From Gary... Remember, God makes rainbows!!!!

If you have dogs, then you know sometimes they get into "trouble". They steal each others' food, or get into the garbage or take your shoes and maybe on a bad day- something worse!!!  Overall, I would say my "Buddy" and "Pal" are pretty good, but sometimes... I just have to shake my head and walk away! So, when I saw this picture, I smiled (a lot)!! Now eating crayons is bad, but pooping rainbows- well, that is just funny!!!  Sometimes, even a bad thing can turn into something GOOD. 

Here is one example...

Genesis, Chapter 45 (WEB)

3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Does my father still live?” 

His brothers couldn’t answer him; for they were terrified at his presence.  4 Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” 

They came near. “He said, I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.  5 Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.  6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are yet five years, in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to save you alive by a great deliverance.  8 So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 

Joseph went through a lot, but God was working through the problems, to the end of preserving the soon-to-be nation of Israel. When I think back, I can see God working in my life; moulding me through every situation. And HE isn't finished with me yet!!!  I hope you can say the same. 

Remember this verse from the book of Romans...

Romans, Chapter 8 (WEB)

28  We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

No matter what difficult situation is before you.... The best is yet to come (with God by your side)!!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading August 31

Bible Reading   

August 31

The World English Bible

Aug. 31

Psalm 23-25

Psa 23:1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.

Psa 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Psa 23:3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psa 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.

Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh's house forever.

Psa 24:1 The earth is Yahweh's, with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.

Psa 24:2 For he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods.

Psa 24:3 Who may ascend to Yahweh's hill? Who may stand in his holy place?

Psa 24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully.

Psa 24:5 He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psa 24:6 This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face--even Jacob. Selah.

Psa 24:7 Lift up your heads, you gates! Be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.

Psa 24:8 Who is the King of glory? Yahweh strong and mighty, Yahweh mighty in battle.

Psa 24:9 Lift up your heads, you gates; yes, lift them up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.

Psa 24:10 Who is this King of glory? Yahweh of Armies is the King of glory! Selah.

Psa 25:1 To you, Yahweh, do I lift up my soul.

Psa 25:2 My God, I have trusted in you. Don't let me be shamed. Don't let my enemies triumph over me.

Psa 25:3 Yes, no one who waits for you shall be shamed. They shall be shamed who deal treacherously without cause.

Psa 25:4 Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.

Psa 25:5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation, I wait for you all day long.

Psa 25:6 Yahweh, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness, for they are from old times.

Psa 25:7 Don't remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness' sake, Yahweh.

Psa 25:8 Good and upright is Yahweh, therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.

Psa 25:9 He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way.

Psa 25:10 All the paths of Yahweh are loving kindness and truth to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psa 25:11 For your name's sake, Yahweh, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Psa 25:12 What man is he who fears Yahweh? He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose.

Psa 25:13 His soul shall dwell at ease. His seed shall inherit the land.

Psa 25:14 The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant.

Psa 25:15 My eyes are ever on Yahweh, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Psa 25:16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted.

Psa 25:17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged. Oh bring me out of my distresses.

Psa 25:18 Consider my affliction and my travail. Forgive all my sins.

Psa 25:19 Consider my enemies, for they are many. They hate me with cruel hatred.

Psa 25:20 Oh keep my soul, and deliver me. Let me not be disappointed, for I take refuge in you.

Psa 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.

Psa 25:22 Redeem Israel, God, out all of his troubles.

 Aug. 31

Romans 12

Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

Rom 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.

Rom 12:4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function,

Rom 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Rom 12:6 Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

Rom 12:7 or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;

Rom 12:8 or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Rom 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

Rom 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

Rom 12:11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Rom 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

Rom 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.

Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.

Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.

Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.

Rom 12:19 Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

Rom 12:20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."

Rom 12:21 Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

From Jim McGuiggan... Despised at birth

Despised at birth

Ezekiel 16 addresses wicked Jerusalem and reminds the people that (still) live there of God’s goodness to them in the past. A little girl-baby, newly born, covered in blood, the umbilical cord still attached was unwanted and left lying where it was delivered (on the side of the road?). People saw it as they passed by but no one moved to do anything to help the dying infant. Someone finally thought it would be best to throw the baby into an open field—out of sight and out of mind. And that’s where God found her, despised, in a pool of blood, kicking...and dying. And God said to the blood-covered infant that was dying—Live! And she did. God kept his eye on her and with his blessing the little baby girl that no one wanted grew and was ready for marriage and one day God came by and asked her to marry him and she said yes. Before he was done she was a beautiful bride and a beautiful wife and then she became treacherous. She corrupted herself, corrupted her family, slew her children and set up brothels in every town she visited. Never a thought for the early days, never a thought for the only one that cared for her, never a thought for the dangers he rescued her from—all forgotten!

