Choosing the Way of Life

How can we communicate the Christian faith in a society where there is no moral and spiritual consensus? How can we confidently speak about the Bible when most people no longer recognize the value of Scripture and the Church? How can we significantly engage young people in a serious reflection about what life is all about? 

When it comes to answering these kind of questions, the wisdom books of the Old Testament are especially helpful. They were designed to address an audience which, like today, was looking for purpose but were suspicious of faith in God. 

Pierre Gilbert has developed a four-part teaching series and is currently presenting this material at Bothwell Christian Fellowship in Manitoba (click here for details on how you can attend). Contact MinistryLift to explore how Dr. Gilbert can resource your church in these teaching areas: 

1. Wisdom - What is it and What is it Good for?

What is biblical wisdom and what role did it play in Israelite society? Who was its target audience? If wisdom is so great, why did the great king Solomon, who received wisdom like no other person ever had, end his life so poorly? 

2. Multi-Faceted Reflections on the Secret of Success - The Book of Proverbs

What is the purpose of the Book of Proverbs?  Why is it organized in such a “disorganized” manner? Can such an old book have anything to say to those who wish to be successful in today’s world? 

3. The Most Surprising Book of the Bible - The Song of Solomon

What is a book that makes no mention of God and extols human love and sensuality doing in the Bible? The answer to this riddle is found in a consideration of Uranium-235.  

4. In Search of a Unified Field Theory - A Look at Ecclesiastes.

The author of Ecclesiastes forces us to face the brutal reality of our existence. But that’s just part of what he does. Beyond the apparent hopelessness of the human condition, there is a deeper reality. The Preacher offers the possibility of accessing the Unified Field Theory of life under God: the roadmap that enables us to move from the meaninglessness of life to eternal hope.

Pierre Gilbert, PhD

A native of Quebec City, Pierre Gilbert studied at Providence Seminary and earned his doctorate in biblical studies from the University of Montreal. Pierre has served in Montreal and Fresno, California and presently teaches Bible and theology for MB Seminary and Canadian Mennonite University.