The Cleaning Lady

There was a little old cleaning Lady who went to a local church. When the invitation was given at the end of the service, she went forward wanting to become a member. The preacher listened as she told him how she wanted to be baptized and become a member of Christ's church.

The preacher thought to himself, "oh my, she is so unkempt, even smells a little, and her fingernails are not clean. She picks up garbage, cleans toilets -- what would the members think of her." He told her that she needed to go home and pray about it and then decide.

The following week, here she came again. She told the minister that she had prayed about it and still wanted to be baptized. "I have passed this church building for so long. It is so beautiful, and I truly want to become a member of Christ's church and a local member of this body of believers."

Again the preacher told her to go home and pray some more.

A few weeks later while out eating at the restaurant, the preacher saw the little old lady. He did not want her to think that he was ignoring her so he approached her and said, "I have not seen you for a while. Is everything all right?"

"Oh, yes," she said. "I talked with Jesus, and He told me not to worry about becoming a member of your church."

"He did?" said the preacher.

"Oh, yes" she replied. "Jesus said he's been trying to get into your church for years, and even HE can't get in."

Baptism According to Scripture: A Discussion

https://youtu.be/LsUVhEN4PC4?si=xdM9B8GYnBFMzfNi

In this episode, Bobby Harrington leads a meaningful conversation about the significance and doctrinal importance of baptism with prominent church leaders, including Jerry Harris, Gary Johnson, Karl Halverson, and Mario Gonzalez. Each leader shares their perspectives on baptism, drawing from their extensive experiences in ministry and biblical scholarship. They discuss the restoration movement, the role of elders in maintaining doctrinal integrity, the international viewpoint on baptism, and the importance of providing clear, accessible resources on the topic. They also introduce a new booklet, 'Baptism According to Scripture,' aiming to clarify and educate on the biblical teaching of baptism. This comprehensive discussion highlights key scriptural references and addresses common questions and misconceptions about baptism, making it a valuable resource for both church leaders and laypeople.

Baptism: Linguistic and Historical Considerations

https://youtu.be/TbKtMnjnnSM

Feb 28, 2025 A sermon by Preaching Minister Randy Johns from the series "There Is Water in the Plan! A Brief Study of Christian Baptism."

This is part 1 of a 3-part series. 

The Foundation of Christian Baptism: The Baptism of Jesus

https://youtu.be/NFPStFxRJNc

Feb 28, 2025 = A sermon by Preaching Minister Randy Johns from the 3-part series, "There Is Water in the Plan! A Brief Study of Christian Baptism."

This is part 2 of a 3-part series. 

There Is Water in the Plan: The Emergence of Christian Baptism

https://youtu.be/vn7MsD7oa9o

Feb 28, 2025 = A sermon by Preaching Minister Randy Johns from the series, "There Is Water in the Plan! A Brief Study of Christian Baptism."

This is part 3 of a 3-part series. 

Churches in the Shape of Scripture

Churches in the Shape of Scripture
Series by Robert Prater
Spring of 2015




Part 1
We in churches of Christ are a very unique group of people. Our beliefs and practices seem very strange to some. This sermon is the beginning of a new sermon series entitled, “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” It is our hope that these lessons will help us have a renewed conviction that being a New Testament-shaped church is a goal worth pursing, and that doing things God’s way really does matter. These lessons will be a great opportunity to invite others who might have questions surrounding what churches of Christ teach.


Part 2
Last week we began a new sermon series titled, “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” We introduced the principle that churches of Christ are all about restoration. We looked at this notion from the Old Testament. In this second sermon in the series, we’ll take this idea of restoration over to the New Testament and focus our attention on the church.


Part 3
This is the third sermon in the series titled, “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” We’re talking about who we are in churches of Christ. We’ve introduced the series talking about how we are a people concerned about restoring the beliefs and practices of the New Testament church. This sermon will be on “Salvation in the Shape of the New Testament” This is one of the most important differences you’ll find between churches of Christ and most other religious groups.


Part 4
Last week we started looking at “Salvation in the Shape of the New Testament.” This sermon continues looking at this issue by noting how our belief that baptism is necessary for salvation was actually the unanimous belief of Christianity for its first 1,500 years. We’ll also see the connection in the New Testament between salvation and baptism.

