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Some of the most amazing words of faith found anywhere in Scripture are from the book of Job. Destroyed though innocent, Job concluded that only one had the power to bring such swift destruction. Why did God count him as an enemy (13:24; 19:11)? Why was God persecuting him (16:9)? Why was God crushing him without a cause (9:17)? Finite of mind and lacking all knowledge, Job was unaware that the adverse of God and man had swallowed him whole…

How many times have you thought about your death? We might think how, when, and where is it going to happen. But what happens after we die? Some might think we are reincarnated. Others think there is nothing, we are just dead. As Christians we know there is a God who is ruler and judge of all. We know that one of two things will happen: we will either die and our spirit will go back to God, or Christ…

Born to a priestly family, set apart from birth, sent with the spirit and power of Elijah, and called the greatest among women, John the Immerser was a man among men. He was part prophet, part trailblazer, John was all preacher. The gospel account of Luke records more of the content of John’s preaching and specifics of his ministry than Matthew or Mark (Luke 3:1-21). When the word of the Lord came to John (Luke 3:2), like with other prophets,…

Eternal, good, gracious, loving, merciful, wise, holy, immutable, just, righteous, sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent are just a few of the attributes of God. When we speak of God’s attributes we are talking about those characteristics that help us understand who God truly is. It is noteworthy that those biblical characters who were greatly used by God had a burning desire to know Him. David said, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that…

CHOICE OF FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATIONS Avoiding suffering by prudently choosing good companions is emphasized from the opening of the book of Proverbs (cf. 1:10-18). The ancient Latin term for companion was “companionem,” literally “bread fellow.” (Online Etymology Dictionary) The word denotes a close relationship between two; so close they share bread. Proverbs 13:20 and 27:17 each underscore the importance of choosing friends and, in truth, stand in compliment with each other. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:…

CHOICE OF HUSBAND AND WIFE Apart from the obedience to the gospel, there is no greater decision one will make than whom he chooses to marry. God made male and female and said “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Jesus expounded upon this ancient order adding, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6). Originating from The…

PROPER USE OF THE TONGUE A second area wherein inspired wisdom’s counsel can help us to avoid unnecessary suffering in life is regarding the proper use of the tongue. Speaking out of turn, harsh tones, gossip, and discouraging words can all lead to needless troubles. Whispering and rumor-mongering have been the genesis of human tragedy throughout history. Gossip not only puts one’s soul in jeopardy (Proverbs 6:17-19), it brings about suffering to both the innocent and guilty. Solomon noted, “A…

The word of God not only teaches us how to “live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 1:11-12), but also how to avoid unnecessary suffering. The Bible guides us practically as much as spiritually. A man who knows and walks in the wisdom of God not only has the hope and expectation of eternal life, he also lives a life of abundant joy on this earth (cf. John 10:10; Psalms 23). The book of Proverbs is as practical as the Psalms…

Various factors distinguish people; humanity naturally divides by gender and geographic origin, and social distinctions such as wealth, education, religion, politics, and social status also set apart peoples and nations. However, two factors serve as equalizers. These equalizers remove all class and distinction from humanity. Death is often referred to as the great equalizer. It is the appointment all living will one day keep (Hebrews 9:27). God declared, and the wise man observed, man’s body shall return to the dust…

In Acts chapter eight, we learn of the evangelist Philip’s interaction with an Ethiopian man whose curiosity was sparked by Isaiah’s writings about the silent sufferer in Isaiah 53. Beginning from this Scripture, Philip “preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). First, Isaiah revealed that the word that best describes the man of Isaiah 53 is “insignificant.” Humanity was unimpressed as they beheld this “tender plant,” “a root out of a dry ground,” one who had “no form or comeliness” and…

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pt. 3:9). There is little that is more disheartening than a broken promise. Nevertheless, when a man makes a promise, there is always a chance that the promise will not be kept. A promise is made, but in time it is forgotten. A promise is made and a…

The Urgency of Restoration There will always be the need to speak to wayward brethren, urging them to reunite with their God. There are numerous passages in the New Testament that stress this concept. For instance, the book of Galatians is an appeal for restoration. Though the recipients of the letter had entered a relationship with Christ through their obedience to the gospel (Gal. 3:26-27), false teachers had arisen who were leading them away from the truth to “another gospel,”…