"Verse of the Day" Bible Verses (KJV)

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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."
____________________

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

Previous Verses

July 2025

JULY 31
Luke 9:49, 50

This event took place one day, soon after Jesus had cast an evil spirit out of a man's son and had taught his apostles about children and greatness.

Luke 9:49: "And John [the apostle] answered [Jesus] and said, Master, we saw one [person] casting out devils in thy [your] name [perhaps he was one of John the Baptist's disciples, or one of the seventy men whom Jesus had sent out to perform miracles]; and we forbad him [told him not to do it], because he followeth not with us [which meant he didn't follow, or associate with, them and was not part of their group]."

Luke 9:50: "And Jesus said unto him [John], Forbid him not [to do that, or 'don't tell the man that he can't cast out devils (demons)']: for he [or she] that is not against us is for us."

_______________

Regarding the above verses, one Bible commentator wrote:

"… Disciples [or Jesus' followers] need to be aware of their attitude toward believers [born-again Christians] who are outside their circle of fellowship as well as their attitude toward those [who are] within that circle …

"This incident exposed an attitude of rivalry [competition] among the Twelve [disciples, or apostles, of Jesus ] that existed toward other disciples [followers] of Jesus. This was not a problem of orthodoxy [referring to tensions arising from differing interpretations or applications of religious doctrine, or religious beliefs]; the exorcist [in today's verses] believed in Jesus. It was rather a problem of fellowship or association; he was not one of the [group of] Twelve. He appears to have been on the fringe [outer edge] of Jesus' followers. The Twelve wanted to exclude him, but Jesus wanted to include him. Jesus' reply was proverbial. He had stated the reverse truth earlier (Matthew 12:30). Disciples should regard people who do not oppose them as associates [friends] rather than as enemies …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/luke/9-49.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")

JULY 30
John 14:15

Before his crucifixion (death on the cross), Jesus said to his twelve disciples during the Last Supper, after Judas (the traitor) had left the room:

John 14:15: "If ye [you] love me [Jesus], keep [obey] my commandments."

_______________

The above statement applies not only to the apostles but to all Christians.
____________________

By reading the Bible, we learn what Jesus said to do and not do. We prove our love for him by readily (willingly) following his teachings.

* * * * *

Regarding the above verse, Albert Barnes wrote:

"If ye love me - Do not show your love by grief [sorrow, sadness] at my departure merely [only]; or by profession [i.e., by what by say], but by obedience.

"Keep my commandments - This is the only proper evidence of love to Jesus, for mere profession is no proof of love; but that love for him which leads us to do all [of] his will, to love each other, to deny ourselves, to take up our cross [symbolically, not literally], and to follow him through evil report and through good report, is true attachment. The evidence which we have that a child loves its parents is when that child is willing, without hesitation, gainsaying [contradiction, denial], or complaining, to do all that the parent requires him [or her] to do. So the disciples [followers] of Christ [i.e., born-again Christians] are required to show that they are attached to him [Jesus] supremely by yielding to all his requirements, and by patiently doing his will in the face of ridicule and opposition, 1 John 5:2-3."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/john-14.html, "Verse 15")

* * * * *

The GotQuestions.org article relating to today's verse is entitled "What did Jesus mean when He said, 'If you love me keep my commandments'?" To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/if-you-love-me-keep-my-commandments.html.

JULY 27-29
Ephesians 4:29

Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupt communication [referring to obscene, filthy, offensive words] proceed out of your mouth, but [only] that which is good to [or 'for'] the use of edifying [instructing or benefiting (especially in a moral and/or spiritual way), uplifting, encouraging] [others], [so] that it [what you say] may minister [give, supply] grace [kindness, goodwill] unto the hearers."

_______________

This is what several well-known Bible commentators said about corrupt communication:

Matthew Henry:

"… Filthy and unclean words and discourse [conversations] are poisonous and infectious, as [like, similar to] putrid [foul-smelling] rotten meat: they [the filthy and unclean words and conversations] proceed from and prove a great deal of corruption in the heart of the speaker, and tend to corrupt [change from good to bad] the minds and manners of others who hear them; and therefore Christians should beware [be alert to the dangers] of all such discourse …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/ephesians/4.html, "v. 29")

Charles Spurgeon:

"I have heard unthinking people say, 'Well, if it is in your heart, you may as well speak it--it is better out than in.' I do not agree with them! If you had a barrel of whiskey in your house, that would certainly be a bad thing to be in your possession, but it would not do any hurt so long as you kept it unopened, so that nobody could get at it! The mischief arises when people begin to drink it. Undoubtedly, it is an evil thing for you to have anything that is corrupt in your heart, but it will not be mischievous [causing harm or trouble] to other people until it begins to come out. So, 'let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth …'"

