Almost like a Greek play with seven scenes, the apostle John (in 20 verses) tracks seven distinct sources of powerful authenticating views about Christ as Messiah, including the words of Christ Himself and the Father. Here also is the Lord's call to salvation.

As far as human beings are concerned, the multitude of God's tender mercies are the towering wonder of His divine attributes. Here are His mercies of salvation, their benefits, the great cost to God of their implementation, and the happiness of receiving them.

Starting with a brief comment on the 'rod' in Proverbs, and what it does not mean, here is a remarkable 20-verse topic showing how Satan first makes sin desirable, promotes it through bad company, weakens thirst for regular teaching, then tightens sin's grip on us.

John's record of the last days of the earthly life of the Lord begins with the supper at Bethany - a remarkable picture of Christian worship and commitment seen in Martha's service, the testimony of Lazarus, and Mary's demonstration of faith by the symbol of anointing.

- earthly and personal desires that is. Beginning with the need to curb determination to have one's way, Solomon deals with anger, longings in general, and the 'evil eye' of coveting. He powerfully emphasises the need to observe God's sacred boundaries in life.