Daily Bible Nugget #942, Acts 2:32

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Acts 2:32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. (KJV)

Acts 2:32 I mean Jesus whom God raised from the dead, to which fact we are all witnesses, (Williams NT)

My Comment:

I made reference to Acts 2:32 in my previous post.

This post, it is my purpose to give the cross references for the clause, “whereof we all are witnesses” by printing out the full text so that anyone can see by reading this collection of verses that the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is a major, if not central theme, in the New Testament:

whereof we all are witnesses

Acts 2:24
24  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
King James Version

Acts 1:8
8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
King James Version

Acts 1:22
22  Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
King James Version

Acts 3:15
15  And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
King James Version

Acts 4:20
20  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
King James Version

Acts 4:33
33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
King James Version

Acts 5:31
31  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
King James Version
Acts 5:32
32  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
King James Version

Acts 10:39-41
39  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
King James Version

Acts 13:31
31  And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
King James Version

Luke 24:46-48
46  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48  And ye are witnesses of these things.
King James Version

John 15:27
27  And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
King James Version

John 20:26-31
26  And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
30  And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
King James Version

1 Corinthians 15:4
4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
King James Version

1 Corinthians 15:15
15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
King James Version

Hebrews 13:20
20  Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
King James Version

1 Peter 1:21
21  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
King James Version

1 Peter 5:1
1  The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
King James Version

1 John 1:2
2  (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
King James Version

There are many more verses which relate to this important central theme of the New Testament, but those I have selected and presented above abundantly demonstrate the point that the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Third Day was the subject of the original Apostolic witness to Christ, and must be the central theme of our witness today if we are to be true to the command of Christ in Acts 1:8.

Any ministry which does not include this Bible theme as a central, major part of their teaching is false to the Scriptures and disobedient to our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Posted in Apologetics--Christian, Daily Bible Nuggets, Doctrinal Discussions, False Religions | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Short Version of my Three Questions

Posted on April 26, 2025 by Jerry

 

I ask JW’s 3 questions: (1) Why did Jesus come? (2) What did the original apostles give witness to? (3) What is meant by bodily resurrection and is it necessary to believe?

Where the answers are found:

Question 1 = Luke 19:10

Question 2 = Acts 2:32 and its cross references

Question 3 = Romans 10:9

Link to the long version:

Three Questions

Posted in Apologetics Issues--Other Faiths, Doctrinal Discussions, False Religions | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Palm Sunday in Bible Prophecy

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Jerry

 

The Texts:

The prediction:

Zec 9:9  Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. (KJV)

The fulfilment:

Mat 21:4  All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
Mat 21:5  Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. (KJV)

Explanatory Commentary:

Zechariah 9:9 foretells the first coming of the Messiah.

See Micah 5:2, where we have the going forth from Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1). In Matthew 21:5,  we have the coming to Jerusalem. Between these lay all the events which we call “the first advent.” So it will be at “the second advent” with its many events, before Zechariah 9:10 is fulfilled.

The Texts:

Zec 9:10  And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth. (KJV)

Zec 9:10  And he shall destroy the chariots out of Ephraim, and the horse out of Jerusalem, and the bow of war shall be utterly destroyed; and there shall be abundance and peace out of the nations; and he shall rule over the waters as far as the sea, and the rivers to the ends of the earth. (LXX., Brenton translation)

Explanatory Commentary:

The predictions in Zechariah 9:10 pertain to the second advent or coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are many more prophecies connected with this event found in the Hebrew Scriptures, our Old Testament. These can be readily found by consulting the available and more complete cross references found in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury and similar sources, The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, and for those fortunate enough to have a copy of Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible, which is no longer available from the publisher.

Notice that there is a necessary but unannounced time gap between Zechariah 9:9 and Zechariah 9:10.

For those who wish to dig deeper into the Bible prophecies mentioned above, read and as time permits, study the cross references for Zechariah 9:9 and Zechariah 9:10 shared below from the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice. FS126, +Deut 32:43, This verse foretells the first coming of Messiah, recorded in the Gospels (CB). Zec 2:10, 1Ki 1:40; 1Ki 8:66, Psa 5:11; Psa 27:4; Psa 27:6; Psa 97:6, 7, 8; Psa 106:5; Psa 149:2, Song 1:4, *Isa 12:6; Isa 25:9; Isa 40:9; Isa 52:9-10; Isa 54:1; Isa 62:11; Isa 65:18, Joel 2:23, Zep 3:14, 15, Luk 1:47, Rev 19:7.

daughter. FS155E5, +Num 21:25. Psa 48:11, Isa 1:8; Isa 37:22, +Mat 21:5.

of Zion. +2Sa 5:7, 2Ki 19:21, Psa 97:8, +**Isa 24:23; Isa 25:10.

shout. Ezr 3:11, Est 6:9, Psa 47:1; Psa 47:6; Psa 132:9; Psa 132:16, *Zep 3:14.

behold. *Psa 2:6; Psa 45:1; *Psa 110:1, 2, 3, 4, +*Isa 9:6; +*Isa 9:7; Isa 32:1, 2, +*Jer 23:5; +*Jer 23:6; *Jer 30:9, Mat 21:4, 5, Mrk 11:9, 10, *Luk 19:37; *Luk 19:38, +Jhn 1:49; Jhn 12:13, 14, 15; Jhn 19:15, 1Th 4:16.

thy King. Isa 33:22; Isa 52:7, Jer 30:21, Mat 2:2; $Mat 21:1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Mat 25:34, Mrk 15:12; Mrk 15:26; Mrk 15:32, Jhn 1:49; Jhn 18:33; Jhn 18:36, Act 1:6, Col 1:13, Rev 15:3.

cometh unto. or, will come unto. See Mic 5:2, where we have the going forth from Bethlehem (Mat 2:1). Here we have the coming unto Jerusalem (Mat 21:5). Between these lay all the events which we call “the first advent.” So will it be at “the second advent” with its many events, before verse 10 (Zec 9:10) is fulfilled (Mat 21:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Luk 19:29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44) [CB]. Isa 40:1, Jer 29:11; Jer 33:14, Ezk 21:27, %+Mic 5:2, Hag 2:7, Mat 11:3; >Mat 21:5, Luk 7:19, >Jhn 12:15, Act 13:32; Act 26:6, =1Th 5:2; =1Th 5:3, =2Th 2:8.