(Source: https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/spe/ephesians-4.php, "Spurgeon's Verse Expositions of the Bible," "Ephesians 4:29")

Albert Barnes:

"… (3) Its importance [referring to the admonition (advice or warning) to not say bad things] will be seen from the 'influence' of such corrupt communications. 'The passage of an impure thought through the mind leaves pollution behind it;' the expression of such a thought deepens the pollution on the soul, and corrupts others. It is like retaining an offensive carcase [carcass--dead body of an animal] above ground, to pollute the air, and to diffuse [spread] pestilence [disease] and death, which [carcass] should at once be buried out of sight. A Christian should be pure in his [or her] conversation. His [or her] Master [the Lord Jesus Christ] was pure. His [or her] God is pure. The heaven to which he [or she] goes is pure. The religion which he [or she] professes is pure. Never should he [or she] indulge himself [or herself] in an obscene allusion [i.e., an implied or indirect reference to something obscene]: never should he [or she] retail [relate, tell] anecdotes [stories] of an obscene character, or smile when they are retailed [related, told] by others. Never should he [or she] indulge in a jest [joke] having a double meaning; never should be [he] [or she] listen to a song of this character. If those with whom he [or she] associates have not [or 'do not have'] sufficient respect for themselves and him [or her] to abstain [refrain, stay away] from such corrupt and corrupting allusions [i.e., implied or indirect references to something], he [or she] should at once leave them [the disrespectful people that he (or she) associates with] …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/ephesians-4.html, "Verse 29")

* * * * *

GotQuestions.org has an article about today's verse: "What does it mean to not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths (Ephesians 4:29)?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/unwholesome-talk.html.

JULY 25-26
Leviticus 19:28

This was one of God's instructions, through Moses, to the children of Israel, or Jewish people:

Leviticus 19:28: "Ye [you] shall not make any cuttings in your flesh [i.e., your skin] for the dead [people--see note below*], nor [shall you] print any marks [tattoos] upon you: I am the LORD."

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Tattoos and body piercing are not mentioned in the New Testament, so if you're wondering if born-again Christians should get them, the following articles may provide some guidance:

-- "What does the Bible say about tattoos?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/tattoos-sin.html)

-- "Is it okay to get tattoos if they are of a Christian nature?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-tattoos.html)

-- "Should a Christian get a henna [temporary] tattoo?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/henna-tattoos.html)

-- "What does the Bible say about body piercings?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/body-piercings.html)

-- "What does the Bible say about self-harm / self-mutilation / cutting?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-self-mutilation.html)

* * * * *

*According to a Bible commentator named John Gill:

It was a custom among some nations in Old Testament times, when someone died and the people were in mourning, to cut themselves with their fingernails or some type of instrument (knife, razor, etc.) to appease (pacify, calm the anger of) their deities (gods). Most of the time, they would tear their hair, cheeks, and/or mouths and beat their breasts (or chests). Sometimes, when a king died, they even "cut off a part of the ear, shaved the hair round about, cut the arms about, wounded the forehead and nose, and transfixed [pierced] the left hand with arrows …"

Regarding tattoos, or printing marks on people, this "… was usually done as an idolatrous practice …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/leviticus-19-28.html)

JULY 24
Luke 18:17

Jesus told his disciples (followers):

Luke 18:17: "Verily [truly] I say unto you, Whosoever [whoever] shall not receive the kingdom of God [which is also called 'heaven'] as [like] a little child [i.e., by accepting God's free gift of eternal life--willingly, sincerely, humbly, and gratefully] shall in no wise [in no way, or 'shall not'] enter therein."

_______________

Jesus' statement applies not only to his disciples but also to everyone else in the world, including children.
____________________

Regarding children, some people have asked, "How young can you be and ask Jesus to be your Savior?" That question is answered in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/young-salvation.html.

* * * * *

In a nutshell, according to the Bible, this is how to be born again (saved from hell) and receive the "kingdom of God" (by accepting God's free gift of eternal life):

Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Messiah, that he died on the cross to pay for your sins, and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him (through prayer, either silently or out loud) to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.
____________________

For detailed instructions on the plan of salvation, read one or more of the tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

JULY 23
Acts 11:25, 26

Acts 11:25: "Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus [which means that Barnabas left Jerusalem and went to Tarsus, which was a major city in Cilicia, in Asia Minor, where the apostle Paul was born and had been living], for to seek [or 'to look for' or 'in search of'] Saul [whose name was changed to Paul--see note below*]:"

Acts 11:26: "And when he [Barnabas] had found him [Saul], he brought him unto Antioch [a city in, and capital of, ancient Syria]. And it came to pass, that [for] a whole year they [Paul and Barnabas] assembled themselves [meaning they gathered together for worship] with [those who attended] the church [in Antioch], and taught much [many] people. And the disciples [followers of Jesus Christ] were called Christians first [or 'for the first time'] in Antioch."

