A Lesson From the Sophists by Caleb Colley, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=3525

A Lesson From the Sophists

by	Caleb Colley, Ph.D.

The ancient Sophists occupied the period in Greek philosophical history just after the physical philosophers had posited various explanations concerning the substance of the material world (ca. 450 B.C. [Kahn, 2005]). Sophists are often dismissed as charlatans or hypocrites, and to some degree this charge is just. Our purpose here, however, is not to evaluate the Sophists’ project, but rather to learn a lesson from the circumstance in which the Sophists found themselves and from the major question they posed. As the answer to this question highlights the value of special revelation, it is relevant to Christian apologetics.

The earliest Greek philosophers (e.g., Thales, Anaximander, Democritus, etc.), had focused primarily on developing accounts of physical reality, asking “Of what is the world made?” However, social and political unrest demanded that philosophers move beyond the merely physical questions (i.e., questions about substance) in order to address spiritual and ethical issues. The traditional Greek religion, with its accompanying supernatural explanations for the phenomenal world, were being questioned. Likewise, traditional laws were being questioned (see Rogers, 1923, p. 45). As all citizens in Athens had the opportunity to participate directly as legislators, those who wanted to advance in politics desired special training in rhetoric for the purpose of learning to persuade audiences in the legal/political realm. The Sophists occupied themselves as teachers of rhetoric, among other topics. Consider the following summary:

The basis [of the Sophists’] work was apt to be rhetorical, but with the abler Sophists, this was broadened out to cover the field of an all-round and liberal culture. Any knowledge that was available of the workings of the human mind, of literature, history, language, or grammar, of the principles underlying the dialectic of argument, of the nature of virtue and justice, was clearly appropriate to the end in view.... Now all this seems innocent enough.... In reality, however, there were some grounds for...suspicion. On the practical side, merely, there always was a danger lest the Sophistic skill be prostituted to unsocial ends.... Apart, however, from such chances for abuse, which no doubt were often taken advantage of, there was a more fundamental reason for the popular distrust. The habit of unrestricted inquiry and discussion which was crystallized by the Sophistic movement, the free play of the mind over all subjects that interest men, meant the overthrow of much in the existing civilization.... (Rogers, pp. 42-43).

While some of the Sophists had high ideals (e.g., Protagoras [see Plato, 1997, pp. 746-790]), nonetheless the legacy of the Sophists is that of a general ethical relativism.

Greek culture was at a crossroads. At issue was whether the traditions of previous generations of society would be maintained, or the desires of each present individual would be accepted as his own standard. Should the individual or society take prominence? The Sophists, exposing at times the lack of rational support for tradition, essentially offered the solution of “Every man for himself.” In so doing, they posed the following philosophical question: Is man the measure of all things (as modern secular humanists allege; see Colley, 2007), or is there some external, objective standard to guide human action? Some philosophers, such as Socrates, were rightly concerned that any solution whatever be subjected to the test of human reason, and that the solution be applied to all humanity. Yet, even a Platonic solution, such as that presented in theRepublic, has aspects that are unsatisfactory to many (especially its communistic aspects [Plato, 1997, pp. 971-1223]).

This quandary is ancient, yet bears a strikingly current application. Our present culture is largely divided concerning the validity of divine authority and religious tradition. At least two lessons present themselves for the Christian apologist. The first, general lesson to be learned from this Greek predicament is that man needs divine guidance in order to flourish (Jeremiah 10:23). Anytime man rejects an objective standard concerning what is good, relativism threatens. “Someone who holds that nothing is simply good, but only good for someone or from a certain point of view, holds a relativist view of goodness,” and has invited revolution, as did the Greeks (Craig, 2005, p. 894). Yet, even a universally accepted standard, if not grounded in objective truth, is not desirable (it could happen to be philosophical pessimism, Nazism, etc.).

It is interesting to note that within a few generations of the Sophists, the greatest theophony Jesus Christ would appear, providing the way to human fulfillment and peace in the fullness of time (see John 10:10; 14:6; Galatians 4:4). The Greek-speaking world would be influenced heavily by Christianity, and many philosophers throughout the centuries would come to appreciate Christian principles, even developing philosophical systems involving biblical teaching (see Rogers, pp. 185ff.).

The second, specific lesson to be learned from the Greek situation during the Sophistical age is that Christianity provides grounds for perfect balance between emphasis upon the individual person and deference to his community. The individual is uniquely responsible for his own obedience and righteous lifestyle (Acts 2:40; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 11:6; Jude 21-23). The individual’s own rationality is central, but not for the purpose of originating religious truth. Rather, the individual uses his rationality to examine evidence for the validity of revealed truth, and to apply revelation properly. At the same time, he is divinely situated in the church, a community of believers who bear each others’ burdens (Philippians 2:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 John 4:7), exercise godly discipline (2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Peter 5:5), and appeal to a single standard for conduct (2 Samuel 22:31; Romans 10:13-17; Colossians 3:17). Christianity is not designed in such a way that its adherents exercise faith in isolation. No one Christian is more valuable or more important than another (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11).

CONCLUSION

The Bible contains the answers to philosophical questions—even those asked by the ancients. The Sophists indirectly raised the question of the degree to which such a source should be consulted when philosophers develop ethical and metaphysical arguments. To defend the affirmative answer is the task of the Christian apologist, who considers philosophy in light of divine revelation in order to develop the most effective response.

REFERENCES

Colley, Caleb (2007), “Secular Humanism and Evolution,”http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/3336.

Craig, Edward (2005), “Relativism,” in The Shorter Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, ed. Edward Craig (New York: Routledge).

Kahn, Charles H. (2005), “Sophists,” in The Shorter Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, ed. Edward Craig (New York: Routledge).

Rogers, Arthur Kenyon (1923), A Student’s History of Philosophy (New York: Macmillan).

Plato (1997), Complete Works, ed. John M. Cooper (Indianapolis, IN: Hackett).

A Critical Blunder In "Christianity for Blockheads" by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=2834

A Critical Blunder In "Christianity for Blockheads"

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Making the Bible and Christianity easier to understand for Christians and non-Christians is certainly a noble aspiration. Douglas Connelly and Martin Manser have attempted to do this very thing in their new book Christianity for Blockheads. There are many things this book gets right (e.g., God’s existence, Jesus’ divinity, the Bible’s inspiration, salvation being a free gift from God, etc.). Like so many denominational writers, however, Connelly and Manser have misled their readers regarding the Bible’s teaching on how to receive the gift of salvation.