he is just. or, righteous, as being justified or vindicated (CB). T1918, 2Sa 23:3. Psa 34:19; Psa 34:21; +*Psa 45:6; +*Psa 45:7; Psa 85:9, 10, 11, 12; Psa 102:20; Psa 145:17, Pro 31:9, Isa 16:5; Isa 41:2; *Isa 45:21; *Isa 53:11, *Jer 23:5; *Jer 23:6, *Zep 3:5, Hag 2:7, *Mat 1:21; Mat 27:19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, Luk 1:17; Luk 23:47, Jhn 7:18; Jhn 8:16, +$Act 3:14; Act 7:52; Act 22:14, *Rom 3:24, 25, 26, +*Heb 1:8, Jas 5:6, 1Pe 2:22; 1Pe 3:18, 1Jn 1:9; *1Jn 2:1; *1Jn 2:29, Rev 19:11.

having salvation. or, saving himself. i.e. showing himself a Saviour. Heb. nosha is the Niphal participle, which, though it may be reflexive, is never active. He was heard and delivered (Psa 22:20, 21, Heb 5:7), referring to His own sufferings and death out of (Greek ek) which He was delivered (Psa 16:10, +Act 2:24), and by which He becomes the Saviour of others (Isa 53:8; Isa 53:10, 11) [CB]. Psa 33:16, Isa 63:5, Hos 1:7, Luk 1:54; Luk 1:71, Jhn 3:17; Jhn 4:22; Jhn 5:23, Act 13:23, Col 1:20, Rev 7:10.

lowly. or, afflicted, or oppressed. Heb. ani, +Pro 14:21. Psa 22:24 h. Psa 45:4, Isa 42:2; Isa 53:4; Isa 53:7 h. +Mat 11:29; Mat 12:19; Mat 21:5, 6, 7, Mrk 11:7, Luk 19:30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, Jhn 12:14, 15, 16, 2Co 10:1, Eph 4:2, Php 2:7.

riding upon. T1913, Jdg 5:10; Jdg 10:4; Jdg 12:14, 2Sa 13:29; 2Sa 16:2; 2Sa 17:23; 2Sa 18:9; 2Sa 19:26, 1Ki 1:33; 1Ki 1:38; 1Ki 1:44; %1Ki 10:25, 26, 27, 28, 29; 1Ki 13:13; 1Ki 13:23; 1Ki 13:27, Ecc 10:7, Jer 17:25; Jer 22:19, Mat 21:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, Mrk 11:8, 9, 10, Luk 19:34; Luk 19:36, 37, 38, 39, 40; +*Luk 24:27; +*Luk 24:44, Jhn 1:45; $Jhn 12:12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

the foal. Mat 21:1, 2. There is an unannounced time gap between this prophecy and that which is contained in the next verse. For other instances of unannounced prophetic time gaps, see Isa 61:2 note.

 

Zechariah 9:10
I will. The Septuagint reads “and He will cut off.” This refers to the yet future second coming; the present dispensation lying between verses 9 and 10 (Zec 9:9 and Zec 9:10) (CB). Psa 110:5, Jer 33:14, *Hos 1:7; +*Hos 2:18, *Mic 5:10; *Mic 5:11, Hag 2:22, *2Co 10:4; *2Co 10:5.

cut off. Zec 14:12, 13, 14, 15, Lev 26:6, Psa 110:5, Isa 63:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Joel 2:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11; Joel 2:20; Joel 3:2; Joel 3:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, Rev 19:11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21.

the battle bow. Zec 10:4, 5.

shall be cut off. Isa 2:4, Ezk 39:9, Mic 4:3.

he shall speak peace. Deut 20:10, *Psa 46:9; Psa 47:3; Psa 72:3; Psa 72:7; Psa 72:17; Psa 85:8, Isa 2:4; +*Isa 9:6; +*Isa 9:7; Isa 11:10; Isa 49:6; Isa 57:18, 19, Mic 4:2, 3, 4; +*Mic 5:5, Act 10:36, Rom 15:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2Co 5:18; 2Co 5:20, *Eph 2:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, *Col 1:20; *Col 1:21.

unto the heathen. or, nations. Zec 14:16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, Psa 96:3, *Isa 2:2, 3, 4; Isa 11:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; Isa 35:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; *Isa 65:20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, +**Luk 1:32; +**Luk 1:33, Rev 20:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

his dominion. *Psa 2:8, 9, 10, 11, 12; +**Psa 67:4; >Psa 72:8, 9, 10, 11; Psa 98:1, 2, 3; Psa 145:11, +*Isa 9:6; +*Isa 9:7; +**Isa 24:23; Isa 60:12, Jer 30:21, Mic 4:8; *Mic 5:4, +*Mat 6:10; Mat 25:34, *Rev 11:15.

from sea even to sea. Psa 72:8.

from the river. i.e. the Euphrates. Gen 15:18, Exo 23:31, Deut 11:24, 1Ki 4:21, +Psa 72:8, +*Isa 27:12.

to the ends of the earth. +*Zec 14:9, Psa 2:8; Psa 22:27, 28; +**Psa 59:13; Psa 65:5; Psa 67:7; *Psa 72:8, +*Isa 43:6; Isa 45:22; Isa 52:10, Dan 2:44, 45; Dan 7:13, 14, Mat 24:31, Rom 4:13.

