Daily Bible Nugget #788, 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

2Th 2:15  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (KJV)

2Th 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. (ESV)

My Comment:

Some of the readers here may get very upset by what I am about to share. If you are guilty of holding to the mistaken belief I am about to severely criticize, you need to get upset and turn to our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and genuinely repent of holding this belief, even though it is taught by your church, and learn to follow the truth of the Bible alone.

Roman Catholics quote 2 Thessalonians 2:15 to argue we must follow tradition in addition to the Bible. Read this verse again in the English Standard Version:

2Th 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. (emphasis added)

Notice whose traditions we are commanded to follow: the teachings (the meaning of the underlying Greek word translated traditions) of the Apostles of Christ.

These teachings are found in one place only: the 27 primary source first century historical documents contained in the New Testament and nowhere else.

Defenders of Roman Catholicism, known as Roman Catholic apologists, engage in a logical fallacy called the fallacy of equivocation which means in this case they set forth an argument about tradition but use the word in two quite different meanings.

Roman Catholics are required to believe the ever-changing and expanding unwritten traditions which the Roman Catholic Church claims to possess. The Bible uses the term in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 to refer to the oral teachings and written letters and documents of the Apostles which are now contained in their final and unchanging form in the New Testament.

Cross Reference Bible Study for 2 Thessalonians 2:15 from The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

2 Thessalonians 2:15
stand fast. Gr. stēkō (S# G4739, Gal 5:1). %2Th 2:2, See on +**1Co 15:58; +1Co 16:13, +*Gal 5:1, *Php 4:1, +*1Th 3:8.

hold. Gr. krateō (S# G2902, Mat 9:25). *2Th 3:6, Pro 24:21, Rom 14:12, 1Co 11:2; +*1Co 15:2, +*1Th 5:21, 1Ti 6:20, *Tit 1:9, Rev 2:25.

the traditions. Gr. paradosis, *S# G3862. Rendered (1) tradition: Mat 15:2, 3; Mat 15:6, Mar 7:3; Mar 7:5; Mar 7:8, 9; Mar 7:13, Gal 1:14, Col 2:8, 2Th 2:15; 2Th 3:6, (2) ordinance: 1Co 11:2.

All but three of the preceding texts (2Th 2:15; 2Th 3:6; 1Co 11:2) use “tradition” in a most negative sense, as something NOT to be followed.

All that Jesus said about “tradition” was negative: he warned not to follow it.

Roman Catholic apologists assert only their church has the oral or unwritten teachings of Christ and the Apostles preserved as Roman Catholic tradition from that day until now (Joh 20:31; Joh 21:25). They claim to have “the rest of the story” which those who go by the Bible alone and in its entirety are missing.

But this alleged tradition remains a mysterious black box, and its contents remind one of the nursery rhyme, “nothing in it, nothing in it, but the binding ’round it.”

No Roman Catholic has produced an authenticated example of any additional words from Christ that are not in the New Testament. All the extant words of Christ and His direct apostles of the first century are preserved in just one place accessible to all: the 27 primary source documents of the New Testament.

In 2Th 2:15 Paul uses the term “tradition” to refer to the content of the oral teaching the Thessalonians heard Paul give when he was present with them as recorded in the book of Acts (Act 17:1, 2, 3, 4; Act 17:11).

Roman Catholic Apologists are stating absolute lies when they suggest that “tradition” is to be accepted along with the Bible, citing 2Th 2:15.

Paul uses “tradition” in the sense of “teaching” here. Roman Catholics are deceitful when they use the word “tradition,” committing the logical fallacy of equivocation, because they are using a single word but ascribing to it two quite different meanings.

Roman Catholics understand “tradition” to refer to both (1) the very words of Christ and his apostles and (2) the changing and developing doctrines over time of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Bible declares we must believe and hold firmly to the “faith ONCE delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). The Bible in Jude 1:3 pointedly declares the full, complete faith and system of doctrine was “delivered ONCE” using a very strong Greek term for “once” in this passage.

The term literally means “once for all” (a word found at Heb 9:26, 27, 28 and 1Pe 3:18). God’s truth in the Bible never changes, and must not be added to (Psa 119:89, Pro 30:6, Isa 8:20). 2Th 3:6, Mat 15:2, 3, 4, 5, 6; Mat 15:9, Rom 6:17, *1Co 11:2; *1Co 11:23; +*1Co 15:3, Gal 1:12; Gal 1:14, Col 2:8, +*Jud 1:3 g.

whether. 2Th 2:2, 2Th 3:14.

by word. The oral teaching during the visit of the missionaries. +2Th 2:2, **1Th 2:13.

our epistle. Teaching received since that visit. The preservation of the Apostolic teaching was transferred from the oral to the written medium. There is therefore no body of authoritative tradition separate and distinct from the Bible, as some claim to be the case (see Hogg & Vine, pp. 276, 277). +2Sa 11:15, 1Th 4:15, 16, 17, 18.

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Daily Bible Nugget #787, John 6:62

Posted on October 15, 2023 by Jerry

The Nugget:

Joh 6:62  What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

My Comment:

Just now I was answering the mistaken claim that the Ascension of Christ is not mentioned in the four Gospels.

When I left my computer for a very few moments, when I accessed the Facebook post I was responding to, the FB page somehow refreshed itself and I cannot find my unfinished post. Since my e-Sword Bible software program is still open, I can reconstruct my unfinished post here:

The Ascension is mentioned in:

John 6:62,

Joh 6:62  What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

John 20:17
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.
King James Version

It is mentioned in Matthew:

Matthew 26:63-64
63  But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
64  Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
King James Version

By the Rule of Interpretation I call necessary inference, Jesus during His trial while under oath said He as the Son of man would be seen “sitting on the right hand of power” (that is, the right hand of God), “and coming in the clouds of heaven.” Jesus, therefore, predicted His ascension and future return, since He spoke this prediction while He was still on earth, but He could not be sitting on the right hand of God in heaven unless He first ascended to heaven.

The ascension is mentioned in the Gospel of Mark:

Mark 16:19
19  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
King James Version

Although many Bible scholars have questioned the authenticity of Mark 16:9-20, I firmly disagree with them. I have placed the following note in my digital Bible study resource, The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

Mar 16:9  Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Now when. The genuineness of Mark 16:9-20 is established by the fact that they are:

(1) contained in the majority of even ancient manuscripts, and in the famous few that omit these verses space was left in some of them sufficient to be included;

(2) the verses are included in ancient versions including the various forms of the Syriac, the Latin, Gothic, Egyptian and Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopic, and Georgian, several of these predating the oldest extant Greek manuscripts for this passage;

(3) the passage has been cited from the time of the earliest Christian writers, including Papias (AD 100) who refers to Mark 16:18 (as stated by Eusebius, Hist. Ecc. iii. 39); Justin Martyr (AD 151), who quotes Mark 16:20 (Apol. I. c. 45); Irenæus (AD 180), who quotes and remarks on Mark 16:19 (Adv. Hær. lib. iii. c. x.); Hippolytus (AD 190-227) quotes Mark 16:17-19 (Lagarde’s ed., 1858, p. 74); Ambrose (AD 374-397) quotes Mark 16:15 four times, Mark 16:16-18 three times, and Mark 16:20 once; Chrysostom (AD 400) refers to Mark 16:9; and states that Mark 16:19-20 are “the end of the Gospel.” Jerome (AD 331-420) includes these twelve verses in his Latin translation, besides quoting Mar 16:9; Mar 16:14 in his other writings; Augustine (AD 395-430) more than quotes them. He discusses them as being the work of the Evangelist Mark, and says that they were publicly read in the churches (Adapted in part from the Companion Bible, Appendix 168, p. 190).