In chapter eight, titled “Your Life’s Greatest Change: Salvation,” Connelly and Manser claim that the Bible associates faith and repentance with “the act of becoming a Christian” (p. 150), but “you are not delivered from sin’s penalty...because you were baptized” (p. 149). Non-Christians are instructed simply to say the “sinner’s prayer” in order to become a Christian (p. 151). But, the fact of the matter is, a non-Christian does not become a Christian merely by praying. Jesus made this clear in Mark 16:16 (cf. Matthew 7:21). Peter made this clear in Acts 2:38. Ananias made this clear in Acts 22:16. And Paul made this clear in Galatians 3:27. [NOTE: Ananias did not tell Paul that his sins were washed away when he spoke to Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:4-6), or when he fasted for three days (9:9), or when he prayed (9:11), but when he wasbaptized (22:16).]

In addition to faith and repentance, the New Testament teaches that one’s immersion in water also precedes salvation (not that H20 saves us, but that the blood of Jesus saves us [Revelation 1:5], when we are baptized). It is mentioned numerous times throughout the New Testament, and both Jesus and His disciples taught that it precedes salvation (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38). The apostle Paul’s sins were washed away only after he was immersed in water (Acts 22:16; cf. Acts 9:18). [NOTE: Even though it was on the road to Damascus that Paul heard the Lord, spoke to Him, and believed on Him (Acts 9), Paul did not receive salvation until he went into Damascus and was baptized.] The book of Acts is replete with examples of those who did not receive the gift of salvation until after they professed faith in Christ, repented of their sins, and were baptized (Acts 2:38-41; 8:12; 8:26-40; 10:34-48; 16:14-15; 16:30-34; 18:8). Furthermore, the epistles of Peter and Paul also call attention to the necessity of baptism (1 Peter 3:21; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:1-4). If a person wants the multitude of spiritual blessings found “in Christ” (e.g., salvation—2 Timothy 2:10; forgiveness—Ephesians 1:7; cf. Ephesians 2:12; etc.), he must not stop after confessing faith in the Lord Jesus, or after resolving within himself to turn from a sinful lifestyle. He also must be “baptized into Christ” (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3) “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).

Sadly, Christianity for Blockheads builds a roadblock to heaven. Unless readers of this cliff-note version of the New Testament return to the New Testament itself and let the Bible writings speak for themselves, those who read this book will remain ignorant of the final step one must take in order to have his or her sins forgiven. This is the final step Peter told the thousands on Pentecost to take (Acts 2:28), the final step that Ananias told Paul to take (Acts 22:16), and the step that saturates Luke’s account of the first 30 years of the church.

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:37-38, emp. added).

*For more information on what a non-Christian must do to become a Christian, please read our free e-book, Receiving the Gift of Salvation.

REFERENCES

Connelly, Douglas and Martin Manser (2009), Christianity for Blockheads (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan).

Lyons, Eric and Kyle Butt (no date), Receiving the Gift of Salvation (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).

Did Jesus Condone Law-breaking? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10&article=1276

Did Jesus Condone Law-breaking?

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

The Pharisees certainly did not think that the Son of God was beyond reproach. Following Jesus’ feeding of the four thousand, they came “testing” Him, asking Him to show them a sign from heaven (Matthew 16:1). Later in the gospel of Matthew (19:3ff.), the writer recorded how “the Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?’ ” It was their aim on this occasion, as on numerous other occasions, to entangle Jesus in His teachings by asking Him a potentially entrapping question—one that, if answered in a way that the Pharisees had anticipated, might bring upon Jesus the wrath of Herod Antipas (cf. Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29) and/or some of His fellow Jews (e.g., the school of Hillel, or the school of Shammai). A third time the Pharisees sought to “entangle Him in His talk” (Matthew 22:15) as they asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (22:17). The jealous and hypocritical Pharisees were so relentless in their efforts to destroy the Lord’s influence that on one occasion they even accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking the law as they “went through the grainfields on the Sabbath…were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat” (Matthew 12:1ff.). [NOTE: “Their knowledge of so trifling an incident shows how minutely they observed all his deeds” (Coffman, 1984, p. 165). The microscopic scrutiny under which Jesus lived, likely was even more relentless than what some “stars” experience today. In one sense, the Pharisees could be considered the “paparazzi” of Jesus’ day.] Allegedly, what the disciples were doing on this particular Sabbath was considered “work,” which the Law of Moses forbade (Matthew 12:2; cf. Exodus 20:9-10; 34:21).

Jesus responded to the criticism of the Pharisees by giving the truth of the matter, and at the same time revealing the Pharisees’ hypocrisy. As was somewhat customary for Jesus when being tested by His enemies (cf. Matthew 12:11-12; 15:3; 21:24-25; etc.), He responded to the Pharisees’ accusation with two questions. First, He asked: “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests?” (12:3-4). Jesus reminded the Pharisees of an event in the life of David (recorded in 1 Samuel 21:1ff.), where he and others, while fleeing from king Saul, ate of the showbread, which divine law restricted to the priests (Leviticus 24:5-9). Some commentators have unjustifiably concluded that Jesus was implying innocence on the part of David (and that God’s laws are subservient to human needs—cf. Zerr, 1952, 5:41; Dummelow, 1937, p. 666), and thus He was defending His disciples “lawless” actions with the same reasoning. Actually, however, just the opposite is true. Jesus explicitly stated that what David did was wrong (“not lawful”—12:4), and that what His disciples did was right—they were “guiltless” (12:7). Furthermore, as J.W. McGarvey observed: “If Christians may violate law when its observance would involve hardship or suffering, then there is an end to suffering for the name of Christ, and an end even of self-denial” (1875, p. 104). The disciples were not permitted by Jesus to break the law on this occasion (or any other) just because it was convenient (cf. Matthew 5:17-19). The Pharisees simply were wrong in their accusations. The only “law” Jesus’ disciples broke was the Pharisaical interpretation of the law (which seems to have been more sacred to the Pharisees than the law itself). In response to such hyper-legalism, Burton Coffman forcefully stated:

In the Pharisees’ view, the disciples were guilty of threshing wheat! Such pedantry, nit-picking, and magnification of trifles would also have made them guilty of irrigating land, if they had chanced to knock off a few drops of dew while passing through the fields! The Pharisees were out to “get” Jesus; and any charge was better than none (1984, p. 165, emp. added).

Jesus used the instruction of 1 Samuel 21 to get the Pharisees to recognize their insincerity, and to justify His disciples. David, a man about whom the Jews ever boasted, blatantly violated God’s law by eating the showbread, and yet the Pharisees justified him. On the other hand, Jesus’ disciples merely plucked some grain on the Sabbath while walking through a field, an act that the law did not forbid, and yet the Pharisees condemned them. Had the Pharisees not approved of David’s conduct, they could have responded by saying, “You judge yourself. You’re all sinners.” Their reaction to Jesus’ question, however, was that of hypocrites who had been exposed—silence.