I don’t think that gratitude is the foundation of all virtues but there’s something awful about a thankless heart. God doesn’t need to be pitied that Israel treated him so but he should have been thanked, gratitude may not be the queen of virtues but if she's not there the heart of a man or woman or nation shrivels and dies.

And so Jerusalem (as chapters 1—24 tell us)—Jerusalem must fall. But God’s judgement against her is not vindictiveness or a final rejection for he fully intends to redeem the whore and he will later call her "the virgin". The judgement has a redemptive purpose! Isn’t that astonishing?

But Ezekiel’s word to Jerusalem is God’s word to the human race for God’s history with Israel is a word to us all—including Israel. The entire human race lay in an out-of-the-way galactic backwater, out of sight, lying in a pool of our own blood, squirming in our despair, having stabbed our world with deep atomic, social and moral wounds with no one to care for us or heal us. And God came by and saw us as we lay in our blood and said, "Live!" In and as Jesus Christ he came and said, "Live!" And in his corporate body, the Church he moves through the earth and says to us, one and all, "Live!"

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

George Washington Said “Live as Christians” by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=3773

George Washington Said “Live as Christians”

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

The American military continues to be endangered by two key threats: the influx of those who do not share the Christian worldview (i.e., Muslims), and the clamor of the “politically correct” crowd to allow open homosexuality, instigating further deterioration of moral standards. Indeed, society at large is undergoing the same dilution. In stark contrast, the Founders of America were insistent on the critical role played by Christianity in the founding of the Republic. For example, issuing General Orders from Headquarters, New York, July 9, 1776, General George Washington emphasized to the Continental Army the critical importance of living as Christians during the period of seeking national independence:

The Hon. Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of Thirty-three Dollars and one third per month—The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains accordingly; persons of good Characters and exemplary lives—To see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect and attend carefully upon religious exercises. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger—The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country (George Washington..., emp. added).

The one facet of paramount importance to the success of the nation and the military (i.e., commitment to God and Christianity) is the very feature of American civilization being systematically jettisoned. God help us to rise up and stop this travesty. The words directed to Israel of old are apropos:

They have acted corruptly toward him; to their shame they are no longer his children, but a warped and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? ...You deserted the Rock, who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.... They are a nation without sense, there is no discernment in them. If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be! (Deuteronomy 32:5-6,18,28-29, NIV).

REFERENCE

George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799: Series 3: Letterbooks. Varick Transcripts: Continental Army Papers. 1775-1783, Subseries G, Letterbook 1, Image 308 of 419, [On-line], URL: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mgw:@field(DOCID+@lit(gw050226)).

Higgs Boson—The "God Particle"? by Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=3870

Higgs Boson—The "God Particle"?

by	Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

[NOTE—For updates to this article, see Higgs Boson—The "God Particle"? (Update) and Higgs Boson—The "God Particle"? (2nd Update)]

The Higgs Boson particle, presumptuously called the “God Particle” by some physicists, is a theoretical elementary particle that is predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics, but which has yet to be observed by physicists through experimentation. It is “thought to be the fundamental unit of matter” (“Has Quest for the Elusive…?” 2011). In theory, the particle could explain how other elementary particles have mass. But why do some call it the “God Particle”? To Big Bang-believers, the Higgs Boson is “a theoretical energy particle which many scientists believe helped give mass to the disparate matter spawned by the Big Bang” (“Scientists Close in…,” 2010). Big Bang theorists consider its existence “crucial to forming the cosmos after the Big Bang” (“Scientists…,” emp. added). Therefore, the particle is god-like to such sadly deluded individuals.
Recently, in an article titled, “Has Quest for the Elusive ‘God Particle’ Succeeded?,” Fox News reported on a “controversial rumor…based on a leaked internal note from physicists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)” that began circulating in the public eye (“Has Quest...”). The rumor suggests that the LHC, a particle accelerator located in Switzerland, may have run across proof of the Higgs’ existence. The leaked note “details an unexpected ‘bump’ in emissions that may be proof of the long-sought particle” (“Has Quest...”). Wait a minute. A “bump” could be proof of the Higgs Boson? Surely such an occurrence, which could be the result of any number of possibilities, would not constitute valid proof of anything to scientists. Although many scientists these days would consider such a vague incident enough proof to satisfy their longings, James Gillies, a spokesman for the European Organization for Nuclear Research responsible for building the LHC, admitted that “the leaked note faces several layers of scrutiny before it could be submitted for publication [in a scholarly scientific publication—JM].” He explains: “Things such as this show up quite frequently in the course of analysis…. It’s way too soon to get excited, I’m afraid. It’s not the physics find of the millennium, unfortunately” (“Has Quest...,” emp. added). So, atheistic evolution still stands as scientifically impossible.
As stated above, evolutionists consider the existence of the Higgs Boson “crucial to forming the cosmos after the Big Bang” (“Scientists…,” emp. added). Notice that without the existence of this theoretical particle, Big Bang theorists recognize that the Universe could not even form after the Big Bang theoretically occurred. Its existence would not prove that the Universe did form in the manner suggested by Big Bang Theory. Its existence would not even prove that the Universe could form after a hypothesized Big Bang occurred. Further, its existence would not prove that the Big Bang itself could occur at all. Its existence would not prove that matter could exist forever or pop into existence out of nothing, one of which must be true in order for the Big Bang to even get started. And its existence would certainly not prove that the scientific laws governing the Universe could write themselves into existence. However, without the existence of the particle, theorists know the Big Bang could not happen. Thus, discovery of its existence would not prove anything in the end, but only allow evolutionists to cross one of the many chasms that stand in the way of their theory even being considered a remote possibility. In other words, the Big Bang has not even reached square one in the realm of proof. It still lies firmly in the realm of impossibility. Bottom line: the Creation model still stands as the most logical explanation for the origin of the Universe—the model that matches the scientific evidence.

