September 11, 2013

From Gary... Having a "pack" mentality






















Yesterday was a long day.  I awoke at 3:30 AM and had to do many things before I took my daughter on the long trip to the airport.  When I finally went to bed at 10:30 or so PM, I was tired.  So, today, I slept late- 8AM or so (and that is late for me anymore).  But, as I awoke, Pal was licking my right hand and for some reason, kept on doing it for the longest time.  When he stopped, he just changed his position and snuggled- just to be closer to me.  You know, there are times when I just love having dogs.  They are easy to love!!!  But, the though occurred to me- do I really love those who do not seem to worth it?  This was one of the things discussed in a recent Sunday Evening Adult Bible Study Class and for whatever reason, I have been thinking about it for several days.  Jesus is very plain in his teaching and his words should make us all think...

Matthew, Chapter 5
  43  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor,  and hate your enemy.’  44  But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,   45  that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.   46  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?   47  If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?   48  Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. 

Honestly, sometimes I practice what Jesus teaches and other times, no.  I am imperfect, but I don't want to stay that way.  It is not that I am awful, I just need refinement.  Sunday, our Bible instructor, Larry Shatzer, said that fulfilling verse 44 was probably one of the hardest things to accomplish as a Christian and I agree with him.  Perhaps a good place to start is just to be there for someone- even an enemy!!!  

From Mark Copeland... Consequences Of Trusting In The Law (Galatians 5:2-4)


                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

              Consequences Of Trusting In The Law (5:2-4)

INTRODUCTION

1. The churches of Galatia were troubled by those who taught...
   a. Christians needed to keep the Law of Moses
   b. Men needed to be circumcised as commanded by the Law
   -- A problem that plagued many churches in the beginning - cf. Ac 15:
      1-5

2. Paul presented powerful arguments in defense of the gospel of
   Christ...
   a. Personal argument - the Galatians' own experience - Ga 3:1-5
   b. Scriptural argument - the testimony of the Old Testament - Ga 3:
      6-25
   c. Practical argument - how one becomes a son and heir of God - Ga 3:26-4:7
   d. Sentimental argument - appealing to their relationship with Paul
      - Ga 4:8-20
   e. Allegorical argument - using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration
      - Ga 4:21-31
   -- Thus Paul sought to reason with his brethren in the churches of
      Galatia

[Then, with apostolic authority (cf. Ga 5:2-4), Paul testifies to the
"Consequences Of Trusting In The Law".  The consequences are grave, and
should be considered seriously by every Christian...]

I. YOU WILL NOT PROFIT FROM CHRIST

   A. "IF YOU BECOME CIRCUMCISED..."
      1. This should be understood in its context
      2. Paul did not condemn circumcision in every case - cf. Ac 16:3
      3. He opposed it when done with the idea it was necessary for
         justification - cf. Ga 2:3-5
      -- Paul is dealing with those teaching that circumcision was
         necessary for salvation

   B. "CHRIST WILL PROFIT YOU NOTHING..."
      1. What a terrifying thought!
      2. The blessings that Christ provides will not be theirs; for
         example:
         a. The forgiveness of sins through His blood - cf. Ep 1:7
         b. The gift of the Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance
            - cf. Ep 1:13-14
         c. The greatness of God's power toward those who believe - cf.
            Ep 1:19
         d. The privilege of being fellow-citizens and members of God's
            family - cf. Ep 2:19-22
      -- Indeed, all the blessings that Jesus offers will not benefit
         them!

[Not only will Christ not profit any who are circumcised in order to be
saved...]

II. YOU WILL BE INDEBTED TO THE WHOLE LAW

   A. "EVERY MAN WHO BECOMES CIRCUMCISED..."
      1. Again, this should be understood in its context
      2. Paul makes it clear that the consequences affect everyone
         a. Not just to "you" (if you become circumcised)
         b. But to "every man" (to every man who becomes circumcised)
      3. Paul makes it clear that he writes with great solemnity
         a. He already wrote "Indeed I, Paul..." - Ga 5:2
         b. Now he adds "And I testify again..." - Ga 5:3
      -- Paul's statements are to be taken seriously, for they are in
         the form of an oath

   B. "HE IS A DEBTOR TO KEEP THE WHOLE LAW..."
      1. "He binds himself to obey all the Law of Moses" - Barnes
      2. Which placed one under an insupportable yoke - cf. Ac 15:10
         a. The Law put those who did not obey it under a curse - cf. Ga 3:10
         b. Those who stumbled in just one point were guilty of all
            - cf. Jm 2:10-11
         c. And the blood of bulls and goats was inadequate - cf. He 10:
            1-4
      -- Such a person has truly become entangled with a yoke of bondage
         (Ga 5:1)

[The apostle continues to describe the consequences of trusting in the
Law for their salvation...]

