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Posts tagged ‘Jesus’

Learning Scriptures Through Music: A Historical Insight

Music has been around and important since basically the beginning of time. The first mention os musical instruments is in Genesis.  Genesis 4:19-21Lamech took for himself two wives; the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah. Adah gave birth to Jabal; he became the father of those [nomadic herdsmen] who live in tents and have cattle and raise livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he became the father of all those [musicians] who play the lyre and flute.

Music has been a part of worship for Godly people and pagans for thousands of years. Even in the ancient times people knew that music had power. When Saul, the king of Israel, was tormented by evil spirits they looked to music for help. 1 Samuel 16:14-23 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented and terrified him. Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord now command your servants who are here before you to find a man who plays skillfully on the harp; and when the evil spirit from God is on you, he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well.” So Saul told his servants, “Find me a man who plays well and bring him to me.” One of the young men said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a brave and competent man, a warrior, discerning (prudent, eloquent) in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him.” So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the flock.” Jesse took a donkey [loaded with] bread and a jug of wine and a young goat, and sent them to Saul with David his son. Then David came to Saul and attended him. Saul loved him greatly and [later] David became his armor bearer. Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Please let David be my attendant, for he has found favor in my sight.” So it came about that whenever the [evil] spirit from God was on Saul, David took a harp and played it with his hand; so Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would leave him.

Early in King David’s reign he set up a music ministry. There is a lengthy discussion of who did what in 1 Chronicles chapter 6.  1 Chronicles 6:31-32 Now these are those whom David appointed over the service of song in the house of the Lord after the ark [of the covenant] rested there They ministered with singing before the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon had built the Lord’s house (temple) in Jerusalem, performing their service in due order. 

It was understood during this time that there is more than one type of music. Some music is bad and some is good. Psalms 69:12 says, “They who sit in the [city’s] gate talk about me and mock me,
And I am the song of the drunkards.” Apparently, a type of bar or drinking music is nothing new. Now look at Psalms 81:1-4 Sing aloud to God our strength; Shout for joy to the God of Jacob (Israel). Raise a song, sound the timbrel, The sweet sounding lyre with the harp. Blow the trumpet at the New Moon, At the full moon, on our feast day. For this is a statute for Israel, An ordinance of the God of Jacob. This indicates that there was music for the feasts of God. I am certain that the music played and the songs sung at God’s feasts was obviously different from the songs sung and the music for the drunkards. In Psalms 119:54 it says, “Your statutes are my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.” Statutes in this verse is another word for commandments.

In the New Testament Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God while in prison. This is just before the prison doors opened.

  • Acts 16:25-26  But about midnight when Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; suddenly there was a great earthquake, so [powerful] that the very foundations of the prison were shaken and at once all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 

In Colossians it instructs us to teach and admonish with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

  • Colossians 3:16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Modern research indicates that it is easier to learn information set to music. Throughout history music has been important to the spread of the scriptures. In the time of David, the statutes were song. Paul taught that we should teach and instruct by singing the word of God.

Now more than ever we need to be mindful of what we sing. Music should be used to teach scriptural truths to everyone possible. Our worship services should be filled with music that teaches the Word/ Statutes of God.

Exploring the Love Themes in Song of Solomon

Song of Solomon


Song of Songs 1:1The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.
Song of Songs 6:3 I am my beloved’s, And my beloved is mine. He feeds his flock among the lilies.