Click here for the Francis Chan video that Robert showed in his sermon.


Part 5
This is a continuation of our special sermon series titled “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” This sermon discusses some of our beliefs and practices that distinguish us in churches of Christ from most other churches, particularly at our belief that baptism is a necessary condition for receiving salvation.


Part 6
This sermon is about “The Lord’s Day and the Lord’s Supper in the Shape of the New Testament.” This is another distinction we have in churches of Christ: we believe eating the Lord’s Supper every Sunday is an important part of God’s plan for the church.


Part 7
This is the second part of last week’s sermon about “The Lord’s Day and the Lord’s Supper in the Shape of the New Testament.” In this lesson, we’ll explore and contemplate what this weekly activity is all about. We’ll look at some of the terms which are associated with it in the New Testament.


Part 8
In this sermon, we’ll begin looking at “Church Organization & Leadership in the Shape of the New Testament.” This is another difference between churches of Christ and most other church groups. That difference is how the church is organized and governed. And we believe this is an important part of God’s plan for His church.


Part 9
This sermon is the second part of the previous sermon in our “Churches in the Shape of Scripture” series. We’ll continue to look at “Church Organization & Leadership in the Shape of the New Testament.” This is another difference between churches of Christ and most other church groups. That difference is how the church is organized and governed. And we believe this is an important part of God’s plan for His church.


Part 10
This sermon titled “Musical Praise in the Assembly” looks at what is probably the most obvious difference between us and many of our Bible believing friends. We’re talking about why we in churches of Christ in our worship assemblies practice vocal only praise. We’ll begin by walking through the Bible to see how we and most Christians throughout history, came to the conclusion that Christian worship was instrument-free for most of its history.


Part 11
This is the second part of last week’s sermon called “Musical Praise in the Assembly”, which looks at what is probably the most obvious difference between us and many of our Bible believing friends. We’re talking about why we in churches of Christ in our worship assemblies practice vocal only praise. We’ll begin by walking through the Bible to see how we and most Christians throughout history, came to the conclusion that Christian worship was instrument-free for most of its history.


Part 12
This sermon is a continuation of our special sermon series titled “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” Is our practice of male leadership in our assemblies an out-of-date, sexist, chauvinistic mindset? Does the New Testament really teach what we practice? In this lesson we’ll look at the bigger picture of what the Bible says about men and women.


Part 13
This is the final sermon in the “Churches in the Shape of Scripture” series. In the last lesson we left off stating that we believe God has called men to lead in the worship assembly to serve as a visual expression of His will for male spiritual leadership in the church. This lesson focuses on Paul’s instructions regarding the roles in the assembly found in 1 Timothy 2:8-15.

ReBaptism

Baptism is a significant issue in the God's plan as revealed in the Bible. People have researched and discussed this vital topic for centuries. In the restoration movement that have been thought provoking things written in an effort to come to a better understanding. Recently I cam across some article that calls for some consideration.

James A. Harding & the "Design" of Baptism

J. W. McGarvey: What is Valid Baptism?

Rebaptism Reviewed ... David Lipscomb

Alexander Campbell, Rebaptism & Sectarianism

Re-Baptism: Where Does the Slippery Slope End?

David Lipscomb, Proper Translation & Rebaptism

For more articles on baptism, click on this link

Hopefully we can all come to realize the proper place of immersion into Christ and its place in God's plan.

Adultery illustrations

 Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Adultery

Extra-Marital Affairs

From Bad Beginnings to Happy Endings, by Ed Young (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers., 1994), pp. 122-123.

Dr. Tom McGuiness, a counseling psychologist in New Jersey, gives this explanation of why many affairs take place:

“Married people seek out or succumb to affairs when they feel devalued or less than fully alive. They are bored. Overburdened. People who have affairs have a child’s deep longing to be touched, caressed, held, hugged and kissed, whether they admit it or not. They want happy surprises. That might mean a sentimental unexpected gift every once in a while. More important, it is the dependable gift of time and caring. The present of shared ideas, experiences, stories, nonsense and games, including sexual games. They want the world to butt out. They want a loving friend, a pal who isn’t judgmental. They want someone to convince them they’re still loved, lovable and very special. For a little while, now and then, they want out from under the grown-up responsibilities that have become predictable, dreary and difficult.”

