From Gary... A matter of conscience

How in the world did 1930's Germany go so wrong?  I think the problem started with world economic downturn characterized by the 1929 stock market crash in the United States.  Perhaps even Germany's defeat in World War I and the subsequent war reparations that strained a severely weakened economy was the culprit. When you are hungry and you don't know where your next meal is coming from it is easy to go along with the crowd- to believe anything and everything that will lead to your survival.  But some people in Germany did NOT submit, as this picture testifies!!!  Their conscience overrode mass hysteria and they resisted Adolph Hilter's Nationalist Socialism to the point of death. This is nothing new; people have had to make such choices as long as there have been authorities.  Here is an example of some men who made such a "hard choice"...

Acts, Chapter 5

 17  But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,  18 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody. 19 But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” 

  21  When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.  22 But the officers who came didn’t find them in the prison. They returned and reported,  23 “We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 

  24  Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this.  25 One came and told them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them. 

  27  When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them,  28 saying, “Didn’t we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.” 

  29  But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.  30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree.  31 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.  32 We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 

  33  But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them.  34 But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while.  35 He said to them, “You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do.  36 For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.  38 Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.  39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!” 

If we are put into a position where we have to choose, could you refuse to obey the authorities and preach the truth?  Could you follow God, even if everyone around you willingly submitted to despotism?  Right about now you are probably asking yourself what this has to do with "me", so let me get right to the point.  Recently, California and New Jersey have passed laws making it a crime to preach against homosexuality.  Today, I saw on the internet that if you want to baptize someone on national park property you need to get a Federal permit.  We are in the midst of a country that is quickly become anti-Christian!!!  It seems very, very possible that those of us who are faithful will have to made some serious choices in the upcoming years!!!  I encourage you to take some time and really consider what you are willing to do; you may have to do it sooner than anyone ever imagined.  Just remember these words when you contemplate these things....

Revelation, Chapter 2

 10  Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.   11  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death. 

QUESTION: WHAT WILL YOU DO, WHEN OUR DEMOCRACY CONDEMNS CHRISTIANITY AS UNAMERICAN?

From Mark Copeland... Circumcision And The Gospel (Galatians 2:1-5)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                  Circumcision And The Gospel (2:1-5)

INTRODUCTION

1. Paul's primary purpose in writing to the Galatians was to defend...
   a. His apostleship - Ga 1:1
   b. His gospel - Ga 1:11-12

2. In doing so, he recounts a meeting that took place in Jerusalem, in
   which...
   a. He, Barnabas, and Titus attended - Ga 2:1
   b. He had the opportunity to relate the gospel he preached - Ga 2:2
   c. Some tried to compel Titus (a Greek) to be circumcised - Ga 2:3-5
      a. By false brethren, who sought to force Titus to keep the Law
      b. Which Paul adamantly refused, standing fast for "the truth of
         the gospel"

3. The issue of circumcision and the gospel was a major concern in the
   first century...
   a. Did Gentiles (non-Jews) who became Christians have to be
      circumcised as per the Law?
   b. The question preoccupied many churches, and much of Paul's
      ministry

[While the issue was resolved sufficiently that it is rarely a problem
today, there are important lessons to be gleaned from a study of
"Circumcision And The Gospel". Let's review, therefore...]

I. THE PRACTICE OF CIRCUMCISION

   A. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT...
      1. As a sign of a covenant, it began with Abraham - Gen 17:9-14,
         23-27; cf. Ro 4:11
      2. It continued with Isaac, Jacob and his sons - Gen 21:4; 34:
         14-17
      3. Moses circumcised his sons, and gave the ordinance to Israel
         - Exo 4:26; cf. Jn 7:22
      3. It was required to observe the Passover - Exo 12:48
      4. Male children were to be circumcised the eighth day - Lev 12:
         1-3
      5. The Jews born in the wilderness had not been circumcised, but
         were after they crossed the Jordan River - Josh 5:1-8

   B. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. John the Baptist was circumcised as an infant - Lk 1:59
      2. Jesus was likewise circumcised on the eighth day - Lk 2:21
      3. It became an issue when the gospel was first preached to
         Gentiles - Ac 11:1-3
      4. It was the focus of controversy in Antioch and Jerusalem - Ac 15:1-2,4-6
      5. Paul had Timothy circumcised - Ac 16:1-3
      6. It was rumored that Paul taught Jews not to be circumcised - Ac 21:18-21
      7. It was certainly a frequent subject in Paul's epistles
         a. To the Romans - Ro 2:25-29; 3:1,30; 4:9-12; 15:8
         b. To the Corinthians - 1Co 7:18-19
         c. Especially to the Galatians - Ga 2:1-9,12; 5:2-6,11; 6:12-15
         d. Mentioned in Ephesians - Ep 2:11
         e. Also to the Colossians - Col 2:11; 3:11; 4:11

[Because of the role of circumcision in Israel's history, and its
significance in early history of the church, it is important that we
properly understand it in relation to...]

II. THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL

   A. PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION NOT REQUIRED...
      1. Evidenced by the conversion of Cornelius and his family - 

         Ac 10:44-48; 11:17-18
      2. Confirmed at that conference in Jerusalem - Ac 15:7-21
      3. Proclaimed by the letter sent by the apostles and elders - Ac 15:22-31
      4. Expounded upon by Paul in his letters - Ro 4:8-12; 1Co 7:19;
         Ga 5:1-6; 6:15

   B. SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION NOW AVAILABLE...
      1. A circumcision made without hands, in which sins are cut away
         - Col 2:11
      2. Which occurs when we buried with Christ in baptism, then raised
         with Him - Col 2:12
      3. When God makes us alive with Christ, forgiving our sins - Co
         2:13

[The physical rite of circumcision has become a matter of indifference
to God, though it can be used and misused.  From both the practice of
circumcision and the truth of the gospel as revealed in the Bible, let's
summarize...]

