7.1 Although God reveals His glory and power in the universe, this is insufficient of itself to lead man into a personal relationship with Him. Therefore, God has revealed Himself and His plan of salvation to man, in order that
Foolish dreams, genuine hope
Samuel is making his retirement-from-leadership speech as the nation moves to Saul as ruler. Once more he warns the people not to try and save themselves, but look up to the Lord. They have placed way too much hope in
Just a lamb
Long ago a childless woman named Hannah ached to have a son. She then promised that if the Lord granted her prayer, the child would be devoted to God’s service. This came to pass with Samuel. Now, at last, after
Back from the dead?
Life is full of disappointments – they are to be expected. Paul seems to have faced one of his in Athens. But these dark patches on our journey through life are not a sign that we’re on the wrong road.
Soul nagging
Irritation can rise when another person goes on at us about some part of our life. Yet such nagging can be needed if we are unwilling or unable to see an issue which needs addressing. That’s certainly the case in
Dead idols
Seneca, a Stoic philosopher of Paul’s day, wrote that death is just ‘non-existence’ and hence not something to be concerned about. The apostle, however, thought very differently and tackles such views head-on as he speaks, in our verses, in the