The ascension is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke:

Luke 9:51
51  And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
King James Version

Luke 24:51
51  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
King James Version

The claim of the individual who posted the Facebook meme today denying that the ascension of Christ is mentioned in the four Gospels is based on a statement he found in a book by F. F. Bruce, The Books and the Parchments.

In this book Bruce surmises that the ending of Luke and the beginning of Acts which repeats the mention of the ascension was added later and was not part of the original text Luke wrote.

To this I answer, Nonsense! Apparently Bruce assumed that Luke and Acts formed one continuous manuscript. I answer that it is far more likely that Luke wrote two separate books, each taking up its own manuscript roll.

Furthermore, I am unaware of any manuscript evidence that demonstrates the ascension of Christ is properly missing from either the ending of Luke or the beginning of Acts.

The ascension is mentioned in the Gospel of John:

John 6:62
62  What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
King James Version

John 7:33
33  Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
King James Version

John 13:1
1  Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
King James Version

John 16:16
16  A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
King James Version

John 16:28
28  I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
King James Version

John 20:17
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.
King James Version

The ascension is mentioned in the Book of Acts:

Acts 1:2
2  Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
King James Version
Acts 1:3
3  To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
King James Version

Acts 1:9-11
9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
King James Version

Acts 2:33
33  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
King James Version

Acts 3:21
21  Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
King James Version

Acts 7:56
56  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
King James Version

The ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ to heaven is alluded to elsewhere in the New Testament:

Ephesians 4:8-11
8  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9  (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10  He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
King James Version

1 Timothy 3:16
16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
King James Version

Hebrews 4:14
14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
King James Version

Hebrews 9:24
24  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
King James Version

Hebrews 10:12-13
12  But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13  From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
King James Version

1 Peter 3:22
22  Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
King James Version

The conclusion is clear. All four Gospels, the book of Acts, and many additional New Testament books mention and declare the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ who is now in heaven at the right hand of God making intercession for us:

Romans 8:34
34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
King James Version

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Daily Bible Nugget #786, Luke 22:36

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Jerry

10-13-23 Daily Bible Nugget 786 Luke 22v36

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.

Muslim Challenge:

Top 100 Reasons, Reason 30, Jesus Was Never Crucified, Killed, Died For Others

Jesus Asked His Disciples To Get A Sword To Fight Against The Enemies And Defend Him As He Was Anticipating Them To Attack Him

Luke 22:36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Luke 22:38 The disciples said, “See, lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied

– That’s why Peter cut off the ear of the priest. Luke 22:49-50 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

– Jesus allowed his disciples to fight by saying ‘get sword’ two swords is enough’ and when they said ‘should we strike’ he didn’t say no to them that’s why Peter the one Jesus called him ‘satan’ terrorised the enemies but cutting off the servant’s ear. Jesus of the Bible is not Prince of peace but Prince of war and hate as many verses indicate such as Luke 14:26, 22:36, Matthew 10:34, John 8:44, Revelation 2:23, Matthew 5:17, 7:6, 10:5-6, 8:21-22, 15:4, 15:23-26, Mark 7:26-27

– These verses explain Matthew 10:34, Jesus of the Bible didn’t come to bring peace but sword, terrorism, hate…

– Some Christians try to twist Luke 22:36 by saying it’s spiritual sword, but the verses are very clear it’s real one, that’s why they said ‘we have two swords and he said that’s enough’ then Peter cut off the servant’s ear (the high priest’s servant)

– If Jesus knew that he came to die willingly for the sins of Christians, it’s pointless to ask his disciples to get swords to defend him and stop enemies to crucify him, this tells us that he didn’t want to be crucified

– Also if his disciples knew about the crucifixion and that he came to die for their sins, it’s pointless to get swords and fight for him

– Jesus and his disciples shouldn’t fight against the enemies, but he should surrender himself and they should hand him over willingly as Christians believe he came to die for their sins willingly, salvation through fantasy, hallucination and by force

According to Christians, all sacrifices are holy but the crucifixion of Jesus is unholy incident and cursed one by God same as satan Galatians 3:13, Deut 21:23

The truth has come and falsehood has vanished, indeed falsehood is a vanish thing!

 My Response:

I believe you are mistaken in your interpretation of the Bible verses you mention in your Opening Post.

When Jesus told his disciples to buy a sword if they did not have one, this shows that Jesus was not a pacifist but believed in the right of his disciples to self defense should that become necessary.

If you study the life and words and actions of Peter as recorded in the New Testament you will see he is often quick to act impulsively. When Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the servant’s ear.

When you say,

“- Also if his disciples knew about the crucifixion and that he came to die for their sins, it’s pointless to get swords and fight for him”

you are correct.

But you are mistaken about the need and purpose of being prepared with personal weapons. They were not intended to defend Jesus, but to defend themselves against any attack against their persons.

Did you forget what else Jesus said on this occasion? Here is more of the account:

Mat 26:51  And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.
Mat 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.
Mat 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?
Mat 26:55  In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
Mat 26:56  But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Matthew’s statement that “all the disciples forsook him and fled” must be understood in the light of what John recorded in his Gospel:

John 18:3  Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
Joh 18:4  Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
Joh 18:5  They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
Joh 18:6  As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
Joh 18:7  Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
Joh 18:8  Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
Joh 18:9  That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

It is always necessary to compare Scripture with Scripture in order to arrive at a more accurate interpretation.

When the disciples fled, it was in response to the action and permission of Jesus, who stated, “if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way,” which the disciples promptly did.

Cross Reference Bible Study for Luke 22:36 from The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

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, Joh 15:18, 19, 20, 21; Joh 16:33; Joh 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, Joe 3:10, %+*Mat 5:39; Mat 10:34; Mat 26:51, %Joh 18:11; %Joh 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.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #785, Isaiah 26:3

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Isa 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (KJV)

Isa 26:3  You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. (GNB, Good News Bible)

Isa 26:3 The man whose heart is unmoved you will keep in peace, because his hope is in you. (BBE, Bible in Basic English)

Isa 26:3  You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. (WEB, World English Bible)

Isa 26:3  With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you. (GW, God’s Word translation)

Isa 26:3 A purpose sustained, thou wilt guard, saying , Prosper! Prosper! Because in thee, hath he been led to trust. (EB, Emphasized Bible)

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep in perfect peace the mind stayed on thee , for he confideth in thee. (Darby)

Isa 26:3 The LORD gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

From Ken Sagely’s Facebook Post:

TRUSTING IN THE LORD!

ISAIAH 26.3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect
Peace, whose mind is stayed on

thee: because He Trusteth in Thee

Cross References:

1. JOHN 14.27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I
give unto you: not as the world giveth,
give I unto you . Let not your heart be

troubled , neither let it be afraid.

2. JOHN 16.33
These things I have spoken unto you,
that in me you might have peace. In the
world you shall have tribulation: but be of good

cheer: I have overcome the world.

3. ROMANS 5.1

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace

with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. ROMANS 14.17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink :
but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the

Holy Spirit.

5. PHILIPPIANS 4.7
And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and

minds through Christ Jesus.

6. PSALM 112.8
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his

heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.

