Daily Bible Nugget #744, John 9:31

Posted on May 13, 2023 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Joh 9:31  Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

The Muslim Challenge:

Christian says: “we pray anytime we wish. We pray anywhere we wish”

When you leave it to individuals, they dont pray. Perhaps they pray once in a while when they remember about God.. but most of the time they forget God.

Islam makes it compulsory to pray 5x a day so that you will never forget God. Btw, Muslims can also pray anytime we wish and anywhere we wish, outside of the 5 compulsory prayers. Supplication (doa) is not to be confused with Worship in solah.

 

My Response:

The Bible teaches:

1Th 5:17  Pray without ceasing.

Bible believing Christians “pray anytime we wish. We pray anywhere we wish.” We do not need a compulsory ritual requiring us to pray five times a day or at stipulated times.

The Bible contains much teaching about prayer. This teaching may be readily accessed by means of CROSS REFERENCE Bible study. Start at any Bible verse about prayer and the cross references will lead you to many more related Bible passages about the subject.

For example, beginning with John 9:31,

Joh 9:31  Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

The cross references given in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury or The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are:

John 9:31
heareth not sinners. i.e. wicked men, deceivers and impostors, as Joh 9:24 (De Burgh, p. 259). FS101, +Deut 32:42, Gen 13:13, Deut 1:45, 1Sa 14:37; 1Sa 28:6, +*2Sa 22:42, =2Ch 26:18, *Job 27:8; *Job 27:9; *Job 35:12; *Job 35:13; *Job 42:8, *Psa 18:41; *Psa 34:15-17; Psa 50:16; +**Psa 66:18, 19, 20; Psa 109:7; Psa 140:8, *Pro 1:28; *Pro 1:29; *Pro 15:8; *Pro 15:29; *Pro 21:13; *Pro 28:9, *Isa 1:15; *Isa 58:9; *Isa 59:2, *Jer 11:11; *Jer 14:10, 11, 12; Jer 15:1; Jer 18:17, Lam 3:8; Lam 3:44, *Eze 8:17; *Eze 8:18; +*Eze 14:3; +*Eze 14:14; Eze 20:3; Eze 20:31, Hos 5:6, *Mic 3:4, *Zec 7:13, Mal 1:9, Mat 9:10; Mat 25:12, Luk 7:37, Act 19:13, 14, 15, 16, +*Jas 4:3, 1Jn 5:14; 1Jn 5:16.

if any. FS184C, +Mat 4:9.
a worshipper of God. Psa 33:18; *Psa 34:15; *Psa 34:16; Psa 145:19, *Pro 15:29, Act 10:2, 3, 4, 1Ti 2:10, +*Jas 5:16.

and doeth. T534, T1325, *Joh 4:34; +*Joh 7:17; **Joh 15:16, Job 36:7, Psa 37:4; *Psa 40:8; Psa 86:11; Psa 119:47, 48; *Psa 143:10, Pro 28:9, *Mat 7:21, +1Co 2:9 (T289). Heb 10:7, *1Jn 3:21; *1Jn 3:22.

him he heareth. *Joh 11:22; *Joh 11:41; *Joh 11:42, Gen 18:23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33; Gen 19:29; *Gen 20:7, *1Ki 17:20, 21, 22; *1Ki 18:36, 37, 38, 2Ch 32:20, 21, *Psa 4:3; Psa 10:17; +*Psa 34:15; *Psa 99:6; Psa 106:23; Psa 145:19, Jer 15:1, Luk 18:13, 14, Joh 15:7, Act 10:4, +*Jas 5:15, 16, 17, 18, *1Pe 3:12, +1Jn 5:14; +1Jn 5:16.

 

TK responded:

Do you actually memorise all these verses?

My reply to TK:

I memorized about 200 verses back when I was in high school. At that time I memorized the book of James as well. Since then, I have read and studied the Bible so much more while preparing to teach my Sunday school classes and still more while preparing The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible, and The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury, I may know even more Bible verses and their location “by heart.”

TK replied:

those numbers make no sense to me. So you shouldn’t post numbers cos they’re meaningless to me

My reply to TK:

For anyone who knows anything about the Bible, “those numbers” refer to the abbreviated Bible book names, the chapter number, and the verse number. Since you post Bible verses and references yourself, I’m quite sure you know how to look up Bible verses in a printed Bible or by using digital resources to do the same.

Posted in Apologetics Issues--Other Faiths, Bible Promises, Bible Study Tools, Daily Bible Nuggets, False Religions | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Who are you following?

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Joh 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

My Comment:

Whoever it may be that you are following determines where you end up!

Don’t be misguided by false or mistaken claimants who claim to have the truth. The only and ultimate source of truth is the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6). His claim to the truth has been verified by God Himself Who raised Jesus bodily from the dead. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only person authorized by God to give eternal life to those who continue to know both the Father and the Son (John 17:2, 3).

A most important part of continuing to know both the Father and the Son is regular daily reading and studying the Bible. If you are not spiritually hungry you might be spiritually dead!

