DAILY, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY INTERNET EVANGELIZE TO THE WORLD MINISTRY

Fire as Symbol and Imagery  Exodus 3:2 Excerpt ‎Fire is a common symbol of holiness and in some cases of protection ( cf . Zech. 2:5 ). It represents divine action, with God himself presented as ‘a consuming fire’ ( Heb. 12:29 ; cf . Deut. 4:24 ). Fire is God’s servant ( Ps. 104:4 ; Heb. 1:7) , and his word is like fire ( Jer. 23:29 ). In reference to God’s action , fire is most frequently a symbol of destruction associated with the wrath of God and his jealousy . As a metaphor of God’s holiness , however, it may also purge or purify. The Babylonian exile is described as purification by fire ( Ps. 66:12 ; Isa. 43:2 ), and certainly the Day of the Lord will purify Israel ( Zech. 13:9 ; cf . 1 Cor. 3:13-15 ).  ‎Fire is a central element of the description of theophany throughout biblical literature. God’s appearance for covenant with Abraham ( Gen. 15:17 ), the appearance in the burning bush ( Exod. 3:2 ), the leading of Israel with the pillar of fire by night (...

Why Quote the Old Testament ? Acts 2:16-21 ‎The variety of methods of interpretation and application of the OT parallels the fact that the OT was used for a variety of purposes. People tend to think only in terms of the use of the OT to show that Jesus was the Messiah , but there are a number of other uses with a variety of goals. Many OT texts are used to show Jesus is the Messiah , the fulfillment of the OT promises ( Lk 4:16–21 ). Without lessening the fulfillment emphasis, however, other verses are applied to Jesus for other purposes: to evangelize ( Acts 8:32–35 ); to demonstrate or convince ( Acts 13:33–35 ); to rebuke ( Mk 7:6 , 7 ; Rom 11:7–10 ); to describe ( Rv 1:12–15 ); and to worship ( Phil 2:10 , 11 ). Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. Baker encyclopedia of the Bible 1988 : 1813 . Print.

Biblical Theology Excerpt ‎ Biblical theology is theology drawn from the Bible rather than theology imposed onto the Bible . Biblical theology helps Christ ians understand the broad biblical message, discern discern developments in the canon, and see how each particular text fits in with the larger story of Scripture . In studying biblical theology, interpreters try to determine what the authors of the Bible thought or believed in their own historical contexts and on their own distinctive terms. ‎Historical research plays a significant role in biblical theology. Interpreters focus on understanding what the biblical texts meant for the original author and readers, rather than on the development of doctrine over time (historical theology). Before Christ ians can apply Scripture accurately to the present or systematize it around various topics, they must first interpret it correctly in its historical context and with its original intended meaning. Biblical theology lays a f...

Wonders and Miracle Signs Acts 2:43 Excerpt ‎Wonders (terata, “miracles evoking awe” ) and miraculous signs (sēmeia, “miracles pointing to a divine truth” ) authenticated the veracity of the apostles ( cf . 2 Cor. 12:12 ; Heb. 2:3-4 ). The apostles performed many such “signs and wonders” ( Acts 4:30 ; 5:12 ; 6:8 ; 8:6 , 13 ; 14:3 ; 15:12 ). Christ too had performed many “wonders” and “signs” —and also “miracles” (dynameis, “works of power” ). Toussaint, Stanley D. “Acts.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures . Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 360. Print.

Laodiceans Were Neither Hot Nor Cold ‎ The city was in the southwest of Phrygia, on the river Lycus, not far from Colosse, and lying between it and Philadelphia. It was destroyed by an earthquake, a.d. 62, and rebuilt by its wealthy citizens without the help of the state [Tacitus, Annals, 14.27]. This wealth (arising from the excellence of its wools) led to a self-satisfied, lukewarm state in spiritual things, as Rev 3:17 describes. See on Col 4:16 , on the Epistle which is thought to have been written to the Laodicean Church by Paul. The Church in latter times was apparently flourishing; for one of the councils at which the canon of Scripture was determined was held in Laodicea in a.d. 361. Hardly a Christ ian is now to be found on or near its site. Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible . Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997. Print. 

