From Gary.... From melody, to harmony and ultimate destiny

There is a God

Mark Copeland posted this song on facebook this morning and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it with you.  I have always love singing, but too many bygone years of smoking (40+ years ago) and two thyroid operations have pretty much wrecked my voice.  Oh, I still can sing, but nowhere as loud (some might say that this is a blessing) and for a much shorter time before I lose my voice.  I guess I just needed to hear something positive today, so this wonderful hymn hit the spot.  I have been singing this particular hymn for many decades now, but for the vast majority of the time, it has been in a worship environment. Somehow, it always evokes something very reassuring in me.  Something about the harmony and the message seem to click.  This particular rendition is marvellous- so please listen to it!!!  More than just pleasing, it tells of God's work; creation and redemption.  When I think of Christ on the Cross, I tend to get a bit emotional, and faith based solely on emotions is a very dangerous thing.  But that (mere emotion) is not what Christianity is about!!!  It is about fact; fact that there is truly a God, he has worked with human beings throughout history and that his son, Jesus, was exactly who he said he was and lastly, that he was resurrected from the dead.  FACT, NOT FICTION!!!  Paul puts it this way...

1 Corinthians, Chapter 15

1 Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand,  2 by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,  5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.  6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep.  7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,  8 and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also. 

There is an old saying- don't confuse me with the facts; I have my mind made up.  Well, don't confuse me- make the truth PLAIN.  This is EXACTLY WHAT PAUL DOES!!!!  I really hope you enjoy the hymn, its melodic harmony's are ascetically pleasing - but the message is one that I hope will stay with you through the hardest times.  Who knows; you just might find yourself singing it when you need it the most- I have!!!!

May God bless you today!!!

Your Friend,

Gary

From Mark Copeland... How Gentiles Became Fellow Heirs (Ephesians 2:11-22)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS"

                How Gentiles Became Fellow Heirs (2:11-22)

INTRODUCTION

1. It should be evident by now that one of Paul's purposes in writing
   this epistle was to help answer his own prayer for the Ephesians;
   e.g., that they might know such things as:
   a. What is the hope of His calling - Ep 1:18a
   b. What are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints
      - Ep 1:18b

2. In the first half of the second chapter, Paul has spoken of the
   wonderful grace of God as expressed in their "personal" salvation -
   Ep 2:1-10

3. Paul now speaks in more "general" or "corporate" terms, especially as
   it relates to the salvation of the Gentiles and how they became 
   "fellow heirs" - Ep 2:12-22
   a. This is an important section, as it pertains to the "mystery" to 
      which Paul refers in Ep 3:3-6
   b. But this passage is also important because it describes "us", as 
      most of us are likely "Gentiles" rather than Israelites
   c. And it also makes clear what our condition can be today, either 
      "outside" of Christ, or "through" and "in" Christ!

[Let us begin, then, by observing...]

I. HOW THE GENTILES BECAME FELLOW HEIRS

   A. THE GENTILES' CONDITION "WITHOUT" CHRIST...
      1. "Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel" (12)
         a. They were not part of the state of Israel
         b. They were not included together with God's "chosen people"
      2. "Strangers from the covenants of promise" (12)
         a. Promises and covenants were not made with them
         b. Promises such as "...to be God to you...and I will be their 
            God" - Gen 17:7-8
      3. "Having no hope" (12)
         a. Hope springs forth from promises made
         b. Being strangers from the covenants of promise, they did not 
            have the hope the Jews did
      4. "Without God in the world" (12)
         a. In one sense, they did have God, as "He did not leave 
            Himself without witness..." - cf. Ac 14:17
         b. But they did not have the true knowledge of God, a knowledge
            that provides righteousness, peace and the joy of salvation

   B. THE GENTILES' CONDITION "THROUGH" CHRIST"...
      1. Can now be "one body" with the Jews (13-16)
         a. Because of Jesus, who is "our peace"
         b. Because of Jesus, who broke down the "middle wall" of 
            division
            1) That "law of commandments contained in ordinances" which 
               once separated Jews from Gentiles
            2) By His death on the cross, he abolished that which 
               created "enmity" between Jew and Gentile
            3) I.e., the law of Moses given at Mt. Sinai
         c. Because of Jesus, who "made peace" by reconciling both Jew 
            and Gentile to God in one body through the cross
      2. Can now share access to the Father with the Jews (17-18)
         a. Because of Jesus, who came and "preached peace" to those 
            "afar off" (Gentiles) and those "near" (Jews)
         b. Because of Jesus, for "through Him we both have access by 
            one Spirit to the Father"
            1) The access to the Father is "through Him" (Jesus) - cf. 
               Ro 8:34
            2) The access to the Father is "by one Spirit" (Holy Spirit) 
               - cf. Ro 8:26-27