REFERENCES

“Has Quest for the Elusive ‘God Particle’ Succeeded?” (2011), Fox News, April 25, http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/04/25/quest-elusive-god-particle-succeeded/?test=faces.
“Scientists Close in on God Particle” (2010), Fox News, July 27, http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/07/27/scientists-closing-god-particle/.

Pharaoh's Heart Weighed in the Balance by Garry K. Brantley, M.A., M.Div.

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=13&article=1343

Pharaoh's Heart Weighed in the Balance

by	Garry K. Brantley, M.A., M.Div.

“Let My people go” was the demand that set the stage for a conflict that literally changed history. In a devastating series of plagues, Yahweh systematically humbled the contemptuous Egyptian monarch into compliance with His will. The theological impact of these plagues has been elucidated dramatically by Egyptian mythology, which demonstrates that these phenomena were not mere random, punitive acts recklessly performed by an angry God. To the contrary, they were polemical scourges carefully calculated to expose the impotence of Egypt’s so-called gods, whom the Egyptians believed were personified in nature (Exodus 12:12). In fact, scholars have detected a direct relationship between each plague and an Egyptian god, or some aspect of ancient Egypt’s religion (see White, 1975; Davis, 1971).
Egyptian mythology also produces a deeper meaning to another aspect of the Exodus narrative: the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. The heart, according to Egyptian belief, was the seat of emotions, and represented the integrity and purity of an individual. According to the papyrus of Hu-nefer (1550-1090 B.C.), the jackal-headed god, Anubis, weighs this organ against a feather in the balance of truth. If the deceased’s heart weighed more than the feather, he or she would be judged a sinner and eaten by Amenit, the Devouress. If, however, the heart weighed no more than a feather, the deceased gained eternal life (see Pritchard, 1958, pp. 356-357; Currid, 1993).
Interestingly, one of the three words used to describe Pharaoh’s heart (all translated harden) in the Exodus narrative is kabed, which basically means “to be heavy or weighty” (Oswalt, 1980, 1:428). No doubt Pharaoh’s obstinacy was under consideration. But this word used to describe his heart has far-reaching implications in light of Egyptian mythology. It possibly suggests that, contrary to the Egyptian belief that Pharaoh was a divine being whose heart was the epitome of purity, and therefore light as a feather, the Egyptian monarch was a sinner unworthy of eternal life (Currid, 1993, 9[6]:51). This would serve, as did the plagues, to demonstrate Yahweh’s supremacy over the Egyptian god-king. Such information further suggests that the author of Exodus was intimately familiar with the nuances of the Egyptian religion. And, of course, Moses fits that bill perfectly.

REFERENCES

Davis, John J. (1971), Moses and the Gods of Egypt (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).
Currid, John E. (1993), “Why Did God Harden Pharaoh’s Heart?,” Bible Review, 9[6]:46-51, December.
Oswalt, John (1980), “kabed,” Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, ed. R.L. Harris, G.L. Archer, Jr., and B.K. Waltke (Chicago, IL: Moody), 1:426-428.
Pritchard, James (1958), The Ancient Near East: An Anthology of Texts and Pictures (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press).
White, W. (1975), “Plagues of Egypt,” The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan), 4:805-807.