From Ken Sagely:

JOHN 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

JOHN 1:4 In Him was life: and the life was the LIGHT of men.

JOHN 3.19 And this is the condemnation that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil.

JOHN 9.5 As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.

2 CORINTHIANS 4.6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

JOHN 9:25 He answered and said, whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that whereas I was blind now I see.

COLOSSIANS 1.12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

HEBREWS 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great Salvation: which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and confirmed to unto us by them that heard him.

Redeemed–How I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
redeemed through His infinite mercy–
His child and forever I am.
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed, His child, and forever I am.

Posted in Ken Sagely contributions | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Daily Bible Nugget #743, 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Jerry

The Nugget:

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. (KJV)

1Ti 2:1  First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people,
1Ti 2:2  for rulers, and for everyone who has authority over us. Pray for these people so that we can have a quiet and peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way. (GW, God’s Word translation)

1Ti 2:1 My desire is, first of all, that you will make requests and prayers and give praise for all men;
1Ti 2:2 For kings and all those in authority; so that we may have a calm and quiet life in all fear of God and serious behaviour. (Basic English Bible)

The Occasion:

The National Day of Prayer

My Comment:

It is clearly biblical to pray for our nation. Anyone who has followed the news knows we have much to pray for.

While it may be true that there are no political solutions to spiritual problems, we do need to address the political problems and moral issues of our time. Paul begins his exhortation by saying “First of all.” The first step is prayer. Paul mentions four different kinds of prayer: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks. For help in understanding these types of prayer, make a study of the “Elements of Prayer” given in the Subject Index of The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Prayer, elements of
(1) adoration, +*Psa 71:8. (2) confession, +Psa 32:5 (T1317). +Luk 18:14 (T537). +Jas 5:16 (T1235). **1Jn 1:9. (3) petition, +*1Ti 2:1. (4) intercession, +*1Ti 2:1. (5) thanksgiving, +*1Ti 2:1.

Three of the Elements of Prayer are keyed to 1 Timothy 2:1. Here are the cross references to them given at 1 Timothy 2:1,

supplications. Gr. deēsis, [*S# G1162: Rendered (1) prayer: Luk 1:13; Luk 2:37; Luk 5:33, Rom 10:1, 2Co 1:11 note. 2Co 9:14, Php 1:4 a, Php 1:19, 2Ti 1:3, *Heb 5:7, +*Jas 5:16, 1Pe 3:12, (2) supplication: Act 1:14, Eph 6:18; Eph 6:18, Php 4:6, 1Ti 2:1; 1Ti 5:5, (3) request: Php 1:4 b]. 1Ti 5:5, Gen 18:22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 1Ki 8:41, 42, 43, Psa 67:1, 2, 3, 4; Psa 72:19; +*Psa 119:170, *Mat 6:9; *Mat 6:10, Eph 6:18, Php 4:4, +*Jas 5:16.

prayers. Gr. proseukē [*S# G4335: Mat 17:21; Mat 21:13; Mat 21:22, Mar 9:29; Mar 11:17, Luk 6:12; Luk 19:46; Luk 22:45, Act 1:14; Act 2:42; Act 3:1; Act 6:4; Act 10:4; Act 10:31; Act 12:5; Act 16:13; Act 16:16, Rom 1:9; Rom 12:12; Rom 15:30, 1Co 7:5, Eph 1:16; Eph 6:18, Php 4:6, Col 4:2; Col 4:12, 1Th 1:2, 1Ti 2:1; 1Ti 5:5, Phm 1:4; Phm 1:22, *Jas 5:17, 1Pe 3:7; 1Pe 4:7, Rev 5:8; Rev 8:3, 4]. 1Ti 5:5, Jos 1:17, 1Sa 10:25, +*Jer 10:25; Jer 29:7, +*Mat 6:9; +*Mat 6:10, Php 4:6, +*1Th 5:17, **Rev 8:3, 4, 5.

intercessions. Gr. enteuxis, [*S# G1783. 1Ti 4:5 g (prayer)]. 1Ti 4:5 g. +*Gen 17:20; +*Gen 18:32, Exo 32:11, +*Num 12:13; Num 14:19, 20, +*1Sa 12:23, *2Ch 30:18, 19, 20, Rom 8:27; Rom 11:2.

giving of thanks. Gr. eucharistia (S# G2169, Act 24:3). Rom 1:8; Rom 6:17, Eph 5:20, Php 1:3; +*Php 4:6, Col 3:15, 1Th 5:18, 2Th 1:3.

But we can do more than pray! The second step is for each of us to take the time every day (Acts 17:11) to read and study the Bible itself. As we become more familiar with Scripture, we will be more prepared to be instruments in God’s hands to meet the spiritual needs of others. We need to become workmen for God, who rightly handle the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15), so we can accurately share its truths with others God brings across our path or places in our circle of influence (1 Peter 3:15). This will happen quite naturally as we become more fully acquainted with the Bible. If it is not happening now in your life, it may be an indication that you need to grow spiritually by increasing your knowledge of God’s Word (2 Peter 3:18).

