Notes from Linda:
12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
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8/8/21: Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.
I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
Bible Verses
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
Bible Verses
Previous Month
June 2023
JUNE 29-30
Hebrews 2:3: "How shall we escape [the wrath (anger) and judgment of God, with punishment in hell], if we neglect [ignore, pay no attention to--see note below*] so great salvation [referring to God's plan of salvation--see note below**] [or 'How shall we escape if we don't get saved, or become born again']; which [referring to salvation being the only way that we can be saved from hell] at the first [i.e., at the beginning of Jesus' ministry] began to be spoken by the Lord [Jesus Christ], and [this fact--that we need to be born again] was confirmed unto us [as being true] by them that heard him [Jesus] [preach];"
"If we neglect - It is not merely if we commit great sins. Not, if we are murderers, adulterers [married people who have sex with someone other than their own spouse (husband or wife)], thieves, infidels [unbelievers], atheists, scoffers [people who make fun of someone or something]. It is, if we merely 'neglect' this salvation - if we do not embrace [accept] it - if we suffer [allow] it to pass unimproved. 'Neglect' is enough to ruin a man. A man who is in business need not commit forgery [falsely making or copying a document or signature] or robbery to ruin himself; he has only to 'neglect' his business, and his ruin is certain. A man who is lying on a bed of sickness, need not cut his throat to destroy himself; he has only to 'neglect' the means of restoration, and he will be ruined. A man floating in a skiff [a type of boat] above Niagara [Falls], need not move an oar or make an effort to destroy himself; he has only to 'neglect' using the oar at the proper time, and he will certainly be carried over the cataract [waterfall]. Most of the calamities [disasters] of life are caused by simple 'neglect.' By neglect of education children grow up in ignorance; by neglect a farm grows up to weeds and briars [plants with thorny stems]; by neglect a house goes to decay; by neglect of sowing [planting seeds], a man will have no harvest; by neglect of reaping [gathering crops], the harvest would rot in the fields. No worldly interest can prosper where there is neglect; and why may it not be so in religion? There is nothing in earthly affairs that is valuable that will not be ruined if it is not attended to - and why may it not be so with the concerns of the soul? Let no one infer [conclude], therefore, that because he is not a drunkard, or an adulterer, or a murderer, that, therefore, he will be saved [from hell]. Such an inference would be as irrational [illogical, unreasonable] as it would be for a man to infer that because he is not a murderer his farm will produce a harvest, or that because he is not an adulterer therefore his merchandise will take care of itself. Salvation would be worth nothing if it cost no effort - and there will be no salvation where no effort is put forth."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/hebrews-2.html, "Verse 3")
-- https://www.mansioninheaven.com/Index2.html (read only)
-- https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html, "'Mansion in Heaven' Tract" (read and/or print)
JUNE 28
Proverbs 28:22: "He [or she] that hasteth [is in a hurry] to be rich hath [has] an evil eye [in the Bible, it means that he (or she) is an envious, selfish, dishonest, and/or covetous (greedy) person], and considereth not [does not consider, know, think, realize] that poverty shall come upon him [or her]."
JUNE 27
Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpeneth [sharpens] iron; so [does] a man [or woman, or person] sharpeneth the countenance [appearance (look, expression) of the face, as when it shows intelligence, happiness, etc.] of his [or her] friend [which would result from the man (or woman, or person) visiting, and having a conversation with, that friend]."
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Next, he tells what is supposed to happen, and what actually does happen, when people debate or discuss things with one another. Among many examples provided are the Republican presidential debates in America, and Christians who (like the Bereans, residents of the city of Berea in Macedonia, who were mentioned in the Bible) are genuinely searching for biblical truth. He also tells how the devil uses "iron sharpening iron" as a ruse (trick) to attack the truth, as when Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door and you attempt to convince them of the deity of Christ (meaning that Jesus is God).
Note: You'll find background information on Bereans and Jehovah's Witnesses in the following articles:
-- "Who were the Bereans in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/who-Bereans.html)
-- "Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses and what are their beliefs?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jehovahs-Witnesses.html)
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The following excerpt from Pastor Delany's commentary uses the 2016 Republican presidential debates in the United States as an example, but the same thing would probably also apply to the upcoming 2024 Republican and Democratic presidential debates:
"3. The Republican candidates for president are debating their ideas for the future of our country.
"a. They are supposed to be on the same team.
"b. The debates should result in sharpening each one and clarifying each viewpoint.
"c. The debates should bring to light the weakness and strong points of each candidate.
"d. One debater will bring up an issue or a perspective [viewpoint] that the others have not considered. That sharpens iron.
"e. It forces each one to word his views carefully and fine tune the way he articulates [expresses] his ideas.
"f. In the end, it should be GOOD for the one whose ideas prevail [win].
"g. That's the way it should work. Unfortunately, there are other machinations [plots or schemes] operating in the background that hinder the good work -- like backstabbing [criticizing someone behind his or her back], slander [damaging a person's reputation by spreading lies about him or her], taking words out of context, digging up dirt from the past to smear the other guy [i.e., discovering and revealing damaging information about someone], etc.
"h. Instead of attempting to emphasize the truth and formulate [develop] the best policies, they [the candidates] seem bent on destroying the others.
"i. Putting all that aside, if it were a pure contrast and clashing of ideas and policies, the debates would be good for the [election] process.
"j. Our proverb is considering a different environment than that. Solomon is speaking about men who are trying to sharpen the countenance of his FRIEND.
"k. The [presidential] candidates don't act like friends."
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Pastor Delany ends his commentary with this: "In the proper setting, among friends, brethren [brothers] of like precious faith [meaning fellow Christians], dialog [conversation], discussion, debate, and challenging one another is good and beneficial to all."
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-27-index/proverbs-27_17/.
"Hence the usefulness of Christian association, and hence also the evil of sinful company, for one sinner [unsaved person] sharpens another [sinner] to do mischief, just as one saint [born-again Christian] encourages another [saint] to righteousness."
(Source: https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/spe/proverbs-27.php, "Proverbs 27:17")
JUNE 25-26
God Answers Prayer
During his Sermon on the Mount (mountain), Jesus encouraged his disciples (followers) to pray because God wants to answer their prayers. He said to them--and to us (born-again Christians):
Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask [God (in prayer)] [for something that you need], and it shall be given [to] you; seek [search for something (such as something that is lost)], and ye [you] shall find [it]; knock [on the door], and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh [asks] receiveth [receives]; and he [or she] that seeketh [seeks] findeth [finds]; and to him [or her] that knocketh [knocks,] it [the door] shall be opened."
Matthew 7:9-10: "Or what man [or woman] is there of you [people in the crowd], whom if his [or her] son [or daughter] ask[s] [for] bread, will he [or she] give him [or her] a stone? Or if he [or she--the son or daughter] ask[s] [for] a fish, will he [the 'man' (or woman)] give him [or her] a serpent [snake]?"
Matthew 7:11: "If ye [you parents] then, being evil [not literally--but 'imperfect,' having been born with a tendency to sin], know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven [referring to Almighty God] give good things to them that ask him?"
"Ask, and it shall be given you … - There are here three different forms presented of seeking the things which we need from God - asking, ‹seeking, and knocking. The latter [last one] is taken from the act of knocking at a door for admittance [entrance]. See Luke 13:25; Revelation 3:20. The phrases signify [mean] to seek with earnestness [sincerity], diligence [carefulness], and perseverance [persistence]. The promise is, that what we seek shall be given [to] us. It is of course implied that we seek with a proper spirit [attitude], with humility, sincerity, and perseverance. It is implied, also, that we ask [for] the things which it may be consistent for God to give - that is, things which he has promised to give, and which would be best for us, and most for his own honor, 1 John 5:14. Of that God is to be the judge. And here there is the utmost latitude [freedom regarding a person's behavior, actions, or thoughts] which a creature [person] can ask. God is willing to provide for us, to forgive our sins, to save our souls, to befriend us in trial [or help us with our problems], to comfort us in death, to extend [spread] the gospel through the world [i.e., tell others how to be saved, or born again]. Man 'can' ask no higher things of God; and these he [the person making the request] may ask, assured that he [God] is willing to grant them.
"[Jesus] Christ encourages us to do this by the conduct of parents. No parent turns away his child with that which would be injurious [hurtful]. He [the parent] would not give him [the child] a stone instead of bread, or a serpent instead of a fish. God is better and kinder than the most tender [tenderhearted, kind, gentle] earthly parents; and with what confidence, therefore, may we come as his [God's] children, and ask [for] what we need! Parents, he [Jesus] says, are evil; that is, are imperfect, often partial [biased, favoring one side over the other], and not unfrequently passionate [having very strong feelings or emotions]; but God is free from all this, and therefore is ready and willing to aid [help] us.
"Every one that asketh receiveth - That is, every one that asks aright [correctly, properly]; that prays in faith, and in submission to the will of God. He [God] does not always give the very thing which we ask [for], but he gives what would be better. A parent will not always confer [grant] the 'very thing' which a child asks, but he will seek the welfare of the child, and give what he thinks will be most for its good …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-7.html, "Verses 7-11")
"… This wonderful verse is easily memorized by aid of the acronym [abbreviation] formed by the letters A-S-K.