From Mark Copeland... "GIVE ME THE BIBLE" How I Study The Bible

                          "GIVE ME THE BIBLE"

                         How I Study The Bible

INTRODUCTION

1. In this series ("Give Me The Bible"), we have covered...
   a. The Problem Of Biblical Illiteracy  e. Why I Obey The Bible
   b. Why I Read The Bible                f. Why I Study The Old Testament
   c. Why I Believe The Bible             g. How I Read The Bible
   d. Why I Love The Bible

2. In this final lesson I wish to share thoughts related to studying the Bible...
   a. To ensure proper comprehension
   b. To avoid misapplying the Bible

3. Not all Bible study proves profitable...
   a. We must handle the Word of God properly - 2Ti 2:15
   b. Some twist the Scriptures to their own destruction - 2Pe 3:16

[This is not a definitive treatment of Bible exegesis, but a few
thoughts that I keep in mind as I study the Bible.  First, in a positive
vein, with regards to...]

I. SEEKING COMPREHENSION

   A. BASIC STUDY PRINCIPLES...
      1. Study the Bible the way it was written
         a. The Word of God was revealed book by book; shouldn't we
            study it the same way?
         b. Many limit the bulk of their Bible study to topical studies
            or certain texts
         c. This increases the possibility of taking things out of context
         d. Truth requires considering all that God has revealed - cf.
            Ps 119:160
         e. Words, phrases, passages, should be studied in the context
            of their respective books
         f. "The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is
            the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not
            select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others.
            Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian."
            - A. W. Tozer
         g. "The Bible is a harp with a thousand strings. Play on one to
            the exclusion of its relationship to the others, and you
            will develop discord. Play on all of them, keeping them in
            their places in the divine scale, and you will hear heavenly
            music all the time." - William P. White
      2. Study both privately and corporately
         a. Some study only when at church (corporately)
            1) Unprepared to truly benefit from their studies with others
            2) Unlikely to know when others may misinterpret or misapply
               the text
            3) "We have become so accustomed to hearing preachers or
               expositors, as important as that is, that many in the
               process have abandoned the grand privilege of personally
               hearing from God's Word daily." - Ravi Zacharias
         b. Some study only by themselves (privately)
            1) Not appreciating assistance from others  - e.g., Lk 24:44-45; Ac 8:30-31
            2) More likely to fall prey to misinterpretation or false teaching
      3. Study with the proper spirit
         a. With meekness, humility - Jm 1:21; Ps 25:9
         b. This why I believe the bulk of one's study should be in the
            form of daily devotional reading, accompanied with
            meditation and prayer - Ps 86:11; 119:33
         c. "Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like trying
            to eat without swallowing." - Anonymous

   B. BASIC STUDY TOOLS...
      1. Good translation
         a. Accurate, but readable
         b. Word for word translations preferred; thought for thought
            suitable for comparison
         c. Suggested:  ESV, NKJV, NASB (word for word); NLT (thought
            for thought)
      2. Readable layout
         a. Font size - suitable for reading (for me, that means at
            least 10 point!)
         b. Paper - minimal ghosting or bleed through (text visible from
            other side)
         c. Paragraph vs. verse by verse (personal preferences may vary)
         d. The layout of the text on paper should be easy on the eyes
            and comprehension
      3. Dictionaries, maps, study Bibles
         a. To look up the meaning of words, geographical information
         b. If we don't know the meaning of a word, we won't know the
            meaning of the text
         c. A good grasp of geographical information enhances Biblical
            understanding
         d. Beware of study Bibles with notes by one person, or a
            particular theological bias
         e. Suggested:  ESV Study Bible, NLT Study Bible
      4. Markup tools
         a. Many have found writing marginal notes, highlighting words
            or phrases helpful
         b. I like to highlight as I read, with a Zebra Eco Zebrite Double-Ended Highlighter
         c. For notes, many recommend this pen: Pigma Micron Pen #005 0.2mm

[Other study tools are certainly available, perhaps best recommended by
a mature Christian.  Now for some thoughts related to how we might avoid
misapplying the Bible...]

II. AVOIDING MISAPPLICATION

   A. BEWARE OF REACTIONARY THEOLOGY...
      1. This terminology is one of my own making
      2. Studying the Bible, but mostly in reaction to false teaching
      3. To prove others wrong, rather than to learn what is right for oneself
      4. Applying texts based on usefulness in making a religious argument
      5. We should study to learn and obey truth first, then to examine
         and expose error

   B. BEWARE OF CONCORDANCE THEOLOGY...
      1. Another terminology of my own making
      2. Studying the Bible with an overdependence of a concordance
      3. Assuming scriptures listed under a similar topic are
         necessarily related
      4. Applying texts without contextual considerations
      5. We should study the context first, then words in their
         particular context

