Biblog: a bible study blog

Joel 1-3: Verse of the Day

2007-01-31T07:36:00.000-05:00

"And rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness And relenting of evil." (Joel 2:13).

Hosea 11-14: Verse of the Day

2007-01-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

" I will not execute My fierce anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in wrath. " (Hos 11:9).

Hosea 6-10: Verse of the Day

2007-01-29T12:19:00.000-05:00

"When it is My desire, I will chastise them; And the peoples will be gathered against them when they are bound for their double guilt" (Hos 10:10).

Daniel 11-Hosea 5: Verse of the Day

2007-01-27T08:39:00.000-05:00

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." (Hos 4:6)

I forgot to write one down for Daniel 11 and 12...

Daniel 6-10: Verse of the Day

2007-01-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

“O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” (Dan 9:19)

Daniel 1-5: Verse of the Day

2007-01-22T11:43:00.000-05:00

"And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever" (Dan 2:44).

Ezekiel 46-48: Verse of the Day

2007-01-19T21:38:00.000-05:00

"[The holy allotment] shall be for the priests who are sanctified of the sons of Zadok, who have kept My charge, who did not go astray when the sons of Israel went astray as the Levites went astray" (Ezek 48:11).

Even among all of Israel that went astray, God remembered His faithful.

Ezek 41-45: Verse of the Day

2007-01-18T21:14:00.000-05:00

"Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel" (Ezek 44:9).

Just like those of the Old Covenant, Christians are called to be separate from the world that we may be presented purely before the Lord.

Ezekiel 36-40: Verse of the Day

2007-01-17T18:10:00.000-05:00

"But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went" (Ezek 36:21-22).

Ezekiel 31-35: Verse of the Day

2007-01-16T07:49:00.000-05:00

"There is [city] and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit" (Ezek 32:22,24,26,29,30,31-32).

There are many men today who cause terror in the land of the living, but God will judge them and they will be caused to bear their shame.

Ezekiel 26-30: Verse of the Day

2007-01-15T08:02:00.000-05:00

"But I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out upon the land of Egypt" (Ezek 30:25).

The prior statement pretty well summarizes the reading, but to Tyre, God said,

"By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches" (Ezek 28:5).

Ezekiel 21-25: Verse of the Day

2007-01-12T07:15:00.000-05:00

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD" (Ezek 22:30-31).

There must be a barrier between us and the wrath of God. Who can appease His wrath for sin?

Ezekiel 16-20: Verse of the Day

2007-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

"Thus you are different from those women in your harlotries, in that no one plays the harlot as you do, because you give money and no money is given you; thus you are different." (Ezek 16:34).

Ezekiel 11-15: Verse of the Day

2007-01-10T07:14:00.000-05:00

"Though these three men [, Noah, Daniel, and Job,] were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves" (Ezek 14:18, [12-20]) .

We can be in the midst of the most faithful men that ever lived, but our actions will be called upon at the time of our judgment, not theirs.

Ezekiel 6-10: Verse of the Day

2007-01-09T07:01:00.000-05:00

"Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries" (Ezek 6:8)

Ezekiel 1-5: Verse of the Day

2007-01-08T08:02:00.000-05:00

"If I say to the wicked, You shall surely die, and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand" (Ezek 3:18).

Jeremiah 51-Lamentations 5: Verse of the Day

2007-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

"Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. But thou hast utterly rejected us; thou art very wroth against us" (Lam 5:21-22).

Jeremiah 46-50: Verse of the Day

2007-01-04T07:41:00.000-05:00

"In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve" (Jer 50:20).

Jeremiah 41-45: Verse of the Day

2007-01-03T08:01:00.000-05:00

"The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah; Go ye not into Egypt: know certainly that I have admonished you this day. For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it" (Jer 42:19-20).

When the people asked Jeremiah to pray, they were already planning on going to Egypt and wanted to have God's blessing on their journey. When God did not bless that journey, they were done with God. You draw the conclusion...

Jeremiah 36-40: Verse of the Day

2007-01-02T06:55:00.000-05:00

"And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, [Jehoiakim] cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, neither the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words." (Jer 36:23-24).

Jeremiah 31-35: Verse of the Day

2006-12-28T07:08:00.000-05:00

"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more" (Jer 31:33-34).

Jeremiah 26-30: Verse of the Day

2006-12-27T07:17:00.000-05:00

"If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings" (Jer 26:3).

Judah was all too deserving of annihilation, but God was willing to forgive them of all their sins and avert their punishment if they would but obey Him! The same offer is available to us today.

Jeremiah 21-25: Verse of the Day

2006-12-21T07:29:00.000-05:00

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Jer 23:5-6).

Jeremiah 16-20: Verse of the Day

2006-12-20T06:49:00.000-05:00

"I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings" (Jer 17:10).

Jeremiah 11-15: Verse of the Day

2006-12-19T06:34:00.000-05:00

"If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" (Jer 12:5).

Our trials serve a purpose. The LORD is equipping us for His work especially when we suffer for His sake.

Jeremiah 6-10: Verse of the Day

2006-12-18T07:15:00.000-05:00

You get two today

"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD" (Jer 8:12).

"O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing." (Jer 10:23-24).

Jeremiah 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-12-16T06:34:00.000-05:00

"Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water" (Jer 2:11,13).

Isaiah 61-66: Verse of the Day

2006-12-14T07:14:00.000-05:00

"I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick" (Isa 65:2-3).

Isaiah 56-60: Verse of the Day

2006-12-13T07:07:00.000-05:00

"the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people" (Isa 56:6-7).

Isaiah prophesied of my ability to be a partaker in God's covenant with His people.

Isaiah 51-55: Verse of the Day

2006-12-12T07:12:00.000-05:00

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." (Isa 55:1-2).

Isaiah 46-50: Verse of the Day

2006-12-11T23:17:00.000-05:00

"For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another." (Isa 48:9-11).

I've earned nothing. God is my salvation for His Own Name's sake!

Isaiah 41-45: Verse of the Day

2006-12-11T06:58:00.000-05:00

"Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?" (Isa 45:9-10).

Isaiah 36-40: Verse of the Day

2006-12-08T07:27:00.000-05:00

"Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake" (Isa 37:33-35).

Isaiah 31-35: Verse of the Day

2006-12-06T07:03:00.000-05:00

"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!" (Isa 31:1).

I have to be soooo careful not to be unreasonably hard on Israel. "How could they trust in other nations instead of God?" Do you ask yourself this too? How much money (trust) are you placing in a retirement fund of sorts? My point is not that planning retirement is sinful, but to get myself thinking about things that I place trust in without realizing it. Do you really think that Israel believed that allying with these other nations was contrary to the will of God. I'm certain that it got to a point where "political alliances" being in conflict with their "religion" didn't even cross their minds.

I invite comments on this post. Where are we unwittingly placing trust that might be in conflict with trust in God?

Isaiah 26-30: Verse of the Day

2006-12-05T07:14:00.000-05:00

"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste" (Isa 28:16) .

