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Saturday, October 26, 2024

Sin Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Sin


Devotional Thoughts






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Questions:
What is Sin?
Sin will always be an offensive word. We can talk openly and impersonally about crimes like rape and murder; we can make statistics out of our adulteries, unwed pregnancies, and divorces; we can trivialize greed, selfishness, and lust or elevate them to the level of cultural values-but to call anything sin makes us uncomfortable. The word sin implies violating an objective and absolute standard or code of behavior established by God. We almost instinctively feel this to be an infringement on our rights. Yet such an attitude displays a terrible misunderstanding of sin and an underestimation of God. When a doctor correctly diagnoses a disease in our body, we do not accuse her of impinging on our freedom; rather, we are grateful because we know diseases can destroy our lives. The Bible teaches that God is concerned about sin-not because he wants to limit our freedom and enjoyment of life but because sin is a disease of the soul that destroys our lives and leads to spiritual death if we do not treat it.



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Kevin Rayner


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Monday, October 21, 2024

Virtues Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Virtues

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Devotional Thoughts


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Kevin Rayner


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Monday, August 05, 2024

Loneliness Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Loneliness

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Devotional Thoughts

In the lonely hours of the night, do you sometimes wrestle with God and your emotions, feeling desperately alone, rejected? Perhaps a best friend deserted you. Or the one you hoped to marry wants someone else. Or the one you did marry wants out. Maybe your child has turned against you, or your parents don’t seem to care. Ironically, you can feel equally lonely on a crowded city street, in a busy airport, or in a stadium filled with people. Have you ever sensed the loneliness of being in a crowd? There are so many people, but no one you know or truly care about is there. Everybody is there but no one is with you—truly with you—except for God, who is always with you. If you develop a relationship with him, you can disperse your loneliness. He is always there for you. You never need to feel lonely when the creator of the universe is by your side.

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#Loneliness

Psalm 25:16 NIV - 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Psalm 68:6 NIV - 6 God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Mark 1:45 NIV - 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Luke 5:16 NIV - 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley . . . you are close beside me.
Hebrews 13:5 For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Logos Dictionary Themes

Loneliness
    God is concerned about our loneliness (Genesis 2:18)
    God encourages the lonely (1 Kings 19:14–18)
    God takes care of lonely people (Psalm 68:6)
    Friends help in times of loneliness (Ecclesiastes 4:10–11)
    God remains with us (Matthew 28:20)

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Tuesday, July 09, 2024

Gospel Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About the Gospel

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Devotional Thoughts


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#Gospel

2 Corinthians 11:4 NLT - 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.
Galatians 1:11 NLT - 11 Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning.
Galatians 2:5, 7, 14 NLT - 5 But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you. ... 7 Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. ... 14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, "Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?

Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Monday, July 08, 2024

Family Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Family

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Devotional Thoughts


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#Family

Ephesians 1:5 NLT - 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Ephesians 2:19 NLT - 19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family.
Ephesians 3:15 NIV - 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.


Logos Dictionary Themes

Family
    The members of a family can teach each other about God (Deuteronomy 6:4–9)
    Do not let sin affect your family life (Psalm 101:2)
    Do not bring trouble to a family (Proverbs 11:29)
    Christian faith is of greater importance than family (Luke 12:51–53)
    Christians are members of God’s family (Ephesians 2:19)
    Husbands and wives should love each other (Ephesians 5:21–33)
    Children should obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1)
    Church leaders must have a good family life (1 Timothy 3:4–5)
    Families should take care of each other (1 Timothy 5:3–5)

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Thursday, June 27, 2024

Attitude Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Attitude




Devotional Thoughts


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#Attitude

1 Peter 3:8 NLT - 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
1 Peter 4:1 NLT - 1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.
Ephesians 4:23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Numbers 14:24 NLT - 24 But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land.
Philippians 2:5 NLT - 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Philippians 4:8 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Romans 12:2 ESV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 14:18 NLT - 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.