If we have a revival of Bible reading and Bible study among Bible believing, Bible studying Christians in this nation, our prayers for the nation’s spiritual and political welfare will be answered.

Posted in Bible Study Tools, Daily Bible Nuggets, Politics and the Bible | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Does John 17:3 cancel Isaiah 9:6?

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Jerry

Muslim claim:

Were all Christians to believe what Jesus himself said in Mark 12:29, John 20:17 and John 17:3 that the ONLY true God sent him, then Isaiah 9:6 and 1 John 5:7KJV will have nowhere to stand.

The texts involved:

Mar 12:29  And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Joh 20:17  Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Joh 17:3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Isa 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

1Jn 5:7  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

 

My response:

It is not correct to disregard what the Bible says just because you do not agree with it. Isaiah 9:6 declares very important truth about the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

It is very evident that many fail to correctly understand John 17:3.

Joh 17:3 Now eternal life means knowing you as the only true God and knowing Jesus your messenger as Christ.

You can only have the eternal life Jesus offers if you come to not merely believe but continue to know Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6 specifies who the Messiah is, including “The mighty God.”

 

Muslim response to me:

JESUS: KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS TILL HEAVEN AND EARTH PASS

Jesus said:

Matthew 5:17-19

17 Think not that I am come to destroy The Law, or the Prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (uphold and propagate).

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from The Law, till all be fulfilled.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

MATTHEW 5:17-19

Take Note:

  1. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven;
  2. Whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven

Remember the categorical statements of Jesus on keeping the Commandments Few hours before the Ascension:

John 14:15-16

“If you love me, Keep the Commandments; And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter/Paraqaleeta/Advocate/Spirit of Truth/Holy Spirit like me that will abide with you forever”.

JOHN 14:15-16

To truly love Jesus Christ, is to keep the Commandments, Laws and Statutes;

Pathetically, Christians has abandoned the Commandments, Laws and Statutes;

Yet, they are claiming a belief in Jesus Christ.

 

My response:

Your citation of John 14:15 appears to be an incorrect text:

“If you love me, Keep the Commandments;”

Other English translations reflect what is given in the King James Version, which does not say “keep the Commandments,” but “keep MY commandments”:

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. (KJV)

Joh 14:15 ᾿Εὰν ἀγαπᾶτέ με, τὰς ἐντολὰς τὰς ἐμὰς τηρήσατε· (original Greek text)

Joh 14:15 `If ye love me, my commands keep, (Young’s Literal Translation)

John in the book of First John, at 1 John 3:23 specifies just what commandments are in view:

1Jn 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. (KJV)

When our Lord Jesus Christ stated “keep my commandments,” this is not merely a reference to the ten commandments, but a reference to the doctrines and precepts of Christ and of the New Testament.

Posted in Apologetics Issues--Other Faiths, False Religions | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Daily Bible Nugget #742, Hebrews 6:9

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Hebrews 6:9  But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

My Comment:

This post is Part 5 of the “How to make disciples” series I have been sharing.

Every genuine Bible-believing Christian can have an impact on influencing others for Christ. Seriously reading and studying the Bible on a daily basis will make a great difference in your life. You  don’t have to be a preacher or pastor or Sunday school teacher for God to use you to help others grow spiritually. Read on to learn more!

Cross reference Bible study of Hebrews 6:9 from The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Hebrews 6:9
beloved. Gr. agapētos (S# G27, Eph 5:1). *Heb 6:4, 5, 6; *Heb 6:10, *Heb 10:34; *Heb 10:39, 1Co 10:14; 1Co 15:58, 2Co 7:1; 2Co 12:19, *Php 1:6; *Php 1:7, *1Th 1:3; *1Th 1:4, +*2Pe 3:17.

we are persuaded. Gr. peithō (S# G3982, Gal 1:10). Perfect tense. *+Rom 15:14, Gal 5:10, 2Ti 1:5.

better things. Gr. kreittōn (S# G2909, Heb 1:4). Heb 6:10, Heb 1:4; Heb 7:7; Heb 7:19; Heb 7:22; Heb 8:6; Heb 9:23; Heb 10:34; +*Heb 10:35; +*Heb 11:16; +*Heb 11:35; +*Heb 11:40; Heb 12:24.

things that accompany salvation. Attention to the things which accompany salvation will provide guidance for spiritual growth beyond the initial salvation experience of the new birth, as well as provide for continuing growth or restoration, and protection against apostasy, as the individual case may require.
Such things include:

(1) caring about spiritual things:

(a) neglect not our great salvation, Heb 2:3.

(b) care for our own stedfastness, +*1Co 15:58, +*1Th 3:8.

(c) our grounding in the faith as a guard against apostasy, +*Psa 1:3, Mat 7:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, +*Luk 8:13, +*Eph 4:14, +**Col 1:23; +*Col 2:7, +*1Ti 4:16, +**2Ti 3:15, 16, 17, +*2Pe 3:18.

(d) the stedfastness of others, +*Heb 3:13 note.

(e) our stedfastness in fellowship, +*Heb 10:25.

(f) guard against the danger of willful sin, +*Heb 10:26.

