Do you have problems with that sinner in your life? by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/027-thatsinner.html

Do you have problems with that sinner in your life?
The Bible is a disturbing book. From Genesis to Revelation the sinfulness of man is exposed, our sins are exposed, my sins are exposed, your sins are exposed. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin (John 16:8). God’s word is like a mirror (James 1:23). Our sins are reflected in all their ugliness. We see the devastating consequences of sin. Sin is defined, and its nature is revealed. But most important of all, we learn about the one and only solution for the sins of the world.

How did sin enter the world? What are the consequences of sin? Whose fault is sin? What is the solution for sin? These questions are answered in the Scriptures.


How did sin enter the world?

In the beginning there was no sin in the world. “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Sin entered the world through Adam: “Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).

We learn much from the first sin. Eve knew precisely what God had said: “Of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die’” (Genesis 3:3). She explained this to the serpent.

But he contradicted God: “You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4) and he even impugned God’s motives. According to him, God just wanted to keep them ignorant.

Who is this serpent? “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). Satan encourages man to sin by lying to him. Notice that the serpent did not force Eve to disobey God. He just suggested that it would be to her advantage.

We also notice that God allows Satan to tempt man. Man’s faith and love for God are tested. Eve has a choice. Who will she believe, God or a snake? She allows herself to be deceived and disobeys God. “The serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

A thought process was involved. “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate” (Genesis 3:6). James describes this process: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:13-15). The lies of Satan aroused rebellious desires in the heart of Eve.

What is the origin of this serpent?

“Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made” (Genesis 3:1). All that God made was good (Genesis 1:31), thus serpents as well. The serpents we know, do not speak, and in the Bible we never again read of a serpent speaking, but we do read of the devil speaking. Satan spoke to Eve as a serpent. He usually comes to us in some disguise. “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).

The devil has “sinned from the beginning” (1 John 3:8). He is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). He is the tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), the adversary (1 Peter 5:8) and the accuser of the faithful (Revelation 12:10). He is “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2). The Archangel Michael and his angels wage war against the devil and his angels (Revelation 12:7-9). Satan is among the angels who sinned as referred to in 2 Peter 2:4 “who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode” (Jude 6).

Thus, like man, Satan was created good. Also like man, he was given the power of choice, which he misused to rebel against God. Angels and men have sinned.


What are the consequences of sin?

After Adam and Eve sinned they were afraid and “hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God” (Genesis 3:8-10). Sin alienated them from God.

Man was evicted from the beautiful garden where all his needs were provided and where he lived in close fellowship with God: “The LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken” (Genesis 3:23). After a life of pain and toil he would die, returning to the ground from which he was taken (Genesis 3:17-19).

Angels who sinned have been cast into Hades and committed to “chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment” (2 Peter 2:4 // Jude 6). At the judgment, the devil and his cohorts will be “cast into the lake of fire” and “will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

At the judgment, sinful men (unless their names are “found written in the book of life”) will be “cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15), they “will go away into eternal punishment,” “into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:46, 41).


Whose fault is sin?

When God asked Adam, “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” he replied, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate” (Genesis 3:11, 12). Adam tried to transfer at least some of the blame for his sin to his wife, and maybe even to God. That God gave him a wife and that his wife gave him the fruit, did not lessen his responsibility for his own disobedience. God told Adam, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:17).

From this we learn that each person must answer to God for his own sin, even though he is tempted by someone else. Our own sin is our own fault! It is not God’s fault or the fault of someone who tempted us.

When God asked Eve, “What is this you have done?” she replied, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate” (Genesis 3:13). How reasonable is that? “Lord, I believed a snake instead of You.” Yet, as unreasonable as it is, that is what mankind has been doing ever since: believing the lies of the snake rather than the word of God. And because people put their faith in the snake, Satan is called “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9).

From this we learn that we must give account to God for our own sin, even if we have been tempted and deceived by Satan. We cannot blame Satan for our sin. Our own sin is our own fault! We are responsible for what we do.

Whose fault was Cain’s sin? We also learn much about sin from this sad occurrence.

Some people try to blame Adam for their sin. Why did Cain kill Abel? Did he do it because of Adam’s sin or because of his own sin? If it was because of Adam’s sin, why was Cain not killed by Abel? Or why did they not murder each other? They both were sons of Adam.

Can sin be inherited? Or is sin something one does.

John tells us why Cain killed Abel. We should not be like “Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous” (1 John 3:12). “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts” (Hebrews 11:4). Jude speaks of certain evil people who “have gone in the way of Cain” (Jude 11).

Abel’s deeds were righteous. He was a man of faith. He was a prophet of God (Luke 11:50, 51). “And the LORD respected Abel and his offering” (Genesis 4:4). Notice that God respected, not only the offering, but Abel himself.

What was “the way of Cain”? He “was of the wicked one,” “his works were evil.” God “did not respect Cain and his offering” (Genesis 4:5).

Why the difference? They were both sons of Adam.

The first time the word “sin” is found in the Bible is when God warns Cain: “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Genesis 4:6, 7).

Cain’s behavior was at that time unacceptable to God. Because his works were evil, God did not accept his offer. Yet, he still had a choice. If he repented and did well, God would accept him.

Before he murdered his brother, God warned Cain: Why are you angry? If you do what is right, you will also be accepted. But if you do not do what is right, sin is ready to pounce.

This passage proves that the Calvinistic doctrine of unconditional election is not true. Otherwise this warning would be senseless. Cain could decide to do good. He was commanded to rule over sin.

But he made the wrong choice. He chose to walk in the way of Satan, rather than to listen to God.

Our sins are our own fault. We cannot blame our sin on Adam.

“Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). This passage does not say that sin spread to all men because Adam sinned. It says that death spread to all men because all sinned.

God holds people accountable for their own sins, not for the sins of their parents: “Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself” (Ezekiel 18:20). “Everyone shall die for his own iniquity” (Jeremiah 31:30).

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). In the last book of the Bible, Jesus tells us, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

Sin entered the world through Adam and death passed to all men because all sinned. The consequences of sin are death and eternal punishment in hell unless we are among the redeemed. We are responsible for our own sin, and may not attempt to blame those who tempt us, Satan, Adam or God for our sins.

Are we following the example of Cain or Abel?

Are we men and women of faith who listen to God, whose worship is acceptable and whose sins are atoned by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God?

Or do we walk in the way of Cain whose works were evil, who was of the wicked one, and who was angry when God did not accept him and his offer?

Even so, there is hope if we repent. God assures us: “‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die?’” (Ezekiel 33:11).


What is the one and only solution for sin?