"A-sk, and ye shall receive ... S-eek, and ye shall find ... K-nock, and it shall be opened ..."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/7-7.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")
"… all who rightly [correctly] ask [God for things, through prayer], receive either what they ask [for] or something better in its place."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/7-8.html, "Edwards' Family Bible New Testament," "Verse 8")
JUNE 22-24
Proverbs 22:7: "The rich [people] ruleth [rule] over the poor [people] [and often take advantage of them], and the borrower is servant [or a slave] to the lender [which means that the borrower is at the lender's mercy]."
According to Pastor Delany, money puts people in powerful positions and buys influence, political clout, "justice" in the court system, and superior military might. In addition, when people are rich, they are able to take advantage of poor people by lending them money. Home loans, credit cards, and the national debt are several examples of how people and countries can become slaves to creditors (or "servants to lenders").
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The pastor says it is okay to borrow money as long as we make the payments on time and pay off the loan as soon as possible, and at the end of his commentary, he lists some guidelines that we should follow before signing on the dotted line:
"• Can we meet the payments?
"• How tight will my finances be if I borrow more?
"• What are the penalties for paying off early, or for making a payment late?
"• Have I read the fine print?
"• Do I really NEED to borrow this money?
"• Could I wait until I have enough cash to buy it [i.e., the item that you want, such as a new car]?"
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According to Pastor Delany, today's verse "neither condemns [disapproves of] nor condones [approves of] borrowing. It is simply a WARNING about the danger of borrowing money: you could become a slave!"
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-22-index/proverbs-22_7/.
JUNE 20-21
Jesus Eats With Publicans and Sinners
Mark 2:14: "And as he [Jesus] passed by [the seaside], he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom [i.e., a toll booth], and said unto him, Follow me. And he [Levi--also known as Matthew, the tax collector, who wrote the gospel of Matthew in the New Testament,] arose [stood up] and followed him [Jesus]."
Mark 2:15: "And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat [or 'sat down to eat'] in his [Levi's, or Matthew's] house, many publicans [tax collectors] and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many [publicans and sinners], and they followed him [Jesus]."
Mark 2:16: "And when the scribes [religious teachers] and Pharisees [members of a Jewish sect (religious group) within Judaism that gave oral tradition (things shared by word of mouth) equal authority with things taught in the Bible, which is the written word of God] saw him [Jesus] eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he [Jesus] eateth [eats] and drinketh [drinks] with publicans and sinners?"
Mark 2:17: "When Jesus heard it [the question], he saith unto them [the scribes and Pharisees], They that are whole [healthy] have no need of the physician [medical doctor], but they that are sick [do need one]: I [Jesus--a spiritual physician] came not to call the righteous [people], but sinners to repentance [or 'to have a change of mind concerning sin and salvation']."
-- "How much of the Bible was transmitted by oral tradition?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-oral-tradition.html)
-- "What is the significance of Jesus eating with sinners?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-with-sinners.html)
-- "What does the Bible say about repentance?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-repentance.html)
JUNE 19
In a letter to Timothy, a minister of the gospel, the apostle Paul wrote:
2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath [has] not given us [Paul, Timothy, and all born-again Christians] the spirit of fear; but [instead, he has given us the spirit] of power [courage], and of love [for God and mankind], and of a sound mind [i.e., one that is well balanced (not confused) and has self-control]."
JUNE 18
Psalm 103:13: "Like as a father pitieth [pities, has compassion for] his children, so [does] the LORD [God] pitieth [pity, have compassion for] them that fear him [meaning they regard God with fear (of doing wrong), mixed with respect and love--see note below*]."
"… How he pities--as a father pities his children, and does them good as there is occasion. God is a Father to those that fear him and [he] owns them for his children [because they have been born again, or saved], and he is tender of them [or treats them tenderly] as a father. The father pities his children that are weak in knowledge and [he] instructs them, [he] pities them when they are froward [difficult to deal with] and bears [is patient] with them, [he] pities them when they are sick and comforts them (Isa 66 13), [he] pities them when they have fallen [into sin, trouble, etc.] and helps them up again, [he] pities them when they have offended [others], and, upon their submission [admission?], forgives them, [he] pities them when they are wronged and gives them redress [a way to correct the problem] …"
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/103.html, "v. 13)
Proverbs 17:13: "Whoso [whoever] rewardeth [rewards, returns, repays] evil [bad actions] for good [deeds or kindness], evil [things, such as illness, accidents, money problems, etc.] shall not depart [go away, be removed] from his [or her, or 'that person's'] house [household, family]."
If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-17-index/proverbs-17_13/.
JUNE 16
Proverbs 16:4: "The LORD [God] hath [has] made all things for himself [meaning for his own purpose; for his honor, glory, and pleasure]: yea [yes], even the wicked [people, referring to sinners who rebel against God and refuse to accept his free gift of eternal life that is mentioned in Romans 6:23] [were created] for the day of [the punishment of] evil [i.e., judgment day in heaven, when God will demonstrate his holiness, justice, and righteousness to all people, both living and dead]."
"1. Solomon states a difficult [in this case, hard-to-believe] concept in one terse [brief] statement.
"2. By difficult I do not mean that it is hard to understand. Rather, it is easy to understand, just hard for us self-centered creatures to accept and believe.
"3. We are inclined to think that the world revolves around us and that it was created for our good pleasure.
"4. Solomon lays that kind of thinking to rest."
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Near the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany says:
"3. But even ETERNAL condemnation [punishment in hell] glorifies God.
"a. It is hard for us to appreciate this fact because we don't always see things from a heavenly perspective [viewpoint].
"b. From God's perspective:
"• Men are fallen creatures [immoral people] occupying and corrupting the planet God made to manifest [display, show, demonstrate] His glories.
"• Man sinned and destroyed what God made--and the Lord would have been just [or right] in condemning us ALL to hell.
"• However, God extended grace to mankind and sent His Son [the Lord Jesus Christ] to DIE for undeserving rebels…
"• And those undeserving rebels continue to reject [refuse] God's offer of grace.
"• God manifested His grace. Now He must manifest His holiness and justice…
"• Thus, even in condemning rebels, God's righteousness is made known and He is glorified… even though God is not willing that ANY [person, or 'anyone'] should perish [be destroyed].
"• From ETERNITY'S perspective, the whole story of the earth will MAGNIFY God's grace and love…"
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_4/.
JUNE 15
In a letter, the apostle Peter told Christians to:
1 Peter 2:17: "Honour [respect] all men [all people]. Love the brotherhood [referring to members of the Christian community; in other words, Peter wants us to have brotherly love for our fellow Christians]. Fear God [i.e., regard him with fear (of doing wrong), mixed with respect and love]. Honour the king [show respect for those who hold positions of authority--see note below*]."
"Honour the king. - Pay that respect to the emperor which his high authority requires, … and … if the man ['the emperor'] be even bad, and as a man be worthy of no reverence [or 'is not worthy of respect'], yet he should be respected on account of his office. If respect be banished [done away with], subordination [having a place of less importance or power] will flee with it, and anarchy [lawlessness] and ruin will rise up in their place. Truly religious persons are never found in seditions [uprisings, riots] …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-peter/2-17.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
"Respect is not the same as honor. We may not respect someone, but we can and should still honor him or her. For example, I have a friend whose father was an alcoholic. My friend did not respect his father who was frequently drunk, often humiliated his wife and children, and failed to provide for his family adequately. Nevertheless my friend honored his father because he was his father. He demonstrated honor by taking him home when his father could not get home by himself. He sometimes had to defend him from people who would have taken advantage of him when he was drunk.
"Similarly we may not be able to respect certain government officials because of their personal behavior or beliefs. Still we can and should honor them because they occupy an office that places them in a position of authority over us. We honor them because they occupy the office; we do not just honor the office. Peter commanded us to honor the king and all who are in authority over us, not just the offices they occupy. We may not respect someone, but we can and should honor them by treating them with respect. Respecting people and treating them with respect are two different things. Feeling respect for someone is different than showing respect for someone. Honoring others is our responsibility; earning our respect is theirs. This is especially difficult when those in authority are persecuting us [i.e., treating us unfairly or cruelly]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-peter/2-17.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
JUNE 14
In these verses, King David prayed to God:
Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know [what is in] my heart: try [test] me, and know my thoughts [i.e., everything that David thought about]: And see if there be any wicked way in me [referring to anything that would alienate David from (or cause him to be unfaithful to) God, such as idolatry (the worship of idols)], and lead me in the way [i.e., the right and good way, that leads to] everlasting [life in heaven] [or, perhaps he meant, 'keep me on the right path forever']."
