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"
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"Verse of the Day"
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October 2023
OCTOBER 31
God Hates Disobedience and Witchcraft
1 Chronicles 10:13: "So [King] Saul died for his transgression [sin] which he committed against the LORD [i.e., disobedience--see note below*], even against the word [command] of the LORD [God], which he [Saul] kept not [did not obey], and also for asking counsel of [advice from] one [person] that had a familiar spirit [referring to the witch of Endor, who used her 'familiar spirit' (a supernatural spirit or demon who acted as her servant) to bring the prophet Samuel back from the dead)--see note below**], [in order] to inquire of [seek information from] it [the evil spirit];"
1 Chronicles 10:14: "And [Saul] inquired not of the LORD: therefore he [God] slew [killed] him [Saul], and turned the kingdom [of Israel] unto [over to] David the son of Jesse."
-- 1 Samuel 15:3-9: "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. … And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. … And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly."
-- "What are familiar spirits?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/familiar-spirits.html)
-- "Did the witch of Endor really summon Samuel from the dead (1 Samuel 28:7-20)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/witch-of-endor.html)
OCTOBER 28-30
Death Penalty for Murderers?
Proverbs 28:17: "A man [or woman or child] that doeth [does] violence to the blood of any person [referring to someone who intentionally commits murder] shall flee [run away] to the pit [a large hole or similar place in the ground, in order to hide himself (or herself)--or to the grave, by committing suicide in an attempt to escape from a guilty conscience]; let no man [or woman or child] stay [protect or help] him [or her--the person who 'doeth violence'] [in other words, no one should try to prevent the murderer from being found and punished]."
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In paragraph 3 of the commentary, Pastor Delany says that in Noah's time, "… The earth was full of violence and murder[,] so God destroyed them all [i.e., all the people] and started over." Then, "… As the post-flood world [i.e., the world as it was to exist after the flood] began, God commanded that murderers be put to death …"
This leads to a discussion about the death penalty. In paragraph 3h of the commentary, Pastor Delany asks, "WHY did God demand the death penalty for murderers?" This was his answer:
"• Because destroying the image of God [or 'Because destroying human beings' (who, according to Genesis 1:27, were created in the image of God)] through murder is open rebellion against God Himself.
"• God's purpose [for demanding the death penalty] was to PREVENT the world from being filled with violence again. It [murder] had to be dealt with severely.
"• Murder in society was to be treated like gangrene [dead tissue] in a body. If the gangrenous tissue isn't cut off--it will spread and destroy the whole [body].
"• Num. 35:33 -- Another reason for the death penalty was given to Israel.
"» The death penalty was necessary in Israel because murder defiles [spoils, pollutes] the land and is only cleansed by shedding [spilling] the blood of the murderer.
"» The shedding of the blood [or 'the death'] of the murderer has a cleansing effect--as well as a preventative effect.
"» It [the death penalty] was also necessary in Israel because God said that He dwelled [lived] in that land. He did not want to dwell in a land that was defiled by blood.
"» One must wonder what God must think of the USA and our murder rate--and (for what in practical terms amounts to) our lack of a death penalty."
Then follows an explanation of why a murderer may live in fear (i.e., due to a guilty conscience, fear of being caught, or fear of being punished by man and God) and why we shouldn't help murderers, even if they attempt to commit suicide.
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As you know, murder is intentional (pre-planned, pre-meditated), but manslaughter (the unintentional, unplanned killing of someone) can result from an accident or a "crime of passion". According to Pastor Delany, Proverbs 28:17 is warning us against murder because, just as uncontrolled lust leads to adultery (per Matthew 5:28), "… Uncontrolled anger leads to murder [Matthew 5:21,22]. It is the seed of murder." He added: "We might not think we are capable of murder or manslaughter--but so did a lot of men in prison for murder. Their anger got the best of them; they got in a fight that ended up in someone dying."
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The commentary ends with this:
"4. One final note: God's law of no mercy for the murderer is God's law for the STATE… for the government.
"a. The state is not to ignore murder. They are to deal with it harshly so that it minimizes the amount of murders.
"b. But on an individual level, we as individuals (especially as Christians) should show mercy to a murderer.
"c. Though the state [the government] needs to carry out its exercise of justice, on a personal level we as individuals can forgive them [the murderers].
"d. This is what [Jesus] Christ was getting at when He explained an 'eye for an eye.'
"• On a national level, justice is to be executed -- an eye for an eye.
"• But on a personal level, we are to turn the other cheek.
"e. As Christians we should want the government to carry out justice.
"• But we should also desire to show mercy to sinners of all stripes [all kinds] -- including murderers.
"• Murderers can be saved [spiritually, by being born again]. It [murder] is not an unpardonable sin."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-28-index/proverbs-28_17/.
OCTOBER 25-27
God as Righteous Judge on Judgment Day
Romans 2:6: "Who [referring to God] [on judgment day in heaven] will render to [or 'will reward or punish'] every man [and woman and child] according to his [or her--that person's] deeds [actions, things that have been done]:"
Romans 2:7: "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality [to those who are truly saved, have tried to do things that are pleasing to God, and look forward to having a home in heaven someday], [God will give] eternal life:"
Romans 2:8-9: "But unto them that are contentious [have rebelled against God], and do not obey the truth [of the gospel] [meaning they have not been saved (born again) according to the Bible], but [who] obey unrighteousness [meaning they have been the 'servants of sin'], [God will show his] indignation [strong displeasure] and wrath [anger], [and he will send] Tribulation [severe trials or suffering] and anguish [extreme pain and misery] [in hell], upon every soul of man that doeth [does] evil [referring to every person who is not saved], of the Jew [Jewish people] first, and also of the Gentile [non-Jews];"
Romans 2:10: "But glory, honour, and peace, [will be given] to every man [and woman and child] that worketh good [works good, or does good works] [meaning those who are saved and have tried to obey God's word], to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:"
Romans 2:11: "For there is no respect of persons with God [in other words, God treats everyone fairly and equally; he does not show favoritism]."
