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Logos Verse of the Day

May 26 A Long-suffering God 1 Chronicles 18:1–20:8 ; 2 Timothy 2:1–13 ; Psalm 85 God is long-suffering, but sometimes we take this for granted. How often have we given into temptation, expecting to be obedient at a later date? Psalm 85 gives a testimony of God’s faithfulness in the past: “ O Yahweh , you favored your land. You restored the fortunes of Jacob. You took away the guilt of your people ; you covered all their sin. You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your burning anger” ( Psa 85:1–3) . As he experiences that judgment, the psalmist remembers God’s past restoration, and he hopes for it once more: “I will hear what God , Yahweh , will speak, because he will speak peace to his people , even his faithful ones” ; he also sets a condition: “but let them not return to folly” ( Psa 85:8 ). Do we wait until bad times before we realize God’s amazing grace for us? God’s faithfulness is also expressed in surprising moments in the New Testament , like Paul’s ...

Logos Verse of the Day

SUNDAY , MAY 25, 2014 | EASTER SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A              First Reading       Acts 17:22–31              Psalm       Psalm 66:8–20               New Testament       1 Peter 3:13–22               Gospel       John 14:15–21 Revised Common Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

May 25 Longing and Being 1 Chronicles 16:1–17:27 ; 2 Timothy 1:3–18 ; Psalm 84:1–12 The general sense of what worship “is” is widely known, but the specifics of what it means are a little vague. Aside from obedience ( i.e. , avoiding sin and following what God asks of us), there are specific ways to show God admiration. In 1 Chronicles, during David’s many great acts, we get a glimpse into ancient worship practices that are still applicable today. We know that the biblical “editors” favored these practices because they would later ascribe countless [ Psalms ] to David. His way of worship was deemed “the way to worship.” After David and his comrades journey to Obed-Edom to bring back the [ Ark ] of the [ Covenant ]—the symbol of Yahweh’s provision and advocacy for His people —David appoints “some of the Levites as ministers before the [ Ark ] of Yahweh ” ( 1 Chr 16:4 ). The Levites, the tribe designated as religious teachers, are first to “invoke” Yahweh (call upon Him )....

Prayer Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy Heavenly Father , thank You for blessing me, my family, friends and enemies to come through the week day. Now I petition You to bless us all through the weekend in Jesus' name . Bless those that worship You on this Sabbath Day , and those that keep the Christ ian Lord's  Day the Julian calendars Sunday , and the Jewish first day of the week. No matter which day we all worship and keep, bless us all. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verse of the Day is From Daniel  1:19 KJV Translation: And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. N KJV Translation: And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Logos Verse of the Day

May 24: On a Mission 1 Chronicles 14:1–15:29 ; 2 Timothy 1:1–2 ; Psalm 83 “We’re on a mission from God .” Whenever the Blues Brothers delivered this line, they were met with a less-than-enthusiastic reception. While they had a different “mission” in mind, their famous line summarizes Paul’s ministry, and their reception is strangely related to a pressing problem in our Christ ian communities today: we’re hesitant to receive those who tell us they’re on God’s mission . When we hear this “line,” we immediately begin to ask questions inside our heads: Are they offering a critique? Making a threat? Telling us they’re pursuing a ministry role in accordance with the gifts God has given them, or that they want to be directed toward such a role? Nearly all the godly people in the Bible were appointed directly by God or His messengers to a mission , and they were given very particular (and often unique) gifts to fulfill those missions. So when someone says they’re on a mission from G...

Word and Law James 1:22-25 ‎What James referred to as the “ Word ” in vv. 18 , 21 , 22 , 23 he calls the “ law ” here. As the “Word” brings new life according to v. 18, so “the law” here is what sets us free (lit. “the perfect law of freedom”). The combination of law and freedom points to the free obedience of the Christian life and echoes Paul’s theology of freedom in Christ (cf. Rom 6:18–22; 2 Cor 3:17; Gal 2:4; 5:1, 13–14; 6:2). The law is “perfect” in that it participates in the goodness of God and is essential to his gifts bestowed in wisdom to believers. Richardson, Kurt A. James. Vol. 36. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997. Print. The New American Commentary.