JUNE 10-13
We Should Listen to Our Consciences and Try Not to Offend Others
In the Old Testament, under the law of Moses, Jewish people were forbidden to eat certain foods. After Jesus' death and resurrection, the ceremonial part of the Mosaic law no longer applied to Christians. Most people comprehended (understood) that fact. However, in the church at Rome, some Jewish people thought that the aforementioned "forbidden" foods were still "off limit" to them, even though they were saved. In the following verses, the apostle Paul addresses those concerns:
Romans 14:20: "For [on account of] meat [food] destroy not [don't destroy] the work of God [i.e., what the Holy Spirit is doing in the hearts of believers (born-again Christians)]. All things indeed are pure [lawful (permitted) to be eaten]; but it is evil [a bad thing] for that man [or woman or child] who eateth [eats] with offence [or who, by example, convinces another Christian to go against his (or her) conscience and do something that he (or she) thinks is not right]."
Romans 14:21: "It is good [or right or better] neither to eat flesh [meaning meat, especially of sacrificed animals (in Bible times)--things that 'Jewish' converts regarded as unclean], nor to drink wine, nor [to do] any thing whereby [by which] thy [your] [Christian] brother [or sister] stumbleth [trips, stumbles], or is offended, or is made weak [in the faith, or spiritually weak]."
Romans 14:22: "Hast thou [do you have] faith [confidence concerning the subject being discussed (i.e., food, drink, etc.)]? [If so,] have it to thyself [yourself] before [or 'keep it private between you and'] God. Happy is he [or she] that condemneth not himself [or herself] in [or 'does not condemn himself (or herself) or disapprove of'] that thing which he [or she] alloweth [allows]."
Romans 14:23: "And he [or she] that doubteth [doubts, or does not do something with a clear conscience] is damned [full of guilt and blame] if he [or she] eat[s] [something that he (or she) is not sure that he (or she) should eat], because he [or she] eateth [eats] not of faith [confidence that it is right] [or 'because he (or she) doubts that what he (or she) eats is permitted']: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
-- We should always try to be a good influence on others. One way is by not doing things that will offend other people, weaken their faith, or cause them to sin. We can also keep our opinions to ourselves.
-- If our conscience tells us that something is wrong, we shouldn't do it.
"In this chapter [of Romans; i.e., 14--see https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+14&version=KJV] we have a remarkably fine discussion of the nature of Christian charity. Differences of 'opinion' will arise, and people will be divided into various sects [religious groups]; but if the rules which are laid down in this chapter were followed, the contentions [disagreements], and altercations [quarrels, arguments], and strifes [conflicts] among Christians would cease [end]. Had these rules been applied to the controversies about rites [religious ceremonies], and forms, and festivals, that have arisen, peace might have been preserved. Amid all such differences, the great question is, whether there is true love to the Lord Jesus. If there is, the apostle teaches us that we have no right to judge a [Christian] brother, or despise [hate] him, or contend harshly [struggle] with him. Our object should be to promote peace, to aid him in his efforts to become holy, and to seek to build him up in holy faith."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/romans-14.html, "Verse 23")
JUNE 9
In a letter to the Christian church at Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote:
Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that he [God] which hath [has] begun a good work in you [born-again Christians, when you got saved; i.e., changing you from the inside out--see note below*] will perform it [will continue to perfect that good work, as long as you are alive,] until the day of Jesus Christ [when believers, both living and dead, are taken to heaven in the rapture--see note below**]:"
"What was the good work to which Paul referred? If he had in mind only the generosity of his original readers, he may have meant that good work. However, as I have suggested, he seems to have had a much broader concept in mind, namely, what the work of the gospel produces: salvation. Who had begun this good work of salvation? It could only be God. Paul was confident that God would finish what He had begun in his beloved Philippians.
"In the New Testament, God has revealed that salvation is a process. It involves justification, when a sinner trusts Jesus Christ as his or her Savior. It includes progressive sanctification that occurs from the time of justification to the Christian's death or the Rapture. And it culminates [ends] in glorification, when the redeemed [saved] sinner finally sees Jesus Christ and experiences transformation into His [Jesus'] image. Paul was confident that just as surely as God had justified the Philippians [i.e., those who were born again, or saved,] He would also continue to sanctify and eventually glorify them. Whereas we have a hand in the process of sanctification and can affect it by our obedience or disobedience, God alone justifies us. Regardless of our carnality [sinfulness] or spirituality He will also glorify us ( 1 Corinthians 15:50-57).
"The aspect of sanctification that Paul had in view, considering Philippians 1:5, was the Philippians' partnership with him in the work of propagating [spreading] the gospel. He was confident that God would continue His sanctifying work in them so they might become even more effective partners with him in this great task [of propagating the gospel].
"This verse does not teach that God will keep all Christians persevering [being persistent] in the faith and in good works faithfully until they die. Believers [Christians] can and do resist, oppose, and limit God's sanctifying work in them ( Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Perseverance in faith and good works is not automatic for the Christian. The New Testament writers consistently urged us to persevere[,] recognizing that some Christians will not do so ( Titus 2:11-13; Hebrews 2:1; Hebrews 4:1; Hebrews 6:1-8; et al.). Even some of Paul's fellow workers did not persevere faithfully ( 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:10). Even though some Christians do not persevere in faith and good works, God will persevere in bringing them to glory (i.e, will glorify them) … Thus it is God who perseveres in the work of salvation, not necessarily man.
"Paul's reference to the day of Christ Jesus as the culmination [highest point] of the Lord's work of salvation in the believer points to the day when He [the Lord Jesus Christ] will return for His own [people, meaning born-again Christians]: the Rapture. There are at least18 references to this day in the New Testament ( Romans 13:12; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 15:51; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 1:10; Philippians 2:16; Philippians 3:11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8).
"The expression [i.e., 'day of Christ Jesus'] is similar to the 'day of the Lord' ( 1 Thessalonians 5:2) and the OT [Old Testament] 'day of Jehovah' ( Amos 5:18-20). However, in contrast to the OT emphasis on judgment, the 'day of Christ Jesus' is mentioned in all cases with reference to the NT [New Testament] church. It will be the time when [Jesus] Christ returns for his church, salvation is finally completed, and believers' works are examined and the believer [is] rewarded" [at the Judgment Seat of Christ] …
"This [Philippians 1:6] is one of the most comforting verses in the Bible for Christians. Our getting to heaven safely does not depend on us, on our ability to hold on and to persevere faithfully to the end of our lives. The Lord will see to it that we reach heaven safely in spite of our failures and shortcomings. Salvation is God's work, not man's ( Jonah 2:9). As surely as He [God] has already delivered us from the penalty of sin ( Romans 5:1), He will one day deliver us from the presence of sin (cf. Romans 8:31-39) …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/philippians/1-6.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
JUNE 8
Christians Should "Love One Another"
In a letter to born-again Christians, the apostle John wrote:
1 John 4:7: "Beloved [dearly loved ones], let us love one another: for [because] [true brotherly (Christian)] love is of [comes from] God; and every one that loveth [loves] [his or her fellow Christians] is born of God [or regenerated, or born again according to the Bible--see note below*], and knoweth [knows] God [personally, meaning he or she has received (trusted) God's Son, Jesus Christ, as his or her personal Savior]."
1 John 4:8: "He [or she] that loveth not [does not love] [other Christians] knoweth not [does not know] God [personally]; for God is love."
"… everyone who has true love to Christians as such, or true brotherly love, is a true Christian. This cannot mean that everyone that loves his wife and children, his classmate, his partner in business, or his friend - his house, or his farms, or his horses, or his hounds [dogs], is a child of God; it must be understood as referring to the point under discussion. A man may have a great deal of natural affection toward his kindred [relatives]; a great deal of benevolence [kindness] in his character toward the poor and needy, and still he may have none of the love to which John refers. He may have no real love to God, to the Saviour [Jesus Christ], or to the children of God [born-again Christians] as such; and it would be absurd [ridiculous] for such a one to argue because he loves his wife and children that therefore he loves God, or is born again."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-john-4.html, "Verse 7")
JUNE 7
In this verse, King David prayed to God:
Psalm 120:2: "Deliver my soul [rescue and protect me], O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue."
When King David wrote this psalm, "There were those that sought his ruin, and had almost effected [achieved] it, by lying … In this distress … he appealed to him who has all men's hearts in his hand [i.e., God], who has power over the consciences of bad men, and can, when he pleases, bridle [control] their tongues …" David asked "… to be kept from being belied [lied about] by others, and from the ill [bad] consequences of it …" And God answered his prayer
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/120.html, "Verses 1-4")
JUNE 6
True Believers (Christians) Keep Following Jesus
This took place after Jesus had performed a miracle and fed more than 5,000 people with just five barley loaves and two fish. Later, to the people who were looking for another free meal, he said he was the "living bread which came down from heaven" (John 6:51) and that only people who "ate his flesh" and "drank his blood" would have eternal life (John 6:54). Naturally, this was very hard for them to understand.
John 6:66: "From that time [i.e., after Jesus said he was the 'living bread which came down from heaven' and explained why--see note below*] many of his disciples [followers] went back [went away, departed, left], and walked no more with him."
John 6:67: "Then said Jesus unto the twelve [apostles], Will ye [you] also go away?"