  • Author: Solomon, son of David
  • Date: 970-930 B.C.
  • Theme: The pursuit of genuine or real love
  • Purpose:
    • Song of Solomon is a three-fold love story depicting the love relationship between:
      • A husband and wife in marriage (details of intimacy)
      • God and His covenant people (the nation of Israel)
      • Jesus and His bride (the Church)
    • The book is a love dialogue between a Jewish maiden (the Shulamite woman) and her lover (Solomon, the king).
  • Content
    • The bride and the bridegroom Song of Solomon 1:1-2:7
      • Song of Songs 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
    • The praise of her beloved: Song of Solomon 2:8-3:5
      • Song of Songs 2:10-13My beloved spoke, and said to me: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away. For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth her green figs, And the vines with the tender grapes Give a good smell. Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away!
    • The praise of the bride: Song of Solomon 3:6-5:1
      • Song of Songs 4:16 Awake, O north wind And come, O south! Blow upon my garden, That its spices may flow out Let my beloved come to his garden And eat its pleasant fruits.
    • The communion of love: Song of Solomon 5:2-8:14
      • Song of Songs 7:10 I am my beloved’s, And his desire is toward me.
  • Christ in the book of Song of Solomon
    • Solomon as a type of Christ – The Shulamite as a type of the bride of Christ
      • Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Here is a song that is inspired by this book.


Strengthening Kids’ Faith in School: Powerful Prayer

Children at School

Children who are in schools need special prayer. They are more are less out in the world. They will encounter many different things that may or may not be good. Here is a prayer for you to pray over the children in your life that go to school. Portions of this prayer is also good for Homeschoolers.


Father, in Jesus’ name, I declare Your Word today over my children as they embark on their education and training at school. You are actively working in them, instilling the strength and desire to honor You. They are leaders and not followers, above and not beneath.


I pray that my children gain favor, understanding, and respect in the eyes of God, their teachers, and classmates. I ask for wisdom and insight to fill them as they encounter knowledge in every area of study and pursuit.


Father, thank You for giving my children a love for learning and helping them recognize that You are the Source and foundation of all knowledge. They are diligent and eager, with access to plenty of educational resources, and their consistent efforts lead to success. I’m grateful they are growing in wisdom and understanding. I will keep praying for them to be filled with the knowledge of Your will and to produce good results in every area of their lives.


Father, I’m grateful that my children are under divine protection as they dwell in the secret place of the Most High. They trust in You and find their refuge, standing firm and secure in Your love. They will not be misled by human philosophies or teachings that go against the truth. You are their Shield and Protector, guarding them from harm or danger. Thank You for the angels You have assigned to watch over them, defend them, and keep them safe in all their paths of obedience and service. Your love establishes them and drives away all fear.

I pray that the teachers of my children are people of integrity and strong values. May they have kind hearts and wisdom to guide them in fostering goodness and respect, always honoring what is right and true. Amen.


Scripture References
Philippians 2:13
Psalm 91:1,2
Deuteronomy 28:1,2,13
Ephesians 4:14
Proverbs 3:4 AMP
1 Kings 4:29
Daniel 1:4
Proverbs 1:4,7
Proverbs 3:13
Proverbs 4:5
Psalm 91:3-11
Ephesians 1:17
Psalm 112:8
Ephesians 3:17
Matthew 18:18
James 1:5
Colossians 1:9,10

Prayers that can be said for Children

Our children need our prayers. Growing up has always been a difficult journey. Today the children are facing many challenges. Many of these challenges are different than what many of us faced growing up. Some of the challenges are the same. Here are some prayers that may help you better pray for the children in your life.

  • Overcoming Rebellion: A Parent’s Prayer Guide: The prayer emphasizes faith in God’s guidance for a rebellious teen, committing the child to Jesus’ care. It asks for forgiveness of past parenting mistakes, seeks reconciliation, and pledges to promote an obedient spirit. The parent vows to support the teen’s growth in a healthy, nurturing relationship, aligned with scriptural teachings.
  • Prayer for a Child’s Future: The prayer expresses a parent’s dedication of their child to God, committing to raise them in faith and guiding them according to biblical teachings. It emphasizes trusting in God’s promises for the child’s obedience, wisdom, and future relationships. The parent seeks divine guidance, blessings, and protection over the child’s life journey.
  • Prayer to Nurture and Protect Your Kids: The prayer emphasizes faith in God’s protection and guidance for children, teaching them to honor parents and follow Christ. It encourages nurturing through love, discipline, and trust in divine care.
  • Strengthening Kids’ Faith in School: Powerful Prayer– The content emphasizes praying for children in school, seeking God’s guidance, protection, understanding, and favor, while encouraging a love for learning and wisdom in their education.
  • More coming soon

Biblical Guidance for Raising Godly Children

The Bible offers clear guidance on raising children, providing principles and teachings related to their upbringing. Here is some of the guidance with scriptures.