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*The apostle's name change is addressed in the article entitled "When and why was Saul's name changed to Paul?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Saul-Paul.html.

* * * * *

"What is the history and significance of the church at Antioch?" is another article that relates to today's verse. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/church-at-Antioch.html.

JULY 22
John 15:5

To his disciples during the Last Supper (see note below*), Jesus said:

John 15:5: "I [Jesus] am the vine, ye [you] are the branches: He [or she] that abideth [abides] in me [meaning that if a saved person continues to stay in a close relationship with Jesus through faith], and [if] I [Jesus] [abideth] in him [or her, which is made possible through the Holy Spirit, who comes to live in that person's heart after salvation], the same ['branch,' referring to the saved person] bringeth forth [or 'will bring forth or produce'] much fruit [in the form of good works, including thoughts, words, and actions]: for without me [or 'because separate or apart from me (Jesus),'] ye can do nothing [that is truly and spiritually good and acceptable in the sight of God]."

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What Jesus said to his disciples also applies to all born-again Christians. Jesus is the source of our strength, and he wants us to be fruitful. The praise for any good works (or good deeds) that we do belongs to him.

* * * * *

*These two articles answer some questions about the Last Supper:

--"What is the meaning and importance of the Last Supper?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Last-Supper.html)

-- "Who were the twelve (12) disciples / apostles of Jesus Christ?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/twelve-apostles-disciples-12.html)

* * * * *

In regard to John 15:5, one Bible commentator wrote:

"… Obviously it is impossible for a branch to bear [produce, yield] any fruit if it has no contact with the life-giving vine. Many unbelievers [non-Christians] appear to bear the fruit of godly character and conduct, but their fruit is phony. It is similar to plastic fruit that one could hang on trees to give them the appearance of being healthy and productive. It is natural, though not inevitable [meaning 'it is not a sure thing'], that a branch that has vital connection with the vine [will] bear some fruit. The way to bear much fruit is for the branch to maintain unhindered fellowship with the vine by allowing the vine to have its way with the branch. The alternative would be resisting the Holy Spirit"s work by neglecting and disobeying God.

"Lack of fruit in the [person's] life, therefore, may not necessarily be an indication that the branch has no vital relationship to the vine (i.e, that the person is unsaved). It may indicate that the branch, though connected to the vine, is not abiding in it (i.e, that the believer is not cultivating an intimate relationship with the Savior [Jesus Christ]) …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/15-5.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")

* * * * *

Here are two articles that relate to today's verse:

-- "What does Jesus mean when He says, 'You are the branches (John 15:5)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/you-are-the-branches.html)

-- "What did Jesus mean when He said, 'I am the True Vine' (John 15:1)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/true-vine.html)

JULY 20-21
Luke 6:35

During his "Sermon on the Plain" (see note below*), Jesus said:

Luke 6:35: "But love ye your enemies, and do good [to everyone], and lend [loan things] [to others], hoping for nothing again [or 'in return']; and your reward [on earth and/or in heaven] shall be great, and ye [you] shall be the children of the Highest [i.e., Almighty God]: [you should do these things (love your enemies, do good, and lend)] for [because] he [God] is kind unto the unthankful [people] and to the evil [people]."

_______________

Christians should be kind to all people, both bad and good, because our heavenly Father (God) is kind to everyone. We should try to follow his example.

* * * * *

*Some Bible commentators believe that Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain" and "Sermon on the Mount" are two versions of the same sermon, but no one knows for sure. Differences between the two sermons are explained in the article entitled "What is the Sermon on the Plain?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Sermon-on-the-Plain.html.

JULY 17-19
Romans 2:21, 22, 23

Are You a Hypocrite?

The apostle Paul asked this question in his letter to the professing Christians (i.e., people who claimed to be Christians) in Rome:

Romans 2:21: "Thou [you] therefore [referring to what Paul had written before this verse, about judging people and being an example to others] which teachest [or 'who teaches'] another [person] [to do or not do something], teachest thou not thyself [or 'do you not teach yourself]' [to do the same--or, like a hypocrite,do you do the opposite]? [For example:]

"thou that preachest [or 'you who preach or proclaim'] [that] a man should not steal, dost thou [do you] steal?"

Romans 2:22: "Thou that sayest [or 'you who say'] [that] a man should not commit adultery [i.e., have sex with another man's wife], dost thou commit adultery?