John 6:68-69: "Then Simon Peter answered him [Jesus] [by saying], Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast [you have] the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art [you are] that Christ [the promised Messiah], the Son of the living God."
"Many of his disciples - Many who had followed him [Jesus] professedly as his disciples and as desirous of learning of him …
"Went back - Turned away from him and left him. From this we may learn,
"I. Not to wonder at the apostasy [falling away, defection] of many who profess to be followers of [Jesus] Christ. Many are induced [persuaded, convinced] to become his professed followers by the prospect of some temporal [temporary] benefit, or under some public excitement, as these [people] were; and when that temporal benefit is not obtained, or that excitement is over, they fall away.
"II. Many may be expected to be offended by the doctrines of the gospel. Having no spirituality of mind, and really understanding nothing of the gospel, they may be expected to take offence and turn back. The best way to understand the doctrines of the Bible is to be a sincere Christian, and aim to do the will of God, John 7:17.
"III. We should examine ourselves. We should honestly inquire [ask ourselves] whether we have been led to make a profession of religion by the hope of any temporal advantage, by any selfish principle, or by mere excited animal feeling. If we have it will profit us nothing, and we shall either fall away of ourselves, or be cast away [by God] in the great day of judgment [i.e., on judgment day in heaven]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/john-6.html, "Verse 66")
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In their article entitled "What did Jesus mean when He said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood?" GotQuestions.org explains why Jesus referred to himself as "living bread" and what he meant by it. If you want to read the article, you'll find it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-eat-flesh-drink-blood.html.
JUNE 1-5
The Story of Ananias and Sapphira
This took place during the time when many members of the early Christian church willingly (and voluntarily) shared their possessions with those who were poor.
Acts 5:1-2: "But a certain man named Ananias, [along] with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession [in this case, some land], And kept back [withheld for himself] part of the price [of the land, referring to the amount that he was paid for it], his wife also being privy to it [meaning she knew about what was going on], and [Ananias] brought a certain part [of the money], and laid it at the apostles' feet."
Acts 5:3: "But Peter [one of the apostles] said, Ananias, why hath [has] Satan filled thine [your] heart [or impelled (persuaded) you] to lie to the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit (i.e., the third person of the Trinity)], and to keep back [withhold] part of the price of the land?"
Acts 5:4: "Whiles it [while the land] remained [in your possession], was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power [to keep the money or give it away]? why hast thou [have you] conceived this thing in thine heart [referring to Ananias' plan to pretend that he was giving all of the money to the church]? thou hast not [you have not] lied unto men [people], but unto God."
Acts 5:5-6: "And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost [died]: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men [in the crowd] arose [got up], wound him up [in bandages, or in grave clothes (linen cloths, many folds of linen), like a mummy], and carried him out, and buried him."
Acts 5:7-8: "And it was about the space of three hours after [the death of Ananias], when his wife, not knowing what was done [or what had happened to her husband], came in [the room]. And Peter answered unto her [or 'said to Sapphira'], Tell me whether ye [you] sold the land for so much [i.e., a specific price that Peter stated]? And she said, Yea [yes], for so much [referring to the amount that Peter had stated]."
Acts 5:9: "Then Peter said unto her {Sapphira], How is it that ye have agreed together [with your husband] to tempt the Spirit of the Lord [i.e., the Holy Spirit]? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy [your] husband are at the door, and [those young men] shall carry thee [you] out."
Acts 5:10: "Then fell she down straightway [meaning she immediately fell down] at his [Peter's] feet, and yielded up the ghost [died]: and the young men came in [the room], and found her dead, and, carrying her forth [or away], buried her by her husband."
Acts 5:11: "And great fear came upon all the [members of the] church, and upon as many [other people] as heard these things."
"(1) This was an atrocious [a very cruel, evil] crime - a deep and dreadful act of iniquity. It was committed knowingly, and without excuse … It was important that sudden and exemplary [an excellent example of] punishment should follow it, because the society of Christians was just then organized, and it was designed that it should be a 'pure' society, and should be regarded as a body of holy men [and women and children]. Much depended on making an 'impression' on the people that sin could not be allowed in this new community [of Christians], but would be detected and punished.
"(2) God has often, in a most solemn manner, shown his abhorrence of [or feeling of disgust for] hypocrisy and insincerity. By awful declarations and fearful judgments he [God] has declared his displeasure at it. In a particular manner, no small part of the preaching of the Saviour [Jesus Christ] was employed in detecting the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, and denouncing [pronouncing] heavy judgments on them … In the very beginning of the Christian church it was important, by a decided and awful act, to impress upon the church and the world the danger and guilt of hypocrisy. Well did the Saviour know that it would be one of the most insidious [gradual] and deadly foes to the purity of the church; and at its very 'threshold,' therefore, he set up this solemn warning to guard it, and laid the bodies of Ananias and Sapphira in the path of every hypocrite that would enter the church. If they [the hypocrites] enter and are destroyed, they cannot plead that they were not fully warned. If they practice iniquity 'in' the church, they cannot plead ignorance of the fact that God intends to detect and punish them.
"(3) The apostles were just then establishing their authority. They claimed to be under the influence of inspiration. To establish that, it was necessary to show that they could know the views and motives of those who became connected with the church. If easily imposed on, it would go far to destroy their authority and their claim to infallibility [trustworthiness, inability to be wrong]. If they showed that they could detect hypocrisy, even where most artfully concealed [hidden], it would establish the divine authority of their message [meaning that it came from God]. At the 'commencement' [beginning] of their work, therefore, they gave this decisive and most awful proof that they were under the guidance of an infallible Teacher [i.e., Almighty God].
"(4) This case does not stand alone in the New Testament. It is clear from other instances that the apostles had the power of punishing sinners, and that a violation of the commands of [Jesus] Christ was attended by sudden and fearful judgments. See 1 Corinthians 11:30, and the case of Elymas the sorcerer in Acts 13:8-11.
"(5) Neither does this event stand alone in the history of the world. Acts of judgment sometimes occur as sudden and decided, in the providence [protective care] of God, as in this case. The profane [irreverent] man, the drunkard, the profligate offender [i.e., spendthrift] is sometimes suddenly stricken down [killed, harmed, etc.], as in this instance. Cases have not been uncommon where the blasphemer [a person who says disrespectful things about God or religion] has been smitten [struck down] in death with the curse on his lips; and God often thus comes forth in judgment to slay [kill] the wicked, and to show that there is a God that reigns in the earth. This narrative cannot be objected to as improbable until 'all' such cases are disposed of, nor can this infliction be regarded as unjust until all the instances where people die by remorse of conscience [or regret], or by the direct judgment of heaven, are 'proved' to be unjust also.
"In view of this narrative, we may remark:
"(1) That God searches the heart, and knows the purposes of the soul …
"(7) Sinners should fear and tremble before God. He holds their breath [meaning their life] in his hands …
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/acts-5.html, "Verse 9")
Hebrews 2:3: "How shall we escape [the wrath (anger) and judgment of God, with punishment in hell], if we neglect [ignore, pay no attention to--see note below*] so great salvation [referring to God's plan of salvation--see note below**] [or 'How shall we escape if we don't get saved, or become born again']; which [referring to salvation being the only way that we can be saved from hell] at the first [i.e., at the beginning of Jesus' ministry] began to be spoken by the Lord [Jesus Christ], and [this fact--that we need to be born again] was confirmed unto us [as being true] by them that heard him [Jesus] [preach];"
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*This is what Albert Barnes, in his commentary, said about neglecting salvation:"If we neglect - It is not merely if we commit great sins. Not, if we are murderers, adulterers [married people who have sex with someone other than their own spouse (husband or wife)], thieves, infidels [unbelievers], atheists, scoffers [people who make fun of someone or something]. It is, if we merely 'neglect' this salvation - if we do not embrace [accept] it - if we suffer [allow] it to pass unimproved. 'Neglect' is enough to ruin a man. A man who is in business need not commit forgery [falsely making or copying a document or signature] or robbery to ruin himself; he has only to 'neglect' his business, and his ruin is certain. A man who is lying on a bed of sickness, need not cut his throat to destroy himself; he has only to 'neglect' the means of restoration, and he will be ruined. A man floating in a skiff [a type of boat] above Niagara [Falls], need not move an oar or make an effort to destroy himself; he has only to 'neglect' using the oar at the proper time, and he will certainly be carried over the cataract [waterfall]. Most of the calamities [disasters] of life are caused by simple 'neglect.' By neglect of education children grow up in ignorance; by neglect a farm grows up to weeds and briars [plants with thorny stems]; by neglect a house goes to decay; by neglect of sowing [planting seeds], a man will have no harvest; by neglect of reaping [gathering crops], the harvest would rot in the fields. No worldly interest can prosper where there is neglect; and why may it not be so in religion? There is nothing in earthly affairs that is valuable that will not be ruined if it is not attended to - and why may it not be so with the concerns of the soul? Let no one infer [conclude], therefore, that because he is not a drunkard, or an adulterer, or a murderer, that, therefore, he will be saved [from hell]. Such an inference would be as irrational [illogical, unreasonable] as it would be for a man to infer that because he is not a murderer his farm will produce a harvest, or that because he is not an adulterer therefore his merchandise will take care of itself. Salvation would be worth nothing if it cost no effort - and there will be no salvation where no effort is put forth."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/hebrews-2.html, "Verse 3")
* * * * *
**If you want to go to heaven someday but don't know what to do, please read my "Mansion in Heaven" tract. It follows the "Romans Road," which uses Bible verses from the book of Romans to explain the plan of salvation. You can find it in either of these two places:-- https://www.mansioninheaven.com/Index2.html (read only)
-- https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html, "'Mansion in Heaven' Tract" (read and/or print)
JUNE 28
Proverbs 28:22: "He [or she] that hasteth [is in a hurry] to be rich hath [has] an evil eye [in the Bible, it means that he (or she) is an envious, selfish, dishonest, and/or covetous (greedy) person], and considereth not [does not consider, know, think, realize] that poverty shall come upon him [or her]."