(g) cast not away your confidence, *Heb 10:35, 36, 37, 38, 39.

(h) the security of the believer, Gal 2:20 note. Joh 5:24; Joh 10:27, 28, Eph 4:30.

(2) obedience: **Heb 5:9, *Mat 7:24, 25, 26, 27, +*Luk 11:28, Joh 14:15; Joh 14:23, Rom 1:5; Rom 6:17; Rom 15:18, 2Co 10:5, 2Th 1:8, 1Pe 1:22, +*1Jn 2:3.

(3) teachability, humility, and contriteness: +*1Sa 25:17, **Psa 25:9, +*Isa 57:15.

(4) qualities underlying spiritual maturity: +*Mat 5:3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

(5) fruit of the Holy Spirit: Gal 5:22, 23.

(6) development of the composite qualities underlying true love: 1Co 13:4, 5, 6, 7.

(7) progress along the steps to stedfastness: **2Pe 1:3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

(8) regular prayer: +*2Ch 7:14, +*Psa 119:18, +*Dan 6:10, +*1Th 5:17.

(9) a continuing hunger for and increasing knowledge of the written Word of God: +*Job 23:12, +*Jer 15:16, +*Mat 5:6, +*Joh 5:39 note. +*Act 17:11, +**Col 1:10, +**2Ti 3:15, 16, 17, **1Pe 2:2, +*2Pe 3:18.

(10) daily study of God’s Word: *Jos 1:8, +*Psa 1:2, +**Act 17:11.

COMMIT TO READ THE BIBLE ITSELF DAILY

Reading the Bible in the order of the books as we find them in our Bibles is not necessarily the best way to read the Bible. If you start at Genesis, you’ll likely be limping by the time you get to Leviticus, unless you bring to your reading a substantial background knowledge of the Scriptures.

MORE THAN READING, COMMIT TO STUDY THE BIBLE

There is very little real, independent, personal Bible STUDY going on. This may be because no one is telling anyone how to do it. This note is designed to explain in some detail exactly how to study the Bible independently. Real Bible study should first involve studying the Bible itself, not what others have written by way of commentary.

Just reading through the Bible in sequence is not Bible study, though it certainly can be a first step in learning Scripture. Reading the Bible through in a year is a good thing, even a laudable exercise, but it is not the same as Bible study. Why? No one can really take in that much detail by just reading in a manner that can be called Bible study. When you just read the Bible, you are only skimming the surface, not digging into the Bible in depth.

I have found it helps to approach the Bible in more than one way at a time. For example, I suggest reading the Bible in sequence. The Bible may be read in the order in which the books are found in the printed Bible, or the Bible can be read in chronological order using Bibles that are arranged that way. At the same time, give some time to actually studying the Bible using a particular Bible study method or process.

While I am reading the Bible through, or a Bible book through, I may happen upon a verse that particularly strikes my interest. I then take time to study that verse in greater depth. This may involve studying the subjects mentioned in that verse as they are further developed elsewhere in the Bible. This can be a most helpful and fascinating study. I’ll explain more about how to do this below.

HOW TO MAKE TIME FOR BIBLE READING AND STUDY

Perhaps the first question that will pop into your mind is, “And just when do you think anyone can find the time to do all this?”

You find time to eat, don’t you? The Bible encourages us to consider its content as spiritual food. In 1Pe 2:2 we are told, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

In physical life, a baby would not live long if it could not eat. Babies obviously have a strong desire for milk. So we should have just as strong a desire for the spiritual food found in the Bible if we are really to live the Christian life to the fullest.

One way to solve the time issue is to daily set aside twenty minutes to Bible reading. I have kept a simple paper marker in my Bible and written down exactly where I left off reading on the marker each day. The next day I take up the Bible again and read for another twenty minutes.

I first did this as a high school student. I read my Bible for twenty minutes first before I proceeded to do my homework each evening. When I had time for more reading, I spent more time.

That reading made all the difference in the world for me, for as a result I truly found Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and began a continuing relationship with Him. God can certainly do the same for you if you will read His Word in the Bible for yourself on a regular, even daily basis.

My Concluding Comment:

The solution to bringing about real change for the better for ourselves as individuals, for our churches, for our schools, for our workplaces, for our neighborhoods, for our country, and for the world, is to get Bible-believing Christians to read and study the Bible daily.

Considering the quite dire situation we find ourselves in, we need a revival of Bible reading and Bible study. I have spelled out how to do that in this note from Hebrews 6:9. You can find this material in a printed book–my just-released improved edition of The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

The following comment from David Bliss, head of the Andrew Murray Institute, South Africa, was shared with me 29 years ago, and is still true:

“My expectation and hope is that believers everywhere, particularly in developing countries, will gain access to this volume.

“No longer will any Christian need to decline to lead a Bible study, Sunday school class, or for that matter even to hesitate to start a church. The answer lies in the Word of God. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge is going to prove itself an indispensable tool to open up that Word to many, many people who not otherwise have the means to become what God wills them to be, students and teachers of the Word.