"thou that abhorrest [hate] idols, dost thou commit sacrilege [by violating or misusing things that are considered sacred (dedicated to God), or by taking things that belong to God]?"

Romans 2:23: "Thou that makest thy boast of the law [or 'you who teach the importance of obeying God's law, as found in the Bible and the Ten Commandments'], through breaking the law [i.e., by not obeying the law,] dishonourest thou God [or 'do you dishonor or insult God'--see note below*]?"

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The teaching in the above verses can be summarized by this common saying: "Do you practice what you preach?"

* * * * *

*Meaning of the phrase dishonourest thou God in Romans 2:23, according to Albert Barnes:

"… By boasting of the Law, they proclaimed their conviction [belief] that it was from God. By breaking it [the law], they denied it. And as actions are a true test of man's real opinions, their breaking the Law did it more dishonor than their boasting of it did it honor. This is always the case. It matters little what a man's speculative opinions may be; his practice may do far more to disgrace religion than his profession does to honor it. It is the life and conduct [behavior], and not merely the profession of the lips [or what he says], that does real honor to the true religion. Alas, with what pertinency [relevance] and force may this question be put to many who call themselves Christians!"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/romans-2.html, "Verse 23")

* * * * *

GotQuestions.org has some articles about hypocrisy, one of which is entitled "Why are alll Christians hypocrites?" If can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christians-hypocrites.html.

JULY 15-16
Psalm 54:2

While praying for God's help and protection, King David said:

Psalm 54:2: "Hear my prayer, O God; give ear [listen] to the words of my mouth."

_______________

According to the Bible, if we want God to answer our prayers, in most cases we must:

-- Be born again, or saved (per John 9:31).

-- Obey God's commandments and do things that are pleasing in his sight (per 1 John 3:22).

-- Not have unconfessed sins in our lives (per 1 John 1:9).

-- Pray to God in faith (per James 1:6-7).

-- Pray in accordance with God's will (per 1 John 5:14-15).

-- Pray "in Jesus' name" (per John 14:13-14).

* * * * *

Some GotQuestions.org articles that apply to today's verse are as follows:

-- "Why pray?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/why-pray.html)

-- "What is the proper way to pray?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/how-to-pray.html)

-- "Are there any conditions to answered prayer?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-conditions.html)

-- "Does God hear my prayers?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/does-God-hear-my-prayers.html)

-- "Does God hear / answer the prayers of a sinner / unbeliever?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/unbeliever-prayer.html)
____________________

-- "What is the meaning of spiritual rebirth?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-rebirth.html)

-- "How can I please God?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/please-God.html)

-- "Why do we need to confess our sins if they have already been forgiven (1 John 1:9)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/confession-forgiveness.html)

-- "What does the Bible say about faith?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-faith.html)

-- "How can I be sure I am praying according to the will of God?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/praying-will-of-God.html)

-- "What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/pray-Jesus-name.html)

JULY 13-14
John 6:37

Eternal Security (i.e., "Once Saved, Always Saved")

While preaching near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus said:

John 6:37: "All that [God,] the Father [in heaven,] giveth [gives] me [referring to born-again Christians--people who believe the gospel and want to be saved (from hell) and go to heaven when they die] shall come to me [Jesus] [by faith]; and him [or her--meaning 'everyone'] that cometh [comes] to me [for salvation] I will in no wise [or 'never,' or 'in no way' or 'at no time'] cast out [turn away, throw aside, reject (or refuse to save)]."

_______________

In his commentary, Albert Barnes has an excellent explanation of John 6:37. Here are some excerpts:

"The Father giveth me - We here learn that those who come to [Jesus] Christ, and who will be saved, are given to him [Jesus] by God.

"I. God promised him [Jesus] that he [God] should see of the travail [agony and suffering] of his [Jesus'] soul [on the cross] - that is, 'the fruit of his wearisome toil [or 'exhausting work']' … and should be satisfied, Isaiah 53:11.

"II. All men [and women and children] are sinners, and none have any claim to mercy, and he [Jesus] may therefore bestow salvation on [or 'give salvation to'] whom he pleases.

"III. All people of themselves are disposed to reject the gospel, John 5:40.

"IV. God enables those who do believe [the gospel] to do it [i.e., get saved]. He draws them to Him [God] by His [written and spoken] Word [as found in the Bible] and [by His] [Holy] Spirit; "He opens their hearts to understand the Scriptures [i.e., verses in the Bible] Acts 16:14; and He grants to them [the people] repentance [see note below*] … 2 Timothy 2:25.