III. YOU WILL BE ESTRANGED FROM CHRIST

   A. "YOU WHO ATTEMPT TO BE JUSTIFIED BY LAW..."
      1. Those seeking salvation on the basis of keeping the Law of
         Moses
      2. An effort on the part of many in Israel
         a. Not just those who were Jewish Christians - cf. Ac 15:1,5
         b. But also Israelites who did not believe in Christ - cf. 
            Ro 9:31-32; 10:1-4
      -- This would apply to anyone who seeks to be saved through the
         Law of Moses

   B. "YOU HAVE BECOME ESTRANGED FROM CHRIST..."
      1. As expressed by various translations:
         a. "severed from Christ" (ESV, NASB)
         b. "alienated from Christ" (NIV)
         c. "have cut yourselves off from Christ" (NRSV)
         d. "Christ is become of no effect" (KJV)
      2. Similar to warnings given by Jesus Himself to His disciples
         a. To those who do not bear fruit - Jn 15:1-6
         b. To those had lost their first love - Re 2:4-5
         c. To those who were lukewarm - Re 3:15-16
      -- Note carefully:  both Jesus and Paul were addressing Christians!

[The consequences for Christians who trust in the Law of Moses for
salvation is then stated most ominously...]

IV. YOU WILL FALL FROM GRACE

   A. "YOU WHO ATTEMPT TO BE JUSTIFIED BY LAW..."
      1. Again, Paul is addressing Christians who felt that circumcision
         and the Law were necessary
      2. But by the Law no one can actually be justified - cf. Ro 3:20
      -- Thus their efforts are destined for failure

   B. "YOU HAVE FALLEN FROM GRACE..."
      1. This is one of the clearest statement of the possibility of
         apostasy
         a. Paul is warning Christians
         b. One cannot fall from something if they were never there
         c. Those in a state of grace were in danger of falling from it
         d. If there is no danger of apostasy, Paul's statement is
            meaningless
      2. This is just one of many passages that warn of the danger of
         apostasy
         a. Jesus warned His disciples of being cut off - Jn 15:1-6
         b. Paul warned the Gentile Christians in Rome - Ro 11:19-22
         c. The epistle to the Hebrews is filled with many warnings - 
            He 2:1; 3:12-15; 4:1,11; 6:4-6; 10:26-31; 12:15
         d. Peter also left many warnings - 2Pe 2:1-3,20-22; 3:17
      -- The security of the believer (Jn 10:28-29) is for those who
         remain faithful to Christ; otherwise, they will not receive
         their inheritance - cf. Re 2:10c

CONCLUSION

1. How terrible are the consequences of trusting in the Law of Moses for
   salvation...!
   a. Christ will be of no profit
   b. Indebted to a Law that cannot save
   c. Severed from Christ
   d. Fallen from grace

2. Christians may not be tempted to trust in the Law of Moses today; but
   we still must take care...
   a. Not to trust in ourselves, nor in any law or religion of man
   b. Otherwise the consequences will be the same!

3. How much better, to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, and enjoy...
   a. The blessings of salvation and sanctification that Jesus offers
      - cf. Ep 1:3
   b. A law whose commandments are not burdensome - cf. 1Co 9:21; 1Jn 5:3
   c. Union with Christ, with the life and strength such communion
      offers - cf. Jn 15:4-5
   d. Standing in the grace of God - cf. Ro 5:1-2

Are you placing your trust in Jesus Christ by heeding His gospel and the
words of His apostles...?



Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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From Jim McGuiggan... Matthew 15:21-28: Those that help us to speak

Matthew 15:21-28: Those that help us to speak

Imagine this foreigner daring to approach this Jewish Messiah (Matthew 15:21-28). How do we explain the broad spectrum of people that dared—facing one obstacle or another—to approach and speak to Jesus? A commander in the conqueror’s army. A woman in public, part of a hostile people and religion a member of the Jewish Supreme Court or this Sidonian woman with a severely troubled child. All of them experiencing great turmoil and trouble and yet all believing they could speak to him. There was some rivalry between the disciples of John and Jesus and yet when John is killed his disciples “go and tell Jesus.” What was it about him that led the high and low to feel they could speak to him? 
It’s said of Albert DΓΌrer that he sharpened the wit and talent of all he met. He brought the best out in them. You’ve met people I hope who made you feel you had something worth saying, an opinion worthy of a hearing or an insight that added something to the matter under consideration. Don’t you love such people? The way they carry themselves, the way they treat people; the very way they look at people as they listen to them—all of that makes us dare to speak to them. They bring it out of us in part because they build no walls of self-importance around themselves. They bring it out of us because they seem to make themselves available to us, as though they leaned over to us in a crowd and asked us, "And what do you think about all that?" And then they listened with sincere interest. 
Though I never had the privilege of being around him much I always experienced that sense of things in the company of Everett Ferguson, a noted Church Historian. Though he is truly light years ahead of the rest of us, being a profoundly learned scholar, I always believed he listened to us as though he believed our opinions were worth expressing and worth hearing. There was no pretense on his part, no feigned humility; just a gracious openness to others. There’s something immensely liberating in that and we thank God for such people. 
This Sidonian-Greek woman had heard of Israel’s Messiah, the son of David, and the stories she heard about him were such that she followed him and his group calling out to him for pity and help. Do you suppose that would have happened to Hitler or Stalin? 
“And what made you so daring that you just kept following and calling over and over again? Why would you not be intimidated into desperate silence?” Someone that didn’t really know Jesus might have asked her that. She probably would have said. “It was the stories I heard about him. They all had a number of things in common and one of them was that he really liked people like me and wanted to help them.” 
God’s blessing on those that help to free us from crushing shyness or a crippling sense of unworthiness. God bless all those that make us believe our concerns matter to them or that our words are welcome even if we know we aren’t in their league or that we don’t have a lot to offer. 