III. THE LESSONS FROM CIRCUMCISION

   A. RITUAL ALONE NOT ADEQUATE...
      1. This was true even when circumcision was required of Israel
      2. God desired circumcision of the heart as well as of the flesh
         - Deut 10:16; 30:6; Jer 4:4
      3. Paul explained that the true Jew was the one circumcised in
         heart - Ro 2:28-29
      -- The same is true of baptism; it must be accompanied with faith
         and repentance - Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 8:36-37; Col 2:12

   B. THE LAW HAS PASSED AWAY...
      1. Jesus said not one jot or tittle of the Law would pass until
         all was fulfilled - Mt 5:17-18
      2. Circumcision was required by the Law - Exo 12:48; Lev 12:1-3
      3. If circumcision is no longer binding, the change implies the
         passing away of the Law
      -- A similar point is made with reference to the priesthood of
         Christ - He 7:12-19

   C. 'EVERLASTING' MAY NOT MEAN 'LASTING FOREVER'...
      1. Circumcision was described as the sign of an 'everlasting
         covenant' - Gen 17:10-14
      2. In the case of circumcision, 'everlasting' (Heb., olam) did not
         mean 'lasting forever'
         a. BDB defines olam as "long duration, antiquity, futurity, for
            ever, ever, everlasting, ever more, perpetual, old, ancient,
            world"
         b. The Complete Word Study Dictionary defines olam as "meaning
            a very long time."
         c.  "It may cover a given person's lifetime (Exo 21:6; 1 Sam 1:22); 

            a period of many generations (Josh 24:2; Pr 22:28);
            the time of the present created order (Deut 33:15; Ps 73:
            12); time beyond this temporal sphere, especially when used
            regarding God (Gen 21:33; Ps 90:2; Dan 12:2, Dan 12:7)
            - ibid.
         d. "The term also applies to many things associated with God,
            such as His decrees, His covenants, and the Messiah (Gen 9:
            16; Exo 12:14; Mic 5:2)." - ibid.
      3. If 'everlasting' always meant 'lasting forever', then we should
         still be observing:
         a. The Passover - Exo 12:14
         b. The Feast of Unleavened Bread - Exo 12:17
         c. The priesthood of Aaron - Exo 29:9
         d. The Sabbath - Exo 31:16-17
         e. The sacrifices, with their portions for the priests - 

            Lev 6:18; 7:34-36; 10:15
         f. Fasting and animal sacrifices on the Day of Atonement - Lev 16:29-34
         g. The Feast of Tabernacles - Lev 23:39-42
         h. ...and many other elements of the Law described as
            'everlasting ordinances'
      4. From the context of the Scriptures, one discerns when
         'everlasting' means 'lasting forever'
      -- Since circumcision is no longer binding, we should not be
         surprised such is true with other elements of the Law - cf. Co
         2:16-17; He 9:10

   D. WHEN TRADITION BECOMES SINFUL...
      1. Paul did not hesitate to use the tradition of circumcision when
         expedient - Ac 16:3
         a. The same with other Jewish traditions - Ac 18:18,21
         b. Even some that involved animal sacrifices - Ac 21:18-26
      2. Yet he opposed circumcision (and other elements of the Law)
         when people attempted to:
         a. Bind it on Gentiles, as in the case of Titus - Ga 2:3-5
         b. Use it for the purpose of justification - Ga 5:2-4
      3. Thus Jesus also condemned traditions of men when they:
         a. Are taught as commandments to be bound on others - Mk 7:6-7
         b. By their observance prevent keeping the commandments of God
            - Mk 7:8-13
      -- Under the right circumstances, traditions may be observed - cf.
         Ro 14:5-6

CONCLUSION

1. The issue of circumcision may seem antiquated and unimportant...
   a. It certainly is not one of the 'hot issues' of our day
   b. Yet lessons learned from studying the issue can be very helpful

2. Understanding the issue of circumcision can help us preserve the
   truth of the gospel...
   a. We are saved by an obedient faith in Christ, not by keeping the
      Law of Moses
   b. The Law as a system of justification came to an end at the cross
      of Christ
   c. Elements of the Law, such as circumcision, the Passover, Sabbath,
      etc., are not binding today
   d. Traditions of the Law might be observed on a personal level, but
      it is a sin to base one's salvation on them, or to bind them on
      other people

While circumcision of the flesh is nonessential, the circumcision
'without hands' is certainly necessary if we are to have our sins 'cut
away'... - cf. Col 2:11-13

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Mark Copeland... Paul And Peter (Galatians 2:6-19)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                        Paul And Peter (2:6-19)

INTRODUCTION

1. Paul's defends his apostleship in Galatians by recounting...
   a. His limited contact with the other apostles, in particular Peter
      - Ga 1:11-24
   b. Two episodes when he met with the apostles, especially Peter - Ga 2:1-21

2. The relationship between Paul and Peter has often been
   misrepresented...
   a. That Peter had primacy over Paul (Catholicism)
   b. That they had doctrinal differences (Criticism)

[The Biblical evidence shows otherwise.  Both in Galatians and elsewhere
in the Scriptures, we note their equality and respect for one another.
From our text (Ga 2:6-19), consider first...]

I. PAUL'S VISIT TO JERUSALEM

   A. THE OCCASION...
      1. Paul, Barnabas and Titus had gone to Jerusalem by revelation
         - cf. Ga 2:1-2
         a. Likely the visit to Jerusalem described in Ac 15:2-4
         b. Though some think it may have occurred earlier - cf. Ac 11:
            29-30; 12:25
      2. Paul withstood pressure by false teachers - cf. Ga 2:2-5
         a. In a private meeting, he spoke with those "of reputation"
            (Peter? James?)
         b. False brethren sought to compel Titus to be circumcised
         c. Paul refused to yield to their demands
      3. Paul met with Peter, James, and John, who "seemed to be
         pillars" - cf. Ga 2:6,9

   B. THE OUTCOME...
      1. With those "who seemed to be something" (James, Cephas, John)
         - Ga 2:6-10
         a. They added nothing to Paul (made no demands, gave no
            instructions or authority)
         b. They saw that Paul had been given the gospel to the
            uncirmcumcision
         c. Paul recognized God's effective work in Peter's ministry and
            Peter's apostleship to the circumcision
         d. James, Cephas (Peter) and John perceived the grace given to
            Paul
         e. They extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul
         f. They asked only that Paul remember the poor, which he was
            eager to do
      2. Of the meeting together with all the apostles and elders at
         Jerusalem - Ac 15:6-29
         a. Peter related his preaching to the Gentiles, and their
            salvation without circumcision
         b. Paul and Barnabas related their ministry and God's working
            among the Gentiles
         c. James offered scriptural support, and then a letter to which
            all agreed
         d. The letter confirmed the ministry of "beloved Barnabas and
            Paul"

[Paul's visit to Jerusalem certainly illustrated that he and Peter were
in doctrinal agreement regarding the gospel they preached.  The nature
of their relationship is made clearer with...]

