Bible Commentary

I have preached with the help of a translator in two languages. I have also preached in English to my own congregation when someone suggested a translator would have helped!

Not until modern times has the Bible been so accessible and understandable.

In the history of the Middle East, conflict and murder because of religious struggles were often common to the rulers of the national states. Our text illustrates such conflict under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 589 BC.

Have you ever been asked to explain some issue brought to you by a friend or acquaintance when the questioner will not explain to you what the issue really is? If so, it was obvious to you that you could not explain when you did not know the circumstances involved.

The subject of divine healing generates many ideas and questions. Circulated among many churches, “James” was written by Jesus' brother who was known in the early church as “James the Just” and called the first “bishop” of the Jerusalem church.

Friends from other Christian traditions have voiced a common complaint that churches are drifting from sound doctrine to the idea that all of us are God's children, no matter what we believe, so we should just get along. Paul takes a different tack, understanding that the gospel of Jesus Christ is unique in its promises and expectations.

The Book of Daniel is considered to be the highest example of Old Testament ethics in its discussion of the picture of God’s people.

In his commentary on Revelation, Edward A. McDowell, former professor of New Testament interpretation at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, rightly declares that our text is from a “strange book, and to many, a closed book” (p. 1).

Ecclesiastes, this odd little “wisdom” book, had some trouble getting into the Bible. Its Hebrew is a later form than other Old Testament writings, and it was written between 332 and 200 B.C., when Judea was under Greek rule. It faced objections that it showed Greek philosophical influences and offered a rather bleak outlook.

The New Testament letters are a special gift from God as they address significant doctrinal issues and the practical applications of beliefs to our daily living. We begin four lessons focused on our physical body as a gift from God, beginning with our sexuality.