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For unbelievers, judgment will include everything that was thought, said, and done by them during their lifetime. It is based upon their past conduct (actual behavior), as well as their thoughts, motives (reasons for doing things), and moral principles (standards of behavior).
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For believers (born-again Christians), judgment will only cover our actions since we got saved.
"The Judgment of Believers"
"Only those who have trusted Christ as their Savior will be present at this judgment. Our meeting with [Jesus] Christ is a predestined event set by God Himself. From the day of our salvation, we have been accountable to Him for every word and deed, and God's desire is to reward us for how we have lived. We will be evaluated for what we have done with the gifts, abilities, talent, skills, relationships, vocations [careers, jobs, professions], and finances He's given us."
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A little farther down in the outline, Dr. Stanley adds this:
"There are three criteria [principles, standards] by which [Jesus] Christ will judge us."
"How much spiritual light we have had. When we are first saved, we know very little and will be judged accordingly. But after spending a lifetime in the Word of God [i.e., reading and studying the Bible], we will then be held responsible for the truth we now know.
"The opportunities God has given us. There will be no comparisons between people at the judgment because every person is uniquely created and gifted by God. Each one of us will give an account for what we've done with the opportunities He has given us. In whatever we do and however we're gifted, our ambition should be to live in a wise and godly manner that brings God glory and honor.
"How we have responded to the light of truth and the opportunities He's given us. What have we have done with what God entrusted to us. How have we spent our time? Christ will evaluate both our motives and our works. "
(Source: https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/your-convictions-about-the-judgment-of-the-believer)
Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) 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 for the plan of salvation, visit the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
OCTOBER 24
Excellent Advice From King David
Psalm 34:14: "Depart from [turn aside from, stay away from, stop doing] evil [things], and do good [things--to and for all people]; seek [try to achieve (obtain) and preserve (keep)] peace, and pursue it [when necessary, or, in other words, try to restore the peace (get it back) if lost]."
"… This denotes [indicates] that evil is near to men; it keeps close to them, and should be declined [refused] and shunned [avoided]: and it regards all sorts of evil; evil men, and their evil company; evil things, evil words and works [deeds], and all appearance of evil; and the fear of the Lord shows itself in an hatred of it [evil], and a departure from it, Proverbs 8:13 …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/psalms/34-14.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
"… Make it [peace] an object of desire, and put forth constant efforts to live in peace with all human beings. There can be no doubt that this is appropriate advice to one who wishes to lengthen out his days. We have only to remember how many [people] are cut down by indulging in a quarrelsome [argumentative], litigious [lawsuit-threatening], and contentious [controversial] spirit - by seeking revenge - by quarrels, duels, wars, and strife [conflict]- to see the wisdom of this counsel [advice]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/psalms-34.html, "Verse 14")
OCTOBER 22-23
Violence Doesn't Solve Problems
This happened in the Garden of Gethsemane, prior to (before) Jesus' crucifixion, when the mob (a large group of unruly, disorderly and disruptive, uncontrollable, rowdy people, consisting of Roman soldiers and the servants and officers of the high priest) came to arrest Jesus:
Matthew 26:51: "And, behold [see, observe, notice that], one of them which were with Jesus [referring to the apostle Peter, per John 18:10] stretched out his hand, and drew [pulled out] his sword [which was one of the two swords that the disciples were carrying for the purpose of self-defense--to protect themselves from attacks by robbers, etc.], and [Peter] struck [hit] a servant of the high priest's [whose name was Malchus] [with the sword], and smote [cut] off his [right] ear [see note below*]."
This concept is explained more fully in the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What does it mean to live by the sword and die by the sword?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/live-die-by-the-sword.html.
OCTOBER 21
One Way That God Protects Christians
These verses can be taken both literally and figuratively:
Psalm 37:14: "The wicked [people] have drawn out [withdrawn, removed] the sword [from its scabbard, or sheath (protective case)], and have bent their bow [by placing a foot on it and drawing the string back, in preparation for shooting an arrow], to cast down the poor and needy [people; e.g., to cause them to fall into sin, experience calamities (great misfortunes or disasters), etc.], and to slay [kill in a violent way] such as be of upright conversation [those who are living godly, moral lifestyles].
Psalm 37:15: [As for wicked people:] Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken [and rendered (made) useless]."
OCTOBER 18-20
Proverbs 18:1: "Through desire [by choice, due to personal cravings or desires,] a man [or woman or child], having separated himself [or herself] [from society, by keeping to himself (or herself) and avoiding interaction with others], seeketh [seeks] [his (or her) own way] and intermeddleth [intermeddles (interferes] with all wisdom [in other words, the person avoids taking advice from others and chooses to 'do his (or her) own thing']."
If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary and/or learn how Ted Kaczynski became known as the Unabomber, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-18-index/proverbs-18_1/.
