Although some parts in the Bible don't SEEM relevant, remember that all scripture is inspired by God and is God's word. We should learn to study all parts of the Bible and not overlook anything.
1 Kings 8:54-9:28
Sermon notes from Skip Heitzeg (Vid link below)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zThNRlY61ew
8:54
-Solomon stood and knelt while praying.
>There isn't a specific position you have to pray in; the only part that matters is the position of your heart.
8:56
-"Rest" can also be translated to peace
-God will never fail to keep his promises
9:1-3
-Man builds, but only God can bless. We can hustle, but God must make it Holy. If we build it and God doesn't sanctify it, it's useless
9:4-9
-God creates a CONDITIONAL covenant with Solomon
-God isn't asking Solomon for perfection, but a loyal heart after God (Like David's)
-We should never bow to the culture around us. As the Church, we are called to be the salt and the light. We are meant to stand out and be different.
9:10-14
-Land of Kabul translates into Land of Good for Nothing (It becomes the Sea of Galilee where Jesus later walks)
>Wherever Jesus is, it changes the value of anything
9:20-26
-Milo is translated to filling. The walls of Jerusalem were surrounded with Milo (Step-like) for protection
-"Solomon sacrificed burnt sacrifices 3 times a year"
>It might have been that Solomon was acting as a priest, which was a sin that Saul had committed previously
>It could also mean that Solomon made sure the sacrifices were done, and he wasn't the one who plunged the knife
-420 golds = 16 tons of Gold
>1 ton=$55 million (Lots of $$)
-Saul became consumed and distracted while building the temple
He built a temple to honour God, but in the end, he got distracted and carried away with the outer appearance of the temple
-Don't let anything steal you from the Simplicity of Christ. continue to rekindle the first love elements, such as reading the bible and praying.
