Appendix Not Useless, But Evolution Is by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

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Appendix Not Useless, But Evolution Is

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

In this month’s Reason & Revelation, Dr. Houts explains that for several decades now, evolutionists have been using various worn out, disproven lines of reasoning in an attempt to bolster their increasingly fragile theory of common descent for all organisms. One of these outmoded tactics is the idea that the human body contains leftover, virtually useless vestiges that once, in our early ancestors, were vibrant organs necessary for survival. In fact, in the late 1800s, evolutionary scientists believed that the human body supported more than 180 such organs.
These “useless” vestiges of evolution, however, turned out to be nothing of the sort. Dr. Houts noted that these organs were “useless” only in the sense that scientists and medical doctors were ignorant of their functions. As the medical community applied more research to the human body, the list quickly dwindled to a tiny fraction of the original number. Today, there is not a single organ that scientists can accurately and confidently proclaim to be a useless vestige of evolution. This realization, however, has not yet trickled down to the popularizers of evolution.
Live Science posts several “Top 10” articles that give the alleged Top 10 items in a given category. For example, there is a list of the “Top 10 Killer Tornadoes” and another of the “Top 10 Ways to Destroy Earth.” One of their lists is titled, “Top 10 Useless Limbs (and Other Vestigial Organs)” (Miller, 2007). Listed as number one in that article is the human appendix. Concerning the appendix, Miller wrote: “Biologists believe it is a vestigial organ left behind from a plant-eating ancestor” (2007). He then reiterated ideas that Alfred Romer penned in 1949, stating “that the major importance of the appendix would appear to be financial support of the surgical profession, referring to, of course, the large number of appendectomies performed annually” (2007).
As one would expect if God designed the human body, aspects of the body would exist that our finite human minds could assess only after years of intense research. Such is the case with the appendix. Elsewhere in this issue of R&R, Dr. Houts notes several functions and uses already known for the appendix. A recent article published in Theoretical Biology, however, adds another interesting function to the appendix’s increasing workload. Researchers from Duke University believe they have stumbled upon another reason humans have an appendix, and it is not because it is an evolutionary leftover (Borenstein, 2007).
Human digestion requires huge amounts of beneficial bacteria. Certain illnesses, however, destroy or remove both good and bad bacteria from the intestines. In order for digestion to continue, cultures of the good bacteria must be regrown to repopulate the gut. That is where the appendix comes in according to the latest research. Borenstein noted: “Diseases such as cholera or amoebic dysentery would clear the gut of useful bacteria. The appendix’s job is to reboot the digestive system in that case” (2007). Bill Parker, co-author of the latest research, said that the appendix “acts like a bacteria factory, cultivating the good germs” (Borenstein, 2007).
Evolutionists should simply admit that the idea of vestigial organs is false, they should promptly remove it from their arsenals, and reevaluate the data that supposedly prove evolution true. But that is not what happens. Because evolution is so “plastic” and can be expanded to fit any data, even data that is exactly the opposite of what has been used in the past to teach evolution is twisted as new “proof” of evolution. Borenstein quoted Brandies University biochemistry professor Douglas Theobald as saying that the explanation for the function of the appendix “seems by far the most likely” and that the idea “makes evolutionary sense” (2007). So, we are told that the appendix is a useless leftover, and that “fact” proves evolution to be true. Then we are told that the appendix has a very important function and that fact “makes evolutionary sense.” Which is it? In truth, that which proves too much proves nothing. Finding an important function for the appendix is exactly what one would expect if the human body was designed by God.
As for other organs in the human body that have been dubbed vestigial in the past, those who use the vestigial argument should proceed with extreme caution. Borenstein wrote: “The theory led Gary Huffnagle, a University of Michigan internal medicine and microbiology professor, to wonder about the value of another body part that is often yanked: ‘I’ll bet eventually we’ll find the same sort of thing with the tonsils’” (several functions of which already are known, see Bergman, 2000). The only thing that appears to be useless in this discussion is the theory of evolution and the false evidence used to support it.