"Evidently … 'He who separates himself [from other people]' does so because he wants his own way and does not want others to restrain him. Such an approach runs counter [opposite] to sound [reliable, true] wisdom because we all need input from other people to make wise decisions. It is unwise to be antisocial …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/18-1.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
OCTOBER 15-17
Jesus Died for Us, and He's Coming Back to Earth Someday Soon
The apostle Paul told Titus that Christians are:
Titus 2:13: "Looking [waiting] for that blessed hope [of eternal life], and the glorious appearing [at his 'second coming' to earth] of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ [i.e., the second person of the Godhead--see Note 1 below];"
Titus 2:14: "Who [referring to Jesus] gave himself [as a living sacrifice for sin (1 John 2:2, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Hebrews 9:25,26, Hebrews 10:12) when he died on the cross] for us [i.e., for all sinners, or everyone in the world], [so] that he might redeem us from all iniquity [pay our sin debt], and purify unto himself [cleanse and make holy] a peculiar [special] people [i.e., born-again Christians, who are saved through faith (not works) and who, after salvation, belong to the Lord], [and who are] zealous of [eager to do] good works [good deeds and other things that are pleasing to God] [see Note 2 below].
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Hopefully, you're also saved and looking forward to Jesus' return, but if not, please don't put it off. If you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son and Messiah) 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. You only need to do it once, and you're saved forever.
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For a more detailed explanation of the plan of salvation, please read one or more of the gospel tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
Jesus Christ (Son of God, or God the Son) is part of the Trinity, which means that the Godhead consists of three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For more information on the Trinity, which may be a hard concept for some people to understand, read the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Trinity-Bible.html.
Regarding the statement in Titus 2:14 that Jesus wants Christians to be zealous of good works, one Bible commentator wrote:
"… I once undertook a study on the idea of zealots. My premise was that the zealots of the New Testament were not the dread plague of that day, but rather men that were properly motivated to do as they should, but misdirected. [The apostle] Paul himself was a zealot in his pursuit of [chasing after] the early Christians, but he was misdirected. After his conversion [to Christianity], he was a zealot for the Lord in the proper direction.
"Many [people] through the ages [throughout history] were zealots. Zealot is not a derogatory [disrespectful, disparaging] term; it is a term to describe the zeal [enthusiasm] with which they do their job. I [Stanley Derickson, who wrote this commentary] feel that through the years[,] that I have been a zealot. I have pushed to do what God has directed all my born again [or Christian] life. I believe that many pastors and missionaries are true zealots today.
"This verse tells me [Stanley Derickson] that I have a Biblical basis for that thinking. Zealous of good works! Many believers [Christians] today never do any good works much less be zealous to do good works …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/sdn/titus-2.html, "Derickson's Notes on Selected Books," "Verse 14")
OCTOBER 14
Galatians 5:14: "For all [of] the law [of Moses, referring to the moral law, as stated in the Ten Commandments (specifically, Commandments 5-10, regarding everyone's duty to mankind, or how we should treat others)--see note below*] is fulfilled in one word ['love'], even in this [statement, as quoted from Leviticus 19:18]; Thou shalt [you shall] love thy [your] neighbour as [much as you love] thyself [yourself]: I am the LORD."
Exodus 20:2: "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee [Israel] out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."
[1] Exodus 20:3: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
[2] Exodus 20:4,5,6: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity [sins] of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
[3] Exodus 20:7: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."
[4] Exodus 20:8,9,10,11: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
[5] Exodus 20:12: "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
[6] Exodus 20:13: "Thou shalt not kill."
[7] Exodus 20:14: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
[8] Exodus 20:15: "Thou shalt not steal."
[9] Exodus 20:16: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against [tell lies about] thy neighbour."
[10] Exodus 20:17: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
OCTOBER 12-13
Because Job had been greatly blessed by God, Satan asked God the following question:
Job 1:10: "Hast not thou [have you not] made an hedge [in this case, an invisible wall of protection] about [around] him [Job], and about his house [household, or everyone who lives in his house (i.e., his family and servants)], and about all that he hath [has] on every side [i.e., all of his possessions, including livestock (oxen, camels, sheep, etc.)]? thou hast [you (God) have] blessed the work of his hands [or 'everything that he (Job) does'], and [as a result,] his substance [referring to things like his cattle and riches] is increased in the land."
OCTOBER 11
Hebrews 4:13: "Neither is there any creature [in this case, human being] that is not manifest [clearly visible] in his [God's] sight [which, along with Hebrews 4:12, means that there is no person whose thoughts and deeds (actions) are not wholly (fully, completely) known to God]: but all things are naked and opened [exposed] unto the eyes of him [God] with whom we have to do [something important … or, specifically, 'to whom we must give an account'] [on judgment day]."
"… Who would wish the world to read all his thoughts and feelings for a single day? Who would wish his best friends to look in upon his naked soul as we can look into a room through a window? O what blushes [shame, embarrassment] and confusion; what a hanging down of the head, and what an effort to escape from the gaze of people would there be, if every one knew that all his secret feelings were seen by every person whom he met! Social enjoyment would end; and the now frivolous [silly, foolish, lighthearted] and blithe [careless, thoughtless] multitudes [crowds] in the streets would become processions of downcast [discouraged] and blushing convicts. And yet all these are known to God. He reads every thought; sees every feeling; looks through the whole soul. How careful should we be to keep our hearts pure; how anxious that there should be nothing in the soul that we are not willing to have known! …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/hebrews-4.html, "Verse 13")
OCTOBER 8-10
Some Christians Never "Grow Up"
In a letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul compared spiritually immature Christians to babies. He wrote:
1 Corinthians 3:1: "And I, brethren [my brothers and sisters in Christ, or fellow Christians], could not speak unto you as [I (Paul) would speak] unto spiritual [people; i.e., mature, 'grown-up,' knowledgeable, experienced Christians], but [I spoke to you] as [I would speak] unto carnal [Christians] [see note below*], [and] even as [I would speak] unto babes in Christ [meaning new, or 'baby,' Christians]."
1 Corinthians 3:2: "I have fed you with milk [I (Paul) have taught only the basic parts of the gospel, such as the new birth, repentance, faith, etc.], and not with meat [not with the more profound (deeper, more difficult and complicated) doctrines of the Christian religion]: for hitherto [in the past] ye were not able to bear it [you could not understand those things], neither yet now are ye able [to bear it, or 'nor are you able to understand those things now']."