II. PETER'S VISIT TO ANTIOCH

   A. THE OCCASION...
      1. Peter played the hypocrite - Ga 2:11-13
         a. He had come to Antioch (some think this was during Ac 15:1;
            others think it was later)
         b. At first he ate with the Gentiles
         c. After certain men came from James, Peter withdrew and
            separated himself
         d. He feared those of the circumcision
         e. His actions encouraged other Jews to be hypocrites, even
            Barnabas
      2. Paul confronted Peter - Ga 2:11,14-19
         a. He withstood Peter to his face, because he was to be blamed
         b. He rebuked Peter before them all, showing him to be
            inconsistent
         c. Paul's gospel (justification by faith in Christ, not by the
            works of the Law) vindicated by Peter, who normally lived
            like a Gentile himself - cf. Peter also, in Ac 15:7-11

   B. THE OUTCOME...
      1. Paul's equality with Peter demonstrated - Ga 2:11,14
         a. Paul had the authority to withstand him to his face
         b. Paul had the authority to charge him with hypocrisy before
            all
      2. Peter's respect for Paul undiminished - cf. 2Pe 3:15-16
         a. Peter later described Paul as "our beloved brother Paul"
         b. Peter acknowledged the wisdom given to Paul
         c. Peter recognized Paul's epistles as "Scriptures"

[Peter's visit to Antioch was not a happy occasion, but it did provide
an opportunity to illustrate the equality of Peter and Paul, and that
despite Peter's momentary lapse, his overall life demonstrated that his
gospel was the same as Paul's.  Finally, some thoughts regarding a
couple of...]

III. LESSONS FROM PAUL AND PETER

   A. THE COURAGE OF PAUL...
      1. We note the courage manifested by Paul in Jerusalem and Antioch
         a. Refusing to concede to pressure by false brethren
         b. Standing alone with even your closest brethren are led
            astray
         c. Having to rebuke a respected brother in Christ
      2. Paul's courage was motivated by faithfulness
         a. Faithfulness to the Lord whom he served
         b. Faithfulness to the gospel of which he was not ashamed - cf.
            Ro 1:16

   B. THE HUMILITY OF PETER...
      1. We note the humility manifested by Peter in his last epistle
         a. Not holding a grudge against Paul for his public rebuke
         b. Willing to publicly acknowledge Paul's wisdom given by
            inspiration
      2. Peter's humility was motivated by love
         a. Love for a brother in Christ
         b. Love consistent with what he himself taught others - cf.
            1Pe 3:8-9

CONCLUSION

1. The relationship between Paul and Peter illustrates the power of
   Christ...
   a. To turn persecutor and persecuted into coworkers for the gospel
   b. To help brethren at odds work through their problems to become
      brethren beloved

2. While Paul and Peter had a different focus in their respective
   ministries...
   a. They served the same Lord, preached the same gospel
   b. One was not superior to the other, they were fellow-apostles in
      the kingdom of God

Rather than trying to find some perceived 'rift' between two faithful
apostles, may we use their examples to motivate us in our service to the
Lord and to one another...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Mark Copeland... The Life Which I Now Live (Galatians 2:20-21)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS"

                  The Life Which I Now Live (2:20-21)

INTRODUCTION

1. Much that we know of the Christian life is dependent upon the apostle
   Paul...
   a. Who wrote half the books of the New Testament
   b. His conduct and attitudes are set before us as an example -

      1Co 11:1; Php 3:17
   -- But what principles governed Paul's life as a Christian?

2. In our text (Ga 2:20-21) we find Paul expressing some of the
   principles...
   a. That guided his life as a disciple of Christ
   b. As he speaks of "the life which I now live in the flesh"
   -- What kind of life was that?  Are we governed by the same
      principles?

[Notice first of all that Paul says his life which he lived in the flesh
was...]

I. A LIFE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST (20a)

   A. HOW IS "CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST" POSSIBLE...?
      1. We can't go back in time and join Christ on the cross!
      2. But we can be united with Christ in His death when we are
         baptized! - Ro 6:3-8
      3. Note that baptism into Christ is...
         a. A baptism into His death - Ro 6:3-4
         b. Being united together in the likeness of His death - Ro 6:5
         c. Crucifying our old man with Christ - Ro 6:6
         d. Dying together with Christ - Ro 6:8
      -- If we have been baptized into Christ, we can say together with
         Paul:  "I have been crucified with Christ"

   B. WHAT DOES "CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST" MEAN...?
      1. For some it means a death "to the Law" - Ga 2:19
         a. Paul wrote of himself as a Jew who was at one time under the
            Law of Moses
         b. Those who have been crucified with Christ have died to the
            Law - Ro 7:1-6
      2. For all it means a death "to self" - Ga 2:20
         a. "It is no longer I who live"
         b. As Jesus taught, we must be willing to deny self to follow
            Him - Lk 9:23-24
      3. For all it means we have crucified "the flesh" - Ga 5:24
         a. Which occurred in principle at our baptism - Ro 6:6,11-14
         b. Which occurs in practice as we continue to "put to death"
            the deeds of the body - Ro 8:12-13; Col 3:5-9
      4. For all it means we have been crucified "to the world" - Ga 6:14
         a. Before our obedience to Christ, we were in bondage to the
            rudiments of the world - Ga 4:3,9
         b. But now, Christ is our rule and authority in life - Col 2:
            8-10,20-22; 3:17
      -- Any external (Law, world) or internal (self, flesh) controls
         have now surrendered to the authority of Christ

[One who has been baptized into Christ and is letting Jesus be his or
her authority in all things is living a "life crucified with Christ".
But note that Paul also wrote "the life which I now live" is...]

II. A LIFE IN WHICH CHRIST LIVES IN ME (20b)

   A. HOW DOES CHRIST LIVE IN ME...?
      1. It is like electricity
         a. I may not comprehend how it works
         b. But I know how to get it working!
      2. We are taught how to make sure that He will abide in us
         a. By Jesus Himself - Jn 14:21-23; 15:9-10
         b. By His beloved disciple John - 1Jn 3:24
      -- As we keep the commandments of Christ, we are assured that He
         lives in us!

   B. WHAT BENEFITS COME FROM CHRIST LIVING IN US...?
      1. The wonderful love of the Father and the Son - Jn 14:21
      2. There is fulness of joy - Jn 15:11
      3. There is peace, even in the midst of tribulation - Jn 16:33
      4. There is the hope of being with Jesus and beholding His glory
         - Jn 17:24
      -- These are just a few of the many blessings of a life in which
         Christ lives in us!

