List of Words from the Pastor

The theme of 1 Kings centres on the fact that the welfare of Israel and Judah depends upon the faithfulness of the people and their king to the covenant. It traces the monarchy from the point of its greatest prosperity under Solomon to its demise (2Kings) and destruction in the Assyrian and Babylonian captives. Observance of God’s law produces blessing, but disobedience results in judgment.

Today, the same principle is valid, that we need to walk in the narrow path of God’s ways, so we might live a life of blessedness, and testify to His enduring loving kindness.

Ecclesiastes is Solomon's "bully pulpit," his sermon that summarizes his explorations in and musings about life, with the conclusion that "Everything is emptiness [vanity]!".

From God's viewpoint, as expressed through the Lord Jesus Christ, it might be said that Ecclesiastes verifies and, by contrast, illustrates three New Testament "life principles."

1. Life is fulfilling only when it is given away.
2. Life in pursuit of excellence without sacrifice will ultimately disappoint.
3. Life that is lived solely on the earthplane breed cynicism.

Praise God that we can be born into a kingdom that transcends earth's limits (John 3:3, 5), a kingdom that increases in its joys and fulfillment (Is. 3:6–7), and a kingdom that shall never fade away (Luke 1:32–33).

We have come to the close of our reading the Book of Psalms. I truly pray that you’ve caught the heart of those who wrote these "songs" we love to memorize.

Psalm 135 declares the greatness of God, and His superiority to all idols. One of the greatest joys for any believer is to discover the pleasure of a life filled with praise. The disturbing affairs of daily living often become the instruments by which the devil attempts to wear down the saints. Once the truth of praise and its power grip the soul, the resisting efforts of one’s flesh and the world must give way to the beauty of praise and worship. Hear and heed the advice of David when he says, "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good" (34:8).

The final psalm is a doxology, and we find animated praise of the highest order. Nothing is left out in this final admonition to praise the Lord. One lesson it teachesunderstands the partnership in praise between heaven and earth. The joining together of mankind with the hosts of heaven is almost more than can be conceived. When we grasp it, however, we discover the ecstasy of realizing that we are not alone. If heavenly hosts exist to join with us in praise, then they also exist to join with us in spiritual warfare and triumph! Hallelujah! Dear ones, let us "Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament!"