Jesus said he casts his shadow over all the Old Testament -Luke 24-44-. So, in what way does he shadow over Solomon and in such a way that Solomon is Christ to his people- Not in a blasphemous way, but in a typological way.

Paul says our sufferings are -not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed.- That's an audacious claim, considering he has never -walked a mile in our shoes-. But is it necessary to empathize in this way- For Paul, not at all. He knows better, and he knows why. He knows Heaven's glory.--How do we endure suffering the same way as Paul- By taking the same preparations he did, implicit in verse 18.

What does Paul mean by talking about -all creation groaning----Why does he point us to creation's hope being our revelation as -sons of God-- --What is it in Romans 8-19-24 that should give us reason to hope at all-

It may seem like Kings 2 has no ready-made simple lines for Sunday school lessons- no clever truths perfect for Tweets. Its lessons are not easy to see, and it might be hard to see Christ's shadow passing over his people. But he is there, and his shadow is broad and gives shade to those who come under it. This world and its false and temporary kingdoms are the blazing heat-they will burn you- Christ offers shade and cool. Kings 2 offers Christ's shadow by showing what blessings come to citizens of the Kingdom when, using the language of 2-12 and 2-56, -The kingdom is firmly established-. Two particular blessings come, giving us safety under the good king.

God is a Giver. God is generous. Paul focuses on this gift-giving God to remind us not just of what God has done but of what God is doing and will do- not just to remind, but to strengthen- not just to give strength to us when our faith is weak, but also to give us hope when hope seems impossible. If God is a generous giver, do not come to him in prayer or worship-praise as if he is stingy- Come here knowing he gives generously to those who ask, and has already given you generous gifts-three of which Paul preaches here.

Kings is much more than the history of Israel- it is the shadow of Christ passing over his people through history. It is how he himself appeared and spoke to his people in their times of celebrations and sorrows, defeats and victories. --While Kings begins on a high note, it ends in darkness and despair.--We don't know who wrote Kings-possibly -probably-- Jeremiah. He, above all prophets, would've been uniquely suited to teach us what we, in the New Kingdom, and awaiting the coming Kingdom, would need. --So let's begin here in Kings 1 and see what happens when the Trumpet of the true king blows.

What are the qualities of a real Christian- There are, certainly, many fake ones. And certainly, the list of qualities of a real Christian could be, at least, nine, considering Galatians 5 and its -Fruit of the Spirit-. But in Romans 7-24-25, Paul leaves an undeniable stamp on the question of true Christian character.--What are some basic qualities that every true Christian will display-

Paul is presented as an Anti-Jonah, by Luke, in order to teach us what it means to be -sent-- in order to show us what true discipleship and faithfulness really appears to be. The life of Paul is a constant example of the Christian life, whether you're talking about Paul's psychological self-examination in Romans 7 or here, with his life given as biography, on a wrecked ship on a distant island with barbarians.

The Gospel really is unfair. No one REALLY wants God to be fair with them. We do a great disservice to grace when we begin to think we deserve it.--In Romans 5-12-21, Paul is crystal clear on the reasons grace is not only really gracious, but also miraculous. He goes further and guides us through the tricky concept of grace, Gospel, and God's ways in order to protect us from several mistakes.

Luke has focused on Paul's various defense techniques and arguments before those who have power to release him. But they won't. We know that. We could've even predicted it. Paul doesn't know this, though-he only knows Jesus has promised him, in a vision, that this wounded and imprisoned Apostle will even make it to Rome. This, Jesus tells him, should make him bold, at peace, and confident. And it does---It should for us, too. Why- What is it about this third and final legal defense from Paul that should give us hope- What about this closing argument in his trial can train us to be more like Christ and, as such, confident in our Father-