Instruct, teach, and be a godly example for children

  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. You shall teach them diligently to your children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.
  • Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
  • Titus 2:3-4 Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children,
  • Ephesians 5:1 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];

Comfort Children, be compassionate towards them, and provide for them.

  • Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
  • Psalm 127:3 “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
    • Children are basically a gift from God. They are a reward from him.
  • Proverbs 31:15 She (the virtuous woman) riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
    • this is talking about her getting up early to see to the cooking of the food.
  • 1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
    • children are most assuredly part of a man’s household.

Children are to be disciplined with love so that they will gain wisdom that results in righteousness and peace.

  • Proverbs 3:12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
  • Proverbs 13:24 He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son,
    But he who loves him disciplines and trains him diligently and appropriately [with wisdom and love].
    • This does not mean beat. It means correct and teach by showing the correct way.
  • Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
  • Proverbs 29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; Yes, he will delight your soul.

Don’t Frustrate or discourage children; instead teach and instruct them in God’s ways.

  • Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
  • Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or exasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heart and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].

Leave your children an inheritance.

  • An inheritance does not necessarily mean that you leave them lots of money.
    • Leaving them with the memory of how you trained them to follow God is worth more than gold or silver.
  • Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous.

Bring them up in the fear of the Lord by teaching them His Word.

  • Psalms 34:11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you to fear the Lord [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience].
  • Proverbs 1:1-8 The proverbs (truths obscurely expressed, maxims) of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: To know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; To discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, To receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, Righteousness, justice, and integrity; That prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], And knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth, The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], To understand a proverb and a figure [of speech] or an enigma with its interpretation, And the words of the wise and their riddles [that require reflection]. The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant [a]fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not reject the teaching of your mother.
  • Matthew 19:14 But He said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
  • Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and He said to them, “Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
  • Luke 2:41 And the Child continued to grow and become strong [in spirit], filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor, spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him. Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover Feast.
  • Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them to Himself, saying [to the apostles], “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
    • Remember to frequently bring your children to Jesus.

Lessons on Wisdom and Foolishness in Proverbs

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and
instruction.

  • Author
    • Solomon (Except Chapters 30, 31)
      The Man of Proverbs: Solomon
      • Beginning
        1 Kings 3:5-15 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
      • Middle
        • 1 Kings 10:1-9 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built, And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her. And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.
      • End
        • 1 Kings 11:1-4 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.
  • Date
    • Most scholars say approximately 950 B.C.
  • Theme
    • Principles for Living
  • Purpose
    • Proverbs 1:2-6 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity, To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion- A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.
    • Proverbs is a collection of short, concise sentences or saying teaching us how to apply godly wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to daily living.
  • Content
    • Instructions on Wisdom and Foolishness
      • Proverbs 1:1-9:18
    • Proverbs of Solomon
      • Proverbs 10:1-22:16
    • Thirty Sayings of the Wise
      • Proverbs 22:17-24:34
    • More Proverbs of Solomon
      • Proverbs 25:1-29:27
    • Sayings of Agur and Lemuel
      • Proverbs 30:1-31:31
  • Christ in the book of Proverbs
    • Christ in the Beginning with God
      • Proverbs 8:23-31 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
    • Christ as the Wisdom of God
      • 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
    • Christ is the Wisdom from God
      • 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Understanding Our New Relationship with God

Our New Relationship with God

We now have peace with God.

  • Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
  • Romans 8:6-9 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
    • enmity means hostility
  • James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Right Standing with God.

  • Right standing is another way of saying Justified
  •  Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
  • Romans 3:23-24 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

We are adopted into God’s Family

  • Romans 8:14-17  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
  • Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

We are now reconciled to God

  • Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
  • Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

We have been Redeemed and ransomed by God

  • Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
  • 1 Peter 1:18-19 Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

We are now near to God

  • Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
  • Ephesians 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

New Relationship with sin/flesh

Free from sin’s power.

  • 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  • John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Free from sin and death

  • Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
  • 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We are not obligated to sin or the flesh. Instead, we can have the fruit of the Spirit.

  •  You now don’t have to let sin rule over you.
  • Romans 6:11-12 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
  • Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
  • Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
  • Galatians 5:17-21 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
  • Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

You are free from Condemnation.

  • Condemnation
    • a reason for condemning
    • the state of being condemned
    • the act of judicially condemning
  • Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Our New Position

We have grace.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

We are called to be free and to serve.

  •  1 Corinthians 7:22-23 For he who was a slave when he was called in the Lord is a freedman of the Lord, likewise he who was free when he was called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price [a precious price paid by Christ]; do not become slaves to men [but to Christ].

We are marked by the Holy Spirit

  • Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
  • Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

Positioned in heavenly places

  • Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

We are set apart for God and called to be Saints

  • 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified (set apart, made holy) in Christ Jesus, who are selected and called as saints (God’s people), together with all those who in every place call on and honor the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
  • Romans 1:7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Transformed into God’s image.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

We have victory over death and eternal life

  • 1 Corinthians 15:55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
  • Hebrews 2:14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
  • Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the [a]archangel and with the [blast of the] trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

We are forgiven.

  • 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  • Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • Acts 10:43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Desde el Otoño hasta la Inundación

Desde el Otoño hasta la Inundación

Adán y Eva fuera del Jardín

  • En su nuevo estado de conciencia del bien y del mal, Adán y Eva comenzaron su vida fuera del Jardín del Edén. La existencia era bastante diferente de antes. Anteriormente, en la paz del jardín, el primer hombre y la primera mujer habían sido encargados de cultivar y cuidar un verdadero paraíso. Ahora Adán ganaba su vida con el sudor de su frente, luchando sin cesar contra las malas hierbas y espinas.
  • Eva descubrió la verdad de la Palabra de Dios. Él había dicho: “Multiplicaré en gran manera tus dolores y tus conceptiones; en dolor darás a luz hijos” (Génesis 3:16). El primer hijo que Eva trajo al mundo fue un hijo llamado Caín. Ella dijo: “He adquirido un hombre del SEÑOR” (Génesis 4:1). Luego, Eva dio a luz a otro hijo, Abel. La redacción aquí parece sugerir que los dos niños podrían haber sido gemelos. En otros lugares de la Biblia también se dice que el hombre conoció a su mujer y ella concibió. Aquí dice: “y nuevamente dio a luz a su hermano”.

La diferencia entre los dos hermanos

  • Como suele suceder con los hermanos en la misma familia, estos dos eran bastante diferentes. Abel era pastor de ovejas, pero Caín era agricultor. Según Génesis 4:3-7, también había diferencias espirituales entre estos dos hombres.

Culto Enseñado

Adán y Eva obviamente habían enseñado a sus hijos sobre la existencia de Dios y sobre la necesidad de adorarlo y ofrecerle sacrificios. Con el paso del tiempo, Caín trajo del fruto de la tierra una ofrenda al Señor. Abel también trajo una ofrenda de los primogénitos de su rebaño.