   C. BEWARE OF CONFUSING THE COVENANTS...
      1. The Bible speaks of two covenants - Ga 4:24-26
         a. One first and old, the other second and new - He 8:7-13;9:15; 12:24
         b. The latter being better, coming of force when Jesus died
            - He 7:22; 8:6; 9:15-17
      2. Failure to distinguish leads to much confusion
         a. Many appeal to OT to justify worship and practice
         b. Christians live under the new covenant of our Lord and Savior
      3. Some examples:  Sabbath keeping, instrumental worship, separate priesthood

   D. BEWARE OF NOT SEEING THE FOREST FOR THE TREES...
      1. Developing doctrines based on a few select passages
      2. Often ignoring other passages which contradict their conclusions
      3. Some examples:  Calvinism, pre-millennialism, full preterism

   E. BEWARE OF ROOT FALLACIES...
      1. Supposing etymology determines meaning, that words are defined
         by their roots
      2. Not necessarily; words are defined by their usage, which may be
         quite different
      3. English example:  nice (from Latin, nescius, meaning ignorant!)
      4. Greek example:  church (ecclesia, called out) - properly
         defined as assembly, congregation
      5. We must be careful to define words as used in their historical setting

   F. BEWARE OF IGNORING DIVERSE MEANINGS...
      1. Assuming that a particular word or phrase means the same in
         every place
      2. Words often have more than one meaning
      3. English example:  run (has at least 28 different meanings!)
      4. Hebrew example:  spirit (has at least 9 different meanings)
      5. We must let the context define how a word or phrase is to be understood

   G. BEWARE OF NOT WAITING FOR THE CONCLUSION...
      1. Developing doctrines based on statements midway through the discussion
      2. Which may contradict the author's own concluding statements
      3. I see this especially involving Paul's lengthy and difficult
         arguments - cf. 2Pe 3:15-16
      4. Example:  Concluding that God predestines some to be lost, when
         God desires to show mercy on all - cf. Ro 9:15-24 with Ro 11:32;
         cf. 1Ti 2:4-6; 2Pe 3:9

   H. BEWARE OF MISHANDLING PROPHECIES...
      1. Interpreting prophecies literally when they may be fulfilled figuratively
      2. This was the mistake of the Jews in Jesus' day regarding the
         nature of the kingdom
      3. The apostles needed divine interpretation to understand OT
         prophecies - Lk 24:44-47
      4. We do well to let the NT interpret OT prophecies:, where the NT
         is silent on OT prophecies, we should be cautious and not
         dogmatic in our interpretations

CONCLUSION

1. For the person willing to study the Bible carefully, there is great
   reward... - Ps 1:1-3

2. "The Bible is...as necessary to spiritual life as breath is to
   natural life. There is nothing more essential to our lives than the
   Word of God." - Jack Hayford

I pray that this series of outlines will encourage you to let the Bible
transform your life!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Gary... Bible Reading August 28, 29, 30

From Gary... Bible Reading August 28, 29, 30

Bible Reading  

August 28, 29, 30

The World English Bible

Aug. 28

Psalm 11-15

Psa 11:1 In Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain!"

Psa 11:2 For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

Psa 11:3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

Psa 11:4 Yahweh is in his holy temple. Yahweh is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.

Psa 11:5 Yahweh examines the righteous, but the wicked and him who loves violence his soul hates.

Psa 11:6 On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

Psa 11:7 For Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.

Psa 12:1 Help, Yahweh; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men.

Psa 12:2 Everyone lies to his neighbor. They speak with flattering lips, and with a double heart.

Psa 12:3 May Yahweh cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts,

Psa 12:4 who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?"

Psa 12:5 "Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says Yahweh; "I will set him in safety from those who malign him."

Psa 12:6 The words of Yahweh are flawless words, as silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.

Psa 12:7 You will keep them, Yahweh. You will preserve them from this generation forever.

Psa 12:8 The wicked walk on every side, when what is vile is exalted among the sons of men.

Psa 13:1 How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

Psa 13:2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me?

Psa 13:3 Behold, and answer me, Yahweh, my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;

Psa 13:4 Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against him;" Lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall.

Psa 13:5 But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation.

Psa 13:6 I will sing to Yahweh, because he has been good to me.

Psa 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They have done abominable works. There is none who does good.

Psa 14:2 Yahweh looked down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who did understand, who did seek after God.

Psa 14:3 They have all gone aside. They have together become corrupt. There is none who does good, no, not one.

Psa 14:4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don't call on Yahweh?

Psa 14:5 There they were in great fear, for God is in the generation of the righteous.

Psa 14:6 You frustrate the plan of the poor, because Yahweh is his refuge.

Psa 14:7 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When Yahweh restores the fortunes of his people, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Psa 15:1 Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill?