Abraham Names the Location Genesis 22:9 Excerpt ‎In naming the place Abraham of course was commemorating his own experience of sacrifice to the Lord . But an animal (a ram—not a lamb; cf . Gen. 22:8 —caught . . . its horns in a thornbush) was provided by God’s grace as a substitute for the lad in the offering ( v. 13 ). Later all Israel would offer animals to the Lord . Worship involved accepting God’s sacrificial substitute . But of course in the New Testament God substituted His only Son for the animal, and the perfect Sacrifice was made. John certainly had this in mind when he introduced Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” ( John 1:29 ) ‎Yet the main point of Genesis 22:9-14 is not the doctrine of the Atonement . It is portraying an obedient servant worshiping God in faith at great cost, and in the end receiving God’s provision . Abraham did not withhold his son. Similarly Paul wrote that God “did not spare [epheisato] His own Son...

Shriveled and Useless Bottles ‎Bottles made of animal skin were often hung in tents and other places where they were subject to the deteriorating action of the smoke from cook and camp fires. In some cases, skins of wine were deliberately hung in the smoke to give the wine a peculiar favor. When skin bottles were long exposed to smoke, they became black, hard, and shriveled—good for nothing. That is the sense of the figure of speech in our text-verse. Freeman, James M., and Harold J. Chadwick. Manners & Customs of the Bible. North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers, 1998. Print.

Pass from Death to Life Excerpt ‎This is a spiritual resurrection ( see Eph. 2:1–3 ) and takes place when sinners hear the Word and believe. The man Christ healed was really a living dead man. When he heard the Word and believed, he was given new life in his body. Christ has life in Himself , for Christ is “the Life” ( 14:6 ) and therefore can give life to others. Wiersbe, Warren W. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament . Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992. Print.

No Vain Repetitions Excerpt ‎Used of stammerers who repeat the words, then mere babbling or chattering, empty repetition. The etymology is uncertain, but it is probably onomatopoetic like “babble.” The [worshipers] of Baal on Mount Carmel ( I Kings 8:26 ) and of Diana in the [amphitheater] at Ephesus who yelled for two hours ( Acts 19:34 ) are examples. The Mohammedans may also be cited who seem to think that they “will be heard for their much speaking” (ἐν τῃ πολυλογιᾳ [en tēi polulogiāi]). Vincent adds “and the Romanists with their paternosters and avast.” The Syriac Sinaitic has it: “Do not be saying idle things.” Certainly Jesus does not mean to condemn all repetition in prayer since he himself prayed three times in Gethsemane “saying the same words again” ( Matt. 26:44 ). “As the Gentiles do,” says Jesus . “The Pagans thought that by endless repetitions and many words they would inform their gods as to their needs and weary them (‘fatigare deos’) into granting...

Logos Verse of the Day

Today's Verse of the Day is From Leviticus 27:30 KJV Translation: 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's : it is holy unto the Lord . NKJV Translation: 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's : it is holy unto the Lord . Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

May 23: Fear The Fight against It 1 Chronicles 12:1–13:14 ; 1 Timothy 6:11–21 ; Psalm 81:1–82:8 Fear is poisonous. When it drives our decisions, it will slowly destroy us—causing us to make moves that are against God’s will and detrimental to ourselves and others. The antidote to fear is complete reliance on Yahweh , our God , and His work through the Spirit . David is the epitome of someone who sets aside fear in favor of God’s work . He surrounds himself with “feared” men, his “mighty men.” The descriptions of their skills show the caliber of these warriors and thus the incredible character and skill it must have taken to lead them ( 1 Chr 12:1–15 ). It takes courage to be a leader and valor to be a leader of leaders. David was a man of valor—a man empowered by the Spirit’s work . It would have been easy for David to worry or be concerned as a leader—especially when the Spirit comes upon a smaller group of men who oppose him. People rise up around him, and they are being ...

The Joy of the Lord Excerpt ‎The state of the blessed is a state of joy, not only because all tears shall then be wiped away, but all the springs of comfort shall be opened to them, and the fountains of joy broken up. Where there are the vision and fruition of God , a perfection of holiness, and the society of the blessed, there cannot but be a fulness of joy. (2.) This joy is the joy of their Lord ; the joy which he himself has purchased and provided for them; the joy of the redeemed, bought with the sorrow of the Redeemer . It is the joy which he himself is in the possession of, and which he had his eye upon when he endured the cross , and despised the shame, Heb. 12:2 . It is the joy of which he himself is the fountain and centre . It is the joy of our Lord , for it is joy in the Lord , who is our exceeding joy . Abraham was not willing that the steward of his house, though faithful, should be his heir ( Gen. 15:3 ); but Christ admits his faithful stewards into ...