“If you can’t have a library, you can have the New Treasury, and that in itself is a library.”

Posted in Daily Bible Nuggets, How to Study the Bible, Principles of Christian Living | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Fourteen Things God Can’t Do

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Jerry
  1. God can’t get tired. Isaiah 40:28
  2. God can’t take on a job he can’t handle. Je 32:17
  3. God can’t be unholy. Is 6:3
  4. God can’t have pleasure in wickedness. Psalm 5:4
  5. God can’t be prejudiced. Acts 10:34, 35.
  6. God can’t break a promise. Ps 89:34
  7. God can’t remember sins he’s chosen to forget. Is 43:25
  8. God can’t make a loser. 2 Corinthians 2:14
  9. God can’t abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6
  10. God can’t stop thinking about you. Psalm 139:17, 18
  11. God can’t stop loving you. Jeremiah 31:3
  12. God can’t tell a lie. Titus 1:2
  13. God can’t renege on a promise. Romans 11:29
  14. God can’t dwell with evil. Psalm 5:4

My Comment:

I saw this as a list of “Ten Things God Can’t Do” shared by my Facebook friend Missy Mercy. But as I typed the list I thought of a few more things God can’t do, so now the list numbers 14. Item 10 on the list is better represented by Psalm 40:17. Item 13 is much clearer in modern English translations. I don’t claim that this list is exhaustive, but it should be inspirational.

Rom 11:29  For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (KJV)

Rom 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (ESV)

Rom 11:29 God doesn’t take back the gifts he has given or forget about the people he has chosen. (CEV)

Posted in Bible Promises | Tagged | 1 Comment

Daily Bible Nugget #741, Hebrews 3:13

Posted on April 22, 2023 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Hebrews 3:13  But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

My Comment:

This is “How to Make Disciples Part 4.” “How to Make Disciples Part 3” is posted as Daily Bible Nugget #738, 1 Thessalonians 3:5.

The present decline in church affiliation can be reversed by following the principles of “How to Make Disciples” (Matthew 28:20) taught in the Bible. The problem is that very few Christians are reading and diligently studying the Bible for themselves. Genuinely saved Christians have an insatiable hunger for God’s Word. They are eager to read and study it every chance they get.

We are to desire the “sincere milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2) with the same intensity as a newborn baby desires its milk. If you do not possess this hunger, consider that you might be spiritually dead! The way to develop and strengthen your interest in and hunger for God’s Word is to get to know more about it. The way to do that is to start by reading from the New Testament every day (Joshua 1:8. Psalm 1:2. Acts 17:11). The more you know about a subject, the stronger your interest will become.

When it comes to making and keeping disciples, the Bible teaches that this, too, is a daily task.

We read in the immediately preceding context of Hebrews 3:13,

Hebrews 3:12  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

This is a major concern today that MUST be addressed by every genuine Bible-believing, Bible practicing Christian. I have encountered many former Christians who have become atheists. This need not happen and would not happen if fellow Christian believers and pastors and Sunday school teachers and youth leaders would faithfully obey the commands given in Hebrews 3:12, 13.

Study this important subject by reading the notes and cross references given in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury or The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge as given below from the UCRT:

Hebrews 3:13

exhort. Gr. parakaleō (S# G3870, 2Co 1:4). Heb 10:25; Heb 13:22, +**Rom 12:8 note. +1Co 14:3.

one another. Our duty towards one another in watching over one another’s spiritual lives (Heb 13:7; Heb 13:17) merits careful study in this context. Prompt action based upon the signs of spiritual decline given in Heb 3:12 is essential. Scripture furnishes much material which should form the basis of exhortation. We should encourage one another in

(1) receiving one another: +**Rom 15:7.

(2) love: Eph 3:17; Eph 4:15, 16, *1Pe 1:22.

(3) good works: *Eph 2:10, +*Tit 3:8.

(4) regular fellowship: **Heb 10:25, Exo 34:24, 1Sa 2:30, *Mat 6:33, *Act 2:42; *Act 2:43.

(5) avoiding willful sin: *Heb 10:26, +*1Co 6:9, 10, 11, *Gal 5:21, Eph 5:5, +*Rev 21:8; Rev 21:27.

(6) maintaining confidence: +*Heb 10:35, +*Act 11:23; *Act 13:43; +*Act 14:22.

(7) the hope of Christ’s coming: +*1Th 4:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, Tit 2:11, 12, 13, 14, Jas 5:7, 8, 1Jn 3:1, 2, 3, **2Pe 3:14.

(8) stedfastness and perseverance: Heb 10:38, 39, +*1Co 15:58.

(9) not drawing back unto perdition: +*Heb 10:35, +*1Co 15:2, +*1Ti 4:1 note. *2Pe 2:20, 21, 22.