1 Corinthians 3:3: "For ye are yet [you are still] carnal [Christians]: for whereas [since] there is among you envying [jealousy], and strife [disagreements], and divisions, are ye not [are you not, or aren't you] carnal [worldly minded], and [do you not, or don't you] walk [through life] as men [or 'as human beings' … or 'don't you act like unsaved people']?"
OCTOBER 5-7
The Heavenly City: New Jerusalem
Describing what he saw in a vision concerning future events, the apostle John wrote:
Revelation 21:27: "And there shall in no wise [by no means] enter into it [God's holy city, New Jerusalem, in heaven] any thing that defileth [defiles, or is unholy or sinful], neither whatsoever worketh [works] abomination [meaning anyone whose conduct is offensive to God], or [anyone who] maketh [makes or tells] a lie: but [only] they which [those whose names] are written in the Lamb's [Jesus'] book of life [i.e., people who are saved, or born again]."
-- https://www.mansioninheaven.com/Index2.html
(Read only)
-- https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html
(Scroll down to "Mansion in Heaven Tract" to read online and/or print)
OCTOBER 2-4
The King of Judah Receives a Warning From God
2 Chronicles 25:7: "But there came a man of God [a prophet] to him [Amaziah, king of Judah], saying, O king, let not [don't let] the army of Israel [consisting of 100,000 men that the king had hired] go [to war against Edom] with thee [with you and your army]; for [because] the LORD is not with Israel, to wit [namely], with all the children of Ephraim [referring to the ten tribes that made up the northern kingdom of Israel]."
Note re verse 7: The reason God was not with the Israelites at this time was because they were idolaters (i.e., they 'worshiped the calves') and had forsaken (abandoned or deserted) the Lord.
2 Chronicles 25:8: "But if thou wilt [if you will] go [with them anyway, despite my warning], do it, be strong for the battle: [however,] God shall make thee [you] fall [down] before the enemy: for God hath power to help [you win the war], and to cast down [make you lose, allow you to be defeated]."
"… What good could be expected from those that had not [did not have] God with them, nor [or 'and did not have'] his blessings upon their undertakings? It is comfortable to employ those who, we have reason to hope, have an interest in heaven, and dangerous to associate with those from whom the Lord has departed. The prophet assured him [King Amaziah] that if he persisted in his resolution to take these idolatrous apostate Israelites with him, in hopes thereby to make himself strong for the battle, it was at his peril [risk of being in danger]; they would prove a dead weight to his army, would sink and betray it: 'God shall make thee fall before the enemy, and these Israelites will be the ruin of thy cause; for God has power to help thee without them, and to cast thee down though thou hast them with thee.'''
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/2-chronicles/25.html, "v. 7, 8")
OCTOBER 1
1 Timothy 5:8: "But if any [born-again Christian] provide not [does not provide basic necessities (food, clothing, shelter, etc.)] for his [or her] own [people, meaning relatives who need help], and [e]specially for those of his [or her] own house [household, family; i.e., people who live with him (or her)], he [or she] hath [has] denied the [Christian] faith, and is worse than an infidel [unbeliever]."
God Hates Disobedience and Witchcraft
1 Chronicles 10:13: "So [King] Saul died for his transgression [sin] which he committed against the LORD [i.e., disobedience--see note below*], even against the word [command] of the LORD [God], which he [Saul] kept not [did not obey], and also for asking counsel of [advice from] one [person] that had a familiar spirit [referring to the witch of Endor, who used her 'familiar spirit' (a supernatural spirit or demon who acted as her servant) to bring the prophet Samuel back from the dead)--see note below**], [in order] to inquire of [seek information from] it [the evil spirit];"
1 Chronicles 10:14: "And [Saul] inquired not of the LORD: therefore he [God] slew [killed] him [Saul], and turned the kingdom [of Israel] unto [over to] David the son of Jesse."
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*The sin this is referring to is probably King Saul's refusal to obey God's instructions to kill everything (people and animals) and to destroy everything (both good and bad) in the city of Amalek:-- 1 Samuel 15:3-9: "Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. … And Saul said unto the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them: for ye shewed kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. … And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly."
* * * * *
**For more information on familiar spirits and the witch of Endor, read these articles:-- "What are familiar spirits?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/familiar-spirits.html)
-- "Did the witch of Endor really summon Samuel from the dead (1 Samuel 28:7-20)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/witch-of-endor.html)
OCTOBER 28-30
Death Penalty for Murderers?
Proverbs 28:17: "A man [or woman or child] that doeth [does] violence to the blood of any person [referring to someone who intentionally commits murder] shall flee [run away] to the pit [a large hole or similar place in the ground, in order to hide himself (or herself)--or to the grave, by committing suicide in an attempt to escape from a guilty conscience]; let no man [or woman or child] stay [protect or help] him [or her--the person who 'doeth violence'] [in other words, no one should try to prevent the murderer from being found and punished]."
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Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on this verse, which "teaches us what our attitude ought to be towards murder and murderers."____________________
In paragraph 3 of the commentary, Pastor Delany says that in Noah's time, "… The earth was full of violence and murder[,] so God destroyed them all [i.e., all the people] and started over." Then, "… As the post-flood world [i.e., the world as it was to exist after the flood] began, God commanded that murderers be put to death …"
This leads to a discussion about the death penalty. In paragraph 3h of the commentary, Pastor Delany asks, "WHY did God demand the death penalty for murderers?" This was his answer:
"• Because destroying the image of God [or 'Because destroying human beings' (who, according to Genesis 1:27, were created in the image of God)] through murder is open rebellion against God Himself.
