Podcasts about eccl

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Community Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Biblical Hermeneutics: Interpreting “Do Not Be Overly Righteous” (Eccl. 7:16) Speaker: Tim Conway Broadcaster: Grace Community Church Event: Question & Answer Date: 8/1/2025 Bible: Ecclesiastes 7:16 Length: 50 min.

"What are we to make of a book that opens with the bold claim, ""All is vanity""?In this sermon, we begin our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes by considering its opening words and the man who spoke them: Solomon, son of David, king in Jerusalem. Though often misunderstood as a work of pessimism or contradiction, Ecclesiastes is a deeply theological reflection on life “under the sun”—a life disconnected from God.Historically attributed to Solomon, this book represents the reflections of a man who had everything—wisdom, wealth, power, pleasure—and yet found it all empty apart from God. By exploring the historical context and internal evidence for Solomonic authorship, we find that Ecclesiastes is not a contradiction to the wisdom of Proverbs but its necessary complement. It is the mature confession of one who once wandered and came to see the futility of life without God.This message is especially relevant for our modern age, where the pursuit of success, beauty, knowledge, and pleasure often takes center stage. But the Preacher tells us, as does Christ himself through these inspired words: Only in God is there true meaning.

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Coucou tout le monde, ça fait longtemps un peu

Daily Morning Prayer and the Litany (7/16/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 79-81; Eccl. 11; John 4; Metrical Psalm 128 To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Morning Prayer and the Litany (7/16/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 79-81; Eccl. 11; John 4; Metrical Psalm 128 To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

God's Word for Today17 Jul, 2025Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,and never satisfied are the eyes of man-Prov 27:20 ESV THE LUST OF THE EYESAs part of the curse of man, death and destruction happen all the time. In the poetic sense, death's appetite is infinite, is it not? Death does not slow down because ‘sheol' does become "full." Solomon uses this comparison to point out the insatiable nature of human greed. No matter how much a person has, he can always desire "more." This relates to biblical ideas such as the "lust of the eyes" (1 John 2:16). It is insatiable. It is a bottomless pit.Later, Solomon will make similar comments about insatiable greed. 15 The leech has two daughters: Give and Give.Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”:16 Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough.” (Prov 30:15–16).The word ‘sheol' is used in the Old Testament as a reference to the grave or to death. ‘Abaddon' means "destruction." There, it applies to the demon king of "the abyss" where evil spirits are kept (Rom 10:7; Rev 9:1–2; 9:11] Perhaps, Solomon is talking about his personal experiences. He himself went through a period when he looked for meaning in feeding his appetites. He applied his heart to knowledge but wasn't satisfied (Ecc 1:18). He tried to find fulfilment in wealth but learned that money could not satisfy his heart. He writes that a person's eyes "are never satisfied with riches." [Eccl 4:8] Thus, he concludes later that it is best to follow God's plans from the beginning, that is, when the person is young. (Ecc 12:1). The writer of Psalm 16:11 concurs with Solomon's conclusion by stating, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Audible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday

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Daily Morning Prayer (7/12/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 62-64; Eccl. 3; Luke 24; Metrical Psalm 106 and a reading from The Books of HomiliesTo read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Morning Prayer (7/12/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 62-64; Eccl. 3; Luke 24; Metrical Psalm 106 and a reading from The Books of HomiliesTo read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Evening Prayer (7/11/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 59-61; Eccl. 2;1 Thess. 3; Metrical Psalm 116 and a reading from The Books of HomiliesTo read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Evening Prayer (7/11/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 59-61; Eccl. 2;1 Thess. 3; Metrical Psalm 116 and a reading from The Books of HomiliesTo read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Chapter 8 In this attribute is our safety and rest, amidst the confusions of the world, and daily disappointments we are vexed withal, through the vanity and falseness of the creature; as to creatures, the very best of them are but vanity, yea, vanity of vanity, the vainest vanity, Eccl. 1:2. "Every man in his best estate is altogether vanity," Psal. 39:5. Yea, those that we expect most from, give us most trouble, Mic. 7:5.