Psa 15:2 He who walks blamelessly does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart;

Psa 15:3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor casts slurs against his fellow man;

Psa 15:4 In whose eyes a vile man is despised, but who honors those who fear Yahweh; he who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn't change;

Psa 15:5 he who doesn't lend out his money for usury, nor take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be shaken.

Aug. 29

Psalm 16-19

Psa 16:1 Preserve me, God, for in you do I take refuge.

Psa 16:2 My soul, you have said to Yahweh, "You are my Lord. Apart from you I have no good thing."

Psa 16:3 As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.

Psa 16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who give gifts to another god. Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take their names on my lips.

Psa 16:5 Yahweh assigned my portion and my cup. You made my lot secure.

Psa 16:6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a good inheritance.

Psa 16:7 I will bless Yahweh, who has given me counsel. Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.

Psa 16:8 I have set Yahweh always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Psa 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety.

Psa 16:10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.

Psa 16:11 You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psa 17:1 Hear, Yahweh, my righteous plea; Give ear to my prayer, that doesn't go out of deceitful lips.

Psa 17:2 Let my sentence come forth from your presence. Let your eyes look on equity.

Psa 17:3 You have proved my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me, and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey.

Psa 17:4 As for the works of men, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

Psa 17:5 My steps have held fast to your paths. My feet have not slipped.

Psa 17:6 I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech.

Psa 17:7 Show your marvelous loving kindness, you who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.

Psa 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings,

Psa 17:9 from the wicked who oppress me, my deadly enemies, who surround me.

Psa 17:10 They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly.

Psa 17:11 They have now surrounded us in our steps. They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.

Psa 17:12 He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

Psa 17:13 Arise, Yahweh, confront him. Cast him down. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword;

Psa 17:14 from men by your hand, Yahweh, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life. You fill the belly of your cherished ones. Your sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.

Psa 17:15 As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.

Psa 18:1 By David the servant of Yahweh, who spoke to Yahweh the words of this song in the day that Yahweh delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said,>> I love you, Yahweh, my strength.

Psa 18:2 Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.

Psa 18:3 I call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised; and I am saved from my enemies.

Psa 18:4 The cords of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.

Psa 18:5 The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death came on me.

Psa 18:6 In my distress I called on Yahweh, and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry before him came into his ears.

Psa 18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations also of the mountains quaked and were shaken, because he was angry.

Psa 18:8 Smoke went out of his nostrils. Consuming fire came out of his mouth. Coals were kindled by it.

Psa 18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under his feet.

Psa 18:10 He rode on a cherub, and flew. Yes, he soared on the wings of the wind.

Psa 18:11 He made darkness his hiding place, his pavilion around him, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.

Psa 18:12 At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire.

Psa 18:13 Yahweh also thundered in the sky. The Most High uttered his voice: hailstones and coals of fire.

Psa 18:14 He sent out his arrows, and scattered them; Yes, great lightning bolts, and routed them.

Psa 18:15 Then the channels of waters appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.

Psa 18:16 He sent from on high. He took me. He drew me out of many waters.

Psa 18:17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me.

Psa 18:18 They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support.

Psa 18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me.

Psa 18:20 Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness. According to the cleanness of my hands has he recompensed me.

Psa 18:21 For I have kept the ways of Yahweh, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Psa 18:22 For all his ordinances were before me. I didn't put away his statutes from me.

Psa 18:23 I was also blameless with him. I kept myself from my iniquity.

Psa 18:24 Therefore Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

Psa 18:25 With the merciful you will show yourself merciful. With the perfect man, you will show yourself perfect.

Psa 18:26 With the pure, you will show yourself pure. With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd.

Psa 18:27 For you will save the afflicted people, but the haughty eyes you will bring down.

Psa 18:28 For you will light my lamp, Yahweh. My God will light up my darkness.

Psa 18:29 For by you, I advance through a troop. By my God, I leap over a wall.

Psa 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect. The word of Yahweh is tried. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.

Psa 18:31 For who is God, except Yahweh? Who is a rock, besides our God,

Psa 18:32 the God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect?

Psa 18:33 He makes my feet like deer's feet, and sets me on my high places.

Psa 18:34 He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.

Psa 18:35 You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand sustains me. Your gentleness has made me great.

Psa 18:36 You have enlarged my steps under me, My feet have not slipped.

Psa 18:37 I will pursue my enemies, and overtake them. Neither will I turn again until they are consumed.

Psa 18:38 I will strike them through, so that they will not be able to rise. They shall fall under my feet.

Psa 18:39 For you have girded me with strength to the battle. You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.

Psa 18:40 You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, that I might cut off those who hate me.

Psa 18:41 They cried, but there was none to save; even to Yahweh, but he didn't answer them.

Psa 18:42 Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind. I cast them out as the mire of the streets.