   C. THE GENTILES' CONDITION "IN" CHRIST...
      1. They are now "fellow citizens with the saints" (19a)
         a. Before, they were "aliens" from the commonwealth of Israel 
            and "strangers" from the   covenants of promise
         b. But now, they are "fellow citizens" with God's people
      2. They are now "members of the household of God" (19b)
         a. Before, they were "without God in the world"
         b. But now, they are members of "God's family"
      3. They are now part of "a holy temple in the Lord" (20-22)
         a. Before, they "without God in the world"
         b. But now, God dwells in them through His Spirit!

II. MAKING APPLICATION OF THIS PASSAGE TO OUR LIVES

   A. UNDERSTAND WHAT ONE'S CONDITION "OUTSIDE" CHRIST TRULY IS...
      1. A person is still an "alien" and "stranger", with no 
         participation in covenants and promises that God has with His 
         people today!
      2. A person has no basis for hope, and must go through life 
         without the blessing of God guiding them in this world!

   B. UNDERSTAND WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED "THROUGH" CHRIST...
      1. He has brought to an end the Old Law; we should not seek to be 
         justified by the Law - cf. Ga 5:4
      2. He has sought to unite all into one body; we should not try to 
         undo the work of Christ on the cross through religious division
         - cf. Ep 4:1-6

   C. UNDERSTAND WHAT WE HAVE BECOME "IN" CHRIST...
      1. We have become "fellow citizens with the saints" in the 
         wonderful kingdom of God; let's live accordingly! - cf. Ro 14:
         16-19
      2. We have become "members of God's household (family)"; let's 
         behave and treat each other as the family of God! - cf.1Ti 3:15; 5:1-2
      3. We have become "the temple of God" in which God dwells through 
         His Spirit; let's be careful not to profane God's holy 
         habitation! - cf. 1Co 3:16-17; 1Co 6:19-20

CONCLUSION

1. Though Paul may have been speaking in "general" or "corporate" terms,
   I trust that we have seen the implications of what he has said 
   affects each of us "personally"
   a. With salvation coming to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, we 
      each benefit greatly on an individual level
   b. With salvation coming to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, we 
      each bear an individual responsibility to live up to our "holy 
      calling" as God's kingdom, God's family, and as God's temple!

2. What is YOUR condition in regard to Jesus Christ?
   a. Are you still "outside" of Christ?
   b. Have you benefited from the work that was done "through" Christ on
      the cross?
   c. Are you living as a person should who is now "in" Christ?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Jim McGuiggan... The Hello: Matthew 28.1-9

The Hello: Matthew 28.1-9

I'm absolutely certain that the apostles had other things in their minds when they were troubled at Jesus going away but I can't be persuaded that their affection for him had no part in it. The scriptures make it clear that between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning their dreams of national freedom and shalom had fallen dead at their feet but you can't read the resurrection narratives without sensing the personal joy they felt when they knew he really was alive again!

Here's a piece from Matthew 28. "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb…an angel of the Lord…rolled back the stone…The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay…' So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to the disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. 'Greetings," he said." (28:1-9)

The Greek word (chairete) rendered "Greetings" in the NIV, NJB, NRSV and "Hail" in some others can be variously rendered. It's the common, everyday word of greeting. A couple of versions render it "Good morning". Arndt & Gingrich (874) offer us numerous options such as, welcome, good day, how do you do and even "the colloquial hello" and then citing Matthew 28:9 they tell us (since it was just after dawn), "here perhaps specifically good morning."

"Good morning," he said!

"Hello," he said!

There's not a word in the text about the nature or glory or appearance of Jesus—not a word! As casual and as natural as you like, "Hello." No drum roll, no clashing cymbals, no talk of lightning flashing from his eyes or the glory of his person and no stained-glass language. He had said goodbye and now here was hello.

The phrases above, from Matthew 28:1-9, are packed with joy-bringing truth; every word is a gospel. Listen to them.