 

Posted in Bible Prophecy | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Daily Bible Nugget #941, 2 Peter 3:14

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

2Pe 3:14  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. (KJV)

2Pe 3:14 wherefore, beloved, these things waiting for, be diligent, spotless and unblameable, by Him to be found in peace, (YLT, Young’s Literal Translation)

2Pe 3:14  Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight. (WEB, World English Bible)

2Pe 3:14  And so, my friends, as you wait for that Day, do your best to be pure and faultless in God’s sight and to be at peace with him. (GNB, Good News Bible)

2Pe 3:14  Therefore, dear friends, with this to look forward to, make every effort to have him find you at peace, without spiritual stains or blemishes. (GW, God’s Word translation)

2Pe 3:14 For this reason, my loved ones, as you are looking for these things, take great care that when he comes you may be in peace before him, free from sin and every evil thing. (BBE, Bible in Basic English)

2Pe 3:14  Dear friends, we are waiting for this to happen. So try as hard as you can to be without sin and without fault. Try to be at peace with God. (ERV, Easy to Read Version)

2Pe 3:14 My friends, while you are waiting, you should make certain that the Lord finds you pure, spotless, and living at peace. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

My Comment:

As we wait and look expectantly for the return of Christ, Peter urges us to live our lives in a manner such that when He comes we will have no reason to be ashamed. We are to be living lives that are pure, spotless, and living at peace. Once again, we see that the motive to study Bible prophecy is to live lives focused on holy living (Hebrews 12:14).

Dig deeper into the truths found in 2 Peter 3:14 by reading and studying the other Bible passages that are related to its themes.

Study the cross references given in:

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

2 Peter 3:14
seeing: Php 3:20; Heb 9:28

be diligent: 2Pe 1:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; 1Jn 3:3

in peace: Mat 24:26; Luk 2:29, Luk 12:43; 1Co 1:8, 1Co 15:58; Php 1:10; 1Th 3:13, 1Th 5:23

The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

2 Peter 3:14
seeing. *Php 3:20; +*Heb 9:28

be diligent. ✓2Pe 1:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; Luk 21:34; +✓1Co 15:58; ✓1Jn 3:3

found of him. 1Pe 1:7; 1Pe 1:13

in peace. +*Mat 24:46; Luk 2:29; *Luk 12:43; *Rom 5:1; *1Th 5:13

without spot. 1Ti 6:14; +*Jas 1:27; *1Jn 3:3

blameless. *1Co 1:8; Php 1:10; +*Php 2:15; *Col 1:22; *1Th 3:13; +*1Th 5:23; 1Ti 3:10; Tit 1:6; Tit 1:7; *1Jn 2:28; 1Jn 2:29

The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

2 Peter 3:14
Wherefore. Luk 22:32.

beloved. 2Pe 3:1; 2Pe 3:17.

seeing. *Php 3:20, +*Heb 9:28.

ye look. Gr. prosdokaō (S# G4328, Act 3:5). 2Pe 3:12, 13, Mat 25:7, Luk 12:37; Luk 21:28.1Th 1:10, Heb 10:25; +*Heb 12:15; Heb 13:14.

for such things. 1Ch 16:33, +*Psa 67:4, Isa 33:22, +*Heb 13:14.

be diligent. Gr. spoudazō (S# G4704, Gal 2:10). **2Pe 1:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Deut 6:17, Luk 21:34, Act 13:43, +**1Co 15:58, 2Co 5:9, Php 1:27, *2Ti 2:15 g. *Heb 6:11; +*Heb 11:6, 1Pe 1:13, **1Jn 3:3.

found of him. Gr. euriskō (S# G2147, Mat 1:18). In His sight (Alford), at His coming; plainly implying a personal coming (JFB). 2Pe 3:10, Gen 5:24, Exo 12:19; Exo 22:8, Deut 18:10; Deut 22:28, 1Sa 25:28; 1Sa 26:18, *1Ki 1:52, Ezr 10:18, Psa 17:3; Psa 37:10, Pro 11:31; Pro 20:6; Pro 23:5; Pro 31:10, Isa 35:9, Jer 2:34; Jer 50:20, Ezk 28:15, Dan 5:27, Zep 3:13, Mal 2:6, Mrk 4:22, *Jhn 3:21, Act 5:39; Act 24:5, *1Co 3:13, 13, 14, 15; 1Co 4:2; 1Co 14:25; 1Co 15:15, *2Co 5:3, Gal 2:17, Eph 5:13, *Php 3:9, *1Pe 1:7; *1Pe 1:13; 1Pe 4:18, Rev 5:4; Rev 16:20.

in peace. Job 22:21, +*Psa 85:10, Pro 3:17, +*Mat 24:46, Luk 2:29; *Luk 12:43, *Rom 5:1; *1Th 5:13, +**Heb 12:14, 1Pe 1:2, Jud 1:2.

without spot. Gr. aspilos (S# G784, 1Ti 6:14). %2Pe 2:13, Num 19:20, Song 4:7, Eph 5:27, 1Ti 6:14, *+Jas 1:27, 1Pe 1:19, *1Jn 3:3, Rev 19:8, 9.

blameless. Gr. amōmētos (S# G298, only here and Php 2:15). Luk 1:6; Luk 21:34, *1Co 1:8, Eph 1:4, Php 1:10; +*Php 2:15, *Col 1:22, *1Th 3:13; +*1Th 5:23, 1Ti 3:10, 2Ti 2:19, Tit 1:6, 7, *1Jn 2:28, 29, Jud 1:24, Rev 14:5.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Daily Bible Nugget #940, 1 John 2:28

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (KJV)

1Jn 2:28 And now, little children, remain in him, that when he may be manifested, we may have boldness, and may not be ashamed before him, in his presence; (YLT, Young’s Literal Translation)

1Jn 2:28 And now, little children, you must abide in Him, so that when He may be manifested, we may have confidence and may not be made ashamed on account of Him at His arrival. (Lavenders’ New Testament)

1Jn 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He is revealed we may have confidence, and not be shamed from Him in His coming. (LITV, Literal Translation of the Holy Bible)

1Jn 2:28 And now, dear children, I repeat, you must continue to live in union with Him, so that if He is unveiled, we may have unshaken confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame when He comes. (Williams NT)

1Jn 2:28 And now, my children, remain ye in him; that so, when he shall be manifested, we may not be ashamed before him, but may have an open countenance at his coming. (Murdock NT)

1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back. (NET Bible)

1Jn 2:28  Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. (GNB, Good News Bible)

