Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica was characterized as being free of three things:It was free of flattery – Paul never tried to flatter people (v. 5). Rather than seeking something for himself he delighted in giving to others freely. It has been said that a flatterer is a person wh …
After being threatened, Peter and John returned to the other believers to report what had happened (v. 23). Then they all lifted their voice to God. This is one of the great prayers recorded in the Bible, a good example for us to follow. Their prayer was based on Psalm 2:25-26. Through His …
When Jesus finished teaching He overheard some people commenting on the beauty of the Temple that had been reconstructed (v. 5). But our Lord was not impressed. He told them that the day would come when this beautiful temple would be destroyed (v. 6). Of course, this was fulfille …
This is a song of the exodus. Since the sixth century the established church has used this psalm in ministering to the dying and at the burial of the dead. It was also a psalm for Easter, because Israel’s deliverance from bondage was seen as a type of our deliverance from the bondage of sin…
This short psalm says we are to bless the Lord. This is what we will be doing for all eternity. We will be blessing and praising the Lord who has done great things for us. From the least to the greatest, from the king on the throne to the slave in the field, everyone is to praise …
Jesus continues to answer the disciples’ original question about when the temple would be destroyed (vv. 20-24). I do not believe that it was intended as a sign to tell when Christ will come back, but was simply a foretelling of the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus and t …
This short chapter pictures the nation’s exile and return. The Lord makes known His plans for the redemption of the prodigal nation. Although this chapter is short, its prophecies survey God’s past (v. 1), present (vv. 2-4), and future (v. 5) relationship with Israel. Israel will experience a time of …
The king wanted these young men to be strong and healthy so he said that they were to eat the same food he ate and drink the same wine that was served to him. They knew that if they were to eat the king’s food, they would break God’s law. This food may have been offered to …
Building the temple was a construction project that lasted 7 years (I Kings 6:38). Along with completing the main structure Solomon arranged for the manufacturing of the furnishing and interior decorating of the temple. There were alters and basins, lampstands, and tables. The "molten …
We find three divisions in this chapter: 1. The sons of David (vv. 1-9). A. Those born in Hebron. (vv. 1-5) B. Those born in Jerusalem. (vv. 6-8) C. He also had a daughter Tamar (v. 9) …