"V. All those who become Christians may therefore be said to be given to Jesus as the reward of his sufferings, for [or 'because'] his death [on the cross] was the price by which they were redeemed [saved] …

"Shall come to me - This is an expression denoting [indicating] that they would believe on him [Jesus]. To come to one implies our need of help, our confidence that he [Jesus] can aid [help, assist] us, and our readiness to trust to him. The sinner comes to Jesus feeling that he [or she] is poor, and needy, and wretched [miserable], and casts [throws] himself [or herself] on his [Jesus'] mercy, believing that he [Jesus] alone can save him [or her]. This expression also proves that men are not compelled to believe on Christ. Though they who believe are given to him, and though his [Jesus'] [Holy] Spirit works in them faith and repentance, yet they are made willing in the day of his power … No man is compelled [forced] to go to heaven against his will, and no man is compelled to go to hell against his will. The Spirit of God inclines the will of one [or 'a person,' meaning the person leans toward doing something], and he [or she] comes freely as a moral agent [referring to the choice that he (or she) is making]. The other [person] chooses the way to death; and, though God is constantly using [various] means to save him [or her], yet he [or she] prefers the path that leads down to woe [great sorrow and distress … or 'hell'].

"Him that cometh - Everyone that comes - that is, everyone that comes in a proper mariner [probably should be spelled 'manner'], feeling that he [or she] is a lost and ruined sinner. This invitation is wide, and full, and free. It shows the unbounded [boundless, limitless] mercy of God; and it shows, also, that the reason, and the only reason, why men [and women and children] are not saved, is that they will not come to Christ. Of any sinner it may be said that if he [or she] had been willing to come to Christ he [or she] might have come and been saved. As he [or she] chooses not to come, he [or she] cannot blame God because he [God] saves others who are willing, no matter from what cause, and who thus are made partakers of everlasting life …

"Cast out - Reject, or refuse to save. This expression does not refer to the doctrine [a religious teaching] of perseverance of the saints [see note below*], but to the fact that Jesus will not reject or refuse any sinner who comes to him."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/john-6.html, "Verse 37")

* * * * *

Barton W. Johnson, another Bible commentator, said:

"… Christ [Jesus] is God's gift to men, but the believers [born-again Christians] are his [God's] gift to Christ …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/pnt/john-6.html, "People's New Testament," "Verse 37")

* * * * *

*For the meaning of the terms repentance and perseverance of the saints, see the following articles:

-- "Is repentance a change of mind or a turning from sin?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/repentance-change-mind-turn-sin.html)

-- "Perseverance of the Saints - is it biblical?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/perseverance-saints.html)

* * * * *

The GotQuestions.org article that relates to today's verse is entitled "What does 'whoever comes to me I will never cast out' mean (John 6:37)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/I-will-never-cast-out.html.

* * * * *

If you want to be saved but don't know what to do, please read one or more of the tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website, It can be found here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

JULY 12
Matthew 5:27, 28

During his Sermon on the Mount (see note below*), Jesus said to his disciples (followers):

Matthew 5:27-28: "Ye [you] have heard that it was said by them of old time [i.e., by Moses and the prophets], Thou shalt [you shall] not commit adultery [which is the seventh commandment]: But I [Jesus] say unto you, That whosoever looketh on [or 'whoever looks upon'] a woman to lust after her hath [has] committed adultery with her already in his heart [or mind]."

_______________

Examples of the above teaching include viewing pornographic pictures or videos, reading pornographic literature (including books, magazines, and articles), etc.
____________________

The article entitled "What does the Bible say about pornography?" has more information about this subject. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://gotquestions.org/pornography-Bible.html.

* * * * *

Matthew Henry commented on today's verses as follows:

"… What have we [or 'what do we have'] the covering of the eyes [i.e., eyelids] for, but to restrain [control,, suppress] corrupt glances [or 'quick looks that are morally improper'], and to keep out of their defiling [unclean, impure] impressions? This [verse--Matthew 5:28] forbids also the using of any other of our senses [besides sight; i.e., hearing, smell, taste, or touch] to stir up lust. … And if looking be [or 'is'] lust, they who dress and deck [decorate], and expose themselves, with design [or 'the intention'] to be looked at and lusted after … are no less guilty [of committing adultery than the person who is doing the looking] …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/matthew/5.html, "Verses 27-32," "Job 31:1")

* * * * *

And another Bible commentator wrote:

"Jesus proceeded to clarify God's intended meaning in the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18). The rabbis in Jesus' day tended to look at adultery as wrong because it involved stealing another man's wife. They viewed it as an external act … Jesus, on the other hand, saw it as wrong because it made the lustful individual impure morally, an internal condition. The Greek word gyn can mean either wife or woman. Certainly the spirit of the command would prohibit lusting after any woman, not just a married woman. Fantasized immorality [or 'an imagined immoral act,' such as a sexual fantasy--see note below**] is just as sinful to God as physical immorality … The fact that fornication that takes place in the brain has fewer bad consequences than fornication that takes place on a bed does not mitigate [lessen the seriousness of] this truth."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/5-27.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")

* * * * *

*GotQuestions.org has an article that answers the question "What is the Sermon on the Mount?" To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/sermon-on-the-mount.html.