Isaiah 21-25: Verse of the Day

2006-12-01T06:59:00.000-05:00

"Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool. And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall. Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago." (Isa 22:9-11).

Again, it is this lie of self-sufficiency. Security and judgment is in God alone. Preparing for siege is a vain attempt if we have not considered our relationship with the Lord.

Isaiah 16-20: Verse of the Day

2006-11-28T07:28:00.000-05:00

"At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images. In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation. Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips" (Isa 17:7-10).

Syria was punished because they failed to honor God. Israel too was rebuked by the Lord. Heed these words lest we too fall to such a condemnation.

Isaiah 11-15: Verse of the Day

2006-11-27T07:27:00.000-05:00

"and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked." (Isa 11:3b-4).

Isaiah is speaking of the stem of Jesse, the Branch of David, on whom the Spirit of the Lord would rest. The judgment of the Christ is in view and it will be on the basis of His Words. There are times when man's opinion matters, but the judgment is not one of them.

Isaiah 6-10: Verse of the Day

2006-11-26T07:11:00.000-05:00

"Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed." (Isa 6:10).

The Word of God serves two purposes: it will draw close those who seek Him and will drive away them that refuse to acknowledge Him.

Isaiah 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-11-22T07:47:00.000-05:00

"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me." (Isaiah 1:2).

This is the theme of Isaiah's vision. We are the children of God. When we sin against Him, He sees our rebellion. The question is, do we see it? Or do we think, "I'm a pretty good person that could do a little better". We must be called to see hypocrisy and rebellion as He sees through His eyes.

Song of Songs 5-8: Verse of the Day

2006-11-20T06:14:00.000-05:00

"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned" (Song 8:7).

Of the gifts and pleasures under the sun, love is wonderful and glorious. When our love is for Christ, we have something that will never be done away.

Song of Songs 1-4: Verse of the Day

2006-11-19T07:27:00.000-05:00

"I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please" (Song 2:7; 3:5).

There is a time for love to be awakened and to be filled therewith.

Ecclesiastes 11-12: Verse of the Day

2006-11-19T07:20:00.000-05:00

"For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Eccl 12:14).

God created this world and life for our enjoyment, but there will be a judgment and we will be accountable for our actions.

Ecclesiastes 6-10: Verse of the Day

2006-11-17T07:38:00.000-05:00

"Lo, this only have I found, that God hat made man upright; but they have sought our many inventions" (Eccl 7:29).

God has not abandoned us or set us up to fail. We have sought out failure because it seemed fun at the time. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefor the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil" (Eccl 8:11).

Ecclesiastes 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-11-15T07:11:00.000-05:00

"If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they." (Eccl 5:8).

Injustice happens in this life, but there will be an accounting.

Proverbs 26-31: Verse of the Day

2006-11-14T06:34:00.000-05:00

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" and "He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue." (Prov 27:6, 28:23).

From a band by the name The Hold Steady, there's a line that says "I've had kisses that made Judas seem sincere". This is a reminder to me not to desire the approval of wicked men. We all want to be respected, but the righteous rebuke/encouragement of a friend is always worth more!

Proverbs 21-25: Verse of the Day

2006-11-13T17:04:00.000-05:00

"If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?" (Prov 24:11-12).

We too have been commanded to be merciful. We may convince men, and even ourselves, that we didn't see injustice, but God knows our hearts.

Proverbs 16-20: Verse of the Day

2006-11-10T07:57:00.000-05:00

"All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives" (Prov 16:2).

There is a single source of truth and by that we are judged.

Proverbs 11-15: Verse of the Day

2006-11-07T07:08:00.000-05:00

"There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Prov 12:18).

Here's one I need to work on. Sarcasm in very limited quantity may be enjoyable, but I must use my words with the purpose of building up my fellow man. Just like money, our words are tools that are provided to us for the work of the Lord.

Proverbs 6-10: Verse of the Day

2006-11-06T07:09:00.000-05:00

"With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him... Until an arrow pierces through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, so he does not know that it will cost him his life" (Prov 7:21, 23).

Fornication and adultery are not things to be played with. This is to the old and young alike. It leads only to destruction!

Proverbs 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-11-03T07:18:00.000-05:00

"My son, do not jeject the discipline of the Lord, or loathe His reproof, for whome the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father, the son in whom he delights" (Prov 3:11-12).

God's testing of us is a sign of His love. He desires to make us stronger against the schemes of the devil.

Job 36-42: Verse of the Day

2006-11-02T07:02:00.000-05:00

"And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning" (Job 42:12).

God never really explains his actions to Job at the end of the book. Obviously, the situation was recorded and we know that this was initiated by Satan. What God did was to demonstrate His power to Job that he might see that he is no one to question or instruct the almighty. In the end, God rewarded Job's faithfulness.

Job 31-35: Verse of the Day

2006-11-01T07:28:00.000-05:00

"[God] opens the ears of men, and selas their instruction, that He may turn man aside from his conduct and keep man from pride; he keeps back his soul from the pit and his life from passing over in Sheol" (Job 33:16-18).

Though Elihu makes some false rebukes against Job, but does make good arguments for God's activity. The Lord tries to keep us from sin. He calls us on our conscience and helps us to know His instruction where we desire.

Job 26-30: Verse of the Day

2006-10-31T07:48:00.000-05:00

"And to man [God] said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding'" (Job 28:28).

Job sets up a lengthy image of man searching endlessly for wisdom, and the God who has it declared to man it's location.

Job 21-25: Verse of the Day

2006-10-27T08:27:00.000-04:00

"Dominion and awe belong to Him who establishes peace in His heights. Is there any number to His troops? And upon whom does His light not rise? How then can a man be just with God? Or how can he be clean who is born of woman? If even the moon has no brightness and the stars are not pure in His sight, how much less man, that maggot, and the son of man, that worm!" (Job 25:1-6).

Bildad finds it hard to hear about Job's "righteousness" before God. Consider who God is and how can man even stand in His presence. However, Job acted faithfully toward God, and we know that it is accounted as righteousness (Gen 15:6).

Job 16-20: Verse of the Day

2006-10-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

"As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God" (Job 19:25-26).

Despite His suffering and knowing that God was in control of the things he was undergoing, his confidence was in the Lord. He knew that God would redeem him and that he would resurrect to see God.

Job 11-15: Verse of the Day

2006-10-26T07:12:00.000-04:00

"If you would direct your heart right and spread out your hand to Him, ...you would lie down and none would disturb you, and many would entreat your favor" (Job 11:13,19).

It was hard to resist using Job 13:15 for the votd (verse of the day), but I trust you've heard that one. These words of Zophar just go to show that misunderstandings about God's dealings with man are not limited to one generation. He basically says, "You're suffering because you've sinned. If you'd act righteously, then everything will be great". Sound familiar? This is the same health and wealth preaching that you hear from tele-evangelists today.

Job 6-10: Verse of the Day

2006-10-25T07:33:00.000-04:00

"But it is still my consolation, and I rejoice in unsparing pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One" (Job 6:10).