[Paul has more to say about "the life which I now live".  It should
be...]

III. A LIFE LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST (20c)

   A. WHAT IS LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST...?
      1. The word 'faith' implies trust
      2. Living by faith in Christ means constantly trusting in Jesus
         a. E.g., for the forgiveness of our sins
            1) Trusting in His blood to cleanse us from our sins - 1Jn 1:7,9
            1) Trusting in Him as our Advocate - 1Jn 2:1
            2) Trusting in Him as our Propitiation - 1Jn 2:4
         b. E.g., that His words will provide a solid foundation for our
            lives - Mt 7:24-25
         c. E.g., that He will never forsake us - Mt 28:20
      -- Trusting in Jesus, not in self, not in the Law, not in the
         world!

   B. WHY SHOULD WE SO TRUST JESUS...?
      1. Because He loves us! - cf. Ga 2:20
      2. Because He gave Himself for us! - Ga 2:20
      3. Shall He not do more if we continue to trust Him? - cf. Ro 8:
         34-39
      4. Such love naturally compels one to live a life of faith in Him
         - cf. 2Co 5:14-15
      -- Does such love should compel us to trust in Jesus, living by
         faith in Him?

[Finally, the life which we now live should be...]

IV. A LIFE WHICH DOES NOT SET ASIDE GOD'S GRACE (21)

   A. WE MUST DILIGENTLY KEEP JESUS' COMMANDMENTS...
      1. As a true indication of our love for Him - cf. Jn 14:15
      2. As a true indication that we really know Him - cf. 1Jn 2:3
      -- One cannot ignore the commandments of the Lord

   B. YET WITHOUT GOD'S GRACE, ALL IS VAIN...
      1. We cannot nor dare not try to earn or merit our salvation - cf.
         Tit 3:4-5; Ep 2:8-9
      2. After all is said and done, we are still unworthy servants
         - cf. Lk 17:10
      3. If not for the grace of God...
         a. Our faith would be useless
         b. Our repentance would meaningless
         c. Our baptism would be fruitless
         d. Our salvation would be impossible!
      4. And so, from beginning to end...
         a. We must look to God and the Word of His grace
         b. We must trust in His mercy offered through Jesus
         c. We are totally dependent upon Jesus and His death on the
            cross for any degree of true righteousness
      -- If we think we have earned or merited salvation on our own,
         Christ died in vain!

CONCLUSION

1. Such was the life Paul lived in the flesh...
   a. A life crucified with Christ
   b. A life in which Christ lived in Him
   c. A life living by faith in Christ
   d. A life that did not set aside the grace of God

2. Can the same be said of us...?
   a. Have we been crucified with Christ (in baptism)?
   b. Is Christ living in us (manifested by keeping His commandments)?
   c. Are you living by faith in Christ (trusting His blood, His Word)?
   d. Are you trusting always in the grace of God (not your own goodness
      or obedience)?

May the words of Paul move us to live the kind of lives becoming of
those who call themselves Christians...

   "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live,
   but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the
   flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
   Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if
   righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."
                                                       - Ga 2:20-21

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Jim McGuiggan... Two letters before dying

Two letters before dying

Aubrey Beardsley wasn't quite twenty-six when he died and he left behind him a mass of decadent drawings. Judged in today's terms with its utter lack of shame they were modest, but in the nineties of the 19th century they were shocking. Even Oscar Wilde (who was a bit jealous of Beardsley) thought they were too sensuous and complained that they made his own writings (which Beardsley sometimes illustrated) more sexually decadent that he meant them to be.

Beardsley died from pulmonary tuberculosis but not before he utterly renounced all the work he had done that expressed the French decadent movement and was received into the Roman Catholic Church. He was terrified at the thought of the moral influence of his drawings and wrote to a friend saying, "I implore you to destroy all copies of [naming a work of his], and all drawings that are harmful. Show this to [and he named a friend], and conjure him to do the same. By all that is holy, all obscene drawings." Then he signed his name, adding the words, "In my death-agony."

This young man was one of a number who were carried away by the power of popular and influential people into a swift current they couldn't resist. Not only did Beardsley leave behind drawings of which he was mortally ashamed; he didn't leave behind a mass of work of which he could have been proud.

Many centuries before Aubrey Beardsley an older man, worn out and imprisoned, waiting for a death sentence he never earned, wrote to a young friend. There was no terror, there was peace. There was no raging guilt—there was deep satisfaction that he had used his life and giftedness for a world-renewing purpose. He said, "The last drops of my own sacrifice are falling; my time to go has come. I have fought in the good fight; I have run my course; I have kept the faith. Now the crown of a good life awaits me, with which the Lord, that just Judge, will reward me on the great Day." (2 Timothy 4:6-8, Moffatt)

©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 Jim McGuiggan... What about Bob?

What about Bob?

In the great movie What About Bob?, radical self-centredness is made marvellously humorous. Bob (Bill Murray) plagues the psychiatrists. He drives one out of business or out of town or both and then latches on to another one; the luckless Richard Dreyfus. The patient cleverly traces the doctor to his holiday spot, confronts him in the street and when he is rebuked for what he has done he whimpers, "I need, I need, I need!" No wonder the psychiatrist ends up a basket case.

I love the movie (have watched it four times—three times with my grandkids, who laughed themselves silly) and good humour is good for the soul. But beyond the movie there's the serious side of self-centredness, which in some cases is outright illness and in other cases appears to be sheer selfishness.

Mark tells us that a huge crowd walked along with and hemmed Jesus in (5:24-34). One of them was a poor soul who had suffered from hemorrhages for twelve long years and added to that trouble she had suffered from a "medical fraternity" that took all her money and left her worse off. She gallantly believed if she just got near Jesus—not to bother him, you understand, just to touch his clothes—she believed that she would be healed. And so she was!

We're told that Jesus felt power leaving him (5:30, Luke 8:46). I don't know that he always felt that, and I've often wondered if healing people drained him of strength and if he ended the day weary to the bone. I tend to think so though I'm certain of this: working with people all the time is a burden; even if it's a burden we gladly take on.

I'm stating only the obvious when I say that if we wish to truly help people we must be prepared to feel power going from us; we need to know up front that there's a price to pay and be prepared to pay it.