An Introduction to Paul's Presentation of the Gospel Excerpt ‎How many steps does it take to lead a person to Christ ? That is not an easy question, for there is so much that enters into the receptiveness of the counselee which may hinder him from grasping the details of the gospel . Or on the other hand the primary Soul-winner , the Holy Spirit , already may have prepared him and enabled him to grasp and respond to the gospel readily. For that matter, no single passage in Scripture gives a final answer to the question. Indeed, I suspect that the answer is one which must be answered by the Holy Spirit as the one who is witnessing cooperates with the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing that man or woman to Christ . This seems to be suggested by Christ’s words in that great Upper Room Discourse . In it He marvelously prepared the disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit after His own resurrection and departure for heaven 40 days later. … Northrup, Bernard E. True Ev...

Abel's Faith Excerpt ‎Abel represents the righteous man referred to in 10:38 , whose acceptance before God was based on a superior sacrifice. Like Abel, the readers found acceptance before God on the basis of the better sacrifice of the New Covenant . Their unbelieving brethren, like Cain, found no such divine approbation. Even death does not extinguish the testimony of a man like Abel. Hodges, Zane C. “Hebrews.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures . Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 807. Print.

Uses of Church History Excerpt ‎ The Epistle to the Hebrews describes, in stirring eloquence, the cloud of witnesses from the old dispensation for the encouragement of the Christ ians . Why should not the greater cloud of apostles, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, fathers, reformers, and saints of every age and tongue, since the coming of Christ, be held up for the same purpose? They were the heroes of Christ ian faith and love, the living epistles of Christ , the salt of the earth, the benefactors and glory of our race; and it is impossible rightly to study their thoughts and deeds, their lives and deaths, without being elevated, edified, comforted, and encouraged to follow their holy example, that we at last, by the grace of God , be received into their fellowship, to spend with them a blessed eternity in the praise and enjoyment of the same God and Saviour . … Schaff, Philip, and David Schley Schaff. History of the Christ ian Church. Vol. 1 . New York: Charles Scrib...

Protect Me and Help Me Excerpt ‎In these two verses the psalmist pleads with Yahweh to rescue him from his oppressors, for he has always done what is just and right ( verse 121 ). He calls his enemies my oppressors because they persecute and mistreat him; the same verb oppress is used in verse 122b . In verse 122a the Hebrew verb form translated Be surety by RSV is a legal term describing the action of someone who makes himself responsible for another’s debts; here the term has the general sense of helping. The meaning of the line is well expressed by NJV , “Guarantee your servant’s well-being” ( also NJB ); frcl has “Guarantee me that everything will end well.” Be surety for thy servant may also be rendered, for example, “Be my protector and helper” or simply “Protect me and help me.” For thy servant see verse 17a ; for the godless see verse 51a . (It is to be noticed that in verses 121–122 there is no reference to God’s law .) Bratcher, Robert G., and William Davi...

Christ : The Fulfillment of Prophecy  Excerpt ‎Of all the attacks that have ever been made upon the Scripture , there has never been one book written by a skeptic to disprove the prophecies of the Scripture . Though the Bible has been attacked at every other place, the one place where God rests His inspiration is that the things He foretells come infallibly to pass. ‎The Bible prophecies are altogether unexpected! I know of no one ever prophesying that any other human being would rise from the dead and ascend into heaven. That is exceedingly improbable. The chance of it happening by coincidence is incalculable. No, the Bible is not merely a book written by men; it is a book written by God through men, and the heart of its prophetic message is Jesus Christ . … Kennedy, D. James. “ Christ : The Fulfillment of Prophecy.” The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith. Ed. Ted Cabal et al. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2007. xx...

How to Study the Bible Excerpt ‎As you begin to study the Bible , determine your goals, methods, and resources. If you simply want to be a more careful reader of the Bible , perhaps begin by reading a small portion of the text daily with a Bible reading plan . If you want to put serious effort into learning the Bible , further commitment is needed. This approach may involve several hours a week of focused study and the use of resources such as commentaries. If pursuing this level of Bible study, you will benefit from acquiring at least one dictionary and two kinds of commentaries to help you. Valuable resources include a Bible dictionary , a one-volume Bible commentary , and a set of individual commentary volumes on individual books of the Bible . Using these as you study the Bible passage-by-passage will provide some of the same help you’d get if you were to study the Bible in an academic institution. ‎No matter which group you're in, there are some basics that apply ...