How can this man rejoice in unsparing pain? It's the peace that passes understanding and the comfort that rises above all happenings. It's knowing that we are acting righteously before our Lord. Nothing else matters!

Job 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-10-24T07:30:00.000-04:00

"Then Satan answered the Lord, 'Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land." (Job 1:9-10).

This is Satan, our accuser before the Lord. He attributes weakness to God's blessings. He desires nothing more than to allow us to suffer, hopefully to our destruction. God will allow it for the positive benefit of our testing. Praise be to God who protects us and has reserved a place for Satan, our temptor.

Esther 6-10: Verse of the Day

2006-10-23T07:41:00.000-04:00

"In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them" (Esther 8:17).

What's entertaining about this verse is that Ahasuerus' verdict was simply to allow the Jews to fight for themselves if any tried to kill them. To the Jews, that meant victory because God was fighting with them. And apparently, God's fame was still abundantly known.

Esther 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-10-22T07:41:00.000-04:00

"Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esher, 'Do not imagine that you in the king's palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?'" (Esther 4:13-14).

Seriously, could there have been another Verse of the Day from Esther? The providence of God has been focused on almost exclusively from these verses. Notice Mordecai's first statement concerning Esther suffering the same fate. Sometimes we get caught up in being "respectors of persons" and even consider ourselves more highly than we should. We are all sinners and are thus playing on the same level.

Second, notice Mordecai's confidence in God's salvation. He doesn't presume that Esther is the only way. He just encourages her to play a part in God's salvation. He knows that God will take care of it either way.

Nehemiah 11-13: Verse of the Day

2006-10-20T06:58:00.000-04:00

"Also men of Tyre were living there who imported fish and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them to the sons of Judah on the sabbath, even in Jerusalem. Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, 'What is this evil thing you are doing, by profaning the sabbath day? Did not your fathers do the same, so that our God brought on us and on this city all theis trouble?'" (Neh 13:15).

We are intended to learn from the mistakes of former generations. I forget how long these people have not been allowed to worship their God, but they had complete disregard for the Sabbath. Do you see what happens when we fail to study, fail to see what God finds important? We begin to attribute to God what we deem important. God starts to devalue that which is not all that crucial to us. God does not change and He IS the standard. Let us rise to meet it.

Nehemiah 6-10: Verse of the Day

2006-10-19T07:27:00.000-04:00

"They refused to listen, and did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; so they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compasionte, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; and you did not forsake them" (Neh 9:17).

Despite Israel's unfaithfulness to God, the Lord remained faithful to His promises. When we return to our slavery, let us remember the God who is willing to forgive if we repent.

Nehemiah 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-10-18T13:23:00.000-04:00

"Hear, O our God, how we are despised! Return their reproach on their own heads and give them up for plunder in a land of captivity. Do not forgive their iniquity and let not their sin be blotted out before You, for they have demoralized the builders" (Neh 4:4-5).

When we are reproached for our faith in the Lord by those who fail to obey Him, allow God to be the avenger so that you can keep doing the work He has called you to do.

Ezra 6-10: Verse of the Day

2006-10-17T13:18:00.000-04:00

“After all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and our great guilt, since You our God have requited us less than our iniquities deserve, and have given us an escaped remnant as this... O Lord God of Israel, You are righteous, for we have been left an escaped remnant, as it is this day; behold, we are before You in our guilt, for no one can stand before You because of this" (Ezra 9:13, 15).

America says, "God is gracious, so I don't have to obey too closely". The appropriate response to God's grace is to obey Him rather than to test His grace further.

Ezra 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-10-16T07:24:00.001-04:00

"Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, while many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people..." (Ezra 3:12-13a).

This is just a disturbing picture. It makes you wonder how our efforts to serve the Lord in this generation would be viewed by those in the first century.

2 Chronicles 36: Verse of the Day

2006-10-16T07:24:00.000-04:00

"'Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, "The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up!"'" (2 Chr 36:23).

The Lord gave the land its Sabbath rest (70 years) while Judah was in Babylonian captivity. But the Lord was faithful to His promises and even used foreign nations to fulfill them.

2 Chronicles 31-35: Verse of the Day

2006-10-14T14:39:00.000-04:00

"[The King of Assyria] also wrote letters to insult the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against Him, saying, 'As the gods of the nations of the lands have not delivered their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.'... And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned in shame to his own land. And when he had entered the temple of his god, some of his own children killed him there with the sword." (2 Chron 32:17, 21).

There is a reason why the God of the Jews was known far and wide.

2 Chronicles 26-30: Verse of the Day

2006-10-12T07:24:00.000-04:00

"The couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with the letters from the hand of the king and his princes, even according to the command of the king, saying, 'O sons of Israel, return to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that He may return to those of you who escaped and are left from the hand of the kings of Assyria. Do not be like your fathers and your brothers, who were unfaithful to the Lord God of their fathers, so that He made them a horror, as you see'." (2 Chron 30:6-7).

Hezekiah led a great reform turning the hearts of Judah back to their God. There were a lot of horrible kings in the history of Israel and Judah and this history was preserved that we might learn from their negative example. Unfortunately, those who heed such warnings may still stand alone as it records of Ephraim and Manasseh, "but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them" (10). In every age, those who obey God and take His commands seriously will be mocked, but God will reign victorious and I want to be with Him.

2 Chronicles 21-25: Verse of the Day

2006-10-11T13:14:00.000-04:00

"Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David because of the covenant which He had made with David, and since He had promised to give a lamp to him and his sons forever"
(2 Chron 21:7).

In the context of a host of ungodly kings, God is faithful to His covenant with David.

2 Chronicles 16-20: Verse of the Day

2006-10-10T07:02:00.000-04:00

"Now behod, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt..., see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance" (2 Chron 20:10-11).

When Israel began to enter their promised land, conquering the nations, the Lord prevented them from taking away the possession of their brothers, Edom, Moab, and Ammon. Here we see these very nations attempting to do that very thing to their brother. We must do what is right in the eyes of God despite the way we're treated and we must rely on the Lord to avenge those who sin against Him. We are neither His judges nor His destroyers, but we are His servants who have been graciously granted His land for our inheritance!

2 Chronicles 11-15: Verse of the Day

2006-10-09T07:34:00.000-04:00

Abijah, king of Judah, proclaimed to Israel, "Have you not driven out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron and the Levites, and made for yourselves priests like the peoples of other lands? Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams, even he may become a priest of what are no gods" (2 Chron 13:9).

I was reading a letter from a man who married a woman who was an "ordained minister". She came to my mind as I read this verse. Men have made their own religion separate and apart from God. They have ordained leaders over themselves in a manner that God has never specified and continue in serving something other than God. All the while, what God has told us to do is being ignored and disdained!

2 Chronicles 6-10: Verse of the Day

2006-10-06T07:31:00.000-04:00

"Listen to the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place; hear from Your dwelling place, from heaven; hear and forgive" (2 Chron 6:21).