1Jn 2:28  Now, dear children, live in Christ. Then, when he appears we will have confidence, and when he comes we won’t turn from him in shame. (GW, God’s Word translation)

1Jn 2:28 And now, children, abide in him, that if he be manifested we may have boldness, and not be put to shame from before him at his coming. (Darby)

1Jn 2:28 And now, my children, keep your hearts in him; so that at his revelation, we may have no fear or shame before him at his coming. (BBE, Bible in Basic English)

1Jn 2:28  Yes, my dear children, live in him. If we do this, we can be without fear on the day when Christ comes again. We will not need to hide and be ashamed when he comes. (ERV, Easy to Read Version)

1Jn 2:28 Children, stay one in your hearts with Christ. Then when he returns, we will have confidence and won’t have to hide in shame. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

My Comment:

The Apostle John gives instruction about how we are to be prepared for the coming of Christ. We are to abide or remain or reside in union with our Lord Jesus Christ. When He appears, we may have confidence, that is, boldness and freedom of speech. We should be prepared by living a life of obedience and holiness. We do not wish to hide in shame in guilty surprise when He comes. To be prepared for Christ’s coming is one of the purposes for studying the Bible, and Bible prophecy in particular.

To dig deeper into these most important themes, read and study the cross references and additional notes expanded from the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury for 1 John 2:28 shared below:

1 John 2:28
And now. Jhn 17:5; %+Jhn 18:36, Act 3:17; Act 4:29; Act 7:34; Act 10:5; Act 13:11; Act 20:25; Act 22:16, 2Th 2:6, 2Jn 1:5.

little children. or, little sons, believers of every stage and age (JFB). See on +1Jn 2:1; 1Jn 2:12; 1Jn 2:18, 1Jn 3:2; 1Jn 3:7; 1Jn 3:10; 1Jn 3:18; 1Jn 5:21. Joh 1:13, Gal 4:19.

abide in him. 1Jn 1:3; 1Jn 1:9 1Jn 2:5, 6; 1Jn 2:27, 1Jn 3:6, Jos 2:19, Joh 6:56; +Jhn 14:20; Joh 15:9, Act 11:23; Act 13:43, Rom 8:1.

when. or, whenever (Jhn 8:16; Jhn 12:32; Jhn 14:3). The critical texts read “if” (CB). Gr. ean. FS184C, Mat 4:9. The subjunctive mood has reference to the future timing of His appearance, without suggesting any doubtfulness. *1Jn 3:2, Mrk 8:38, Jhn 21:22, 1Co 15:54, *Col 3:4, *1Ti 6:14, +*2Ti 4:8, +*Tit 2:13, +*Heb 9:28 note. *1Pe 1:7; 1Pe 1:13; *1Pe 5:4, +*Rev 1:7.

he shall appear. Gr. phaneroō (S# G5319, 2Co 2:14). 1Jn 2:19, 1Jn 3:2; 1Jn 3:5; 1Jn 3:8, +*Mat 24:30, +*Col 3:4, 1Pe 5:4.

we may. FS39, +Act 17:27.

have confidence. Gr. parrhēsia (S# G3954, Mrk 8:32), properly, freedom of speech, confidence, boldness (EGT). 1Jn 3:19; 1Jn 3:21; *1Jn 4:17; 1Jn 5:14, Job 14:15, *Psa 62:8, *Isa 25:9; *Isa 45:17, Mat 17:20 note. Luk 1:17; Luk 6:48, Jhn 16:22, +Act 4:13; +Act 4:29; +Act 4:31; Act 26:26; Act 28:31, *Rom 5:5; *Rom 9:33, 2Co 3:12, Eph 3:12, Php 1:20, 1Th 2:2, 1Ti 3:13, Heb 3:6; Heb 4:16; Heb 7:28 note. Heb 10:19; Heb 10:35.

not be ashamed. Gr. aischunō (S# G153, 2Co 10:8). Gen 2:25; *Gen 3:8, 9, 10, Job 11:15, +*Psa 119:6; Psa 119:31; Psa 119:46; **Psa 119:80, Pro 13:5 g. Isa 1:29 g. **Isa 45:17, Jer 2:36 g. Jer 12:13 g. Joel 2:26, Mat 25:41, *Mrk 8:38, Luk 9:26; Luk 12:9; +**Luk 21:36, Jhn 3:21, *Rom 5:5; Rom 6:21; Rom 14:10; Rom 14:12, 1Co 3:15, 2Co 5:10, Php 1:20; *Php 2:15; *Php 2:16, **2Ti 2:15, 1Pe 4:16, 2Pe 1:11; *2Pe 3:14.

before him. or, from him. Shrink back from Him ashamed, as if in guilty surprise (see Robertson). 1Jn 3:14; 1Jn 4:17; 1Jn 5:14, Isa 1:29 g. Jer 2:36 g. Jer 12:13, 2Th 1:9, Rev 6:17; Rev 7:4.

at his. *Mal 3:2; Mal 4:5, 1Co 1:7; 1Co 11:26; *1Co 15:23, +1Th 2:19; *1Th 3:13; *1Th 5:23, +*2Ti 4:1, Heb 9:24, 25, 26, 27, 28, *2Pe 3:4, 12.

coming. Gr. parousia, +Mat 24:3. Not simply “presence” but “arrival,” “advent” (EGT). Parousia occurs only here in John’s writings, but often elsewhere (Lange). Mat 24:3; Mat 24:27; Mat 24:37; Mat 24:39; Mat 24:44; Mat 25:13, Luk 12:40, 1Co 15:23, 1Th 2:19; 1Th 3:13; 1Th 4:15; 1Th 5:23, 2Th 2:1; 2Th 2:8, 9, Jas 5:7, 8, 2Pe 1:16; 2Pe 3:4; 2Pe 3:12.