"• God's purpose [for demanding the death penalty] was to PREVENT the world from being filled with violence again. It [murder] had to be dealt with severely.
"• Murder in society was to be treated like gangrene [dead tissue] in a body. If the gangrenous tissue isn't cut off--it will spread and destroy the whole [body].
"• Num. 35:33 -- Another reason for the death penalty was given to Israel.
"» The death penalty was necessary in Israel because murder defiles [spoils, pollutes] the land and is only cleansed by shedding [spilling] the blood of the murderer.
"» The shedding of the blood [or 'the death'] of the murderer has a cleansing effect--as well as a preventative effect.
"» It [the death penalty] was also necessary in Israel because God said that He dwelled [lived] in that land. He did not want to dwell in a land that was defiled by blood.
"» One must wonder what God must think of the USA and our murder rate--and (for what in practical terms amounts to) our lack of a death penalty."
Then follows an explanation of why a murderer may live in fear (i.e., due to a guilty conscience, fear of being caught, or fear of being punished by man and God) and why we shouldn't help murderers, even if they attempt to commit suicide.
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As you know, murder is intentional (pre-planned, pre-meditated), but manslaughter (the unintentional, unplanned killing of someone) can result from an accident or a "crime of passion". According to Pastor Delany, Proverbs 28:17 is warning us against murder because, just as uncontrolled lust leads to adultery (per Matthew 5:28), "… Uncontrolled anger leads to murder [Matthew 5:21,22]. It is the seed of murder." He added: "We might not think we are capable of murder or manslaughter--but so did a lot of men in prison for murder. Their anger got the best of them; they got in a fight that ended up in someone dying."
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The commentary ends with this:
"4. One final note: God's law of no mercy for the murderer is God's law for the STATE… for the government.
"a. The state is not to ignore murder. They are to deal with it harshly so that it minimizes the amount of murders.
"b. But on an individual level, we as individuals (especially as Christians) should show mercy to a murderer.
"c. Though the state [the government] needs to carry out its exercise of justice, on a personal level we as individuals can forgive them [the murderers].
"d. This is what [Jesus] Christ was getting at when He explained an 'eye for an eye.'
"• On a national level, justice is to be executed -- an eye for an eye.
"• But on a personal level, we are to turn the other cheek.
"e. As Christians we should want the government to carry out justice.
"• But we should also desire to show mercy to sinners of all stripes [all kinds] -- including murderers.
"• Murderers can be saved [spiritually, by being born again]. It [murder] is not an unpardonable sin."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-28-index/proverbs-28_17/.
OCTOBER 25-27
God as Righteous Judge on Judgment Day
Romans 2:6: "Who [referring to God] [on judgment day in heaven] will render to [or 'will reward or punish'] every man [and woman and child] according to his [or her--that person's] deeds [actions, things that have been done]:"
Romans 2:7: "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality [to those who are truly saved, have tried to do things that are pleasing to God, and look forward to having a home in heaven someday], [God will give] eternal life:"
Romans 2:8-9: "But unto them that are contentious [have rebelled against God], and do not obey the truth [of the gospel] [meaning they have not been saved (born again) according to the Bible], but [who] obey unrighteousness [meaning they have been the 'servants of sin'], [God will show his] indignation [strong displeasure] and wrath [anger], [and he will send] Tribulation [severe trials or suffering] and anguish [extreme pain and misery] [in hell], upon every soul of man that doeth [does] evil [referring to every person who is not saved], of the Jew [Jewish people] first, and also of the Gentile [non-Jews];"
Romans 2:10: "But glory, honour, and peace, [will be given] to every man [and woman and child] that worketh good [works good, or does good works] [meaning those who are saved and have tried to obey God's word], to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:"
Romans 2:11: "For there is no respect of persons with God [in other words, God treats everyone fairly and equally; he does not show favoritism]."
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In heaven one day, all people (both saved and unsaved, believers and unbelievers) will stand before the throne of Almighty God, who is a holy and righteous judge, and be rewarded or punished as we deserve, according to our actions while we lived on earth.____________________
For unbelievers, judgment will include everything that was thought, said, and done by them during their lifetime. It is based upon their past conduct (actual behavior), as well as their thoughts, motives (reasons for doing things), and moral principles (standards of behavior).
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For believers (born-again Christians), judgment will only cover our actions since we got saved.
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Here is part of what Dr. Charles F. Stanley, a Baptist pastor, and founder and president of In Touch Ministries, said in his sermon entitled "Your Convictions About the Judgment of the Believer [which takes place at the judgment seat of Christ]":"The Judgment of Believers"
"Only those who have trusted Christ as their Savior will be present at this judgment. Our meeting with [Jesus] Christ is a predestined event set by God Himself. From the day of our salvation, we have been accountable to Him for every word and deed, and God's desire is to reward us for how we have lived. We will be evaluated for what we have done with the gifts, abilities, talent, skills, relationships, vocations [careers, jobs, professions], and finances He's given us."
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A little farther down in the outline, Dr. Stanley adds this:
"There are three criteria [principles, standards] by which [Jesus] Christ will judge us."
"How much spiritual light we have had. When we are first saved, we know very little and will be judged accordingly. But after spending a lifetime in the Word of God [i.e., reading and studying the Bible], we will then be held responsible for the truth we now know.
"The opportunities God has given us. There will be no comparisons between people at the judgment because every person is uniquely created and gifted by God. Each one of us will give an account for what we've done with the opportunities He has given us. In whatever we do and however we're gifted, our ambition should be to live in a wise and godly manner that brings God glory and honor.