Jesus then asked a second question, saying, “Have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?” (Matthew 12:5). Here, Jesus wanted the Pharisees to acknowledge that even the law itself condoned some work on the Sabbath day. Although the Pharisees acted as if all work was banned on this day, it was actually the busiest day of the week for priests.

They baked and changed the showbread; they performed sabbatical sacrifices (Num. xxviii. 9), and two lambs were killed on the sabbath in addition to the daily sacrifice. This involved the killing, skinning, and cleaning of the animals, and the building of the fire to consume the sacrifice. They also trimmed the gold lamps, burned incense, and performed various other duties (McGarvey, n.d., pp. 211-212).

One of those “other duties” would have been to circumcise young baby boys when the child’s eighth day fell on a Sabbath. The purpose of Jesus citing these “profane” priestly works was to prove that the Sabbath prohibition was not unconditional. [NOTE: Jesus used the term “profane,” not because there was a real desecration of the temple by the priests as they worked, but “to express what was true according to the mistaken notions of the Pharisees as to manual works performed on the Sabbath” (Bullinger, 1898, p. 676).] The truth is, the Sabbath law “did not forbid work absolutely, but labor for worldly gain. Activity in the work of God was both allowed and commanded” (McGarvey, n.d., p. 212). Coffman thus concluded: “Just as the priests served the temple on the Sabbath day and were guiltless, his [Jesus’—EL] disciples might also serve Christ, the Greater Temple, without incurring guilt” (p. 167). Just as the priests who served God in the temple on the Sabbath were totally within the law, so likewise were Jesus’ disciples as they served the “Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8), Whose holiness was greater than that of the temple (12:6).

REFERENCES

Bullinger, E.W. (1898), Figures of Speech Used in the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1968 reprint).

Coffman, Burton (1984), Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew (Abilene, TX: ACU Press).

Dummelow, J.R. (1937), One Volume Commentary (New York: MacMillan).

McGarvey, J.W. (n.d.), The Fourfold Gospel (Cincinnati, OH: Standard).

McGarvey, J.W. (1875), Commentary on Matthew and Mark (Delight AR: Gospel Light).

Zerr, E.M. (1952), Bible Commentary (Raytown, MO: Reprint Publications).

"Proof" that Does Not Prove by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=9&article=1249

"Proof" that Does Not Prove

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

The law of rationality insists that a person should accept only those propositions and ideas for which there is adequate evidence. This law of thought is so general and ubiquitous in its application that few people even realize they actually use it on a regular bases. For instance, if a man shows up at his office late for work with a torn shirt and a black eye, claiming that he was attacked by killer fairies from Sherwood Forest, the man’s boss does not have to think very long before reprimanding the tardy employee. On the other hand, if an employee shows up claiming to have been in a car accident, and he bolsters his claim with the evidence of a dent in his car and a police-written ticket verifying that an automobile accident occurred, then the boss most likely would believe the employee. We see, then, that the law of rationality is used by most people on a regular basis.

Sometimes, however, a certain idea or philosophy will present itself that does not have the adequate, verifiable evidence necessary to demand acceptance. Because of this lack of evidence, the proponents of this idea appeal to certain “proofs” that, on the surface, seem to be legitimate, but in reality are not evidence at all. For example, suppose that a salesman is selling medallions that are supposed to keep elephants away from the owner of such a medallion. And suppose that the salesman happens to be selling these amazing contraptions to the citizens of Alaska. When one suspicious customer asks if the medallions really work, the salesman replies, “Sure they work, you don’t see an elephant within 100 miles of here, do you?” Looking at the salesman’s statement, it is easy to see that something is amiss, but exactly what is it? In short, the salesman has committed a logical fallacy known as argumentum ad ignorantiam (argument from ignorance). The argument from ignorance basically says, “You cannot prove that my elephant medallions are not the reason why there are no elephants here.” The essence of this fallacy is the claim that a person accepts a proposition because it cannot be proven untrue. The problem with this line of reasoning is that it does not present any positive proof, therefore, in reality, it presents no proof (see Geisler and Brooks, 1990, pp. 95-96). The above example is just one of a plethora of logical fallacies—i.e., appeals to as proof that, in reality, offer no proof at all.

The primary logical fallacy with which the remainder of this article will deal is known asargumentum ad verencundiam (appeal to authority). This faulty line of reasoning suggests that a certain idea or proposition should be accepted because all the “authorities” accept it. And, while it is true that legitimate authorities can be trusted to supply real evidence, it is not true that a person should accept a conclusion solely because “an authority” says that such is the case, without that authority giving proper evidence for the conclusion (Geisler and Brooks, pp. 98-99).

One classic biblical example of a faulty appeal to authority is found in John 7. In verse 32, Jesus had defied the Jewish leaders to such an extent that they commissioned officers to take Him by force. The officers, however, after listening to Jesus teach boldly, returned to the chief priests and Pharisees without apprehending Jesus. When asked why they did not arrest Jesus, the officers stated: “No man ever spoke like this Man!” They were, in essence, making the argument that Jesus should not be arrested because He spoke things that no ordinary man could have known or spoken. Yet, instead of dealing with the actual evidence of the case (i.e., the things Jesus actually said), the Pharisees made a false appeal to authority when they said, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed” (vss. 47-49). Notice that the Pharisees did not expound on the parts of the law that Jesus allegedly was breaking, nor did they offer any rebuttal to Christ’s statements. Instead, they “proved” their argument by suggesting, “We know more than you and this ignorant crowd, therefore you should believe what we tell you, even without proper evidence.” After being made aware of the logical fallacy of an appeal to false authority, it is evident that these Jewish leaders were guilty of offering “proof ” that proved nothing.

Even today, the false appeal to authority is a common ploy used to bolster ideas or conclusions that lack sufficient evidence. This logical fallacy finds a welcome seat at the table of many books and papers that purport to “prove” the theory of organic evolution. The following sampling of statements goes a long way toward showing how this appeal to authority (without supporting evidence) is used in evolutionary circles.

• Richard Dawkins wrote: “It is absolutely safe to say that if you meet somebody who claims not to believe in evolution, that person is ignorant, stupid, or insane (or wicked, but I’d rather not consider that)” (1989, p. 34, parenthetical item in orig.).
• B.B. Vance and D.F. Miller quipped: “All reputable biologists have agreed that evolution of life on earth is an established fact” (1958, p. 520, emp. added).
• Richard Goldschmidt declared: “Evolution of the animal and plant world is considered by all those entitled to a judgment to be a fact for which no further proof is needed” (1952, p. 84, emp. added).

As one can see, statements that purport to show what all “reputable” biologists believe, or what all those “entitled to a judgment” say, are clearly designed to appeal to a sense of intellectual authority for which supporting evidence is not deemed necessary. In fact, J. Savage is on record as stating, “No serious biologist today doubts the fact of evolution.... The fact of evolution is amply clear. We do not need a listing of evidences to demonstrate the fact of evolution any more than we need to demonstrate the existence of mountain ranges” (1965, preface, emp. added).