After the temple was finished, Solomon prayed that God would hear their supplications at that place. In the following verses, each of the examples of supplications to God was because man sinned against Him. The modern world considers that we have something important to contribute to God. We go to Him so that He'll do something for us. The temple was not a place to have one's divine commands met, but to seek forgiveness from the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Let us in this day recognize God's great power and His grace to hear our pleas for forgiveness.

2 Chronicles 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-10-05T07:14:00.000-04:00

"The house which I am about to build will be great, for greater is our God than all the gods. But who is able to build a house for Him, for the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? So who am I, that I should build a house for Him, except to burn incense before Him?" (2 Chron 2:5-6).

No earthly dwelling place ever constructed was or will be sufficient to "contain" Him. For me, this points to God's grace to dwell with us. He desires a relationship with us and has made every opportunity for us to have one with Him. Because of His grace, our relationship with God must be on His terms.

1 Chronicles 26-29: Verse of the Day

2006-10-04T07:25:00.000-04:00

"As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever" (1 Chron 28:9).

This reminds me of Jesus' parables in the New Testament. Is it not amazing to you that the very ones who should have been able to decipher the meaning of those spiritual thoughts were blinded to them (Pharisees). God reveals Himself to those who seek Him and leaves just enough room for doubt for those who would reject Him.

1 Chronicles 21-25: Verse of the Day

2006-10-03T07:22:00.000-04:00

"David said, 'My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord shall be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore now I will make preparation for it.' So David made ample preparations before his death" (1 Chron 22:5).

What an overwhelming responsibility! Consider the task that we with children have been given. We must prepare them for the service of the Lord. May the throne of their hearts (and ours) be built as gloriously as the temple was. Let us make preparation that they may be glorious.

1 Chronicles 16-20: Verse of the Day

2006-10-02T08:11:00.000-04:00

"[God] permitted no man to oppress them, and he reporved kings for their sakes, saying, 'Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm" (1 Chron 16:21-22).

To Israel, God provided physical protection. As Christians, we know with certainty from those of the first century that physical protection is not our guarantee. In fact, our call is to suffer with Christ as we are His body. However, we have this same promise of protection spiritually. We're told that nothing can take away our salvation apart from our own unfaithfulness to God. Satan is unable to rip it out of my grasp. None can invalidate my home with God. Praise the Lord for our protection.

1 Chronicles 11-15: Verse of the Day

2006-09-29T07:40:00.000-04:00

David said to the Levites, "Consecrate yourselves ... that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel ... because you did not carry it at first, the Lord our God made an outburst on us, for we did not seek Him according to the ordinance" (1 Chron 15:12-13).

Sometimes we fail to obey God and are mad when we suffer the consequences, but we like David must come to the understanding that we are to obey in the way God has asked us to. This parallel is all to prevalent today in the ways that men offer "worship" to God that God never asked for.

1 Chronicles 5-10: Verse of the Day

2006-09-28T07:25:00.000-04:00

"So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the Lord, because of the word of the Lord which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the Lord. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse" (1 Chron 10:13-14).

Israel wanted a king like the other nations, and they got one

1 Chronicles 1-5: Verse of the Day

2006-09-27T13:47:00.000-04:00

Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh "cried to God in the battle, and He was entreated of them because they put their trust in Him... For there fell many slain, because the war was of God" (1 Chron 5:20,22).

God is in control

2 Kings 21-25: Verse of the Day

2006-09-26T13:44:00.000-04:00

"Gedaliah swore to them... Fear not because of the serants of the Chaldeans: dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. But it came to pass that Ishmael... smote Gehaliah, so that he died" (2 Kings 25:24-25)

We just don't like God's message sometimes

2 Kings 15-20: Verse of the Day

2006-09-25T13:39:00.000-04:00

"Judah kept not the commandments of Jehovah their God, but walked in the statues of Israel which they made" (2 Kings 17:19)

God's Law > Man's morality and self-defined religion

Mark 8:31-9:50: Jesus Prepares His Disciples

2005-09-24T11:53:00.000-05:00

8:31-33: The Christ Will Suffer and Die

The disciples now understand that Jesus is the Christ, but they do not understand who the Christ is. Jesus began to teach them that He must suffer and be rejected by the religious leaders, and ultimately die at their hands, but He would rise on the third day (31). Jesus spoke these things openly, but Peter took Him to the side to rebuke Him (32), but Jesus turned to the disciples and rebuked Peter (33a). Jesus wanted all the disciples to know that this was not His shame, rather it was His purpose. Peter was still thinking about the Christ having earthly glory, but Jesus rebuked him for not desiring God's purposes (33b).

8:34-9:1: Following Christ Means Doing the Same

Jesus' statement in 8:34 is not that the Christian is to carry his burden as Jesus did, rather "take up his [noose, shotgun, guillotine, any other instrument of one's death], and follow me". Those who want to have eternal life must lose his life for Christ's sake (35). Their are many things to which one can lose his life, but losing it to Jesus is the only way to have eternal life. The writer of Ecclesiates would confirm that gaining the whole world is worthless unless" he must gain God (36). There is nothing worth the cost of one's soul (37). Anyone who is ashamed to speak the words of Christ unto this wicked generation shall receive Jesus' shame in the day of judgment (38).

Jesus continues to tell them about His death and resurrection, but assures them of the coming of His kingdom. In fact, the kingdom of God would come during the lives of some of those with Him (1).

9:2-13: Jesus' Transfiguration

Six days after Jesus talked to them about His death and resurrection he takes Peter, James, and John to see Him being transfigured (2). To be transfigured means that Jesus' form was changed to a form in harmony with His glorious being. He then looked like the Christ, the Son of God. His glorious form was all the pureness of white and light (3). The significance of Moses' and Elijah's presence was that of the law and the prophets. Here, God the Father declares that Jesus the Christ is greater than the law and the prophets (4-8).

Jesus warned them not to tell of these events until after He raised from the dead. It's possible that this limitation was placed so that man would accept the humble, servant Christ. Had Jesus come to them in this sort of glory, they would not have rejected Him, but God's planned caused man to witness what was truly glorious about the Christ: His servitude and humility (9). His disciples didn't understand what Jesus meant by His raising from the dead. They were probably trying to assign it some figurative meaning (10). Seeing Elijah made them consider the prophecies that Elijah must come first. Jesus confirmed these referencing the work of John the Baptist as is recorded in the other gospel accounts (12-13).

9:14-29: Jesus Casts a Demon Out from a Boy

Jesus came down from the moutain to see His disciples surrounded by a great number of people. Jesus asked them [the KJV assumes "the scribes" though they are not specifically referenced] what they were asking His disciples (14, 16). [If it was the scribes, there is no response recorded here, but maybe the thought would be that Jesus was able to directly answer their questions, but they would not ask Him (16).]

A man brought his son who was demon-possessed since childhood (17, 21). The demon made the boy mute and continually worked to destroy him (17, 18a, 22). As was pointed out when "Legion" was allowed to enter the swine, the purpose of Satan has always been destruction. The man had brought the boy to the disciples, but they were unable to cast out the demon (18b). Jesus remarks regarding their faithlessness probably referenced both the disciples who could not cast out the evil spirit, and the people of that day as a whole who failed to recognize the presence of their long-awaited Christ (19).