7. ISAIAH 32.17
And the work of righteousness shall be
peace: and the effect of righteousness

quietness and assurance for ever

8. PSALM 9.10
And they that know Thy name will put
their Trust in thee for thou, Lord, has

not forsaken them that seek thee

9 PSALM 22.4-5

Our fathers Trusted in Thee: they Trusted,
and Thou didst deliver them.
5. They cried unto thee, and were delivered:

they Trusted in thee, and were not confounded

THE SOLID ROCK
MY hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetness frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand
all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

My Comment:

Each of the verses above can be further explored for great encouragement by consulting the cross references given in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury, and even the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK). The TSK is included free in the free e-Sword Bible software available from www.e-Sword.net for use on many different devices. There is no excuse for anyone not having at least one of these resources for personal Bible reading and study!

Philippians 4:7 should be read in connection with the preceding verse, Philippians 4:6,

Php 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV, English Standard Version)

I have placed a helpful note about two simple methods of Bible study anyone can use to help see the practical application of many verses of Scripture at Psalm 9:10.

Psa 9:10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. (ESV)

Psa 9:10  And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (KJV)

Psalm 9:10 is one of the clearest verses of the Bible which states a cause/effect relationship. I have shared the explanation about this feature of Psalm 9:10 several times before on this site (Place “Psalm 9:10” in the search box to find those posts or read Daily Bible Nugget #17 and #723), but I have never shared any of the other verses in the Bible which display this feature. You can find two more of these cause/effect relationship verses (not included in either the NTSK, the UCRT, or Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible) by reading my post of August 23, 2021, Daily Bible Nugget #647 for Proverbs 29:2 and also my post of October 11, 2022, Daily Bible Nugget #707 for Psalm 37:4.

Cause/effect relationship verses should form the basis of the real Bible study for practical application of Scripture. Cause/effect relationship verses are hard to spot, and cannot be found using a concordance. As far as I know, I have furnished the most complete listing of cause/effect relationships available in any Bible study resource.

Here are a few more from the extensive list in the Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury full note at Psalm 9:10,

*Psa 26:1 (walked in integrity, trusted in the Lord, are the cause of I shall not slide, the resultant security).

Psa 55:19 (failure to change brings affliction).

Psa 106:44 (God regarded their affliction when he heard their cry).

*Psa 119:15 (meditate on God’s precepts in order to discern His paths),

Psa 119:36 (desire for God’s Word is the cure for covetousness),

*Deut 28:15 (failure to listen to and obey God’s word brings a curse).

**+Job 23:12 (faithfully feasting on God’s Word prevents apostasy).

Job 34:30 (godless leadership ensnares the general populace).

Job 36:14 mg (homosexual life style leads to early death).

Isa 26:9-10 (show favor to the wicked/he will not learn righteousness).

+**Isa 29:24 note (erred in spirit/come to understanding; murmured/learn doctrine).

**Hos 5:4 (evil deeds squelch repentance; sexual cravings hinder knowing God).

*1Co 12:25 (lack of care may lead to schism).

Pastors and Christian leaders need to note carefully the cause/effect relationship stated at 1 Corinthians 12:25. A local pastor once told me he did not approve of small group home Bible studies because they would be a constant source of division and controversy in the church. The truth is the exact opposite of that pastor’s opinion (Job 23:12 and its stated cause/effect relationship!).

The solution to potential schism or division is the exercise of proper care as exemplified by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:28. See the alternative reading at Romans 12:11, where “in business” may be rendered “earnest care (for others)” and the cross references given there:

Rom 12:11  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

in business. or, earnest care (for others). Gr. spoudē (S# G4710, Mar 6:25). FS63I1A, +Exo 12:4, +Rom 12:8 (diligence). =Num 8:11 note. =2Ch 13:10; =2Ch 35:14, =Neh 11:22, +*Psa 112:5, Ecc 3:22, *1Co 12:25, Eph 4:11, +*1Ti 3:5, Heb 13:17.

We demonstrate care for others when we actually take the effort and time to listen to them. This can be done one-on-one. Listening can also take place in a small group setting, as at a home Bible study, when the size of the group is kept to 10 or fewer people. See the note for Exodus 18:21 in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

rulers of tens. As noted, by this system each magistrate, ruler, or leader would have the care of only ten men. Studies of small-group dynamics suggest that 10 or 12 is the maximum size for a group where effective listening to one another (+Rom 12:5, 1Co 14:26, Eph 5:19, 20, 21, Jas 5:16) can occur, essential for effective nurturing (Eph 6:4), comfort (2Co 1:4), caring (+*1Ti 3:5), exhortation (+*Heb 3:13), and fellowship (Mal 3:16) for spiritual growth and the discipling of new leadership (1Ti 4:16, 2Ti 2:2). It was prescribed in Jewish practice that ten men as heads of families were required to establish a local synagogue, or to conduct a service. Where a building for the purpose was not available, Edersheim notes “they might meet for worship in a private dwelling, a sort of ’Synagogue in the house’ (Phm 1:2)” (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, vol. 1, p. 433). *Gen 18:32, Rth 4:2, 1Sa 25:5, Mat 10:1, Act 19:7.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #784, Psalm 94:14

Posted on October 8, 2023 by Jerry


The Nugget:

Psalm 94:14  For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. (KJV)

Psa 94:14 Certainly the LORD does not forsake his people;
he does not abandon the nation that belongs to him. (NET Bible)

Psa 94:14 For Jehovah will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance; (Darby translation)

My Comment:

Contrary to the belief of many Christians and their pastors and seminary professors today, God has not and will not cast off His people Israel. You can argue all you please. This is the plain teaching of Scripture, both Old and New Testament. God has not transferred the promises He has given Israel under the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants to anyone else, not even the New Testament Church. It is about time that Christians opened their Bibles and did some Real Bible Study!

I discovered that I briefly discussed Psalm 94:14 in a comment I wrote in the extensive discussion that follows my post of May 7, 2011. Very few people will ever read that post and the long series of comments which followed, so I reproduce my comment here:

God has not at all given up on His People, the descendants of Abraham, the Jewish people. The Abrahamic Covenant and the Davidic Covenant have not been cancelled.

The absolute evidence for that? God Himself states that the evidence that He has not cancelled His sworn Covenant to Abraham and David is that day still follows night. Until they don’t do so, His Covenants are still in force.

To help you study this issue from the Bible itself, here are the cross references I have provided in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury for Psalm 94:14,

Psalms 94:14
For. Psa 36:10; Psa 37:28, *1Sa 12:22, Isa 49:14, 15, Jer 32:39, 40, %Luk 12:46, **Joh 10:27, 28, 29, 30, 31, *Rom 8:30; *Rom 8:38; *Rom 8:39; +**Rom 11:1; +**>Rom 11:2, +*Heb 13:5.

not cast off. Psa 43:2; *Psa 89:28; *Psa 89:33; *Psa 89:37; +**Psa 132:11, **+Lev 26:44, +*1Sa 12:22, +**2Sa 7:15, Job 8:20, +**Isa 41:9; +**Isa 41:17; Isa 42:16; +**Isa 55:3, +*Jer 4:27; **Jer 31:37; +**Jer 33:24, 25, 26, *Lam 3:31, +**Rom 11:1.

his people. +**Deut 32:43.

neither will he forsake. Psa 94:5, Psa 33:12; Psa 36:10; +*Psa 37:25, Deut 32:9, +*1Sa 12:22, Job 8:20, Isa 41:17; *Isa 42:16; +*Isa 60:10, +*Jer 4:27; Jer 10:16; *Jer 51:5, **Zec 10:6, +*Mal 3:6, Eph 1:18, +*Heb 13:5.

his inheritance. Psa 94:5, Psa 2:8; Psa 28:9; Psa 33:12, Exo 15:17; Exo 34:9, Lev 25:23, Deut 4:20; Deut 9:26; Deut 9:29; +*Deut 32:9; +*Deut 32:43, 1Sa 10:1; 1Sa 26:19, 2Sa 20:19; 2Sa 21:3, 1Ki 8:51; 1Ki 8:53, 2Ki 21:14, **Isa 19:25; Isa 63:17; Isa 65:9, Jer 10:16, +*Dan 7:14, Zec 2:12, +**Luk 1:32; +**Luk 1:33, *Rom 8:17, Eph 1:18, +*Col 3:24, Heb 1:2, +*Rev 11:15.