Not Commending Ourselves ‎Paul’s appeal to the consciences of his readers is not to be misunderstood. We are not commending ourselves to you again. Paul has already made this disclaimer ( 3:1 ; see the notes ). He is in a difficult position, for though he has no intention of using any commendation beyond that of the Gospel itself, which authorizes those who preach it, it is necessary, or at least desirable, in the interests of the apostolic mission, that his good faith should be recognized by those who form the churches founded by him. The present verse is of great importance because it shows that this necessity arises out of the presence of others who work on different lines. Barrett, C. K. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians . London: Continuum, 1973. Print. Black’s New Testament Commentary .

Today's Verse of the Day is From 1 Samuel  12:14 KJV Translation: If ye will fear the LORD , and serve him , and obey his voice , and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD , then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God : NKJV Translation: If you will fear the LORD , and serve him , and obey his voice , and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD , then shall both you and also the king that reigns over you continue following the LORD your God : Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

February 28 Neon Gods Leviticus 26–27 ; John 10:22–42 ; Song of Solomon 8:10–14 Idolatry seems archaic. Who worships idols anymore? We all know that in other countries, traditional idol worship of gold and wooden statues still goes on, but we often forget about our own idols. What does all our furniture point toward? Why do we care who is on the cover of a magazine? How do you feel if you miss your favorite talk show? If we’re really honest, what do we spend the majority of our time thinking about? Idols are everywhere, and most of us are idol worshipers of some kind. When we put this in perspective, suddenly the words of Lev 26 become relevant again. The problem that is addressed in Leviticus is the same problem we’re dealing with today. Leviticus 26 and its harsh words against idolatry should prompt each of us to ask, “What are my idols?” and then to answer with, “I will end my idolatry.” And if the temptation is too great with these things present in our lives (lik...

Seek First His Righteousness Excerpt ‎When God’s people corporately seek first his priorities , they will by definition take care of the needy in their fellowships. When one considers that over 50 percent of all believers now live in the Two-Thirds World and that a substantial majority of those believers live below what we would consider the poverty line, a huge challenge to First-World Christ ianity emerges. Without a doubt, most individual and church budgets need drastic realignment in terms of what Christ ians spend on themselves versus what they spend on others ( cf . 2 Cor 8:13–15 ). Blomberg, Craig. Matthew . Vol. 22 . Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992. Print. The New American Commentary .

Introduction Excerpt ‎For various reasons it is highly desirable to read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation . Thus, the Old Testament prepares for the New , a cumulative knowledge of the Bible , so valuable in education, is secured, and a true perspective of religious history and truth is obtained. One who does this reading is prepared to understand and appreciate the myriads of allusions and references to sacred literature contained in secular history, literature, art, law, and life in general. ‎Every person’s life is a success or a wreck, or something between the two, according as he does or does not govern it by the precepts of God’s Holy Word . ‘The way of the ungodly shall perish, but the path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” The foregoing should prove a powerful incentive to every seeker after truth to read the Bible through. … Adams, A. Dana. 4000 Questions & Answers on the Bible . Nashville, TN:...

Genesis 6 and the Sons of God Excerpt ‎Several views exist regarding the identity of the sons of God in Gen 6 . These interpretations also affect how we should understand biblical references to supernatural beings including angels and foreign gods. ‎Sons of God as Divine Beings ‎The sons of God may be divine beings ( e.g. , angels). If so, the sin in question was a transgression of the human realm by these heavenly beings. Their involvement with human women led to a widespread breakdown in morality and an increase in wickedness and corruption. The offspring of these unions, the nephilim ( Gen 6:4 ), were considered quasi-divine and possessed unusual height ( “giants” ). ‎This was the dominant view among Jewish and Christian thinkers until after the fourth century ad, when Augustine championed an alternative (see below). It was also the exclusive view until the mid-second century ad. … Barry, John D., Michael R. Grigoni, et al. Faithlife Study Bible . Bellingham...

The Migrations of Abraham The route Abraham’s clan took from Haran to Canaan is uncertain, although it seems logical they took one of several available trade routes. The most direct led across the desert to Damascus by way of the Tadmor Oasis. A less dangerous but longer route followed the main branch of the International Coastal Highway through Carchemish past Aleppo and Qatna to Damascus. From Damascus, the King’s Highway led southward into Transjordan. ‎Abraham and his clan entered Canaan from the east, descending from the Transjordan Plateau via the Jabbok River. An alternative crossing near Hazor on the Upper Jordan also was possible, though less likely. … Brisco, Thomas V. Holman Bible Atlas . Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998. Print. Holman Reference .