(10) maintaining daily personal independent Bible study: Heb 6:9 note. 2Pe 2:2 note. See the related notes pertaining to exhortation at +**Psa 9:10 and **Rom 12:8 note, and follow-up evangelism, of which exhortation is a most important component, at +1Th 3:5 note. **Heb 10:24; **Heb 10:25, Gen 11:3, +Psa 9:10 note. +*Dan 11:33 note. +*Act 11:23, +**Rom 12:5, +*2Co 8:16, 1Th 2:11; +1Th 3:5; 1Th 4:18; 1Th 5:11, *2Ti 4:2.

daily. Spiritual needs should not wait until the next stated meeting of the congregation. Exhortation is to proceed on a daily basis, as the need requires, through personal contact (Act 20:20). It is necessary to reach a person before it is too late, and spiritual hardness sets in. See on Heb 3:7, +*Pro 19:18, +*Dan 11:33, +*Mal 3:16, Mat 4:4; Mat 6:11; Mat 24:45, *Luk 19:44, *Joh 12:35; *Joh 12:36, *Act 20:20.

while it is called Today. *2Ch 14:7, *>Psa 95:7, **Isa 55:6, Mat 5:25, *Luk 19:42, Act 2:40; Act 24:25, +**2Co 6:2.

lest. **Joh 3:19, +*Col 3:21, +*Jas 5:19.

hardened. Gr. sklērunō (S# G4645, Act 19:9). Heb 3:8; Heb 3:15, Heb 4:7, Exo 7:13, 1Sa 6:6, 2Ch 36:13, Neh 9:16, Psa 95:8, Isa 48:4, Eze 11:21, *Dan 5:20, Act 19:9, Rom 2:5.

through. 1Ti 6:10 mg.

the deceitfulness. Gr. apatē (S# G539, Mat 13:22). *Gen 3:4, 5, 6, Pro 28:26, Isa 44:20, Ob 1:3, **Mar 12:24, *Luk 19:21, *Rom 7:11, Eph 4:22, 2Th 2:10, +*1Ti 6:5, Tit 2:14, Jas 1:14.

of sin. Lev 8:32, *Rom 2:8.

 

Posted in Daily Bible Nuggets, Practical Application Bible Studies | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Daily Bible Nugget #740, Matthew 1:21

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Jerry

4-21-23 Daily Bible Nugget 740 Matthew 1v21

The Nugget:

Mat 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

The Muslim Question/Challenge:

The biggest blunder is that Christians does not know the name of the god inside Jesus. So are they worshipping the human Jesus.

Christian God Without Name

A god stayed inside the womb of mary imprisoned for 9 long months sleeping and eating what she gave him, doing nothing the whole time.

Yet none of the Christian know the name of the god who stayed inside the womb?

Can any learned Christian tell the name of that god?

Link:

Link 

My Response:

To make claims like this shows you have not studied the Bible very carefully!

One very good way to actually study the Bible is to make use of a source of cross references.

Since the Bible does not present all of its teaching about a subject at one place, to learn the full truth we must compare Scripture with Scripture.

To begin a study of what the Bible teaches about this subject, a good place to start such a study is Matthew 1:21.

Here is a rather full and complete collection of cross references for Matthew 1:21. After you have fully read and studied the Bible passages and notes I share below, feel free to ask more about it. If you do not make the effort to carefully study what I have provided you in answer to your question, you are not seriously interested in getting a true and careful answer:

Matthew 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21
she shall bring forth. Gen 17:19; Gen 17:21; Gen 18:10; Gen 49:10, Jdg 13:3, 1Sa 1:20, 2Ki 4:16, 17, Isa 49:1, Jer 31:22, Mic 5:3, Luk 1:13; Luk 1:27; Luk 1:35, 36, **Gal 4:4; **Gal 4:5, 1Ti 2:15.

thou. Mat 1:25, Luk 1:31; Luk 2:21.

shalt call. Gen 3:20; Gen 16:11; Gen 17:5, Exo 2:10; Exo 3:13, Hos 1:4.

name. FS144A4, +Gen 4:26, Psa 72:17, **Pro 30:4, Song 1:3, +**Php 2:9; +**Php 2:10.

JESUS. that is, Saviour. Hebrew. Joshua, i.e. Jehovah-Saviour. Num 13:16; Num 14:6; Num 27:15-23, Deut 10:17, Jos 5:14, 15; Jos 11:23, Neh 8:17, Psa 3:8, Isa 12:2; Isa 25:8, 9; **Isa 43:11; Isa 45:21, 22, 23, 24, 25, Hag 1:1, Zec 3:1, Luk 1:31; Luk 1:46, 47; Luk 2:11; Luk 2:21, Act 10:36, 1Ti 6:14, 15, Heb 2:10; Heb 4:8, 9, Rev 17:14.

for he. He, and none other. Luk 2:11, Joh 4:22; Joh 4:42, *Act 4:12; Act 5:31; Act 13:23; Act 13:28.

