When King Saul and his sons died in battle, one of the few survivors from the family was a little boy called Mephibosheth. As his family fled, he was dropped, irreparably damaging his legs so that he was unable to walk.[1] Later King David expressed the desire to show kindness to relatives of Jonathan, Saul’s… Continue reading Adoption: What God says about you
Category: Bible Study
Why does Proverbs focus so much on two commands “honour your parents” and “Do not commit adultery”?
The wisdom literature, including both Psalms and Proverbs provides reflection and meditation on the Law, helping us to think through God’s commands and apply them to our circumstances. You may notice, as you read through them that there seems to be a heavy focus on two commands “Honour your parents” and “Do not commit adultery.” … Continue reading Why does Proverbs focus so much on two commands “honour your parents” and “Do not commit adultery”?
Why look at Chronicles?
Here is the first in our series on 1 and 2 Chronicles. There’s a video to watch or podcast to listen to with outline notes to accompany below. There’s also some discussions for personal reflection and discussion below too. We associate “Chronicles” with the writing of an alternative history. Perhaps an alternative version of events… Continue reading Why look at Chronicles?
Proverbs – prescriptions, promises or principles?
We want to be clear that when we come to the book of Proverbs, we are not opening up a box of promises or predictions about how our lives will go. Now are they to be treated as prescriptive commands to be followed in a ritualistic or legalistic manner. So, we sometimes talk about the… Continue reading Proverbs – prescriptions, promises or principles?
Lashing out and sounding off
This group of proverbs warn about the danger of making quick, surface responses. There are those who are quick to sound off, to give their opinion, to let others know what they think and feel, everything is brimming up close to the surface. Examples of this type of person include those who are unloving and… Continue reading Lashing out and sounding off
Summing up the message of Isaiah
The message of Isaiah can be summed up as follows. First, that we are rebel sinners. We have been unfaithful to God and chosen idolatry over worship and trust in him. Isaiah warns us that we will become like our idols, impotent, hardened, powerless, ignorant. Secondly, the consequence of sin and idolatry is God’s righteous… Continue reading Summing up the message of Isaiah
What do you value?
Proverbs 17 begins with a reversal of expectations and value. We place value on the outward show of opulence and Solomon was able to speak about wealth and feasting from experience. However, he says that he would rather settle for a bit of dry bread if it meant peace at home than enjoy rich feasting… Continue reading What do you value?
There is a hope
Throughout Isaiah, among all the warnings of judgement and desolation are scattered promises of salvation and restoration for God’s people. In the early parts of the book, the theme of judgement is the one that dominates but there is light in the darkness with the calling of a messenger, glimpses of God’s glory and the… Continue reading There is a hope
Avoiding wrong turnings
How do we apply the book of Isaiah to our lives and context today? * Well, first of all, it’s important that we don’t attempt to pick it up and synthesise a set of principles straight from 700BC to 21st century life. Instead, whenever we pick up an Old Testament book, we apply it first to… Continue reading Avoiding wrong turnings
How Reading Proverbs has helped my understanding of the rest of the Bible
I love the Proverbs but my appreciation of them has grown when I’ve spent time reading them as a book of the Bible, not just selecting memorable ones to quote. You see, whilst we tend to treat them as a source book for lots of anatomised wise advice, I believe that we are meant to… Continue reading How Reading Proverbs has helped my understanding of the rest of the Bible
Faithroots 