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GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question "Is there such a thing as the evil eye?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/evil-eye.html.* * * * *
Note: There is no commentary for this verse on the Salem Bible Church website.JUNE 27
Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpeneth [sharpens] iron; so [does] a man [or woman, or person] sharpeneth the countenance [appearance (look, expression) of the face, as when it shows intelligence, happiness, etc.] of his [or her] friend [which would result from the man (or woman, or person) visiting, and having a conversation with, that friend]."
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Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says that this verse is about a "battle for ideas."* * * * *
In his commentary, Pastor Delany gives an illustration of what the term iron sharpens iron means. He says: "During a battle, if a sword struck bluntly against armor or a metal shield, it would become dull. … Therefore, after a skirmish in the battle, soldiers of the same army would sharpen their swords by scraping them against each other. … One kind of motion would cause the sword to become dull (blunt strike for the purpose of killing the enemy) and another motion (careful scraping at the right angle) would sharpen both swords."____________________
Next, he tells what is supposed to happen, and what actually does happen, when people debate or discuss things with one another. Among many examples provided are the Republican presidential debates in America, and Christians who (like the Bereans, residents of the city of Berea in Macedonia, who were mentioned in the Bible) are genuinely searching for biblical truth. He also tells how the devil uses "iron sharpening iron" as a ruse (trick) to attack the truth, as when Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door and you attempt to convince them of the deity of Christ (meaning that Jesus is God).
Note: You'll find background information on Bereans and Jehovah's Witnesses in the following articles:
-- "Who were the Bereans in the Bible?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/who-Bereans.html)
-- "Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses and what are their beliefs?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jehovahs-Witnesses.html)
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The following excerpt from Pastor Delany's commentary uses the 2016 Republican presidential debates in the United States as an example, but the same thing would probably also apply to the upcoming 2024 Republican and Democratic presidential debates:
"3. The Republican candidates for president are debating their ideas for the future of our country.
"a. They are supposed to be on the same team.
"b. The debates should result in sharpening each one and clarifying each viewpoint.
"c. The debates should bring to light the weakness and strong points of each candidate.
"d. One debater will bring up an issue or a perspective [viewpoint] that the others have not considered. That sharpens iron.
"e. It forces each one to word his views carefully and fine tune the way he articulates [expresses] his ideas.
"f. In the end, it should be GOOD for the one whose ideas prevail [win].
"g. That's the way it should work. Unfortunately, there are other machinations [plots or schemes] operating in the background that hinder the good work -- like backstabbing [criticizing someone behind his or her back], slander [damaging a person's reputation by spreading lies about him or her], taking words out of context, digging up dirt from the past to smear the other guy [i.e., discovering and revealing damaging information about someone], etc.
"h. Instead of attempting to emphasize the truth and formulate [develop] the best policies, they [the candidates] seem bent on destroying the others.
"i. Putting all that aside, if it were a pure contrast and clashing of ideas and policies, the debates would be good for the [election] process.
"j. Our proverb is considering a different environment than that. Solomon is speaking about men who are trying to sharpen the countenance of his FRIEND.
"k. The [presidential] candidates don't act like friends."
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Pastor Delany ends his commentary with this: "In the proper setting, among friends, brethren [brothers] of like precious faith [meaning fellow Christians], dialog [conversation], discussion, debate, and challenging one another is good and beneficial to all."
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-27-index/proverbs-27_17/.
* * * * *
Also commenting on this verse, Charles Spurgeon said:"Hence the usefulness of Christian association, and hence also the evil of sinful company, for one sinner [unsaved person] sharpens another [sinner] to do mischief, just as one saint [born-again Christian] encourages another [saint] to righteousness."
(Source: https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/spe/proverbs-27.php, "Proverbs 27:17")
JUNE 25-26
God Answers Prayer
During his Sermon on the Mount (mountain), Jesus encouraged his disciples (followers) to pray because God wants to answer their prayers. He said to them--and to us (born-again Christians):
Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask [God (in prayer)] [for something that you need], and it shall be given [to] you; seek [search for something (such as something that is lost)], and ye [you] shall find [it]; knock [on the door], and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh [asks] receiveth [receives]; and he [or she] that seeketh [seeks] findeth [finds]; and to him [or her] that knocketh [knocks,] it [the door] shall be opened."
Matthew 7:9-10: "Or what man [or woman] is there of you [people in the crowd], whom if his [or her] son [or daughter] ask[s] [for] bread, will he [or she] give him [or her] a stone? Or if he [or she--the son or daughter] ask[s] [for] a fish, will he [the 'man' (or woman)] give him [or her] a serpent [snake]?"
Matthew 7:11: "If ye [you parents] then, being evil [not literally--but 'imperfect,' having been born with a tendency to sin], know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven [referring to Almighty God] give good things to them that ask him?"
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Regarding the above verses, Albert Barnes wrote:"Ask, and it shall be given you … - There are here three different forms presented of seeking the things which we need from God - asking, ‹seeking, and knocking. The latter [last one] is taken from the act of knocking at a door for admittance [entrance]. See Luke 13:25; Revelation 3:20. The phrases signify [mean] to seek with earnestness [sincerity], diligence [carefulness], and perseverance [persistence]. The promise is, that what we seek shall be given [to] us. It is of course implied that we seek with a proper spirit [attitude], with humility, sincerity, and perseverance. It is implied, also, that we ask [for] the things which it may be consistent for God to give - that is, things which he has promised to give, and which would be best for us, and most for his own honor, 1 John 5:14. Of that God is to be the judge. And here there is the utmost latitude [freedom regarding a person's behavior, actions, or thoughts] which a creature [person] can ask. God is willing to provide for us, to forgive our sins, to save our souls, to befriend us in trial [or help us with our problems], to comfort us in death, to extend [spread] the gospel through the world [i.e., tell others how to be saved, or born again]. Man 'can' ask no higher things of God; and these he [the person making the request] may ask, assured that he [God] is willing to grant them.
"[Jesus] Christ encourages us to do this by the conduct of parents. No parent turns away his child with that which would be injurious [hurtful]. He [the parent] would not give him [the child] a stone instead of bread, or a serpent instead of a fish. God is better and kinder than the most tender [tenderhearted, kind, gentle] earthly parents; and with what confidence, therefore, may we come as his [God's] children, and ask [for] what we need! Parents, he [Jesus] says, are evil; that is, are imperfect, often partial [biased, favoring one side over the other], and not unfrequently passionate [having very strong feelings or emotions]; but God is free from all this, and therefore is ready and willing to aid [help] us.
"Every one that asketh receiveth - That is, every one that asks aright [correctly, properly]; that prays in faith, and in submission to the will of God. He [God] does not always give the very thing which we ask [for], but he gives what would be better. A parent will not always confer [grant] the 'very thing' which a child asks, but he will seek the welfare of the child, and give what he thinks will be most for its good …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-7.html, "Verses 7-11")
* * * * *
Another Bible commentator wrote:"… This wonderful verse is easily memorized by aid of the acronym [abbreviation] formed by the letters A-S-K.
"A-sk, and ye shall receive ... S-eek, and ye shall find ... K-nock, and it shall be opened ..."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/7-7.html, "Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible")
* * * * *
A third commentator wrote:"… all who rightly [correctly] ask [God for things, through prayer], receive either what they ask [for] or something better in its place."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/7-8.html, "Edwards' Family Bible New Testament," "Verse 8")
JUNE 22-24
Proverbs 22:7: "The rich [people] ruleth [rule] over the poor [people] [and often take advantage of them], and the borrower is servant [or a slave] to the lender [which means that the borrower is at the lender's mercy]."
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Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse.According to Pastor Delany, money puts people in powerful positions and buys influence, political clout, "justice" in the court system, and superior military might. In addition, when people are rich, they are able to take advantage of poor people by lending them money. Home loans, credit cards, and the national debt are several examples of how people and countries can become slaves to creditors (or "servants to lenders").