The man said to Jesus, "if you can do something, ... help us", but Jesus responded, "if you can believe" (22-23). There has never been a question of God's ability, rather the limitations of God have always been a deficiency in man. The man cried out to God to help his unbelief. Men of any generation should make the same request of God (24). When Jesus commanded the spirit to come out, it left the boy appearing dead, but Jesus lifted him up (25-27).

Later, the disciples asked Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demon. Jesus points to their lack of prayer (fasting is added by later manuscripts). It is their lack of faith that was the limitation (28-29).

9:30-37: Greatness in the Kingdom

Jesus left Galilee and wanted to leave the crowds that were constantly surrounding them, presumably so He could spend more time preparing His disciples for the events which were to take place in Jerusalem (30). He told His discliples again about His death and resurrection, but they didn't understand and didn't want to ask (31-32). On their way to Capernaum, the disciples has been discussing who would be the greatest in the new kingdom, but Jesus instructed them on true greatness (33-34). Being a servant is true greatness. Jesus came to them in humility and in the power of His Father and called His disciples to receive Him and do the same (35-37).

9:38-50: Servant the Servant is Serving the Christ

The disciples forbade a man to cast out demons in the name of Jesus, but Jesus told them that one who acted in His name could not also speak evil of Him (39). This is the same lesson He taught when accused of casting out demons by the power of Satan (40). Anyone that serves one who is following Christ, ultimately is serving Him, but anyone who causes one of His servants to stumble is an offense against Christ (41-42). The disciple should take any necessary measure to ensure his salvation. There is no action too drastic to avoid eternal punishment (42-48).

The references in vs. 49-50 are difficult, but must elude to a constrast to eternal punishment. Every "one" is paralleled to every "sacrifice" before God. Every disciple of God will be "salted" with "fire"" he will be sprinkled with temptation, but will not be overwhelmed with it (49). Such temptation (salt) is necessary to prepare a soul to enter heaven. This "salt" should also lead men to unity and harmony with one another.

To Live is Christ

2005-02-15T19:14:00.000-05:00

introduction and thanksgiving (1-11)
Paul address this letter to the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi from himself and Timothy with him. Both Timothy and Luke were present with Paul when the church in Philippi was founded (Acts 16:11) and may have been present with Paul when this letter was written to them (Col. 4:14). He makes specific reference to the elders and deacons, but only secondarily. No other letter in the New Testament mentions these roles in a letter's address. They consider themselves "bondservants" of Christ Jesus. Paul thanks God for them because of their participation in the gospel from the "first day" and their continued faithfulness. It is also interesting to notice that Paul makes no effort to prove his apostolic authority as he does in other letters, and thus we may assume that his authority had not been questioned there.

He expresses his heart for them in the third person as the one who began a good work in them (6). The Philippians are partakers of grace with Paul. It may seem difficult to consider it "grace" to be in prison, but this is his state. Paul prays that their love would abound (9) in order to prove those things that are excellent (10). We, as Christians, are to be sincere and blameless before man and God. Our sincerity and blameless behavior is a direct result of having been filled with the fruit of righteousness. Our behavior is ulitmately to give glory to the Father.

the Gospel is preached (12-20)
Paul assures them that his imprisonment is not a detriment to the gospel of Christ. Rather, it had made even greater progress for the gospel. It was well-known by many that he was imprisoned and, most imporntantly, it was for the sake of the gospel. Many brethren were strengthened with courage to speak even more boldly concerning the gospel (14).

Paul acknowledges that there are still some who are trying to worsen the situation for Christians by preaching the Word of God out of strife (particularly for Paul (17)). So what's the result of his circumstance? What effect does it have on his behavior? Either way, the Word of Christ is being proclaimed (18) and thus he will rejoice; even in imprisonment, even in affliction. Paul knows that he will be delivered (19) through prayer and through the Spirit of Jesus Christ. His body will exalt Christ (20) whether it be through life or death.

to live is Christ (21-26)
Paul would have been greatly pleased if his fight on this earth would've been over. Death was not a fear, rather a freedom (21). However, to remain on the earth and preach the gospel would further the cause of Christ and of the gospel. He is hard-pressed in his desire to depart in death vs. live on to continue to encourage souls for Christ (23).

In the end, he knows that he would be a greater benefit to the Kingdom to encourage the saints and promote them in their faith. He had such confidence in his deliverance as to infer that he was coming to them again.

For Conscience' Sake

2004-09-15T17:10:00.000-05:00

introduction
1 Cor 8:1-11:1 deals with the issue of eating meats sacrificed to idols and aspects thereof. Can a Christian enter an idol's temple to participate in a feast? Can he eat meats sold in the marketplace that have been sacrificed to an idol? Can he attend a feast at someone's house that was serving such meats?

addressing the text
In chapter 8, Paul deals with problems associated with eating meats sacrificed to idols. He shows that the way of knowledge is inadequate and that the Christian should seek the way of love. The Christian must be cautious in the manner in which he uses his liberties. In chapter 9, Paul puts himself up as an example of one who has sacrificed his liberties so that he would not hinder the gospel. At the end of chapter 9 (24-27) he makes an analogy to an athlete who "buffets his body" to obtain an inheritable crown. How much greater should the Christian practice self-denial to obtain the incorruptible reward of heaven?

In chapter 10 Paul recounts the example of Israel (1-13) who received blessings similar to the Christian. Israel was baptized into Moses when crossing the Red Sea (Exod. 14:19-25), partook of spiritual meat (Exod. 16:1-36; Jn. 6:31-35) and drink (Exod. 17:1-7; Num 20:2-13) in the wilderness. Yet because of their lack of discipline, they fell into sin and away from God. As a result, the reader should become keenly aware of his need to discipline himself and to continually seek for the way of escape provided by the Lord.

As a result of this understanding Paul encourages them to "flee from idolatry" (14-22). Those who share in the blessings of the Lord cannot also share in that which stands against Him. Then in vs. 10:23-11:1 Paul makes practical application to this specific issue. One should not ask from whence comes the meat he purchases in the marketplace or has set before him at another's home. If a Christian should happen to discover that these meats had been sacrificed to idols he should abstain "for conscience' sake".

thoughts about the text
America is a nation founded upon freedoms, liberties, inalienable rights. It is from such a state that the Christian is called. He is called to alienate, surrender, and transfer his rights, his liberties, to God, to Him from whom they were granted. Giving up one's rights does not show him to be less valuable, but calls one to a recognition of the importance of the gospel, the Word of God, the Redemption of man, salvation. The gospel calls the Chritian to love his brother with greater fervor than he regards his own liberties. Not a single issue today that has divided the church should have been allowed to escalate to such an extent. Disregard for the moment any doctrinal inconsistencies, if only by a proper estimation of love for one's brother, we should stand united before the Lord.

