Don’t follow the wrong authority!

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Jerry

A friend of mine on Facebook posted this comment:

“The Bible does not tell us to stick to what is in the Bible or that it is the highest Authority.”

I replied:

We happen to disagree on this point!

The Bible most certainly does teach that we must go by what is in the Bible and that it is the highest authority.

This is established by what is taught in the Hebrew Scriptures, our Old Testament.

Isa 8:20  To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Pro 30:5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Pro 30:6  Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

This principle of going by what the Bible itself teaches precedes the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Himself affirmed this principle. He certainly did not change or cancel the principle that the Bible is the written Word of God, that Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35), and is the highest authority to which we must appeal. This Jesus does by His direct command (John 5:39) as well as by His personal example (Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:10) as plainly recorded in the New Testament itself.

Mat 4:3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Note carefully that Jesus appealed to the Bible when He said, “It is written.”

Jesus states plainly that we are to live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Those words are not exclusive to any denomination or church. They are found only in the Bible.

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

Everyone is Wrong About Something–Including Me! Part 9

Posted on May 17, 2026 by Jerry

Mistaken religions, denominations, religious organizations and institutions, ministries, and individual leaders and teachers can be identified when they:

(9) Add to the written word of God additional revelation, whether in the form of authoritative writings or publications, or unwritten traditions, or new revelation, as from supernatural dreams, and supposed revelation through supernatural gifts of the Spirit, +*Je 23:28 note.

Jer 23:28  Let the prophet who has had a dream go ahead and tell his dream. Let the person who has received my message report that message faithfully. What is like straw cannot compare to what is like grain! I, the LORD, affirm it! (NET Bible)

Jer 23:28  The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. (KJV)

Cross Reference Bible study from:

A. The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Jeremiah 23:28
that hath: Heb. with whom is

speak: Pro 14:5; Mat 24:45; Luk 12:42; 1Co 4:2; 2Co 2:17; 1Ti 1:12

What: That is, when the dreamers declare their dreams, and the true prophets faithfully declare their message, the difference between them will be as evident as that between “the chaff and the wheat.” 1Co 3:12, 13

B. The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Jeremiah 23:28
that hath. Heb. with whom is.

a dream. Jer 23:32, +*Isa 8:20 note, Ezk 13:7. The contrast is between the false prophets who have their dreams and the true prophet who has God’s word. The opposition between chaff and wheat which follows shows these alleged supernatural dreams for what they are—not divine revelation, but a dream of their own heart, mere chaff, unsuitable and valueless for spiritual sustenance.

This is perhaps the clearest and strongest appeal to the perspicuity of Scripture to be found in the Bible, for an appeal is here made for the ordinary believer to discern the difference between the false and the true.

A mark of false religion is placement of spiritual and doctrinal authority in any other source than the written word of God found in the Bible—whether the source be an organization and its literature, the writings of a particular teacher or prophet, or a claim to divine authority based upon apostolic succession, or even a line of succession through valid baptisers traced back to John the Baptist! Jer 23:25, Gen 40:22, Num 12:6, 1Sa 28:6, 1Ch 17:15, Job 33:15, +*Isa 8:20 note. Dan 7:1, Joel 2:28.

he that hath my word. Ezk 13:7.

speak my word. Jer 1:17; Jer 2:1; Jer 26:2; Jer 36:21; Jer 42:4, Exo 6:29, 1Ki 22:14, 2Ki 22:15, 2Ch 18:13, Pro 13:17; *Pro 14:5; **Pro 30:6, *Ezk 2:7; Ezk 33:7, Mat 7:29; +*Mat 24:45, Mrk 1:22, Luk 4:32; +*Luk 12:42, Rom 1:16; **Rom 10:17, *1Co 4:2, **2Co 2:17, **1Th 2:13, 1Ti 1:12, 2Ti 2:2, **1Pe 1:23; 1Pe 2:2. A mark of the false is adding to the written word of God supposed new revelation from whatever source—whether supernatural dreams, or alleged supernatural gifts of the Spirit. +*Pro 30:6, Hos 3:4, Jhn 16:8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, +**2Ti 3:15, 16, 17, *2Pe 1:21.

faithfully. +*Dan 11:33 note. +*1Ti 4:16, +**2Ti 2:15; *2Ti 4:2.

What. FS138C, +Gen 22:14. Note: That is, when the dreamers declare their dreams, and the true prophets faithfully declare their message, the difference between them will be as evident as that between “the chaff and the wheat.” Jer 28:1, *Ezk 13:3, +Mic 2:11, +Luk 3:17, *1Co 3:11, 12, 13.

MY COMMENT:

Be very careful not to place any authority above the Bible itself (1 Corinthians 4:6).

1Co 4:6  And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. (KJV)

1Co 4:6  I have applied these things to myself and Apollos because of you, brothers and sisters, so that through us you may learn “not to go beyond what is written,” so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of the one against the other. (NET Bible)

We are not to go beyond what is written.

The question is often raised: “Where in the Bible does it state that we are to go by the Bible alone?” The clearest answer I have found in the Bible itself is Isaiah 8:20, taken in its immediate context and related contexts. I often express what Isaiah 8:20 and related Scriptures teach by stating “We are to go by what is IN the Bible, not by what is NOT IN the Bible.”

Isa 8:20  To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (KJV)

Isa 8:20  Then you must recall the LORD’s instructions and the prophetic testimony of what would happen. Certainly they say such things because their minds are spiritually darkened. (NET Bible)

Another significant Bible statement on this theme is found in Proverbs 30:6.

Pro 30:5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Pro 30:6  Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (KJV)

Pro 30:5  Every word of God is purified; he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him.
Pro 30:6  Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you, and prove you to be a liar. (NET Bible)

This concept is repeated throughout the Bible as may be verified by reading the cross references for Proverbs 30:6.