Logos Dictionary Themes

Attitude
  •     Bad attitudes hurt our relationship with God (Genesis 4:6–7)
  •     Bad attitudes lead to poor decisions (Numbers 14:1–4)
  •     Always trust God for your life (Proverbs 29:25)
  •     Choose a positive attitude (Habakkuk 3:17–19)
  •     God will reward the meek (Matthew 5:5)
  •     God gives Christians a new attitude (Philippians 1:20–25)
  •     We should imitate Jesus’ attitude (Philippians 2:5)
  •     Christians should always rejoice (Philippians 4:4)
  •     Never be anxious (Philippians 4:6–7)

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Balance Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Balance


Devotional Thoughts


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#Balance

2 Peter 3:17 (CEV) My dear friends, you have been warned ahead of time! So don't let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance. 
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up 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; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ...
Ecclesiastes 7:18 (MSG) It’s best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.
Proverbs 11:1 (MSG) God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard.
Proverbs 11:2 (MSG) The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm.
Proverbs 16:10 (MSG) A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit.
Proverbs 16:11 (MSG) God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.
Proverbs 16:11 A just balance and scales are the LORD's; all the weights in the bag are his work.
Proverbs 16:11 NASB95 - A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern.
Proverbs 16:11 The Lord demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness.
Proverbs 16:12 (MSG)  Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation.
Proverbs 20:23 (MSG) God hates cheating in the marketplace; rigged scales are an outrage.
Psalms 62:9 (MSG) Man as such is smoke, woman as such, a mirage. Put them together, they’re nothing; two times nothing is nothing.

Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Monday, June 24, 2024

Hope Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Hope


Devotional Thoughts

W.I.P. (Work in Progress)

I talk to many people who are looking for hope. Hopelessness about financial, educational, career, or relational factors. Those especially relating to children, marriage and those they love. And hope deals with the future.

Read Philippians 1:6 ... confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Remember God is working on you and them. We are all "Works In Progress."

Divine love finds a way of being optimistic. God isn't finished with you either.

Death isn't the end of life, but a glorious beginning for the Christian. 
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

God is directing history toward a climatic day. A purging moment. This earth will be changed, refined, and cleansed of all moral imperfections. 

What kind of people should we be...
2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

====
Fall 2001 - National poll in Michigan. Only 1 in 5 Americans feel hopeful about the future. (80%)


Links to other resources:
Quotes
Audio Message of Hope
Hope For Life


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#Hope
#Hoping
#Hopefully
#Hoped
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#Hopelessly
#Hopes

1 Corinthians 13:13 (MSG) But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
1 John 3:3 - And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
1 Peter 1:9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 3:15 - but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
2 John 12 - Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
3 John 14 - I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
Ephesians 1:18 NLT - 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called--his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
Ephesians 2:12 NLT - 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.
Ephesians 4:4 NLT - 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Job 13:15 God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.
Proverbs 13:12 (MSG) Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.
Proverbs 3:5 Put all your hope in God, not looking to your reason for support.
Psalms 25:21 (MSG) Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.
Psalms 31:24 (MSG) Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.
Psalms 42:5 (MSG) Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.
Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,


Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Commitment Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Commitment



Devotional Thoughts


Jimmy Allen - Commitment

Commitment In the book, Driven from Within, Michael Jordan (Hall-of-Fame basketball player) recounts...
Go to
http://bulletindigest.net/2015/02/06/commitment/


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#Commit
#Commitment
#Commitments
#Commits
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#Committing
#Devote
#Invest
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1 Kings 8:61 ESV Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.”
1 Peter 2:22 - He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
Hebrews 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we keep the beginning of our commitment firm until the end,
James 5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Luke 9:61 (MSG) Then another said, “I’m ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home.”
Luke 9:62 ESV Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Proverbs 16:3 (MSG) Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.
Proverbs 16:3 ESV Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 NLT Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
Psalm 37:5 ESV Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.


Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Thursday, June 20, 2024

Hell Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Hell

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Devotional Thoughts

What is Hell Like? | Jimmy Allen
Jimmy Allen was known as the Billy Graham of the Churches of Christ. He is well known for his sermon "What is Hell Like?" and for adding several extra stanzas to the hymn "Just As I Am." In this video, we see Jimmy Allen doing both. In later years, brother Allen regretted this sermon saying, "there are some things I have said about hell in the past that I can no longer repeat" (Fire In My Bones, pg. 220-221). Jimmy delivered this sermon on June 25, 1978. This is a classic sermon and one that deserves consideration!