Advice on Marriage

2004-09-08T17:10:00.000-05:00

introduction
In 1 Cor 7, Paul begins to address questions that the Corinthians had previously written to him. In this chapter, Paul focuses on their questions regarding marriage. The key to much of what Paul here writes is found in v. 26, where he addresses them, "in view of the present distress."

addressing the text
In vs. 1-7, Paul writes to them about their obligations to one another as spouses. In vs. 8-16, he addresses three groups in particular: (a) vs. 8-9 is addressed to the unmarried, (b) vs. 10-11 are written to the married, and (c) in vs. 12-16 he writes to those Christians who are married to unbelieving spouses. Then in vs. 17-24, Paul encourages them to continue serving God in whatever station they were called (i.e. circumcised, enslaved, etc). Finally, in vs. 25-40, Paul gives special instruction concerning virgins and widows.

There are a few things that must be noted about Paul's seemingly dismal view of marriage in this chapter. Paul himself said in his letter to Timothy that there would be those who will fall away from the faith "who forbid marriage" (1 Tim 4:1-3). In that letter he also encourages younger widows to get married, bear children, and keep house (1 Tim 5:14). Understanding that Paul is inspired with the Holy Spirit we must also consider passages such as Gen 2:18, Heb. 13:4, and Eph. 5:22-23 where God exalts marriage and the relationship between husband and wife. So how is it that Paul seems so opposed to marriage? Again, we must understand what is written here "in view of the present distress." This distress most likely refers to the persecution that was threatening the saints in Corinth (15:32).

thoughts about the text
So frequently, when one hears about a gift of God, he immediately thinks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. However in v.7, Paul refers to celibacy, how well one is able to control his sexual desire, as a gift from the Lord. In whatever area we are blessed we are to use these gifts to serve God and His people.

In v.12 Paul begins his advice to those married to unbelievers by saying, "But to the rest I say, not the Lord..." It would appear as if Paul is speaking on his own accord and not with apostolic authority. However, in light of the context this is not the case. In v.10 Paul says, "But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord". In this statement Paul references commandments already given by our Lord while among men (such as Matt. 5:31-32; 19:9; Mk. 10:11-12; Lk. 16:18). By this Paul is saying that his advice to the married is reiterating that which the Lord has already said. Then in v.12, Paul writes to them about that which the Lord did not expressly discuss. There is no contextual reason to conclude that Paul is speaking of his own accord. However, the reader must recognize that what follows deviates from that commanded in the Law of Moses. In the days of Ezra (9:1-15 ) and Nehemiah (13:23-31) marriage to unbelievers was forbidden and the people were even commanded to put those mates away whom they had taken from among the other nations. Paul here states that marriage to an unbeliever carries divine approval contrary to what may have been concluded from the old law.

Paul's statement in v.29, "the time has been shortened", appears to be a reference to "the present distress". When speaking of Jerusalem's destruction Jesus says in Matt. 24:21-22 that the days of great tribulation will be cut short. Paul's statement seems to directly correlate to that made by Jesus.

In this chapter Paul is trying to spare them the hardships related to having their interests divided between serving God and serving one's spouse especially in times of such tribulation and persecution. The unmarried are free to give themselves totally to the Lord while the married are divided being concerned how they may also please their mate (vs.32-33).

Addressing Sin in the Church

2004-09-01T17:28:00.000-05:00

introduction
Having established God to be the authority and judge of man's motives, Paul goes on to address the immoralities commonly known among the brethren at Corinth in 1 Cor 5.

addressing the text
Fornication (porneia) is condemned by God in every form. Their sin in this instance was particularly offensive because its type would not even be allowed by the Gentiles. The Jewish law forbade one being married to his step-mother in Lev. 18:7-8. The church had not only ignored this sin, but had also become arrogant about it. Paul judges the man and instructs them to remove the sinful from their midst.

Four things should be noted about Paul's instruction concerning discipline. (a) Action taken is authorized by Christ (v.4), (b) it should be taken when the church is gathered together, (c) the sinful are delivered to Satan, and (d) its purpose is the salvation of the spirit.

It's obvious that Paul had written to the people before concerning their association with sinful brethren as he clarifies their questions about the issue (v.9). Disfellowshipping from the sinful is the responsibility of the church toward members of the Lord's body that are involved in sin that the sinful may by it be saved and to keep the purity of the church.

thoughts about the text
The most commonly cited passage Jn. 3:16 has been replaced by Matt. 7:1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." The world once esteemed salvation, yet now holds high the banner of ignorant, selfish tolerance. The new standard is self and none can be condemned thereby. Paul says much in 1 Cor. 4 and 5 concerning judging, much of which could be quickly misconstrued. In 4:5 he says, "Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time", and many would use this as a defense that they should not be judged by any man. However, in 5:3 Paul says, "For I...have already judged him who has so committed this". How shall these statements be resolved. The judgments to which Paul refers in 4:5 are "the motives of men's hearts" and "the things hidden in the darkness." These things only God can and should judge. In 5:3 Paul's judgments are based on the man's actions in contrast with God's Word.

Furthermore in 5:12 he says, "For what have I to do with judging outsiders?" and in v.13, "those who are outside, God judges". And so it could appear as if it's okay for a Christian to judge a member of the Lord's body on this basis of his action, but this same judgment is not to be applied to "an outsider". In a sense, this is the case. The judgment spoken of here includes "the sentence" applied to the individual. For those in the Lord's body we invoke the sentence of removing the sinful from the church as we are commanded. However, the sinful man who is outside the body of Christ shall receive his sentence from the Lord. It is our obligation as Christians to try to teach the world the truth of God's word. This does not mean that we should abstain from pointing out sinful action in their life. I mean, what's the good of saying, "Hey, here's the Word of God that brings salvation to the sinful! (not that you've sinned or anything)"? In his letter to the Romans Paul addresses the fact that all have sinned and we would be remiss not to proclaim such wonderfully good news to the world.

Superiority Complex

2004-09-01T16:40:00.000-05:00

introduction
Paul's letter to the brethren in Corinth addressed a host of problems. In chapter 5 he addressed their immorality. However, before he could do that, he had to establish a common authority among the people because there were several factions among them. They were esteeming men and holding one man in greater respect than another. This is what Paul had to first address in chapter 4.

addressing the text
In 4:1-5, Paul tells the brethren that they should consider a preacher of God's Word as a minister or steward. They should be those who voluntarily serve their fellow man that with which they have been entrusted. The test of God's minister/steward is not what other men think about him (v.3) or what his conscience dictates (v.4), rather, his faithfulness (2 Tim. 1:13-14; 2:2) to his master (v.2,4). As a result, we must allow God to be the judge of His servants' motives.