Route of the Exodus Excerpt ‎The Bible contains many geographical notations in Deuteronomy , Numbers , and Exodus about the route of the Exodus . Numbers 33 gives a comprehensive listing of all the encampments, from Egypt to the Plains of Moab opposite Jericho. Yet the information provided can be interpreted in several ways, leading to different ideas about the route. Scholars have proposed three basic routes—the northern, central, and southern route theories—each based on the biblical text. Over a dozen mountains have been identified by different scholars as suitable candidates for Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments . Only a few sites mentioned in the Exodus have been identified with some certainty. Raamses, the point of origin, has been conclusively identified with Qantir, while the central rallying point of Kadesh-barnea seems plausibly located at Ain el-Qudeirat or one of several nearby springs. Most other identifications remain tentative. … Brisco,...

The Roman Conflagration And The Neronian Persecution  ‎The first of these imperial persecutions with which the Martyrdom of Peter and Paul is connected by ecclesiastical tradition, took place in the tenth year of Nero’s reign, a.d. 64, and by the instigation of that very emperor to whom Paul, as a Roman citizen, had appealed from the Jewish tribunal. It was, however, not a strictly religious persecution, like those under the later emperors; it originated in a public calamity which was wantonly charged upon the innocent Christians. ‎A greater contrast can hardly be imagined than that between Paul, one of the purest and noblest of men, and Nero, one of the basest and vilest of tyrants. The glorious first five years of Nero’s reign (54–59) under the wise guidance of Seneca and Burrhus, make the other nine (59–68) only more hideous by contrast. … Schaff, Philip, and David Schley Schaff. History of the Christ ian Church. Vol. 1 . New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1910. P...

Today's Verse of the Day is From Romans  1:16 KJV Translation: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ : for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. NKJV Translation: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ : for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

February 27 Reality Can Bite Leviticus 23–25 ; John 10:1–21 ; Song of Solomon 8:6–9 Reality shows are all about people who are known or want to be known—they have celebrity syndrome. The root cause of this obsession is probably, like most things, a disconnect from our Maker . As people disconnect from the God who made us, we seek affirmation from other sources. And as wrong as this desire may be, our culture makes it feel like second nature. The Jewish people Jesus spoke to also felt displaced. They were a people who had lost touch with their guide—their shepherd . Jesus is the answer to their call. Echoing Ezekiel 34:11–24 , He says, “I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” But Jesus goes one step further by adding, “and I lay down my life for the sheep” ( John 10:14–15 ). Jesus promises that He will know us, and by echoing the very words of God , He is claiming that He is the God of Israel— He is...

Widows in the Early Church Excerpt ‎In the early church, widows were cared for and steps were taken to ensure equal distribution of food ( Acts 6:1-6 ). The writer of the pastoral Letter 1 Timothy urged a just and cost-efficient plan for the use of limited funds, so that ‘real widows’ (those in abject poverty and truly alone) could be provided for ( 5:3-16 ). To this end, families were charged to care for their own ( 5:3-4 , 16 ), and rules of eligibility for the enrollment of widows were prescribed ( 5:9-15 ). This enrollment probably implies the existence of an order of widows who devoted themselves to intercessory prayer and to rendering special services to the church. According to the second-century writers Ignatius ( Smyrnaeans 13:1 ) and Polycarp ( Philippians 4:3 ), such an order or ministry existed in their time. This order of widows later merged with that of church deaconesses. Achtemeier, Paul J., Harper & Row and Society of Biblical Literature. Harper’s Bible...

Disease and Healing in the First Century Acts 4:9 Excerpt ‎In the early Christ ian period illness may be caused by numerous demonic entities who are not always acting at Yahweh’s command ( Matt. 15:22 ; Luke 11:14 ), and not necessarily by the violation of covenant stipulations ( John 9:2 ). Illnesses mentioned include fevers ( Mark 1:30 ), hemorrhages ( Matt. 9:20 ), and what has been identified by some scholars as epilepsy ( Mark 9:14–29 ). The cure for illness may be found in this world, and not simply in some utopian future. ‎Christ ianity also may have attracted patients who were too poor to afford fees charged in many Greco-Roman traditions ( cf . Matt. 10:8 ). Some Greco-Roman traditions insisted that travel to a shrine was necessary for healing, but Christ ianity , with its emphasis on the value of faith alone, in effect announced that travel to a shrine was not required ( Matt. 8:8 ). Likewise, Christ ianity resisted temporal restrictions on when healing coul...