shall save. Gen 49:18, Psa 39:8; Psa 111:9; Psa 118:14; Psa 119:146; **Psa 130:7; **+**Psa 130:8, *Isa 12:1; *Isa 12:2; Isa 33:22; Isa 35:4; Isa 45:21-22; +*Isa 60:21 (T441). *Jer 23:6; Jer 33:16, Eze 36:25, 26, 27, 28, 29, +*Dan 9:24, Hos 1:7, +*Zec 9:9, *Mat 18:11, Luk 1:75; Luk 2:11; +*Luk 19:10, **Joh 1:29; **Joh 3:16; *Joh 12:47, Act 3:26; **Act 4:12; *Act 5:30; *Act 5:31; *Act 13:23; *Act 13:38; *Act 13:39; Act 15:16, 1Co 1:30, *2Co 5:19, Gal 2:17, *Eph 5:25, 26, 27, *Col 1:20, 21, 22, 23, 1Th 1:10, +*1Ti 1:15; **1Ti 4:10, 2Ti 1:9, **Tit 2:14, **Heb 7:25, **1Jn 1:7; **1Jn 2:1; **1Jn 2:2; 1Jn 3:5, +*Rev 1:5; +*Rev 1:6; *Rev 7:14.

his people. Mat 15:22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, *Psa 130:7; *Psa 130:8, Isa 45:15; Isa 49:5, 6; Isa 63:7, 8, Luk 1:54; Luk 1:68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75; Luk 24:47, **Joh 1:11; **Joh 1:12; Joh 10:16, Act 3:26; Act 4:12; Act 5:31; Act 10:43; Act 13:23; Act 13:38, 39; Act 15:14, 15, 16, 17; Act 26:23, Rom 3:29, 30; Rom 11:26; Rom 14:8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 1Ti 1:15, Tit 2:14, Heb 4:9.

from their. *Mat 20:28, Luk 1:77, Act 3:26; +*Act 10:43, Rom 6:14; Rom 7:25; *Rom 8:32, **2Co 5:21, Gal 1:3, 4, *Eph 5:2, *Col 1:14, +*1Ti 2:6, *Tit 2:14, *1Pe 3:18.

sins. +Lev 5:6, +*Psa 130:8.

Posted in Apologetics Issues--Other Faiths, Bible Study Tools, Daily Bible Nuggets, False Religions, How to Interpret the Bible Correctly | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Link to my radio interview on VCYAmerica

Posted on April 20, 2023 by Jerry

I was privileged to be interviewed yesterday by Jim Schneider, Host of the Crosstalk program, about my new book, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Here is the link:

 

Audio Link

Posted in Bible Study Tools | Tagged | 4 Comments

Daily Bible Nugget #739, Revelation 1:11

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Jerry

4-17-23 Daily Bible Nugget 739 Revelation 1v11

The Nugget:

Rev 1:11  Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

My Comment:

I have posted the following discussion here to demonstrate how CROSS REFERENCES are a great aid to Real Bible Study when answering Muslim challenges to the Bible and Christian faith. Please read to learn about the power of cross-reference Bible study!

The Muslim Claim:

Revelation 22:9 And he said to me, See (that thou do it) not. I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them who keep the words of this book. Worship Aloha.

(http://qbible.com/aramaic-new-testament/revelation/22.html)

The angel didnt say ‘worship Jesus’.

Those who worship Jesus will stay in hell forever

Quran 5:72

They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary” while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allah – Allah has forbidden them paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.

Response by HK:

You should have read further down and see that the God who is being worshipped and giving the commandments is Jesus. Read the whole chapter. Revelation 22:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

TK replied:

show me one, just ONE place where Jesus tells you he is ALOAH or where any angel say Jesus/Messiah is ALOAH

Jesus is NOT the first and last since he DIED

He had a beginning (in his mother’s womb) and had an ending (he was crucified and DIED). Automatically this verse is FALSE and Jesus is disqualified.

HK replied:

Now you’re disputing the words of Jesus himself. Who are you?

Jesus body died but his Spirit remains alive forever. It’s NOT his Spirit that died. Jesus is a Spirit.

Jesus is the first and last (Alpha and Omega). The same title God used in Isaiah 44.6! Revelation 1:17-18.

TK replied:

//Now you’re disputing the words of Jesus himself.//

You can post millions of ‘alpha omega’ ‘first and last’ verses.. but they’re irrelevant if in reality Jesus had a beginning and ending. He’s created in Mary’s womb. And he died on a tree.

Hindu ‘god’ claimed to be Alpha Omega in Hindu scripture (Bhagavad Gita)

BG 10.20: O Arjun, I am seated in the heart of all living entities. I am the beginning, middle, and end of all beings.

Alpha Omega in Quran

“He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is the Knower of all things.” (Quran 57:3)

Jesus didn’t say he’s the alpha omega. However he did use “first” and “last” in a sentence:

Holy Quran 5:114

——————

قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَائِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيدًا لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِّنكَ ۖ وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ

Said Jesus, the son of Mary, “O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers.”

HK replied:

<<“He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is the Knower of all things.” (Quran 57:3)>>

So you agree Jesus is described in the Bible like Allah in your Qu’ran. First and last.

<<<Jesus didn’t say he’s the alpha omega. However he did use “first” and “last” in a sentence:>>>

False. Who was saying these words. Answer is given on the same passage.

Revelation 1:11, 12, 13.