* * * * *

**Here are two articles about pornography and sexual fantasies:

-- "What is wrong about viewing pornography, if I don't lust after the person?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/pornography-lust.html)

-- "Is it wrong for a Christian to have a sexual fantasy?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/sexual-fantasy.html)

JULY 9-11
1 Corinthians 14:33

In a letter to the church at Corinth, regarding rules for public worship in Christian churches, especially when it involves spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues (i.e., other languages--see Note 1 below), prophesying, etc. (see Note 2 below), the apostle Paul wrote:

1 Corinthians 14:33: "For God is not the author of confusion [disorder], but of peace, as in all churches of the saints [which, in the Bible, means born-again Christians--see Note 3 below]."

_______________

Christians should never behave publicly in a manner that would give false impressions (or mistaken ideas) to others.

* * * * *

Regarding the Corinthian church, Albert Barnes says:

"The effect of their all [or 'all of the people'] speaking with tongues would be to produce confusion and disorder, and disgust among observers, and the conviction [belief or opinion] that they [the people in the Corinthian church] were deranged [crazy, insane]…"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/1-corinthians-14.html, "Introduction," paragraph VIII)

* * * * *

NOTE 1:

GotQuestionns.org has an article entitled "What is the gift of speaking in tongues?" To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/gift-of-tongues.html.

NOTE 2:

At the beginning of his commentary on 1 Corinthians, Chapter 14, Matthew Henry said:

(Note from Linda: I separated the following quote into paragraphs to make it easier to read. The verses referred to in parentheses at the end of each paragraph can be found here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+14&version=KJV.)

"… In this chapter [of 1st Corinthians,] the apostle [Paul] directs them [the people in the congregation] about the use of their spiritual gifts, preferring those that are best and [are] fitted to do the greatest good [to the church].

"I. He [Paul] begins with advising them [the people,] of all spiritual gifts [they might have,] to prefer prophesying, and [he] shows that this is much better than speaking with tongues (verses 1-5).

"II. He [Paul] goes on to show them how unprofitable the speaking of foreign languages is, and [how] useless [it is] to the church; it is like piping [ot playing music on things like bagpipes and pipe organs] in one tone, like sounding a trumpet without any certain note, like talking gibberish [nonsense]; whereas [spiritual] gifts should be used for the good of the church (verses 6-14).

"III. He [Paul] advises that worship should be celebrated so that the most ignorant [uneducated, unknowledgeable] [person] might understand, and join in prayer and praise, and [Paul] presses [stresses, emphasizes] the advice by his own example (verses 15-20).

"IV. He [Paul] informs them [the people] that tongues were a sign for unbelievers [i.e., non-Christians] rather than those that believe [the gospel]; and [he] represents the advantage of prophecy above speaking with tongues, from the different suggestions they [i.e., prophecy and speaking in tongues] would give to the mind of an unbeliever coming into their assemblies [or gathering places, such as worship services] (verses 21-25).

"V. He [Paul] blames them [the Corinthians] for the disorder and confusion they had brought into the assembly [or church], by their vanity [pride] and ostentation [flaunting, showing off] of their [spiritual] gifts; and [he] directs them [the people] in using the gifts both of tongues and prophecy (verses 26-33).

"VI. He [Paul] forbids women [from] speaking [publicly] in the church; and [he] closes this subject [of speaking in tongues] by requiring them [the church members] to perform every thing in the public worship with order and decency (verse 34 to the end)."

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/1-corinthians/14.html, Introduction)

* * * * *

NOTE 3:

"The word 'saints' (hagios) [in 1 Corinthians 14:33] meant 'set apart for God's use.' This term is found in every New Testament book except Galatians, James, Second and Third John. Although Catholicism uses this word ['saints'] to describe the deceased [i.e., people who are dead] (some [dead people] are considered for sainthood [in the Catholic church] if they meet certain criteria [or standards]), the Bible repeatedly portrays [describes] saints as living Christians …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-corinthians/14-33.html, "Living By Faith: Commentary on Romans & 1st Corinthians")

* * * * *

A GotQuestions.org article about today's verse is entitled "What does it mean that God is not the author of confusioin?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-is-not-the-author-of-confusion.html.