Herod the Tetrarch Acts 13:1 Excerpt ‎During Christ’s ministry Rome installed the tetrarch, Herod Antipas ( Mt 14:1 ; Lk 23:5–7 ) to rule the territory. He was appointed to office when 17 years old. Sepphoris was his first capital, and about a.d. 22 he built Tiberias on the shore of the Sea of Galilee as his new capital, in honor of the emperor. Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. Baker encyclopedia of the Bible 1988 : 836. Print.

Addresses and Salutations Excerpt ‎Paul opens his letter to the Philippian church in his usual fashion, by adapting the standard Hellenistic letter format in a distinctively Christ ian way. Where modern letters would address the recipient at the beginning ( ‘Dear Jane’ ) and name the sender only at the end ( ‘Yours, John’ ), ancient letters normally began by naming first the sender and then the recipient, and then adding a greeting. A good example of this is Acts 23:26 : ‘Claudius Lysias to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings [Gk. chairein].’ We have many other examples of this in the Bible ( Ezra 7:12 ; Dan. 4:1 ) and elsewhere ( note 2 Macc. 1:10 ; 2 Bar. 78.2 and see J.L. White 1986 and Stowers 1986). (Letters then might often end, as does Acts 23:30 in variants, with ‘Good health/farewell’ (errôsthai)). ‎Paul and other apostolic writers altered this form in a variety of ways, thereby considerably lengthening the letter prescript. Paul typically modifies b...

Knowing the Fear of the Lord The fear of the Lord has a familiar, weakened sense, in which it means little more than piety ( e.g . Job 28:28 ; Prov. 9:10 ); the context forbids this weakened sense here. So far as we are to be judged by our deeds we may well be afraid of what is to come. It is in this fear that we persuade (conative, perhaps: we try to persuade) men. Compare Gal. 1:10 , Are we now persuading men or God ? This verse suggests that Paul may have been accused of persuading men in a bad sense, that is, of winning them over to his side in an unscrupulous way that would bear examination neither before God nor at the bar of the human conscience.  Barrett, C. K. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. London: Continuum, 1973. Print. Black’s New Testament Commentary .

Paul's Concern for His Own People ‎It is obvious that, while Paul was writing to these believers in Rome, he at the same time continually displays a great concern for his own wayward people, the people of the nation of Israel. It is clear that he also writes to help them to overcome some of their errant ideas about how a man may become righteous before God . These are ideas which actually are keeping them from receiving the righteousness which God Himself would provide. As a result, the reader can observe two elements in the book. The initial theme of the book, which continues to show up throughout the book, is directed through these saints in Rome who have believed. It concerns their own ministry which they should have among the Jews who were depending upon their own devices for salvation. … Northrup, Bernard E. . 1997. Print.

Today's Verse of the Day is From Exodus  3:13 KJV Translation: And Moses said unto God , Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? NKJV Translation: And Moses said to God , Behold, when I come to the children of Israel, and shall say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say to them? Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

February 26 Patiently Waiting Leviticus 20:1–22:33 ; John 9:35–41 ; Song of Solomon 8:1–5 Delayed gratification is a foreign concept to our natural instincts. Our culture doesn’t encourage patience or contentment; we would prefer to have our desires met the moment they arise. The woman in Song of Solomon tells us that she is delighted in her beloved. She praises his attributes and tells of the wonders of their love. But throughout the poem, at seemingly random moments, she also warns the daughters of Jerusalem about love: “I adjure you … do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases!” ( Song 8:4 ). This is not the first time she has “adjured” them to wait and have patience: the same refrain is found elsewhere in the poem, and it acts like an oath ( Song 2:7 ; 3:5 ). Although the elevated poetry glories in love, delight, and fulfillment, it also warns about immediate gratification. The woman urges us not to force love. It is something that must be anticipated and protected, ...