Proverbs 30:6
Add thou not. T50, T1032, Gen 3:3, +*Deut 4:2; Deut 12:32, Ecc 3:14, Isa 29:13; +Isa 42:21 (T284). +*Mat 15:9, 1Co 3:12, +*Gal 1:8; +*Gal 1:9, 2Pe 3:15, 16, *Rev 22:18; *Rev 22:19.

and. Gen 3:3, Job 13:7, 8, 9, 1Co 15:15.

IMMEDIATE CONTEXT (THE NEXT VERSE) CONFIRMS REFERENCE IS TO THE BIBLE

Consider the next verse in Jeremiah, Jeremiah 23:29,

Jer 23:29  Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (KJV)

Jer 23:29  “Isn’t my word like fire?” says Yahweh; “and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? (WEB, World English Bible)

Jer 23:29  My message is like a fire that purges dross! It is like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces! I, the LORD, so affirm it! (NET Bible)

Beware of any institution, organization, denomination, or individual that places its authority on a par or above the authority of God’s Word in the Bible!

DIG DEEPER USING THE CROSS REFERENCES FOR JEREMIAH 23:29 FROM:

A. The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Jeremiah 23:29
like as: Jer 5:14, Jer 20:9; Luk 24:32; Jhn 6:63; Act 2:3, Act 2:37; 2Co 2:16, 2Co 10:4, 5; Heb 4:12; Rev 11:5

B. My expansion of these references in the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Jeremiah 23:29
Is not. Note: As fire penetrates, enlivens, illuminates, purifies, consumes, or transforms every substance into its own nature; so the Sacred Word, applied by the Spirit of God, penetrates the conscience, quickens and illuminates the mind, softens and melts the heart, purifies the affections, consumes the dross of sin, and transforms the believer’s soul into its own holy nature; and as a hammer, it breaks down the presumptuous confidence of the proud and stouthearted. Dr. Adam Clarke thinks there may be an allusion to the practice, in some countries, of roasting stones containing ore, before they are subjected to the hammer, in order to pulverize them. In Cornwall, they roast the tin stones, by which the arsenic is separated from the ore, and they are then easily reduced to powder in the stamp mill; and, being afterwards washed, the grains of tin sink to the bottom, while the lighter parts go off with the water, and the metal is then procured clean and pure.

my word. +*Jer 15:16.

like as. *Jer 5:14; Jer 20:9, Ecc 12:11, Hos 6:5, Mrk 3:17; Mrk 4:8, *Luk 24:32, *Jhn 6:63; Jhn 8:7, Act 2:3; *Act 2:37; Act 24:25, Rom 1:16; *Rom 10:17, 1Co 3:13, *2Co 2:16; **2Co 10:4; **2Co 10:5, **1Th 2:13, **Heb 4:12, *Rev 11:5.

Note carefully that all that we have of God’s Word today is confined to the text of the Bible.

Posted in Apologetics--Christian, Bible Study Tools, Doctrinal Discussions, False Religions, How to Interpret the Bible Correctly | Tagged , | Leave a comment

My Answer to Muslim Objection to Jesus being the Messiah

Posted on April 25, 2026 by Jerry

THE OBJECTION:

[Unfortunately, I am not able to figure out yet how to get back to the site where this discussion took place. The gist of the argument is that the Jews in Israel at the time did not accept Jesus as their Messiah (John 1:11). Therefore, Jesus must not have been the true expected Messiah for He did not fulfill the prophecies they expected the Messiah to fulfill.]

MY ANSWER:

Ibrahim Abdulrahman The problem with your argument is that you have failed to include all the evidence provided in the Bible on this theme.

Selecting part of the evidence and ignoring contrary evidence demonstrates your position is mistaken.

My constructive suggestion is that you start with a study of the fulfilled Bible prophecies about Jesus, the Messiah. Then proceed to a study of the unfulfilled Bible prophecies that pertain to the Second Coming of Christ.

If you have access to my published resource, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, or its digital expansion, the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury, this kind of study is easily done.

Lacking access to these resources, a good starting point would be to study the cross references I have provided for Micah 5:2 and Micah 5:3 which I share below from the UCRT:

Mic 5:2  But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (KJV)