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Restore Broken Fellowship      All believers sin, and there are none who attain perfection in this life (Prov 20:9; Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10). Chafer rightly notes, “We are never wonderful saints of whom God may justly be proud: we are His little children, immature and filled with foolishness, with whom He is endlessly patient and on whom He has been pleased to set all His infinite heart of love. He is wonderful. We are not.”[1] When we commit sin, we break fellowship with the Lord. For this reason, familial forgiveness is necessary for our fellowship with God to be restored. David understood the folly of trying to conceal his sins, which resulted in psychological disequilibrium and pain; however, when he confessed his sin, God forgave him (Psa 32:2-5). John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God forgives because it is His nature to do so, for He “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15; cf. Psa 103:8-14). And He is able to forgive because Christ has atoned for our sins at the cross, satisfying the Father's righteous demands regarding our offenses. The apostle John wrote, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). The challenge for many believers is to trust God at His word and accept His forgiveness and not operate on guilty feelings. William MacDonald states: "The forgiveness John speaks about here [i.e., 1 John 1:9] is parental, not judicial. Judicial forgiveness means forgiveness from the penalty of sins, which the sinner receives when he believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is called judicial because it is granted by God acting as Judge. But what about sins which a person commits after conversion? As far as the penalty is concerned, the price has already been paid by the Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary. But as far as fellowship in the family of God is concerned, the sinning saint needs parental forgiveness, that is, the forgiveness of His Father. He obtains it by confessing his sin. We need judicial forgiveness only once; that takes care of the penalty of all our sins—past, present, and future. But we need parental forgiveness throughout our Christian life.[2] Be Filled with the Spirit      Paul wrote to Christians, “don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit” (Eph 5:18 CSB). If a believer consumes too much alcohol, it can lead to cognitive impairment and harmful behavior. But the believer who is filled with the Spirit will possess divine viewpoint and manifest the fruit of godliness, worship, and thankfulness to the Lord (Eph 5:19-20). Being filled with the Spirit means being guided by Him rather than our own desires or the desires of others. The Spirit's guidance is always according to Scripture. Being filled with the Spirit does not mean we have more of Him, but that He has more of us, as we submit to His leading. Warren Wiersbe comments: “Be filled with the Spirit” is God's command, and He expects us to obey. The command is plural, so it applies to all Christians and not just to a select few. The verb is in the present tense, “keep on being filled”, so it is an experience we should enjoy constantly and not just on special occasions. And the verb is passive. We do not fill ourselves but permit the Spirit to fill us. The verb “fill” has nothing to do with contents or quantity, as though we are empty vessels that need a required amount of spiritual fuel to keep going. In the Bible, filled means “controlled by.” “They... were filled with wrath” (Luke 4:28) means “they were controlled by wrath” and for that reason tried to kill Jesus. “The Jews were filled with envy” (Acts 13:45) means that the Jews were controlled by envy and opposed the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. To be “filled with the Spirit” means to be constantly controlled by the Spirit in our mind, emotions, and will…But how can a person tell whether or not he is filled with the Spirit? Paul stated that there are three evidences of the fullness of the Spirit in the life of the believer: he is joyful (Eph. 5:19), thankful (Eph. 5:20), and submissive (Eph. 5:21–33). Paul said nothing about miracles or tongues, or other special manifestations.[3] Lewis S. Chafer wrote: "To be filled with the Spirit is to have the Spirit fulfilling in us all that God intended Him to do when he placed Him there. To be filled is not the problem of getting more of the Spirit: it is rather the problem of the Spirit getting more of us. We shall never have more of the Spirit than the anointing which every true Christian has received. On the other hand, the Spirit may have all of the believer and thus be able to manifest in him the life and character of Christ. A spiritual person, then, is one who experiences the divine purpose and plan in his daily life through the power of the indwelling Spirit. The character of that life will be the out-lived Christ. The cause of that life will be the unhindered indwelling Spirit (Eph 3:16-21; 2 Cor 3:18)."[4] Charles Ryrie states: "To be filled with the Spirit means to be controlled by the Spirit. The clue to this definition is found in Ephesians 5:18 where there is contrast and comparison between drunkenness and Spirit-filling. It is the comparison which gives the clue, for just as a drunken person is controlled by the liquor which he consumes, so a Spirit-filled Christian is controlled by the Spirit. This will cause him to act in ways which are unnatural to him, not implying that such ways will be erratic or abnormal, but asserting that they will not be the ways of the old life. Control by the Spirit is a necessary part of spirituality."[5] Walk by the Spirit      Paul wrote, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). In this passage walking is a metaphor for daily living, which can be influenced by God (Deut 5:33; 10:12), other righteous persons (Prov 13:20), sinners (Psa 1:1; Prov 1:10-16; 1 Cor 15:33), or one's own sin nature (Gal 5:17-21). To walk in the Spirit means we depend on His counsel to guide and power to sustain as we seek to do His will. The Spirit most often guides us directly by Scripture. Jesus, speaking of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, said, “the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit helps the Christian know the Word of God, and to recall Scripture when needed for guidance. The Holy Spirit also works through mature believers—whose thinking is saturated with God's Word—to help provide sound biblical advice for others. Warren Wiersbe states: The New Testament calls the Christian life a “walk.” This walk begins with a step of faith when we trust Christ as our Savior. But salvation is not the end—it's only the beginning—of spiritual life. “Walking” involves progress, and Christians are supposed to advance in the spiritual life. Just as a child must learn to walk and must overcome many difficulties in doing so, a Christian must learn to “walk in the light.”[6] Charles Ryrie adds: Constant dependence on the power of the indwelling Spirit of God is essential to spiritual growth and victory. By its very nature, walking is a succession of dependent acts. When one foot is lifted in order to place it front of the other one, it is done in faith—faith that the foot that remains on the ground will support the full weight of the body. You can only walk by the exercise of faith. You can live the Christian life only by dependence on the Holy Spirit. Such dependence will result in the Spirit's control over the deeds of the flesh (Gal 5:17-21) and the Spirit's production of the fruit of the Spirit (vv. 22-23). Dependence on the power of God and effort on the part of the believer are not mutually exclusive. Self-discipline and Spirit-dependence can and must be practiced at the same time in a balanced spiritual life. Dependence itself is an attitude, but that attitude does not come automatically; it usually requires cultivation. How many genuine Christians there are who live day after day without even sensing their need of dependence on Him. Experience, routine, pride, self-confidence all tend to drag all of us away from that conscious dependence on God which we must have in order to live and act righteously.[7] Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] Lewis Sperry Chafer, He That Is Spiritual, 150. [2] William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2310-11. [3] Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary: New Testament, Vol. 2 (Colorado Springs, Col., Victor Publishing, 2001), 48. [4] Lewis S. Chafer, He that is Spiritual, 43-44. [5] Charles C. Ryrie, “What is Spirituality?” Bibliotheca Sacra 126 (1969): 206. [6] Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary: New Testament, Vol. 2, 479. [7] Charles Ryrie, Balancing the Christian Life (Chicago. Ill., Moody Press, 1994), 198.