Introduction Excerpt ‎The worst has happened. Jerusalem is in ruins. God’s chosen people , the Jews, have lost their city and their land. Now they may also lose their nation and their faith . ‎The Lamentations are funeral songs for the way of life and the people that have been lost. The songs accept that this disaster is God’s punishment , and they look to him as their only help and hope. ‎The Lamentations give a vivid picture of a desperate situation. All the people of Jerusalem and surrounding Judea have been killed, captured or ruined. Solomon’s temple has been torn down. The city’s great buildings and fine houses have been reduced to rubble. ‎The poems admit that this destruction is well-deserved and long overdue. God has punished his people for their sins, by letting their enemies conquer them. But God is also merciful. His people dare to hope and pray that he will accept their repentance and restore them. … Knowles, Andrew. The Bible Guide. 1st Augsburg ...

Be Hospitable Excerpt ‎Hospitality (philazenos, “love of strangers” ) is a telltale virtue of the people of God . Paul told the Roman church to “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” ( Romans 12:13 ). “Practice” means “pursue” or “chase” and sometimes means “strenuous pursuit.” Christ ians , and especially leaders, are not simply to wait for opportunities for hospitality but are to pursue them. They are to do it “without grumbling,” as Peter says ( 1 Peter 4:9 ). ‎Today’s elder must be a joyous host. He must invite people to his table. His home must be open. Hospitality is all over the New Testament . And the writer of Hebrews offers an enchanting motivation: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” ( 13:2 ). These are God’s thoughts on hospitality! Hughes, R. Kent, and Bryan Chapell. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus : To Guard the Deposit . Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2000. Prin...

Jesus' Teaching on Abrahamic Descent Excerpt ‎The question whether those Jews who have believed in Jesus have exercised true faith is immediately raised by the way in which Jesus addresses them— "If you remain in my word, you are truly my disciples" . In fact, the test of true discipleship is a continuing allegiance to Jesus’ teaching , a knowing of the truth which is able to liberate one from the sphere of sin and death—you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. As the similar statement about freedom in v. 36 will make clear, this liberating truth can be summed up as God’s revelation embodied in Jesus ( cf . also 14:6 ). Lincoln, Andrew T. The Gospel According to Saint John . London: Continuum, 2005. Print. Black’s New Testament Commentary.

Jesus's Farewell Discourse Excerpt ‎To love Jesus is shown to involve keeping his words or commands . Here the focus is on the latter—If you love me, you will keep my commandments . A response of love for Jesus will result in obedience to his commands and at the same time that obedience will be an indicator of whether genuine love is present. Talking of Jesus’ farewell instructions as his commandments may well be meant to recall the Mosaic law as the summation of the divine commandments and to suggest Jesus’ teaching as the new norm for disciples. The commandments immediately in view are to wash one another’s feet ( 13:14–15 ) and to love one another ( 13:34 ), though the command to believe in Jesus ( 14:1 ) should not be ignored. In what follows those who love Jesus in this way are made a number of promises. The first is I will ask the Father , and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever, the Spirit of truth. This constitutes the first occurrence i...

Title and Authorship ‎Ruth and Esther are the only two books in the Bible named for women. Esther was a Hebrew woman who married a Gentile king. God used Esther in a strategic time in the history of Israel to help preserve the nation from destruction. Ruth, on the other hand, was a Gentile woman who married a Hebrew man. God used Ruth to perpetuate the line of the Messiah , the Lord Jesus Christ . ‎The Book of Ruth is read annually by orthodox Jews on the Feast of Pentecost . This feast commemorates the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai and occurs at the time of the beginning of the offering called the Firstfruits of the Harvest ( Ex. 23:16 ). Ruth’s betrothal took place during this festive harvest season, when barley was being winnowed ( Ruth 3:2 ; cf . 1:22) . …. Reed, John W. “ Ruth .” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures . Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. V ol. 1 . Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 415. Print.

God's Effective Purpose Excerpt ‎If the word Israel is understood in a mechanical sense it cannot be disputed that the majority of Israel have, to all appearance, set aside God’s Word , which has accordingly (at least for the present) failed. But Israel is not a term like Ammon, Moab, Greece, or Rome. ‘Israel’ cannot be defined in terms of physical descent, or understood simply ‘on the human side’ ( v. 5 ); it is created not by blood and soil, but by the promise of God , and therefore exists within the limits of God’s freedom . If he were bound by physical descent, he would be un-free, and no longer God . But he is not so bound, as Scripture itself proves—a vital point to Paul. Consider first Abraham, the father of the race. Barrett, C. K. The Epistle to the Romans. Rev. ed. London: Continuum, 1991. Print. Black’s New Testament Commentary .