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The pastor says it is okay to borrow money as long as we make the payments on time and pay off the loan as soon as possible, and at the end of his commentary, he lists some guidelines that we should follow before signing on the dotted line:
"• Can we meet the payments?
"• How tight will my finances be if I borrow more?
"• What are the penalties for paying off early, or for making a payment late?
"• Have I read the fine print?
"• Do I really NEED to borrow this money?
"• Could I wait until I have enough cash to buy it [i.e., the item that you want, such as a new car]?"
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According to Pastor Delany, today's verse "neither condemns [disapproves of] nor condones [approves of] borrowing. It is simply a WARNING about the danger of borrowing money: you could become a slave!"
If you want to read the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-22-index/proverbs-22_7/.
JUNE 20-21
Jesus Eats With Publicans and Sinners
Mark 2:14: "And as he [Jesus] passed by [the seaside], he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom [i.e., a toll booth], and said unto him, Follow me. And he [Levi--also known as Matthew, the tax collector, who wrote the gospel of Matthew in the New Testament,] arose [stood up] and followed him [Jesus]."
Mark 2:15: "And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat [or 'sat down to eat'] in his [Levi's, or Matthew's] house, many publicans [tax collectors] and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many [publicans and sinners], and they followed him [Jesus]."
Mark 2:16: "And when the scribes [religious teachers] and Pharisees [members of a Jewish sect (religious group) within Judaism that gave oral tradition (things shared by word of mouth) equal authority with things taught in the Bible, which is the written word of God] saw him [Jesus] eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he [Jesus] eateth [eats] and drinketh [drinks] with publicans and sinners?"
Mark 2:17: "When Jesus heard it [the question], he saith unto them [the scribes and Pharisees], They that are whole [healthy] have no need of the physician [medical doctor], but they that are sick [do need one]: I [Jesus--a spiritual physician] came not to call the righteous [people], but sinners to repentance [or 'to have a change of mind concerning sin and salvation']."
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GotQuestions.org has articles that answer three questions related to the above verses. They are:-- "How much of the Bible was transmitted by oral tradition?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-oral-tradition.html)
-- "What is the significance of Jesus eating with sinners?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-with-sinners.html)
-- "What does the Bible say about repentance?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-repentance.html)
JUNE 19
In a letter to Timothy, a minister of the gospel, the apostle Paul wrote:
2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath [has] not given us [Paul, Timothy, and all born-again Christians] the spirit of fear; but [instead, he has given us the spirit] of power [courage], and of love [for God and mankind], and of a sound mind [i.e., one that is well balanced (not confused) and has self-control]."
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*GotQuestions.org has an article entitled "What does the Bible mean when it refers to a sound mind?" To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/sound-mind.html.JUNE 18
Psalm 103:13: "Like as a father pitieth [pities, has compassion for] his children, so [does] the LORD [God] pitieth [pity, have compassion for] them that fear him [meaning they regard God with fear (of doing wrong), mixed with respect and love--see note below*]."
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Our heavenly Father is kind and loving to us, as are most earthly fathers to their children.* * * * *
While explaining this verse, Matthew Henry said:"… How he pities--as a father pities his children, and does them good as there is occasion. God is a Father to those that fear him and [he] owns them for his children [because they have been born again, or saved], and he is tender of them [or treats them tenderly] as a father. The father pities his children that are weak in knowledge and [he] instructs them, [he] pities them when they are froward [difficult to deal with] and bears [is patient] with them, [he] pities them when they are sick and comforts them (Isa 66 13), [he] pities them when they have fallen [into sin, trouble, etc.] and helps them up again, [he] pities them when they have offended [others], and, upon their submission [admission?], forgives them, [he] pities them when they are wronged and gives them redress [a way to correct the problem] …"
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/103.html, "v. 13)
* * * * *
*GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question "What does it mean to have the fear of God?" It can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/fear-God.html.* * * * *
In celebration of today's
holiday, this message is for all of you
wonderful dads throughout the world:
holiday, this message is for all of you
wonderful dads throughout the world:
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
JUNE 17Proverbs 17:13: "Whoso [whoever] rewardeth [rewards, returns, repays] evil [bad actions] for good [deeds or kindness], evil [things, such as illness, accidents, money problems, etc.] shall not depart [go away, be removed] from his [or her, or 'that person's'] house [household, family]."
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Ingratitude (ungratefulness) is a sin and will be punished by God.* * * * *
In his commentary on this verse, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church gives several ways in which people may reward evil for good, using King David as his prime example (i.e., the story of David's adultery with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah, a soldier who had been loyal and faithful to King David). The commentary also explains the difference between karma and the judgment of God.If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-17-index/proverbs-17_13/.
JUNE 16
Proverbs 16:4: "The LORD [God] hath [has] made all things for himself [meaning for his own purpose; for his honor, glory, and pleasure]: yea [yes], even the wicked [people, referring to sinners who rebel against God and refuse to accept his free gift of eternal life that is mentioned in Romans 6:23] [were created] for the day of [the punishment of] evil [i.e., judgment day in heaven, when God will demonstrate his holiness, justice, and righteousness to all people, both living and dead]."
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In other words, God created everything for his pleasure (not ours!) and to show his handiwork (the wonderful things that he has made), demonstrate his power and greatness, serve his purposes, and bring glory (praise and honor) to his name.* * * * *
In the introduction to his commentary, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says that in the above verse:"1. Solomon states a difficult [in this case, hard-to-believe] concept in one terse [brief] statement.
"2. By difficult I do not mean that it is hard to understand. Rather, it is easy to understand, just hard for us self-centered creatures to accept and believe.
"3. We are inclined to think that the world revolves around us and that it was created for our good pleasure.
"4. Solomon lays that kind of thinking to rest."
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Near the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany says:
"3. But even ETERNAL condemnation [punishment in hell] glorifies God.
"a. It is hard for us to appreciate this fact because we don't always see things from a heavenly perspective [viewpoint].
"b. From God's perspective:
"• Men are fallen creatures [immoral people] occupying and corrupting the planet God made to manifest [display, show, demonstrate] His glories.
"• Man sinned and destroyed what God made--and the Lord would have been just [or right] in condemning us ALL to hell.
"• However, God extended grace to mankind and sent His Son [the Lord Jesus Christ] to DIE for undeserving rebels…
"• And those undeserving rebels continue to reject [refuse] God's offer of grace.
"• God manifested His grace. Now He must manifest His holiness and justice…
"• Thus, even in condemning rebels, God's righteousness is made known and He is glorified… even though God is not willing that ANY [person, or 'anyone'] should perish [be destroyed].
"• From ETERNITY'S perspective, the whole story of the earth will MAGNIFY God's grace and love…"
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_4/.
JUNE 15
In a letter, the apostle Peter told Christians to:
1 Peter 2:17: "Honour [respect] all men [all people]. Love the brotherhood [referring to members of the Christian community; in other words, Peter wants us to have brotherly love for our fellow Christians]. Fear God [i.e., regard him with fear (of doing wrong), mixed with respect and love]. Honour the king [show respect for those who hold positions of authority--see note below*]."
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*In his commentary on the above verse, here's what Adam Clarke says about honoring the king:"Honour the king. - Pay that respect to the emperor which his high authority requires, … and … if the man ['the emperor'] be even bad, and as a man be worthy of no reverence [or 'is not worthy of respect'], yet he should be respected on account of his office. If respect be banished [done away with], subordination [having a place of less importance or power] will flee with it, and anarchy [lawlessness] and ruin will rise up in their place. Truly religious persons are never found in seditions [uprisings, riots] …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-peter/2-17.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
* * * * *
Another Bible commentator offers a good explanation of the difference between respect and honor:"Respect is not the same as honor. We may not respect someone, but we can and should still honor him or her. For example, I have a friend whose father was an alcoholic. My friend did not respect his father who was frequently drunk, often humiliated his wife and children, and failed to provide for his family adequately. Nevertheless my friend honored his father because he was his father. He demonstrated honor by taking him home when his father could not get home by himself. He sometimes had to defend him from people who would have taken advantage of him when he was drunk.
"Similarly we may not be able to respect certain government officials because of their personal behavior or beliefs. Still we can and should honor them because they occupy an office that places them in a position of authority over us. We honor them because they occupy the office; we do not just honor the office. Peter commanded us to honor the king and all who are in authority over us, not just the offices they occupy. We may not respect someone, but we can and should honor them by treating them with respect. Respecting people and treating them with respect are two different things. Feeling respect for someone is different than showing respect for someone. Honoring others is our responsibility; earning our respect is theirs. This is especially difficult when those in authority are persecuting us [i.e., treating us unfairly or cruelly]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-peter/2-17.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
JUNE 14
In these verses, King David prayed to God:
Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know [what is in] my heart: try [test] me, and know my thoughts [i.e., everything that David thought about]: And see if there be any wicked way in me [referring to anything that would alienate David from (or cause him to be unfaithful to) God, such as idolatry (the worship of idols)], and lead me in the way [i.e., the right and good way, that leads to] everlasting [life in heaven] [or, perhaps he meant, 'keep me on the right path forever']."