Paul rebukes the manner in which they esteem their wisdom in 4:6-13. He uses sarcasm to contrast the lofty way in which they view themselves to how the apostles are viewed by the world. They consider themselves filled, rich, and as kings. Whereas the apostles are fools, weak, and without honor, the Corinthians presume themselves to be prudent, strong, and distinguished. He desires that this sarcasm will accomplish not their shame, but their repentance (v.14). At the time he writes this letter he is sending Timothy to them to remind them of Paul's ways.

thoughts about the text
Humility is very hard for man to learn; that goes for our estimation of ourselves as well as others. Satan uses pride against us quite effectively. However, we are only to esteem men by God's standard. It's easy for a Christian to start thinking that he is better than the world because he believes in and obeys God. How much wiser is the guy who gets hit in the head verses the one who was told he should duck? A follower of Christ should be the first to realize what a wonderful gift was given to him by God. When we realize the folly and death that God allows us to avoid we should spread this wonderful news and not think ourselves somehow greater because we were told before someone else.

The Temple of God

2004-08-26T05:48:00.000-05:00

How is it in 1 Cor 3:16 that "the Spirit of God dwells in you"? So many times this passage is applied in some mystical manner. It seems that many people think there's this ghost thingy that gets inside you and causes you to lose control over your own body. It even causes you to do some crazy stuff that nobody but God understands. Well, first of all, even in the gifts mentioned in the later chapters of 1 Cor, men had control over what they did. Second, what would such activity accomplish? It's purpose was either to reveal new information concerning God's will or to confirm that which was revealed by God. Today, there is no new revelation from God; He has stated everything we need through His Word. God has never used spiritual gifts to glorify Him privately. Their intended purpose was to encourage men concerning Him.

So, if that's not it, what does it mean? Well, considering the previous post and having an understanding of what (and who) the Spirit of God is, it means that we can know His aim and purposes. How do we attain the Spirit of God, the "mind of Christ"? Does He chose me out and inject it into me? No. Our faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Rom 10:17).

God's temple has never been defined by its location. God's temple is defined by His location. The temple is where God causes His presence to dwell. That's how I am His temple, when His Spirit dwells in me. This temple is only referring to the church inasmuch as it refers to the individuals that make it up. It's primary application is to the individual. So how in v.17 would I destroy the temple of God? As one commentator states it, "we must do nothing that shall alienate ourselves from him, or corrupt and pollute ourselves, and thereby unfit ourselves for his use." God cannot dwell among unholiness or corruption. That is why in Ezekiel He caused His presence to leave His temple. The Jews thought it an atrocity that the temple was destoryed by Gentiles. What does it matter if the structure is destroyed if nothing important is inside? No, the greatest atrocity had already occurred. Their unholiness forced God to remove His presence. I receive His Spirit through the understanding of His will and He abides in me when I keep His dwelling place holy, set apart.

Gift of the Holy Spirit

2004-08-25T06:10:00.000-05:00

In Acts 2 when those listening to Peter realize that it was they who crucified the Son of God they ask, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Peter tells them , "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Personally, at different times I struggled with the meaning of this gift. Many associate the "gift of the Holy Spirit" in Acts 2 with the spiritual gifts that were given to men to perform miracles, prophesy, and speak in tongues like those mentioned in 1 Cor 12. However, in 1 Cor 13:8-10 it says that when the revelation of God's Word is complete ("when the perfect [complete] comes") that these gifts would no longer be needed to confirm God's Word. Spiritual gifts are no longer given to men today, but the gift referenced by Peter in Acts 2 is given to every man upon repentance and baptism.

The gift is the Holy Spirit of God. God has given us His Spirit. What does that really mean? Again, something I've struggled with, but my study in 1 Cor 2 clarified some of my questions. In vs. 10-13, Paul explains that we have received the Hold Spirit and describes what it is by analogy. In v.11, he tells us about the "spirit of man" saying, "For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him?" The only way to truly know me would be for me to impart my "spirit" to you. Not in some mystical way, rather for me to reveal "the immaterial, invisible part of man" (Lk. 8:55; 24:37,39; Acts 7:59; 1 Cor 5:3-5), "the element in man by which he perceives, reflects, feels, desires" (Mt. 5:3; 26:41; Mk. 2:8), my "purpose [or] aim" (2 Cor 12:18; Phil 1:27; Eph 4:23; Rev 19:10). So we understand exactly what is meant by the spirit of man.

Well, up until Jesus' ministry, man was ignorant of the purpose and aim of God. Man didn't know God's plan for man, and had it not been for Him revealing his Spirit to us, we never would. God has given us His Holy Spirit "that we might know the things freely given to us by God" (1 Cor 2:12b). How else would you know that the crucifixion of some guy that lived a couple thousand years ago gave you life? You understand what God did because He gave you His Holy Spirit; he told you so.

As a result, may I never think myself greater than any man because I realize what God has done for me. It's certainly by no work of my own that I have come to this understanding. God gave me His Spirit. I pray that I, as Paul, boast in nothing but in Jesus Christ. He did the work. He is the only one among us to be glorified.

A Foolish Message

2004-08-17T22:35:00.000-05:00

In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul opens his letter as is the custom of his day with greeting (vs. 1-3) and thanksgiving (vs.4-9). In this letter he addresses a number of factions that have developed among the church at Corinth. In this first chapter he deals strife from their boasting as by whom each was baptized (vs. 10-17). Then Paul goes on to show that there is nothing in which man should boast regarding his salvation. Specifically, he shows that it came as a result of God's wisdom and man's foolishness (vs.18-25) and demonstrates man's foolishness by the nature of those who have been called (vs.26-31).

It seems that in a number of Paul's letters he deals with the pride of men. We always want to find something in which we can boast. So many times, pride is our greatest obstacle to doing what is right. In many ways God chose foolish methods to bring blessing upon his people. Consider the examples of Naaman's cleansing and the conquest of Jericho. And here we have the foolishness of the gospel. In fact, so foolish that it continues to elude men today. That God would glory in allowing the Messiah to die at man's hands is still a "stumbling block" to the Jews. Premillenialists believe that Jesus failed, FAILED, to establish His kingdom when he died on the cross and that he must return to fulfill His original purpose. Folks, victory is in his death. It doesn't get any more glorious than that. Again, God chose foolishness.

Why? Because if there was any talent required on my part in order to attain salvation then I would boast in my ability. But God wanted to make it known in no uncertain terms that salvation comes through His grace. In fact, that's the only way that in v.9 I can be "blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" and in v.10 that I can have "fellowship with His Son" in as much as I take part in His blood.

Paul further contends that it is only this foolish message that should call men to Christ. If it was "cleverness of speech" that brought men to Him, the cross would be made void. Where does that leave fish frys and carnivals? I mean, if drawing men to Christ by clever speech would void God's redemptive activity, how much more by fleshly desires? Does God's Word effectively address bringing salvation and its message to man? Then let us allow the glory of the cross to continue to draw men to the praise of God. There are no other means necessary; and maybe that's why there are none other authorized.