Psa 18:43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people. You have made me the head of the nations. A people whom I have not known shall serve me.

Psa 18:44 As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me. The foreigners shall submit themselves to me.

Psa 18:45 The foreigners shall fade away, and shall come trembling out of their close places.

Psa 18:46 Yahweh lives; and blessed be my rock. Exalted be the God of my salvation,

Psa 18:47 even the God who executes vengeance for me, and subdues peoples under me.

Psa 18:48 He rescues me from my enemies. Yes, you lift me up above those who rise up against me. You deliver me from the violent man.

Psa 18:49 Therefore I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, among the nations, and will sing praises to your name.

Psa 18:50 He gives great deliverance to his king, and shows loving kindness to his anointed, to David and to his seed, forevermore.

Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.

Psa 19:2 Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge.

Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Psa 19:4 Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,

Psa 19:5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.

Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, his circuit to its ends; There is nothing hidden from its heat.

Psa 19:7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.

Psa 19:8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psa 19:9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.

Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.

Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

Psa 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.

Psa 19:13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.

Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.

Aug. 30

Psalm 20-22

Psa 20:1 May Yahweh answer you in the day of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high,

Psa 20:2 send you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion,

Psa 20:3 remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah.

Psa 20:4 May He grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your counsel.

Psa 20:5 We will triumph in your salvation. In the name of our God, we will set up our banners. May Yahweh grant all your requests.

Psa 20:6 Now I know that Yahweh saves his anointed. He will answer him from his holy heaven, with the saving strength of his right hand.

Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust the name of Yahweh our God.

Psa 20:8 They are bowed down and fallen, but we rise up, and stand upright.

Psa 20:9 Save, Yahweh! Let the King answer us when we call!

Psa 21:1 The king rejoices in your strength, Yahweh! How greatly he rejoices in your salvation!

Psa 21:2 You have given him his heart's desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah.

Psa 21:3 For you meet him with the blessings of goodness. You set a crown of fine gold on his head.

Psa 21:4 He asked life of you, you gave it to him, even length of days forever and ever.

Psa 21:5 His glory is great in your salvation. You lay honor and majesty on him.

Psa 21:6 For you make him most blessed forever. You make him glad with joy in your presence.

Psa 21:7 For the king trusts in Yahweh. Through the loving kindness of the Most High, he shall not be moved.

Psa 21:8 Your hand will find out all of your enemies. Your right hand will find out those who hate you.

Psa 21:9 You will make them as a fiery furnace in the time of your anger. Yahweh will swallow them up in his wrath. The fire shall devour them.

Psa 21:10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from among the children of men.

Psa 21:11 For they intended evil against you. They plotted evil against you which cannot succeed.

Psa 21:12 For you will make them turn their back, when you aim drawn bows at their face.

Psa 21:13 Be exalted, Yahweh, in your strength, so we will sing and praise your power.

Psa 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?

Psa 22:2 My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don't answer; in the night season, and am not silent.

Psa 22:3 But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.

Psa 22:4 Our fathers trusted in you. They trusted, and you delivered them.

Psa 22:5 They cried to you, and were delivered. They trusted in you, and were not disappointed.

Psa 22:6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people.

Psa 22:7 All those who see me mock me. They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,

Psa 22:8 "He trusts in Yahweh; let him deliver him. Let him rescue him, since he delights in him."

Psa 22:9 But you brought me out of the womb. You made me trust at my mother's breasts.

Psa 22:10 I was thrown on you from my mother's womb. You are my God since my mother bore me.

Psa 22:11 Don't be far from me, for trouble is near. For there is none to help.

Psa 22:12 Many bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.

Psa 22:13 They open their mouths wide against me, lions tearing prey and roaring.

Psa 22:14 I am poured out like water. All my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax; it is melted within me.

Psa 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have brought me into the dust of death.

Psa 22:16 For dogs have surrounded me. A company of evildoers have enclosed me. They have pierced my hands and feet.

Psa 22:17 I can count all of my bones. They look and stare at me.

Psa 22:18 They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.

Psa 22:19 But don't be far off, Yahweh. You are my help: hurry to help me.

Psa 22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog.

Psa 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth! Yes, from the horns of the wild oxen, you have answered me.

Psa 22:22 I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the assembly, I will praise you.

Psa 22:23 You who fear Yahweh, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him! Stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel!

Psa 22:24 For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, Neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.

Psa 22:25 Of you comes my praise in the great assembly. I will pay my vows before those who fear him.

Psa 22:26 The humble shall eat and be satisfied. They shall praise Yahweh who seek after him. Let your hearts live forever.

Psa 22:27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to Yahweh. All the relatives of the nations shall worship before you.

Psa 22:28 For the kingdom is Yahweh's. He is the ruler over the nations.