I don't remember who it was but someone divided people into givers and takers. The takers are forever saying, "Here I am; here I am!" and the givers are constantly saying, "Ah, there you are!" Talk like this can become too sugary before we know it, and life and the people in it simply can't be divided neatly into two groups like that. But having recognised the truth of that, we can't help confessing that we think we know some who are just plain takers! Always wanting and never giving; constantly asking to be understood but never anxious to understand; wanting to be attended to but they know nothing—or precious little—about putting themselves out for others. They wish to be "friends" but the benefits are to flow only in one direction—toward them. They don't experience what Jesus felt in that crowd—power going out of them.

But there's no "friendship" (no friendship) if the relationship isn't a mutual thing. There's something cheap about our wanting someone's heart while, in every way that giving is expressed, we refuse to give him/her our heart. Whatever else that approach is, it's unlike the way of Jesus Christ.

We can't be everyone's friend; we simply aren't capable of it, but we are able if we allow or even encourage someone to be a friend to us to give them our friendship. Forget some exceptional circumstances in which this might not be true: it's surely wrong to take someone's heart while refusing to give our own.

We must feel power going out of us.

©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 Jim McGuiggan... What's the matter George?

What's the matter George?

Didn’t I tell you that George Dawson was 103 and that he just recently wrote a book called Life is so Good. When George was a boy of twelve, the oldest of the children, poor, black, and away from home for the first time, he was working on Mr. Little’s farm. It was 1910. His family worked every waking hour to make a living out of the farm but things became especially hard with poor crops and mortgage payments. Mr. Dawson agreed that George could go work for Mr. Little. This would mean one less mouth to feed and a wage coming in. Like so many others this boy had had to become a man long before he was a teenager. Even so, away from home, eating alone, sleeping alone in a tiny shack away from the main house, alone I said, sleeping on a wooden platform with a corn husk mattress on top—that was a burden and a half. He was twelve years old, for pity’s sake.

At home he slept with his brothers and sisters and when he visited the Coals and stayed the night they just squeezed him into the bed with their kids. Now away from home, "I would have given anything," he said, "for a crowded bed with my brothers and sisters sleeping and breathing next to me." How deep the need in us for warm human companionship.

"And then I thought of Mama’s biscuits. It would have been okay in the daytime when I was working. But somehow out there by myself in the shed, thinking of her biscuits only made me cry. Mrs. Little made good biscuits, but they weren’t Mama’s. I wanted to be strong, but I couldn’t help myself. I just wanted someone, Mama or Papa, to say it would be okay, or even for one of the little ones to ask, ‘What’s the matter, George?’ " Even for one of the little ones to ask, "What’s the matter, George? "

There’s something about that phrase. The combined innocence of a child’s question and a twelve year old who must be a man before he has been allowed to be a boy. Oh, ohhhh, what a pain-filled world where children bear so much of the hardship and oh what a lovely sight it is to come across adults whose only interest in children is to nurture and help. How profoundly important are good deeds that are done—something kind, something sensitive and strong. How precious the memories of kindnesses are that make a child believe that the world is not all darkness or sleaze or cruelty. A flash of lightning, brief but it let’s you get your bearings in the dark. And how sweet it is to see a concerned face, a little face, too young to be hypocritical, looking at you with a mixture of wonder and pain and a universe of sympathy. How blessed the memory that someone made your tears and your aching heart their concern, with a tiny voice and big lovely, sincere question, "What’s the matter George?" How do you think George Dawson made it to 103 with a great spirit, having seen and felt all he saw and felt?

And who, if anyone, is going to look back and remember me at any age saying, "What’s the matter George?"

©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 Gary... Bible Reading and Study September 2

 Bible Reading and Study

September 2

The World English Bible

Sept. 2

Psalms 30-32

Psa 30:1 I will extol you, Yahweh, for you have raised me up, and have not made my foes to rejoice over me.

Psa 30:2 Yahweh my God, I cried to you, and you have healed me.

Psa 30:3 Yahweh, you have brought up my soul from Sheol. You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Psa 30:4 Sing praise to Yahweh, you saints of his. Give thanks to his holy name.

Psa 30:5 For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Psa 30:6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved."

Psa 30:7 You, Yahweh, when you favored me, made my mountain stand strong; but when you hid your face, I was troubled.

Psa 30:8 I cried to you, Yahweh. To Yahweh I made supplication:

Psa 30:9 "What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth?

Psa 30:10 Hear, Yahweh, and have mercy on me. Yahweh, be my helper."

Psa 30:11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness,

Psa 30:12 To the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent. Yahweh my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Psa 31:1 In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed. Deliver me in your righteousness.

Psa 31:2 Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.

Psa 31:3 For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name's sake lead me and guide me.

Psa 31:4 Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my stronghold.

Psa 31:5 Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth.

Psa 31:6 I hate those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in Yahweh.

Psa 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities.

Psa 31:8 You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place.

Psa 31:9 Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief.

Psa 31:10 For my life is spent with sorrow, my years with sighing. My strength fails because of my iniquity. My bones are wasted away.

Psa 31:11 Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, A fear to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me.

Psa 31:12 I am forgotten from their hearts like a dead man. I am like broken pottery.

Psa 31:13 For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life.

Psa 31:14 But I trust in you, Yahweh. I said, "You are my God."

Psa 31:15 My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

Psa 31:16 Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your loving kindness.

Psa 31:17 Let me not be disappointed, Yahweh, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol.

Psa 31:18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.

Psa 31:19 Oh how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have worked for those who take refuge in you, before the sons of men!

Psa 31:20 In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues.

Psa 31:21 Praise be to Yahweh, for he has shown me his marvelous loving kindness in a strong city.

Psa 31:22 As for me, I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before your eyes." Nevertheless you heard the voice of my petitions when I cried to you.

Psa 31:23 Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly.

Psa 31:24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.

Psa 32:1 Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Psa 32:2 Blessed is the man to whom Yahweh doesn't impute iniquity, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psa 32:3 When I kept silence, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

Psa 32:4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped in the heat of summer. Selah.

Psa 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn't hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Psa 32:6 For this, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. Surely when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to him.

Psa 32:7 You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Psa 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.

Psa 32:9 Don't be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding, who are controlled by bit and bridle, or else they will not come near to you.

Psa 32:10 Many sorrows come to the wicked, but loving kindness shall surround him who trusts in Yahweh.

Psa 32:11 Be glad in Yahweh, and rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart! 

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 30 1

I will extol you, Yahweh, for you have raised me up, And have not made my foes to rejoice over

me.

{A Psalm of David: dedication-song of the house.} I will extol thee, Jehovah; for thou hast

delivered me, and hast not made mine enemies to rejoice over me.