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King David wanted to live a life that was pleasing to God, so he asked for God's help in keeping him on the right track. We Christians should do the same.JUNE 10-13
We Should Listen to Our Consciences and Try Not to Offend Others
In the Old Testament, under the law of Moses, Jewish people were forbidden to eat certain foods. After Jesus' death and resurrection, the ceremonial part of the Mosaic law no longer applied to Christians. Most people comprehended (understood) that fact. However, in the church at Rome, some Jewish people thought that the aforementioned "forbidden" foods were still "off limit" to them, even though they were saved. In the following verses, the apostle Paul addresses those concerns:
Romans 14:20: "For [on account of] meat [food] destroy not [don't destroy] the work of God [i.e., what the Holy Spirit is doing in the hearts of believers (born-again Christians)]. All things indeed are pure [lawful (permitted) to be eaten]; but it is evil [a bad thing] for that man [or woman or child] who eateth [eats] with offence [or who, by example, convinces another Christian to go against his (or her) conscience and do something that he (or she) thinks is not right]."
Romans 14:21: "It is good [or right or better] neither to eat flesh [meaning meat, especially of sacrificed animals (in Bible times)--things that 'Jewish' converts regarded as unclean], nor to drink wine, nor [to do] any thing whereby [by which] thy [your] [Christian] brother [or sister] stumbleth [trips, stumbles], or is offended, or is made weak [in the faith, or spiritually weak]."
Romans 14:22: "Hast thou [do you have] faith [confidence concerning the subject being discussed (i.e., food, drink, etc.)]? [If so,] have it to thyself [yourself] before [or 'keep it private between you and'] God. Happy is he [or she] that condemneth not himself [or herself] in [or 'does not condemn himself (or herself) or disapprove of'] that thing which he [or she] alloweth [allows]."
Romans 14:23: "And he [or she] that doubteth [doubts, or does not do something with a clear conscience] is damned [full of guilt and blame] if he [or she] eat[s] [something that he (or she) is not sure that he (or she) should eat], because he [or she] eateth [eats] not of faith [confidence that it is right] [or 'because he (or she) doubts that what he (or she) eats is permitted']: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
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In the above verses, the apostle Paul is teaching us that:-- We should always try to be a good influence on others. One way is by not doing things that will offend other people, weaken their faith, or cause them to sin. We can also keep our opinions to ourselves.
-- If our conscience tells us that something is wrong, we shouldn't do it.
* * * * *
At the end of his commentary on Chapter 14 of Romans, Albert Barnes wrote:"In this chapter [of Romans; i.e., 14--see https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+14&version=KJV] we have a remarkably fine discussion of the nature of Christian charity. Differences of 'opinion' will arise, and people will be divided into various sects [religious groups]; but if the rules which are laid down in this chapter were followed, the contentions [disagreements], and altercations [quarrels, arguments], and strifes [conflicts] among Christians would cease [end]. Had these rules been applied to the controversies about rites [religious ceremonies], and forms, and festivals, that have arisen, peace might have been preserved. Amid all such differences, the great question is, whether there is true love to the Lord Jesus. If there is, the apostle teaches us that we have no right to judge a [Christian] brother, or despise [hate] him, or contend harshly [struggle] with him. Our object should be to promote peace, to aid him in his efforts to become holy, and to seek to build him up in holy faith."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/romans-14.html, "Verse 23")
* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has an article on this subject. It's entitled "What does it mean that whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23)?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/whatever-is-not-of-faith-is-sin.html.JUNE 9
In a letter to the Christian church at Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote:
Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that he [God] which hath [has] begun a good work in you [born-again Christians, when you got saved; i.e., changing you from the inside out--see note below*] will perform it [will continue to perfect that good work, as long as you are alive,] until the day of Jesus Christ [when believers, both living and dead, are taken to heaven in the rapture--see note below**]:"
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*A good Bible verse to illustrate how people are changed when they get saved is 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."* * * * *
**The concept of the rapture is explained in the article: "What is the rapture of the church?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/rapture-of-the-church.html.* * * * *
Note: Dr. Thomas Constable has an excellent commentary on today's verse, including references to many Bible verses regarding the rapture and what is known as the "perseverance of saints." In part, it says:"What was the good work to which Paul referred? If he had in mind only the generosity of his original readers, he may have meant that good work. However, as I have suggested, he seems to have had a much broader concept in mind, namely, what the work of the gospel produces: salvation. Who had begun this good work of salvation? It could only be God. Paul was confident that God would finish what He had begun in his beloved Philippians.
"In the New Testament, God has revealed that salvation is a process. It involves justification, when a sinner trusts Jesus Christ as his or her Savior. It includes progressive sanctification that occurs from the time of justification to the Christian's death or the Rapture. And it culminates [ends] in glorification, when the redeemed [saved] sinner finally sees Jesus Christ and experiences transformation into His [Jesus'] image. Paul was confident that just as surely as God had justified the Philippians [i.e., those who were born again, or saved,] He would also continue to sanctify and eventually glorify them. Whereas we have a hand in the process of sanctification and can affect it by our obedience or disobedience, God alone justifies us. Regardless of our carnality [sinfulness] or spirituality He will also glorify us ( 1 Corinthians 15:50-57).
"The aspect of sanctification that Paul had in view, considering Philippians 1:5, was the Philippians' partnership with him in the work of propagating [spreading] the gospel. He was confident that God would continue His sanctifying work in them so they might become even more effective partners with him in this great task [of propagating the gospel].
"This verse does not teach that God will keep all Christians persevering [being persistent] in the faith and in good works faithfully until they die. Believers [Christians] can and do resist, oppose, and limit God's sanctifying work in them ( Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Perseverance in faith and good works is not automatic for the Christian. The New Testament writers consistently urged us to persevere[,] recognizing that some Christians will not do so ( Titus 2:11-13; Hebrews 2:1; Hebrews 4:1; Hebrews 6:1-8; et al.). Even some of Paul's fellow workers did not persevere faithfully ( 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:10). Even though some Christians do not persevere in faith and good works, God will persevere in bringing them to glory (i.e, will glorify them) … Thus it is God who perseveres in the work of salvation, not necessarily man.
"Paul's reference to the day of Christ Jesus as the culmination [highest point] of the Lord's work of salvation in the believer points to the day when He [the Lord Jesus Christ] will return for His own [people, meaning born-again Christians]: the Rapture. There are at least18 references to this day in the New Testament ( Romans 13:12; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Corinthians 15:51; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 1:10; Philippians 2:16; Philippians 3:11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8).
"The expression [i.e., 'day of Christ Jesus'] is similar to the 'day of the Lord' ( 1 Thessalonians 5:2) and the OT [Old Testament] 'day of Jehovah' ( Amos 5:18-20). However, in contrast to the OT emphasis on judgment, the 'day of Christ Jesus' is mentioned in all cases with reference to the NT [New Testament] church. It will be the time when [Jesus] Christ returns for his church, salvation is finally completed, and believers' works are examined and the believer [is] rewarded" [at the Judgment Seat of Christ] …
"This [Philippians 1:6] is one of the most comforting verses in the Bible for Christians. Our getting to heaven safely does not depend on us, on our ability to hold on and to persevere faithfully to the end of our lives. The Lord will see to it that we reach heaven safely in spite of our failures and shortcomings. Salvation is God's work, not man's ( Jonah 2:9). As surely as He [God] has already delivered us from the penalty of sin ( Romans 5:1), He will one day deliver us from the presence of sin (cf. Romans 8:31-39) …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/philippians/1-6.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
JUNE 8
Christians Should "Love One Another"
In a letter to born-again Christians, the apostle John wrote:
1 John 4:7: "Beloved [dearly loved ones], let us love one another: for [because] [true brotherly (Christian)] love is of [comes from] God; and every one that loveth [loves] [his or her fellow Christians] is born of God [or regenerated, or born again according to the Bible--see note below*], and knoweth [knows] God [personally, meaning he or she has received (trusted) God's Son, Jesus Christ, as his or her personal Savior]."
1 John 4:8: "He [or she] that loveth not [does not love] [other Christians] knoweth not [does not know] God [personally]; for God is love."
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*In his commentary on 1 John 4:7, concerning the phrase and every one that loveth is born of God , Albert Barnes wrote:"… everyone who has true love to Christians as such, or true brotherly love, is a true Christian. This cannot mean that everyone that loves his wife and children, his classmate, his partner in business, or his friend - his house, or his farms, or his horses, or his hounds [dogs], is a child of God; it must be understood as referring to the point under discussion. A man may have a great deal of natural affection toward his kindred [relatives]; a great deal of benevolence [kindness] in his character toward the poor and needy, and still he may have none of the love to which John refers. He may have no real love to God, to the Saviour [Jesus Christ], or to the children of God [born-again Christians] as such; and it would be absurd [ridiculous] for such a one to argue because he loves his wife and children that therefore he loves God, or is born again."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-john-4.html, "Verse 7")
JUNE 7
In this verse, King David prayed to God:
Psalm 120:2: "Deliver my soul [rescue and protect me], O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue."