If these are the reasons extra-marital affairs occur, couldn’t we guard against them by seeking to meet our mates’ deepest needs for affection, security, friendship, and sexual fulfillment? Maybe the best prevention for an affair outside marriage is to plan one with the man or woman we’re married to!

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#Scripture

Proverbs 5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight,

Proverbs 6:32 But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.

Exodus 20:14 (ESV) “You shall not commit adultery.

Deuteronomy 5:18 (ESV) “‘And you shall not commit adultery.

Luke 16:18 (ESV) “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

Romans 2:22 (ESV) You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

Proverbs 6:32 (ESV) He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be kept honorable in every way, and the marriage bed undefiled. For God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery.

Adultery

    God forbids adultery (Exodus 20:14)

    Adultery has consequences (Proverbs 6:26)

    Adultery is foolish (Proverbs 6:32)

    Adultery is disgusting to God (Jeremiah 7:9–10)

    God considers lust as sinful as adultery (Matthew 5:27–28)

    Divorce often leads to adultery (Mark 10:11–12)

    God can forgive the adulterer (John 8:1–11)

What Jesus Says About It

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Kevin Rayner

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Pressure Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Pressure

Edmond Church Family,

Hope you're having a great week!

We got an Instant Pot for Christmas. It’s great, you can cook frozen chicken in a matter of minutes, and it’s edible! I even eat something called Quinoa cooked in this modern multi-cooker, and it actually tastes good.

The Instant Pot looks like a reinforced crockpot with a bomb timer slapped on the front of it. Evidently, it cooks using extremely high pressure. When the timer goes off, and the food is done, we release the pressure valve and watch as a steady flow of steam spews into the air. Without removing the pressure, opening the pot would be disastrous.

It appears that some of us are like Instant Pots right now. After a long year of uncertainty and unforeseen challenges, there seems to be a lot of pressure building up.

Many of us are just holding it all in and may not even know it. Unless we have a healthy and safe way to release the pressure, sooner or later we will explode. Maybe you’ve been there recently.

You lose your patience with a store clerk.

You rant and rave about something unimportant. 

You explode at your spouse or child.

You feel a wave of road rage wash over you.

You burst into tears.

You scream and yell. Or just the opposite, you shut down emotionally.

You say things you later regret.

You react impulsively. 

While you may feel better in that instant (see what I did there?), your actions and words cause damage. Relationships suffer. People get hurt. Unity and progress are impeded. Damage is done.

Maybe right now is a good time for an honest self-assessment. How are you doing…how are you really doing? 

Do you feel overly stressed? Are you allowing challenges and adversity to gnaw at you? Are people getting under your skin? Is there a chance you are stuffing all the anxiety and uncertainty of a challenging year or a difficult situation deep inside as you try to keep moving forward?  

Sooner or later—unless you deal with the sources and symptoms of your stress and find a safe way to release the building pressure—you’re going to explode. 

Before you say or do something harmful, please do something helpful. 

Talk to a trusted friend or counselor. Pray, fast, and participate in other spiritual disciplines. Get moving and get some sleep. Build in Sabbath rest. But most of all, lean on God.

A short verse in the passage I plan to preach on this Sunday as we conclude our “Exiles” series tells us, very simply, what to do with all that pressure, all that stress and all that frustration: 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

In one short inspired verse of scripture we are told what to do and why to do it. Recognize the pressure building up inside you and the burden of stress you are carrying, and let go of it. All of it.

More specifically, give it to God. Let him take it off your shoulders and out of your heart, and let Him replace it with healing and hope.

Cast your anxiety on him. That’s the what, but even more notably, here’s the why: “…because he cares for you.” 

God cares deeply for you. He cares that you are carrying what feels like the weight of the world. He cares that you are going through a tough time. God cares that you are hurting, or grieving or struggling. He cares that you have experienced great loss or that you can’t seem to catch a break.

He hurts with you and cares for you. 

