Modern Christianity seems rather quick to criticize the wicked state of the world. Yet, well-meaning Christians frequently fail to acknowledge that many of the world’s woes originated from within the Church. For this reason, the Apostle Peter admonishes the people of God that true judgment must begin at our own doorstep.

An introduction to the Book of Proverbs. An invitation to hear wisdom is given herein.

Solomon had completed the temple his father David had desired to build. Now Solomon prepares the temple for use. The most important act of preparation is to bring the ark into the temple. This is a cause for much sacrifice and praise.

Most people will not slow down to understand difficult passages like this. It deals with the architecture of Solomon’s Temple and uses unfamiliar words. But, for most of us, the passage is no more difficult than a description of a modern building by an architect. We would have to work to understand that as well. Be willing to look up some words and take time to understand the structure. Realize also that you will not be able to answer all your questions. However, your efforts will be rewarded. And your increased understanding of the Temple will prepare you to receive spiritual truths behind the physical structure. May the Lord help you in this special study.

Abram (Abraham) had already received the promise of a land and a nation (Genesis 12:1-3). In fact, God had already shown him the Promised Land (Genesis 13:14-17). In this chapter, God establishes His promise of a seed to Abraham and confirms His promise with a covenant. We know this as the Abrahamic Covenant.

In this psalm, Israel has suffered affliction and destruction and now seeks the help of God her Shepherd. Israel is as a vine which once filled the land in prosperity but has been burned and cut down. The psalmist pleas with God to visit this vine and cause His face to shine on them once again.

Mostly, this chapter deals with the Lord’s deliverance of Israel at the end of the tribulation. It looks forward to the time when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord. At this time, the enemies of Israel will either be destroyed or else transformed into admirers and supporters. The prisoners of hope will be released and the Lord will appear over the Israelites to defend them. The chapter ends by declaring the great goodness and beauty of the Lord.

This lesson greatly illustrates a choice made by each person. Will they live their life by conviction or by convenience?

Both the sin of Saul in sacrificing and the absence of smiths (blacksmiths) in Israel point to the danger of fighting God’s battles according to the ways of man and the world