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King David's example in this psalm shows that when other people's attempts at lying and deception are causing a problem for us, we should ask God for help.* * * * *
According to Matthew Henry:When King David wrote this psalm, "There were those that sought his ruin, and had almost effected [achieved] it, by lying … In this distress … he appealed to him who has all men's hearts in his hand [i.e., God], who has power over the consciences of bad men, and can, when he pleases, bridle [control] their tongues …" David asked "… to be kept from being belied [lied about] by others, and from the ill [bad] consequences of it …" And God answered his prayer
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/120.html, "Verses 1-4")
JUNE 6
True Believers (Christians) Keep Following Jesus
This took place after Jesus had performed a miracle and fed more than 5,000 people with just five barley loaves and two fish. Later, to the people who were looking for another free meal, he said he was the "living bread which came down from heaven" (John 6:51) and that only people who "ate his flesh" and "drank his blood" would have eternal life (John 6:54). Naturally, this was very hard for them to understand.
John 6:66: "From that time [i.e., after Jesus said he was the 'living bread which came down from heaven' and explained why--see note below*] many of his disciples [followers] went back [went away, departed, left], and walked no more with him."
John 6:67: "Then said Jesus unto the twelve [apostles], Will ye [you] also go away?"
John 6:68-69: "Then Simon Peter answered him [Jesus] [by saying], Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast [you have] the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art [you are] that Christ [the promised Messiah], the Son of the living God."
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The people in John 6:66 who stopped following Jesus had apparently made a false profession of salvation. In other words, they had been "saved" for the wrong reason (selfishness, excitement, etc.). Albert Barnes explains this in his commentary as follows: "Many of his disciples - Many who had followed him [Jesus] professedly as his disciples and as desirous of learning of him …
"Went back - Turned away from him and left him. From this we may learn,
"I. Not to wonder at the apostasy [falling away, defection] of many who profess to be followers of [Jesus] Christ. Many are induced [persuaded, convinced] to become his professed followers by the prospect of some temporal [temporary] benefit, or under some public excitement, as these [people] were; and when that temporal benefit is not obtained, or that excitement is over, they fall away.
"II. Many may be expected to be offended by the doctrines of the gospel. Having no spirituality of mind, and really understanding nothing of the gospel, they may be expected to take offence and turn back. The best way to understand the doctrines of the Bible is to be a sincere Christian, and aim to do the will of God, John 7:17.
"III. We should examine ourselves. We should honestly inquire [ask ourselves] whether we have been led to make a profession of religion by the hope of any temporal advantage, by any selfish principle, or by mere excited animal feeling. If we have it will profit us nothing, and we shall either fall away of ourselves, or be cast away [by God] in the great day of judgment [i.e., on judgment day in heaven]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/john-6.html, "Verse 66")
* * * * *
*In verses 26-65 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A26%2D65&version=KJV), Jesus said he was (and is) the "living bread which came down from heaven" and that only people who "ate his flesh" and "drank his blood" would have eternal life. For some people, this is a hard concept to grasp (understand), as it is meant in the spiritual, not physical (or literal), sense. That's why many of Jesus' disciples in John 6:66 stopped following him.____________________
In their article entitled "What did Jesus mean when He said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood?" GotQuestions.org explains why Jesus referred to himself as "living bread" and what he meant by it. If you want to read the article, you'll find it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-eat-flesh-drink-blood.html.
JUNE 1-5
The Story of Ananias and Sapphira
This took place during the time when many members of the early Christian church willingly (and voluntarily) shared their possessions with those who were poor.
Acts 5:1-2: "But a certain man named Ananias, [along] with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession [in this case, some land], And kept back [withheld for himself] part of the price [of the land, referring to the amount that he was paid for it], his wife also being privy to it [meaning she knew about what was going on], and [Ananias] brought a certain part [of the money], and laid it at the apostles' feet."
Acts 5:3: "But Peter [one of the apostles] said, Ananias, why hath [has] Satan filled thine [your] heart [or impelled (persuaded) you] to lie to the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit (i.e., the third person of the Trinity)], and to keep back [withhold] part of the price of the land?"
Acts 5:4: "Whiles it [while the land] remained [in your possession], was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power [to keep the money or give it away]? why hast thou [have you] conceived this thing in thine heart [referring to Ananias' plan to pretend that he was giving all of the money to the church]? thou hast not [you have not] lied unto men [people], but unto God."
Acts 5:5-6: "And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost [died]: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men [in the crowd] arose [got up], wound him up [in bandages, or in grave clothes (linen cloths, many folds of linen), like a mummy], and carried him out, and buried him."
Acts 5:7-8: "And it was about the space of three hours after [the death of Ananias], when his wife, not knowing what was done [or what had happened to her husband], came in [the room]. And Peter answered unto her [or 'said to Sapphira'], Tell me whether ye [you] sold the land for so much [i.e., a specific price that Peter stated]? And she said, Yea [yes], for so much [referring to the amount that Peter had stated]."
Acts 5:9: "Then Peter said unto her {Sapphira], How is it that ye have agreed together [with your husband] to tempt the Spirit of the Lord [i.e., the Holy Spirit]? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy [your] husband are at the door, and [those young men] shall carry thee [you] out."
Acts 5:10: "Then fell she down straightway [meaning she immediately fell down] at his [Peter's] feet, and yielded up the ghost [died]: and the young men came in [the room], and found her dead, and, carrying her forth [or away], buried her by her husband."
Acts 5:11: "And great fear came upon all the [members of the] church, and upon as many [other people] as heard these things."
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In his commentary on Acts 5:9, Albert Barnes answers the question of why Ananias and Sapphira were punished in such a severe and awful manner for their sins of deception and hypocrisy. In part, this is what he said:"(1) This was an atrocious [a very cruel, evil] crime - a deep and dreadful act of iniquity. It was committed knowingly, and without excuse … It was important that sudden and exemplary [an excellent example of] punishment should follow it, because the society of Christians was just then organized, and it was designed that it should be a 'pure' society, and should be regarded as a body of holy men [and women and children]. Much depended on making an 'impression' on the people that sin could not be allowed in this new community [of Christians], but would be detected and punished.
"(2) God has often, in a most solemn manner, shown his abhorrence of [or feeling of disgust for] hypocrisy and insincerity. By awful declarations and fearful judgments he [God] has declared his displeasure at it. In a particular manner, no small part of the preaching of the Saviour [Jesus Christ] was employed in detecting the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, and denouncing [pronouncing] heavy judgments on them … In the very beginning of the Christian church it was important, by a decided and awful act, to impress upon the church and the world the danger and guilt of hypocrisy. Well did the Saviour know that it would be one of the most insidious [gradual] and deadly foes to the purity of the church; and at its very 'threshold,' therefore, he set up this solemn warning to guard it, and laid the bodies of Ananias and Sapphira in the path of every hypocrite that would enter the church. If they [the hypocrites] enter and are destroyed, they cannot plead that they were not fully warned. If they practice iniquity 'in' the church, they cannot plead ignorance of the fact that God intends to detect and punish them.
"(3) The apostles were just then establishing their authority. They claimed to be under the influence of inspiration. To establish that, it was necessary to show that they could know the views and motives of those who became connected with the church. If easily imposed on, it would go far to destroy their authority and their claim to infallibility [trustworthiness, inability to be wrong]. If they showed that they could detect hypocrisy, even where most artfully concealed [hidden], it would establish the divine authority of their message [meaning that it came from God]. At the 'commencement' [beginning] of their work, therefore, they gave this decisive and most awful proof that they were under the guidance of an infallible Teacher [i.e., Almighty God].
"(4) This case does not stand alone in the New Testament. It is clear from other instances that the apostles had the power of punishing sinners, and that a violation of the commands of [Jesus] Christ was attended by sudden and fearful judgments. See 1 Corinthians 11:30, and the case of Elymas the sorcerer in Acts 13:8-11.
"(5) Neither does this event stand alone in the history of the world. Acts of judgment sometimes occur as sudden and decided, in the providence [protective care] of God, as in this case. The profane [irreverent] man, the drunkard, the profligate offender [i.e., spendthrift] is sometimes suddenly stricken down [killed, harmed, etc.], as in this instance. Cases have not been uncommon where the blasphemer [a person who says disrespectful things about God or religion] has been smitten [struck down] in death with the curse on his lips; and God often thus comes forth in judgment to slay [kill] the wicked, and to show that there is a God that reigns in the earth. This narrative cannot be objected to as improbable until 'all' such cases are disposed of, nor can this infliction be regarded as unjust until all the instances where people die by remorse of conscience [or regret], or by the direct judgment of heaven, are 'proved' to be unjust also.
"In view of this narrative, we may remark:
"(1) That God searches the heart, and knows the purposes of the soul …
"(7) Sinners should fear and tremble before God. He holds their breath [meaning their life] in his hands …
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/acts-5.html, "Verse 9")
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GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question, "Why did God kill Ananias and Sapphira for lying?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Ananias-and-Sapphira.html.
