The Pastor’s Study – Summer 2025 (Vol. 5.3)

The theme of this issue is the book of Ecclesiastes and we begin with the editorial, where we look at God’s sovereign control over a fallen world (pages 3–4).

The commentary (pages 6–8), gives an overview of the book of Ecclesiastes, that will serve as a framework to help you dig into the details. The Preacher’s Workshop in the centre pages (pages 10-11), will help you preach Christ from this difficult and often ignored book, and tying in with our theme, we do a case study on the life of Abel, linking it to the theme of Ecclesiastes (pages 14–15).

We are thrilled to have an article from Dr. Michael Barrett on how to read poetry (page 5), and another piece from Ligonier Ministries explaining from Ecclesiastes 9:11 that life is ultimately not in our hands (beginning on page 20), and some help from Paul on living with a heavenly mindset (page 9). In our practical theology section we have our regular Kenyan writer, pastor Tonny Karwa, with part two of an article on pastoral care for disagreeing members (pages 16–17). Dr. Michael Haykin gives us some insight on Martin Luther’s view of Christian marriage (pages 18–19) and an article on the role of women in the church (pages 12–13). On page 17, by the editor’s wife, you will find a helpful article for mothers.

• Editorial: This is my Father’s [crooked] world …3

Biblical Theology and Preacher’s Workshop

• How to read biblical poetry (Dr. Michael Barrett)
• Commentary: The message of Ecclesiastes
• How Paul lived on earth as a citizen of Heaven
• Preacher’s workshop (in Commentary file)
• Preaching Christ from Ecclesiastes (in Commentary file)
• The meaning of life: did Abel live up to his name?

Pastoral and Practical Theology

• The role of women in the Church
• Care for disagreeing members—part 1&2 in this file (Pr. Tonny Karwa)
• Mothers discipling at home (Grace Dunlop)
• Martin Luther and a biblical view of marriage (Dr. Michael Haykin)
• Not in our Hands