"Don't be afraid."

"He isn't here!"

"He has risen!"

"Just as he said!"

"Come and see where he [once] lay!"

You'll have noticed that the stone wasn't rolled away to let Jesus out—he was already gone. The stone was rolled away to let the people in to see he was gone! To keep young fans from rampaging around looking for him, the master of ceremonies at an Elvis Presley concert used to announce to the crowd, "Elvis has left the building." Here, to keep the women from moping around a sealed up grave an angel announced: "Jesus has left the tomb!"

And then Jesus met these good women and said "Good morning!" Tell me, was that appropriate or not? If that morning wasn't "good" there's never been a good morning since the dawn of creation nor will there ever be!

I can't imagine Jesus being the-life-and-soul-of-the-party type but I'll be hanged if I can imagine him as the ceaselessly grim, life's-too-serious-to-smile type; the sort of picture I had of him when I was a boy. The two women he met were joy-filled and I can't do otherwise than think that Jesus was pleased and smiling when he suddenly walked up to them and said, "Hello!"

As much as I hate goodbyes (click) I love hellos more; and the resurrection of Jesus is something of an eternal Hello for all those who've longed for his return. Even those who in their lives never met nor heard of him but who are embraced in his saving and blessing work will smile an eternal smile at his eternal Hello. I like to imagine someone like Moses' mother (presuming she hasn't already met him)—I like to imagine someone like her when he walks up and says "Hello". Are you able to imagine her saying, "Are you...?" and trembling as she tries to get the words out? However great the awe, however spellbinding the occasion and however deep the sense of unworthiness would she not simply be thrilled beyond words—hers or anyone else's? And those who have heard of him and came to love him though they never had met him, when he comes right up to them and says that warm hello, will they not blurt out how wonderful it is to finally see him face to face and won't words come tumbling out about gratitude and about his generosity and how the thought of him was the only thing that kept them alive during long troubled years? Won't there be people who'll want to thank him for the joy-filled lives they've had but who'll say that their lives were nothing in comparison to this moment of meeting him—their Lord and Saviour? And, now, having finally met him who was and is "the desire of all nations," won't their lives take on an even more wonderful depth and complexion? [One of these days, God enabling, I'll tell you about what happened when Mohammed Ali visited a woman's prison in California.]

The resurrection of Jesus (as part of the entire package of glory and exaltation) is the witness—the one definitive and all-sufficient witness—that injustice and oppression, cruelty and cynicism die!

The resurrection of Jesus—his eternal Hello—is God's proclamation to the entire human family that life is his aim and not death.

The resurrection is Jesus, personally, defeating all the anti-God, anti-holiness and anti-life forces that are seen in oppressive nations, governments, gangs and individuals and it is the promise of the final destruction of all these.

The resurrection is Jesus defeating all these powers for others so that his own experience will one day be the never-ending experience of all who are embraced in his life and work.

At the resurrection Jesus entered into a new dimension of immortal living, into life without death, life beyond death and all sickness and disease which are nothing other than the approach of death. No more death! The life he lived and the life he has now entered into is one of God-honouring righteousness and it's that kind of life his followers are to pursue even now for they have been called to and have been pleased to say yes to the call to be "the body of Christ." In him they have been raised from the dead and now sit with him in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; 3:1-4); how could they not be committed to living resurrection life as they wait for that incredible, "Hello!"?

©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.

From Ben Fronczek.... The High and Mighty

The High and Mighty

Acts 12:19-24  (Based on a sermon by Steve Shepherd)

How many of you like people who act like a ‘big shot’, a ‘know it all’, or one who come across as superior?  Not too many of us do.   Unfortunately, sometimes we may even become guilty of this without even realizing it. If we are not careful we can develop a high and mighty attitude.

Our text today deals with a man who had this problem. In Acts 12, we read about King Herod who had a high and mighty attitude. As we look at this text, consider these thoughts about the high and mighty:

#1) They like to throw their weight around.

#2) They like to portray themselves as being great.

#3) They seek the praise of men.

#4) We see, that they at some point will be brought down.