Of course, showing that the “intellectually” elite sometimes use the logical fallacy of appealing to false authority in their attempt to prove evolution, does not disprove the theory of evolution. It does, however, manifest the fact that this “proof ” of the theory frequently is offered instead of actual evidence. Could it be that sufficient, verifiable evidence does not exist to prove rationally the theory of organic evolution. H.S. Lipson, an evolutionist himself, wrote: “In fact, evolution became in a sense a scientific religion; almost all scientists have accepted it and many are prepared to ‘bend’ their observations to fit in with it” (1980, p. 138). If many of today’s scientists maintain a belief in the theory of evolution because they have been taught that “serious,” “reputable,” educated scientists believe in evolution, is it not time to dismiss this false appeal to authority and go in search of actual evidence? If this ever happened on a grand scale, I believe that the bulk of scientists, like the officers of the Pharisees, would become increasingly skeptical of the establishment’s pseudo-evidence. In fact, with enough honesty and diligence, I believe they inevitably would arrive at creationism as presented in the Bible, declaring that, “No book ever spoke like this one.”

REFERENCES

Dawkins, Richard (1989), “Book Review” (of Donald Johanson and Maitland Edey’s Blueprint), The New York Times, April 9, section 7, p. 34.

Geisler, Norman L. and Ronald M. Brooks (1990), Come Let Us Reason: An Introduction to Logical Thinking (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker).

Goldschmidt, Richard (1952), American Scientist, 49:84.

Lipson, H.S. (1980), “A Physicist Looks at Evolution” Physics Bulletin, 31:138, May.

Savage, J. (1965), Evolution (New York: Holt, Rinehart, Winston).

Vance, B.B. and D.F. Miller (1958), Biology for You, (Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott).

A “Caring” and “Compassionate” Staff that Murders Children by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=1544

A “Caring” and “Compassionate” Staff that Murders Children

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Because abortion has been legal in this country for over 30 years, we often grow calloused and become desensitized to the heinous nature of the practice. In other articles on our Web site and in our journals, we have dealt with the sinful character of this barbaric action (see Miller, 2003). This brief article that you are reading has as its purpose to bring to the forefront of your mind the moral atrocity that plagues our society, so that we do not forget to take the morally acceptable actions within our power to stop this perverse practice.

In Montgomery, Alabama the capitol of the state and my residence for the last five years, the yellow pages offer at least 7 clinics in which an abortion can be obtained. One of those clinics is the Beacon’s Women Center, a division of Summit Medical Center. On their official Web site, they boast that they have a “Caring and Compassionate” staff, that understands the “unique needs of each patient,” and that offers a “comfortable, supportive and positive experience” (“About Summit Medical...,” 2004).

On the Beacon’s Women Center site, a link is provided to help a young woman understand the abortion procedures that are offered. One of those procedures is listed as a surgical abortion. The description for the procedure reads: “A surgical abortion or vacuum aspiration, is when a doctor, or other clinician, removes a pregnancy from the uterus. The doctor numbs the cervix with a local anesthetic...then removes the pregnancy with suction. It usually takes less than 5 minutes when you are early in the pregnancy” (“Abortion: Which...,” n.d.). Basically, then, a vacuum is inserted into the uterus and the unborn child is sucked out into the equivalent of a medical vacuum bag, and is discarded like dust from the carpet of the clinic—all this done by a “caring” and “compassionate” staff.

The Summit site also offers several testimonials from women who have undergone procedures at the clinic. One woman from Montgomery said: “My first impression was that I was secure and all was in order. The medical staff made me feel comfortable and were very friendly.” Another woman from Bridgeport, Connecticut wrote: “I felt comfortable and supported throughout.” A patient from Detroit, Michigan stated: “Everyone was very nice and helpful. Since I’ve had nobody by my side, you guys were my guardian angels” (“Patient Testimonials,” 2004, emp. added). Notice the underlying idea that runs through each of these testimonials: I felt comfortable, the staff was nice to me, I felt secure, I was protected. Where is the compassion for the unborn child? While the “caring” staff was sucking babies out of their mother’s wombs, what nurses or doctors were the babies’ “guardian angels?” Where was the support and comfort that those innocent babies deserve as human beings? Who was responsible for making the experience of the unborn baby a “comfortable, supportive, and positive one?”

It is a shame to the city of Montgomery, and to our society as a whole, that people who aid and assist in the slaughter of unborn children are labeled as “caring and compassionate.” It is further testimony to the moral desensitivity of our nation when mothers who allow their children to be vacuumed out of their wombs praise the murderers who did the procedure because the mothersfelt secure, comfortable, and protected, with total disregard for the innocent life of their child.

We are killing over one million babies every year in our country, vacuuming most of them out of the womb in a procedure that would make many of the things the Nazis did to the Jews look “caring and compassionate.” And yet, we claim to be a people who want freedom and justice for all. When will we see the truth that our hands as a nation are dripping with the blood of innocent children? When will we wake up and take a long look in the mirror to see that we are killing more of our own than are being killed by terrorists, AIDS, war, or drugs? We must recognize that abortion is brutal, barbaric murder, and that those who practice it, or aid in its practice, are murderers who fall directly under God’s condemnation (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). We must open our ears to the cries of the murdered children, who must surely be echoing the sentiments of those martyrs in Revelation: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (6:10). Let us open our national ears to heed the warning made by Jesus: “[U]nless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5).

REFERENCES

“Abortion: Which Method Is Right For Me?” (no date), [On-line], URL: http://www.pregnancyoptions.info/whichmethod.htm.

“About Summit Medical Centers” (2004), [On-line], URL: http://www.summitcenters.com/aboutus.htm.

Miller, Dave (2003), “Abortion and the Bible,” [On-line], URL:http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/1964.

“Patient Testimonials” (2004), [On-line], URL: http://www.summitcenters.com/testimonials.htm.

Who, Exactly, Asked the Question? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=342&b=Luke

Who, Exactly, Asked the Question?

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Q:

Why does Matthew 9:14 say that the disciples of John asked Jesus about fasting, while Luke 5 indicates that the Pharisees and their scribes asked Jesus this question? Isn’t this a contradiction?

A:

Indeed, Matthew specifically mentioned that “the disciples of John came to Him [Jesus], saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?’” (9:14, emp. added). It also is true that Luke refers to “the Pharisees and their scribes” (5:30,33, NASB, emp. added) as asking the question. But, the fact that two different Bible writers indicated that different groups of people asked Jesus the same question is not proof of biblical errancy.