Sacrificio Aceptado y Rechazado

  • El Señor aceptó la ofrenda de Abel pero no la de Caín. Esto perturbó a Caín, y se enojó.
  • El Señor dijo a Caín: ¿Por qué estás enojado? ¿Y por qué ha caído tu semblante? Si haces lo correcto, ¿no serás aceptado? Y si no haces lo correcto, el pecado está a la puerta. Y a ti será su deseo, y tú dominarás sobre él. Génesis 4:6-7
  • En Su misericordia y voluntad de perdonar el error de Caín, el Señor le hizo un llamado. Le dijo a Caín que su ofrenda podría ser aceptada así como la de Abel si él también hiciera lo correcto. La única cosa que podría evitar que Caín hiciera lo correcto sería el pecado.

Sacrificio de Sangre, un Requisito

  • ¿Qué estaba mal con la ofrenda de Caín? La ofrenda de Caín no incluía un sacrificio de sangre. Él había traído una ofrenda de frutos de la tierra. Desde el principio, el plan de Dios requería un sacrificio de sangre.
  • En el jardín, Dios había matado animales para proporcionar pieles que cubrieran la desnudez de Adán y Eva. (Ver Génesis 3:21.) En otras palabras, para que los pecados sean cubiertos, se debe derramar sangre.
    • Jesucristo es el Cordero inmolado desde la fundación del mundo (Apocalipsis 13:8).
    • La razón por la que Dios eligió un sacrificio de sangre es que la paga del pecado es muerte (Romanos 6:23).
    • Sin el derramamiento de sangre, los pecados no pueden ser remitidos (Hebreos 9:22).
  • Adán debió haber enseñado a sus hijos o Abel no habría sabido qué traer. Sabemos que Caín trajo un sacrificio inapropiado.
  • Al principio de las Escrituras vemos que la sinceridad por sí sola no pone a una persona en buena posición con Dios. Lo único que Dios honrará es la fe obediente, no basta con hacer lo que pensamos que es correcto o lo mejor que sabemos hacer. Debemos hacer lo que Dios manda.
    • Abel obedeció a Dios por fe. Hebreos 11:4 dice: “Por la fe Abel ofreció a Dios un sacrificio más excelente que el de Caín, por lo cual obtuvo testimonio de que era justo, dando Dios testimonio de sus ofrendas: y por ella, aún muerto, habla.”

El Castigo de la Desobediencia

  • Lamentablemente, Caín no aceptó la oferta de Dios de intentarlo de nuevo, sino que asesinó a su hermano, Abel.
    • El Señor, que ve y conoce todas las cosas, preguntó: “¿Dónde está Abel, tu hermano?”
    • Caín mintió: “No lo sé; ¿soy yo el guardián de mi hermano?”
    • Entonces Dios pronunció la pena por el pecado de Caín: “¿Qué has hecho? La voz de la sangre de tu hermano clama a mí desde la tierra. Y ahora estás maldito de la tierra, que ha abierto su boca para recibir la sangre de tu hermano de tu mano; cuando labres la tierra, no te rendirá su fuerza; serás un fugitivo y un vagabundo en la tierra!” Los científicos han descubierto que el ADN, que está en la sangre, emite una vibración. Esto podría ser lo que se refiere como “la voz de la sangre de tu hermano clama a mí desde la tierra.”
      • Los científicos han descubierto que el ADN, que se encuentra en la sangre, emite una vibración. Esto podría ser lo que se refiere como “la voz de la sangre de tu hermano clama a mí desde la tierra”.
    • Caín respondió: “Mi castigo es mayor de lo que puedo soportar. He aquí, me has echado hoy de la faz de la tierra; y de tu presencia estaré oculto; y seré un fugitivo y un vagabundo en la tierra; y acontecerá que todo aquel que me hallare me matará” (Génesis 4:13-14).
    • El Señor respondió: “Por tanto, cualquiera que matare a Caín, siete veces será castigado” (Génesis 4:15). Luego, el Señor puso una señal en Caín para evitar que cualquiera que lo encontrara lo matara.Dios aún estaba mostrando misericordia a Caín al poner una señal para evitar que alguien lo matara.
      • Dios aún estaba mostrando misericordia a Caín al ponerle una marca para prevenir que alguien lo matara.
    • Como resultado de sus pecados de asesinato y de negarse a obedecer a Dios, Caín dejó la presencia del Señor y fue a vivir en la solitaria tierra de Nod, al este del Edén.