"How we have responded to the light of truth and the opportunities He's given us. What have we have done with what God entrusted to us. How have we spent our time? Christ will evaluate both our motives and our works. "
(Source: https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/your-convictions-about-the-judgment-of-the-believer)
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Note: If you want to appear at the judgment seat of Christ rather than the Great White Throne Judgment, you need to be saved. Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) 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 for the plan of salvation, visit the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
OCTOBER 24
Excellent Advice From King David
Psalm 34:14: "Depart from [turn aside from, stay away from, stop doing] evil [things], and do good [things--to and for all people]; seek [try to achieve (obtain) and preserve (keep)] peace, and pursue it [when necessary, or, in other words, try to restore the peace (get it back) if lost]."
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Regarding the first part of this verse, about departing from evil, John Gill wrote:"… This denotes [indicates] that evil is near to men; it keeps close to them, and should be declined [refused] and shunned [avoided]: and it regards all sorts of evil; evil men, and their evil company; evil things, evil words and works [deeds], and all appearance of evil; and the fear of the Lord shows itself in an hatred of it [evil], and a departure from it, Proverbs 8:13 …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/psalms/34-14.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")
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Commenting on the last part of this verse, about pursuing peace, Albert Barnes wrote:"… Make it [peace] an object of desire, and put forth constant efforts to live in peace with all human beings. There can be no doubt that this is appropriate advice to one who wishes to lengthen out his days. We have only to remember how many [people] are cut down by indulging in a quarrelsome [argumentative], litigious [lawsuit-threatening], and contentious [controversial] spirit - by seeking revenge - by quarrels, duels, wars, and strife [conflict]- to see the wisdom of this counsel [advice]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/psalms-34.html, "Verse 14")
OCTOBER 22-23
Violence Doesn't Solve Problems
This happened in the Garden of Gethsemane, prior to (before) Jesus' crucifixion, when the mob (a large group of unruly, disorderly and disruptive, uncontrollable, rowdy people, consisting of Roman soldiers and the servants and officers of the high priest) came to arrest Jesus:
Matthew 26:51: "And, behold [see, observe, notice that], one of them which were with Jesus [referring to the apostle Peter, per John 18:10] stretched out his hand, and drew [pulled out] his sword [which was one of the two swords that the disciples were carrying for the purpose of self-defense--to protect themselves from attacks by robbers, etc.], and [Peter] struck [hit] a servant of the high priest's [whose name was Malchus] [with the sword], and smote [cut] off his [right] ear [see note below*]."
Note: According to Luke 22:51, shortly after
Peter cut off the servant's ear, Jesus healed it.
Matthew 26:52: "Then said Jesus unto him [Peter], Put up again thy [your] sword into his place [into its sheath (protective covering)]: for [or 'because'] all they that take the sword [and use it, not for the purposes of justice, but due to hatred, anger, a desire for revenge, etc.] shall perish with [die by] the sword."Peter cut off the servant's ear, Jesus healed it.
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"Live by the sword, die by the sword" is a common saying that came from these verses. It means that violent acts (all of them, not just those committed with a sword) usually result in more violence and death.This concept is explained more fully in the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What does it mean to live by the sword and die by the sword?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/live-die-by-the-sword.html.
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*GotQuestions.org also has an article that answers the following question: "Why did Peter cut off the ear of Malchus, one of the people trying to arrest Jesus?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Peter-cut-off-ear-Malchus.html.OCTOBER 21
One Way That God Protects Christians
These verses can be taken both literally and figuratively:
Psalm 37:14: "The wicked [people] have drawn out [withdrawn, removed] the sword [from its scabbard, or sheath (protective case)], and have bent their bow [by placing a foot on it and drawing the string back, in preparation for shooting an arrow], to cast down the poor and needy [people; e.g., to cause them to fall into sin, experience calamities (great misfortunes or disasters), etc.], and to slay [kill in a violent way] such as be of upright conversation [those who are living godly, moral lifestyles].
Psalm 37:15: [As for wicked people:] Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken [and rendered (made) useless]."
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In other words, when bad people try to harm or kill "good" people, especially Christians, through word and/or deed (with bows and arrows, swords, guns, etc.), their plans will often backfire or be prevented (by God) from succeeding.OCTOBER 18-20
Proverbs 18:1: "Through desire [by choice, due to personal cravings or desires,] a man [or woman or child], having separated himself [or herself] [from society, by keeping to himself (or herself) and avoiding interaction with others], seeketh [seeks] [his (or her) own way] and intermeddleth [intermeddles (interferes] with all wisdom [in other words, the person avoids taking advice from others and chooses to 'do his (or her) own thing']."
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In his commentary, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says that this verse is apparently speaking about people who are loners and recluses [hermits]. They avoid social contact and reject the wisdom of counselors and eventually "develop bizarre and unusual thought patterns." Ted Kaczynski, the "Unabomber," is a good example of what sometimes can happen to this type of person.If you want to read Pastor Delany's commentary and/or learn how Ted Kaczynski became known as the Unabomber, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-18-index/proverbs-18_1/.