Today's Verse of the Day is From Judges 2:7 KJV Translation: And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD , that he did for Israel. NKJV Translation: And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD , that he did for Israel. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

February 25 The Fear Leviticus 17:1–19:37 ; John 9:13–34 ; Song of Solomon 7:10–13 We often don’t realize that we’re guilty of fearing others. At the time, it can feel definite and look legitimate. Fearing others can also take the form of a meticulous house, staying late at the office, or passing anxious, sleepless nights. When we hold someone else’s opinions higher than God’s , we suddenly find our world shaky and imbalanced. Jesus’ healing of the blind man reveals that the fear of people is not a modern concept. The Pharisees had a stranglehold on Jewish life: “for the Jews had already decided that if anyone should confess him to be Christ , he would be expelled from the synagogue” ( John 9:22 ). The blind man’s parents were victims of their mission, but they were willing victims. Even within the ruling ranks, though, opinions were divided, but the fear of people still ruled ( John 9:16 ). John reports elsewhere that “many of the rulers believed in him , but because of th...

February 24 The Day of Atonement Leviticus 15–16 ; John 9:1–12 ; Song of Solomon 7:5–9 When it comes to the cost of sin, the average person probably thinks in terms of “What can I get away with?” rather than “What does this cost me and other people emotionally?” These calculations aren’t made in terms of life and death, but that is literally the case when it comes to sin. The Day of Atonement is a beautiful, though horrific, illustration of this. It takes three innocent animals to deal with the people’s sin: one to purify the high priest and his family, one to be a sin offering to Yahweh that purifies the place where He symbolically dwelt (the holy of holies), and one to be sent into the wilderness to remove the people’s transgressions ( Lev 16:11 , 15–16 , 21–22 ). After the blood of the first two animals is spilled on the Day of Atonement—demonstrating the purification of God’s people—the final goat demonstrates God’s desire to completely rid the people of their sin. “Aar...

Today's Verse of the Day is From Ruth  1:16 KJV Translation: And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God : NKJV Translation: And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people shall be my people, and your God my God : Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

2014 | EPIPHANY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY              Old Testament       Isaiah 55:10–13              Psalm       Psalm 1              New Testament       2 Corinthians 11:19–12:9              Gospel       Luke 8:4–15 Christ ian Worship One Year Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

Prayer Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy May the Lord bless you this Lord's Day , first day of the Jewish and biblical calendar. Regardless of what you believe, praise and bless YHWH for this day. In Jesus name . Amen.

SUNDAY , MARCH 23, 2014 | LENT THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT YEAR A               Old Testament       Exodus 17:1–7              Psalm       Psalm 95              New Testament       Romans 5:1–11              Gospel       John 4:5–42 Revised Common Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

February 23 Lesson 13 CONTROL YOUR SPEECH DEVOTIONAL READING: Proverbs 18:2–13 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : James 3:1–12 JAMES 3:1–12 KEY VERSE "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."— James 3:10   JESUS AND THE JUST REIGN OF GOD Unit 3: Live Justly in the Reign of God LESSONS 10–13 LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to: 1. List some of the dangers James identifies with improper speech. 2. Compare and contrast today’s text with Ephesians 5:4 . 3. Identify one speech pattern to bring under control and recruit an accountability partner to help do so. Introduction       A.      Free Speech or Costly Speech       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Sober Calling ( JAMES 3:1 , 2 )       A.      The C...

Lesson for February 23, 2014   Control Your Speech James 3:1-12 This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRIST IAN STANDARD . ______ By Sam E. Stone In today’s text, James returns to a subject introduced earlier in his letter—proper use of the tongue ( see James 1:19 , 26 ). He identifies himself as a  fellow believer  with his readers. When he warns that teachers  will be judged more strictly,  James does not mean just “official teachers” (apostles, prophets, and teachers, as in 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 ), but others as well. His warning includes  all  who are involved in  any  teaching. Consistency James 3:1 , 2 Those who teach occupy an honorable position in the church ( Ephesians 4:11-13 ; Acts 13:1 ). James counts himself among them. Self-examination should begin with those who teach. If one never says the wrong thing, he is perfect. A person may not intend to s...