A Bronze Lepton These small bronze coins were minted during the reign of Alexander the Great (336–323 BC). They remained in circulation up to the time of Christ . The widow in the Gospels gave two coins like this as an offering ( Mark 12:41–44 ; Luke 21:1–4 ).

To Live Quietly... Excerpt ‎First, his readers should lead a restful life . The word translated quiet ( hēsychazein ) means quiet in the sense of restfulness ( cf . Acts 22:2 ; 2 Thes. 3:12 ; 1 Tim. 2:2 , 11 ), rather than quiet as opposed to talkativeness ( sigaō ; cf . Acts 21:40 ; 1 Cor. 14:34 ). The former means “undisturbed, settled, not noisy,” while the latter means “silent.” Paul was telling the Thessalonians to be less frantic, not less exuberant. A person who is constantly on the move is frequently a bother to other people as well as somewhat distracted from his own walk with God . The latter can lead to the former. But a Christ ian who strives to be at peace with himself and God will be a source of peace to his brethren. Such quietude constitutes a practical demonstration of love for others. ‎Second, Paul recommended minding one’s own business . The connection with love for the brethren is obvious ( cf . Prov. 25:17 ). ‎Third, working with one’s own hands ...

' Savior ' In the Gospel of John and in the Hellenistic World John 4:42 The confession of Jesus as “the Savi or [ sōtēr ] of the world” ( 4:42 ) is used only once in this Gospel and only once in the Johannine Epistles ( 1 John 4:14 ). In the Old Testament the designation of Savior is applied a few times to God as the saving one ( e.g. , Ps 24:5 ; Isa 12:2 ; 43:3 , 11 ; 63:8 ). It is used in a similar way of God in Luke ( 1:47 ), 1 Timothy ( 1:1 ; 2:3 ; 4:10 ), Titus ( 1:3 ; 2:10 ; 3:4 ), and Jude ( 25 ). It is applied to Jesus by Luke ( at 2:11 ; Acts 5:31 ; 13:23) and in a few other places ( Eph 5:23 ; Phil 3:20 ; 2 Tim 1:10 ; Titus 1:4 ; 2:13 ; 3:6 ; 2 Pet 1:1 , 11 ; 2:20 ; 3:2 , 18 ). For the early Christ ians the designation “ Savior ” was a strategic confession like “ Lord .” 205 In the Hellenistic world there were many gods and persons designated as “lords” and “saviors” including the Roman emperors such as Augustus, who was virtually deified in the sixth ...

Word and Law James 1:22-25 Excerpt ‎What James referred to as the “ Word ” in vv. 18 , 21 , 22 , 23 he calls the “ law ” here. As the “ Word ” brings new life according to v. 18 , so “the law ” here is what sets us free ( lit . “the perfect law of freedom ” ). The combination of law and freedom points to the free obedience of the Christ ian life and echoes Paul’s theology of freedom in Christ ( cf . Rom 6:18–22 ; 2 Cor 3:17 ; Gal 2:4 ; 5:1 , 13–14 ; 6:2 ). The law is “perfect” in that it participates in the goodness of God and is essential to his gifts bestowed in wisdom to believers. Richardson, Kurt A. James. V ol. 36 . Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997. Print. The New American Commentary .

David and Goliath Excerpt ‎A champion is needed to fight a giant Philistine called Goliath. David volunteers. This should be Saul’s task, as he is a head taller than any of his men — and has one of the few suits of armour! But David goes out to meet Goliath, armed only with faith in the living God — and his shepherd’s sling. This is more than a test of bravery.  ‎It is a brave declaration that the God of Israe l is greater than all other gods. As David says: ‎The whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s (17:46–47). ‎This is God’s war ! The lad with faith takes on the giant of fear. Goliath stands for all the pride and power of paganism. David and his sling are so puny that victory can only be an act of God . Knowles, Andrew. The Bible Guide . 1st Augsburg books ed. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 2001. Print.

The Lord is Righteous Excerpt ‎ God never did, and never can do wrong to any. The promises are faithfully performed by Him that made them. Zeal against sin should constrain us to do what we can against it, at least to do more in religion ourselves. Our love to the word of God is evidence of our love to God , because it is designed to make us partake his holiness. Men’s real excellency always makes them low in their own eyes. When we are small and despised, we have the more need to remember God’s precepts , that we may have them to support us. The law of God is the truth, the standard of holiness, the rule of happiness; but the obedience of Christ alone justifies the believer. Sorrows are often the lot of saints in this vale of tears; they are in heaviness through manifold temptations. There are delights in the word of God , which the saints often most sweetly enjoy when in trouble and anguish. This is life eternal, to know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, John 17:3 . Ma...