Micah 5:2
But thou. >Mat 2:6, >Jhn 7:42.
Bethlehem. T1888, +Jos 19:15, Jdg 12:8; %Jdg 17:7, $Mat 2:1; $Mat 2:6, $Luk 2:4, 5, 6, Jhn 7:42, Heb 7:14.
Ephratah. Gen 35:16; Gen 35:19; +Gen 48:7, Ephrath. Jos 12:9 note. +Ruth 1:2; Ruth 4:11, 1Sa 17:12, +1Ch 2:50; +1Ch 2:51; +1Ch 2:54; 1Ch 4:4, Psa 132:6.
little. Jdg 6:15, 1Co 1:27, 28, 29.
among. 1Sa 10:19; 1Sa 23:23.
thousands. +Exo 18:21; +Exo 18:25 <rp. Num 1:16, Deut 1:15, +Jos 22:21, Jdg 6:15; Jdg 12:6 mg,note. Jdg 15:15 note. 1Sa 6:19 note. 1Sa 8:12; 1Sa 10:19; 1Sa 17:18; 1Sa 23:23, 1Ki 20:30 note. 1Ch 12:20; 1Ch 15:25; 1Ch 27:1.
of Judah. Deut 33:7, +1Ch 5:2, %+Psa 60:7, $Mat 2:6, $Heb 7:14, $Rev 5:5.
yet. Isa 11:1; Isa 53:2, Ezk 17:22, 23, 24, *Amos 9:11, Luk 2:4, 5, 6, 7, 1Co 1:27, 28.
out of thee. Num 24:19, Isa 11:1, Jhn 7:27.
shall he. Psa 23:1; Psa 78:71, Jer 23:4, Zec 13:7, Act 13:32; Act 26:6, Heb 5:5.
come forth. Jer 33:14, Ezk 21:27, Dan 9:25, %*Zec 9:9; Zec 12:8, Mat 11:3; Mat 21:5, Luk 2:6; Luk 7:19; +**Luk 24:27, Jhn 1:45, Gal 4:4, =1Th 4:16.
that is. +*Gen 49:10, 1Ch 5:2, +*Isa 9:6; +*Isa 9:7, +*Jer 23:5; +*Jer 23:6, Ezk 34:23, 24; Ezk 37:22, 23, 24, 25, *Zec 9:9, Mat 28:18, +**Luk 1:31, 32, 33; Luk 23:2; Luk 23:38, Jhn 19:14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 1Ti 3:16, Rev 19:16.
ruler. 1Ch 11:2, Psa 28:9, Isa 55:4, Jer 30:9; Jer 30:21, Ezk 37:24, **Jhn 1:49, +*Act 2:30; =Act 7:35; +*Act 10:36, *Rom 9:5, Col 1:20, 1Ti 1:17.
in Israel. +*Act 1:6.
whose goings forth. +Gen 22:15 note. *Psa 90:2; Psa 102:25, 26, 27, *Pro 8:22; *Pro 8:23, +*Jhn 1:1, 2, 3; **Jhn 8:58, *Col 1:17, +*Heb 13:8, *1Jn 1:1; *1Jn 1:2, *Rev 1:11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18; Rev 2:8; Rev 21:6.
from. *Psa 55:19; Psa 93:2, Isa 43:13, Dan 7:9, Jhn 1:15; +*Jhn 8:58.
of old. Heb. kedem, +S# H6924. Always used of the past; rendered (1) ever, Pro 8:23, (2) eternal, Deut 33:27, (3) everlasting, **Hab 1:12, (4) old, Neh 12:46, Psa 44:1; Psa 55:19; Psa 68:33; Psa 74:2; Psa 77:5; Psa 77:11; Psa 78:2; Psa 119:152; Psa 143:5, Jer 46:26, Lam 1:7; Lam 2:17, Mic 7:20, (5) ancient, Deut 33:15, 2Ki 19:25, Isa 19:11; Isa 23:7; Isa 37:26; Isa 45:21; Isa 46:10; Isa 51:9, (6) past, Job 29:2, (7) aforetime, Jer 30:20, (8) before, Psa 139:5, Pro 8:22.
from. T76-3, Psa 72:17, Pro 8:22, 23, 24, +*Jhn 1:1; +*Jhn 1:2; +*Jhn 8:35; +*Jhn 8:58; *Jhn 17:5, *1Jn 1:1; *1Jn 1:2, +*Rev 1:8; +*Rev 1:17.
everlasting. or, the days of eternity. Heb. olam, +Gen 17:7, FS22D4B, +Dan 7:9. Mic 7:14, Deut 33:27, **Psa 90:2; Psa 93:2, *Pro 8:22; *Pro 8:23, Isa 57:15, Hab 1:12, *Jhn 1:1; *Jhn 1:2; **Jhn 6:54 note. Rom 16:26, Php 2:6, 1Pe 1:20, Rev 1:4.

Mic 5:3  Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. (KJV)

Micah 5:3
Therefore. Mic 7:13, Hos 2:9; Hos 2:14.
give them up. Mic 6:14, 1Ki 14:16, 2Ch 30:7, Isa 49:1-23, Hos 11:8, Zec 13:7, 8, 9, **+Mat 21:43.
until the time. +*Psa 102:13; +*Psa 102:16, Hos 3:4, 5; +*Hos 5:15; Hos 6:2, *Mat 19:28; +*Mat 23:39, +*Luk 21:24, +**Act 3:19, +*Rom 11:25.
she which travaileth. *Mic 4:10, +*Gen 3:15, +*Isa 7:14; +*Isa 66:7; +*Isa 66:8, $Mat 1:21; $Mat 1:23; +*Mat 24:8, *Jhn 16:21; *Jhn 16:22, Gal 4:4, *Rev 12:1; *Rev 12:2.
brought forth. **Mat 19:28, Rev 12:5.
then the remnant. Mic 5:7, 8, Mic 2:12; +Mic 4:7; Mic 7:18, +Isa 1:9; *Isa 10:5; *Isa 10:6; *Isa 10:20, 21, 22; Isa 11:11; Isa 37:4; Isa 37:31, Jer 23:3; Jer 31:1; Jer 31:7, 8, 9, Ezk 6:8; +Ezk 14:22, Joel 2:32, Amos 5:15, Zep 2:7; Zep 2:9; Zep 3:13, Rom 9:27, 28; Rom 11:4, 5, 6.
his brethren. Mat 12:50; Mat 25:40, Rom 8:29, *Heb 2:11; *Heb 2:12.

I will immediately attempt to post this material on my Real Bible Study website where the cross references will be “live” and readable upon mouse-over.

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Daily Bible Nugget #973, Luke 22:36

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Luke 22:36. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. (KJV)

Luke 22:36. Then he said to them, “But now, the person who has a wallet and a traveling bag should take them along. The person who doesn’t have a sword should sell his coat and buy one. (GW, God’s Word translation)

Luke 22:36. Jesus told them, “But now, if you have a moneybag, take it with you. Also take a traveling bag, and if you don’t have a sword, sell some of your clothes and buy one. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

Luke 22:36. And he said to them, But now, he who has a money-bag, or a bag for food, let him take it: and he who has not, let him give his coat for money and get a sword. (BBE, Basic English Bible)

Luke 22:36. And he said to them, “But now the one who has a money bag must take it, and likewise a food bag. And the one who does not have a sword must sell his cloak and buy one. (UASV, Updated American Standard Version)

My Comment:

It is clear to me and ought to be clear to every Bible reader that it is obvious that Jesus was not a pacifist!

Luke 22:35. Then Jesus said to the apostles, “Remember when I sent you out without money, a bag, or sandals? Did you need anything?” The apostles said, “No.”
Luke 22:36. Jesus said to them, “But now if you have money or a bag, carry that with you. If you don’t have a sword, sell your coat and buy one.  (ERV, Easy-to-Read Version)

Jesus wanted His apostles to be prepared to defend themselves should the need arise. Jesus believed in being prepared.

Nevertheless, Jesus was not suggesting that the apostles were to advance the Gospel by the power of the sword.