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Proper Church Discipline to Promote Spiritual Growth

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Jerry

 

The Nugget:

Pro 18:13  He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (KJV, King James Version)

Pro 18:13 It’s stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

My Comment:

The best way to avoid the need for church discipline is to follow the instructions given in the Bible about making disciples found in the very last three verses in Matthew as given by our Lord Jesus Christ:

Mat 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV)

For “teach all nations,” many modern English Bible translations read “make disciples of all nations,” as in the World English Bible,

Mat 28:19  Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (WEB)

Making disciples involves thorough teaching of the Bible. It requires grounding every believer so that they are:

 

Colossians 2:7  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (KJV)

Col 2:6 So, just as you once accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue living in vital union with Him,
Col 2:7 with your roots deeply planted in Him, being continuously built up in Him, and growing stronger in faith, just as you were taught to do, overflowing through it in your gratitude. (Williams New Testament)

I have placed much material in a five-part series about how to do this on this site. Use the search feature and do a search using the key word “disciple” to find those articles.

On the subject of church discipline I have placed much material in both The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (NTSK) and The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury (UCRT) indexes, notes, and cross references. I have had direct experience as an ordained elder at the Military Avenue UP Church in Detroit as well as experience as an elected union representative at two of the three high schools where I taught, also in Detroit. These experiences required me to search the Scriptures to find God’s directions on how to approach and solve these problems.

The key reference passage or verse (because its cross references will lead to many of the other related Scriptures and notes) is Proverbs 18:13. This is connected to Topic Number 1829 in the NTSK or Topic Number 1830 in the UCRT. I found this verse by using the Subject Index, using the term “Due process, the accused entitled to.”

Pro 18:13  He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (KJV)

Pro 18:13  He who returns a word before he will hear, folly itself belongs to him as well as shame. (LEB, Lexham English Bible)
Pro 18:13  Listen before you answer. If you don’t, you are being stupid and insulting. (GNB, Good News Bible)
Pro 18:13  Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful. (GW, God’s Word translation)

Pro 18:13  It’s stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

A little side note: we demonstrate care by listening. Paul speaks of his daily “care of all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28), and we know that Paul listened carefully by the responses he gave to the questions and concerns of the churches reflected in his letters.

Here are the cross references from the UCRT for Proverbs 18:13,

Proverbs 18:13

that. *Deut 13:14, 2Sa 16:4; 2Sa 19:24-30, Est 3:10, etc. Est 8:5, etc. *Job 29:16, Dan 6:9; Dan 6:14, **Joh 7:24.

answereth a matter. Heb. returneth a word. Pro 17:13; Pro 24:26 mg. Pro 26:16, **Jos 22:16; **Jos 22:21 note. 1Sa 17:30 mg. Jas 1:19.

before he heareth it. T1830, *Pro 18:17, Pro 14:8; Pro 15:22; +Pro 15:28, +*Lev 19:15, Deut 19:15, 2Sa 14:8; 2Sa 16:4; 2Sa 19:24-30, Est 3:10; Est 8:5, Job 18:2; %Job 32:4; %Job 32:10; %Job 32:11, Dan 6:9; Dan 6:14; Dan 6:18, +**Joh 7:51, Act 16:37-39; Act 25:16; Act 25:27; Act 26:1, +**1Ti 5:19 note.

folly. Pro 5:2-3; Pro 12:23; Pro 13:16; Pro 14:1.

shame. Job 20:3, Psa 4:2; Psa 35:26.

The other Bible passage given in the NTSK and UCRT Subject Index for “Due Process” is John 7:51.

Joh 7:51  Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? (KJV)
Joh 7:51  “According to our Law we cannot condemn people before hearing them and finding out what they have done.” (GNB)
Joh 7:51  “Do Moses’ Teachings enable us to judge a person without first hearing that person’s side of the story? We can’t judge a person without finding out what that person has done.” (GW)
Joh 7:51  “Our Law doesn’t let us condemn people before we hear what they have to say. We cannot judge them before we know what they have done.” (CEV)

 

UCRT cross references for John 7:51,
John 7:51
our law. Exo 23:1, Deut 1:17; +*Deut 13:14; Deut 17:6; Deut 17:8, 9, 10, 11; Deut 19:15, 16, 17, 18, 19, Pro 18:13, Zec 7:9, Act 23:3.

before it hear him. FS184C, +Mat 4:9. +*Joh 7:24, Deut 1:16; *Deut 13:14; *Deut 17:4, **Jos 22:10; **Jos 22:11; **Jos 22:12 note, Jos 22:21 note, Jos 22:30, 1Sa 20:32, Ezr 10:16, +*Job 29:16, Psa 94:16, Pro 17:15; +*Pro 18:13; *Pro 31:8, Act 26:1, +**1Ti 5:19 note.

and know what he doeth. +*Deut 13:14, Act 25:16; Act 25:27.

There are instructive notes at Joshua 22:12, 21 and especially 1 Timothy 5:19, 20. I have often thought that my notes at 1 Timothy 5:19 and 1 Timothy 5:20 are too harsh, but my wife and her mother both approved them, so I have not changed them.

Here is the Joshua 22:12 note:

Jos 22:12  And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war against them.

the whole. Note: Supposing they had built this altar for sacrifice, in opposition to the command of God, they considered them as rebels against God, and the Israelitish constitution. Deut 13:15, Jdg 20:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, +*Joh 7:51, Act 11:2, 3, Rom 10:2, Gal 4:17, 18.

Here is the Joshua 22:21 note:

Jos 22:21  Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Then the children. Note: The conduct and answer of these Reubenites and their associates are worthy of admiration and imitation. Though conscious of their innocence, they permitted Phinehas to finish his speech, though composed of little else than accusations, without any interruption; and, taking in good part the suspicions, reproofs, and even harshness of their brethren, with the utmost meekness and solemnity they explain their intention, give all the satisfaction in their power, and with great propriety and reverence, appeal to God against whom they were supposed to have rebelled. %+**1Sa 25:17, Job 33:17, *Pro 18:13.

Patient listening avoided a battle and prevented the loss of many lives!

 

Here are the notes and references for 1 Timothy 5:19 from the UCRT:

1 Timothy 5:19

Against an elder. Every servant of Christ must exercise diligence in living absolutely above reproach (+*Act 6:3, Rom 14:22, +*1Th 5:22, *Tit 2:8), lest the ministry be blamed (+*2Co 6:3). Yet despite such care, misunderstandings and ugly situations will arise (Luk 16:1 note. *2Ti 3:12), frequently from lack of communication between the accuser and the accused. Words and actions are consistently misread, and wrong motives assigned, which in the imagination of the accuser run wild and rampant with no foundation in reality. And it takes but little effort to find two “witnesses” to agree in a false accusation. Any person in the church, whether elder, pastor, teacher, or custodian, will have repeated and sometimes painful experiences where his words or actions will be misinterpreted, and taken completely out of context. The corrective for such problems is to teach forthrightly the penalty Scripture assigns for the false accuser (*Deut 19:18; *Deut 19:19). Teach the necessity of godly forbearance and suspension of judgment until all concerned parties have been fully heard, the evidence is in, and all due process appeal procedures have been exhausted. Teach the need to keep channels of communication open in both directions (+*1Sa 25:17, +*2Ki 5:13).