Prayer By: Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy Most Holy God Yahweh , I come thinking  You  for  grace  and  mercy  for me and my friends, family, and enemies to be blessed to see this wonderful and beautiful day of  Your Creation ! Hallelujah !  May we all be richly blessed with  Your Divine   blessing  throughout this twenty-four (24) hour day. Guide our five (5) senses and may we all give  You  our devotion with respect to  You  in our myriad ways of life in all holiness.   In  Jesus' name  I give my submit my supplication to  You Father.  Amen.

Logos Verse of the Day

Today's Verse of the Day is From Numbers  6:25 KJV Translation: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: N KJV Translation: The LORD make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you: Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

May 22 Motive Is Everything 1 Chronicles 11:1–47 ; 1 Timothy 6:3–10 ; Psalm 80:1–19 It’s not often that we take an honest look at our motivations. But it’s important to reevaluate them regularly. When our sight is not fixed on God , we might become entranced with goals that conflict with godliness. Even though we might initially be performing the right actions, our lives will start to reveal the motives of our hearts. Paul addresses this issue within the Ephesian community, where some people were spreading conflict in order to further their own gain. And this wasn’t just a problem with the perpetrators. This “constant wrangling by people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who consider godliness to be a means of gain” was like poison, spreading envy and strife throughout the community ( 1 Tim 6:5 ). To counteract this, Paul states that “godliness with contentment is a great means of gain” ( 1 Tim 6:5–6 ), but the gain he talks about is not success as we traditionall...

The Creation of the World Genesis 1:1-2 Excerpt ‎These verses have traditionally been understood as referring to the actual beginning of matter, a Creation out of nothing and therefore part of day one. But the vocabulary and grammar of this section require a closer look. The motifs and the structure of the Creation account are introduced in the first two verses . That the universe is God’s creative work is perfectly expressed by the statement God created the heavens and the earth. The word bārā’ ( “created” ) may express creation out of nothing, but it certainly cannot be limited to that ( cf . 2:7 ). Rather, it stresses that what was formed was new and perfect. The word is used throughout the Bible only with God as its subject . Ross, Allen P. “ Genesis .” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures . Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 1. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 28. Print.

Renew a Right Spirit Within Me Excerpt ‎In the O.T. the Holy Spirit was experienced by believers as an enabling divine presence ( » Exodus 35-38 ). But Saul, David’s predecessor, had been deprived of the Spirit’s presence because of his sin ( 1 Sam. 16:14 ). David, then, is expressing concern that his sin might be so great that God would also remove His Spirit from him. ‎There is a vital difference, however, between the enabling presence of the Spirit we see in the O.T. and the indwelling presence of the Spirit seen in the N.T. God’s Spirit is His guarantee of redemption ( Eph. 1:13–14 ). Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.

Words and Law James 1:22-25 Excerpt ‎What James referred to as the “ Word ” in vv. 18 , 21 , 22 , 23 he calls the “ law ” here. As the “ Word ” brings new life according to v. 18 , so “the law ” here is what sets us free ( lit . “the perfect law of freedom” ). The combination of law and freedom points to the free obedience of the Christ ian life and echoes Paul’s theology of freedom in Christ ( cf . Rom 6:18–22 ; 2 Cor 3:17 ; Gal 2:4 ; 5:1 , 13–14 ; 6:2 ). The law is “perfect” in that it participates in the goodness of God and is essential to his gifts bestowed in wisdom to believers. Richardson, Kurt A. James . Vol. 36 . Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997. Print. The New American Commentary .

Petra ‎The picture shows the landscape near the Nabataean capital Petra, lying in a basin among mountains and almost hidden by the towering rocks. One reaches the city only through some 2 km long, narrow pathway between rock faces that rise up to 70 m high. The Nabataeans, who controlled the frankincense trade at the turn of the era, were able to develop here a flourishing city with their own authentic Nabataean culture. Predating the Nabateaens, the Edomites had built settlements on these almost inaccessible into which they could draw back in times of danger. Jer 49:16 may allude to this condition. ‎Gen 25:13 ; 28:9 ; 36:3 ; 1 Chron 1:29 ; Isa 60:7 ; Jer 49:16 ; 1 Macc 5:25 ; 9:35

Psalm 119 Excerpt ‎This psalm is special in several ways. It is the longest psalm ( 176 verses ), and it is an acrostic psalm , following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.  In most editions of the Bible , the twenty-two sections of this psalm are headed by the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (Aleph, Beth, Gimel, etc.). In the Hebrew Bible , each verse in a section begins with that Hebrew letter. For example, all the verses in the “aleph” section ( vv. 1–8 ) begin with the Hebrew letter “aleph.” Look at the “teth” section ( vv. 65–72 ) and start v. 67 with “Til” and v. 71 with “Tis,” and you will have each line starting with the English letter “T” (which is the same as the Hebrew “teth” ). The Jews wrote in this fashion to help them memorize the Scriptures so they could meditate on God’s Word . We do not know who wrote this psalm , although the writer refers to himself many times. He was suffering for his love for God’s Law ( vv. 22 , 50–5...