“The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). He is the solution God has provided for our problem with that sinner in our lives.

After dying on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and rising from the grave, victorious over death, He told His followers: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15, 16).

His forgiving arms are open wide to sinners who are willing to repent.

The reply Peter gave to distraught sinners on the Day of Pentecost rings down through the ages: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38, 39).

Heed the call of God and “Be saved from this perverse generation” (Acts 2:40).

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

SHOULD CHILDREN BE SENTENCED TO DEATH WITHOUT A TRIAL by steve finnell

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2017/04/should-children-be-sentenced-to-death.html

SHOULD CHILDREN BE SENTENCED TO DEATH WITHOUT A TRIAL by steve finnell

Should unborn children be executed without a judge and twelve jurors sentencing them to death? Why do adults get their day in court, but the unborn are killed without a fair trial? Why are the unborn deemed worthy of death?

The advocates of abortion contend that unborn children are not human, but are simply nonhuman fetal tissue.

God makes clear the life begins at conception.

Job 3:3 "May the day perish on which I was born. And the night in which it was said, 'A male child is conceived.'(NKJV)

Children are children at conception.

Genesis 25:21-22 Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife , because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 But the children struggled together within her; and she said, "If all is well, why am I this way?" So she went to inquire of the Lord.(NKJV)

Rebekah do not conceive nonhuman fetuses. Children struggled in her womb.

Luke 1:36 "Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this now the sixth month for her who was called barren.(NKJV)

Elizabeth conceived a son. She did not conceive a nonhuman fetus.

Did the Virgin Mary conceive Jesus as the Son of God, or was Jesus a nonhuman blob, called a fetus? (Luke 1:30-31)


Since Roe v Wade 57 million unborn babies have been executed without appearing before a judge and a jury of their peers. What crime did those 57 million babies commit that they should be sentenced to death without a trial 

DIPLOMAS, BULLS & APOSTLES by Jim McGuiggan

http://theabidingword.com/logos/index.html

DIPLOMAS, BULLS & APOSTLES

A Department of Water Resources representative stops at a Texas ranch and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for your water allocation.” The old man was busy, looks up and says, “Okay, but stay out of that field over there.”
The rep isn’t used to being told what he can’t do, flashes his credentials and says, “Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me. See this card? This card means I am allowed to go wherever I wish on any agricultural land. No questions asked or answered. Have I made myself clear?”
The old rancher nodded, shrugged and goes about his chores. Before long he hears loud screams and spies the Water Rep running for his life and close behind is the rancher’s bull. The bull’s gaining with every step.
The Rep’s wide-eyed and terrified and he has reason to be, so the old man downs his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs…..”Your card! Show him your card!”
I suspect this is the kind of thing Paul would say to those church-troublers that marched into Corinth waving their letters of recommendation in the faces of the people everywhere they went (compare 2 Corinthians 3:1). When they came face to face with Jesus Paul might shout: “Your letters; show Him your letters of recommendation, your diplomas and your name on the honors list!”
Come to think of it, it won’t matter much what we wave in front of us when we come to meet God; not bank-balance, proof of popularity, size of our congregation, list of books written, conferences headlined, the famous names we can drop, the movies we starred in, the records we held—these aren’t the “Open Sesame” into the blessed presence of God. It won’t help a lot either to give a long list of venerable names who hold or held our views—that doesn’t make them wholesome or true. Well, not unless they’re venerable names like Paul.
But Paul is not as fashionable these days as he once was. It’s true, of course, he wasn’t fashionable with everyone back then but check who they were that said he was “wrong!” In 2 Corinthians 11:4-6 he says something like, “You dismiss me when I teach. But let someone else come along bringing a different gospel or a different spirit and you’ll pay attention to him. Well, I may not have the degrees or the flamboyance or charisma or learning of these academics but I know what I know and I know you should know that because I’ve been around you long enough for you to know it. These ‘newcomers’. I’m not one of these. They’ll be gone soon and millions will be reading and living by what God has given to me for endless years to come.”
We truly need to reflect thoughtfully on this entire section–2 Corinthians 11–13. Just read it through at one sitting. Listen to this man and note that he is responding to people who not only doubt his truthfulness but his teaching also. Read all of it and note 13:3-5 where they doubt him and his right to be teaching and the truthfulness of what he taught. “You seek proof of Christ speaking in me? Well, check yourself! If you are in Christ–how did you get there? You, novices that you are, in your wisdom, wisdom you learned from these newcomers, you doubt me and tell me I’m ‘wrong’? Remember how you came to know Him. But on the other hand, if you feel smart enough, certainly smart enough to tell me I’m ‘wrong’ about major doctrines, maybe you ought to doubt the gospel I taught you to bring you into the Lord Jesus.” (You can rest assured that when one of the university professors is being questioned for accuracy/believability by some student that he’ll quickly call on the Paul he trenchantly said was “wrong!”. But the student wouldn’t have Paul as the source of truth and authority—he would have his professor as source; a professor who doesn’t mind claiming he could have taught Paul a thing or two.)
On one occasion Paul strode into Jerusalem with an uncircumcised young Christian called Titus. He called out the leadership there that was saying if people wanted to be blessed in Jesus the Messiah that they would have to become Torah-observant and circumcised into the Judaic faith. That was heresy! (See Acts 15 and Galatians 2—3.) Paul said he wouldn’t give an inch to anybody, pillars of the Church or not! And when later, in Antioch, one of those pillars engaged in hypocrisy regarding the truth of the Gospel and Paul went after him (yes, and his close companion, Barnabas too). “I don’t care who they are,” he said, “if they undermine the truth of the Gospel I’m coming after them.” (Galatians 2:5-6, 11-14) This is the man who bent over backwards, becoming all things to all men that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). “I don’t ask their names,” he would say. “I don’t ask where they were schooled or the position they hold or the company they keep. I listen to them teach and preach. If it’s Gospel and truth I’m happy. I don’t even care if they’re gospeling to glorify themselves or to outshine someone else—just so long as they’re gospeling!“ (See Philippians 1:14-18.) All this from “Mr Flexible!” But not when it came to what undermined the Word and Will of God and threatened the Gospel.
It won’t help, if we had and could recite the correct answers to all the theological questions if uncaringly we overwhelm with our new wisdom the people God gave into our care.
Recklessly, because we have become wise we pour out our newly–found wisdom and leave the the “unlearned” looking at one another—confused, wondering and wandering. Ezekiel 34:1-10 is a sobering section with a sobering truth that is as true today as it was when Babylon was hammering down the walls of Jerusalem all those centuries ago.