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

Matthew 15:21-28 (WEB)

21  Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.  22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!” 

  23  But he answered her not a word. 

His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.” 

  24  But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 

  25  But she came and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 

  26  But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 

  27  But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 

  28  Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.”And her daughter was healed from that hour. 

From Gary... Bible Reading and Study September 11



Bible Reading and Study    


September 11


The World English Bible


Sept. 11
Psalms 58-60

Psa 58:1 Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones? Do you judge blamelessly, you sons of men?
Psa 58:2 No, in your heart you plot injustice. You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.
Psa 58:3 The wicked go astray from the womb. They are wayward as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
Psa 58:4 Their poison is like the poison of a snake; like a deaf cobra that stops its ear,
Psa 58:5 which doesn't listen to the voice of charmers, no matter how skillful the charmer may be.
Psa 58:6 Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, Yahweh.
Psa 58:7 Let them vanish as water that flows away. When they draw the bow, let their arrows be made blunt.
Psa 58:8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun.
Psa 58:9 Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns, he will sweep away the green and the burning alike.
Psa 58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;
Psa 58:11 so that men shall say, "Most certainly there is a reward for the righteous. Most certainly there is a God who judges the earth."
Psa 59:1 Deliver me from my enemies, my God. Set me on high from those who rise up against me.
Psa 59:2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity. Save me from the bloodthirsty men.
Psa 59:3 For, behold, they lie in wait for my soul. The mighty gather themselves together against me, not for my disobedience, nor for my sin, Yahweh.
Psa 59:4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Rise up, behold, and help me!
Psa 59:5 You, Yahweh God of Armies, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish the nations. Show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah.
Psa 59:6 They return at evening, howling like dogs, and prowl around the city.
Psa 59:7 Behold, they spew with their mouth. Swords are in their lips, "For," they say, "who hears us?"
Psa 59:8 But you, Yahweh, laugh at them. You scoff at all the nations.
Psa 59:9 Oh, my Strength, I watch for you, for God is my high tower.
Psa 59:10 My God will go before me with his loving kindness. God will let me look at my enemies in triumph.
Psa 59:11 Don't kill them, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your power, and bring them down, Lord our shield.
Psa 59:12 For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride, for the curses and lies which they utter.
Psa 59:13 Consume them in wrath. Consume them, and they will be no more. Let them know that God rules in Jacob, to the ends of the earth. Selah.
Psa 59:14 At evening let them return. Let them howl like a dog, and go around the city.
Psa 59:15 They shall wander up and down for food, and wait all night if they aren't satisfied.
Psa 59:16 But I will sing of your strength. Yes, I will sing aloud of your loving kindness in the morning. For you have been my high tower, a refuge in the day of my distress.
Psa 59:17 To you, my strength, I will sing praises. For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.
Psa 60:1 God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us, again.
Psa 60:2 You have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, for it quakes.
Psa 60:3 You have shown your people hard things. You have made us drink the wine that makes us stagger.
Psa 60:4 You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
Psa 60:5 So that your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us.
Psa 60:6 God has spoken from his sanctuary: "I will triumph. I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth.
Psa 60:7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter.
Psa 60:8 Moab is my wash basin. I will throw my shoe on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia."
Psa 60:9 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom?
Psa 60:10 Haven't you, God, rejected us? You don't go out with our armies, God.
Psa 60:11 Give us help against the adversary, for the help of man is vain.

Psa 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is he who will tread down our adversaries.

The Composite Bible
The World English Bible
Darby's Translation
Young's Literal Translation

The Composite Bible is a effort to understand the Bible by considering it from different perspectives and different levels of literalcy. First, read the World English Bible (the least literal-black text) for comprehension of the text. Next, read both the World English Bible with the Darby Translation (more literal-blue text)to make comparisons and lastly, read all three versions (Young's is the most literal translation- red text) at one time to obtain an overview of the text. Doing this will make you think about what the Scriptures are actually saying and avoid reading in a superficial manner.
Psalms