Teach the proper response to correction (Psa 25:9; +*Psa 141:5, +*Pro 9:8; +*Pro 9:9, Joh 15:20, 21),

as well as the proper means of offering it (+*Lev 19:17, Pro 27:6, +**Rom 12:8 note. **Gal 6:1, +*Eph 6:9).

Teach the requirement that scrupulous adherence to every principle of due process be maintained (+*Lev 19:13; +*Lev 19:15, +*Joh 7:51, Col 4:1).

Christians in positions of management in the workplace need to follow the same principles in maintaining proper employer/employee relations. +1Ti 5:1; +1Ti 5:17,. +Lev 19:13; +Lev 19:15; +Lev 19:17, Deut 19:18, 19, +1Sa 25:17, +2Ki 5:13, Psa 25:9; +Psa 141:5, +Pro 9:8; +Pro 9:9; Pro 27:6, Luk 16:1, **+Joh 7:51; Joh 15:20-21, +Act 6:3, +Rom 12:8; Rom 14:22, +2Co 6:3, Gal 6:1, +Eph 6:9, Col 4:1, 1Th 5:22, 2Ti 3:12, Tit 2:8, 1Pe 5:1.

receive not. Gr. paradechomai (S# G3858, Mar 4:20). Accusations against an elder which cannot be substantiated by credible, disinterested witnesses upon thorough and careful investigation, must be suppressed, silenced, and the falsely accused exonerated. Gen 9:23, +*Exo 23:1 mg. +*Lev 19:15, *Psa 15:3 mg. +*Pro 18:13, Joh 18:29, Act 24:2-13; *Act 25:16, Tit 1:6.
an accusation. Gr. katēgoria (S# G2724, Luk 6:7). +*Gen 38:19, +*Exo 23:1; +*Exo 23:2, +*Psa 101:5, +*Pro 9:8; +*Pro 13:18; +*Pro 17:10; +*Pro 18:13, **Mat 18:15, +*Luk 16:1 note. +*Joh 7:24; +*Joh 7:51, +*Eph 5:11; +*Eph 6:9, +*Col 4:1.
but. or, except. Gr. ektos ei mē. Literally, without if not. FS184C, +Mat 4:9. A strong expression. Deut 13:14.
before. or, under.
two. Num 35:30, Deut 17:6; **Deut 19:15; **Deut 19:18; **Deut 19:19, +Mat 18:16, Joh 8:17, 2Co 13:1, Heb 10:28.

witnesses. Joh 5:31; Joh 8:14.

When it becomes necessary to offer correction to individual believers, the Bible gives much advice and direction on how this can be done more effectively. On this theme, I would start from the note I have placed at Romans 12:8.

The note at Romans 12:6 explains the literary structure of gifts and their corresponding admonitions:

Romans 12:6
gifts. These gifts may be compared with those listed at 1Co 12:8, 9, 10 and Eph 4:11. There appears to be an intended correspondence between the order of the gifts listed in Rom 12:6, 7, 8 and the admonitions which follow in Rom 12:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Each admonition suits the problem area experienced by persons who possess the associated gift. It is probable that every believer possesses just one spiritual gift (1Pe 4:10). Studying these gifts with the additional clues furnished by the associated admonitions may help individual believers identify their gift. Liddon notes Paul here enumerates or implies seven gifts: he gives nine at 1Co 12:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; 1Co 12:28, 29, 30; five at Eph 4:11. *Rom 1:11, *Mat 25:15, *1Co 1:5, 6, 7; 1Co 4:6, 7; *1Co 7:7; *1Co 12:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11; *1Co 12:28, 29, 30, 31; *1Co 13:2, Eph 4:7; Eph 4:16, Col 2:19, 1Ti 4:14, 2Ti 1:6, Jas 1:17, *1Pe 4:10; *1Pe 4:11.

 

Of course, if our churches were better structured for actual fellowship, the practice of the “one another” ministries (Romans 12:5 references) might reduce the need for church discipline, especially if the principles I call attention to in notes at Hebrews 3:13 and references at Hebrews 3:12 are followed.

Rom 12:5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

one of another. Gr. allēlōn (S# G240, Mat 24:10). Rom 12:10, Rom 14:13; *Rom 14:19; *Rom 15:5; +**Rom 15:7; Rom 15:14; Rom 16:16, **Mal 3:16, Mar 9:50, *Joh 13:34; Joh 13:35, *1Co 12:25, Gal 5:13; Gal 6:2, Eph 4:2; Eph 4:25; Eph 4:32; *Eph 5:21, *Php 2:3, Col 3:9; Col 3:16, +*1Th 3:12; 1Th 4:9; 1Th 4:18; *1Th 5:11, 2Th 1:3, +*Heb 3:13; *Heb 10:24; *Heb 10:25, Jas 4:11; Jas 5:16, +*1Pe 1:22; *1Pe 4:9; 1Pe 5:5, 1Jn 1:7; 1Jn 3:11.

Note especially my reference to Psalm 9:10 and the extensive list there of cause/effect relationship verses which are very instructive when solving spiritual problems.

Here is the material for Romans 12:8 as given in the UCRT:

 

Romans 12:8

exhorteth. See corresponding admonition in +Rom 12:12, Persons who possess the gift of exhortation might find the study of the cause/effect relationships discussed at +**Psa 9:10 note helpful. It is less offensive and more effective in counseling to approach a person’s problem through a Biblically defined root cause, rather than to directly confront the effect in their life, when attempting to lead them to a Biblical solution to their problem. Rather than provoke resistance to our help by confronting individuals directly about their lack of trust in God, it might be more effective to develop their knowledge of God’s character, a knowledge of which permits us to trust Him. A study of the cause/effect relationships related to counseling problems would prove very fruitful. A good start toward a collection of suitable texts for such a study will be found in the note at +**Psa 9:10 note. Rom 12:1, Luk 4:20-21, *+Act 4:36; +*Act 11:23; +*Act 11:24; Act 13:15; Act 15:32; Act 20:2, *+1Co 14:3; *+1Co 14:31, 1Th 2:3, +*1Ti 4:13-16, 2Ti 4:2, +*Heb 3:13; Heb 10:25; Heb 13:22.

on exhortation. Gr. paraklēsis (S# G3874, 1Co 14:3). +Act 4:36 (consolation).

giveth. or, imparteth. See the corresponding admonition at +Rom 12:13, The obvious close connection of the topic of Rom 12:13 with the gift of giving supports the validity of these correspondences. +Rom 12:13, +Rom 1:11 g. Deut 15:8-11; Deut 15:14, Job 31:16-20, Psa 37:21; Psa 112:9, Pro 22:9, Ecc 11:1-2; Ecc 11:6, Isa 32:5; Isa 32:8; Isa 58:7, 8, 9, 10, 11, +*Mat 6:2, 3, 4; Mat 25:40, Luk 3:11; Luk 21:1, 2, 3, 4, Act 2:44, 45, 46; Act 4:33, 34, 35; Act 11:28, 29, 30; +*Act 20:35, 1Co 12:28; 1Co 16:2, 2Co 8:1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9; 2Co 8:12; *2Co 9:7; *2Co 9:10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, Eph 4:28, 1Th 2:8, 1Ti 6:18, 1Pe 4:9-11.