Ancient House Diagram Reconstruction of a two-storey house with its paved central courtyard and flat roof surrounded by a parapet. Based on houses of c. 1800 BC, excavated at Ur, possibly contemporary with Abraham. Selman, M. J. “House.” Ed. D. R. W. Wood et al. New Bible dictionary 1996 : 490. Print.

‎ Caesare--Roman Theater The Roman theater in the south of Caesarea, decorated for tonight’s performance of Verdi’s opera, “Aida” .  Summer is a busy season with dance and music shows in the oldest extant Roman theater in the east. The theater, built by Herod, which is one of the only sites exposed intact in the city, had been repaired and rebuilt over the generations. The stage front is 7 meters wide. It is about 100 meters in diameter and can seat an audience of 3,000, all facing the sea. An exciting experience is in store for them, especially at sunset, when sea breezes carry the notes with them like superb natural amplifiers.

The Cyrus Cylinder ‎This ancient clay cylinder dates from the sixth century BC and contains a declaration from Cyrus the Great.  The first section describes Cyrus’ greatness and mercy—common themes in such declarations. The second section, composed of Cyrus’ own words, describes how he returned captive peoples and their gods to their native lands. It also records his hope that all the returned gods will intercede before Bel and Nabu (the chief Babylonian gods) on his behalf.  The description of Cyrus’ mercy and efforts to return captives supports the biblical account of Israel’s restoration from exile ( see Ezra 1 ).

To Your Offspring ... Excerpt ‎The smoking furnace and the burning lamp, probably represented the Israelites’ severe trials and joyful deliverance, with their gracious supports in the mean time. It is probable that this furnace and lamp, which passed between the pieces, burned and consumed them, and so completed the sacrifice, and testified God’s acceptance of it. So it intimates that God’s covenants with man are made by sacrifice, Ps 50:5 . And we may know that he accepts our sacrifices, if he kindles in our souls pious and devout affections. The bounds of the land granted are stated. Several nations, or tribes, are spoken of, that must be cast out to make room for the seed of Abram. In this chapter we perceive in Abram faith struggling against, and triumphing over, unbelief. Wonder not, believers, if you meet with seasons of darkness and distress. But it is not the will of God that you should be cast down: fear not; for all that he was to Abram he will be to you.  ...

Huldah 2 Kings 22:14   Excerpt ‎This prophetess, wife of Shallum, keeper of the wardrobe (either of priestly vestments or royal robes), lived in the second (western?) quarter of Jerusalem. She was consulted (c. 621 bc), on behalf of King Josiah, by Hilkiah the chief priest, Shaphan the scribe and others, following the discovery of ‘the book of the law in the house of the Lord ’ ( 2 Ki. 22:14 ; 2 Ch. 34:22 ). She accepted the book as the word of Yahweh , and with his authority prophesied judgment against Jerusalem and Judah after Josiah’s death. It is noteworthy that, although both Jeremiah and Zephaniah were prophesying at this time, it is she who was approached on this matter of the cultus.  Beeching, M. “Huldah.” Ed. D. R. W. Wood et al. New Bible dictionary 1996 : 491. Print.

Logos Verse of the Day

Today's Verse of the Day is From John  10:10 KJV Translation: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. N KJV Translation: The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

May 21: Power of Words 1 Chronicles 9:1–10:14 ; 1 Timothy 5:18–6:2 ; Psalm 79:1–13 Gossip kills churches. And gossip is always painful, especially when disguised as concern. A request to “pray for so-and-so because of this thing they did” is not asking for prayer; it’s gossiping. If you know some personal detail about someone’s mishap, don’t share it with everyone— take it to God . Entire leadership structures have been wrongfully destroyed because of rumors starting this way. Paul warns against rumors when he says, “Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses” ( 1 Tim 5:19 ). How often have we heard something and been so influenced by it that we accuse someone on the basis of that rumor? Hearing something may make it feel factual, but it’s circumstantial at best. Although Paul is cautious, he has no tolerance for leaders who sin repeatedly, especially those sinning directly against the community. He tells Timothy to “reprove...