Psalms 58 1
Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones? Do you judge blamelessly, you sons of men?
{To the chief Musician. `Destroy not.` Of David. Michtam.} Is righteousness indeed silent?
Do ye speak it? Do ye judge with equity, ye sons of men?
To the Overseer. -- `Destroy not.` -- A secret treasure, by David. Is it true, O dumb
one, righteously ye speak? Uprightly ye judge, O sons of men?
Psalms 58 2
No, in your heart you plot injustice. You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.
Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.
Even in heart ye work iniquities, In the land the violence of your hands ye ponder.
Psalms 58 3
The wicked go astray from the womb. They are wayward as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
The wicked go astray from the womb; they err as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
The wicked have been estranged from the womb, They have erred from the belly,
speaking lies.
Psalms 58 4
Their poison is like the poison of a snake; Like a deaf cobra that stops its ear,
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: [they are] like the deaf adder which stoppeth
her ear;
Their poison [is] as poison of a serpent, As a deaf asp shutting its ear,
Psalms 58 5
Which doesn`t listen to the voice of charmers, No matter how skillful the charmer may be.
Which doth not hearken to the voice of enchanters, of one charming ever so wisely.
Which hearkeneth not to the voice of whisperers, A charmer of charms most
skilful.
Psalms 58 6
Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, Yahweh.
O God, break their teeth in their mouth; break out the great teeth of the young lions, O
Jehovah.
O God, break their teeth in their mouth, The jaw-teeth of young lions break down,
O Jehovah.
Psalms 58 7
Let them vanish as water that flows away. When they draw the bow, let their arrows be made
blunt.
Let them melt away as waters that flow off; when he aimeth his arrows, let them be as
blunted:
They are melted as waters, They go up and down for themselves, His arrow
proceedeth as they cut themselves off.
Psalms 58 8
Let them be as a snail which melts and passes away,    Like the stillborn child, who has not seen
the sun.
Let them be as a snail that melteth as it passeth away; [like] the untimely birth of a
woman, let them not see the sun.
As a snail that melteth he goeth on, [As] an untimely birth of a woman, They have
not seen the sun.
Psalms 58 9
Before your pots can feel the thorns, He will sweep away, the green and the burning alike.
Before your pots feel the thorns, green or burning, -- they shall be whirled away.
Before your pots discern the bramble, As well the raw as the heated He whirleth
away.
Psalms 58 10
The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He shall wash his feet in the blood of
the wicked;
The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance; he shall wash his footsteps in
the blood of the wicked:
The righteous rejoiceth that he hath seen vengeance, His steps he washeth in the
blood of the wicked.
Psalms 58 11
So that men shall say, "Most assuredly there is a reward for the righteous. Most assuredly
there is a God who judges the earth." Psalm 59 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do
Not Destroy." A poem by David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.
And men shall say, Verily there is fruit for the righteous; verily there is a God that
judgeth in the earth.
And man saith: `Surely fruit [is] for the righteous: Surely there is a God judging
in the earth!`
Psalms 59 1
Deliver me from my enemies, my God. Set me on high from those who rise up against me.
{To the chief Musician. `Destroy not.` Of David. Michtam; when Saul sent, and they
watched the house to kill him.} Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God; secure me on
high from them that rise up against me.
To the Overseer. -- `Destroy not,` by David. -- A secret treasure, in Saul`s sending,
and they watch the house to put him to death. Deliver me from mine enemies, O
my God, From my withstanders set me on high.
Psalms 59 2
Deliver me from the workers of iniquity. Save me from the bloodthirsty men.
Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from men of blood.
Deliver me from workers of iniquity, And from men of blood save me.
Psalms 59 3
For, behold, they lie in wait for my soul. The mighty gather themselves together against me,
Not for my disobedience, nor for my sin, Yahweh.
For behold, they lie in wait for my soul; strong ones are gathered against me: not for my
transgression, nor for my sin, O Jehovah.
For, lo, they laid wait for my soul, Assembled against me are strong ones, Not my
transgression nor my sin, O Jehovah.
Psalms 59 4
I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Rise up, behold, and help me!
They run and prepare themselves without [my] fault: awake to meet me, and behold.
Without punishment they run and prepare themselves, Stir up to meet me, and
see.
Psalms 59 5
You, Yahweh God of hosts, the God of Israel, Rouse yourself to punish the nations. Show no
mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah.
Yea, do thou, Jehovah, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, arise to visit all the nations: be
not gracious to any plotters of iniquity. Selah.
And Thou, Jehovah, God of Hosts, God of Israel, Awake to inspect all the nations.
Favour not any treacherous dealers of iniquity. Selah.
Psalms 59 6
They return at evening, howling like dogs, And prowl around the city.
They return in the evening; they howl like a dog, and go round about the city:
They turn back at evening, They make a noise like a dog, And go round about the
city.
Psalms 59 7
Behold, they spew with their mouth. Swords are in their lips, "For," they say, "who hears us?"
Behold, they belch out with their mouth; swords are in their lips: for who [say they] doth
hear?
Lo, they belch out with their mouths, Swords [are] in their lips, for `Who heareth?`
Psalms 59 8
But you, Yahweh, laugh at them. You scoff at all the nations.
But thou, Jehovah, wilt laugh at them; thou wilt have all the nations in derision.
And Thou, O Jehovah dost laugh at them, Thou dost mock at all the nations.
Psalms 59 9
Oh, my Strength, I watch for you, For God is my high tower.
Their strength! ... I will take heed to thee; for God is my high fortress.
O my Strength, unto Thee I take heed, For God [is] my tower -- the God of my
kindness.
Psalms 59 10
My God will go before me with his lovingkindness. God will let me look at my enemies in
triumph.
God, whose loving-kindness will come to meet me, -- God shall let me see [my desire] upon
mine enemies.
