Ray Ortland is quoted as having said, “There is a hell before Hell; a heaven before Heaven.” Proverbs warns against death multiple times, but rarely does it point to the actual event. So this discussion of life and death is bigger than simply, “Do you have a pulse or not?”
It’s something we all struggle with; something that lies underneath all of our sin and rebellion… and yet no one thinks they have it.
WORDS MATTER PROVERBS 17:27-18:21 Good morning River City! We’re now just a couple weeks away from the end of our Proverbs series. We have two weeks after today, and then…
Is the gospel like a billboard – inviting, but powerless? Is God like a cosmic business owner, biting his nails hoping we will "stop in" for some of his "goods"? Proverbs 16 shows us the wisdom of understanding God's sovereignty in the world.
Inviting his son to look carefully at the ant, the father in Proverbs points out several life lessons that promote wisdom in making the most of every opportunity.
Using a very specific situation of co-signing a loan, the father in Proverbs teaches his son to be careful with how he stewards finances.
What does God think about sex? If two adults consent to a hookup, and no one is hurt, what’s the big deal? The dad speaking with his son in Proverbs 5-7 pleads for him to pursue the path of wisdom in the area of sexuality.
When you move from one house to the next, you have to put the old one in the rear view mirror. You can’t go back and help yourself to what’s in the fridge. Believer’s baptism is a public expression of leaving the old self behind, and walking in the newness of life.
The son in Proverbs has to make the choice to follow the Lord, and chase wisdom. The father can’t do it for him.
It’s one thing to know “about” God, but you don’t truly know him until you risk it.