In a related text Jesus corrected Peter when Peter used his sword against the servant of the high priest.

Luke 22:50. And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
Luke 22:51. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. (KJV)

John 18:10. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
Joh 18:11. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (KJV)

Matthew 26:52. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Matthew 26:53. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Mat 26:54. But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

John 18:36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (KJV)

There are many today who fail to see the wisdom of the current conflict in the middle east. Consider that the nation of Iran, at least its Islamic leaders, have been threatening to attack our country, calling us the “great Satan” for at least 47 years. When an enemy threatens you harm, it is likely best to believe them. Why would Iran be stocking such a large supply of weaponry? Why would Iran be enriching uranium to levels not necessary for civilian uses? Why would Iran be hiding what it is doing far underground? Iran is the chief sponsor of terrorism in the world. Iran has so far refused to seriously negotiate. In their view, based on their understanding of the Koran, it is desirable to bring about the end times and the revelation or return of the Twelfth Imam. I am thankful that at last we have a President who is determined to address and permanently eliminate this threat.

It is unfortunate, in my opinion, that we cannot insist on the principle of reciprocity in all matters in our relations with other countries. Islam has been building many mosques throughout our country. Yet there are no equivalent provisions for the building of churches in Islamic countries.

Ezekiel 33:17. Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.

Dig deeper into Luke 22:36 by reading and studying the cross references from the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Luke 22:36. Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Luke 22:36
But now. FS121S4, +2Ki 4:29. T1861, Luk 9:3; Luk 10:3, Pro 17:3, Isa 48:10, Mat 10:22, 23, 24, 25, Jhn 15:18, 19, 20, 21; Jhn 16:33; Jhn 17:15, 1Th 2:14, 15; 1Th 3:4, 1Pe 4:1.

take it. Luk 22:49, 50, 51, 1Co 4:11, 12, 2Co 4:16.

scrip. +Luk 22:35.

he that hath. Note: Wetstein well remarks, that these phrases contain nothing but a prediction of instant perils.

no sword. FS63I2, +Jos 3:3. Luk 22:38, *Num 31:3, Jdg 3:2, 2Sa 1:18, +*1Ch 5:22, *Neh 4:13, Psa 18:34, +*Pro 20:18, Joel 3:10, %+*Mat 5:39; Mat 10:34; Mat 26:51, %Jhn 18:11; %Jhn 18:36, Act 22:25, 26, 27, 28, 29; Act 23:23.

and buy one. +*Pro 22:3, 1Co 15:19; 1Co 15:32, 2Co 10:4, 5.

These events took place during what we commonly call Easter Week. There is much confusion and disagreement about the chronology of the events of Passion Week. Most suppose that Jesus was crucified on Friday. A few suppose Jesus was crucified on Wednesday. A very few scholars who I suspect did their homework more thoroughly than most correctly assert Jesus was crucified on Thursday. I have shared the evidence for this latter view, based on the book by Roy M. Allen, Three Days in the Grave. Use the search feature and enter the author’s name or the book title, and the articles I have shared in the past should appear.

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Daily Bible Nugget #972, Matthew 10:34

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Matthew 10:34. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

My Comment:

It is exceedingly critical that we understand the Bible and cite it accurately.

I noticed that one very prominent religious leader in his Palm Sunday message failed to cite Scripture accurately.

It is most important to handle the Word of God, the Bible, accurately. Paul instructs Timothy as recorded in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to win full approval in God’s sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God’s truth” (GNB, Good News Bible).

According to the report I have read, Pope Leo stated:

“(Jesus) does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.”

First of all, Jesus never said this.

Second of all, the correct citation is found in Isaiah 1:15.

Isaiah 1:15. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. (KJV)

Isaiah 1:15. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I look the other way; when you offer your many prayers, I do not listen, because your hands are covered with blood. (NET Bible)

Thirdly, consider the immediate context as seen in Isaiah 1:17.

Isaiah 1:17. Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. (KJV)

Isaiah 1:17. learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. (ESV)

Therefore, God said He would not listen to Israel’s prayers because their hands were full of blood. Their hands were full of blood because their failure to seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to those not in a position to defend themselves against those who oppress them led to their death.

Jeremiah 7:6. If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: (KJV)

The context of Jeremiah 7:6 is very instructive:

Jer 7:1  The LORD said to Jeremiah:
Jer 7:2  “Stand in the gate of the LORD’s temple and proclaim this message: ‘Listen to the LORD’s message, all you people of Judah who have passed through these gates to worship the LORD.
Jer 7:3  The LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel says: Change the way you have been living and do what is right. If you do, I will allow you to continue to live in this land.
Jer 7:4  Stop putting your confidence in the false belief that says, “We are safe! The temple of the LORD is here! The temple of the LORD is here! The temple of the LORD is here!”
Jer 7:5  You must change the way you have been living and do what is right. You must treat one another fairly.
Jer 7:6  Stop oppressing resident foreigners who live in your land, children who have lost their fathers, and women who have lost their husbands. Stop killing innocent people in this land. Stop paying allegiance to other gods. That will only bring about your ruin.
Jer 7:7  If you stop doing these things, I will allow you to continue to live in this land which I gave to your ancestors as a lasting possession. (NET Bible)

Notice the clarity of the promise in Jeremiah 7:7 when read in the King James Version:

Jer 7:7. Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.

Notice that the Land Promise is referenced. Notice the expression “for ever and ever.” In the cross references, notice the reference to Leviticus 26:42.

Leviticus 26:42. Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.

Cross references for Jeremiah 7:7 as given in the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Jeremiah 7:7
to dwell. Jer 17:20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27; Jer 18:7, 8; Jer 22:4; Jer 25:5; Jer 35:15; Jer 38:17, Exo 15:17, 18, +*Lev 26:42, Deut 30:20, Isa 25:6, 7; Isa 25:10, Mic 4:1, 2, Zep 3:7, Zec 14:4, Jhn 4:23.

in the land. See on Jer 3:18, Deut 4:40 <rp. 2Ch 33:8, %Ezk 33:25, +*Amos 9:15, Zec 1:17; Zec 3:9, +**Act 7:5 note.

that I gave. +*Gen 13:15, +*Amos 9:15, +*Act 7:5.

for ever and. Heb. olam doubled, +Dan 2:20, *Jer 25:5.