God doth go before me, He causeth me to look on mine enemies.
Psalms 59 11
Don`t kill them, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your power, and bring them down,
Lord our shield.
Slay them not, lest my people forget; by thy power make them wander, and bring them
down, O Lord, our shield.
Slay them not, lest my people forget, Shake them by Thy strength, And bring them
down, O Lord our shield.
Psalms 59 12
For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips, Let them be caught in their pride, For
the curses and lies which they utter.
[Because of] the sin of their mouth, the word of their lips, let them even be taken in their
pride; and because of cursing and lying which they speak.
The sin of their mouth [is] a word of their lips, And they are captured in their
pride, And from the curse and lying they recount.
Psalms 59 13
Consume them in wrath. Consume them, and they will be no more. Let them know that God
rules in Jacob, To the ends of the earth. Selah.
Make an end in wrath, make an end, that they may be no more; that they may know that
God ruleth in Jacob, unto the ends of the earth. Selah.
Consume in fury, consume and they are not, And they know that God is ruling in
Jacob, To the ends of the earth. Selah.
Psalms 59 14
At evening let them return. Let them howl like a dog, and go around the city.
And in the evening they shall return, they shall howl like a dog, and go round about the
city.
And they turn back at evening, They make a noise like a dog, And they go round
about the city.
Psalms 59 15
They shall wander up and down for food, And wait all night if they aren`t satisfied.
They shall wander about for meat, and stay all night if they be not satisfied.
They -- they wander for food, If they are not satisfied -- then they murmur.
Psalms 59 16
But I will sing of your strength. Yes, I will sing aloud of your lovingkindness in the morning.
For you have been my high tower, A refuge in the day of my distress.
But as for me, I will sing of thy strength; yea, I will sing aloud of thy loving-kindness in
the morning; for thou hast been to me a high fortress, and a refuge in the day of my
trouble.
And I -- I sing [of] Thy strength, And I sing at morn [of] Thy kindness, For thou hast
been a tower to me, And a refuge for me in a day of adversity.
Psalms 59 17
To you, my strength, I will sing praises. For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.
Psalm 60 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Lily of the Covenant." A teaching poem
by David, when he fought with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and
killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.
Unto thee, my strength, will I sing psalms; for God is my high fortress, the God of my
mercy.
O my Strength, unto Thee I sing praise, For God [is] my tower, the God of my
kindness!
Psalms 60 1
God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us to you,
again.
{To the chief Musician. On Shushan. Testimony. Michtam of David; to teach: when he
strove with the Syrians of Mesopotamia, and the Syrians of Zobah, and Joab returned, and
smote the Edomites in the valley of salt, twelve thousand.} O God, thou hast cast us off,
thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased: restore us again.
To the Overseer. -- `Concerning the Lily of Testimony,` a secret treasure of David,
to teach, in his striving with Aram-Naharaim, and with Aram-Zobah, and Joab
turneth back and smiteth Edom in the valley of Salt -- twelve thousand. O God,
Thou hadst cast us off, Thou hadst broken us -- hadst been angry! -- Thou dost turn
back to us.
Psalms 60 2
You have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, For it quakes.
Thou hast made the earth to tremble, thou hast rent it: heal the breaches thereof; for it
shaketh.
Thou hast caused the land to tremble, Thou hast broken it, Heal its breaches, for it
hath moved.
Psalms 60 3
You have shown your people hard things. You have made us drink the wine that makes us
stagger.
Thou hast shewn thy people hard things; thou hast made us to drink the wine of
bewilderment.
Thou hast shewn Thy people a hard thing, Thou hast caused us to drink wine of
trembling.
Psalms 60 4
You have given a banner to those who fear you, That it may be displayed because of the truth.
Selah.
Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the
truth, (Selah,)
Thou hast given to those fearing thee an ensign. To be lifted up as an ensign
Because of truth. Selah.
Psalms 60 5
So that your beloved may be delivered, Save with your right hand, and answer us.
That thy beloved ones may be delivered. Save with thy right hand, and answer me.
That Thy beloved ones may be drawn out, Save [with] Thy right hand, and answer
us.
Psalms 60 6
God has spoken from his sanctuary: "I will triumph.    I will divide Shechem, And measure out
the valley of Succoth.
God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the
valley of Succoth.
God hath spoken in His holiness: I exult -- I apportion Shechem, And the valley of
Succoth I measure,
Psalms 60 7
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my
scepter.
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine, and Ephraim is the strength of my head; Judah is
my law-giver;
Mine [is] Gilead, and mine [is] Manasseh, And Ephraim [is] the strength of my
head, Judah [is] my lawgiver,
Psalms 60 8
Moab is my wash basin. I will throw my shoe on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia."
Moab is my wash-pot; upon Edom will I cast my sandal; Philistia, shout aloud because of
me.
Moab [is] my pot for washing, over Edom I cast my shoe, Shout, concerning me, O
Philistia.
Psalms 60 9
Who will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom?
Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me unto Edom?
Who doth bring me [to] a city of bulwarks? Who hath led me unto Edom?
Psalms 60 10
Haven`t you, God, rejected us? You don`t go out, with our armies, God.
[Wilt] not thou, O God, who didst cast us off? and didst not go forth, O God, with our
armies?
Is it not Thou, O God? hast Thou cast us off? And dost Thou not go forth, O God,
with our hosts!
Psalms 60 11
Give us help against the adversary, For the help of man is vain.
Give us help from trouble; for vain is man`s deliverance.
Give to us help from adversity, And vain [is] the deliverance of man.
Psalms 60 12
Through God we shall do valiantly, For it is he who will tread down our adversaries. Psalm
61 For the Chief Musician. For a stringed instrument. By David.
Through God we shall do valiantly; and he it is that will tread down our adversaries.
In God we do mightily, And He treadeth down our adversaries!