God wants to carry what is weighing you down. Jesus already bore your greatest burden when he willingly went to the cross. He removed the sins that separate you from God.

Not only is God’s care for you unmatched, his strength is unequaled. No burden you are trying to carry is too heavy for him. So give it to him, and leave it with him. Don’t take it back. You can trust God.

Letting pressure continue to build will only result in a destructive explosion. God wants to help you, so just let him. 

Hope you’ll join us for worship Sunday.
Grace & Peace,
Randy 

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#Pressure

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Scriptures

2 Corinthians 9:7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

2 Corinthians 11:28 - And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

Proverbs 24:10 If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.

Psalms 32:4 (MSG) The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up.

Psalms 32:5 (MSG) Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll come clean about my failures to God .” Suddenly the pressure was gone— my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared.

Judges 20:45 (MSG) Five divisions turned to escape to the wilderness, to Rimmon Rock, but the Israelites caught and slaughtered them on roads. Keeping the pressure on, the Israelites brought down two more divisions.

Revelation 2:13 (MSG) “I see where you live, right under the shadow of Satan’s throne. But you continue boldly in my Name; you never once denied my Name, even when the pressure was worst, when they martyred Antipas, my witness who stayed faithful to me on Satan’s turf.

James 1:2 Trials and Temptations Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Romans 5:3 And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance;

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Pressure

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/search?q=Pressure

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Pressure/sort/popular

Logos Dictionary Themes

A state of personal anxiety, strain or tension resulting from the pressures of human life. 

But God cannot ignore sin and will not. He brings pressure upon us, often very acute pressure, until we acknowledge the sin, confess it, and return to him. --James Montgomery Boice

You Think About It!

Kevin Rayner

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Promise Illustrations

Teaching Illustrations About Promise

Promises From God

Our Daily Bread, January 1, 1985

A promise from God is a statement we can depend on with absolute confidence. Here are 12 promises for the Christian to claim.

• God’s presence— “I will never leave thee” (Heb. 13:5)
• God’s protection—”I am thy shield” (Gen. 15:1)
• God’s power—”I will strengthen thee” (Isa. 41:10)
• God’s provision—”I will help thee” (Isa. 41:10)
• God’s leading—”And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them” (John 10:4)
• God’s purposes— “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil” (Jer. 29:11)
• God’s rest—”Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28)
• God’s cleansing— “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)
• God’s goodness— “No good thing will He withhold from them that work uprightly” (Psalm 84:11)
• God’s faithfulness—”The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake” (1 Sam. 12:22)
• God’s guidance—”The meek will He guide” (Psalm 25:9)
• God’s wise plan—”All things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28)

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Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and [secretly] keep back for yourself some of the proceeds [from the sale] of the land?

Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

James 1:12 Happy the man who doth endure temptation, because, becoming approved, he shall receive the crown of the life, which the Lord did promise to those loving Him.

Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Promise/sort/popular

2 Peter 1:4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Galatians 3:18 (NIV) For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

Psalms 106:12 (NIV) Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.

Joshua 21:45 (NIV) Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

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Kevin Rayner

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Preaching Jobs

The Central Church of Christ in Shawnee, Oklahoma is currently taking applications for a full time minister and would like your help. If you know of someone that might be a good fit, please forward this message to them.

The Central congregation has been in existence for over 100 years, with a stable eldership, a solid financial position, and opportunities for growth. We’re located in the downtown area of Shawnee about 50 minutes east of downtown Oklahoma City. We are looking for applicants that are sound in the scripture and able to work well with families. Our current preacher, Rob Prater, has accepted a position with the Crosstown Church of Christ in Tulsa and will be leaving us soon. We plan to accept resumes until March 15, 2013 or until we find a good match for our congregation. For more information about the congregation, interested parties can call the church office at 405 273 3065 or can call me at 405 615 1105.

Interested applicants can mail resumes to

The Central Church of Christ

10^th and Bell Street

Shawnee, OK 74801

Or can send information to this email address bobperry34@gmail.com

Thank you for your help,

Bob Perry

Elder, Central Church of Christ

Shawnee, Oklahoma

Jeremiah: Fire & Faith

I Put My Words in Your Mouth
Randy Roper
In this first message in our series on Jeremiah, Randy looks at the commissioning of the prophet Jeremiah. God gave him a message to proclaim.