Posted in Bible Prophecy, Christian Living, Daily Bible Nuggets, Practical Application Bible Studies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Daily Bible Nugget #939, 1 John 3:3

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

1Jn 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (KJV)

1Jn 3:3 and every one who is having this hope on him, doth purify himself, even as he is pure. (YLT, Young’s Literal Translation)

1Jn 3:3 And everyone having this hope on Him purifies himself even as that One is pure. (LITV, Literal translation of the Holy Bible)

1Jn 3:3 And everyone who has this hope in him tries to make himself as pure as He is. (Williams NT)

1Jn 3:3  And everyone who has this hope focused on him purifies himself, just as Jesus is pure). (NET Bible)

1Jn 3:3  So all people who have this confidence in Christ keep themselves pure, as Christ is pure. (GW, God’s Word translation)

1Jn 3:3 And everyone who has this hope in him makes himself holy, even as he is holy. (BBE, Bible in Basic English)

1Jn 3:3 And every one that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as *he* is pure. (Darby)

1Jn 3:3  He is pure, and everyone who has this hope in him keeps themselves pure like Christ. (ERV, Easy to Read Version)

1Jn 3:3 This hope makes us keep ourselves holy, just as Christ is holy. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

My Comment:

All who have “this hope” take great care to keep themselves holy. The purpose of studying Bible prophecy (reflected in the reference to “this hope”) is to motivate ourselves to a life of holiness (Titus 2:11, 12), without which “no one shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). The proper study of Bible prophecy does not lead to sensationalism. Proper study of Bible prophecy does not lead to date setting. Proper study of Bible prophecy does not focus on speculating who the Antichrist is, supposing the Antichrist is alive and well on planet earth today.

Dig deeper into the themes mentioned in 1 John 3:3 by reading and studying the cross references below taken from the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

1 John 3:3
every man that. Rom 5:4, 5; +Rom 15:4, Php 1:27, *Col 1:5, 2Th 2:16, *Tit 3:7, *Heb 6:18, Rev 19:7.

hath. +Mat 17:20 note. Jhn 16:22.

this hope. John’s only reference to Christian hope (Vincent). Psa 71:14, +*Pro 14:32, Act 24:15, Rom 5:2; Rom 8:24; Rom 12:12; Rom 15:12, 1Co 13:13, Gal 5:5, Eph 1:18; +**Eph 2:12; Eph 4:4, Php 1:27, +*Col 1:23, 1Th 1:3; +*1Th 2:13; 1Th 5:8, 2Th 2:16, 1Ti 4:10, +*Tit 1:2; +*Tit 2:13, Heb 6:11, 1Pe 1:3; 1Pe 1:13.

in him. or, set on Him. or, resting upon Him. Luk 5:5, Rom 15:12.

purifieth. Gr. hagnizō (S# G43, Jhn 11:55). Present tense, active voice, indicative mood verb. 1Jn 5:18, Exo 19:10, 11, Pro 21:8, +*Mat 5:8, Jhn 11:55; Jhn 15:5, *Act 15:9; Act 21:24; Act 21:26; Act 24:18, *+2Co 7:1, Eph 4:24, Php 2:12, 13 note. Php 3:13, 14; +*Php 4:8, 1Ti 1:5; +*1Ti 4:12; 1Ti 5:22; 1Ti 6:14, 15, 16, 2Ti 2:21, Tit 2:14, Heb 10:19, 20, 21, 22; +**Heb 12:14, Jas 3:17; **Jas 4:8, 1Pe 1:15; 1Pe 1:22; 1Pe 3:2, 2Pe 1:4; **2Pe 3:14.

even. 1Jn 3:5, *1Jn 2:6; 1Jn 3:7; 1Jn 4:17, +*Mat 5:48, *Luk 6:36, *Heb 7:26, 1Pe 1:15.

he. Gr. ekeinos. +1Jn 3:5. 1Jn 2:6.

is. In respect of His true humanity it can be said of Him that “He is pure,” and not only that “He was pure.” The result of the perfection of His earthly discipline (Heb 5:7 ff.) still abides in His glorified state (see Westcott). +*1Ti 2:5.

pure. Gr. hagnos (S# G53, 2Co 7:11). Heb 7:26.

 

Posted in Bible Prophecy, Bible Study Tools, Christian Living, Daily Bible Nuggets, Principles of Christian Living | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Daily Bible Nugget #938, 1 John 3:2

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

1Jn 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (KJV)

1Jn 3:2 beloved, now, children of God are we, and it was not yet manifested what we shall be, and we have known that if he may be manifested, like him we shall be, because we shall see him as he is; (YLT, Young’s Literal Translation)

1Jn 3:2 My beloved, now are we the sons of God; and hitherto, it hath not appeared what we are to be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be in his likeness, and we shall see him as he is. (Murdock NT)

1Jn 3:2  Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that whenever it is revealed we will be like him, because we will see him just as he is. (NET Bible)

1Jn 3:2 Dearly beloved, we are now God’s children, but what we are going to be has not been unveiled. We know that if it is unveiled, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. (Williams New Testament)

1Jn 3:2  My dear friends, we are now God’s children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is.  (GNB, Good News Bible)

1Jn 3:2  Dear friends, now we are God’s children. What we will be isn’t completely clear yet. We do know that when Christ appears we will be like him because we will see him as he is. (GW, God’s Word translation)

1Jn 3:2 My loved ones, now we are children of God, and at present it is not clear what we are to be. We are certain that at his revelation we will be like him; for we will see him as he is. (BBE, Bible in Basic English)

1Jn 3:2  Dear friends, now we are children of God. We have not yet been shown what we will be in the future. But we know that when Christ comes again, we will be like him. We will see him just as he is. (ERV, Easy to Read Version)

1Jn 3:2 My dear friends, we are already God’s children, though what we will be hasn’t yet been seen. But we do know that when Christ returns, we will be like him, because we will see him as he truly is. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

My Comment:

This verse and the following verse give encouraging insight about what we will be like when Jesus returns. These verses also give us the reason we should be studying Bible prophecy. Bible prophecy was not written primarily to satisfy our curiosity about coming future events. Bible prophecy has been recorded to motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to God. The Bible has the power to transform our lives so that we become more like our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dig deeper into what the Bible says about subjects mentioned in 1 John 3:2 by reading the cross references available for this verse:

