POOR MAN–RICH MAN

By

Shelby G. Floyd

A statement in the book of James suggests our topic under consideration:

James 1:9-11
Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
NKJV

The first chapter of James deals with the various kinds of trials that Christians will go through. You may wonder what the words of our text are doing in the midst of that chapter about trials. You will see the reason as we develop this lesson about the rich man and the poor man. Continue reading “POOR MAN–RICH MAN”

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 7

By

Shelby G. Floyd

CHRIST AND THE BOOK OF MALICHI

Jesus Christ endorsed the authority and inspiration of Malachi the prophet, by quoting Malachi 3:1, and applying it to John the Baptist:

24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written:
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
(Luke 7: 24-28 NKJV).

Notice that our Lord quoted Malachi 3:1, and applied it to John the Baptist. Obviously, Jesus accepted Malachi as an inspired writer or he would not have said, “It is written.” The phrase “it is written” is equivalent to saying, “The word of God says.” Therefore, our Lord received Malachi’s writing as the inspired word of God and Malachi as the author of the book which bears his name. Continue reading “BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 7”