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Another Bible commentator wrote:"Evidently … 'He who separates himself [from other people]' does so because he wants his own way and does not want others to restrain him. Such an approach runs counter [opposite] to sound [reliable, true] wisdom because we all need input from other people to make wise decisions. It is unwise to be antisocial …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/18-1.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")
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In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic (which began in March of 2020), many people around the world were ordered to "separate themselves" from society (through lockdowns, quarantines, etc.). Vaccines were finally developed and helped to get the pandemic under control. According to Pastor Delany and Dr. Constable [quoted above], keeping to ourselves is a bad thing, so it was very good when people were finally allowed to leave their homes, return to work, attend church services, eat at restaurants, get haircuts, go to the beach, etc. COVID is still around, but not as bad as before, and anyone who is concerned about spreading it or catching it can continue to do things like wear face masks and practice social distancing so they can associate with other people and no longer be alone.OCTOBER 15-17
Jesus Died for Us, and He's Coming Back to Earth Someday Soon
The apostle Paul told Titus that Christians are:
Titus 2:13: "Looking [waiting] for that blessed hope [of eternal life], and the glorious appearing [at his 'second coming' to earth] of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ [i.e., the second person of the Godhead--see Note 1 below];"
Titus 2:14: "Who [referring to Jesus] gave himself [as a living sacrifice for sin (1 John 2:2, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Hebrews 9:25,26, Hebrews 10:12) when he died on the cross] for us [i.e., for all sinners, or everyone in the world], [so] that he might redeem us from all iniquity [pay our sin debt], and purify unto himself [cleanse and make holy] a peculiar [special] people [i.e., born-again Christians, who are saved through faith (not works) and who, after salvation, belong to the Lord], [and who are] zealous of [eager to do] good works [good deeds and other things that are pleasing to God] [see Note 2 below].
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Jesus Christ is both Savior and God, and we who are saved (or 'born again,' according to the Bible) look forward to his return.____________________
Hopefully, you're also saved and looking forward to Jesus' return, but if not, please don't put it off. If you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son and Messiah) 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. You only need to do it once, and you're saved forever.
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For a more detailed explanation of the plan of salvation, please read one or more of the gospel tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
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NOTE 1:Jesus Christ (Son of God, or God the Son) is part of the Trinity, which means that the Godhead consists of three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For more information on the Trinity, which may be a hard concept for some people to understand, read the GotQuestions.org article entitled "What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Trinity-Bible.html.
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NOTE 2:Regarding the statement in Titus 2:14 that Jesus wants Christians to be zealous of good works, one Bible commentator wrote:
"… I once undertook a study on the idea of zealots. My premise was that the zealots of the New Testament were not the dread plague of that day, but rather men that were properly motivated to do as they should, but misdirected. [The apostle] Paul himself was a zealot in his pursuit of [chasing after] the early Christians, but he was misdirected. After his conversion [to Christianity], he was a zealot for the Lord in the proper direction.
"Many [people] through the ages [throughout history] were zealots. Zealot is not a derogatory [disrespectful, disparaging] term; it is a term to describe the zeal [enthusiasm] with which they do their job. I [Stanley Derickson, who wrote this commentary] feel that through the years[,] that I have been a zealot. I have pushed to do what God has directed all my born again [or Christian] life. I believe that many pastors and missionaries are true zealots today.
"This verse tells me [Stanley Derickson] that I have a Biblical basis for that thinking. Zealous of good works! Many believers [Christians] today never do any good works much less be zealous to do good works …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/sdn/titus-2.html, "Derickson's Notes on Selected Books," "Verse 14")
OCTOBER 14
Galatians 5:14: "For all [of] the law [of Moses, referring to the moral law, as stated in the Ten Commandments (specifically, Commandments 5-10, regarding everyone's duty to mankind, or how we should treat others)--see note below*] is fulfilled in one word ['love'], even in this [statement, as quoted from Leviticus 19:18]; Thou shalt [you shall] love thy [your] neighbour as [much as you love] thyself [yourself]: I am the LORD."
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Regarding the above verse, you may be familiar with a similar thought, expressed in 1 Peter 4:8, that charity, or love, covers a multitude of sins.* * * * *
*The Ten Commandments:Exodus 20:2: "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee [Israel] out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."
[1] Exodus 20:3: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
[2] Exodus 20:4,5,6: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity [sins] of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."
[3] Exodus 20:7: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."
[4] Exodus 20:8,9,10,11: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
[5] Exodus 20:12: "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."
[6] Exodus 20:13: "Thou shalt not kill."
[7] Exodus 20:14: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
[8] Exodus 20:15: "Thou shalt not steal."
[9] Exodus 20:16: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against [tell lies about] thy neighbour."
[10] Exodus 20:17: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
OCTOBER 12-13
Because Job had been greatly blessed by God, Satan asked God the following question:
Job 1:10: "Hast not thou [have you not] made an hedge [in this case, an invisible wall of protection] about [around] him [Job], and about his house [household, or everyone who lives in his house (i.e., his family and servants)], and about all that he hath [has] on every side [i.e., all of his possessions, including livestock (oxen, camels, sheep, etc.)]? thou hast [you (God) have] blessed the work of his hands [or 'everything that he (Job) does'], and [as a result,] his substance [referring to things like his cattle and riches] is increased in the land."
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Note: In response to the above question, Satan was given permission by God to test Job's faith.* * * * *
Satan thought that the only reason Job loved and served God was because God had been protecting him and his family from harm and had made them rich. Through Job's various trials, Satan found out that his assumption was wrong.* * * * *
For detailed background information on Job, please read the following article: "Who was Job in the Bible?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Job.html.OCTOBER 11
Hebrews 4:13: "Neither is there any creature [in this case, human being] that is not manifest [clearly visible] in his [God's] sight [which, along with Hebrews 4:12, means that there is no person whose thoughts and deeds (actions) are not wholly (fully, completely) known to God]: but all things are naked and opened [exposed] unto the eyes of him [God] with whom we have to do [something important … or, specifically, 'to whom we must give an account'] [on judgment day]."