From the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge,

1 John 3:2
now are we the: 1Jn 3:1, 1Jn 5:1; Isa 56:5; Rom 8:14, 15, Rom 8:18; Gal 3:26, Gal 4:6

it: Psa 31:19; Rom 8:18; 1Co 2:9, 1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:17

what: Psa 17:15; Rom 8:29; 1Co 15:49; Php 3:21; 2Pe 1:4

when: Mal 3:2; Col 3:4; Heb 9:28

for: Job 19:26; Psa 16:11; Mat 5:8; Jhn 17:24; 1Co 13:12; 2Co 3:18, 2Co 5:6, 7, 8

From The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury,

1 John 3:2
now are we the the sons. See on 1Jn 3:1, 1Jn 5:1, Gen 23:6 mg. Deut 14:1, Isa 56:5, Hos 1:10, Mat 13:38, Rom 5:1; *Rom 8:14; *Rom 8:15; *Rom 8:18; Rom 9:8, 2Co 6:18, *Gal 3:7; *Gal 3:26; *Gal 3:29; Gal 4:5, 6, Eph 1:5; Eph 5:1, *Heb 2:10, 11, 12, 2Pe 1:4.

it doth not yet appear. Gr. phaneroō (S# G5319, 2Co 2:14). Aorist tense, passive voice, indicative mood verb. The force of the aorist tense is, was never manifested on any occasion (Vincent). Exo 28:2, 1Ki 10:7, 2Ch 9:6, Job 37:19, Psa 31:19; Psa 83:3, **Isa 64:4, Mat 7:11; Mat 17:4; Mat 22:30, Mrk 9:5; +*Mrk 10:30, Luk 20:36, *Rom 8:18; *Rom 8:23, **1Co 2:9; *1Co 13:9; *1Co 13:12; 1Co 15:37, 38; 1Co 15:53, **2Co 4:17; **2Co 4:18; 2Co 5:1; 2Co 12:4, +*Php 3:21, Col 3:3; Col 3:5, 6, Heb 10:34, 1Pe 1:5.

what we shall be. This what suggests something unspeakable, contained in the likeness of God (Bengel, cited by Wuest). *Psa 17:15, Mat 22:30, Mrk 12:25, Jhn 14:2, +*Rom 8:23; +*Rom 8:29, 1Co 15:49, *2Co 4:6, *Php 3:21, Jas 1:9, 2Pe 1:4.

we know. Gr. oida, Jhn 8:55 note. 1Jn 3:14, 1Jn 5:2; 1Jn 5:15; 1Jn 5:18, 19, 20, Jhn 19:35; Jhn 21:24, 2Co 5:1.

when. Gr. ean, if. FS184C, Mat 4:9. +1Jn 2:28, Mal 3:2, Mat 19:28, *Col 3:4, +*Heb 9:28 note.

shall appear. Gr. phaneroō (S# G5319, 2Co 2:14). 1Jn 3:5, +1Jn 2:28, Psa 73:25, Jhn 2:11; Jhn 7:4; Jhn 14:3; Jhn 17:6; Jhn 21:1, +*Act 1:11, 1Co 1:7, 2Co 5:8, +*Col 3:4, 1Ti 6:14, +*Tit 2:13, 1Pe 5:1; 1Pe 5:4, Rev 1:7.

like. Gr. homoios (S# G3664, Mat 11:16). This likeness has to do with physical likeness, not spiritual likeness (see Wuest). =Exo 28:2; Exo 28:41, Psa 90:17, Zep 3:13, Jhn 8:55; Jhn 15:18, +*Rom 8:4; Rom 8:19; **Rom 8:29, 1Co 15:44; 1Co 15:49; 1Co 15:53, **2Co 3:18; 2Co 4:11, **+Php 3:21, Tit 2:14, 1Pe 2:22, **2Pe 1:4, Rev 1:13; Rev 1:15; Rev 4:3; Rev 9:7; Rev 9:10; Rev 9:19; Rev 13:4; Rev 18:18.

for we shall see. 1Jn 3:6, %Exo 33:18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, Num 14:14, *Job 19:26, +*Psa 16:11; Psa 17:15, Isa 33:17, *+Mat 5:8, Luk 9:32, Jhn 17:24, **1Co 13:12, 2Co 3:18; **2Co 5:6, 7, 8, Eph 1:18, +**Heb 12:14, +*Rev 1:7; Rev 21:23; Rev 21:27; *Rev 22:3; *Rev 22:4.

as. or, even as. 1Jn 2:6.

he is. Exo 29:43.

Posted in Bible Promises, Bible Prophecy, Bible Study Tools, Daily Bible Nuggets | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Some help for understanding Bible prophecy better

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Jerry

 

To properly understand Bible prophecy as it relates to the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must learn what the Bible teaches about a number of other related subjects.

One of the most important subjects to learn thoroughly is the various provisions of the Covenants God made with Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and also with David (2 Samuel 7:10).

Much of Bible prophecy discussed or presented in the Bible relates to the provisions of the Abrahamic and the Davidic Covenants.

Another important subject to know about is the Kingdom of God.

Almost all current well-known Bible scholars are very mistaken about just what is the Kingdom of God.

(1) The Kingdom of God is NOT “within you.” (Luke 17:21)

(2) The Kingdom of God is NOT present now but is entirely future. (Matthew 6:10)

(3) The Kingdom of God is NOT in heaven; it takes place on this earth when Jesus returns at the Second Advent or Second Coming. (Revelation 5:10)

(4) The Kingdom of God is NOT limited to a 1000 year long Millennial reign of Christ.

(5) This earth will never be totally destroyed. This earth will abide forever (Ecclesiastes 1:4). Jesus will reign forever in His eternal Kingdom of God on this earth (Luke 1:33), NOT the third heaven.

(6) When Jesus said in John 18:36 that “My kingdom is not of this world” He did not mean that His kingdom was “spiritual” or would not be established on this earth. Later in John 18:36 Jesus qualifies His statement with the words “But now is my kingdom not from hence.” The plain inference is that at some future time His servants would fight.

(7) The Rapture takes place before the Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 with 1 Thessalonians 5:2), before the Great Tribulation, NOT in the middle of the Great Tribulation or after the Great Tribulation.