Consider how often we make similar statements. Suppose that several students in a classroom ask a teacher why she is not married. Later, the teacher may report to Jimmy’s parents that he asked why she is single. On another occasion, the teacher may inform Ricky’s parents that he asked the same question. Has the teacher lied? Not at all. In truth, both Jimmy and Ricky, along with several other students, asked about the teacher’s marital status. Depending on the setting, the teacher may rightfully choose only to mention one who asked the question, or she may decide to name every student who inquired about her private life.

Just as someone would be unjustified in alleging that the aforementioned teacher was a liar because in one setting she stated that Jimmy asked the question, and in another setting she mentioned that it was Ricky, a person would be equally unjustified in accusing Matthew and/or Luke of being mistaken. Did the disciples of John ask Jesus why His disciples were not fasting? Yes. Did the Pharisees and their scribes ask Jesus virtually the same question? Yes. What’s more, when Mark addressed this subject in his gospel account, he mentioned how “the disciples of John and of the Pharisees...came and said to Him, ‘Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?’” (Mark 2:18).

Though it may appear at first glance that Matthew and John are in conflict, both accounts are correct. “Each tells the truth, but each tells only a part of what was true, and we get at the whole truth by putting both of their statements together as one. This circumstance furnishes a key to the reconciliation of the different writers in many other places where there is an appearance of discrepancy” (McGarvey, 1875, p. 276; cf. Lyons, 2005).

REFERENCES

Lyons, Eric (2005), “Extra, Extra, Read All About It!” [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2772.

McGarvey, J.W. (1875), Commentary on Matthew and Mark (Delight, AR: Gospel Light).

“Let us walk in the light of the LORD” Isaiah 2:5 Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/lampuk.html

“Let us walk in the light of the LORD”
Isaiah 2:5

What if you had to find your way alone in a dark forest at night without any light? What would you think of someone who had a light, but failed to use it? In the spiritual realm that is what most people do.

We need the light of God’s word.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my pathway” (Psalm 119:105 ISV).
Deep darkness covered the earth until God said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). The Creator of physical light is also the source of spiritual light. “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me” (Psalm 43:3).
We need the light of God’s word to guide our steps along a safe path in a dark and dangerous world. Without this light we cannot find the good way.
Jesus, the Word of God (John 1:14), is “the true light, who gives light to everyone” (John 1:9 NET). He said: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Millions walk in spiritual darkness.
It is sad that most people make no use of this “light of life.” They are like people driving their car at night without turning the headlights on.
And what about someone who goes into a forest at night, takes a light, but without batteries? These are people who have a Bible, but never read it. Of what value is a lamp without oil or a pocket light without batteries?
For a long walk, we need spare batteries!
Jesus told about ten virgins who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). Five were wise. They had extra oil. Five were foolish. They had oil in their lamps, but no reserves. As the bridegroom approached, their lamps started flickering out. These people have some light from God’s word but not enough.


The light of life must enlighten our heart.
The word of God must dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16).
Before the word can reside in our heart it must enter our mind through our eyes and ears. We do not have a slot for a Bible memory card on the top of our head. To have God’s word in our heart we must listen to the word being preached, participate in Bible studies, and read the Scriptures. Human memory must be refreshed and strengthened by repetition.
We must know what the Bible says, but that is not sufficient. We must also understand the word of God. His word must enlighten the eyes of our understanding (Ephesians 1:17, 18).

We must walk in the light (1 John 1:6, 7).
This spiritual enlightenment must guide our lives: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:16, 17).
When we walk in the light we do everything “in the name of the Lord” which means “under His authority.” 
Some people misuse this passage. They think they can do whatever they want as long as they say they are doing it in the name of the Lord! But Jesus warned: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
To be done in the name of the Lord, our words and deeds must be based on the word of God! That is why His word must dwell in us richly, so we can know what to do and what to say! Only then can we walk in the light and do all in the name of the Lord.
To walk in the light, we need a good supply of extra oil! God’s word must dwell in us richly and that word must guide our lives.

“We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

By heeding this word, we follow Christ “the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). We follow His example “by patient continuance in doing good” (Romans 2:7).
When we walk in the light we follow God’s pattern for our lives. Paul charged Timothy: “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me” (2 Timothy 1:13). 
A pattern is a binding example. What happens if a pattern is not followed carefully? If someone cuts out a dress haphazardly, without closely following the pattern, it will not be a presentable dress.
In explaining salvation by grace to the saints at Rome, Paul said: “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered” (Romans 6:17).
The word translated “form” has the basic meaning of “mould” and refers to the prescribed form or pattern of something.
Thus, God has subjected us to a prescribed form of doctrine that we must gladly obey.
To walk in the light we must follow God’s pattern for our lives. The light does not follow us, we must follow the light. We must walk in the light!

We must avoid darkness.
To walk in the light we must refrain from walking where there is no light! What if we leave the well-lit pathway and wander off in the dark?
To walk in the light we must enter the small gate and stay on the narrow path: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13, 14 NASB).
Avoiding darkness involves the daily choices of our lives. It is not stepping into the darkness of sinful ways, being careful what we allow our eyes to see, what TV shows we watch, what websites we visit, what books we read, what words we speak, what thoughts we nourish. Such choices determine whether we are walking in the light where God is or in the darkness where Satan is.
Avoiding darkness also requires the avoidance of religious practices that God has not prescribed.
Paul wanted the Corinthians to learn “not to go beyond what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6 NET). “Any one who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God” (2 John 9 RSV). In Isaiah 8:20 we read: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Peter commanded: “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). 
What we do and say, both religiously and in our daily lives, must be based on the word of God. Otherwise we are walking where the light is not shining.

The blind cannot see the light.
Light has no value for someone who is blind. He cannot recognize light and he does not benefit from light.
This also applies to the spiritually blind. Jesus said of the hypocritical religious leaders of His time: “Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:14).
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (words of Jesus in Matthew 6:22, 23).
Rather than having the eyes of their understanding enlightened (Ephesians 1:18), the spiritually blind have “their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:17, 18).
Spiritual blindness can result from hatred. John warns: “But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:11). Eyes that lack love are blind to the light of God’s word.
Spiritual blindness can result from rebelliousness. Ezekiel was told: “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 12:2).
The eyes of the rebellious are blind to the light of God’s word. Rebellious people do not want to submit to the authority of God.
Rebellion is a fundamental cause of the apostasy of Christendom. Denominations are rebellious. They walk in darkness because they do not submit to God’s word. They do many things that are not prescribed in the New Testament - even things that are specifically forbidden, and they neglect to do what is prescribed. They just do what they want to do, or follow their own traditions.
People who do not want to practice the truth shun the light: “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (John 3:19-21).
They who are spiritually blind because of hatred, rebelliousness, or rejection of the truth cannot see the light.