Join my husband and I as we go through the entire Bible in a year, in conjunction with the Bible Discovery Guide and The Daily Show. This weekend we answer some of the big questions and viewer questions concerning love, law, and discerning right from wrong. If you want to know your Bible better, then this is a great place to help deepen your big picture understanding.

Welcome to Day 2651 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – “The Unseen Realm: God and the Gods” – Supernatural Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2651 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2651 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today, we begin a new focus on this 2nd of 16 segments of our Theology Thursday lessons. I will read through the book Supernatural, written by Hebrew Bible scholar, professor, and mentor, the late Dr. Michael S. Heiser. Supernatural is a condensed version of his comprehensive book ‘The Unseen Realm.' If these readings pique your interest, I would recommend that you read ‘The Unseen Realm.' Today, we will read through chapter two: ‘The Unseen Realm: God and the Gods.' People are fascinated by the supernatural and the superhuman. Just think about the entertainment industry in recent years. Thousands of books, television shows, and movies from the past decade have explored themes such as angels, aliens, monsters, demons, ghosts, witches, magic, vampires, werewolves, and superheroes. Many of Hollywood's blockbuster franchises feature the supernatural: the X-Men, the Avengers, the Harry Potter series, Superman, and the Twilight Saga. Television shows like Fringe, and, of course, Supernatural and The X-Files, have dedicated followings even long after filming new episodes ends. And really, haven't these things always been popular—in tales, in books, in art? Why? One answer is that they're an escape from the ordinary. They offer us a world that's more interesting and exciting than our own. There's something about good versus evil, magnified on a cosmic scale, that thrills us. The epic struggle by the heroes of Middle-earth (Gandalf, Frodo, and company) against the Dark Lord Sauron in The Lord of the Rings trilogy has captivated readers (and now moviegoers) for over half a century now. The more otherworldly the villain, the more spectacular the triumph. On another level, people are drawn to other worlds because, as the book of Ecclesiastes puts it, God has “put eternity into [our] hearts” (Eccl. 3:11). There's something about the human condition that longs for something beyond human experience—something divine. The Apostle Paul also wrote about this yearning. He taught that it comes from just being alive in the world God has made. The creation bears witness to a creator, and, therefore, to a realm beyond our own (Rom. 1:18–23). Paul said this impulse was so powerful that it had to be willfully suppressed (v. 18). And yet we don't seem to think of the epic story of the Bible in the same way we think of our own tales of the supernatural in books, movies, and legend. There are reasons for that, and they go beyond the lack of special effects. For some, the Bible's characters are too ordinary or grandfatherly. They don't feel dynamic or heroic. After all, these are the same people and the same stories we've been hearing since Sunday school as kids. Then there's the cultural barrier. It's hard for us to identify with what seems like an endless parade of ancient shepherds and men wearing robes, like so many actors in your church's nativity play. But I think an even bigger factor in why science fiction or supernatural fantasy captures our imagination more...