God Just Wants Me to Be Happy

2004-08-12T07:09:00.000-05:00

I would say that for most people, when we sin against God it's primarily in areas that we don't fully understand why He has permitted or restricted us. It's in places where we don't really see what damage it is doing when we don't obey Him. So really, am I obeying in the rest of the areas, or am I merely in agreement with Him in some areas. I mean, am I really obeying God, or am I, like much of the world, picking and choosing the things I believe to be important. Do I fully trust God? Do I trust enough to obey Him even when I don't understand? In fact, these are probably the most essential areas to obey Him; those in which we don't fully recognize the presented dangers. The illustration of a blacksmith making horseshoes is a powerful one. Though the sin may not be red hot with obvious consequence, God knows that our exposure to it will burn just as badly. Okay, so maybe I didn't state that as well as the original story, but the point is, God knows things that I don't. I must express my full confidence in the Lord by obeying Him, not only in areas that I see the consequence of sin, but also in areas that I don't. God wants me to succeed. He wants me to be happy.

Wow... yeah, I don't hear that enough. "I know God wants me to be happy and doing this makes me happy." What better excuse for sinful activity has been given? The fallacy of such an idea is that I actually know what'll make me happy. Oh yeah, I most certainly can find the things that give me pleasure, but God knows what'll make me happy. Actually, God knows what will give me joy. As one of my brothers so appropriately stated, "happiness" shares the same root as does "happening". Thus happiness is in direct correlation as to what is happening, whereas joy can surpass the current circumstance. Read Ecclesiastes and tell me that seeking your pleasures will give you joy. Good luck. Pursuit of happiness in ways that stand in opposition to God's will lead to anything but happiness. You will arrive at a cul-de-sac miserable and unfulfilled. This is God's way of showing us that we need to turn to Him.

True Concern for the Sinful

2004-08-11T07:15:00.000-05:00

I'm beginning a study of Paul's letter to the Corinthians. I reviewed Paul's journey heretofore and his previous contact with those brethren. There are a number of things that occur to me as I consider this letter. First of all, the true concern he has for the people. Paul's affection for them is derived greatly from the role he played in their knowledge of Christ. Knowing his care for them changes the tone of the letter. The second is the fact that here is a group of people that claim to be devoting their lives to the Lord that are caught up in all kinds of problems. Paul addresses them harshly in some circumstances, but he does so because of the great value he places on his relationship with them and more importantly, the great value of their souls.

However, I must not too quickly condemn the Corinthians. By no mean should their sin be condoned, but seeing such sin in the lives of those who recognize God to be the only King, it causes me to consider my own ways. I praise the Lord with my mouth, but how about by my behavior. If I'm not actively pursuing accomplishing His will, and I don't mean just studying it, but actually implementing it and carrying it out, then am I any better off than these Christians.

Do I, as Paul, have a true concern for God's people? Every people is God's people. He has a vested interest in their souls. Do I? I work with people every day. How frequently do I find opportunities to speak to them about our Lord. I hope by studying this book that I'll gain a better understanding of how to go about talking to people about the Lord when obeying Him would cause me to help them address some seriously incongruous issues in their life. Introspectively, let's first let the study hit home.

Living for a Cause

2004-08-09T14:49:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning I was listening to the Word being preached. My friend who was preaching was telling young people that the most important things that they would need when going back to school would not be purchased at the local Wal-Mart. He made the point that living for Christ means taking our stand with Him. Trying to be a Christian at school was really difficult for me the first couple of years in High School. In fact, I failed. I look back and hope that no one ever heard me say, "I'm a Christian". I'm afraid that if they did the idea of Christianity would leave a taste in their mouth more bitter than sour orange juice. I finally decided that if I was going to follow Christ, I would have to stop hanging out with the kids that were a bad influence on me. A number of things began to change for the better after that. Not because I quit hanging out with those kids, but because I had made my resolve (Josh 24:15).

How many times have I considered the scenario where someone puts a gun to my head and says, "Are you a Christian?" I know that if I confess Him that my brains will be spattered on the carpet. I had always thought that to be the greatest confession of faith and love for God. But really, is that so hard? What seems harder is to first live for a cause. I mean, dying for a cause is simply worthless unless it has been lived for.

Take Jonah for instance. When he realized he was the one responsible for the calamity in which the sailors found themselves, he confessed his fear of the Lord and offered his life on their behalf. I used to think that this was Jonah repenting. However, the guy didn't want to go to Ninevah in the first place. We know by reading the text he would rather die than obey. That's not obedience. That's not love for God.

Look at Peter when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. He said he was willing to give his life for the Lord and here we see evidence. However, when it came time to live his life for the Lord, he failed. How many times have I discovered myself in the same spot.

America sees love as something conceptual. However, in 1 Cor 13, which is considered by many to be the Christian's definition of love, how is love defined? In verses 4 and following, not single attribute of that love is conceptual. It is behavioral. So I find myself again in High School, in that I must question my loyalty to God. Would I take the bullet? What does it matter unless I've lived as if I will? If you are more afraid of living with your decision to serve God than you are to die for it, let's make it easy on ourselves. Let's put our own will to death and let Christ live through us (Gal 2:20).

I Am So Not a Carpenter

2004-06-07T07:42:00.000-05:00

We purchased our house in September of 2003 and shortly thereafter began putting up a privacy fence. Well, it's now June, and I finally put up the rear gates. I can't express deeply enough my dissatisfaction with the job I did hanging the gates. In order to attach the hinges to the gate, I had to cut off a piece of 2x4 to screw into; I also did the same for the latch. I'm sure a double gate is more difficult, and maybe when I do the front (single) gate, it'll be a lot easier (And no, I haven't yet finished the fence), but I look out the back door and feel an overwhelming sense of shame. There are a lot of things in my life that I don't necessarily enjoy or do greatly, but I've come to the conclusion that I can't do carpentry.

Witnessed a Bad Accident

2004-06-04T12:05:00.000-05:00

This morning on the way to work I was driving up I-65 as usual. A few cars in front of me I see this semi truck swerving and a huge dust cloud. It looked as if the semi was getting over into the slow lane and noticed there was a car there or something. As I'm watching the semi trying to regain control, I see a black car flipping up in the air seemingly into the cloud of dust. At this point, I'm slowing down so as not to become part of the accident. And next thing I know here's the truck in the grass on the side of the road; it's mangled and resting on its side. I pull off the road as do a number of other cars. Men are running up to the body that is lying on the ground outside the passenger window of the truck. Everybody else whips out their cell phone. It's at this point that I realize that mine is on the kitchen counter.

I'm not sure what to make of it all. As I see the cars behind me starting to back up and a horde of people starting to gather, I decided that my presence wasn't really aiding those involved, so I merge in with the rest of traffic and continue to work. How many times as I'm on my way to work do I ever think, "I may not actually get to work today"?

"It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart." (Eccl 7:2).

Swayze Synonym

2004-06-03T15:03:00.000-05:00

My wife and I traveled to Toronto this past weekend to stay with some friends. It was there that David and I discovered a wonderful new word. We were looking for movies similar to genre of "12 Monkeys" and ran across the film "Donnie Darko". When I noticed that Patrick Swayze was one of the actors in the film I declared, "Patrick Swayze?! Doesn't he stink?" From then on, "Swayze" became synonymous with stinking. Sentences appeared such as, "That toilet is just plain swayze" or "There's a terrible swayz coming from that room". So spread the fun and give "Swayze" or one of its variants a try.