Illustration:  A farmer got pulled over by state trooper Jon for speeding, and the trooper started to lecture the farmer about his speed, and in general began to throw his weight around acting somehow superior trying to make the farmer uncomfortable. Finally, trooper got around to writing out the ticket, and as he was doing that he kept swatting at some flies that were buzzing around his head. The farmer said, “Having some problems with those Circle Flies are ya?” The trooper stopped writing the ticket and said, “Well yeah, if that’s what they are—I never heard of Circle Flies.” So the farmer said, “Well, Circle Flies are common on farms. See, they’re called circle flies because they’re almost always found, circling around the back end of a horse.” The trooper said, “Oh,” and went back to writing the ticket. Then after a minute he stopped and said, “Hey, wait a minute, are you trying to call me a horse’s rear?” “Oh no, officer. I have too much respect for law enforcement and police officers to even think about calling you a horse’s rear.” The trooper said, “Well, that’s a good thing,” and went back to writing the ticket.  After a long pause, the farmer said, “But it’s hard to fool them flies though.”

That leads us to our 1^st point.

#1) The High and mighty like THROWING THEIR WEIGHT AROUND
It might be a lawyer or a police officer. It might be a politician, Hollywood actor, or someone with a lot of money, someone very attractive, even some preachers or elders can act like this.

But Jesus said, “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God” Matt. 5:3

ILL.- The Prime minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, is worth 10 billion dollars and is quoted as saying, “There is no one on the world stage who can compete with me.”

He sounds like the kind of guy who would definitely throw his weight around. Often people of wealth think they know everything and have all the answers, so everybody better listen to them.

I believe Jesus condemns such an attitude because people with a high and mighty attitude are more concerned about themselves, and what they have, than they are about others. It’s very hard for them to demonstrate love and mercy like Jesus.

King Herod not only had some wealth, he had power which he abused.  Read Acts 12:19 “After Herod had a thorough search made for him (Peter) and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.”

Herod cross-examined the guards and simply ordered that they be executed. WOW! If that isn’t throwing your weight around, I don’t know what is!

Any time someone is in a position of authority and power there is temptation to order people around and sometimes even abuse them. Of course this is just wrong.

What about us? Is it possible for us to get caught up in doing something like this? You bet!  Any time we misuse the authority we have, or abuse what power we have over another, that’s just wrong! Not like we don’t need bosses and supervisors or leaders, we do. But it is their attitude that makes all the difference.

Jesus had more power and authority than anyone could ever possess, yet He came not to be served, but to serve. It doesn’t sound like He abused anybody. The only one we see Him giving a hard time to was the Pharisees and leading Jews, because they were abusing others.

In Phil. 2:3-4 Paul writes “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

I Peter 5:5 it says,  “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

It’s important that we learn how to be a bit more humble around one another.

If we think that we are smarter or better than others or,… you know.., we just may find ourselves start to becoming more abusive in speech,  and abusive in the way we treat others.

#2) THE PROUD HAVE A TENDENCY TO  PORTRAY THEMSELVES AS GREAT

Read Acts 12:21 “On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people.

Some people put on a show and try to appear greater than they really are.

Josephus recorded this incident in more detail than Luke did. He added that Herod appeared in the outdoor theater at Caesarea. He stood before the officials from Tyre, Sidon, and his other provinces on a festival day dressed in a silver robe. When the sun shone brilliantly on his shiny robe some flatterers in the theater began to call out words of praise acclaiming him a god.

I think too many people try to portray themselves as something they are not. They buy clothes, cars, and homes they cannot afford so that they’ll somehow look better or more impressive to others.

Romans 12:3  “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

You know, it should not be our mission to try to impress anybody with who we are by putting on a false air about ourselves. God made you the way are for a reason, and He loves you and has a plan for your life. Sure we should do our best to take care of ourselves and look nice. But it should be more about pleasing Him, and not others.  Most folks will eventually see through you anyway.

#3) THE HIGH AND MIGHTY WILL ALSO SEEK THE PRAISE OF MEN
Read Acts 12:21-22 “On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.”

Why do you do what you do?
Is it for the applause of men? Or do you want to please God, do a good job, and help others?  I hope you chose the latter answer. Man’s applause is shallow and brief at best.   God’s approval has eternal benefits!

Paul wrote to the Colossians in 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

Now I’m not saying that we should never compliment another for a job well done. A certain amount of this is needed to give encouragement to others. Whenever someone does something good or something worthy of praise, then applaud them. Offer a compliment or kind word of encouragement.