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Daily Bible Nugget #971, Psalm 122:6 Part 2

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Psalm 122:6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. (KJV)

My Comment:

I stated in Part 1:

Psalm 122:6 is not a controversial verse for those who have studied and understood the Bible correctly. But there are many today who find the idea uncomfortable that we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem as well as pray for our own political leadership in these currently very troubled times. Many, including the Pope, believe such prayers are mistaken.

It is most clear that the Bible tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in Psalm 122:6.

Is there a basis to assert that the Bible tells us to pray for our political and governmental leaders? Absolutely! Read 1 Timothy 2:1, 2, 3, 4.

1Ti 2:1  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1Ti 2:2  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1Ti 2:3  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1Ti 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (KJV)

1Ti 2:1  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1Ti 2:2  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1Ti 2:3  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1Ti 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (ESV)

I would think that any careful Bible reader would understand that Paul urges us to pray “for kings and all the ones being in high position, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet existence in all godliness and dignity” (LITV, Literal Translation of the Bible).

That there are many, including the Pope, who believe such prayers are mistaken, are proven mistaken because such a belief directly contradicts the plain statements in Scripture which I have cited. Think otherwise? Post a comment and say so!

Now, getting back to Psalm 122:6. A deeper study of this passage is possible using the cross reference method of Bible study.

Dig deeper into Psalm 122:6 by reading and studying the cross references as given in:

A. The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Psalm 122:6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Psalms 122:6
Pray: Psa 51:18, Psa 137:6, 7; Jer 51:50; Jhn 17:21; Eph 4:3; 2Th 3:16

they shall: Gen 12:3; Num 24:9; 1Jn 3:14

B. The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Psalms 122:6
Pray for. Psa 25:22; *Psa 51:18; Psa 137:6, 7, Gen 24:12, Est 7:3, ***Isa 62:1; ***Isa 62:6; ***Isa 62:7, Jer 15:5; Jer 51:50, Ezk 24:25, *Dan 6:10, +*Zec 12:10, Luk 14:32, *Jhn 17:20; *Jhn 17:21, +*Jas 1:17; Jas 4:17.

the peace. Psa 122:7, Psa 25:22; Psa 125:5; Psa 133:1; Psa 147:14, 1Sa 25:6, 1Ki 8:66, Est 10:3, Jer 31:23, Ezk 38:16, *Dan 9:17, +Rom 5:1, Eph 4:3; Eph 6:23, 2Th 3:16.

of Jerusalem. T1568, *Psa 51:18; +*Psa 102:16; Psa 128:5; *Psa 129:5; Psa 137:5; +*Psa 147:2, +Jos 10:1, Neh 1:2; Neh 2:10; Neh 2:12, Isa 2:3; Isa 4:3, 4; +**Isa 24:23; Isa 40:9; +Isa 51:11; *Isa 52:9; *Isa 52:10; Isa 62:1; Isa 65:18, 19, *Jer 3:17; Jer 31:23, Dan 9:16, Jol 3:17, Zec 1:12, 13; *Zec 2:10, 11, 12, 13; Zec 8:3; Zec 8:15.

they shall. +**Gen 12:3; Gen 18:18, Num 24:9, +Mat 5:9, 1Jn 3:14.

prosper. +Psa 1:3; +*Psa 37:9; Psa 128:5, +Deut 29:9, Neh 2:20; Neh 13:14, Job 36:11, %Lam 1:5.

that love thee. +*Psa 15:4; %+*Psa 83:3, +Jdg 5:31, 1Ki 5:7, 1Ch 29:3, Song 7:12, *Isa 66:10, 1Jn 3:14.

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Daily Bible Nugget #970, Psalm 122:6 Part 1

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Psalm 122:6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. (KJV)

Psalm 122:6. Pray now for the peace of Jerusalem: and let there be prosperity to them that love thee. (LXX, Brenton translation)

Psalm 122:6. Pray for all that brings Jerusalem peace! May all who love thee dwell at ease! (Ronald Knox translation)

Psalm 122:6. O make prayers for the peace of Jerusalem; may they whose love is given to you do well. (Basic English Bible)

Psalm 122:6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May those who love her prosper! (Net Bible)

Psalm 122:6. Jerusalem, we pray that you will have peace, and that all will go well for those who love you. (Contemporary English Version)

My Comment:

Psalm 122:6 is not a controversial verse for those who have studied and understood the Bible correctly. But there are many today who find the idea uncomfortable that we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem as well as pray for our own political leadership in these currently very troubled times. Many, including the Pope, believe such prayers are mistaken.

The Bible is very clear that when God makes an everlasting covenant with an individual, such as Abraham, or with a nation, such as Israel, He will not break the covenant or transfer its benefits to someone else or to another group, not even the New Testament Church.

There are those who believe in “Covenant theology.” The problem with Covenant theology is that it is not based on the named Covenants (Abrahamic and Davidic) found in the Bible, but upon imagined covenants (the covenant of works, the covenant of grace, the covenant of redemption) nowhere stated in any verse or passage of Scripture and not derivable by necessary inference from the Bible itself. These imaginary covenants were developed in some theological systems of thought to meet the exigencies of those mistaken systems.

Some Bible readers correctly understand that God’s covenant promises to Abraham and to the nation of Israel are irrevocable (Romans 11:29, ESV). This is stated clearly in Romans 11:25, 26, 27, 28, 29.

Rom 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Rom 11:26  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27  For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Rom 11:28  As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
Rom 11:29  For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (KJV)

Rom 11:25  Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
Rom 11:26  And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
Rom 11:27  “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
Rom 11:28  As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.
Rom 11:29  For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (ESV)

Paul knew the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures well: far better than most modern Bible translators and commentary writers! The key to properly understand what Paul has written is to search out just what passages and promises of Scripture he is referencing.