Did Jesus Command Infant Baptism? by Caleb Colley, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1454

Did Jesus Command Infant Baptism?

by	Caleb Colley, Ph.D.

Some suggest that because Jesus welcomed children (Luke 18:15 indicates they were infants), and said of them, “of such is the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17), infants should be baptized just as adults are baptized.
Christ told the disciples not to shun children, because children possess a deep humility that followers of Christ should develop (see Deaver, 1985, p. 9). Adults must receive the Gospel with the same humility and trust that characterize little children (Mark 10:15; see Hendriksen, 1975, p. 383), and there are important things we should learn from the young (see 1 Timothy 4:12). In this instance, Jesus certainly expressed appreciation and affection for infants. But what about baptism?
Jesus did not command His disciples to baptize the children—whoever brought the children did not bring them for the purpose of having them baptized (Matthew 19:13). Furthermore, while we have record of Christ’s disciples baptizing adults (John 3:22; 4:1-2; see Lyons, 2003), we have no record of them baptizing children. In fact, the disciples shunned the children at first, possibly because the disciples thought that the children “interfered” with one of the main objectives of Christ’s ministry: to baptize penitent adults. If those who brought the children did not intend for the children to be baptized, why did they bring them?
First, it is possible that those who brought the children sought a medical benefit for their children, though the text does not so imply. Many people brought their children to Jesus to have them healed of diseases. Some parents incorporate Christianity into the rearing of their children only when their children are afflicted with terrible illness (of course, parents should at all times encourage their children to learn about Christ and to live according to His precepts [see Proverbs 22:6; Henry, 1706, 1:271]).
Second, it is possible that those who brought the children perceived some religious, spiritual, or supernatural benefit available only in the presence of Jesus. However, people who benefited from Christ’s personal presence did so by hearing and applying His message, or by being healed of diseases. By taking the children into His arms, Jesus did not promote or endorse the idea that anything “mystical” happened to people who simply entered His presence.
Before baptism, one must know God (2 Thessalonians 1:8; see Coffman, 1975, p. 186). If one is baptized as an infant, he is baptized without believing that Christ is the Son of God, without repentance, and without confession. There is no New Testament record of the administration of baptism without belief, repentance, and confession (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:10; see Coffman, 1984, p. 296). Baptism is for forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Infants have no sins, so they do not need to have sins remitted. Also, each account of baptism in the New Testament shows that people who were baptized had the option of refusing baptism, but infants do not have that capability.
On December 18, 1964, the New York Times reported that some Anglican Church officials were renouncing infant baptism because, according to Richard A. Vick, preacher for the St. Paul’s Westcliff-on-Sea church, performing infant baptism is “denying adults the privilege of believer’s baptism. We are denying something essential to salvation. [Infant baptism] isn’t agreeable to the word of God” (“More of Clergy...,” 1964).
Young children should be “brought to Christ” today, i.e., reared in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), though they cannot be scripturally baptized. The responsibility of bringing children to Christ rests on the shoulders of mature Christians.

REFERENCES

Coffman, James Burton (1975), Commentary on Mark (Abilene, TX: ACU Press).
Coffman, James Burton (1984), Commentary on Matthew (Abilene, TX: ACU Press).
Deaver, Roy C. (1985), “Questions/Bible Answers,” Firm Foundation, 102[19]:9, August.
Hendriksen, William (1975), Exposition of the Gospel According to Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Henry, Matthew (1706), Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (McLean, VA: MacDonald).
Lyons, Eric (2003), “The Bible’s Teaching on Baptism: Contradictory or Complimentary?,” [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/617.
“More of Clergy Balk at Infant Baptism in Anglican Church” (1964), The New York Times, page 16, December 18.

Did Jesus Have Fleshly Half-Brothers? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1271

Did Jesus Have Fleshly Half-Brothers?