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In other words, God is omniscient, which means that he knows and sees everything.* * * * *
Albert Barnes had an interesting comment on the above verse:"… Who would wish the world to read all his thoughts and feelings for a single day? Who would wish his best friends to look in upon his naked soul as we can look into a room through a window? O what blushes [shame, embarrassment] and confusion; what a hanging down of the head, and what an effort to escape from the gaze of people would there be, if every one knew that all his secret feelings were seen by every person whom he met! Social enjoyment would end; and the now frivolous [silly, foolish, lighthearted] and blithe [careless, thoughtless] multitudes [crowds] in the streets would become processions of downcast [discouraged] and blushing convicts. And yet all these are known to God. He reads every thought; sees every feeling; looks through the whole soul. How careful should we be to keep our hearts pure; how anxious that there should be nothing in the soul that we are not willing to have known! …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/hebrews-4.html, "Verse 13")
OCTOBER 8-10
Some Christians Never "Grow Up"
In a letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul compared spiritually immature Christians to babies. He wrote:
1 Corinthians 3:1: "And I, brethren [my brothers and sisters in Christ, or fellow Christians], could not speak unto you as [I (Paul) would speak] unto spiritual [people; i.e., mature, 'grown-up,' knowledgeable, experienced Christians], but [I spoke to you] as [I would speak] unto carnal [Christians] [see note below*], [and] even as [I would speak] unto babes in Christ [meaning new, or 'baby,' Christians]."
1 Corinthians 3:2: "I have fed you with milk [I (Paul) have taught only the basic parts of the gospel, such as the new birth, repentance, faith, etc.], and not with meat [not with the more profound (deeper, more difficult and complicated) doctrines of the Christian religion]: for hitherto [in the past] ye were not able to bear it [you could not understand those things], neither yet now are ye able [to bear it, or 'nor are you able to understand those things now']."
1 Corinthians 3:3: "For ye are yet [you are still] carnal [Christians]: for whereas [since] there is among you envying [jealousy], and strife [disagreements], and divisions, are ye not [are you not, or aren't you] carnal [worldly minded], and [do you not, or don't you] walk [through life] as men [or 'as human beings' … or 'don't you act like unsaved people']?"
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*Carnal Christians are still under the influence of fleshly appetites (worldly desires) because they covet (crave) and live for the things of this life rather than the things of God.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has an article about carnal Christians. It's entitled "What is a carnal Christian?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/carnal-Christian.html.OCTOBER 5-7
The Heavenly City: New Jerusalem
Describing what he saw in a vision concerning future events, the apostle John wrote:
Revelation 21:27: "And there shall in no wise [by no means] enter into it [God's holy city, New Jerusalem, in heaven] any thing that defileth [defiles, or is unholy or sinful], neither whatsoever worketh [works] abomination [meaning anyone whose conduct is offensive to God], or [anyone who] maketh [makes or tells] a lie: but [only] they which [those whose names] are written in the Lamb's [Jesus'] book of life [i.e., people who are saved, or born again]."
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As stated in the above verse, if you want to go to heaven someday and live with other Christians in the city of New Jerusalem, your name must be written in the Lamb's book of life. That will happen if you follow the instructions in most gospel tracts, including my "Mansion" tract, which uses Bible verses from the book of Romans (i.e., the "Romans Road") to explain the plan of salvation. You can find my tract on my website in two different formats:-- https://www.mansioninheaven.com/Index2.html
(Read only)
-- https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html
(Scroll down to "Mansion in Heaven Tract" to read online and/or print)
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An article entitled "What is the New Jerusalem?" contains detailed information about the wonderful place that John saw in his vision. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/new-jerusalem.html.OCTOBER 2-4
The King of Judah Receives a Warning From God
2 Chronicles 25:7: "But there came a man of God [a prophet] to him [Amaziah, king of Judah], saying, O king, let not [don't let] the army of Israel [consisting of 100,000 men that the king had hired] go [to war against Edom] with thee [with you and your army]; for [because] the LORD is not with Israel, to wit [namely], with all the children of Ephraim [referring to the ten tribes that made up the northern kingdom of Israel]."
Note re verse 7: The reason God was not with the Israelites at this time was because they were idolaters (i.e., they 'worshiped the calves') and had forsaken (abandoned or deserted) the Lord.
2 Chronicles 25:8: "But if thou wilt [if you will] go [with them anyway, despite my warning], do it, be strong for the battle: [however,] God shall make thee [you] fall [down] before the enemy: for God hath power to help [you win the war], and to cast down [make you lose, allow you to be defeated]."
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In other words, we must obey God's commands or face the consequences.* * * * *
This is what Matthew Henry said in his commentary on these verses:"… What good could be expected from those that had not [did not have] God with them, nor [or 'and did not have'] his blessings upon their undertakings? It is comfortable to employ those who, we have reason to hope, have an interest in heaven, and dangerous to associate with those from whom the Lord has departed. The prophet assured him [King Amaziah] that if he persisted in his resolution to take these idolatrous apostate Israelites with him, in hopes thereby to make himself strong for the battle, it was at his peril [risk of being in danger]; they would prove a dead weight to his army, would sink and betray it: 'God shall make thee fall before the enemy, and these Israelites will be the ruin of thy cause; for God has power to help thee without them, and to cast thee down though thou hast them with thee.'''
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/2-chronicles/25.html, "v. 7, 8")
OCTOBER 1
1 Timothy 5:8: "But if any [born-again Christian] provide not [does not provide basic necessities (food, clothing, shelter, etc.)] for his [or her] own [people, meaning relatives who need help], and [e]specially for those of his [or her] own house [household, family; i.e., people who live with him (or her)], he [or she] hath [has] denied the [Christian] faith, and is worse than an infidel [unbeliever]."
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As Christians, we're supposed to set an example for others. Even unbelievers normally take care of their families, so at the very least, we should do the same.* * * * *
1 Timothy 5:8 may be the Bible verse (or one of them) that inspired the following saying: "Charity begins at home."