Here are some of the clearest relevant passages I have found that emphasize that God will never abandon the nation of Israel but will see to it that the promises He has given them will ultimately be fulfilled to Abraham personally and to the nation of Israel specifically:

Romans 11:1. I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Genesis 17:7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Leviticus 26:42. Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.
Leviticus 26:44. And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.
Leviticus 26:45. But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.

1 Samuel 12:22. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

1 Kings 11:39. And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever.

Psalm 89:34. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Isaiah 41:8. But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Isa 41:9  Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. [Emphasis added]
Isa 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isa 41:11  Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
Isa 41:12  Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
Isa 41:13  For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Isaiah 54:10. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Malachi 3:6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #969, Matthew 5:9

Posted on March 21, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Mat 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (KJV)

Mat 5:9  Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace. God will call them his sons and daughters. (ERV, Easy-to-Read Version)

Mat 5:9  God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children! (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

My Comment:

We have a genuine need for peacemakers today. There are all too many working in the opposite direction.

I believe the best way to work toward lasting peace is to encourage more people to become followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

The way to do that is to encourage more people to become readers of the New Testament and the Bible as a whole.

One of the very best books to start reading first and repeatedly is the Gospel of John. John states his purpose for writing his Gospel: “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” (John 20:31). Another most important text in John’s Gospel is John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

It is very important to reject all sources of supposed authority that place themselves above the Bible in an effort to control what you are allowed to believe what it means.

You can understand the Bible. You can interpret the Bible. Your interpretation of the Bible will become more accurate as you gradually learn more of its content. The Bible is a self-interpreting, self-correcting Book. You might wonder, if this is the case, why are there so many different and even contradictory understandings about what the Bible teaches? Why are there so many different denominations? A very central answer to those problems is that too many are taught by others who have themselves not carefully studied the Bible.

It is necessary not only to read the Bible continuously and repeatedly but also to study the Bible carefully.

It absolutely is possible, given two interpretations of something in the Bible, to make a sound, reasoned judgment about which interpretation, if either, is better.

Inference skills are sadly lacking among many readers. Inference skills are developed naturally by doing more reading. When it comes to Bible reading and Bible study, it is most important to make correct use of inference skills. For example, the word “Trinity” does not occur in the Bible. Yet the doctrine of the Trinity is taught in the Bible. It is discerned by necessary inference from what is stated in the Bible when you compare Scripture with Scripture.

Cross Reference Bible Study for Matthew 5:9 using references from:

A. The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Matthew 5:9
are: 1Ch 12:17; Psa 34:12, Psa 120:6, Psa 122:6, 7, 8; Act 7:26; Rom 12:18, Rom 14:1,, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; Rom 14:17, 18, 19; 1Co 6:6; 2Co 5:20, 2Co 13:11; Gal 5:22; Eph 4:1; Php 2:1, 2, 3; Php 4:2; Col 3:13; 2Ti 2:22, 23, 24; Heb 12:14; Jas 1:19, 20, Jas 3:16, 17, 18

for: Mat 5:45, Mat 5:48; Psa 82:6, 7; Luk 6:35, Luk 20:36; Eph 5:1, 2; Php 2:15, 16; 1Pe 1:14, 15, 16

B. The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Matthew 5:9
Blessed. Gr. makarios (S# G3107, Mat 5:3).

peacemakers. T913, %Mat 23:27; %Mat 23:28, *Gen 13:8; *Gen 13:9, Exo 2:13, 1Ch 12:17, 18, Job 25:2, *Psa 34:12; *Psa 34:13; *+Psa 34:14; *Psa 37:37; Psa 120:6, 7; +*Psa 122:6, 7, 8; **Psa 133:1, Pro 12:20; Pro 15:18; +*Pro 16:7, *Zec 8:16, Mal 2:6, Act 7:26, **Rom 12:18, 19, 20; Rom 14:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; Rom 14:17, 18, 19, 1Co 6:6, 7, 8, 2Co 5:18, 20; *2Co 13:11, Gal 5:22, Eph 2:14; Eph 4:1, 2, 3; **Eph 4:32, Php 2:1, 2, 3; *Php 2:14; Php 4:2, Col 1:20; Col 3:13, 14, 15, 1Th 5:23, 2Ti 2:22, 23, 24, **Heb 12:14, Jas 1:19, 20; *Jas 3:16, 17, 18, 1Pe 3:10, 11.

called the children. or, sons. Mat 5:44, 45; Mat 5:48, Mat 18:3, Psa 82:6, 7, Mal 3:17, Mrk 10:15, +*Luk 6:35; Luk 18:17; Luk 20:36, Rom 8:14, Eph 5:1, 2, *Php 2:14, 15, 16, +*Heb 12:14, 1Pe 1:3; 1Pe 1:14, 15, 16, +1Jn 3:1.

of God. Joh 11:52, Rom 8:16, 21; Rom 9:8, Gal 3:26, 1Jn 3:10; 1Jn 5:2.

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Daily Bible Nugget #968, Ecclesiastes 3:8

Posted on March 14, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Ecc 3:8  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. (KJV)

My Comment:

It would be a wonderful day should it ever come to pass that the pastors, teachers, and religious leaders up to and including the Pope himself would have a more accurate understanding of the written word of God found only in the Bible.

A careful reading and deeper study of the Bible would surely lead to the conclusion that the Bible does not teach pacifism. Note that Ecclesiastes 3:8 speaks of “a time of war, and a time of peace.” I am addressing Ecclesiastes 3:8 first because in my experience of Real Bible Study, I learned a significant lesson about how to study the Bible.

Many years ago, I was trying to find a Bible passage that showed that kings in Old Testament times fought their wars at a certain time of year. I could not remember any of the words of the verse or passage where the Bible mentions this. Therefore, I could not use Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible to find what I was looking for.

I tried reading Bible dictionaries on the subject of war. They did not bring me to the passage I knew was somewhere there in the Old Testament. I tried two or three more major Bible encyclopedias and still did not find it.