A Psalm. -- A song of the dedication of the house of David. I exalt Thee, O Jehovah,

For Thou hast drawn me up, and hast not let mine enemies rejoice over me.

Psalms 30 2

Yahweh my God, I cried to you, and you have healed me.

Jehovah my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

Jehovah my God, I have cried to Thee, And Thou dost heal me.

Psalms 30 3

Yahweh, you have brought up my soul from Sheol. You have kept me alive, that I should not go

down to the pit.

Jehovah, thou hast brought up my soul from Sheol, thou hast quickened me from among

those that go down to the pit.

Jehovah, Thou hast brought up from Sheol my soul, Thou hast kept me alive, From

going down [to] the pit.

Psalms 30 4

Sing praise to Yahweh, you saints of his. Give thanks to his holy name.

Sing psalms unto Jehovah, ye saints of his, and give thanks in remembrance of his

holiness.

Sing praise to Jehovah, ye His saints, And give thanks at the remembrance of His

holiness,

Psalms 30 5

For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night,

But joy comes in the morning.

For a moment [is passed] in his anger, a life in his favour; at even weeping cometh for the

night, and at morn there is rejoicing.

For -- a moment [is] in His anger, Life [is] in His good-will, At even remaineth

weeping, and at morn singing.

Psalms 30 6

As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved."

As for me, I said in my prosperity, I shall never be moved.

And I -- I have said in mine ease, `I am not moved -- to the age.

Psalms 30 7

You, Yahweh, when you favored me, made my mountain to stand strong. But when you hid

your face, I was troubled.

Jehovah, by thy favour thou hadst made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy

face; I was troubled.

O Jehovah, in Thy good pleasure, Thou hast caused strength to remain for my

mountain,` Thou hast hidden Thy face -- I have been troubled.

Psalms 30 8

I cried to you, Yahweh. To Yahweh I made supplication:

I called to thee, Jehovah, and unto the Lord did I make supplication:

Unto Thee, O Jehovah, I call, And unto Jehovah I make supplication.

Psalms 30 9

"What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you?

Shall it declare your truth?

What profit is there in my blood, in my going down to the pit? shall the dust praise thee?

shall it declare thy truth?

`What gain [is] in my blood? In my going down unto corruption? Doth dust thank

Thee? doth it declare Thy truth?

Psalms 30 10

Hear, Yahweh, and have mercy on me. Yahweh, be my helper."

Hear, O Jehovah, and be gracious unto me; Jehovah, be my helper.

Hear, O Jehovah, and favour me, O Jehovah, be a helper to me.`

Psalms 30 11

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and

clothed me with gladness,

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; thou hast loosed my sackcloth, and

girded me with gladness;

Thou hast turned my mourning to dancing for me, Thou hast loosed my sackcloth,

And girdest me [with] joy.

Psalms 30 12

To the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent. Yahweh my God, I will give

thanks to you forever. Psalm 31 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

That [my] glory may sing psalms of thee, and not be silent. Jehovah my God, I will praise

thee for ever.

So that honour doth praise Thee, and is not silent, O Jehovah, my God, to the age I

thank Thee!

Psalms 31 1

In you, Yahweh, do I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame: Deliver me in your

righteousness.

{To the chief Musician. A Psalm of David.} In thee, Jehovah, do I trust; let me never be

ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

To the Overseer. -- A Psalm of David. In Thee, O Jehovah, I have trusted, Let me not

be ashamed to the age, In Thy righteousness deliver me.

Psalms 31 2

Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, A house of defense to

save me.

Incline thine ear to me, deliver me speedily; be a strong rock to me, a house of defence to

save me.

Incline unto me Thine ear hastily, deliver me, Be to me for a strong rock, For a

house of bulwarks to save me.

Psalms 31 3

For you are my rock and my fortress, Therefore for your name`s sake lead me and guide me.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; and, for thy name`s sake, thou wilt lead me and

guide me.

For my rock and my bulwark [art] Thou, For Thy name`s sake lead me and tend me.

Psalms 31 4

Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, For you are my stronghold.

Draw me out of the net that they have hidden for me; for thou art my strength.

Bring me out from the net that they hid for me, For Thou [art] my strength.

Psalms 31 5

Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth.

Into thy hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, Jehovah, [thou] ·God of truth.

Into Thy hand I commit my spirit, Thou hast redeemed me, Jehovah God of truth.

Psalms 31 6

I hate those who regard lying vanities, But I trust in Yahweh.

I have hated them that observe lying vanities; and as for me, I have confided in Jehovah.

I have hated the observers of lying vanities, And I toward Jehovah have been

confident.

Psalms 31 7

I will be glad and rejoice in your lovingkindness, For you have seen my affliction. You have

known my soul in adversities.

I will be glad and rejoice in thy loving-kindness, for thou hast seen mine affliction; thou

hast known the troubles of my soul,

I rejoice, and am glad in Thy kindness, In that Thou hast seen mine affliction,

Thou hast known in adversities my soul.

Psalms 31 8

You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place.

And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large place.

And Thou hast not shut me up, Into the hand of an enemy, Thou hast caused my feet

to stand in a broad place.

Psalms 31 9

Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with

grief.

Be gracious unto me, Jehovah, for I am in trouble: mine eye wasteth away with vexation,

my soul and my belly.

Favour me, O Jehovah, for distress [is] to me, Mine eye, my soul, and my body Have

become old by provocation.

Psalms 31 10

For my life is spent with sorrow, My years with sighing. My strength fails because of my

iniquity. My bones are wasted away.

For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength faileth through

mine iniquity, and my bones are wasted.

For my life hath been consumed in sorrow And my years in sighing. Feeble

because of mine iniquity hath been my strength, And my bones have become old.

Psalms 31 11

Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, A fear

to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me.

More than to all mine oppressors, I am become exceedingly a reproach, even to my

neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that see me without flee from me.

Among all mine adversaries I have been a reproach, And to my neighbours

exceedingly, And a fear to mine acquaintances, Those seeing me without -- fled

from me.

Psalms 31 12

I am forgotten from their hearts like a dead man. I am like broken pottery.

I am forgotten in [their] heart as a dead man; I am become like a broken vessel.

I have been forgotten as dead out of mind, I have been as a perishing vessel.

Psalms 31 13

For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, While they conspire together

against me, They plot to take away my life.

For I have heard the slander of many -- terror on every side -- when they take counsel

together against me: they plot to take away my life.

For I have heard an evil account of many, Fear [is] round about. In their being

united against me, To take my life they have devised,

Psalms 31 14

But I trust in you, Yahweh. I said, You are my God.