with simplicity. or, liberally. Gr. haplotēs (S# G572). 2Co 1:12 g. 2Co 8:2 g. 2Co 9:11 g, 2Co 9:13 g. 2Co 11:3 g. Eph 6:5 g. Col 3:22 g.

ruleth. or, presideth. Gr. proistēmi (S# G4291). See the corresponding admonition at +Rom 12:14. If these correspondences are valid, the admonition implies that the gift of ruling (or administration) prompts more than its share of persecution, and delineates the appropriate response. This is no doubt the same as the gift of “governments” mentioned at 1Co 12:28, +Rom 12:14, Rom 13:6, +*Gen 18:19, **Exo 18:14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, Psalms 101, +**Mat 20:26, Act 13:12; +*Act 20:28, +1Co 12:28, **+2Co 1:24; +*2Co 11:28, Eph 4:11, 1Th 5:12 g-1Th 5:14, 1Ti 3:4 g, 1Ti 3:5 g, 1Ti 3:12 g. 1Ti 5:17 g. 2Ti 4:5, Tit 3:8 g, Tit 3:14 g. Heb 13:7; Heb 13:17; Heb 13:24, *1Pe 5:2; *1Pe 5:3.
with diligence. Gr. spoudē (S# G4710, Mar 6:25). T1857, Rom 12:11, +*Exo 15:26; Exo 18:13; +*Exo 20:15 note. Pro 6:10-11; Pro 10:4; *Pro 12:24; Pro 21:5; Pro 22:29; *Pro 24:30, 31, 32, 33, 34, Ecc 9:10, 2Co 7:11, 12; 2Co 8:7, 8; 2Co 8:16, *Col 1:28; *Col 1:29; *Col 4:17, +*Heb 3:12; +*Heb 3:13; Heb 6:11; +*Heb 12:15.
sheweth mercy. Note the corresponding admonition at +Rom 12:15. Perhaps this gift may be associated with the gift of “helps” listed at 1Co 12:28. +Rom 12:15, Exo 25:2, Deut 16:11; Deut 16:14, 15, Psa 37:21, Isa 64:5, Mat 25:36, 2Co 9:7.

with cheerfulness. Gr. hilarotēs (S# G2432). 2Co 9:7. Exo 25:2; Exo 35:5; Exo 35:21; Exo 35:29; Exo 36:2, Jdg 5:2, 1Ch 29:5-6, Ezr 1:6; Ezr 2:68; Ezr 3:5; Ezr 7:16, Neh 11:2, Act 2:46, 2Co 8:12; *2Co 9:7, Phm 1:14.

There is a very much neglected little phrase at Romans 12:13 at the end of the verse that is the key to everything:  “given to hospitality.”  Were the hospitality commands found in the New Testament to be followed, we would see a growing, vibrant church. Of the cross references given there, I have worked hardest to assemble the collection at Romans 15:7 on this theme. They are well worth careful study!

To study the cross references to Romans 15:7, place “Romans 15:7” in the search box on this site. I have also written a very extensive commentary on this verse and each of its cross references. You will easily find this by opening the “verse-by-verse studies” “Category” on this site.

Here are the notes and references for Hebrews 3:13 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 note, 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 followup 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 3:4-6, Pro 28:26, Isa 44:20, Oba 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.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #783, Mark 1:14

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Jerry

10-3-23 Daily Bible Nugget 783 Mark 1:14

The Nugget:

Mar 1:14  Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

My Comment:

If you will carefully read this post you will learn much about Bible prophecy that you may not have known before. I have been discussing the Bible with some very sincere, polite, and kind Muslims who ask good questions and present helpful challenges.

You may not know any Muslims, but if you are a Christian, I’m sure you know that we need to understand the Bible better so we can answer the questions others may ask about our faith (1 Peter 3:15).

My response to a Muslim claim that “Jesus Didn’t Preach Christianity” (citing Paul Williams in a video clip):

Jesus most certainly did preach and teach what can be called Biblical Christianity. Alleging most historians disagree is a meaningless claim that only shows that they have not carefully studied this matter in depth.

Muslim Moderator Response:

oh how are you. Its been a week or so and you haven’t responded to another post of mines. In which i highlighted that Jesus was preaching the Evangilian and not the Bible of today.

It clearly says in Mark in the English translation that Jesus was preaching the Gospel’s of The Kingdom of God (The Evangilian – Arabic Injeel). Its clear from that, what Jesus was preaching is not what the current Bible teaches. The Evagilian was sent to Jesus from God. The current Bible is mostly man made words. Words that men thought and wrote.

Thats a clear rational and logically civilised reasoning to the matter.

My Response:

Thank you for reaching out to me so we can continue our conversations. I enjoy reading and responding to your challenges and questions.

I have attempted to keep up with responses to my comments. If I missed replying to your comment(s), if I receive a notification I generally do answer. When an answer will take more time to research the subject carefully, it may take me more time to get back to you. But sometimes I lose track of the “notification” and I do not know how to get back to the discussion.

You are right that the Gospel of Mark states that Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God:

Mar 1:14  Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Mar 1:15  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Notice Jesus said at the start of His ministry that “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.”

Notice also that Jesus preached a message that required an action response on the part of His hearers: “Repent and believe the gospel.”

The message of Jesus that we are to repent and believe the Gospel still holds valid for us today.

The Kingdom of God is no longer (for now) “at hand.” The Jewish leadership at the time of the ministry of Jesus in Israel rejected Him and His claim to be the long-awaited and prophesied Messiah, but rather chose to crucify Him on the cross of Calvary, exactly as Jesus repeatedly predicted was to happen (Mark 8:31. 9:31. Matthew 16:21. 17:22, 23. 20:17, 18, 19. Luke 9:22. 18:31, 32, 33).

Jesus made a remarkable statement about the Kingdom of God that is recorded in Matthew 21:43,

Mat 21:43  Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (KJV)

Mat 21:43 And that, I tell you, is why the Kingdom of God will be taken from you, and given to a nation that does produce the fruit of the Kingdom. (TCNT, Twentieth Century New Testament)

Mat 21:43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. (ESV, English Standard Version)

Mat 21:43  “And so I tell you,” added Jesus, “the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the proper fruits.” (GNB, Good News Bible)

Mat 21:43 I tell you that God’s kingdom will be taken from you and given to people who will do what he demands. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

I have given this passage in five different translations to help bring out the meaning of this most important prediction of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Since the Jewish nation did not receive Jesus as their Messiah (John 1:11), the promised Kingdom of God was taken from them and given to people “who will produce the proper fruits,” to people “who will do what he demands.”

This is the fulfillment of Old Testament Bible prophecy found in Micah 5:3 and context. In Micah 5:2 the remarkable prophecy is given that the future Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David:

Mic 5:2 And you, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, the least among the families of Judah, out of you one will come to me who is to be ruler in Israel; whose going out has been purposed from time past, from the eternal days. (BBE, Bible in Basic English)

Mic 5:3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. (ESV)

The prophecy in Micah 5:3 tells us God will for a time “give them up,” which corresponds to what Jesus said, “that God’s kingdom will be taken from you and given to people who will do what he demands.”