 Study Questions
                       What does God do? 58:11
God is my _______________? 59:9,17
Psalms 60 - 67
God spoke in his ___________? 60:6


The World English Bible



Sept. 11
1 Corinthians 7

1Co 7:1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman.
1Co 7:2 But, because of sexual immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
1Co 7:3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection owed her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
1Co 7:4 The wife doesn't have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise also the husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but the wife.
1Co 7:5 Don't deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn't tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
1Co 7:6 But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.
1Co 7:7 Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.
1Co 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I am.
1Co 7:9 But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn.
1Co 7:10 But to the married I command--not I, but the Lord--that the wife not leave her husband
1Co 7:11 (but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife.
1Co 7:12 But to the rest I--not the Lord--say, if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she is content to live with him, let him not leave her.
1Co 7:13 The woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he is content to live with her, let her not leave her husband.
1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.
1Co 7:15 Yet if the unbeliever departs, let there be separation. The brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us in peace.
1Co 7:16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
1Co 7:17 Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies.
1Co 7:18 Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.
1Co 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
1Co 7:20 Let each man stay in that calling in which he was called.
1Co 7:21 Were you called being a bondservant? Don't let that bother you, but if you get an opportunity to become free, use it.
1Co 7:22 For he who was called in the Lord being a bondservant is the Lord's free man. Likewise he who was called being free is Christ's bondservant.
1Co 7:23 You were bought with a price. Don't become bondservants of men.
1Co 7:24 Brothers, let each man, in whatever condition he was called, stay in that condition with God.
1Co 7:25 Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be trustworthy.
1Co 7:26 I think that it is good therefore, because of the distress that is on us, that it is good for a man to be as he is.
1Co 7:27 Are you bound to a wife? Don't seek to be freed. Are you free from a wife? Don't seek a wife.
1Co 7:28 But if you marry, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have oppression in the flesh, and I want to spare you.
1Co 7:29 But I say this, brothers: the time is short, that from now on, both those who have wives may be as though they had none;
1Co 7:30 and those who weep, as though they didn't weep; and those who rejoice, as though they didn't rejoice; and those who buy, as though they didn't possess;
1Co 7:31 and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away.
1Co 7:32 But I desire to have you to be free from cares. He who is unmarried is concerned for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;
1Co 7:33 but he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife.
1Co 7:34 There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world--how she may please her husband.
1Co 7:35 This I say for your own profit; not that I may ensnare you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend to the Lord without distraction.
1Co 7:36 But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn't sin. Let them marry.
1Co 7:37 But he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own heart, to keep his own virgin, does well.
1Co 7:38 So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn't give her in marriage does better.
1Co 7:39 A wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whoever she desires, only in the Lord.
1Co 7:40 But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God's Spirit.

The Composite Bible
The World English Bible
Darby's Translation
Young's Literal Translation