What have we learned?
We need the light of God’s word. His word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Millions walk in spiritual darkness. The light of life must enlighten our heart. To walk in the light, we must know the Scriptures, understand the word, and do the will of God. We follow Jesus Christ, the light of the world. We do not walk where there is no light. The spiritually blind cannot see the light.

They who walk in the light have fellowship with God.
“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7).
“Let us walk in the light of the Lord!” (Isaiah 2:5). Amen.
Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

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

Bible Reading August 19, 20, 21 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading August 19, 20, 21 (WEB)

Aug. 19

Job 13-16

Job 13:1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it.

Job 13:2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.

Job 13:3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God.

Job 13:4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.

Job 13:5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.

Job 13:6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.

Job 13:7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him?

Job 13:8 Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God?

Job 13:9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him?

Job 13:10 He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality.

Job 13:11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you?

Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.

Job 13:13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.

Job 13:14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?

Job 13:15 Behold, he will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him.

Job 13:16 This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him.

Job 13:17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.

Job 13:18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.

Job 13:19 Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.

Job 13:20 "Only don't do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face:

Job 13:21 withdraw your hand far from me; and don't let your terror make me afraid.

Job 13:22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.

Job 13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin.

Job 13:24 Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy?

Job 13:25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?

Job 13:26 For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:

Job 13:27 You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet,

Job 13:28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Job 14:1 "Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.

Job 14:2 He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn't continue.

Job 14:3 Do you open your eyes on such a one, and bring me into judgment with you?

Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one.

Job 14:5 Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his bounds that he can't pass;

Job 14:6 Look away from him, that he may rest, until he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day.

Job 14:7 "For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, that the tender branch of it will not cease.

Job 14:8 Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground,

Job 14:9 yet through the scent of water it will bud, and put forth boughs like a plant.

Job 14:10 But man dies, and is laid low. Yes, man gives up the spirit, and where is he?

Job 14:11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the river wastes and dries up,

Job 14:12 so man lies down and doesn't rise. Until the heavens are no more, they shall not awake, nor be roused out of their sleep.

Job 14:13 "Oh that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would keep me secret, until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!

Job 14:14 If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my warfare would I wait, until my release should come.

Job 14:15 You would call, and I would answer you. You would have a desire to the work of your hands.

Job 14:16 But now you number my steps. Don't you watch over my sin?

Job 14:17 My disobedience is sealed up in a bag. You fasten up my iniquity.

Job 14:18 "But the mountain falling comes to nothing. The rock is removed out of its place;

Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones. The torrents of it wash away the dust of the earth. So you destroy the hope of man.

Job 14:20 You forever prevail against him, and he departs. You change his face, and send him away.

Job 14:21 His sons come to honor, and he doesn't know it. They are brought low, but he doesn't perceive it of them.

Job 14:22 But his flesh on him has pain, and his soul within him mourns."

Job 15:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

Job 15:2 "Should a wise man answer with vain knowledge, and fill himself with the east wind?

Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good?

Job 15:4 Yes, you do away with fear, and hinder devotion before God.

Job 15:5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.

Job 15:6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you.

Job 15:7 "Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills?

Job 15:8 Have you heard the secret counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?

Job 15:9 What do you know, that we don't know? What do you understand, which is not in us?

Job 15:10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, much elder than your father.

Job 15:11 Are the consolations of God too small for you, even the word that is gentle toward you?

Job 15:12 Why does your heart carry you away? Why do your eyes flash,

Job 15:13 That you turn your spirit against God, and let such words go out of your mouth?

Job 15:14 What is man, that he should be clean? What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

Job 15:15 Behold, he puts no trust in his holy ones. Yes, the heavens are not clean in his sight;

Job 15:16 how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!

Job 15:17 "I will show you, listen to me; that which I have seen I will declare:

Job 15:18 (Which wise men have told by their fathers, and have not hidden it;

Job 15:19 to whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them):

Job 15:20 the wicked man writhes in pain all his days, even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.

Job 15:21 A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.

Job 15:22 He doesn't believe that he shall return out of darkness. He is waited for by the sword.

Job 15:23 He wanders abroad for bread, saying, 'Where is it?' He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

Job 15:24 Distress and anguish make him afraid. They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God, and behaves himself proudly against the Almighty;

Job 15:26 he runs at him with a stiff neck, with the thick shields of his bucklers;

Job 15:27 because he has covered his face with his fatness, and gathered fat on his thighs.

Job 15:28 He has lived in desolate cities, in houses which no one inhabited, which were ready to become heaps.

Job 15:29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth.

Job 15:30 He shall not depart out of darkness. The flame shall dry up his branches. By the breath of God's mouth shall he go away.

Job 15:31 Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself; for emptiness shall be his reward.

Job 15:32 It shall be accomplished before his time. His branch shall not be green.

Job 15:33 He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive tree.

Job 15:34 For the company of the godless shall be barren, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery.

Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. Their heart prepares deceit."

Job 16:1 Then Job answered,

Job 16:2 "I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!

Job 16:3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?

Job 16:4 I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you,

Job 16:5 but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.

Job 16:6 "Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?

Job 16:7 But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company.

Job 16:8 You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.

Job 16:9 He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.

Job 16:10 They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.

Job 16:11 God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.

Job 16:12 I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target.

Job 16:13 His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground.

Job 16:14 He breaks me with breach on breach. He runs on me like a giant.

Job 16:15 I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust.

Job 16:16 My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids.

Job 16:17 Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.

Job 16:18 "Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest.

Job 16:19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.

Job 16:20 My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,

Job 16:21 that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor!

Job 16:22 For when a few years are come, I shall go the way from whence I shall not return.

Aug. 20

Job 17-19

Job 17:1 "My spirit is consumed. My days are extinct, And the grave is ready for me.

Job 17:2 Surely there are mockers with me. My eye dwells on their provocation.

Job 17:3 "Now give a pledge, be collateral for me with yourself. Who is there who will strike hands with me?

Job 17:4 For you have hidden their heart from understanding, Therefore you shall not exalt them.

Job 17:5 He who denounces his friends for a prey, Even the eyes of his children shall fail.

Job 17:6 "But he has made me a byword of the people. They spit in my face.

Job 17:7 My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow. All my members are as a shadow.

Job 17:8 Upright men shall be astonished at this. The innocent shall stir up himself against the godless.

Job 17:9 Yet shall the righteous hold on his way. He who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.

Job 17:10 But as for you all, come on now again; I shall not find a wise man among you.

Job 17:11 My days are past, my plans are broken off, as are the thoughts of my heart.

Job 17:12 They change the night into day, saying 'The light is near' in the presence of darkness.

