they have disagreed, sometimes to the point of violence, about the extent … Continue reading “THE EXTENT OF SIN”

1 JOHN 1 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves … (1 John 1:8). A common saying in our day is “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” While such a saying may appear harmless on the surface, it is loaded with notions contrary to Christianity. This piece of worldly wisdom … Continue reading “TO ERR IS HUMAN?”

1 CORINTHIANS 15:12–58 … we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man (1 Cor. 15:49). God created man in His own image. When mankind fell into sin, that image was shattered, fragmented nearly beyond recognition. We lost our original holiness and righteousness. Our ability to think was distorted. We were not reduced to … Continue reading “THE BODY OF MAN”

PSALM 8 What is man that You are mindful of him? (Ps. 8:4). Ecclesiastes is filled with lowly portraits of humanity, its degradation, its transience, and its selfishness. Man was not always in such a state. In the beginning, God created a man and woman who bore His image, who were crowned with nobility, honor, … Continue reading “THE PARADOX OF MAN”

ECCLESIASTES 11:7–10 Walk in the ways of your heart (Eccl. 11:9). The Bible often uses sarcasm to emphasize a point. The Preacher employs such a technique in chapter 11. When he writes, “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth … walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes,” he … Continue reading “GO AHEAD AND SIN”

ECCLESIASTES 11:1–6 Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days (Eccl. 11:1). In ancient times, the best season for harvest along the Nile was when the water was low. When it was high, the farmers would throw seed into the water where it would embed into the fertile soil … Continue reading “REAPING THE HARVEST”