But I confided in thee, Jehovah; I said, thou art my God.

And I on Thee -- I have trusted, O Jehovah, I have said, `Thou [art] my God.`

Psalms 31 15

My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who

persecute me.

My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from my

persecutors.

In Thy hand [are] my times, Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from my

pursuers.

Psalms 31 16

Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your lovingkindness.

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; save me in thy loving-kindness.

Cause Thy face to shine on Thy servant, Save me in Thy kindness.

Psalms 31 17

Let me not be put to shame, Yahweh, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be put to shame.

Let them be silent in Sheol.

Jehovah, let me not be ashamed; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed,

let them be silent in Sheol.

O Jehovah, let me not be ashamed, For I have called Thee, let the wicked be

ashamed, Let them become silent to Sheol.

Psalms 31 18

Let the lying lips be mute, Which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and

contempt.

Let the lying lips become dumb, which speak insolently against the righteous in pride

and contempt.

Let lips of falsehood become dumb, That are speaking against the righteous,

Ancient sayings, in pride and contempt.

Psalms 31 19

Oh how great is your goodness, Which you have laid up for those who fear you, Which you

have worked for those who take refuge in you, Before the sons of men!

[Oh] how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, [which]

thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee, before the sons of men!

How abundant is Thy goodness, That Thou hast laid up for those fearing Thee,

Psalms 31 20

In the covert of your presence will you hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep

them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Thou keepest them concealed in the secret of thy presence from the conspiracies of man;

thou hidest them in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Thou hast wrought for those trusting in Thee, Before sons of men. Thou hidest

them in the secret place of Thy presence, From artifices of man, Thou concealest

them in a tabernacle, From the strife of tongues.

Psalms 31 21

Praise be to Yahweh, For he has showed me his marvelous lovingkindness in a strong city.

Blessed be Jehovah; for he hath shewn me wondrously his loving-kindness in a strong city.

Blessed [is] Jehovah, For He hath made marvellous His kindness To me in a city of

bulwarks.

Psalms 31 22

As for me, I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before your eyes." Nevertheless you heard

the voice of my petitions when I cried to you.

As for me, I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes; nevertheless thou

heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

And I -- I have said in my haste, `I have been cut off from before Thine eyes,` But

Thou hast heard the voice of my supplications, In my crying unto Thee.

Psalms 31 23

Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves the faithful, And pays back him who deals

proudly in full.

Love Jehovah, all ye his saints. Jehovah preserveth the faithful, and plentifully requiteth

the proud doer.

Love Jehovah, all ye His saints, Jehovah is keeping the faithful, And recompensing

abundantly a proud doer.

Psalms 31 24

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in Yahweh. Psalm 32 By David.

A contemplative psalm.

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all ye that hope in Jehovah.

Be strong, and He strengtheneth your heart, All ye who are waiting for Jehovah!

Psalms 32 1

Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

{Of David. Instruction.} Blessed is he [whose] transgression is forgiven, [whose] sin is

covered!

By David. -- An Instruction. O the happiness of him whose transgression [is]

forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

Psalms 32 2

Blessed is the man to whom Yahweh doesn`t impute iniquity, In whose spirit there is no

Blessed is the man unto whom Jehovah reckoneth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there

is no guile!

O the happiness of a man, To whom Jehovah imputeth not iniquity, And in whose

spirit there is no deceit.

Psalms 32 3

When I kept silence, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

When I kept silence, my bones waxed old, through my groaning all the day long.

When I have kept silence, become old have my bones, Through my roaring all the

day.

Psalms 32 4

For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped in the heat of summer.

Selah.

For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me; my moisture was turned into the drought

of summer. Selah.

When by day and by night Thy hand is heavy upon me, My moisture hath been

changed Into the droughts of summer. Selah.

Psalms 32 5

I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn`t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my

transgressions to Yahweh, And you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity I covered not; I said, I will confess

my transgressions unto Jehovah, and *thou* forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

My sin I cause Thee to know, And mine iniquity I have not covered. I have said, `I

confess concerning My transgressions to Jehovah,` And Thou -- Thou hast taken

away, The iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Psalms 32 6

For this, let everyone that is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. Surely

when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to him.

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee at a time when thou mayest be found:

surely in the floods of great waters they will not reach him.

For this doth every saintly one pray to Thee, As the time to find. Surely at an

overflowing of many waters, Unto him they come not.

Psalms 32 7

You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs

of deliverance. Selah.

Thou art a hiding-place for me; thou preservest me from trouble; thou dost encompass me

with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Thou [art] a hiding-place for me, From distress Thou dost keep me, [With] songs of

deliverance dost compass me. Selah.

Psalms 32 8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye

on you.

I will instruct thee and teach thee the way in which thou shalt go; I will counsel [thee]

with mine eye upon thee.

I cause thee to act wisely, And direct thee in the way that thou goest, I cause mine

eye to take counsel concerning thee.

Psalms 32 9

Don`t be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding, Whose are

controlled by bit and bridle, or else they will not come near to you.

Be ye not as a horse, as a mule, which have no understanding: whose trappings must be

bit and bridle, for restraint, or they will not come unto thee.

Be ye not as a horse -- as a mule, Without understanding, With bridle and bit, its

ornaments, to curb, Not to come near unto thee.

Psalms 32 10

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, But he who trusts in Yahweh, lovingkindness shall

surround him.

Many sorrows hath the wicked; but he that confideth in Jehovah, loving-kindness shall

encompass him.

Many [are] the pains of the wicked; As to him who is trusting in Jehovah, Kindness

doth compass him.

Psalms 32 11

Be glad in Yahweh, and rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 33

Rejoice in Jehovah, and be glad, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye upright in heart.

Be glad in Jehovah, and rejoice, ye righteous, And sing, all ye upright of heart!

Study Questions

Who should love the LORD? 31:23

God is my _________ __________? 32:7

The World English Bible

Sept. 2

Romans 14

Rom 14:1 Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.

Rom 14:2 One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.

Rom 14:3 Don't let him who eats despise him who doesn't eat. Don't let him who doesn't eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him.

Rom 14:4 Who are you who judge another's servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand.

Rom 14:5 One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.

Rom 14:6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn't eat, to the Lord he doesn't eat, and gives God thanks.

Rom 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself.

Rom 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's.

Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Rom 14:10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Rom 14:11 For it is written, " 'As I live,' says the Lord, 'to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.' "

Rom 14:12 So then each one of us will give account of himself to God.

