Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

I would like to study another book from the Bible's wisdom literature with you. The wisdom books begin with Job and run through the Song of Solomon.  We previously covered about half of the book of Proverbs, and have enjoyed many lessons from the Psalms. Now, I would like to study the small book of Ecclesiastes, because it is very relevant to the world we live in.  Let us first remember God's purpose in giving us wisdom books of the Bible. God's purposes for His wisdom literature.  Proverbs 1:2-3  To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;  3)  To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;  4)  To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. Wisdom literature in the Bible is not given to us as mere information that we should read. Nor is it a collection of interesting trivia from the past. God gave us the wisdom books to reveal what true wisdom is. Divine wisdom is needed, so that we know how

The apostle James is wrapping up his epistle to the churches. This last segment is going to deal with the subject of prayer. Therefore it is something we all need to read and heed. Praying when sick and praising when joyful.  James 5:13  Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  The idea of affliction reaches back to counting it joy when we fall into some type of trial and rejoicing when God tests our faith, because these are good gifts from God.  What should a Christian do when he or she is suffering hardship or enduring troubles? We must pray.  In this present evil world, our daily conditions are variable. We may enjoy seasons of ease and comfort that are followed by hard times and personal devastation.  Sometimes we are sorrowful and other times we are joyful. We are taught to endure these things and to pray when it threatens to overwhelm us.  To this end, God sends afflictions, so that we may seek him early. During good times we may tend to negle

Patience is a great virtue! James 5:7-9  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.  8)  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.  9)  Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.  The apostle James is teaching us to be patient as we endure the general troubles of life, or as God permits trials to test our faith.  He also teaches us to be patiently waiting and anticipating the coming of Jesus Christ. The apostle uses an agricultural example of the early and later rains needed for a bountiful harvest.  Thus, believers in Christ are exhorted to be constantly working for the Lord, as we wait for Christ's return.  We are to be worshipping the Lord in all that we do. Our incentive is knowing that Jesus will reward any of our

Patience is a great virtue.  James 5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.  The apostle James taught us very carefully about having patience rule our lives.  He followed this truth by giving us spiritual realities, telling us how our lives will be, when we are patiently waiting for the Lord to return.  This means making the kind of effort that will not give up no matter how bad our circumstances become.  Patience is like a long distance runner pacing himself throughout the race so that he can finish well. The idea of waiting patiently for Christ to return, is connected with spiritual stamina that forms in us when we allow the Spirit of God to lead and guide our steps. Our hearts must be firmly fixed on God's Word.  James 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.  Here ar

Be productive for Christ while patiently waiting for His return. James 5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.  The apostle James introduced two major themes to finish his letter to the churches.  First is the theme of believers patiently waiting, enduring the trials and afflictions of this life. Second, is for believers to patiently wait for the return of Jesus Christ. This all connects with our Lord's instructions to be watching for His return with great anticipation.  While we watch for Christ's return, we are also to actively do the work of gospel ministry and to worship Him. James tells us how this truth of patient waiting is to be lived out. The idea is that since the Lord IS coming back one day, live in this manner. Have hearts firmly fixed on what God says to us. James 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish

From this part until the end of his letter, the apostle James focuses on encouraging and exhorting believers in Christ to stay on course.  We know he is speaking to Christians because he uses the word "brethren" five times between verse 7 and the end of the chapter.  Patient waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ. James 5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.  This verse sets the theme for what James emphasizes for us: Believers live patiently waiting for the Lord's return while enduring the hardships of life.  Christ's return is mentioned three times and patience is mentioned five times in verses 8 through 12.  The word "patience" means to be long spirited, which is never losing heart, no matter how great our challenges may be.  "Patience" is continuing on no matter how great ou