Job 17:13 If I look for Sheol as my house, if I have spread my couch in the darkness,

Job 17:14 If I have said to corruption, 'You are my father;' to the worm, 'My mother,' and 'my sister;'

Job 17:15 where then is my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?

Job 17:16 Shall it go down with me to the gates of Sheol, or descend together into the dust?"

Job 18:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

Job 18:2 "How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and afterwards we will speak.

Job 18:3 Why are we counted as animals, which have become unclean in your sight?

Job 18:4 You who tear yourself in your anger, shall the earth be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed out of its place?

Job 18:5 "Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, The spark of his fire shall not shine.

Job 18:6 The light shall be dark in his tent. His lamp above him shall be put out.

Job 18:7 The steps of his strength shall be shortened. His own counsel shall cast him down.

Job 18:8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he wanders into its mesh.

Job 18:9 A snare will take him by the heel. A trap will catch him.

Job 18:10 A noose is hidden for him in the ground, a trap for him in the way.

Job 18:11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall chase him at his heels.

Job 18:12 His strength shall be famished. Calamity shall be ready at his side.

Job 18:13 The members of his body shall be devoured. The firstborn of death shall devour his members.

Job 18:14 He shall be rooted out of his tent where he trusts. He shall be brought to the king of terrors.

Job 18:15 There shall dwell in his tent that which is none of his. Sulfur shall be scattered on his habitation.

Job 18:16 His roots shall be dried up beneath. Above shall his branch be cut off.

Job 18:17 His memory shall perish from the earth. He shall have no name in the street.

Job 18:18 He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.

Job 18:19 He shall have neither son nor grandson among his people, nor any remaining where he sojourned.

Job 18:20 Those who come after shall be astonished at his day, as those who went before were frightened.

Job 18:21 Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous. This is the place of him who doesn't know God."

Job 19:1 Then Job answered,

Job 19:2 "How long will you torment me, and crush me with words?

Job 19:3 You have reproached me ten times. You aren't ashamed that you attack me.

Job 19:4 If it is true that I have erred, my error remains with myself.

Job 19:5 If indeed you will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach;

Job 19:6 know now that God has subverted me, and has surrounded me with his net.

Job 19:7 "Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard. I cry for help, but there is no justice.

Job 19:8 He has walled up my way so that I can't pass, and has set darkness in my paths.

Job 19:9 He has stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.

Job 19:10 He has broken me down on every side, and I am gone. My hope he has plucked up like a tree.

Job 19:11 He has also kindled his wrath against me. He counts me among his adversaries.

Job 19:12 His troops come on together, build a siege ramp against me, and encamp around my tent.

Job 19:13 "He has put my brothers far from me. My acquaintances are wholly estranged from me.

Job 19:14 My relatives have gone away. My familiar friends have forgotten me.

Job 19:15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maids, count me for a stranger. I am an alien in their sight.

Job 19:16 I call to my servant, and he gives me no answer. I beg him with my mouth.

Job 19:17 My breath is offensive to my wife. I am loathsome to the children of my own mother.

Job 19:18 Even young children despise me. If I arise, they speak against me.

Job 19:19 All my familiar friends abhor me. They whom I loved have turned against me.

Job 19:20 My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh. I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.

Job 19:21 "Have pity on me, have pity on me, you my friends; for the hand of God has touched me.

Job 19:22 Why do you persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

Job 19:23 "Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book!

Job 19:24 That with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever!

Job 19:25 But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth.

Job 19:26 After my skin is destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God,

Job 19:27 Whom I, even I, shall see on my side. My eyes shall see, and not as a stranger. "My heart is consumed within me.

Job 19:28 If you say, 'How we will persecute him!' because the root of the matter is found in me,

Job 19:29 be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."

Aug. 21

Job 20-23

Job 20:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,

Job 20:2 "Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.

Job 20:3 I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.

Job 20:4 Don't you know this from old time, since man was placed on earth,

Job 20:5 that the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless but for a moment?

Job 20:6 Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds,

Job 20:7 yet he shall perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him shall say, 'Where is he?'

Job 20:8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found. Yes, he shall be chased away like a vision of the night.

Job 20:9 The eye which saw him shall see him no more, neither shall his place any more see him.

Job 20:10 His children shall seek the favor of the poor. His hands shall give back his wealth.

Job 20:11 His bones are full of his youth, but youth shall lie down with him in the dust.

Job 20:12 "Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue,

Job 20:13 though he spare it, and will not let it go, but keep it still within his mouth;

Job 20:14 yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is cobra venom within him.

Job 20:15 He has swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again. God will cast them out of his belly.

Job 20:16 He shall suck cobra venom. The viper's tongue shall kill him.

Job 20:17 He shall not look at the rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter.

Job 20:18 That for which he labored he shall restore, and shall not swallow it down. According to the substance that he has gotten, he shall not rejoice.

Job 20:19 For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor. He has violently taken away a house, and he shall not build it up.

Job 20:20 "Because he knew no quietness within him, he shall not save anything of that in which he delights.

Job 20:21 There was nothing left that he didn't devour, therefore his prosperity shall not endure.

Job 20:22 In the fullness of his sufficiency, distress shall overtake him. The hand of everyone who is in misery shall come on him.

Job 20:23 When he is about to fill his belly, God will cast the fierceness of his wrath on him. It will rain on him while he is eating.

Job 20:24 He shall flee from the iron weapon. The bronze arrow shall strike him through.

Job 20:25 He draws it forth, and it comes out of his body. Yes, the glittering point comes out of his liver. Terrors are on him.

Job 20:26 All darkness is laid up for his treasures. An unfanned fire shall devour him. It shall consume that which is left in his tent.

Job 20:27 The heavens shall reveal his iniquity. The earth shall rise up against him.

Job 20:28 The increase of his house shall depart. They shall rush away in the day of his wrath.

Job 20:29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God, the heritage appointed to him by God."

Job 21:1 Then Job answered,

Job 21:2 "Listen diligently to my speech. Let this be your consolation.

Job 21:3 Allow me, and I also will speak; After I have spoken, mock on.

Job 21:4 As for me, is my complaint to man? Why shouldn't I be impatient?

Job 21:5 Look at me, and be astonished. Lay your hand on your mouth.

Job 21:6 When I remember, I am troubled. Horror takes hold of my flesh.

Job 21:7 "Why do the wicked live, become old, yes, and grow mighty in power?

Job 21:8 Their child is established with them in their sight, their offspring before their eyes.

Job 21:9 Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.

Job 21:10 Their bulls breed without fail. Their cows calve, and don't miscarry.

Job 21:11 They send forth their little ones like a flock. Their children dance.

Job 21:12 They sing to the tambourine and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.

Job 21:13 They spend their days in prosperity. In an instant they go down to Sheol.

Job 21:14 They tell God, 'Depart from us, for we don't want to know about your ways.