This is just the beginning of what is involved when the Bible is studied carefully to learn about the Second Coming of Christ.

Each of the above 7 points can be studied much further by using The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or the much more complete Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury where I give many Bible cross references and explanatory notes.

Posted in Bible Prophecy | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Eight Verses for Cross Reference Bible Study

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Jerry

 

I shared the following information with my late brother Mark (Martin) Smith, Pastor Cheatham, and Pastor Wade the year before I began posting on this Real Bible Study site. I trust it will be a blessing also to you. It is meant to encourage Cross Reference Bible Study by suggesting verses I have found most helpful to study this way.

These suggestions apply to using the newest edition (2023, 2024) of The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge as well as the digital Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury (2016, an eSword premium module). Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible is out of print and no longer available.

 

On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 10:06 PM Jerome Smith wrote:

Dear Mark [and also Pastor Cheatham and Pastor Wade!],

 

You may want to both save this email and attached file as well as print out the attached file to keep with your Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible.

 

In my list of “hidden” features in the Cross Reference Guide I list 8 passages of Scripture I have found contain especially helpful cross references:

 

(1) 2 Timothy 1:7. This is the very first passage I looked up the references to when I was still a teenager, using the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

 

(2) Colossians 1:10. I have shared this reference with many, and they have thanked me, saying it is most instructive and inspirational.

 

(3) 2 Corinthians 6:2. The cross references at this passage focus on the subject of salvation.

 

(4) Hebrews 6:9, 10. At Hebrews 6:9 I placed many cross reference passages that stipulate what are the things that “accompany salvation.” Verse 10 continues the theme of how genuine salvation results in specific fruits and qualities in our life. The references within these two passages would make a good “discipleship manual” based entirely on Scripture.

 

(5) Psalm 34:4. Sometimes we need encouragement when we encounter reversals and disappointments in life, and the references here are encouraging.

 

(6) Psalm 40:17. Should we ever come to feel that God just doesn’t really notice us, these references emphasize the truth that “the Lord thinketh upon me.”

 

(7) 1 Peter 3:15. This verse tells us to be ready always to have an answer for anyone who asks concerning our faith in Christ.

 

(8) Romans 15:7. These cross references form a unique and complete study of the importance of “receiving one another.”

 

Now all you have to do is get your Bible out and look up all the cross references given in the 8 passages indicated. By doing so you would certainly be blessed spiritually!

 

I attempted to keep the list of ‘hidden’ features to a single page (see the attached file).

 

Of course there are many more important topics to be found and studied from the Bible using Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible. The indexes in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge will usually work for the Cross Reference Guide as well. I did not usually move major reference points, though when I did, I tried to keep the original link alive by using the “+” symbol to get the user to the new location. For example, in the New Treasury I had a note and extensive references on the two ages, “this age,” and “the age to come,” at John 6:54, originally at the keywords last day. The references are no longer given there (since the note was removed), but the references are to be found at +Matthew 12:32, a reference given at the keywords last day. Every once in a while I run across a passage that still leads to +John 6:54, but for the serious student who will turn to +John 6:54 in the Cross Reference Guide by duly following the “+” sign reference, they will still be directed to the full set of references at the new key reference point, +Matthew 12:32  (keywords in this world and the world to come) from there.

 

When using Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible, you will find it most essential to follow the “+” signs in this manner to get the most out of what is in the book. I assumed that the diligent user would be able to get to everything by following the “+” symbol up to three “jumps,” as it were.

 

You mentioned looking up John 10:8. The first keyword, All, is given the cross reference +Exodus 9:6. This reference with a “+” prefixed, given for a single word, lets you know it is likely not a subject or topic reference, but a key word reference, as explained under “Conventions,” next to the last bulleted paragraph at the beginning of the book (following the Introduction). At Exodus 9:6 you will find the keyword all with numerous references to other passages which contain the same or a similar usage of “all.” But notice the reference given there to +Ge 41:56. When you turn to that reference in Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible, you will find an extensive note, where Exodus 9:6 occurs with the explanation that “all” sometimes has reference to “most or the majority, or the greater part (+Ex 9:6).” In this usage, “all” is not absolute. In the New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge more information is given, indicating this is an example of Hyperbole or Overstatement; it is also an example of the figure of speech Synecdoche of the Genus, where “all” is put for the greater part.

 

I like the idea you shared, how that you showed a person at church today Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible while waiting for another meeting to finish, then actually showed him how the book worked using John 10:8 as an example. It was good to hear about his excited reaction upon actually consulting the cross references given. It is, indeed, most important to share the book with young people so that they can benefit from using the book for a good portion of their lives yet ahead of them. So many think that the book is exclusively of interest to pastors, or perhaps also to Sunday school teachers. It ought to be used by every Christian who reads the Bible, and that is supposed to be all of them (2 Peter 2:2)!

 

Just lately I tried to find a suitable reference that focuses on the central issue of justice, certainly a major and important Bible theme. Of course Micah 6:8 would be a clear reference; Isaiah 1:17 might be another; so also Luke 16:10 or even Malachi 3:5, not to mention Jeremiah 22:15, 16. The cross references gathered for +Micah 6:8 appear to be the most comprehensive. No reference is given at Mic 6:8 to Mal 3:5, but if one follows the “+” signs at +Mic 6:8, there is a reference to +Luke 16:10, and turning to those references, under the keywords he that is unjust, there is given a reference to +Mal 3:5. Therefore, starting at +Mic 6:8, and following the “+” references, will take you to much of what is in the Bible on the subject of justice.

 

Using the Cross Reference Guide in this way works for me as effectively as a complete concordance to find a verse I want, even when I cannot remember any of the words used in the verse, provided I recall any other verse that is on a similar theme. You can’t do that with a concordance!

 

In the Introduction I make reference to the Bible verse references Psalm 9:10; Luke 4:18; Acts 17:3; John 5:39; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; Joshua 1:8; Acts 17:11. These would also be excellent verses to look up using the Cross Reference Guide to the Bible.

 

I hope these hints prove helpful. Thank you for your efforts to let others know about Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible.