When our Lord Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming, He will rule the whole earth ever after from the Throne of David in Jerusalem, and be the King of Israel, as stated in Luke 1:31-33, as the Angel told Mary, the mother of Jesus:

Luk 1:30  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luk 1:31  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luk 1:32  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Luk 1:33  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (KJV)

This is in fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, the promises of which constitute “the sure mercies of David” (Isaiah 55:3):

Isa 55:3  Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

The Kingdom of God is not understood correctly by most Bible readers today because they have failed to “search the Scriptures” (Acts 17:11) carefully to learn what the Bible actually teaches about this subject.

 

 

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #782, Acts 1:11

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Jerry

10-2-23 Daily Bible Nugget 782 Acts 1v11

The Nugget:

Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

My Comment:

In answer to what a Muslim commented to me I wrote:

You quoted in a comment above from an Imam who stated:

“The return of Jesus in the Bible does not mean the return of the prophet’s physical body; Jesus did not see himself as just a physical person, so he was referring to his society (congregation) when he spoke of his “body.””

Unfortunately, this Imam, just like many Jehovah’s Witnesses I have talked to, gets this wrong. The Bible expressly declares that just as Jesus left this earth in His very tangible and visible but glorified resurrected physical body, so He will return in His visible, tangible, resurrected glorified physical body:

The ascension was most visible to the human eye for the disciples of Jesus SAW Jesus ascend from earth to heaven as recorded in Acts 1:9-11,

Act 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Act 1:10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Note that Acts 1:11 specifically states “this SAME Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have SEEN him go into heaven.” (emphasis added)

Jesus declared plainly that His return will be VISIBLE:

Mat 24:30  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 refers to this future return of the Lord Jesus,

2Th 1:7  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
2Th 1:8  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
2Th 1:9  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
2Th 1:10  When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

John in the opening chapter of the book of Revelation directly states this same truth in Revelation 1:7,

Rev 1:7  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
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.

Therefore, case closed, for the Bible directly states that the return of our Lord Jesus Christ will be visible!

The Imam is most mistaken when he states “he was referring to his society (congregation) when he spoke of his “body.””

The answer is found in John 2:18-22,

Joh 2:18  Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Joh 2:19  Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Joh 2:20  Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Joh 2:21  But he spake of the temple of his body.
Joh 2:22  When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

When my Jehovah Witness friend argued that “His body” is the congregation of His followers, His church, I answered: Just when was the church or temple destroyed and subsequently raised up in three days? He had no answer. He wrote a letter to the Brooklyn, New York headquarters of the Watchtower Society and received a written answer. I took a photograph of the letter when he showed it to me. It claimed that “his body” was the congregation, and I gave the same objection I just gave you–there is no record that the congregation was destroyed and then raised up after three days! Rather, this was the prophecy of our Lord Jesus Christ that he would be killed and would be raised from the dead after three days in the grave (see Mark 8:31 and Luke 24:21).

Mar 8:31  And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Luk 24:21  But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

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The Gospel of Barnabas

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Jerry

9-30-23 The Gospel of Barnabas

The Nugget:

Pro 30:6  Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Cross reference Bible study for Proverbs 30:6 from The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury:

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.

My Comment:

Various groups have made attempts to add to the written Word of God as we find it in the Old and New Testaments.

Muslims have added the Gospel of Barnabas and the Injil or Injeel (the revelation of the Gospel by God to the mind of Jesus himself which He subsequently preached and taught, different from the content of the New Testament which some Muslims claim is the very corrupted message of the false apostle Paul).

All such additions are false, and those who promote them represent either mistaken world religions or apostate false cults of Christianity.

Below I share a very small portion of a lively discussion I have been having for the past number of days with some very kind and gracious Muslim individuals about the Gospel of Barnabas and related matters. This is a long read, but if you patiently study our discussion you will learn very much about how to defend your faith (1 Peter 3:15).

The Muslim claim:

“Barnabas taught the truth and he confirmed Jesus was not killed on the cross but Paul lied to the pagan Jinntiles.”

“Muslim scholars reject the Christian canonical Gospels, which Muslims know are not the original teachings of Jesus and which have been corrupted over time. Most scholars have suggested that the original Gospel can only be found in the Gospel of Barnabas.”

“Not just was Barnabas banned but as many as 60 books were removed from the original text by the Council of Nicea”

“Sadly you don’t have the Gospel

According to Barnabas.

If you read it you would see it agrees with Al Quran. Paul was a renegade from the ranks of the Jews. He hated Jesus and he hate the Jinntiles.

What Paul did was create a new Jesus and new teachings which were far far far away from what the tree Jesus originally taught the Jews.

“The closest source to what Jesus taught and his life can be found in the Gospel of Barnabas. If The Council of Nicea had accepted the Gospel of Barnabas they would have found right guidance but they rejected the Gospel of Barnabas to accepted the narratives of the greatest of deceivers Paul.”

A further Muslim comment to me:

From the Qur’an Baqara 2:79

Baqarah 2:79

79

فَوَيْلٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَكْتُبُونَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِأَيْدِيهِمْ ثُمَّ يَقُولُونَ هَـٰذَا مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ لِيَشْتَرُوا۟ بِهِۦ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا ۖ فَوَيْلٌ لَّهُم مِّمَّا كَتَبَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَوَيْلٌ لَّهُم مِّمَّا يَكْسِبُونَ

Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say: “This is from Allah” to traffic with it for a miserable price! Woe to them for what their hands do write and for the gain they make thereby.

________________________________

This verse speaks to the evils of men like Paul. Men who rewrote revealed Books with their owns hands. They traffic it to those who accept it being clueless to the fact it’s message is adulterated.

The worst form

Of adultery is not intercourse between a married person and a person who is not his or her spouse.

The worst form

Of adultery is the intercourse of G-D’s Truth with the lies of devilish men.

MY RESPONSE:

I agree with you that the worst form of adultery is the intercourse of God’s Truth with the lies of devilish men.

I mentioned before that the Gospel of Barnabas is not an authentic record of first century Christianity as founded by our Lord Jesus Christ and officially taught by the Apostles of Christ as now found committed to writing in the 27 first century historical primary source documents in the New Testament.

Ibn Yasin wrote a book, published in 2011, titled The Authenticity of the Gospel of Barnabas.

In the Introduction, on page 9, he states that for Muslim and non-Muslim scholars to project the gospel of Barnabas as the ‘Muslim gospel,’ suggesting that it agrees with Islamic beliefs and doctrines about Jesus … must be investigated by comparing the beliefs of Islam using the Qur’an and the authentic Hadith to those stated in the Gospel of Barnabas. He found that the beliefs stated in the Gospel of Barnabas and that of Islam are radically different, and that the similarities are not as great or significant as the differences which have been found.

Ibn Yasin also states in his introduction on pages 9 and 10 that Islamic belief is based on a system of authenticity which must be followed strictly even when looking at texts like the Gospel of Barnabas that support some Islamic beliefs. He warns that some authors who have lowered their guard and accepted the Gospel of Barnabas at face value have endangered this important process by allowing such a text to be regarded as authentic but carelessly overlooking or abandoning the isnad or chain of transmission, which Islamic scholars have developed over the centuries to safeguard against forgeries and fabricated tales becoming accepted as scripture. Thus, authors and other individuals who continue to support and promote the Gospel of Barnabas are allowing a false history and portrayal of Jesus which is not supported by Islam. They are in fact guilty of intellectual dishonesty and casting serious doubts on Islamic scholarship and the truth-seeking nature of Islam.