JULY 6-8
Acts 16:25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34

The Night the Jailer and His Family Got Saved

This took place in Philippi, a city in Macedonia, after Paul (the apostle) and Silas (Paul's companion on several missionary journeys) were arrested, beaten with wooden rods, and thrown into prison (i.e., the inner prison, probably the dungeon, which was the darkest and most secure part of the prison), with their feet bound (restrained, placed) in stocks (a wooden device with holes for the head, hands, and feet), for casting a demon out of a fortune-telling slave girl.

Acts 16:25-26: "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the [other] prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great [or very strong, major] earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors [of the prison] were opened, and every one's bands [cords, chains] were loosed [or loosened, as in 'untied' or 'unlocked']."

Acts 16:27-28: "And the keeper of the prison [the jailer] awaking out of [or 'awakening from'] his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled [or had escaped, or run away]. But Paul cried [out] with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself [yourself] no harm [meaning 'don't commit suicide']: for we are all here."

Acts 16:29-30,31: "Then he [the jailer] called for a light [in the form of a lamp or torch], and sprang in [rushed in], and came trembling, and fell down [as an act of honor and respect] before Paul and Silas, And [the jailer] brought them [Paul and Silas] out [of the inner prison], and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved [from hell]? And they said, Believe on [have faith in, trust in] the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt [you shall] be saved [from the consequences of, or punishment for, sin], and [so will] thy [your] house [household, or family] [if they also believe--see note below*]."

Acts 16:32-33: "And they [Paul and Silas] spake [spoke] unto him [the jailer] the word of the Lord [i.e., they preached the gospel to the jailer], and to all that were in his house [meaning they also told his family members how to be saved]. And he [the jailer] took them [Paul and Silas] [to a place with water] the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes [or 'cleansed the blood from the wounds that resulted from beatings they had received in prison']; and [the jailer] was baptized [see note below**], he and all his [i.e., the jailer and all of his family members who were saved] [were baptized], straightway [immediately]."

Acts 16:34: "And when he [the jailer] had brought them [Paul and Silas] into his house, he set meat [food] before them [meaning he gave them something to eat], and [he--the jailer] rejoiced [was filled with joy], believing in God with all [of the people in] his house [or because he and his family had 'believed on the Lord Jesus Christ' and were saved]."

_______________

Besides being a story of salvation and baptism, the above verses illustrate the power of prayer and praising God.

* * * * *

*In Acts 16:31, salvation was being offered to the jailer and his family. With their words Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house, Paul and Silas were telling the jailer that if he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ (or trusted in Jesus for salvation), he would be saved from hell and have the gift of eternal life, and, likewise, every one of his family members who 'believed on Jesus' would also be saved.
____________________

For the many people who are confused about household salvation, GotQuestions.org wrote an excellent article about it. The article is entitled "What does the Bible say about household salvation?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/household-salvation.html.

* * * * *

**"What is the proper mode of baptism?" is answered by GotQuestions.org in their article by the same name. If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/baptism-mode.html.

* * * * *

Notes from Linda:

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved in Acts 16: 31 means that if you believe that Jesus can save you (from hell), and you sincerely ask him to save you, you will be saved.

You can say a simple, short prayer (such as "Jesus, save me"), or a long and complicated prayer in your own words (confessing your sins to God, asking his forgiveness, etc.), or anything in between. As long as you mean what you say (and let me assure you that God always knows what's in your heart!), you will be saved.
____________________

When I got saved, I prayed something like this: "Jesus, please come into my heart and save me so I can go to heaven when I die." If you are not already saved, I hope you'll do the same.
____________________

If you want detailed information on the plan of salvation, visit the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. You'll find it here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

JULY 5
Psalm 1:1, 2, 3

Biblical Description of a Godly Person

Psalm 1:1: Blessed [happy] is the man [or 'person'] that walketh not [or 'does not walk'] in the counsel of the ungodly [meaning he (or she) does not take advice from unsaved people], nor standeth [or 'stand'] in the way of sinners [meaning he (or she) does not go where habitual sinners go], nor sitteth [or 'sit'] in the seat of the scornful [meaning he (or she) does not keep company (hang out, spend time, associate) with people who disrespect God and his followers and/or make fun of sin]."

Psalm 1:2: "But his [or her--the godly person's] delight is in the law of the LORD [as recorded in the Bible]; and in his [God's] law doth [does] he [or she] meditate day and night [which means that he (or she) is in the habit of reading and/or studying the Bible on a daily basis]."