TK replied:

“Virtually all modern translations do not include in Rev 1:11 the following words that are in the KJV version of that verse:

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and,”

BIBLE CORRUPTION

HK replied:

The point is that Jesus is the first and the last. Same title God used to describe himself on Isaiah 44.6. And it is the same title your Allah used in Quran 57.3.

TK replied:

isaiah quoted the REAL GOD, not a fake human deity

HK replied:

// isaiah quoted the REAL GOD, not a fake human deity //

Jesus is the REAL GOD. Not some fake god who couldn’t help his prophet when he needed help most, like losing his children.

VM commented to TK:

Your comment “He had a beginning (in his mother’s womb) and had an ending (he was crucified and DIED)” refers.

Thanks for acknowledging that he was crucified and died.

My response to TK:

You totally miss the point that at Revelation 1:11, Jesus claims to be the “Alpha and Omega.” This means that our Lord Jesus Christ made a direct claim to be God. Jesus did not claim to be God the Father.

The fact that this text is unique to the King James Version of the English Bible and is not represented in the original Greek text does not diminish the truth of this claim by Jesus because it is restated in other places both in the book of Revelation and elsewhere in the Bible. These places can readily be identified by anyone who will make the effort to consult a source of more complete CROSS REFERENCES such as those I supply in my book The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and which I supply in my yet more complete digital resource, The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury (available from www.e-Sword.net as a premium downloadable Bible commentary):

I am. See on Rev 1:8; Rev 1:17, Rev 21:6; Rev 22:13, Deut 32:39, Isa 41:4; Isa 43:11; Isa 48:12, Zec 13:7, Joh 8:58, Heb 13:8.
Alpha and Omega. Rev 21:6; Rev 22:13.
the first. Rev 1:17, Rev 2:8; **Rev 22:13, Isa 41:4; **Isa 44:6; Isa 48:12, Psa 93:2, Isa 41:4; Isa 44:6, Mic 5:2, Hab 1:12, Joh 1:1; Joh 1:15; Joh 8:58, **Col 1:17, Heb 12:2; Heb 13:8, 1Jn 1:1.
the last. Isa 44:6; Isa 48:12, Heb 1:11; Heb 12:2; Heb 13:8.

TK replied to me:

study Islam. It’s not complicated. You don’t have to cross reference here and there just to support a concept. Many people in the west have studied Islam and accepted Islam as the truth. You should too.

My reply to TK:

You state in your comment to me:

“study Islam. It’s not complicated. You don’t have to cross reference here and there just to support a concept. Many people in the west have studied Islam and accepted Islam as the truth. You should too.”

In my studies of Islam so far, I have found its claims, practices, and history to be incompatible with the truth already contained in the New Testament and the Bible as a whole.

Cross reference Bible study is the best way to study the Bible, especially when you have access to a more complete collection of references.

Cross references make it much easier to obey the directive of Jesus to “search the Scriptures” (John 5:39).

Cross references are more effective than a Bible concordance because they connect not just the same words but related ideas expressed in different words, something a concordance alone cannot do.

Those who study the Bible using cross references will strengthen their faith and get a far better understanding of what the Bible actually teaches. They will be firmly grounded in their faith and will know how to discern truth from error. They will not turn aside to follow those who teach lies and falsehood.

My further reply to TK:

And I posted evidence regarding your false claim that Jesus never said what is stated in Revelation 1:11, “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last” by sharing with you the CROSS REFERENCES for that statement that prove Jesus DID state this truth elsewhere in the book of Revelation, starting with Revelation 1:8,

Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:17
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
King James Version

Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Revelation 21:6
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
King James Version

Revelation 22:12, 13
Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
King James Version

TK posed the question to me:

When Jesus was alive with his disciples, did he ever declare he’s the first and the last?

My answer to TK:

You ask:

“when Jesus was alive with his disciples, did he ever declare he’s the first and the last?”

John was on earth in the Isle of Patmos when he heard Jesus behind him speaking with a great voice (Revelation 1:10). Jesus directly commanded John to “write in a book” what he saw, and John did so. That is how we came to have the book of Revelation. Jesus was certainly alive and on earth when he spoke these things to John.

I notice you have asked elsewhere in this thread:

“how do you reconcile the contradiction? how can the dead be the ever living? how can the one born be from eternal past?”

The answer is found in the Bible. The answer is given in Revelation 1:5,

Rev 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Jesus explained that He is the “first begotten of the dead.”

Carefully studying the CROSS REFERENCES given for this verse, we learn that this is a reference to the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ is the first to be resurrected bodily from the dead:

Acts 26:23
23  That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
King James Version

Romans 1:4
4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
King James Version

1 Corinthians 15:20-23
20  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
King James Version

I have shared just a few of the cross referenced Bible passages which shed light upon or explain the meaning intended by “first begotten of the dead.”

How can one who died be living? God raised Jesus bodily from the dead.

How can the one born be from the eternal past?

Again, the Bible gives a clear answer:

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.

Posted in Apologetics Issues--Other Faiths, Bible Study Tools, Daily Bible Nuggets, Doctrinal Discussions, False Religions, How to Study the Bible | Tagged , , | 1 Comment