Job 21:15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What profit should we have, if we pray to him?'

Job 21:16 Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Job 21:17 "How often is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out, that their calamity comes on them, that God distributes sorrows in his anger?

Job 21:18 How often is it that they are as stubble before the wind, as chaff that the storm carries away?

Job 21:19 You say, 'God lays up his iniquity for his children.' Let him recompense it to himself, that he may know it.

Job 21:20 Let his own eyes see his destruction. Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

Job 21:21 For what does he care for his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off?

Job 21:22 "Shall any teach God knowledge, seeing he judges those who are high?

Job 21:23 One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

Job 21:24 His pails are full of milk. The marrow of his bones is moistened.

Job 21:25 Another dies in bitterness of soul, and never tastes of good.

Job 21:26 They lie down alike in the dust. The worm covers them.

Job 21:27 "Behold, I know your thoughts, the devices with which you would wrong me.

Job 21:28 For you say, 'Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?'

Job 21:29 Haven't you asked wayfaring men? Don't you know their evidences,

Job 21:30 that the evil man is reserved to the day of calamity, That they are led forth to the day of wrath?

Job 21:31 Who shall declare his way to his face? Who shall repay him what he has done?

Job 21:32 Yet he will be borne to the grave. Men shall keep watch over the tomb.

Job 21:33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet to him. All men shall draw after him, as there were innumerable before him.

Job 21:34 So how can you comfort me with nonsense, seeing that in your answers there remains only falsehood?"

Job 22:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

Job 22:2 "Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.

Job 22:3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that you are righteous? Or does it benefit him, that you make your ways perfect?

Job 22:4 Is it for your piety that he reproves you, that he enters with you into judgment?

Job 22:5 Isn't your wickedness great? Neither is there any end to your iniquities.

Job 22:6 For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

Job 22:7 You haven't given water to the weary to drink, and you have withheld bread from the hungry.

Job 22:8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth. The honorable man, he lived in it.

Job 22:9 You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

Job 22:10 Therefore snares are around you. Sudden fear troubles you,

Job 22:11 or darkness, so that you can not see, and floods of waters cover you.

Job 22:12 "Isn't God in the heights of heaven? See the height of the stars, how high they are!

Job 22:13 You say, 'What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness?

Job 22:14 Thick clouds are a covering to him, so that he doesn't see. He walks on the vault of the sky.'

Job 22:15 Will you keep the old way, which wicked men have trodden,

Job 22:16 who were snatched away before their time, whose foundation was poured out as a stream,

Job 22:17 who said to God, 'Depart from us;' and, 'What can the Almighty do for us?'

Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things, but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Job 22:19 The righteous see it, and are glad. The innocent ridicule them,

Job 22:20 saying, 'Surely those who rose up against us are cut off. The fire has consumed the remnant of them.'

Job 22:21 "Acquaint yourself with him, now, and be at peace. Thereby good shall come to you.

Job 22:22 Please receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.

Job 22:23 If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up, if you put away unrighteousness far from your tents.

Job 22:24 Lay your treasure in the dust, the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks.

Job 22:25 The Almighty will be your treasure, and precious silver to you.

Job 22:26 For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty, and shall lift up your face to God.

Job 22:27 You shall make your prayer to him, and he will hear you. You shall pay your vows.

Job 22:28 You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established to you. Light shall shine on your ways.

Job 22:29 When they cast down, you shall say, 'be lifted up.' He will save the humble person.

Job 22:30 He will even deliver him who is not innocent. Yes, he shall be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."

Job 23:1 Then Job answered,

Job 23:2 "Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

Job 23:4 I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

Job 23:5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.

Job 23:6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.

Job 23:7 There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

Job 23:8 "If I go east, he is not there; if west, I can't find him;

Job 23:9 He works to the north, but I can't see him. He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him.

Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.

Job 23:11 My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned aside.

Job 23:12 I haven't gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Job 23:13 But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.

Job 23:14 For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.

Job 23:15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.

Job 23:16 For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.

Job 23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.

Aug. 19

Acts 28

Act 28:1 When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.

Act 28:2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Act 28:3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Act 28:4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live."

Act 28:5 However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed.

Act 28:6 But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

Act 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.

Act 28:8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.

Act 28:9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.

Act 28:10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.

Act 28:11 After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was "The Twin Brothers."

Act 28:12 Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.

Act 28:13 From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,

Act 28:14 where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.

Act 28:15 From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.

Act 28:16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Act 28:17 It happened that after three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, "I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,

Act 28:18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.

Act 28:19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.

Act 28:20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."

Act 28:21 They said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you.

Act 28:22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."

Act 28:23 When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.

Act 28:24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

Act 28:25 When they didn't agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah, the prophet, to our fathers,

Act 28:26 saying, 'Go to this people, and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.

Act 28:27 For this people's heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, and I would heal them.'

Act 28:28 "Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations. They will also listen."

Act 28:29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

Act 28:30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him,

Act 28:31 preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.

Aug. 20

Romans 1

Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God,

Rom 1:2 which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,

Rom 1:3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

Rom 1:4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

Rom 1:5 through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name's sake;

Rom 1:6 among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;

Rom 1:7 to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers,

Rom 1:10 requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you.

Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established;

Rom 1:12 that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.

Rom 1:13 Now I don't desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish.

Rom 1:15 So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.

Rom 1:17 For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith."

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Rom 1:19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.

Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.

Rom 1:21 Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.

Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Rom 1:23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.

Rom 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves,

Rom 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Rom 1:26 For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature.

Rom 1:27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.

Rom 1:28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Rom 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,

Rom 1:30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;

Rom 1:32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.

Aug. 21

Romans 2

Rom 2:1 Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.

Rom 2:2 We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

Rom 2:3 Do you think this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Rom 2:5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God;

Rom 2:6 who "will pay back to everyone according to their works:"

Rom 2:7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;

Rom 2:8 but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation,

Rom 2:9 oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Rom 2:10 But glory, honor, and peace go to every man who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Rom 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.

Rom 2:13 For it isn't the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified

Rom 2:14 (for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves,

Rom 2:15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)

Rom 2:16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ.

Rom 2:17 Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, and rest on the law, and glory in God,

Rom 2:18 and know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,

Rom 2:19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

Rom 2:20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth.

Rom 2:21 You therefore who teach another, don't you teach yourself? You who preach that a man shouldn't steal, do you steal?

Rom 2:22 You who say a man shouldn't commit adultery. Do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

Rom 2:23 You who glory in the law, through your disobedience of the law do you dishonor God?

Rom 2:24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," just as it is written.

Rom 2:25 For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Rom 2:26 If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won't his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision?

Rom 2:27 Won't the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law?

Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh;

Rom 2:29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.