Psalm 1:3: "And he [or she--the godly person] shall be like a [beautiful, healthy] tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth [or 'brings'] forth his [or 'its'] fruit in his [or 'its'] season [meaning at the proper time, or when the fruit is ripe)]; his [or 'its'--the tree's] leaf also shall not wither [become dry or shriveled--from drought (lack of water) and/or too much heat]; and whatsoever he doeth [or 'whatever he (or she)--the godly person--does,'] [in most cases,] shall prosper [flourish, thrive, succeed]."

_______________

The above verses list the characteristics of godly people. Basically, they have learned to stay away from bad people and ignore bad advice. They enjoy reading, studying, and obeying the Bible. They also take good care of themselves so they can be healthy and fruitful, both physically and spiritually (see note below), and full of life. As a result, godly people are generally happy and successful.
____________________

Note: By "healthy and fruitful, both physically and spiritually" in the above paragraph, I mean physically, concerning children (i.e., by being able to have children), and spiritually, like soul-winners are when they spread the gospel and help people get saved.

* * * * *

Here are some GotQuestions.org articles that relate to today's verses:

-- "What is the counsel of the ungodly, and how do we not walk in it (Psalm 1:1)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/counsel-of-the-ungodly.html)

-- "How do we delight in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/delight-in-the-law-of-the-Lord.html)

-- "What does it mean to be like a tree planted by the water (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/like-a-tree-planted-by-the-water.html)

JULY 4
Galatians 5:1

In a letter to the Christian churches in Galatia, warning them to beware of false teachers, the apostle Paul wrote:

Galatians 5:1: "Stand fast [be firm and unwavering] therefore in the liberty [freedom] [of the gospel (referring to God's plan of salvation--see Note 1 below)] wherewith [by which] Christ [Jesus] hath [has] made us [born-again Christians] free [from religious rites and ceremonies], and be not [or 'don't be'] entangled again with the yoke [see Note 2 below] of bondage [which meant that Galatian Christians shouldn't go back to being slaves to the law of Moses, especially to Jewish ceremonial law--see Note 3 below]."

_______________

Paul's warning to the Galatians in New Testament times also applies to present-day Christians.

* * * * *

NOTE 1:

There are many good articles on various websites that explain the plan of salvation. Here are two of them:

-- "What Must I Do to Be Saved?"
(https://www.salembible.org/salvation/)

-- "What is the Romans Road to salvation?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Romans-road-salvation.html)

* * * * *

NOTE 2:

Definition of yoke, according to Google: a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull.

* * * * *

NOTE 3:

Ceremonial law is explained in the following article: "What is the difference between the ceremonial law, the moral law, and the judicial law in the Old Testament?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/ceremonial-law.html.

* * * * *

TODAY IS INDEPENDENCE DAY
(An American Holiday)

As noted on the Internet, "Independence Day is a
U.S. holiday in commemoration of July 4, 1776, the day
on which the original 13 colonies of the United States
declared independence from British rule with the
adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

"Independence Day is popularly called (the) Fourth of
July. It's also called July Fourth or simply the Fourth.
It's a patriotic holiday that's often celebrated with
parades, family gatherings, fireworks, and displays
of red, white, and blue decorations, especially
the American flag …"

Note: Three years ago, Google published a cute cartoon
to celebrate the Fourth of July. In it, the "Google" letters
were celebrating the holiday with a backyard barbeque.
Click here to see that "Doodle" and read about
American barbeques:
https://www.google.com/doodles/fourth-of-july-2022

JULY 3

Jeremiah 17:7: "Blessed is the man [or woman or child] that trusteth [trusts] in the LORD [God--for salvation, help, protection, happiness, etc.], and whose hope [for the future] the LORD is [or 'whose hope (for the future) is in the LORD']."

JULY 1-2
1 Corinthians 7:8, 9

At a time when the Christian church at Corinth was undergoing persecution and trials, the apostle Paul wrote:

1 Corinthians 7:8-9: "I say therefore to the unmarried [men and women] and [to] widows [and widowers--i.e., people whose spouses have died], It is good for them if they abide [continue to be. or remain] [single or unmarried,] even as I [do, or am, now] [or 'like me']. But if they cannot contain [control] [their sexual thoughts and actions, or resist temptation], let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn [with lust, or with an overwhelming and unfulfilled desire or craving for sex]."

_______________

According to 1 Corinthians 6:18 and other verses in the Bible, fornication (i.e., sexual intercourse between people who are not married to one another) is wrong. Paul says that some people, like him, have no trouble living the single life, but those who cannot control their sexual desires, resist temptation, and avoid fornication should get married.

* * * * *

GotQuestions.org has an article about this verse. It's entitled "What does it mean that it is better to marry than to burn in 1 Corinthians 7:9?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/better-to-marry-than-to-burn.html.