The Composite Bible is a effort to understand the Bible by considering it from different perspectives and different levels of literalcy. First, read the World English Bible (the least literal-black text) for comprehension of the text. Next, read both the World English Bible with the Darby Translation (more literal-blue text)to make comparisons and lastly, read all three versions (Young's is the most literal translation- red text) at one time to obtain an overview of the text. Doing this will make you think about what the Scriptures are actually saying and avoid reading in a superficial manner.
1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 7 1
Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me. It is good for a man not to touch a
woman.
But concerning the things of which ye have written [to me]: [It is] good for a man not to
touch a woman;
And concerning the things of which ye wrote to me: good [it is] for a man not to
touch a woman,
1 Corinthians 7 2
But, because of sexual sins, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own
husband.
but on account of fornications, let each have his own wife, and each [woman] have her
own husband.
and because of the whoredom let each man have his own wife, and let each woman
have her proper husband;
1 Corinthians 7 3
Let the husband render to the wife her due, and likewise also the wife to the husband.
Let the husband render her due to the wife, and in like manner the wife to the husband.
to the wife let the husband the due benevolence render, and in like manner also
the wife to the husband;
1 Corinthians 7 4
The wife doesn`t have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise also the husband
doesn`t have power over his own body, but the wife.
The wife has not authority over her own body, but the husband: in like manner also the
husband has not authority over his own body, but the wife.
the wife over her own body hath not authority, but the husband; and, in like
manner also, the husband over his own body hath not authority, but the wife.
1 Corinthians 7 5
Don`t defraud one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to
fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn`t tempt you because of your
lack of self-control.
Defraud not one another, unless, it may be, by consent for a time, that ye may devote
yourselves to prayer, and again be together, that Satan tempt you not because of your
incontinency.
Defraud not one another, except by consent for a time, that ye may be free for
fasting and prayer, and again may come together, that the Adversary may not
tempt you because of your incontinence;
1 Corinthians 7 6
But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.
But this I say, as consenting [to], not as commanding [it].
and this I say by way of concurrence -- not of command,
1 Corinthians 7 7
Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this
kind, and another of that kind.
Now I wish all men to be even as myself: but every one has his own gift of God: one man
thus, and another thus.
for I wish all men to be even as I myself [am]; but each his own gift hath of God, one
indeed thus, and one thus.
1 Corinthians 7 8
But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I am.
But I say to the unmarried and to the widows, It is good for them that they remain even
as I.
And I say to the unmarried and to the widows: it is good for them if they may
remain even as I [am];
1 Corinthians 7 9
But if they don`t have self-control, let them marry. For it`s better to marry than to burn.
But if they have not control over themselves, let them marry; for it is better to marry
than to burn.
and if they have not continence -- let them marry, for it is better to marry than to
burn;
1 Corinthians 7 10
But to the married I command -- not I, but the Lord -- that the wife not leave her husband
But to the married I enjoin, not *I*, but the Lord, Let not wife be separated from husband;
and to the married I announce -- not I, but the Lord -- let not a wife separate from
a husband:
1 Corinthians 7 11
(but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that
the husband not leave his wife.
(but if also she shall have been separated, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to
her husband;) and let not husband leave wife.
but and if she may separate, let her remain unmarried, or to the husband let her
be reconciled, and let not a husband send away a wife.
1 Corinthians 7 12
But to the rest I -- not the Lord -- say, if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she is content
to live with him, let him not leave her.
But as to the rest, *I* say, not the Lord, If any brother have an unbelieving wife, and *she*
consent to dwell with him, let him not leave her.
And to the rest I speak -- not the Lord -- if any brother hath a wife unbelieving,
and she is pleased to dwell with him, let him not send her away;
1 Corinthians 7 13
The woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he is content to live with her, let her not leave
her husband.
And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to dwell with her, let her
not leave [her] husband.
and a woman who hath a husband unbelieving, and he is pleased to dwell with her,
let her not send him away;
1 Corinthians 7 14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in
the husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now are they holy.
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is
sanctified in the brother; since [otherwise] indeed your children are unclean, but now
they are holy.
for the unbelieving husband hath been sanctified in the wife, and the
unbelieving wife hath been sanctified in the husband; otherwise your children
are unclean, but now they are holy.
1 Corinthians 7 15
Yet if the unbeliever departs, let there be separation. The brother or the sister is not under
bondage in such cases, but God has called us in peace.
But if the unbeliever go away, let them go away; a brother or a sister is not bound in
such [cases], but God has called us in peace.
And, if the unbelieving doth separate himself -- let him separate himself: the
brother or the sister is not under servitude in such [cases], and in peace hath God
called us;
1 Corinthians 7 16
For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband,
whether you will save your wife?
For what knowest thou, O wife, if thou shalt save thy husband? or what knowest thou, O
husband, if thou shalt save thy wife?
for what, hast thou known, O wife, whether the husband thou shalt save? or what,
hast thou known, O husband, whether the wife thou shalt save?
1 Corinthians 7 17
Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I
command in all the assemblies.
However, as the Lord has divided to each, as God has called each, so let him walk; and thus
I ordain in all the assemblies.
if not, as God did distribute to each, as the Lord hath called each -- so let him
walk; and thus in all the assemblies do I direct:
1 Corinthians 7 18
Was anyone called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Has any been called
in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.
Has any one been called circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised: has any one
been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
being circumcised -- was any one called? let him not become uncircumcised; in
uncircumcision was any one called? let him not be circumcised;
1 Corinthians 7 19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments
of God.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but keeping God`s
commandments.
the circumcision is nothing, and the uncircumcision is nothing -- but a keeping
of the commands of God.
1 Corinthians 7 20
Let each man stay in that calling in which he was called.
Let each abide in that calling in which he has been called.
Each in the calling in which he was called -- in this let him remain;
1 Corinthians 7 21