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

The usual word in the Greek language for “brother” is adelphos. It possesses the same latitude of application that the English word possesses. Hence, it can refer to a person who shares the same religion (a spiritual brother). It can refer to a person who shares the same citizenship—a fellow countryman. It can refer to an intimate friend or neighbor. All of these uses are self-evident, and do not encroach upon the literal use of the term.
By far the most prominent use of the term is the literal sense—a blood brother or half-brother, the physical son of one’s mother or father. With reference to the physical brothers of Jesus (i.e., the sons of Joseph and Mary conceived after the birth of Christ), the literal sense is clearly in view in the following passages: Matthew 12:46-48 (the parallel in Mark 3:31-32); Matthew 13:55-56 (the parallel in Mark 6:3; in both passages, “sister” also is used in the literal sense); John 2:12; John 7:3,5,10; Acts 1:14; and Galatians 1:19. Even a casual reading of these verses demonstrates that Jesus had literal, physical brothers. The only reason the face-value import of these verses would be questioned is to lend credence to the post facto Catholic Church doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary.
At least two assertions have been advanced by those who wish to discount the existence of Jesus’ brothers, and thereby defend the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity. One attempt seeks to broaden the meaning of the Greek word for “brother” to mean “cousin.” According to this view, the “brothers” of Jesus were actually His cousins—the children of Mary’s sister. The assertion that “brother” has this enlarged meaning is made largely on the basis of the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint). The Septuagint translators sometimes used the Greek word for brother (adelphos) in Old Testament passages in which a near relative or kinsman, who was not technically a physical brother, was under consideration. This claim is true. The Hebrew term for brother (‘ach) occasionally was used to refer to a more remote descendant from a common father who was not technically a brother (Gesenius, 1979, p. 27; Harris, et al., 1980, 1:31; Botterweck, 1974, 1:190). For example, Laban, Jacob’s uncle, was referred to as Jacob’s “brother” (Genesis 29:12,15). Likewise, Abram’s nephew Lot was said to be Abram’s “brother” (Genesis 14:14,16).
However, it must be noted that the decision of the Septuagint translators to adjust to the nuances of the Hebrew term does not prove that the Greek term adelphos had the meaning of “cousin” in the passages referring to Jesus’ kinsmen. After listing a few Old Testament verses where a broader meaning than strictly “brother” is in view, Bauer noted that such passages “do not establish the meaning ‘cousin’ for adelphos; they only show that in rendering the Hebrew ‘ach, adelphos is used loosely in isolated cases to designate masculine relatives of various degrees” (Arndt and Gingrich, 1957, p. 15, emp. added). In other words, no linguistic justification exists to support the notion that adelphoi could refer to the “cousins” of Jesus. The Septuagint translators employed adelphos for ‘ach in those passages where additional contextual evidence clarified the intended meaning. No such contextual evidence exists in the allusions to Jesus’ brothers in the New Testament, and is therefore an irrelevant comparison.
When we come to the New Testament, where the reference to the brothers of Jesus occurs, Von Soden correctly listed only two possible meanings for adelphos, namely, “either ‘physical brotherhood’ in the strict sense or more generally the ‘spiritual brotherhood’ of Israelites or Christians” (Kittel, 1964, 1:144). A broadened meaning for adelphos (to refer to a cousin) does not exist in the New Testament. As Walther Gunther clarified: “In no case in the New Testament can adelphos be interpreted with certainty in this sense” (Brown, 1975, 1:256). That’s putting it mildly. McClintock and Strong explained: “[W]hen the word is used in any but its proper sense, the context prevents the possibility of confusion…. If, then, the word ‘brethren’…really means ‘cousins’ or ‘kinsmen,’ it will be the only instance of such an application in which no data are given to correct the laxity of meaning” (1968, 895, emp. in orig.). Lewis stated even more decisively: “ ‘Brothers’ (adelphoi) never means ‘cousins’ in New Testament Greek” (1976, 1:181, emp. added). Indeed, the Greek language had a separate and distinct word for “cousins”—anepsioi (e.g., Colossians 4:10). When a nephew was meant, the relationship was clearly specified (e.g., Acts 23:16). To summarize: “There is therefore no adequate warrant in the language alone to take ‘brethren’ as meaning ‘relatives,’ and therefore the a priori presumption is in favor of a literal acceptation of the term” (McClintock and Strong, 1:895).
Further, when referring to Jesus’ brothers, the expression “his brothers” occurs nine times in the Gospel accounts and once in Acts. In every instance (except in John 7:3,5,10), the brothers are mentioned in immediate connection with His mother, Mary. No linguistic indication whatsoever is present in the text for inferring that “His brothers” is to be understood in any less literal sense than “His mother” (see Alford, 1980, pp. 152-154). Likewise, the contemporaneous Jews would have construed the terms “brothers” and “sisters” in their ordinary sense—like our English words—unless some extenuating circumstance indicated otherwise. No such circumstantial indication is present.
Additionally, if the phrase “brothers and sisters” means “cousins” in Matthew 13:55-56 and Mark 6:3, then these “cousins” were the nephews and nieces of Mary. But why would the townspeople of Nazareth connect nephews and nieces of Mary with Joseph? Why would the townspeople mention nephews and nieces at all while omitting other extended family relatives? The setting assumes that the townspeople were alluding to the immediate family of Jesus. Barnes noted that to recognize these brothers and sisters as the sons and daughters of Joseph and Mary is the “fair interpretation,” and added, “the people in the neighbourhood [sic] thought so, and spoke of them as such” (1977, 1:150). As Matthews commented, “Joseph, Mary, and their children were recognized as a typical family of Nazareth, and when Jesus began his unusual career, they merely asked if He was not a member of this family mentioning their names. If these children were nephews and nieces of Mary, why are they always associated with her and not with their mother?” (1952, pp. 112-113, emp. added).
A second assertion maintains that the brothers and sisters of Jesus were the children of Joseph by a previous marriage. Of course, this alleged prior marriage is without any biblical support whatsoever. The New Testament is completely silent on the matter. To postulate its occurrence, at best, is to introduce a question regarding Joseph’s own marital eligibility in his relationship with Mary.
In addition to the verses that allude to the brothers and sisters of Jesus, a corroborative verse is seen in Matthew 1:25. When Joseph awoke from a dream, wherein an angel of the Lord explained the circumstances of his wife’s pregnant condition, Matthew wrote that Joseph “knew her not until she had borne a son.” Use of the word “knew,” a common euphemism for sexual intercourse, means that Joseph and Mary abstained from sexual relations prior to the birth of Jesus. While it is true that the Greek construction heos hou (until) does not necessarily imply that they engaged in sexual relations after the birth of Jesus, the rest of the New Testament bears out the fact that where this phrase followed by a negative occurs, it “always implies that the negated action did take place later” (Lewis, 1976, 1:42, emp. added). Bruce observed: “Subsequent intercourse was the natural, if not the necessary, course of things. If the evangelist had felt as the Catholics do, he would have taken pains to prevent misunderstanding” (Nicoll, n.d., 1:69). Alford agreed: “On the whole it seems to me, that no one would ever have thought of interpreting the verse any otherwise than in its prima facie meaning, except to force it into accordance with a preconceived notion of the perpetual virginity of Mary” (1980, 1:9).
The insistence that Mary remained a virgin her entire life is undoubtedly rooted in the unscriptural conception that celibacy is spiritually superior to marriage and child bearing. In both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible speaks of marriage as an honorable institution that was intended by God to be the norm for humanity from the very beginning of the Creation (Genesis 2:24; Proverbs 5:18-19; Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 7:2; Hebrews 13:4). Mary’s marriage to Joseph, and their subsequent production of offspring after the birth of Jesus, had the approval and blessing of heaven. To engage in hermeneutical gymnastics in an effort to protect a doctrine conceived from a misassessment of the sacred and divine nature of marriage and family is the epitome of misplaced religious ardor.
M’Clintock and Strong well summarized the evidence which supports the conclusion that Jesus had literal, uterine brothers: “[S]uch a supposition is more in agreement with the spirit and letter of the context than any other, and as the force of the allusion to the brothers and sisters of Jesus would be much weakened if more distant relatives are to be understood” (1968, 1:895). It is reassuring to know that Jesus experienced familial and fraternal ties. He had four brothers and at least two sisters (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3). He experienced what it was like to have His own brothers reject God’s truth (Matthew 12:46-50; John 7:5). Fortunately, those brothers, especially James, later embraced the truth and became active members of the church of Christ (Acts 1:14; 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; 1 Corinthians 9:5). “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15). “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same” (Hebrews 2:14).

REFERENCES

Alford, Henry (1980 reprint), Alford’s Greek Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Arndt, William F. and F. Wilbur Gingrich (1957), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press).
Barnes, Albert (1977 reprint), Notes on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Botterweck, G. Johannes and Helmer Ringgren (1974), Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).
Brown, Colin, ed. (1975), The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan).
Gesenius, William (1979 reprint), Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Harris, R. Laird, Gleason Archer Jr., and Bruce Waltke, eds. (1980), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (Chicago, IL: Moody).
Kittel, Gerhard, ed. (1964), Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).
Lewis, Jack P. (1976), The Gospel According to Matthew (Austin, TX: Sweet Publishing Co.).
Matthews, Paul (1952), Basic Errors of Catholicism (Rosemead, CA: Old Paths Book Club).
McClintock, John and James Strong (1968 reprint), Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Nicoll, W. Robertson (n.d.), The Expositor’s Greek Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).

