Wisdom Shield

Wisdom is a Shield

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There were s few statements in these chapters which were a little tricky. Especially one where it seemed Solomon was giving advice to not be TOO righteous OR to wicked. As we examined these statements we were able to reach some clarity in what he was really saying.

There are a number of “better than” statements at the beginning of chapter 7 in which Solomon is focusing upon what has true and lasting value as opposed to temporary benefit.

In the end however, he circles back around to his old mantra of unsettled irritation at the fact that, at least now while we live out our lives “under the sun”, there are times where results do not seem to meet up with actions.

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Few Words Ecclesiastes Solomon

Let my words be Few

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In these chapters much is made of intentions and words.

In chapter 4 Solomon uses sets of three to illustrate aspects of human life which he sees as futile, evil, oppressive or fleeting.

Then in chapter 5 he picks up a familiar refrain in his writings regarding words, wisdom and foolishness, focusing upon vows especially.

He closes the chapter with three things which he views as misfortunes. The third is at the beginning of chapter 6 and largely carries the theme of that entire chapter.

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Communion Faith

Participation in the Bread and the Wine

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This week we finished up our segment on the early church’s second point of devotion which was to “THE FELLOWSHIP” and used our final two examples of the early church’s involvement in “the Fellowship” as a springboard into their 3rd point of devotion which was “the breaking of bread”.

The phrase “breaking of bread” includes two different things, both of which are illustrated in scripture and in extra-biblical historical literature. Primarily this phrase referred to partaking of communion from house to house which itself teaches us something, but we will not touch on that until next week. The second expression of this “breaking of bread” was simply meals eaten among the saints from house to house, as they communed over the word of God, the teaching of the apostles and prayers.

This week we only introduced the topic – focusing in upon its expression in the communion table.

Paul places a strong emphasis on communion as much more than a simple symbolic meal, but as an actual living declaration – a dramatization if you will, of our literal participation in the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. Even as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:14, “…if one died for all then all died” and in his letter to the Romans where he said that if we have been crucified with Christ, then we have also entered into His death and resurrection with Him.

Next week we will explore this topic further both in communion, but also in the simple meals believers share in their homes together fellowshipping over the Word of God and in prayer.

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Ecclesiastes Solomon Windows Beauty

Windows of Hidden Beauty

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In this chapter Solomon sets as a consideration before his listeners, a window through which to observe the events.

These do not so much reflect Solomon’s thoughts as he was living his life, but rather when he was reflecting back on those events towards the end of his life.

Solomon’s thesis is that God operates in such a way as to bring everything to its appropriate closure so that cause and effect, sowing and reaping, choices and consequences, mercy and judgement all culminate in depiction of perfect balance within the sphere of Divine order and that IN THAT WAY “He makes all things Beautiful in its time”.

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Faith early church

Faith of our Fathers Pt. 6

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This week we are examining the second point of absolute devotion the early believers had which helps us capture a clear image of the lofty heights from which the 7 churches in Asia Jesus addresses in Revelation 2 & 3 fell.

This second point of devotion was to “THE FELLOWSHIP”.

Now in English this sounds like an odd wording but it is consistent with the Greek and greatly impacts the meaning.

The Greek word koinonia implies partnership, sharing in common, and active participation. It was not merely socializing, but sharing one’s life, resources, and spiritual union in Christ.

It pointed to a specific, defined community and a concrete reality rather than an abstract concept of general friendship. It refers to a REAL partnership, sharing in common, and active participation with Christ and all who belong to Christ. It is not merely socializing, but sharing one’s life, resources, and spiritual union in Christ.

Today we began exploring examples of this in the letters of the New Testament.

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