Hombres que caminaron con Dios

  • Set
    • Adán y Eva tuvieron más hijos, pero no fue hasta que ella dio a luz a un hijo al que nombraron Set que Eva dijo: “Porque Dios me ha puesto otro semilla en lugar de Abel, a quien mató Caín” (Génesis 4:25).
    • Fue en los días de Set, quien evidentemente era un hombre piadoso con el deseo de servir a Dios como lo hizo Abel, que la gente comenzó a invocar el nombre del Señor (Génesis 4:26).
  • Enoc
    • Uno de los hombres más interesantes que vivieron en el Libro de Génesis fue Enoc. Amaba a Dios y le era obediente. La Biblia dice: “Y Enoc caminó con Dios; y no fue hallado; porque Dios le llevó” (Génesis 5:24).
    • Hebreos 11:5 ofrece información adicional sobre este inusual evento: “Por fe Enoc fue trasladado para no ver muerte; y no fue hallado porque Dios le había trasladado: porque antes de su traslado tuvo este testimonio, que agradó a Dios!”
  • Noé
    • En los días del bisnieto de Enoc, Noé, Dios vio que la maldad del hombre era grande en la tierra y que toda la imaginación de los pensamientos de sus corazones era solo maldad continuamente. Eran tan perversos e inicuos que a Dios le dolió haberlos creado.
      • Él dijo: “Destruiré al hombre que he creado de la faz de la tierra; tanto al hombre como a la bestia, y a lo que se arrastra, y a las aves del cielo; porque me arrepiento de haberlos hecho” (Génesis 6:7).
    • Sin embargo, había un hombre que encontró gracia ante los ojos del Señor: Noé. Mientras otros pensaban continuamente en cosas malas y practicaban toda clase de maldad, Noé creía en Dios y le obedecía.
      • Hebreos 11:7 lo expresa de esta manera: “Por la fe, Noé, advertido por Dios acerca de cosas que aún no se veían, con temor preparó un arca para la salvación de su casa; por la cual condenó al mundo y fue hecho heredero de la justicia que es por la fe.”

¿Qué tenían en común Abel, Seth, Enoc y Noé? Fe obediente. Creyeron en Dios y le obedecieron. Desde el principio, la fe ha sido el requisito de Dios. Como señala Hebreos 11:6, “Sin fe es imposible agradarle; porque es necesario que el que se acerca a Dios crea que le hay, y que es galardonador de los que le buscan diligentemente.”

Effective Bible Study Methods for Spiritual Growth

The Bible is the most powerful weapon that a Christian has. It is the Word of God. Remember that by the Word of God the entire universe was formed. One of the first things that the devil has ever done throughout history in every society was to separate the people from the word of God. He doesn’t always do this by banning the bible. Generally speaking, people will try all the harder to read that which is banned. Humans are naturally curious. Many will read that which is banned before anything else just to find out why it is banned. So, the devil in in many places simply causes the people to lose the desire to read and study God’s Word. Many people naturally have another problem. We like to do things the easy way possible. If there is a short cut, that is what people want to do. This devil uses this. He simply plants the idea that we don’t have to study the Word of God because:

  • we are not a preacher
  • we go to church
  • we are too busy
  • it is not required for salvation (this is not really true because without faith it is impossible to please God and faith cometh by hearing the Word of God)
  • we come from a Christian home

It is time for you to learn the greatest weapon you have in your walk with God. We are called to Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). God has called us to be ambassadors. As ambassadors of God, we need to know the instructions. The Bible is our instruction book.