Were you called being a bondservant? Don`t let that bother you, but if you get an opportunity to
become free, use it.
Hast thou been called [being] a bondman, let it not concern thee; but and if thou canst
become free, use [it] rather.
a servant -- wast thou called? be not anxious; but if also thou art able to become
free -- use [it] rather;
1 Corinthians 7 22
For he who was called in the Lord being a bondservant is the Lord`s free man. Likewise he who
was called being free is Christ`s bondservant.
For the bondman that is called in [the] Lord is the Lord`s freedman; in like manner [also]
the freeman being called is Christ`s bondman.
for he who [is] in the Lord -- having been called a servant -- is the Lord`s
freedman: in like manner also he the freeman, having been called, is servant of
Christ:
1 Corinthians 7 23
You were bought with a price. Don`t become bondservants of men.
Ye have been bought with a price; do not be the bondmen of men.
with a price ye were bought, become not servants of men;
1 Corinthians 7 24
Brothers, let each man, in whatever condition he was called, stay in that condition with God.
Let each, wherein he is called, brethren, therein abide with God.
each, in that in which he was called, brethren, in this let him remain with God.
1 Corinthians 7 25
Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one
who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be trustworthy.
But concerning virgins, I have no commandment of [the] Lord; but I give my opinion, as
having received mercy of [the] Lord to be faithful.
And concerning the virgins, a command of the Lord I have not; and I give
judgment as having obtained kindness from the Lord to be faithful:
1 Corinthians 7 26
I think that it is good therefore, because of the distress that is on us, that it is good for a man to
be as he is.
I think then that this is good, on account of the present necessity, that [it is] good for a
man to remain so as he is.
I suppose, therefore, this to be good because of the present necessity, that [it is]
good for a man that the matter be thus: --
1 Corinthians 7 27
Are you bound to a wife? Don`t seek to be freed. Are you free from a wife? Don`t seek a wife.
Art thou bound to a wife? seek not to be loosed; art thou free from a wife? do not seek a
wife.
Hast thou been bound to a wife? seek not to be loosed; hast thou been loosed from a
wife? seek not a wife.
1 Corinthians 7 28
But if you marry, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have
oppression in the flesh, and I want to spare you.
But if thou shouldest also marry, thou hast not sinned; and if the virgin marry, they have
not sinned: but such shall have tribulation in the flesh; but I spare you.
But and if thou mayest marry, thou didst not sin; and if the virgin may marry, she
did not sin; and such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I spare you.
1 Corinthians 7 29
But I say this, brothers: the time is short, that from now on, both those who have wives may be as
though they had none;
But this I say, brethren, the time is straitened. For the rest, that they who have wives, be
as not having [any]:
And this I say, brethren, the time henceforth is having been shortened -- that
both those having wives may be as not having;
1 Corinthians 7 30
and those who weep, as though they didn`t weep; and those who rejoice, as though they didn`t
rejoice; and those who buy, as though they didn`t possess;
and they that weep, as not weeping; and they that rejoice, as not rejoicing; and they that
buy, as not possessing;
and those weeping, as not weeping; and those rejoicing, as not rejoicing; and
those buying, as not possessing;
1 Corinthians 7 31
and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes
away.
and they that use the world, as not disposing of it as their own; for the fashion of this
world passes.
and those using this world, as not using [it] up; for passing away is the fashion of
this world.
1 Corinthians 7 32
But I desire to have you to be free from cares. He who is unmarried is concerned for the things
of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;
But I wish you to be without care. The unmarried cares for the things of the Lord, how he
shall please the Lord;
And I wish you to be without anxiety; the unmarried is anxious for the things of
the Lord, how he shall please the Lord;
1 Corinthians 7 33
but he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife.
but he that has married cares for the things of the world, how he shall please his wife.
and the married is anxious for the things of the world, how he shall please the
wife.
1 Corinthians 7 34
There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the
things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares
about the things of the world -- how she may please her husband.
There is a difference between the wife and the virgin. The unmarried cares for the
things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but she that has married
cares for the things of the world, how she shall please her husband.
The wife and the virgin have been distinguished: the unmarried is anxious for
the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit, and the
married is anxious for the things of the world, how she shall please the husband.
1 Corinthians 7 35
This I say for your own profit; not that I may throw a snare on you, but for that which is
appropriate, and that you may attend to the Lord without distraction.
But I say this for your own profit; not that I may set a snare before you, but for what [is]
seemly, and waiting on the Lord without distraction.
And this for your own profit I say: not that I may cast a noose upon you, but for the
seemliness and devotedness to the Lord, undistractedly,
1 Corinthians 7 36
But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the
flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn`t sin. Let them
marry.
But if any one think that he behaves unseemly to his virginity, if he be beyond the flower
of his age, and so it must be, let him do what he will, he does not sin: let them marry.
and if any one doth think [it] to be unseemly to his virgin, if she may be beyond
the bloom of age, and it ought so to be, what he willeth let him do; he doth not sin
-- let him marry.
1 Corinthians 7 37
But he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own heart,
to keep his own virgin, will do well.
But he who stands firm in his heart, having no need, but has authority over his own will,
and has judged this in his heart to keep his own virginity, he does well.
And he who hath stood stedfast in the heart -- not having necessity -- and hath
authority over his own will, and this he hath determined in his heart -- to keep
his own virgin -- doth well;
1 Corinthians 7 38
So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn`t give her in
marriage will do better.
So that he that marries himself does well; and he that does not marry does better.
so that both he who is giving in marriage doth well, and he who is not giving in
marriage doth better.
1 Corinthians 7 39
A wife is bound by law for so long time as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is
free to be married to whoever she desires, only in the Lord.
A wife is bound for whatever time her husband lives; but if the husband be fallen asleep,
she is free to be married to whom she will, only in [the] Lord.
A wife hath been bound by law as long time as her husband may live, and if her
husband may sleep, she is free to be married to whom she will -- only in the Lord;
1 Corinthians 7 40
But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God`s Spirit.
But she is happier if she so remain, according to my judgment; but I think that *I* also
have God`s Spirit.
and she is happier if she may so remain -- according to my judgment; and I think I
also have the Spirit of God.
 

Study Questions
How long is a wife bound to her husband? 7:39