Did Moses Write Deuteronomy 34? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=475

Did Moses Write Deuteronomy 34?

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

The Holy Spirit is silent regarding whom He used to pen certain books of the Bible. Job and 1 and 2 Kings fall into this “unknown writer” category. Other books of the Bible, however, clearly identify the individual through whom the Holy Spirit chose to communicate His message. We know that the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians (1:1-2), while Peter wrote two of the New Testament epistles, which we call 1 and 2 Peter.
Repeatedly in Scripture, the Holy Spirit indicated that Genesis through Deuteronomy was penned by the inspired writer Moses. Exodus 24:4 indicates that “Moses wrote all the words of Jehovah.” Deuteronomy 31:9 reveals that “Moses wrote this law and delivered it unto the priests…” (cf. Exodus 34:27; Numbers 33:2; etc.). Furthermore, Bible writers throughout the Old Testament credited Moses with writing the Pentateuch (also known as the Torah or “the Law”). A plain statement of this commonly held conviction is expressed in Joshua 8:32: “There in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua copied on stones the law of Moses, which he [Moses] had written” (NIV).¹ Notice also that 2 Chronicles 34:14 states: “Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the law of Jehovah given by Moses” (cf. Ezra 3:2; 6:18; Nehemiah 13:1; Malachi 4:4). As Josh McDowell noted in his book, More Evidence that Demands a Verdict, these verses “refer to an actual written ‘law of Moses,’ not simply an oral tradition.”² [NOTE: In the Hebrew Bible, Genesis through Deuteronomy was considered one unit, and thus frequently was called “the Law” or “the Book” (2 Chronicles 25:4; cf. Mark 12:26). They were not intended to be five separate volumes in a common category, but rather, are five divisions of the same book. Hence, the singular biblical references to “the Law” or “the Book.”]
The New Testament also shows no hesitation in affirming that Moses wrote the Pentateuch. John wrote: “The law was given through Moses” (John 1:17). With this Paul concurred, saying, “For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, ‘The man who does those things shall live by them’” (Romans 10:5, NKJV). Jesus Himself claimed “the Law” came from Moses. In Mark 7:10 Jesus quoted from both Exodus 20 and 21, attributing the words to Moses. Mark also recorded a conversation Jesus had with the Pharisees regarding what “Moses permitted” and “wrote” in Deuteronomy chapter 24 (Mark 10:3-5; cf. Matthew 19:8). But, perhaps the most convincing passage of all is found in John 5:46-47 where Jesus said: “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5:46-47).
Even for those who are completely convinced by the evidence that Moses was the inspired writer of “the Law,” some respectfully question whether he actually penned the end of Deuteronomy, which records the death and burial of Moses, as well as “the changing of the guard,” from Moses to Joshua. How could Moses have recorded these things if he had already died?
First of all, is it possible that the same God Who gave Moses supernatural revelation about what happened at the beginning of the Creation of the Universe (which no human being witnessed) also supernaturally revealed to Moses what would happen at (and after) his death? To ask is to answer. Furthermore, God revealed a number of things to Moses about the future that he penned in the Pentateuch—from Israel’s future earthly kings (Genesis 36:31; Deuteronomy 17:14-15) to the coming of Jesus, the King of kings (Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3; 22:18; 49:10; Numbers 24:17; Deuteronomy 18:15-18). If Moses could write accurately through inspiration about events that would happen hundreds of years after his death, could he not also write about his impending death? Certainly he could.
It also may be, however, that a Bible believer could reasonably and respectfully make the case that, though Moses wrote the Pentateuch, the last few sentences in Deuteronomy could have been written by another inspired writer (possibly Joshua). Even J.W. McGarvey, who penned an entire volume defending the Mosaic authorship of Deuteronomy in 1902, believed that “the account of the death of Moses, and some comments on his career…undoubtedly came from the pen of some later writer or writers.”³
Consider a possible modern-day parallel: What if a mother wrote a 200-page book titled “10 Things to Remember when Educating Kids at Home,” but as she was finishing the final few sentences (after having already concluded her 10 main points) she suffered a stroke and died? Could her husband and children publish the book and call her the author even though they actually completed the final 10 sentences of the book? Surely few, if any, would think that such actions on the part of the family would be unfair or dishonest. However, if the mother was called the author but had not written any of the book, such attribution could legitimately be considered deceitful. Or, if she was called the author, but most of the material was written hundreds of years later, that, too, would be a false claim.
In short, the account of Moses’ death serves as no stumbling block to the Christian. Perhaps Moses recorded it by divine revelation prior to his death. Or, perhaps God used Joshua or someone else of His choosing to pen it by inspiration. Either way, one can still be confident that “the Book of the law of the Lord” was “given by Moses” (2 Chronicles 34:14).

Endnotes

¹ All bold text in Scripture quotations has been added for emphasis.
² McDowell, Josh (1975), More Evidence that Demands a Verdict (San Bernardino, CA: Campus Crusade for Christ), pp. 93-94.
³ McGarvey, J.W. (1902), The Authorship of the Book of Deuteronomy (Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing), p. 199.

Suggested Resources

"STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Zechariah - I Am Zealous For Zion (1:1-3:10) by Mark Copeland

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

              Zechariah - I Am Zealous For Zion (1:1-3:10)

INTRODUCTION

1. Following 70 years of Babylonian exile, Israel was allowed to return home...
   a. Precipitated by the decree of Cyrus, they returned to rebuild the temple - Ezra 1:1-5
   b. The first group of exiles were led by Zerubbabel - Ezra 2:1-2
   c. While they were quick to build the altar and the foundation of 
      the temple, resistance by adversaries soon resulted in a long delay - Ezra 4:1-5
   d. To encourage Zerubbabel and the others, God sent two prophets: Haggai and Zechariah - Ezra 5:1-2; 6:14-15
2. Our previous study looked at the book of Haggai; now we begin our study of Zechariah...
   a. Concerning the MAN
      1) His name means "Whom Jehovah Remembers"
      2) At least 27 men bear this name in the Old Testament
      3) Like Ezekiel, he was of priestly descent
      4) He was also called to be a prophet, to stir up the people in building the temple
   a. Concerning the MESSAGE
      1) He prophesied around 520-518 B.C. - cf. Zech 1:1,7; 7:1
      2) In view of these dates, his book can be thought of as a sequel to Haggai's book
      3) His book is the longest and most obscure of "The Minor Prophets"
         a) Considered by some as the most difficult in the O.T.
         b) Apocalyptic in nature; filled with symbolic visions, like Ezekiel and Daniel
         c) Very messianic in nature; comparative to Isaiah
         d) Should certainly be approached with humility
      4) The basic message and theme seems clear enough: 

           I Am Zealous For Zion - cf. Zech 1:14

[As we read through the book, we must keep in mind that the primary
purpose of Zechariah's preaching was to encourage the people in 
building the temple.  This will be especially helpful later on, when we
get into the "visions" of Zechariah.  But we notice that the book begins with...]

