Solomon builds a temple to honor the Lord. In the prayer of dedication, he anticipates a time when foreign peoples will journey to the temple in Jerusalem because the God of Israel is famous for answering the prayers of all people. Yet the final chapter of 2 Kings describes a foreign nation coming to Jerusalem, not to worship there but to destroy the temple and take the people of God into exile. The tragic history that unfolds between the dedication and destruction of the temple shows how God’s people and God’s kings fail in their commission to reflect his character among the nations. Scriptures referenced include 1 Kings 8:23 ; 2 Kings 25:8–21; 2 Kings 10:12-14; Proverbs 14:12; 2 Kings 11:1–3; 1 Kings 19:17-21.
The book of James emphasizes that true faith is always accompanied by works. In chapter 2, verses 14–17, James argues that faith without works...
We revisit the main theme in the book of Leviticus: holiness. This is an important key to abundant life. Being holy means God is...
It is true that Jesus said, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and my sister and my mother.” (Mark 3:35) However, Jesus also...