Thicket Around the Jordan River ‎The Jordan River meanders over a length of about 200 km between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, an actual distance of only 105 km (as the crow flies). The coastal line is covered with thicket that in antiquity housed boars among other animals. ‎ Deut 34:3 ; Judg 3:28 ; 12:5–6 ; 1 Sam 13:7 ; 1 Kings 7:46 ; 2 Kings 6:2 ; Jer 12:5 ; 49:19 ; 50:44 ; Zech 11:3

The Life of Jesus : Passion and Crucifixion 

Dead to Sin , Alive with Christ Excerpt ‎Paul had just written ( in Rom 5:20 ) that where there is an increase in sin there is an even greater increase in grace. So the question was bound to arise, Why not continue in sin so the greatness of God’s grace may be seen more fully? The question may have arisen from antinomian sources that [purposelessly] misconstrued the doctrine of justification by faith as providing an excuse for a sinful lifestyle. Mounce, Robert H. Romans . V ol. 27 . Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995. Print. The New American Commentary .

Faith Working Through Love Excerpt ‎What is the meaning of “working through love?” Here he gives them a hard blow, by showing that this error had crept in because the love of Christ had not been rooted within them. For to believe is not all that is required, but also to abide in love. It is as if he had said, Had ye loved Christ as ye ought, ye would not have deserted to bondage, nor abandoned Him who redeemed you, nor treated with contumely Him who gave you freedom. Here he also hints at those who have plotted against them, implying that they would not have dared to do so, had they felt affection towards them. He wishes too by these words to correct their course of life. John Chrysostom. “Commentary of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on the Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Galatians.” Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Ed. Philip Schaff. Trans. Gross Alexan...

Word and Law James 1:22-25 Excerpt ‎What James referred to as the “ Word ” in vv. 18 , 21 , 22 , 23 he calls the “ law ” here. As the “ Word ” brings new life according to v. 18 , so “the law ” here is what sets us free ( lit . “the perfect law of freedom” ). The combination of law and freedom points to the free obedience of the Christ ian life and echoes Paul’s theology of freedom in Christ ( cf . Rom 6:18–22 ; 2 Cor 3:17 ; Gal 2:4 ; 5:1 , 13–14 ; 6:2 ). The law is “perfect” in that it participates in the goodness of God and is essential to his gifts bestowed in wisdom to believers. Richardson, Kurt A. James . Vol. 36 . Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997. Print. The New American Commentary .

John's Imprisonment Excerpt ‎Scholars debate the dates of John the Baptist’s imprisonment and death.  It is likely that John began his ministry about a.d. 29 ( cf . v. 1) , that he was imprisoned the following year, and that he was beheaded not later than a.d. 32. His entire ministry lasted no more than three years—about one year out of prison and two years in prison. (For details on John’s imprisonment and death by beheading see Matt . 14:1-12 ; Mark 6:14-29 ; Luke 9:7-9 , 19-20 .) Martin, John A. “ Luke .” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures . Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2 . Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 212. Print.

It Must Be Given From Heaven Excerpt ‎John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. He also knew that Jesus would increase in honour and influence, for of his government and peace there would be no end, while he himself would be less followed. John knew that Jesus came from heaven as the Son of God , while he was a sinful, mortal man, who could only speak about the more plain subjects of religion. The words of Jesus were the words of God ; he had the Spirit , not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. Everlasting life could only be had by faith in Him , and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God , cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them.   Henry, Matthew, and Thomas Scott. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary . Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 1997. Print.

Stables of Solomon ‎It was on Tuesday, the 4th of April, that the Greeks sought Jesus , and He delivered his discourse based upon the fact that the hour was come in which the Son of Man should be glorified.— John 12:20–50 . He went up to the Mount of Olives and delivered his discourse concerning the overthrow of the temple and the end of the world. It was while on the Mount of Olives that He gave the parables of the ten virgins and of the talents. The view which we present on this page represents the vaults under the temple area. They are called Solomon’s stables. Just why, nobody knows. The first distinct account of these stables is given by a tourist about 1772. A traveler mentions them as capable of holding two thousand horses . It is probable that they were used in the time of the Crusaders as stables. The floor of this vault is a little over thirty-eight feet below the level of the pavement above. The semicircular arches are eleven feet five inches in span and five fe...