I. A CALL TO REPENTANCE

   A. ZECHARIAH'S FIRST MESSAGE...
      1. Dated in the 8th month of the second year of Darius (520 B.C.)- Zech 1:1
      2. This places his prophecy between Haggai's 2nd and 3rd prophecies - Hag 2:1,10
      3. Comparing this prophecy with Haggai's third suggests that 
         while the temple was being rebuilt, some repentance was still necessary - cf. Hag 2:14

   B. KEY THOUGHTS IN THIS CALL TO REPENTANCE...
      1. The Lord has been angry with their fathers (e.g., Babylonian captivity) - Zech 1:2
      2. The people need to return to the Lord to gain His favor 

           - Zech 1:3; cf. Jm 4:8
      3. Don't be like their fathers, who ignored the prophets - Zech1:4; cf. 2Ch 36:15-18
      4. Learn from their fathers, who learned things the hard way - Zech 1:5-6

[The first message is certainly clear enough, and seems to complement
Haggai's third message. Then three months later, Zechariah had a series
of eight visions that occurred in one night...]

II. VISIONS IN THE NIGHT - Part One

   A. THE RIDER AND THE HORSES...
      1. Zechariah sees a man riding on a red horse among myrtle trees
         in a hollow, followed by red, sorrel, and white horses - Zech 1:7-9
      2. The horses are explained as sent by the Lord to walk 
         throughout the earth, who report (or perhaps those on them) 
         that the earth is resting quietly - Zech 1:10-11
      3. The "Angel of the Lord" asks how long will God not show mercy
         on Jerusalem and Judah - Zech 1:12
      4. The Lord responds with comforting words, which Zechariah is told to proclaim - Zech 1:13-17
         a. Words describing the Lord's zeal for Jerusalem and Zion
         b. Words conveying God's anger at the nations 
      5. So while the nations may appear "at ease", their judgment is
         forthcoming and God will show mercy to Jerusalem
      -- The purpose of this vision (and the one to follow) appear to 
         confirm the promise made to Zerubbabel by Haggai - cf. Hag 2:20-22
   
   B. THE FOUR HORNS AND FOUR CRAFTSMEN...
      1. Zechariah sees four horns that are identified as that which 
         scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem - Zech 1:18-19
      2. He is then shown four craftsmen, who will cast out the horns
         (nations) that scattered Judah - Zech 1:20-21
      -- This vision appears to confirm the promise made in the first
         vision; both visions designed to comfort the people who were building the temple!

   C. THE MAN WITH THE MEASURING LINE...
      1. This vision appears to develop further the thought expressed in Zech 1:16c
      2. The FIRST PART of the vision indicates that Jerusalem would be
         inhabited to overflowing, and protected by the Lord - Zech 2:1-5
      3. The SECOND PART calls for the dispersed Jews to return - Zech 2:6-9
         a. To flee from Babylon
         b. For the Lord is against such nations
      4. The THIRD PART proclaims the future joy of Zion and many nations - Zech 2:10-12
         a. Fulfilled in part soon after the completion of the temple?
         b. Fulfilled in part with the coming of the Messiah?
      5. Finally, a call to all to be silent, for God is aroused (i.e.,is about to act!) - Zech 2:13
      -- This vision also appears designed to encourage the building of the temple!

   D. JOSHUA, THE HIGH PRIEST...
      1. In the first part of the vision... - Zech 3:1-5
         a. Joshua, the high priest (cf. Hag 1:1), stands in filthy 
            garments before Satan and "the Angel of the Lord"
         b. Satan is rebuked, while Joshua is forgiven and clothed with
            rich robes, as "the Angel of the Lord" stands by
      2. In the second part of the vision... - Zech 3:6-10
         a. Joshua is admonished by "the Angel of the Lord"
         b. He is given conditions for serving as priest before God
         c. Joshua and his companions (the restored priesthood?) are a sign
            1) Of the coming Servant, the "Branch" 
            2) I.e., the coming Messiah - cf. Isa 11:1-2; Mt 2:23
         d. A stone is laid before Joshua
            1) Upon which are seven eyes
            2) Upon which the Lord will engrave its inscription
         e. The Lord promises the removal of iniquity, describing prosperity "in that day"
      -- This vision seems designed to encourage the re-establishment 
         of the priestly service in the temple, and it certainly has Messianic overtones

CONCLUSION

1. Remember that the context of these visions is the work of Zechariah
   and Haggai, who were sent to stir up the people to complete building the temple
   a. Exhorting them through messages calling the people to repentance
   b. Encouraging them by proclaiming the visions the Lord had revealed

2. This is not to discount the fact their messages and visions often had Messianic connotations...
   a. As so much of what happened in the Old Testament was a type of what was to come
   b. And even these prophecies of Zechariah often appear to have a double fulfillment
      1) A fulfillment pertaining to the people of that day
      2) A fulfillment that was realized with the coming of the Messiah, Jesus! - cf. Zech 3:8b

3. But we must be careful in seeking to understand these visions...
   a. Unless we have an inspired interpretation provided for us in the New Testament...
   b. We should use caution and humility in interpreting them outside of their context

We shall resume our study of Zechariah in the next lesson, in which we
will consider the remaining four of eight visions seen in one night...

   Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

kindness by Gary Rose

I really like this picture because it is a very thoughtful gift (except the cruise brochure). This Corona virus business is so bad that nobody would want to take a cruise now. Recently, I have been hearing about people panicking in stores over supplies that are in short supply, like disinfectant or toilet paper. Because of this I thought I would show someone doing something nice for others, a serendipity if you will.

Jesus said:

Matthew 10:42 ( World English Bible )

...Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward.” 

Paul said:

Galatians 6 ( WEB )

^[10] So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

One last passage from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10 ( WEB ):

 ^[29]  But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” 
  ^[30]  Jesus answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.   ^[31]  By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side.   ^[32]  In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side.   ^[33]  But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion,   ^[34]  came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.   ^[35]  On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’   ^[36]  Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?” 

  ^[37]He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” 

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” 

Even if everyone around you panics, do good to others. Show yourself to be a true follower of Jesus and do the right thing towards others. Your kindness will speak well of your commitment to Jesus! Just do it!