Exasperated, I finally turned to the cross references in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. I recalled that “war” was mentioned in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, so I started there, at Ecclesiastes 3:8. Now, the exact reference I was looking for is not listed there in the original Treasury. But I knew if I read each passage it references, and the immediate context–what comes before and what comes after each passage–I would likely find what I was looking for. And I did.

What motivates this post is a comment by the Pope I read about on the Internet yesterday and which I heard about on the radio news perhaps a few days before that. The Pope objected to a prayer meeting where those in attendance prayed with and for President Trump, asking that he would receive God’s guidance in the conduct of the current Middle East conflict with Iran. The Pope did not believe that prayer for such a purpose was proper. I am quite certain, in the light of what the Bible itself teaches, that the Pope is very mistaken.

In response to what a missionary friend shared about the Pope’s reaction, I submitted the following comment:

Accurate understanding of Bible doctrine as derived from the Bible itself is greatly enhanced by improved reading comprehension and inference skills. I have developed a proven resource available on Amazon titled the Language Enrichment Program that does this for anyone who will use it and follow its directions carefully.

Accurate Bible study is made possible by letting Scripture interpret Scripture. I have developed extensive resources which enable any Bible reader to compare Scripture with Scripture more completely: The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge is also available on Amazon.

The Pope and everyone else would do well to study the cross references for Ecclesiastes 3:8 as well as for Matthew 5:9 as well as Psalm 122:6 and Luke 22:36.

Ecc 3:8  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Mat 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Psa 122:6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Luk 22:36  Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Here are the cross references for Ecclesiastes 3:8 as found in:

A. The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Ecclesiastes 3:8
time to love: Ezk 16:8; Psa 139:21; Eph 3:19, Eph 5:25, Eph 5:28, 29; Tit 2:4

a time to hate: 2Ch 19:2; Luk 14:26; Rev 2:2

a time of war: Gen 14:14, 15, 16, 17; Jos 8:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, Jos 11:23; 2Sa 10:6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; 1Ki 5:4; 2Ch 20:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 2Ch 20:30

I have separated long groups of verses to individual verses so that these texts can be read by hovering a computer mouse over each verse. The text box which pops up is often not large enough to contain multiple verses.

2 Chronicles 20 requires separate notice. I have provided the following overview of this passage in the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury. This passage alone fully sustains my case, in contrast to what the Pope has affirmed, regarding the propriety of prayers with and for President Trump (see also 1 Timothy 2:1, 2, 3):

2 Chronicles 20
Overview
2Ch 20:1, Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast; 2Ch 20:5, His prayer; 2Ch 20:14, The prophecy of Jahaziel; 2Ch 20:20, Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets singers to praise the Lord; 2Ch 20:22, The great overthrow of his enemies; 2Ch 20:26, The people, having blessed God at Berachah, return in triumph; 2Ch 20:31, Jehoshaphat’s reign; 2Ch 20:35, His convoy of ships, according to the prophecy of Eliezer, unhappily perish.

B.  The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Ecclesiastes 3:8
time to love. Jer 2:2, *Ezk 16:8, Dan 1:9, Gal 5:13, Eph 3:19; *Eph 5:25; *Eph 5:28; *Eph 5:29, 2Th 1:3, *Tit 2:4.

a time to hate. 2Sa 13:15, +*2Ch 19:2, Psa 97:10; Psa 105:25; +**Psa 119:104; *Psa 139:21, Pro 8:13; Pro 11:15; Pro 15:27; Pro 25:17; Pro 28:16, Amos 5:15, *Luk 14:26, Jhn 12:25, Jud 1:23, Rev 2:2.

a time of war. *Gen 14:14, 15, 16, 17, Exo 17:16, Num 1:3; Num 1:20; Num 1:22; Num 26:2, Deut 3:18, Jos 11:5; Jos 8:1; Jos 8:14; *Jos 11:23, Jdg 3:2, 2Sa 3:1; 2Sa 10:6, etc. +**2Sa 11:1 note. 1Ki 5:4; +*1Ki 20:22, +1Ch 5:22; +*1Ch 20:1, 2Ch 20:1, etc., 2Ch 20:30, Job 7:1 mg. Job 38:23, Jer 6:4, *Luk 14:31, Rev 12:7; Rev 19:11; Rev 19:19.

of peace. +*Lev 26:6, Jos 11:23; Jos 14:15, Jdg 4:17, 1Sa 7:14, Psa 72:3; Psa 85:8, +*Pro 16:7, Isa 9:7, Zec 9:10, *Rom 5:1, Eph 4:3, +**Heb 12:14.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #967, Matthew 5:44

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Mat 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (KJV)

My Comment:

Friday, March 13, 2026, is the 40th anniversary of the day I was shot in the back of my head at point-blank range while entering Southeastern High School on Thursday morning at 7:15 am from the teacher parking lot. My assailant was never identified and never caught.

I continue to pray for my unknown assailant that he would hear the Gospel, repent, and turn to our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

There is about 5% of the black population that commit most of the crimes attributed to this minority group of our population. From what I have read in the past, I understand that they comprise an out-sized proportion of our prison population. I recently read that in Michigan there is a 68% ninth-grade dropout rate. I would attribute that to a failure to learn to read well enough to succeed in high school. I encountered many students who were reading at only a fourth or fifth grade reading comprehension level in my high school classes. The very best of my students read at an eighth-grade level, which means they were two to four years behind grade level in reading when I initially tested them.

To solve the problem for my students, I developed my Language Enrichment Program. It is self-instructional. I designed it that way so students would not constantly require my assistance to successfully use and learn from it.

I heard Governor Whitmer on WJR touting a new emphasis upon reading for Michigan students. She said Michigan ranks 44th in student reading comprehension, very close to the bottom state. Michigan was once in the top ten states for reading achievement. If I recall correctly, she said Michigan intends to invest millions of dollars to solve this problem.