Preached by Lead Pastor, Rev. Aubrey Spears, on June 11, 2025.

Preached by Lead Pastor, Rev. Aubrey Spears, on June 11, 2025.

In this week's episode -- the twenty-fourth episode in our "overcomers" series -- we will discuss how to overcome fear, why we do not need to fear, the dangers of fear and both the truth and lies of fear. Scripture discussed: 1 Samuel 10 and 13, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 23:4, 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Psalm 34:4, John 14:1, John 14:27, John 16:33, Proverbs 9:10 and Eccl. 12:13.follow me on instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/braxtenhm⁠⁠⁠⁠follow me on tik tok! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@UCKFDLPcSq_V1LP76Kq4HL1g⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this Bible Study, we look at Leviticus 10 and Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons. Why did God kill Nadab and Abihu? What did they do that brought down God's swift judgment? We also look at the story of Korah in Numbers 16 as well as Annanis and Sapphira in Acts 5. Dave also briefly talks about Alcohol and what the Bible has to say about consuming it.Outline:01:31 - introduction, context of Leviticus 1003:08 - Reading Leviticus 10.1-2 05:10 - What did Nadab and Abihu do to deserve death?05:32 - Theory 1 - The wrong guys - they were not authorized to offer incense (that was the role of the High Priest). Exodus 30.7-807:19 - Theory 2: The wrong method - they were using their own personal censers rather than those of the tabernacle. WORD STUDY: Censer, maḥtâ מַחְתָּה (Makh-taw). Ex 25.38, 27.3, 37.23 and 38.3 - all in references to fire pansNumbers 16.17-181 Kings 7.502 Kings 25.152 Chronicles 26.16-2113:11 - Theory 3: They used unauthorized or “other” incense.Exo 30.914:02 - Theory 4: They used “unauthorized” or “strange” fire.Lev 16.12Num 16.4616:36 - Rule of simplicity or the rule of simplest reading. 18:28 - Other examples of God's fast and harsh judgmentNumbers 16Num 16.3Num 16.28-3523:09 - Acts 5:1-11 - Ananias and SapphiraActs 4:32-3627:06 - God had a plan, God had a purposeActs 5.1128:13 - Number 16 - Korah.Who were The “Sons of Korah”Nu 26.11 - Korah's son's were spared (through their line, God did some awesome things):1 - key helpers in the Tabernacle. 1Ch 9.19-212 - Listed among King David's expert warriors: 1 Chr 12.63 - Prophet Samuel is a direct descendant 1 Chr 6.31-38 Note: they are listed under “Temple Musicians”4 - The “sons of Korah” are credited with 11 of our psalms: 42, 44-49, 84-85 & 87-88Psa 42.1 Psa 46.1-3.33:23 - What was God's plan in the case of Nadab & Abihu? We can not know for certain.God's actions with Nadab & Abihu made a clear statement:35:23 - why did Nadab & Abihu bring in unholy, unsanctioned, wild fire?We really don't know. 2 Sam 6.5-738:39 - Reading of Leviticus 10.3-840:36 - Are leaders in the church not supposed to mourn the loss of their loved ones?42:01 - reading Leviticus 10.8-11 - dealing with Alcohol 44:02 - Is it wrong for Christians to drink Alcohol?Verses against Alcohol (against drunkenness)Lev 10.9 Nu 6.3 Deu 29.6 Judg 13.4, 7, 14 Pro 20.1; 23.29-35; 31.4 Isa 5.11, 22; 24.9; 28.7; 29.9; 56.12 Eph 5.18 1 Tim 3.3,8Verses in favor of Alcohol (in moderation)Eccl 9.7Psa 104.15Amos 9.14Isa 55.1John 2.1-11 & Mat 26.291 Tim 5.23Verses of caution: You have freedom, but don't use that freedom to cause anyone else to stumble. Our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit and it is right for us to honor our bodies with everything we do.Rom 14.1-231 Cor 6.12-201 Cor 10.23-3345:48 - Reading Leviticus 10.12-20 Why did Aaron and his sons not eat the sin offering as instructed by Moses and by God? Nadab and Abihu died because they disobeyed God, why would you risk his wrath by disabaying the Lord?Aaron knew the motivation God had in the offerings. They were signs of a relationship in the heart. Aaron would have been lying if he had eaten the offering with the wrong heart.1 Sammual 16.7Micah 6.6-850:02 - Why is it important not to take communion unworthily?1 Corinthians 11.27-3253:19 - ConclusionsIsa 55:8-11Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgBe notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