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Kevin Rayner


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Wednesday, June 05, 2024

Wisdom Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Wisdom


Devotional Thoughts


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Search BibleHub for Topic Wisdom


#Wisdom
#Wise
#Prudence
#Perception, Spiritual
#Shrewdness
#Insight
#Graduate
#Education
#Folly

Proverbs 1:2, 7, 20 NLT - 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. ... 7 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. ... 20 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square.
Proverbs 2:2, 6, 10, 12, 16 NLT - 2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. ... 6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ... 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. ... 12 Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. ... 16 Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
Proverbs 3:7, 13-15, 18-19 NLT - 7 Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. ... 13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. ... 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. 19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens.
Proverbs 4:5-8 NLT - 5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. 8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.
Proverbs 5:1 NLT - 1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
Proverbs 7:4 NLT - 4 Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family.
Proverbs 8:1, 11-12 NLT - 1 Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! ... 11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. 12 "I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
Proverbs 9:1, 10-12 NLT - 1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. ... 10 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Proverbs 11:2 NLT - 2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 14:6, 33 NLT - 6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. ... 33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
Proverbs 15:33 NLT - 33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
Proverbs 16:10, 16 NLT - 10 The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly. ... 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
Proverbs 17:24 NLT - 24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 18:4 NLT - 4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
Proverbs 19:8 NLT - 8 To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.
Proverbs 21:30 NLT - 30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.
Proverbs 23:23 NLT - 23 Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
Proverbs 24:3, 7, 14 NLT - 3 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. ... 7 Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say. ... 14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
Proverbs 28:26 NLT - 26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
Proverbs 29:3, 15 NLT - 3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. ... 15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
Proverbs 30:3 NLT - 3 I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.


Wisdom
    The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
    To find wisdom, first, find God (Proverbs 2:6–12)
    Wise people accept advice (Proverbs 13:10)
    Wise people boast not in their wisdom but in knowing God (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
    The wise understand God’s ways and follow his guidance (Hosea 14:9)
    Wise people build on the solid foundation of God and his Word (Matthew 7:24–27)
    God’s wisdom is different from the world’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1–16)
    God will give us wisdom if we ask for it (James 1:5)

Logos Dictionary Themes
God, wisdom of

Scripture declares that God alone is wise and discerning, and that human wisdom is often unable or unwilling to understand his ways. God’s wisdom is expressed in both creation and redemption.

  • God’s wisdom described. Isa 28:29 See also 1Sa 2:3; Ro 16:27
  • God’s wisdom is beyond measure. Ps 147:5 See also Isa 44:7; Jer 10:7; Ro 11:33
  • God’s wisdom is profound. Isa 40:28 See also Job 9:4; 28:12-24; Ps 92:5; Ecc 8:17
  • God’s wisdom is superior to human wisdom. Isa 55:9 See also Job 21:22
  • God’s wisdom exhibited. God’s wisdom in creation Jer 10:12 See also Job 28:25-27; 37:14-16; Ps 104:24; 136:5; Pr 3:19-20; Isa 40:12-14
  • God’s wisdom as an agent in creation. Pr 8:22-31 Wisdom here is given personality, and may refer to the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ.
  • God’s wisdom in historical events. Isa 31:2 See also Job 12:13-25; Da 2:20-22
  • God’s wisdom in knowing the human mind. 1Ch 28:9 See also Ps 139:2,4,6
  • Jesus Christ the wisdom of God. 1Co 1:30 See also Isa 9:6; 11:2; 1Co 1:24; Col 2:2-3
  • God’s wisdom in the gospel. 1Co 1:25 See also 1Co 1:18-21; Eph 3:10
  • God gives his wisdom to human beings. Eph 1:17 See also 2Ch 1:11-12; Ezr 7:25; Pr 2:6; Ecc 12:11; Da 2:23; 1Co 2:6-16; Jas 1:5
  • Examples of God’s wisdom. 
  • 1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 3:28; Isa 28:24-29; Lk 11:49

Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser.


You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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