REFERENCES

Bergman, Jerry (2000), “Do Any Vestigial Organs Exist in Humans?” Technical Journal, [On-Line], URL: http://www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v14/i2/vestigial.asp.
Borenstein, Seth (2007), “Scientists: Appendix Protects Good Germs,” [On-line], URL: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071006/ap_on_he_me/appendix_s_purpose;_ ylt=Ak5.0FtXAiVHNNcRPfiNLsus0NUE.
Miller, Brandon (2007), “Top 10 Useless Limbs (and Other Vestigial Organs),” [On-line], URL: http://www.livescience.com/animals/top10_vestigial_organs-1.html.

The Real Mary Magdalene by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

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The Real Mary Magdalene

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

The name “Mary” appears 54 times in the New Testament. There is Mary, the mother of Jesus (Matthew 1:18), Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2), and Mary, the mother of James and Joses (Mark 15:40), who is likely the same as the “other” Mary (Matthew 27:56,61; 28:1) and “the wife of Clopas” (John 19:25). Also mentioned are Mary of Bethany (John 11:1), Mary, the mother of Mark (Acts 12:12), and Mary of Rome (Romans 16:6). Obviously, Mary (Greek Maria or Mariam) was a popular name in New Testament times. It still is today (see “The Most Popular...,” 2006).
No Mary has been more popular in recent days, however, than Mary Magdalene. A plethora of new books feature her, including Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, which is based on the false notion that she gave birth to the heir of Christ, whose descendants supposedly survive to this day. Mary Magdalene, a name likely indicating affiliation with the Galilean city of Magdala (see “Mary,” 1986), has been the focus of talk shows, movies, books, magazines, and more. Sadly, modernists have greatly misunderstood, exaggerated, and distorted her role in the life of Jesus and the early church. The prevailing idea is that Mary Magdalene has finally been released from the male-dominated, “anti-sexual” religious world (see Carroll, 2006, 37[3]:119), and that the real Mary has finally been revealed. Is this true? Was Mary Magdalene Christ’s secret lover? Did she erotically wash His feet with her hair? Did she eventually become His wife and bear His child? Was she a former prostitute? Just who was Mary Magdalene, really?
Those who have heard only of the newly made-over Mary Magdalene might be disappointed to find that the real Mary of Magdala does not fit the modern-day, dramatized version. Mary Magdalene is mentioned a total of 12 times in the New Testament—the oldest historical record mentioning her name. All 12 occurrences appear in the gospel accounts, wherein we learn the following:

• Jesus cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9).
• She was one of many who provided for Jesus out of her own means (Luke 8:1-3).
• She witnessed the crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25).
• She was present at His burial (Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47).
• She arrived at Jesus’ tomb on the Sunday following His crucifixion to find His body missing (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-7; John 20:1).
• She saw the risen Lord, spoke with Him, and later reported the encounter to the apostles (Matthew 28:9-10; Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18).

Where are the passages about her physical relationship with Christ? Where are the hints of erotic behavior? Where is the sexualized version of Mary Magdalene? In truth, the new version of Mary Magdalene is a figment of someone’s imagination.
First, the notion of Mary Magdalene being a former prostitute, apparently made popular as early as the sixth century by Pope Gregory I (see Van Biema, 2003), simply is unfounded. Luke did record an occasion during Jesus’ ministry when a woman “who was a sinner” (Luke 7:37, emp. added) and of poor reputation among the Pharisees (7:39) washed His feet with her tears and hair, and anointed them with oil (7:36-50). And, Luke did place this event in his gospel account just two verses before he introduces Mary Magdalene, “out of whom had come seven demons” (Luke 8:2). But Luke never specifically stated that the woman of disrepute was a prostitute, or that her name was Mary Magdalene. Other than the juxtaposition of the “sinner” at the close of Luke 7 and Mary at the commencement of Luke 8, no connection between the two women exists. What’s more, if one argues that the proximity of the two women is what links them together, one wonders why “Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others” (Luke 8:3) could not also be considered candidates, since they are mentioned along with Mary Magdalene.
Second, Scripture never hints that Mary Magdalene and Jesus were married or romantically involved in any way. Did He exercise His power over demons by casting seven of them from her? Yes (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9). Did she (along with “many others”) financially support His ministry? Yes (Luke 8:2-3). Did she cling to Him momentarily following His resurrection? Yes (John 20:17). Was she a dedicated follower of Christ? From all that we can gather in the New Testament, we must assume that she was. Still, nothing in the Bible suggests that she was Jesus’ wife or secret lover.
Even the so-called Gospel of Mary (Magdalene), which unbelievers freely admit was not written until the second century A.D. (cf. Cockburn, 2006, 209[5]:88-89), says nothing about a sexual relationship with Christ. This non-inspired text does contend that Peter told Mary, “Sister, we know the savior loved you more than any other woman” (Meyer, 2005a, p. 38). Furthermore, in this text Levi described Jesus as loving Mary “more than us” (p. 41). Still, however, nothing sexual is mentioned. The New Testament records how Jesus “loved” Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:5); the Jews even marveled at His love for Lazarus (John 11:36). Mark wrote of how He “loved” the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21). And John repeatedly testified of one particular unnamed disciple whom “Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:7; 21:20). [NOTE: Proof that this beloved disciple was not Mary Magdalene is found in John 20:2 where she spoke to Peter and the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2).] When we read the uninspired statements from The Gospel of Mary in light of the fact that the New Testament specifically states that Jesus loved certain individuals, one can see more clearly the lack of sexual overtones.
Anyone who has read Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code is aware that his entire novel revolves around the alleged historical fact that Jesus and Mary Magdalene married and had a child together (2003, pp. 244-245). Brown bases his claim on the following brief statements from the non-inspired, gnostic Gospel of Philip, which apparently was penned during the second or third century (cf. Meyer, 2005b, p. 63; Isenberg, n.d.). [NOTE: Brackets indicate missing words.]