Gal 2:15-16 Eccl 7:20 Gal 3:10-15 II Cor 5:12 Rom 4:5 Gen 15:6 Gal 2:17-21 Rom 5:1

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In today's world, there is an obsession with knowledge but a growing resistance to true wisdom. While knowledge is the accumulation of information, wisdom is the right application of that knowledge, something our society increasingly overlooks. Ecclesiastes 4 echoes this truth by exposing the emptiness of ambition, isolation, and toil without purpose. It reminds us that life's value is not in what we know or achieve, but in how we live in relationship with others and with God.

In today's world, there is an obsession with knowledge but a growing resistance to true wisdom. While knowledge is the accumulation of information, wisdom is the right application of that knowledge, something our society increasingly overlooks. Ecclesiastes 4 echoes this truth by exposing the emptiness of ambition, isolation, and toil without purpose. It reminds us that life's value is not in what we know or achieve, but in how we live in relationship with others and with God.

In today's world, there is an obsession with knowledge but a growing resistance to true wisdom. While knowledge is the accumulation of information, wisdom is the right application of that knowledge, something our society increasingly overlooks. Ecclesiastes 4 echoes this truth by exposing the emptiness of ambition, isolation, and toil without purpose. It reminds us that life's value is not in what we know or achieve, but in how we live in relationship with others and with God.

143:1 Hear my prayer, O LORD- Hear is often used in the Psalms as an imperative directed to God (17:7; 27:7; 28:2; 30:10; 54:2; 64:1). Give ear to my supplications! Give ear is also an imperative addressed to God in the Psalms (5:1; 17:1; 39:12; 54:2; 55:1; 84:8; 86:6; 140:6; 141:1; 143:1). The fact these imperatives are used together stresses the urgency of the request. For supplications the ESV and NIV have cries for mercy.  Supplications are found in Ps. 28:2, 6; 31:22; 116:1; 130:2; 140:6.Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness- “The psalmist makes his plea for deliverance, not on the merit of his own righteousness (vs. 2), but on that basis of God's righteousness (vss. 1, 11)” Miller, 436. “His only claim is to a covenant relationship with his God (servant, cf. vs. 10), initiated and maintained by divine grace” Laymen 697. “His confidence lies, not in himself, but in the one who promised. He is true, faithful, and righteous” VanGemeren, 856. “Righteousness is an appositive of faithfulness, so that the one word helps explain the other. The use of righteousness with steadfast love (covenant loyalty, vss. 11-12) also tempers the meaning of righteous (innocent) before God's courts (vs. 2). God is faithful to His covenant commitment to His servant (vss. 2a, 12) and He is true to His own righteousness (character) in forgiving the penitent sinner” Miller, 436. 143:2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant- The writer describes His relationship to God as Your servant (2, 12). For in Your sight no man living is righteous- Job 4:17; 9:2; 15:4; 25:4; Eccl. 7:20. “No creature (not even the angels, according to Job) can hope to be blameless before God's inexorable judgment” Alter, 492. “The OT also teaches that God freely forgives because of His grace (cf. Pss. 32:1-2, 5; 51:1-2; 103:3, 11-13; 130:3-4)” Miller, 437. This word righteous is a verb while vs. 1 and 11 are nouns. While God is righteous in the sense that He is faithful to His covenant, we are not righteous.“While the psalmist is aware that no-one is perfectly righteous (v. 2), he does believe that he has grounds for saying that he does not deserve the violent treatment of those who are persecuting (pursuing) him” Longman, 462. “The reference to human waywardness (cf. 130:3; I Kings 8:46) is no shoulder-shrugging excuse but expresses a conviction of the power of sin” Laymen, 697. “The covenant relationship can be sustained only on the basis of continual divine forgiveness (cf. 51:5)” Allen, 281. 143:3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul- “Three metaphors describe the intensity of His suffering” Miller, 437. “Like a hunted beast he has been chased, grounded, caged (3; cf. 142 title)” Motyer, 580. The word enemy or enemies is used in vs. 3, 9, 12.                                   He has crushed my life to the ground- “Like the suffering servant in the book of Isaiah, crushed (see Isa. 53:5, 10; see also Ps. 94:5; Lam. 3:34)” McCann, 1251. He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead- If you need further notes please send a facebook message..                                                                                       