I’ve got good news for parents, teachers, students and anyone else concerned about improving student reading comprehension. I already have solved that problem and have placed my Language Enrichment Program on Amazon in book form ($20) and Kindle format ($10). On Amazon, simply search under “books” for my name, Jerome Smith, and/or the program name, The Language Enrichment Program. Anyone who follows the directions in my program will reap the benefits it provides.

Why have you not heard of this proven successful program? I sometimes wonder if those who claim to desire to solve the problem actually do not want to solve the problem. If they solved the problem, the funding would stop. I cannot afford to advertise my program, so I must depend on word-of-mouth advertising by those who have been helped by using it.

What has all this to do with my being shot on March 13, 1986? While off from teaching, I had the opportunity to assist a local third grade student who was having difficulty learning to read well. I wrote a new beginning chapter to my program that is easier to read, and this chapter has made it possible ever since to use my program with much younger students as well as with high school students who are far behind grade level in reading.

My students who used the program did not drop out of school. Most of them ended up on the honor roll. Many of them went straight to college after high school and successfully graduated college. I used my program to tutor athletes after school. Many of them got high enough scores on the SAT and ACT tests to qualify for full athletic scholarships.

I’ve shared my story. I addressed the problem. I explained how I solved the problem. Now you can help others by letting them know about my inexpensive solution so they can benefit. My program changes lives for the better!

Mat 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Cross references from:

A. The original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Matthew 5:44
Exo 23:4, 5; 2Ki 6:22; 2Ch 28:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; Psa 7:4, Psa 35:13, 14; Pro 25:21, 22; Luk 6:27, 28, Luk 6:34, 35, Luk 23:34; Act 7:60; Rom 12:14, Rom 12:20, 21; 1Co 4:12, 13; 1Co 13:4, 5, 6, 7, 8; 1Pe 2:23, 1Pe 3:9

B. The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Matthew 5:44
But I say. Mat 5:22, Mat 7:29, Rom 7:14.

Love your enemies. Exo 23:4, 5, Lev 19:18, 2Ki 6:22, 2Ch 28:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, *Job 31:29; *Job 31:30, *Psa 7:4; Psa 35:12, 13, 14, +*Pro 16:7; Pro 25:21, 22, Luk 6:27, 28; Luk 6:34, 35; *Luk 23:34, *Act 7:60, Rom 5:8, 9, 10; **Rom 12:14; **+Rom 12:20; **Rom 12:21, *1Co 4:12; *1Co 4:13; 1Co 13:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 1Th 3:12; 1Th 5:15, *1Pe 2:23; **1Pe 3:9.

bless. [Gr. eulogeō (S# G2127), to speak well of, that is, (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper (Strong): Rendered (1) bless: Mat 5:44; Mat 14:19; Mat 21:9; Mat 23:39; Mat 25:34; Mat 26:26, Mrk 6:41; Mrk 8:7; Mrk 10:16; Mrk 11:9, 10; Mrk 14:22, Luk 1:28; Luk 1:42 (twice). Luk 2:28; Luk 2:34; Luk 6:28; Luk 9:16; Luk 13:35; Luk 19:38; Luk 24:30; Luk 24:50, 51; Luk 24:53, Jhn 12:13, Act 3:26, Rom 12:14 (twice). 1Co 4:12; 1Co 10:16; 1Co 14:16, Gal 3:9, Eph 1:3, Heb 6:14 (twice). Heb 7:1; Heb 7:6, 7; Heb 11:20, 21, Jas 3:9, 1Pe 3:9, (2) praise: Luk 1:64]. %+Mat 5:3, *Mat 18:33, Gen 42:25; Gen 50:21, 2Sa 2:6; 2Sa 9:3, Job 31:30, Pro 19:11; Pro 24:17, Oba 1:12, Luk 6:28; Luk 17:4, +*Rom 12:14; +*Rom 12:20, 1Co 4:12; +*1Co 13:6, Col 3:13, 1Th 5:15.

them that curse. Jer 15:10, Jas 3:9.

do good. Gr. kalōs [S# G2573: Rendered (1) well: Mat 12:12; Mat 15:7, Mrk 7:6; Mrk 7:37; Mrk 12:28; Mrk 12:32, Luk 6:26; Luk 20:39, Jhn 4:17; Jhn 8:48; Jhn 13:13; Jhn 18:23, Act 10:33; Act 28:25, Rom 11:20, 1Co 7:37, 38; 1Co 14:17, 2Co 11:4, Gal 4:17; Gal 5:7, Php 4:14, 1Ti 3:3; 1Ti 3:12, 13; 1Ti 5:17, Jas 2:8; Jas 2:19, 2Pe 1:19, 3Jn 1:6, (2) good: Mat 5:44, Luk 6:27, (3) full well: Mrk 7:9, (4) very well: Act 25:10, (5) recover (with S# G2192): Mrk 16:18, (6) honestly: Heb 13:18, (7) in a good place: Jas 2:3]. Gen 25:6, Deut 22:4, *1Sa 24:6; *1Sa 24:7; *1Sa 24:17; *1Sa 24:18; 1Sa 30:11, 1Ki 2:9 note. +Psa 14:3, Pro 25:21, Jhn 15:8, Act 16:28, *Gal 6:10, 1Pe 3:11.

pray for. T1473: Exo 8:12; Exo 10:18, Num 12:13; Num 16:47, *1Sa 12:23; 1Sa 15:11, 2Sa 1:12, 1Ki 13:6, Psa 35:13, 14; Psa 141:5, Jer 29:7, *Mrk 11:25, *Luk 6:27; *Luk 6:28; *Luk 18:1; Luk 23:33, 34, Jhn 17:9, Act 7:59, 60; Act 16:25, Rom 10:1, 1Co 4:12, 13, 1Ti 2:8, %+*2Ti 4:14; %+*2Ti 4:16, 1Pe 3:9.

which despitefully use you. Rather, are cursing, are hating, are despitefully using and persecuting you, i.e. even while in the act, and continuing this treatment of you (De Burgh). Act 14:5.

persecute. T1639, Jer 29:7, *1Co 4:12.

 

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