 

Jerry

 

Posted in Bible Study Tools, How to Study the Bible | Tagged | Leave a comment

A Comparison of Cross Reference Bible Study Resources

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Jerry

 

Here is an example taken from successive editions of the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge so you can see directly:

Romans 15:7 and its cross references constitute a Bible study of major importance, and must not be missed! This is a passage I have spent some time studying and researching. You can see the progression when you compare the references in the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge with those given in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible, and finally, compared to those now newly given in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

 

Original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

  1. receive. ch. Ro 14:1-3. Mat 10:40. Mar 9:37. Lu 9:48. [4 cross references]

 

The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

  1. receive. Ro 12:10. *Ro 14:1-3. +Mal 3:16. *Mt 10:40. Mt 25:40. *Mk 9:37-41. *Lk 9:48. 10:38, 39. Jn 13:34. *Ac 9:26-28. *Ac 11:25, 26. *Ac 16:15. 17:7. +*2 Cor 6:9. Ga 6:1, 2. He 13:1, 2. +*1 P 4:9, 10. 1 J 3:14. %2 J 10. %3 J 9, 10. [20 cross references: +Mi 3:16 has been corrected to read +Mal 3:16; the “%” indicates a contrasting reference]

 

Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible:

  1. receive. Ro 12:10, 13. 14:1-3. 16:2. Ps 119:74. +Mal 3:16. Mt 10:14, 15, 40, 42. 18:5. 25:35, 40, 43, 45, 46. Mk 6:11. 9:37-41. Lk 9:5, 48. 10:8, 10, 38, 39. Jn 13:20, 34. Ac 9:26-28, 43. 11:25, 26. 16:15. 17:7. +2 Cor 6:9. 7:2, 13. Ga 6:1. Php 2:29.Col 4:10. Phm 12, 17. He 13:1, 2. +1 P 4:9, 10. 1 J 3:14. 2 J 10. 3 J 8-10. [40 cross references]


The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Romans 15:7
receive. %Rom 1:31 mg, Rom 12:10; Rom 12:13; *Rom 14:1, 2, 3; Rom 16:2, Exo 20:12, Lev 19:3, Job 19:3; +*Job 31:32, **Psa 15:1; **Psa 15:4; %+*Psa 31:11; Psa 34:21; Psa 91:1 note. +**Psa 119:63; Psa 119:74; Psa 133:1; +*Psa 142:7, **Jer 15:16 note. **Jer 37:14 note. Ezk 34:4, Mal 1:6; +*Mal 3:16, *Mat 10:14; *Mat 10:15; *Mat 10:40, 41, 42; Mat 18:5; Mat 25:35; Mat 25:40; Mat 25:43; Mat 25:45, 46, Mrk 6:11; *Mrk 9:37, 38, 39, 41, *Luk 9:5; *Luk 9:48; Luk 10:8; Luk 10:10; Luk 10:16; Luk 10:38, 39; Luk 15:2, Jhn 13:20; Jhn 13:34, *Act 9:17; *Act 9:26, 27, 28; *Act 9:43; *Act 11:1; *Act 11:25; *Act 11:26; Act 15:4; *Act 16:15; Act 17:5; +Act 17:7; Act 21:17, +*1Co 12:21, +*2Co 6:9; +*2Co 6:17; 2Co 7:2; 2Co 7:15, Gal 6:1, Php 2:29, Col 2:19 note. Col 4:10, 1Ti 5:17, Phm 1:12; Phm 1:17, Heb 13:1, 2, 1Pe 2:17; 1Pe 3:8; +*1Pe 4:8, 9, 10, **1Jn 1:3 note, 1Jn 1:7 note. 1Jn 3:14, %2Jn 1:10; %2Jn 1:11, %3Jn 1:8, 9, 10.

 

You can see the progression from 4 to 20 to 40 to 75 cross references given for the keyword receive.

 

By devastating personal family experience, I can testify to how crucial the Bible truth conveyed by this set of cross references is.

It is no fun to be “frozen out of the fellowship.” Both pastor and people must learn to receive one another, and particularly newcomers to the fellowship. In our mobile society people often end up far from their “home church,” and when they attempt to establish a connection to a new church home, it can be exceedingly difficult to find genuine Christian friendship and fellowship in a new setting.

That is not the fault of the newcomer, but the fault of the church and its sociological structure, known technically as a “village church,” often relatively small, where one evidently must be born into the church community to be received into its fellowship. This ought not to be. On judgment day, heads will roll over this one! The other type of church is known, sociologically speaking, as a “camp church.” Such a church is constituted of believers who are there for fellowship and spiritual growth as a result of a vibrant salvation experience, and they experience a warm welcome, and are cared for, sometimes through effective small group ministry, sometimes through the ordinary church structures like the Sunday school and a loving pastor who is genuinely a shepherd of his sheep.

In the heavily Roman Catholic neighborhood where I now have lived since 1975 there are no such Bible believing churches that I could find. I was politely “ushered out” of the one local church that looks to be like a Bible believing church, but apparently is not a genuine one, but is merely a “village church,” all form and no spiritual depth or growth or fellowship to be found. I was accused by the pastor the first time he visited my home, who said, “Jerry, you talk too much about the Bible and too much about the Lord.” I guess Malachi 3:16 is not found in his Bible, or else he hadn’t discovered it yet. Shameful!

A related issue is distinguishing between the major and minor issues of Bible doctrine. We ought not to break fellowship over non-essential issues upon which good men of sound character and spirituality differ. Such non-essential issues would include differences in opinion about Bible prophecy; differences in opinion regarding the mode of water baptism. Now, on the major issues, such as the full deity and humanity of Christ, the virgin birth of Christ, the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, and other clearly taught essential matters in the Bible, there can be no equivocation about these. Even so, though, when a person appears to be mistaken, Scripture by example and direction declares we should reach people who differ from us by very patient (2 Timothy 2:24, 25) teaching in order to win them to the truth (Acts 18:26. 1 Timothy 4:16).

 

Posted in Bible Study Tools | Tagged , | Leave a comment