Bible Reading for March 18 and 19 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading for March 18 and 19

World  English  Bible

Mar. 18

Exodus 30, 31

Exo 30:1 "You shall make an altar to burn incense on. You shall make it of acacia wood.

Exo 30:2 Its length shall be a cubit, and its breadth a cubit. It shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits. Its horns shall be of one piece with it.

Exo 30:3 You shall overlay it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns; and you shall make a gold molding around it.

Exo 30:4 You shall make two golden rings for it under its molding; on its two ribs, on its two sides you shall make them; and they shall be for places for poles with which to bear it.

Exo 30:5 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

Exo 30:6 You shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you.

Exo 30:7 Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices on it every morning. When he tends the lamps, he shall burn it.

Exo 30:8 When Aaron lights the lamps at evening, he shall burn it, a perpetual incense before Yahweh throughout your generations.

Exo 30:9 You shall offer no strange incense on it, nor burnt offering, nor meal offering; and you shall pour no drink offering on it.

Exo 30:10 Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year; with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations. It is most holy to Yahweh."

Exo 30:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Exo 30:12 "When you take a census of the children of Israel, according to those who are numbered among them, then each man shall give a ransom for his soul to Yahweh, when you number them; that there be no plague among them when you number them.

Exo 30:13 They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary; (the shekel is twenty gerahs;) half a shekel for an offering to Yahweh.

Exo 30:14 Everyone who passes over to those who are numbered, from twenty years old and upward, shall give the offering to Yahweh.

Exo 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls.

Exo 30:16 You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls."

Exo 30:17 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Exo 30:18 "You shall also make a basin of brass, and its base of brass, in which to wash. You shall put it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it.

Exo 30:19 Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet in it.

Exo 30:20 When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they not die; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

Exo 30:21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they not die: and it shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his descendants throughout their generations."

Exo 30:22 Moreover Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Exo 30:23 "Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred and fifty; and of fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty;

Exo 30:24 and of cassia five hundred, after the shekel of the sanctuary; and a hin of olive oil.

Exo 30:25 You shall make it a holy anointing oil, a perfume compounded after the art of the perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil.

Exo 30:26 You shall use it to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony,

Exo 30:27 the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense,

Exo 30:28 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its base.

Exo 30:29 You shall sanctify them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy.

Exo 30:30 You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest's office.

Exo 30:31 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations.

Exo 30:32 It shall not be poured on man's flesh, neither shall you make any like it, according to its composition: it is holy. It shall be holy to you.

Exo 30:33 Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on a stranger, he shall be cut off from his people.' "

Exo 30:34 Yahweh said to Moses, "Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be an equal weight;

Exo 30:35 and you shall make incense of it, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy:

Exo 30:36 and you shall beat some of it very small, and put some of it before the testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be to you most holy.

Exo 30:37 The incense which you shall make, according to its composition you shall not make for yourselves: it shall be to you holy for Yahweh.

Exo 30:38 Whoever shall make any like that, to smell of it, he shall be cut off from his people."

Exo 31:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Exo 31:2 "Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

Exo 31:3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

Exo 31:4 to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

Exo 31:5 and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all manner of workmanship.

Exo 31:6 I, behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

Exo 31:7 the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on it, all the furniture of the Tent,

Exo 31:8 the table and its vessels, the pure lampstand with all its vessels, the altar of incense,

Exo 31:9 the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels, the basin and its base,

Exo 31:10 the finely worked garments--the holy garments for Aaron the priest--the garments of his sons to minister in the priest's office,

Exo 31:11 the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded you they shall do."

Exo 31:12 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Exo 31:13 "Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, 'Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies you.

Exo 31:14 You shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Exo 31:15 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Yahweh. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death.

Exo 31:16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

Exo 31:17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.' "

Exo 31:18 He gave to Moses, when he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets, written with God's finger.

Mar. 19

Exodus 32, 33

Exo 32:1 When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron, and said to him, "Come, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of him."

Exo 32:2 Aaron said to them, "Take off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me."

Exo 32:3 All the people took off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.

Exo 32:4 He received what they handed him, and fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it a molten calf; and they said, "These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt."

Exo 32:5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation, and said, "Tomorrow shall be a feast to Yahweh."

Exo 32:6 They rose up early on the next day, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

Exo 32:7 Yahweh spoke to Moses, "Go, get down; for your people, who you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves!

Exo 32:8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed to it, and said, 'These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.' "

Exo 32:9 Yahweh said to Moses, "I have seen these people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people.

Exo 32:10 Now therefore leave me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them, and that I may consume them; and I will make of you a great nation."

Exo 32:11 Moses begged Yahweh his God, and said, "Yahweh, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, that you have brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?

Exo 32:12 Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, 'He brought them forth for evil, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the surface of the earth?' Turn from your fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against your people.

Exo 32:13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, 'I will multiply your seed as the stars of the sky, and all this land that I have spoken of I will give to your seed, and they shall inherit it forever.' "

Exo 32:14 Yahweh repented of the evil which he said he would do to his people.

Exo 32:15 Moses turned, and went down from the mountain, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand; tablets that were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other they were written.

Exo 32:16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tables.

Exo 32:17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, "There is the noise of war in the camp."

Exo 32:18 He said, "It isn't the voice of those who shout for victory, neither is it the voice of those who cry for being overcome; but the noise of those who sing that I hear."

Exo 32:19 It happened, as soon as he came near to the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing: and Moses' anger grew hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, and broke them beneath the mountain.

Exo 32:20 He took the calf which they had made, and burnt it with fire, ground it to powder, and scattered it on the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.

Exo 32:21 Moses said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you, that you have brought a great sin on them?"

Exo 32:22 Aaron said, "Don't let the anger of my lord grow hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.

Exo 32:23 For they said to me, 'Make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of him.'

Exo 32:24 I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them take it off:' so they gave it to me; and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."

Exo 32:25 When Moses saw that the people had broken loose, (for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies),

Exo 32:26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, "Whoever is on Yahweh's side, come to me!" All the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.

Exo 32:27 He said to them, "Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, 'Every man put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every man kill his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.' "

Exo 32:28 The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.

Exo 32:29 Moses said, "Consecrate yourselves today to Yahweh, yes, every man against his son, and against his brother; that he may bestow on you a blessing this day."

Exo 32:30 It happened on the next day, that Moses said to the people, "You have sinned a great sin. Now I will go up to Yahweh. Perhaps I shall make atonement for your sin."

Exo 32:31 Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, "Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold.