We should all give give some kind of applause when people do well in life. But the other side of the coin is SEEKING after hungering for that applause from others.  People who crave praise from others sometimes can become arrogant and proud as they lust for that applause. One eventually may begin to think they are better than others because of it?

Those who are humble servants of our Lord should turn give glory to God when they are complemented. Why? Because He is the one who blesses us with the talents and abilities that we have.

#4) The high and mighty will at some point be brought down.
Where there is a sowing, there is also a reaping.

ILL.-  Muhammed Ali was one of the greatest boxers that ever lived. I remember my dad and I watching him box when I was younger. On thing I remember about Muhammad Ali, was the fact that he was not a very humble man at his peak. He had a catch praise that he’d always say. Do you remember it?  “I am the greatest?” How arrogant!    But where is he today crippled with Parkinsons disease, and a humble humanitarian.

No man is a match for our all-powerful God! Not Muhammad Ali, or any of the great boxers, not any of the famous or infamous world leaders, not Hitler, not Saddam Hussein, not Osama Bin Laden, not  Gaddafi, and certainly not old King Herod!     Read Acts 12:21-24 “On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.”

In Isaiah 42:8 it says “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.”

In Luke 18:14 Jesus said, “For anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

In Josephus’ writings he said this: “ When the sun shone brilliantly on his shiny robe some flatterers in the theater began to call out words of praise acclaiming him a god. Immediately severe stomach pains attacked him. Attendants had to carry him out of the theater, and five days later he died. “

Doctor Luke (author of Acts) saw Herod’s attack as a judgment from God and gave a more medical explanation of his death than Josephus did.

Usually nothing good comes out of pride and arrogance, acting high and mighty, lording over others.   Do you remember the Pharaoh in Moses' time? Where did his pride get him?

Do you remember when King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel got thinking too highly of himself?  Before long he was humbled and could be found out in the fields grazing like a cow until he eventually raised his eyes up and praised and acknowledged our holy Lord.

Are these lessons for the high and mighty today?  You bet they are!   Can it be that no person attains any great position in life (political, financial or otherwise) without God’s help? And if so, doesn’t God deserves the glory, the praise, and our thanks?

And if a person doesn’t give God His rightful praise, could that person be destined for certain trouble? I’ll let you think on that one.

No matter how successful a person becomes in this life, I believe they still need to bow before our great God. And the more blessed a person is, whether it be financially, or with power and authority, good looks, many possessions, the more that person needs to spend time on his knees before God. Not only should we be thanking Him, we should also asking Him for wisdom and how to use what we have to Glorify Him.

I believe that’s why God loved Abraham and David so much. Because God always came first in their lives whether they were rich or poor, great or weak, they put God first.  What about you?

I now close this with something the wisest man who ever lived wrote in the book of Proverbs chapter 3:1-12

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years  and bring you peace and prosperity.  Let love and faithfulness never leave you;  bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes;  fear the LORD and shun evil.  This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first-fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

May God richly bless you!    

 For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

From Gary.... Bible Reading and Study October 3

Bible Reading and Study    

October 3

The World English Bible

Oct. 3

Psalms 128-130

Psa 128:1 Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, who walks in his ways.

Psa 128:2 For you will eat the labor of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you.

Psa 128:3 Your wife will be as a fruitful vine, in the innermost parts of your house; your children like olive plants, around your table.

Psa 128:4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears Yahweh.

Psa 128:5 May Yahweh bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

Psa 128:6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

Psa 129:1 Many times they have afflicted me from my youth up. Let Israel now say,

Psa 129:2 many times they have afflicted me from my youth up, yet they have not prevailed against me.

Psa 129:3 The plowers plowed on my back. They made their furrows long.

Psa 129:4 Yahweh is righteous. He has cut apart the cords of the wicked.

Psa 129:5 Let them be disappointed and turned backward, all those who hate Zion.

Psa 129:6 Let them be as the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up;

Psa 129:7 with which the reaper doesn't fill his hand, nor he who binds sheaves, his bosom.

Psa 129:8 Neither do those who go by say, "The blessing of Yahweh be on you. We bless you in the name of Yahweh."

Psa 130:1 Out of the depths I have cried to you, Yahweh.

Psa 130:2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my petitions.

Psa 130:3 If you, Yah, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?

Psa 130:4 But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared.

Psa 130:5 I wait for Yahweh. My soul waits. I hope in his word.

Psa 130:6 My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning; more than watchmen for the morning.