Three women always walked with the master: Mary his mother, [] sister, and Mary of Magdala, who is called his companion. For “Mary” is the name of his sister, his mother and his companion (Meyer, 2005b, p. 57).
The companion of the [] is Mary of Magdala. The [] her more than [] the disciples, [] kissed her often on her []. The other []...said to him, “Why do you love her more than all of us?” (Meyer, 2005b, p. 63).

Brown alleges that “any Aramaic scholar will tell you, the word companion, in those days, literally meant spouse” (p. 246, emp. added). Thus, Mary Magdalene and Jesus must have been married, right? Wrong! The Gospel of Philip was not even written in Aramaic, but in Coptic, an ancient Egyptian language. What’s more, the Coptic word for “companion” is synonymous with neither “wife” nor “spouse.” Ben Witherington III, writing in Biblical Archaeological Review, addressed this very point:

The word here for companion (koinonos) is actually a loan word from Greek and is neither a technical term nor a synonym for wife or spouse. It is true the term could be used to refer to a wife, since koinonos, like “companion,” is an umbrella term, but it does not specify this fact. There was another Greek word, gune, which would have made this clear. It is much more likely that koinonos here means “sister” in the spiritual sense since that is how it is used elsewhere in this sort of literature. In any case, this text does not clearly say or even suggest that Jesus was married, much less married to Mary Magdalene (2004, 30[3]:60).

How sad to think that millions of people have been deceived about the relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus because The Da Vinci Code’s fiction is consumed as historical fact.
One might assume that The Gospel of Philip hints at a sexual relationship between Mary and Jesus, since Brown alleges that it states Jesus “used to kiss her often on her mouth” (p. 248, emp. added). The word “mouth,” however, is not in the text. Several words are missing from the Coptic manuscript, including those that would designate where He allegedly kissed her. Perhaps the missing word is hand, head, cheek, or nose. When the woman of Luke 7 kissed Jesus’ feet, He responded by telling Simon, “You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in” (7:45). Jesus’ statement implied that even though the woman wept at His feet, washed them with her hair, anointed them with fragrant oil, and kissed them repeatedly (7:36-39), she did not act erotically. On the contrary, she honored Jesus with humble service and adoration, unlike Simon and the others.
Finally, if Jesus did kiss Mary Magdalene, as The Gospel of Philip alleges, it hardly would justify a case for marriage. This so-called “gospel” mentions elsewhere that the followers of Christ “also kiss each other” (Meyer, 2005b, p. 57). And, according to Scripture, Christians were in the habit of greeting “one another with a holy kiss” since the church began (Romans 16:16, emp. added; cf. 1 Corinthians 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; see Miller, 2003). In short, kissing is not equivalent to marrying and having children.
Mary Magdalene apparently was a devout, faithful follower of Christ. Not a shred of solid biblical or extrabiblical evidence suggests she played the role of harlot, wife, mother, or secret lover. The New Testament, as the oldest, most reliable (and only inspired!) witness to her identity, testifies loudly and clearly about her genuine faithfulness to the Lord, and keeps silent about those things which twenty-first-century sensationalists allege. As in so many instances, we must learn to respect the Bible’s silence! And, there is a deafening silence concerning Mary Magdalene as our Lord’s wife or the mother of His child.