Rom 14:13 Therefore let's not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother's way, or an occasion for falling.

Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Rom 14:15 Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don't destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.

Rom 14:16 Then don't let your good be slandered,

Rom 14:17 for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Rom 14:18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Rom 14:19 So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.

Rom 14:20 Don't overthrow God's work for food's sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a stumbling block by eating.

Rom 14:21 It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.

Rom 14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn't judge himself in that which he approves.

Rom 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.

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.

Romans

Romans 14 1

But receive him who is weak in faith, not for judging thoughts.

Now him that is weak in the faith receive, not to [the] determining of questions of

reasoning.

And him who is weak in the faith receive ye -- not to determinations of

Romans 14 2

One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats herbs.

One man is assured that he may eat all things; but the weak eats herbs.

one doth believe that he may eat all things -- and he who is weak doth eat herbs;

Romans 14 3

Don`t let him who eats despise him who doesn`t eat. Don`t let him who doesn`t eat judge him

who eats, for God has received him.

Let not him that eats make little of him that eats not; and let not him that eats not judge

him that eats: for God has received him.

let not him who is eating despise him who is not eating: and let not him who is

not eating judge him who is eating, for God did receive him.

Romans 14 4

Who are you who judge the servant of another? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be

made to stand, for God has power to make him stand.

Who art *thou* that judgest the servant of another? to his own master he stands or falls.

And he shall be made to stand; for the Lord is able to make him stand.

Thou -- who art thou that art judging another`s domestic? to his own master he

doth stand or fall; and he shall be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Romans 14 5

One man esteems one day above another. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully

assured in his own mind.

One man esteems day more than day; another esteems every day [alike]. Let each be fully

persuaded in his own mind.

One doth judge one day above another, and another doth judge every day [alike];

let each in his own mind be fully assured.

Romans 14 6

He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the

Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn`t

eat, to the Lord he doesn`t eat, and gives God thanks.

He that regards the day, regards it to [the] Lord. And he that eats, eats to [the] Lord, for

he gives God thanks; and he that does not eat, [it is] to [the] Lord he does not eat, and

gives God thanks.

He who is regarding the day, to the Lord he doth regard [it], and he who is not

regarding the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He who is eating, to the

Lord he doth eat, for he doth give thanks to God; and he who is not eating, to the

Lord he doth not eat, and doth give thanks to God.

Romans 14 7

For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself.

For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself.

For none of us to himself doth live, and none to himself doth die;

Romans 14 8

For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we

are the Lord`s.

For both if we should live, [it is] to the Lord we live; and if we should die, [it is] to the

Lord we die: both if we should live then, and if we should die, we are the Lord`s.

for both, if we may live, to the Lord we live; if also we may die, to the Lord we die;

both then if we may live, also if we may die, we are the Lord`s;

Romans 14 9

For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the

living.

For to this [end] Christ has died and lived [again], that he might rule over both dead and

living.

for because of this Christ both died and rose again, and lived again, that both of

dead and of living he may be Lord.

Romans 14 10

But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we

will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

But thou, why judgest thou thy brother? or again, thou, why dost thou make little of thy

brother? for we shall all be placed before the judgment-seat of God.

And thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or again, thou, why dost thou set at

nought thy brother? for we shall all stand at the tribunal of the Christ;

Romans 14 11

For it is written, "`As I live,` says the Lord, `to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will

confess to God.`"

For it is written, *I* live, saith [the] Lord, that to me shall bow every knee, and every

tongue shall confess to God.

for it hath been written, `I live! saith the Lord -- to Me bow shall every knee, and

every tongue shall confess to God;`

Romans 14 12

So then each one of us will give account of himself to God.

So then each of us shall give an account concerning himself to God.

so, then, each of us concerning himself shall give reckoning to God;

Romans 14 13

Therefore Let`s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a

stumbling block in his brother`s way, or an occasion of falling.

Let us no longer therefore judge one another; but judge ye this rather, not to put a

stumbling-block or a fall-trap before his brother.

no longer, therefore, may we judge one another, but this judge ye rather, not to

put a stumbling-stone before the brother, or an offence.

Romans 14 14

I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him

who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except to

him who reckons anything to be unclean, to that man [it is] unclean.

I have known, and am persuaded, in the Lord Jesus, that nothing [is] unclean of

itself, except to him who is reckoning anything to be unclean -- to that one [it is]

unclean;

Romans 14 15

Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don`t destroy with

your food him for whom Christ died.

For if on account of meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer according to

love. Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ has died.

and if through victuals thy brother is grieved, no more dost thou walk according

to love; do not with thy victuals destroy that one for whom Christ died.

Romans 14 16

Then don`t let your good be slandered,

Let not then your good be evil spoken of;

Let not, then, your good be evil spoken of,

Romans 14 17

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy

Spirit.

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and joy

in [the] Holy Spirit.

for the reign of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and

joy in the Holy Spirit;

Romans 14 18

For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

For he that in this serves the Christ [is] acceptable to God and approved of men.

for he who in these things is serving the Christ, [is] acceptable to God and

approved of men.

Romans 14 19

So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may build one

another up.

So then let us pursue the things which tend to peace, and things whereby one shall build

up another.

So, then, the things of peace may we pursue, and the things of building up one

another;

Romans 14 20

Don`t overthrow God`s work for food`s sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for

that man who creates a stumbling block by eating.

For the sake of meat do not destroy the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it

is] evil to that man who eats while stumbling [in doing so].

for the sake of victuals cast not down the work of God; all things, indeed, [are]

pure, but evil [is] to the man who is eating through stumbling.

Romans 14 21

It is good not to eat meat, drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is

offended, or is made weak.

[It is] right not to eat meat, nor drink wine, nor [do anything] in which thy brother

stumbles, or is offended, or is weak.

Right [it is] not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to [do anything] in which thy

brother doth stumble, or is made to fall, or is weak.

Romans 14 22

Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn`t judge himself in that

which he approves.

Hast *thou* faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Blessed [is] he who does not judge

himself in what he allows.

Thou hast faith! to thyself have [it] before God; happy is he who is not judging

himself in what he doth approve,

Romans 14 23

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn`t of faith; and whatever is not of faith

is sin.

But he that doubts, if he eat, is condemned; because [it is] not of faith; but whatever [is]

not of faith is sin.

and he who is making a difference, if he may eat, hath been condemned, because

[it is] not of faith; and all that [is] not of faith is sin.

Study Questions

Christ is the Lord of _________? 14:9