Psa 130:7 Israel, hope in Yahweh, for with Yahweh there is loving kindness. With him is abundant redemption.

Psa 130:8 He will redeem Israel from all their sins. 

 

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 128 1

Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, Who walks in his ways.

{A Song of degrees.} Blessed is every one that feareth Jehovah, that walketh in his ways.

A Song of the Ascents. O the happiness of every one fearing Jehovah, Who is walking in His ways.

Psalms 128 2

For you will eat the labor of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you.

For thou shalt eat the labour of thy hands; happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with

thee.

The labour of thy hands thou surely eatest, Happy [art] thou, and good [is] to thee.

Psalms 128 3

Your wife will be as a fruitful vine, In the innermost parts of your house; Your children like olive plants, Around your table.

Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine in the inner part of thy house; thy children like olive-

plants round about thy table.

Thy wife [is] as a fruitful vine in the sides of thy house, Thy sons as olive plants around thy table.

Psalms 128 4

Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears Yahweh.

Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth Jehovah.

Lo, surely thus is the man blessed who is fearing Jehovah.

Psalms 128 5

May Yahweh bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

Jehovah will bless thee out of Zion; and mayest thou see the good of Jerusalem all the days

of thy life,

Jehovah doth bless thee out of Zion, Look, then, on the good of Jerusalem, All the

days of thy life,

Psalms 128 6

Yes, may you see your children`s children. Peace be upon Israel. Psalm 129 A Song of

Ascents.

And see thy children`s children. Peace be upon Israel!

And see the sons of thy sons! Peace on Israel!

Psalms 129 1

Many times have they afflicted me from my youth up. Let Israel now say,

{A Song of degrees.} Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth -- oh let Israel say --

A Song of the Ascents. Often they distressed me from my youth, Pray, let Israel say:

Psalms 129 2

Many times have they afflicted me from my youth up, Yet they have not prevailed against  me.

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me.

Often they distressed me from my youth, Yet they have not prevailed over me.

Psalms 129 3

The plowers plowed on my back. They made their furrows long.

The ploughers ploughed upon my back; they made long their furrows.

Over my back have ploughers ploughed, They have made long their furrows.

Psalms 129 4

Yahweh is righteous. He has cut apart the cords of the wicked.

Jehovah is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.

Jehovah [is] righteous, He hath cut asunder cords of the wicked.

Psalms 129 5

Let them be put to shame and turned backward, All those who hate Zion.

Let them be ashamed and turned backward, all that hate Zion;

Confounded and turn backward do all hating Zion.

Psalms 129 6

Let them be as the grass on the housetops, Which withers before it grows up;

Let them be as the grass upon the house-tops, which withereth before it is plucked up,

They are as grass of the roofs, That before it was drawn out withereth,

Psalms 129 7

With which the reaper doesn`t fill his hand, Nor he who binds sheaves, his bosom.

Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand, nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom;

That hath not filled the hand of a reaper, And the bosom of a binder of sheaves.

Psalms 129 8

Neither do those who go by say, "The blessing of Yahweh be on you. We bless you in the name of Yahweh." 

Psalm 130 A Song of Ascents.

Neither do the passers-by say, The blessing of Jehovah be upon you; we bless you in the

name of Jehovah!

And the passers by have not said, `The blessing of Jehovah [is] on you, We blessed

you in the Name of Jehovah!`

Psalms 130 1

Out of the depths I have cried to you, Yahweh.

{A Song of degrees.} Out of the depths do I call upon thee, Jehovah.

A Song of the Ascents. From depths I have called Thee, Jehovah.

Psalms 130 2

Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my petitions.

Lord, hear my voice; let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

Lord, hearken to my voice, Thine ears are attentive to the voice of my supplications.

Psalms 130 3

If you, Yah, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?

If thou, Jah, shouldest mark iniquities, Lord, who shall stand?

If iniquities Thou dost observe, O Lord, who doth stand?

Psalms 130 4

But there is forgiveness with you, Therefore you are feared.

But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

But with Thee [is] forgiveness, that Thou mayest be feared.

Psalms 130 5

I wait for Yahweh. My soul waits. I hope in his word.

I wait for Jehovah; my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

I hoped [for] Jehovah -- hoped hath my soul, And for His word I have waited.

Psalms 130 6

My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning; More than watchmen for the morning.