Exo 32:32 Yet now, if you will, forgive their sin--and if not, please blot me out of your book which you have written."

Exo 32:33 Yahweh said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

Exo 32:34 Now go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin."

Exo 32:35 Yahweh struck the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.

Exo 33:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, "Depart, go up from here, you and the people that you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, 'I will give it to your seed.'

Exo 33:2 I will send an angel before you; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

Exo 33:3 to a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of you, for you are a stiff-necked people, lest I consume you in the way."

Exo 33:4 When the people heard this evil news, they mourned: and no one put on his jewelry.

Exo 33:5 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell the children of Israel, 'You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go up into your midst for one moment, I would consume you. Therefore now take off your jewelry from you, that I may know what to do to you.' "

Exo 33:6 The children of Israel stripped themselves of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward.

Exo 33:7 Now Moses used to take the tent and to pitch it outside the camp, far away from the camp, and he called it "The Tent of Meeting." It happened that everyone who sought Yahweh went out to the Tent of Meeting, which was outside the camp.

Exo 33:8 It happened that when Moses went out to the Tent, that all the people rose up, and stood, everyone at their tent door, and watched Moses, until he had gone into the Tent.

Exo 33:9 It happened, when Moses entered into the Tent, that the pillar of cloud descended, stood at the door of the Tent, and spoke with Moses.

Exo 33:10 All the people saw the pillar of cloud stand at the door of the Tent, and all the people rose up and worshiped, everyone at their tent door.

Exo 33:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, didn't depart out of the Tent.

Exo 33:12 Moses said to Yahweh, "Behold, you tell me, 'Bring up this people:' and you haven't let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.'

Exo 33:13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you, so that I may find favor in your sight: and consider that this nation is your people."

Exo 33:14 He said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Exo 33:15 He said to him, "If your presence doesn't go with me, don't carry us up from here.

Exo 33:16 For how would people know that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Isn't it in that you go with us, so that we are separated, I and your people, from all the people who are on the surface of the earth?"

Exo 33:17 Yahweh said to Moses, "I will do this thing also that you have spoken; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name."

Exo 33:18 He said, "Please show me your glory."

Exo 33:19 He said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."

Exo 33:20 He said, "You cannot see my face, for man may not see me and live."

Exo 33:21 Yahweh also said, "Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on the rock.

Exo 33:22 It will happen, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand until I have passed by;

Exo 33:23 then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back; but my face shall not be seen."

 

Mar.  18

Mark 11

Mar 11:1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

Mar 11:2 and said to them, "Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him, and bring him.

Mar 11:3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs him;' and immediately he will send him back here."

Mar 11:4 They went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him.

Mar 11:5 Some of those who stood there asked them, "What are you doing, untying the young donkey?"

Mar 11:6 They said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go.

Mar 11:7 They brought the young donkey to Jesus, and threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it.

Mar 11:8 Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and spreading them on the road.

Mar 11:9 Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Mar 11:10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

Mar 11:11 Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Mar 11:12 The next day, when they had come out from Bethany, he was hungry.

Mar 11:13 Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.

Mar 11:14 Jesus told it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" and his disciples heard it.

Mar 11:15 They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those who sold the doves.

Mar 11:16 He would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple.

Mar 11:17 He taught, saying to them, "Isn't it written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?' But you have made it a den of robbers!"

Mar 11:18 The chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him. For they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.

Mar 11:19 When evening came, he went out of the city.

Mar 11:20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.

Mar 11:21 Peter, remembering, said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away."

Mar 11:22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.

Mar 11:23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says.

Mar 11:24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.

Mar 11:25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.

Mar 11:26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions."

Mar 11:27 They came again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders came to him,

Mar 11:28 and they began saying to him, "By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?"

Mar 11:29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Mar 11:30 The baptism of John-was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me."

Mar 11:31 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'

Mar 11:32 If we should say, 'From men' "-they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet.

Mar 11:33 They answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said to them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Mar. 19

Mark 12

Mar 12:1 He began to speak to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country.

Mar 12:2 When it was time, he sent a servant to the farmer to get from the farmer his share of the fruit of the vineyard.

Mar 12:3 They took him, beat him, and sent him away empty.

Mar 12:4 Again, he sent another servant to them; and they threw stones at him, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated.

Mar 12:5 Again he sent another; and they killed him; and many others, beating some, and killing some.

Mar 12:6 Therefore still having one, his beloved son, he sent him last to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'

Mar 12:7 But those farmers said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.'

Mar 12:8 They took him, killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.

Mar 12:9 What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers, and will give the vineyard to others.

Mar 12:10 Haven't you even read this Scripture: 'The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner.

Mar 12:11 This was from the Lord, it is marvelous in our eyes'?"

Mar 12:12 They tried to seize him, but they feared the multitude; for they perceived that he spoke the parable against them. They left him, and went away.

Mar 12:13 They sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to him, that they might trap him with words.

Mar 12:14 When they had come, they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don't defer to anyone; for you aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

Mar 12:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give?" But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it."

Mar 12:16 They brought it. He said to them, "Whose is this image and inscription?" They said to him, "Caesar's."

Mar 12:17 Jesus answered them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." They marveled greatly at him.

Mar 12:18 There came to him Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection. They asked him, saying,

Mar 12:19 "Teacher, Moses wrote to us, 'If a man's brother dies, and leaves a wife behind him, and leaves no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up offspring for his brother.'

Mar 12:20 There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying left no offspring.

Mar 12:21 The second took her, and died, leaving no children behind him. The third likewise;

Mar 12:22 and the seven took her and left no children. Last of all the woman also died.

Mar 12:23 In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be of them? For the seven had her as a wife."

Mar 12:24 Jesus answered them, "Isn't this because you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God?

Mar 12:25 For when they will rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

Mar 12:26 But about the dead, that they are raised; haven't you read in the book of Moses, about the Bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?

Mar 12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are therefore badly mistaken."

Mar 12:28 One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together. Knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the greatest of all?"

Mar 12:29 Jesus answered, "The greatest is, 'Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one:

Mar 12:30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.

Mar 12:31 The second is like this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

Mar 12:32 The scribe said to him, "Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he,

Mar 12:33 and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Mar 12:34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." No one dared ask him any question after that.

Mar 12:35 Jesus responded, as he taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?

Mar 12:36 For David himself said in the Holy Spirit, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet." '

Mar 12:37 Therefore David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?" The common people heard him gladly.

Mar 12:38 In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces,

Mar 12:39 and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts:

Mar 12:40 those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."

Mar 12:41 Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much.

Mar 12:42 A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin.

Mar 12:43 He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,

Mar 12:44 for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on."