You can read Ibn Yasin’s exact words by consulting the limited preview of his book available on the Internet. I have abridged and paraphrased some of his text for brevity and clarity, but what I have shared accurately reflects what he has written.

Muslim Response to me:

Who told you the Gospel of Barnabas was not authentic and the narrative of the liar Paul is true???

My Reply:

Islamic scholars state (as I just quoted one at length above–did you read it?) that the Gospel of Barnabas is not a genuine Gospel from the first century.

You mentioned that you wondered why the Council of Nicea did not include the Gospel of Barnabas. The answer: the Gospel of Barnabas had not been written yet!

Here is a bit more on the Gospel of Barnabas:

The Gospel of Barnabas

In this book, we have with good reason restricted our discussion to the apocryphal writings from the earliest centuries of the church, but we must make an exception in the case of the Gospel of Barnabas. Let us begin by clearing up any possible risk of confusion: this text has nothing to do with the ‘Gospel under the name of Barnabas’ in the Decretum Gelasianum. It was written in Italian or Spanish in the period between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries. (The Italian manuscript is in the Austrian National Library in Vienna; one of the two known Spanish manuscripts is now lost, but the second—an incomplete text—has turned up again in Sydney.)

What we know, or rather suspect, about the author sounds like the synopsis of a novel. According to the prologue to the Spanish version, a Franciscan named Fra Marino discovered the Gospel of Barnabas in the library of Pope Sixtus V (1585–1590) and stole it. As soon as he had read it, he converted to Islam and fled to Istanbul. This is likely to be an editorial fiction which conceals the true author, perhaps a Spanish Jew who had been forced to convert to Christianity, but later became a Muslim and sought to avenge himself on Christianity with this work. As far as I can see, however, there is no actual evidence to support this hypothesis. There exists a vague possibility—nothing stronger—that the unknown author had genuine access to ancient but otherwise unattested traditions.

The Gospel of Barnabas is a very lengthy work, with 222 chapters. Its title calls it vero euangelio, the only true gospel of the prophet Jesus, written down by his apostle Barnabas. The identification of Barnabas with Matthias, who took Judas Iscariot’s place, led the Pseudo-Clementines too to number him among the apostles. In the prologue to the Italian version of the Gospel of Barnabas, ‘Barnabas’ at once attacks Paul as the source of the erroneous views held by many Christians: they call Jesus the Son of God (although he understood himself only as a prophet), they no longer practise circumcision, and they make no dietary distinctions, but eat all impure foods. In an author of the first centuries of the Common Era, we would call such a position ‘Jewish-Christian’.

Klauck, H.-J. (2003). Apocryphal gospels: an introduction (pp. 208–209). T&T Clark.

My further reply:

You state:

“There’s a great discrepancy in what’s taught in the Gospel Jesus received and Bible.

“The Gospel Jesus received from his Lord teaches to worship the Lord Creator not him who is a servant of The Lord Creator.”

Kindly share with me the written documentation of “the Gospel Jesus received.”

The only genuine record of the Gospel Jesus taught is found within the pages of the New Testament.

I agree that there is a great discrepancy in what is taught in the supposed Gospel that Jesus received and what is taught in the Bible. When you follow an undocumented alleged “gospel” which is really more properly described as “another gospel,” you are following or believing in “another Jesus,” not the true Jesus of history found in the pages of the New Testament. That is why I invite you to read and re-read the New Testament for yourself. That is the only way you can find out for yourself what the true Gospel is about.

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (KJV)

Mar 1:14 After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God.

Mar 1:15 “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!” (GNB, Good News Bible)

Muslim reply to me:

It’s reported that 75 books that have been removed from the Bible over time.

So please don’t say Bible wasn’t changed. The Bible was produced by Paul and his cohorts.

The Gospel not Bible are the Words of G-d.

My reply to Muslim claim:

Be sure to read my comment above. I accidently posted it before I was finished writing it.

No books have been removed from the Hebrew Bible as used by Jesus when He read from the Hebrew scrolls in the synagogue at Nazareth as reported in Luke 4:15-19,

Luk 4:15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

Luk 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Luk 4:17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luk 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Luk 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

Luk 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

The New Testament has always contained the 27 first century primary source historical documents as it does now. No one disputes the content of the NT who has made a careful study of the subject of the canon of Scripture.

Anyone who reads any of the books which were never part of the first century NT canon would immediately sense the difference and discern why they were not included.

Muslim reply to me:

Masses are worshiping Jesus instead of worshiping the Lord Jesus worshipped.

Matthew 7:21-23

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 6:9-10

King James Version

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Matthew 4:10 NIV

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

——————————————

You say Lord Jesus while Jesus stated the following :

“Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

The system of belief is loaded with confusion.

My reply to Muslim claim:

You very graciously responded to my request to “Kindly share with me the written documentation of “The Gospel Jesus received” by sharing the following evidence:

Masses are worshiping Jesus instead of worshiping the Lord Jesus worshipped.
Matthew 7:21-23
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10
King James Version
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 4:10 NIV
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
——————————————
You say Lord Jesus while Jesus stated the following :
“Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
The system of belief is loaded with confusion.

You will recall this was your response–In answer to my challenge:

“The only genuine record of the Gospel Jesus taught is found within the pages of the New Testament.”

My challenge was a response to your claim:

“There’s a great discrepancy in what’s taught in the Gospel Jesus received and Bible.

“The Gospel Jesus received from his Lord teaches to worship the Lord Creator not him who is a servant of The Lord Creator.”

I requested that you:

“Kindly share with me the written documentation of “the Gospel Jesus received.”

Thank you for confirming my claim that the only source we have which contains the original words of the Lord Jesus Christ is the New Testament, for in response to my request to share with me the written documentation of “The Gospel Jesus received,” you quoted the words from Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 6:9-10, and Matthew 4:10.

I trust you can see the irony of your reply! You are unable to furnish any documented words of “the Gospel Jesus received” unless you get them from the New Testament historical first century record.

 

 

 

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #781, Proverbs 30:5

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Jerry


The Nugget:

Proverbs 30:5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

My Comment:

I have been responding to a number of Muslim challenges to the truth of the Bible. Here is a short example from today that should be instructive to all where I said to a fine Muslim:

You comment with great insight above that:

“The biggest problem with Bible is the various voices. Some places G-d Speaks. Some places Jesus speaks. Some places wicked men like Paul speaks. Some places the enemy of man speaks.”

This may be a very unique quality of the Bible: it faithfully and accurately records the words of the people it tells us about.

The Bible says this about itself:

Proverbs 30:5
5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
King James Version

We should have no problem believing what God has spoken in His written word, the Bible.

We should have no problem believing what our Lord Jesus Christ has spoken in His written word recorded in the Bible.

Jesus told us in no uncertain terms that Satan or the Devil is a liar (John 8:44), so we must be very cautious about believing what Satan says, for often when Satan speaks, what he says is untrue, incorrect, or a flat-out lie. But the Bible truthfully records what Satan has said when it quotes him.

Now there are wicked men whose words are also truthfully and accurately recorded in the Bible as a matter of historical record.

However, we must not blaspheme our Lord Jesus Christ by suggesting that what Paul is accurately recorded as saying, doing, or writing is wicked because our Lord Jesus Christ Himself has told us that He chose Paul to be His Apostle to proclaim His truth to the Jews, the Gentiles, and to kings. The historical record in the New Testament shows Paul faithfully accomplished that appointed mission.

Jesus said:

Acts 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Acts 9:16  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

 

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