My soul [waiteth] for the Lord more than the watchers [wait] for the morning, [more

than] the watchers for the morning.

My soul [is] for the Lord, More than those watching for morning, Watching for

morning!

Psalms 130 7

Israel, hope in Yahweh, For with Yahweh there is lovingkindness. With him is abundant

redemption.

Let Israel hope in Jehovah, because with Jehovah there is loving-kindness, and with him

is plenteous redemption;

Israel doth wait on Jehovah, For with Jehovah [is] kindness, And abundant with

Him [is] redemption.

Psalms 130 8

He will redeem Israel from all their sins. Psalm 131 A Song of Ascents. By David.

And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

And He doth redeem Israel from all his iniquities!

 Study Questions

Name two things that are with the LORD? 130:7

The World English Bible

 

Oct. 3

2 Corinthians 13

2Co 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. "At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."

2Co 13:2 I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

2Co 13:3 seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you.

2Co 13:4 For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.

2Co 13:5 Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don't you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.

2Co 13:6 But I hope that you will know that we aren't disqualified.

2Co 13:7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate.

2Co 13:8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

2Co 13:9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting.

2Co 13:10 For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.

2Co 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

2Co 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2Co 13:13 All the saints greet you.

2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. 

 

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.

2 Corinthians

 

Corinthians 13 1

This is the third time I am coming to you. "At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word established."

This third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every

matter be established.

This third time do I come unto you; on the mouth of two witnesses or three shall

every saying be established;

2 Corinthians 13 2

I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

I have declared beforehand, and I say beforehand as present the second time, and now

absent, to those that have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare.

I have said before, and I say [it] before, as being present, the second time, and

being absent, now, do I write to those having sinned before, and to all the rest,

that if I come again, I will not spare,

2 Corinthians 13 3

seeing that you seek a proof of Christ that speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you.

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, (who is not weak towards you, but is

powerful among you,

since a proof ye seek of the Christ speaking in me, who to you is not infirm, but is

powerful in you,

2 Corinthians 13 4

For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.

for if indeed he has been crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God`s power; for indeed

*we* are weak in him, but we shall live with him by God`s power towards you,)

for even if he was crucified from infirmity, yet he doth live from the power of

God; for we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him from the power of God toward you.

2 Corinthians 13 5

Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don`t you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are reprobate.

examine your own selves if ye be in the faith; prove your own selves: do ye not recognise

yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless indeed ye be reprobates?

Your ownselves try ye, if ye are in the faith; your ownselves prove ye; do ye not know your ownselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, if ye be not in some respect disapproved of?

2 Corinthians 13 6

But I hope that you will know that we aren`t reprobate.

Now I hope that ye will know that *we* are not reprobates.

and I hope that ye shall know that we -- we are not disapproved of;

2 Corinthians 13 7

Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate.

But we pray to God that ye may do nothing evil; not that *we* may appear approved, but

that *ye* may do what is right, and *we* be as reprobates.

and I pray before God that ye do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but

that ye may do that which is right, and we may be as disapproved;

2 Corinthians 13 8

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

for we are not able to do anything against the truth, but for the truth;

2 Corinthians 13 9

For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. This we also pray for, even your perfecting.

For we rejoice when *we* may be weak and *ye* may be powerful. But this also we pray

for, your perfecting.

for we rejoice when we may be infirm, and ye may be powerful; and this also we

pray for -- your perfection!

2 Corinthians 13 10

For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present,

according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing  down.

On this account I write these things being absent, that being present I may not use

severity according to the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not

for overthrowing.

because of this, these things -- being absent -- I write, that being present, I may

not treat [any] sharply, according to the authority that the Lord did give me for

building up, and not for casting down.

2 Corinthians 13 11

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

For the rest, brethren, rejoice; be perfected; be encouraged; be of one mind; be at peace;

and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Henceforth, brethren, rejoice; be made perfect, be comforted, be of the same

mind, be at peace, and the God of the love and peace shall be with you;

2 Corinthians 13 12

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Salute one another with a holy kiss.

salute one another in an holy kiss;

2 Corinthians 13 13

All the saints greet you.

All the saints salute you.

salute you do all the saints;

2 Corinthians 13 14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy

Spirit, [be] with you all.

the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the

Holy Spirit, [is] with you all! Amen.

 

 

 Study Questions

How does Christ live? 13:4