Time is precious. God has given us life. We were born for a reason and a purpose. We often complain that we don't have enough time. It is really not about time, but about priorities. Therefore, we must prioritize the time God has given us and live each moment for Him. To know  God is Sovereign over this world and over our lives. May we learn to understand how precious our time is so that we gain a heart of wisdom. Wisdom to live each moment for the glory of God.

Time is precious. God has given us life. We were born for a reason and a purpose. We often complain that we don't have enough time. It is really not about time, but about priorities. Therefore, we must prioritize the time God has given us and live each moment for Him. To know  God is Sovereign over this world and over our lives. May we learn to understand how precious our time is so that we gain a heart of wisdom. Wisdom to live each moment for the glory of God.

Time is precious. God has given us life. We were born for a reason and a purpose. We often complain that we don't have enough time. It is really not about time, but about priorities. Therefore, we must prioritize the time God has given us and live each moment for Him. To know  God is Sovereign over this world and over our lives. May we learn to understand how precious our time is so that we gain a heart of wisdom. Wisdom to live each moment for the glory of God.

May 11, 2025 Eccl. 12:1-14; Ps. 50:1-6; Prov. 15:1-3; II Cor. 8:10-15

May 11, 2025 Eccl. 12:1-14; Ps. 50:1-6; Prov. 15:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:10-15

In Ecclesiastes Chapter 2, Solomon explores the pursuits of pleasure, achievement and possessions, ultimately finding them all meaningless apart from God. While God wants us to enjoy life, these pursuits become empty when they are self-centered or disconnected from Him. Solomon concludes that true fulfillment—wisdom, joy and purpose—comes only from God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism affirms that “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” Let's determine to invest the rest of our lives in the pursuit of what really matters - a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus. 

May 10, 2025 Eccl. 10:1-11:10; Ps. 49:10-20; Prov. 14:34-35; II Cor. 8:1-9

May 10, 2025 Eccl. 10:1-11:10; Ps. 49:10-20; Prov. 14:34-35; 2 Cor. 8:1-9

May 9, 2025 Eccl. 8:9-9:18; Ps. 49:1-9; Prov. 14:32-33; II Cor. 7:11-16

May 8, 2025 Eccl. 7:1-8:8; Ps. 48:9-14; Prov. 14:30-31; II Cor. 7:8-10

May 9, 2025 Eccl. 8:9-9:18; Ps. 49:1-9; Prov. 14:32-33; II Cor. 7:11-16

May 8, 2025 Eccl. 7:1-8:8; Ps. 48:9-14; Prov. 14:30-31; 2 Cor. 7:8-10

May 7, 2025 Eccl. 5:10-6:12; Ps. 48:1-8; Prov. 14:28-29; 2 Cor. 7:2-7

May 7, 2025 Eccl. 5:10-6:12; Ps. 48:1-8; Prov. 14:28-29; II Cor. 7:2-7

May 5, 2025 Eccl. 2:24-3:22; Ps. 47:1-7; Prov. 14:25; II Cor. 6:3-13

May 6, 2025 Eccl. 4:1-5:9; Ps. 47:8-9; Prov. 14:26-27; II Cor. 6:14-7:1

May 5, 2025 Eccl. 2:24-3:22; Ps. 47:1-7; Prov. 14:25; 2 Cor. 6:3-13

May 6, 2025 Eccl. 4:1-5:9; Ps. 47:8-9; Prov. 14:26-27; II Cor. 6:14-7:1

May 4, 2025 Eccl. 1:1-2:23; Ps. 46:8-11; Prov. 14:22-24; II Cor. 6:1-2

May 4, 2025  Eccl. 1:1-2:23; Ps. 46:8-11; Prov. 14:22-24; 2 Cor. 6:1-2

Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon in his old age. Solomon was the wisest and wealthiest person to ever live. He was king over all Israel. Although Solomon started well, he did not finish well. He drifted from God and pursued the things of this world. He writes Ecclesiastes as a warning to those who come behind him to keep God first in their life. Solomon pursued everything this world has to offer and found it all “meaningless.” We all get one shot at life, so let's not waste it on things that are trivial. Invest your life in what matters. Always keep God first.