Living Water and Broken Cisterns
Kent Risley
 Message #2 in series on Jeremiah


Return to Me
Randy Roper
 Message #3 in series on Jeremiah. Repentance is more than good intentions and the right words; it is a genuine change of one's heart and life.


I Have Been Watching
Randy Roper
 Text: Jeremiah 7 Topic: When it comes to faithfulness, having the "look" is no substitute for living the life.

In These I Delight
Kent Risley
 Jeremiah 9:23-26 Righteousness is not accomplished by us; it is provided to us by God through Christ.

The Plans I Have for You
Randy Roper


Jeremiah 29:11 is often plucked out of context and misapplied to an individual life of prosperity. What does God's promise of a plan for prosperity, hope, and a future really mean in the biblical context?

I Will Make A New Covenant
Kent Risley

THE HEART OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE HEART OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

Hallowed be Thy name....The PRAISE of God
Thy kingdom come....The PURPOSE of God
Thy will be done....The PLAN of God
Give us bread....The PROVISION of God
Forgive us our debts....The PARDON of God
Lead us not into temptation....The POWER of God
Deliver us from the evil one....The PROTECTION of God

--Elmer L. Towns

Composure Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Composure & Poise

Illustrations:

Carol Burnett

Actress Carol Burnett got out of a cab one day and caught her coat in the door. The driver was unaware of her plight and slowly began to edge out into traffic. To keep from being pulled off her feet, the comedienne had to run alongside down the block.

A passerby noted her predicament and quickly alerted the driver. He stopped, jumped out, and released Miss Burnett’s coat. “Are you all right?” he asked anxiously.

“Yes,” she gasped, “but how much more do I owe you?”

Bits and Pieces, November, 1989, p. 6

Devotional Thoughts

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Scriptures

Genesis 42:24 (NLT) Now he turned away from them and began to weep. When he regained his composure, he spoke to them again. Then he chose Simeon from among them and had him tied up right before their eyes.

Genesis 43:31 (NLT) After washing his face, he came back out, keeping himself under control. Then he ordered, “Bring out the food!”

Ecclesiastes 10:4 (NLT) If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.

2 Thessalonians 2:2 (NLT) Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us.

2 Thessalonians 2:2 (LEB) that you not be easily shaken from your composure, nor be troubled either by a spirit or by a message or by a letter ⌞alleged to be from us⌟ , to the effect that the day of the Lord has arrived.

Ecclesiastes 10:5 (NLT) There is another evil I have seen under the sun. Kings and rulers make a grave mistake

Romans 8:25 (NLT) But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

John 18:36 ESV Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

Logos Dictionary Themes

COMPOSURE (Calmness, Self-Control, Serenity)

    How can we develop composure?

                 BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 16:5–14

           KEY BIBLE VERSE: Perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses. (2 Samuel 16:12)

           Composure develops under pressure. Shimei kept up a steady tirade against David. Although his curses were unjustified because David had no part in Saul’s death, David and his followers quietly tolerated the abuse. Maintaining your composure in the face of unjustified criticism can be a trying experience and an emotional drain, but if you can’t stop criticism, it is best just to ignore it. Remember that God knows what you are enduring, and he will vindicate you if you are in the right.

                 BIBLE READING: John 19:1–16

           KEY BIBLE VERSE: “You won’t talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or to crucify you?” (John 19:10)

           Composure develops when we trust God. Throughout the trial we see that Jesus was in control, not Pilate or the religious leaders. Pilate vacillated, the Jewish leaders reacted out of hatred and anger, but Jesus remained composed. He knew the truth, he knew God’s plan, and he knew the reason for his trial. Despite the pressure and persecution, Jesus remained unmoved. It was really Pilate and the religious leaders who were on trial, not Jesus. When you are questioned or ridiculed because of your faith, remember that while you may be on trial before your accusers, they are on trial before God.

--Wilson, N. S. (2000). In The Handbook of Bible application (p. 102). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

You Think About It!

Kevin Rayner

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Wisdom Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Wisdom

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Scriptures

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.

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Kevin Rayner

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