There are many methods for studying the Bible. Here are some that I have successfully used.

  • Get a Bible Study. These are usually topic based. I have few on this site.
    • Exploring God’s Word: This Home Study explores the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, focusing on fundamental historical narratives. It includes an introduction to both the Old and New Testaments, covering key figures, events, and teachings. Additional content will be added in the upcoming months to enhance your understanding of biblical stories.
    • Old Testaments Survey: An Old Testament Survey involves analyzing each of the 39 books to identify their central themes and overall significance in the context of the Bible. It spans over 4,000 years and provides foundational understanding of the Old Covenants, essential for interpreting the New Testament. The Old Testament serves as a historical account of the Hebrew nation. Additional content will be added in the coming weeks.
    • The Eternity of God: The Eternity of God is a Bible study series exploring topics from creation to eternity. It includes discussions on salvation history, the nature of man, biblical prophecies, and key events in Christian doctrine, such as the resurrection and final judgment. Various parts can be studied in any sequence.
    • Principals of Prayer Bible Study: The Principles of Prayer is a Bible study series offered on this blog, focusing on various aspects of prayer. It starts with its definition and provides guidance on effective prayer. The lessons can be studied in any order and cover topics from types of prayer to corporate prayer and hindrances.
  • Word Study: This is where you take a scripture and look at a difficult word. You look and see other scriptures that contain the same word.
    • Blue Letter Bible: this is a good site for looking up scriptures. It gives you the original Hebrew or Greek word. It also gives you other scriptures that contains that word.
    • Bible Hub: This site is also helpful for Bible study.
  • Bible Mapping: This allows you to look at a scripture from many points of view. It has you studying difficult words, the context, the who, what, when, and where, and it helps you think about how to apply the verse. Below is a website with more instructions and a downloadable verse mapping Bible study tool.
  • Bible memory
    • set a verse or group of verses to music.
      • Many scriptures were originally written to be sung.
      • There are many songs already written based on scriptures. Many are written for children, but they can be good for adults too.
    • pick a verse per week or month and work on learning it.

The Meaning Behind Ecclesiastes: Wisdom for Life

Ecclesiastes means Preacher or Teacher


Ecclesiastes 12:13(NKJV) Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.

  • Author: Solomon in his later years
  • Date: Approximately 931 B.C.
  • Themes:
    • The pursuit of truth and the true meaning of life.
    • An understanding that everything under the sun is meaningless apart from God
  • Purpose
    • The title of this book in the Hebrew Old Testament is Teacher or Preacher.
    • The Greek word for this book means speaker or one called out.
    • Solomon wrote this book after a lifetime of seeking things of this world to bring meaning and satisfaction of life. He writes this to spare future generations the bitterness of learning through their own experience that life is meaningless without God.
  • Content
    • Life without meaning: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
      • Ecclesiastes 1:2-4: “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun? “One generation passes away, and another generation comes; but the earth abides forever.
    • The limits of Man’s wisdom: Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:25
      • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come And how does a wise man die? As the fool!
    • A time for everything: Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
      • Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: time to be born, And a time to die, A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted, A time to kill, And a time to heal, A time to break down, And a time to build up, A time to weep, And a time to laugh, A time to mourn, And a time to dance, time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose, A time to keep, And a time to throw away. A time to tear, And a time to sew, A time to keep silence, And a time to speak, A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
    • Disappointments and contentment: Ecclesiastes 4:1-5:20
      • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. Or if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
    • Satisfaction in this life is limited: Ecclesiastes 6:1-8:17
      • Ecclesiastes 7:29 Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes.”
    • Life balanced with wisdom: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10:20
      • Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going
    • True wisdom in fearing the Lord: Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:14
      • Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments. For this is man’s all
  • Christ in the book of Ecclesiastes
    • The principles of life as paralleled in Matthew 6:25-34
    • Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.