Psa 22:29 All the rich ones of the earth shall eat and worship. All those who go down to the dust shall bow before him, even he who can't keep his soul alive.

Psa 22:30 Posterity shall serve him. Future generations shall be told about the Lord.

Psa 22:31 They shall come and shall declare his righteousness to a people that shall be born, for he has done it.

 

Aug. 28

Romans 9

Rom 9:1 I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit,

Rom 9:2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.

Rom 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers' sake, my relatives according to the flesh,

Rom 9:4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises;

Rom 9:5 of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.

Rom 9:6 But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel.

Rom 9:7 Neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children. But, "In Isaac will your seed be called."

Rom 9:8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as a seed.

Rom 9:9 For this is a word of promise, "At the appointed time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.

Rom 9:10 Not only so, but Rebecca also conceived by one, by our father Isaac.

Rom 9:11 For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,

Rom 9:12 it was said to her, "The elder will serve the younger."

Rom 9:13 Even as it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be!

Rom 9:15 For he said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.

Rom 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

Rom 9:18 So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.

Rom 9:19 You will say then to me, "Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?"

Rom 9:20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"

Rom 9:21 Or hasn't the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?

Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath made for destruction,

Rom 9:23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory,

Rom 9:24 us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles?

Rom 9:25 As he says also in Hosea, "I will call them 'my people,' which were not my people; and her 'beloved,' who was not beloved."

Rom 9:26 "It will be that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' There they will be called 'children of the living God.' "

Rom 9:27 Isaiah cries concerning Israel, "If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant who will be saved;

Rom 9:28 for He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth."

Rom 9:29 As Isaiah has said before, "Unless the Lord of Armies had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and would have been made like Gomorrah."

Rom 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn't follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith;

Rom 9:31 but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, didn't arrive at the law of righteousness.

Rom 9:32 Why? Because they didn't seek it by faith, but as it were by works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone;

Rom 9:33 even as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense; and no one who believes in him will be disappointed."

Aug. 29

Romans 10

Rom 10:1 Brothers, my heart's desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.

Rom 10:2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Rom 10:3 For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn't subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Rom 10:4 For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Rom 10:5 For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, "The one who does them will live by them."

Rom 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith says this, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down);

Rom 10:7 or, 'Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)"

Rom 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart;" that is, the word of faith, which we preach:

Rom 10:9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Rom 10:11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."

Rom 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.

Rom 10:13 For, "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Rom 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?

Rom 10:15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"

Rom 10:16 But they didn't all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"

Rom 10:17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Rom 10:18 But I say, didn't they hear? Yes, most certainly, "Their sound went out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

Rom 10:19 But I ask, didn't Israel know? First Moses says, "I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, with a nation void of understanding I will make you angry."

Rom 10:20 Isaiah is very bold, and says, "I was found by those who didn't seek me. I was revealed to those who didn't ask for me."

Rom 10:21 But as to Israel he says, "All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."

Aug. 30

Romans 11

Rom 11:1 I ask then, did God reject his people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Rom 11:2 God didn't reject his people, which he foreknew. Or don't you know what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he pleads with God against Israel:

Rom 11:3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have broken down your altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life."

Rom 11:4 But how does God answer him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal."

Rom 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

Rom 11:7 What then? That which Israel seeks for, that he didn't obtain, but the chosen ones obtained it, and the rest were hardened.

Rom 11:8 According as it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this very day."

Rom 11:9 David says, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, a stumbling block, and a retribution to them.

Rom 11:10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see. Bow down their back always."

Rom 11:11 I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.

Rom 11:12 Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?

Rom 11:13 For I speak to you who are Gentiles. Since then as I am an apostle to Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;

Rom 11:14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, and may save some of them.

Rom 11:15 For if the rejection of them is the reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, but life from the dead?

Rom 11:16 If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches.

Rom 11:17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree;

Rom 11:18 don't boast over the branches. But if you boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you.

Rom 11:19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in."

Rom 11:20 True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don't be conceited, but fear;

Rom 11:21 for if God didn't spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.

Rom 11:22 See then the goodness and severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

Rom 11:23 They also, if they don't continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

Rom 11:24 For if you were cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more will these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

Rom 11:25 For I don't desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won't be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,

Rom 11:26 and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written, "There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.

Rom 11:27 This is my covenant to them, when I will take away their sins."

Rom 11:28 Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sake.

Rom 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Rom 11:30 For as you in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,

Rom 11:31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy.

Rom 11:32 For God has shut up all to disobedience, that he might have mercy on all.

Rom 11:33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!

Rom 11:34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"

Rom 11:35 "Or who has first given to him, and it will be repaid to him again?"

Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.