REFERENCES

Brown, Dan (2003), The Da Vinci Code (New York, NY: Doubleday).
Carroll, James (2006), “Who Was Mary Magdalene?,” Smithsonian, 37[3]:108-119, June.
Cockburn, Andrew (2006), “The Gospel of Judas,” National Geographic, 209[5]:78-95, May.
Isenberg, Wesley W. (no date), The Gospel of Philip, [On-line], URL: http://www.theologywebsite.com/etext/naghammadi/philip.shtml.
“Mary” (1986), Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Electronic Database: Biblesoft).
Meyer, Marvin, ed. (2005a), The Gospel of Mary, in The Gnostic Gospels of Jesus (San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco).
Meyer, Marvin, ed. (2005b), The Gospel of Philip, in The Gnostic Gospels of Jesus (San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco).
Miller, Dave (2003), “Veils, Footwashing, and the Holy Kiss,” [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2322.
“The Most Popular Names Chosen for Baby Boys and Girls over the Past 120 Years” (2006), [On-line], URL: http://www.thenewparentsguide.com/most-popular-baby-names.htm.
Van Biema, David (2003), “Mary Magdalene: Saint or Sinner,” Time, 162[6]: August 11, [On-line], URL: http://www.danbrown.com/media/morenews/time.html.
Witherington, Ben (2004), “Reviews,” Biblical Archaeology Review, 30[3]:58-61, May/June.

Demon Theology by Wayne Jackson, M.A.

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Demon Theology

by	Wayne Jackson, M.A.

As suggested in the feature article in this issue, the term “demon” appears to come from a Greek root form meaning “to know.” Plato, in his Cratylus (i.398), suggested that the word is derived from daemon, “knowing.” Whatever else, therefore, may be said of demons, they were intelligent beings; they “knew” certain truths.
A consideration of the testimony of those demons whose statements are recorded in the New Testament is of considerable interest. From their words, one may draw some reasonable conclusions.
(1) Demons were not atheists; they believed in God; moreover, they were not polytheists; they believed that God is “one” (see James 2:19). Their faith, however, never had been coupled with obedience, hence, it was a “dead” faith (James 2:14-16). Never, however, did they seek to justify themselves in their rebellion.
(2) Demons were not religious modernists. They did not subscribe to the notion that Jesus was a mere man. They acknowledged the Lord as “the Holy One of God” (Mark 1:24). In His presence they cried: “Thou art the Son of God” (Mark 3:11). Observe that they did not address Jesus as “the son of Joseph,” or any other human. Obviously they were aware of the fact that Christ, as the Son of God, was born of a virgin. There are numerous religious leaders today who refuse to make this bold and wonderful confession.
(3) The demons conceded the divine authority of Christ. On one occasion they entreated the Lord that He “would not command them to depart into the abyss” (Luke 8:31). They clearly knew that when that awesome time came, they would be obliged to obey.
(4) Demons did not deny personal responsibility. They once inquired of Jesus: “Are you come here to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29). Observe that they recognized that a certain “time” was inevitable when they would give account for their wickedness.
(5) Demons did not deny the existence of hell, like some modern cultists do, for they knew that “torment” (a term that implies conscious punishment) was in their future (Matthew 8:29), and they trembled at the prospect of such (James 2:19).
It is a sobering fact that some modern folks do not have enough knowledge and/or faith to rival even that of a demon. This is a tragic circumstance.

Divine Design and the Pine Tree by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1557

Divine Design and the Pine Tree

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

The naturalistic explanation given by evolutionists for the existence of the created order cannot meet the dictates of logic that characterize the unencumbered, unprejudiced human mind. The more one investigates the intricacies and complexities of the natural realm, the more self-evident it is that a grand and great Designer is responsible for the existence of the Universe. In fact, the evidence is overwhelming and decisive.
Take, for example, the pine tree. Some 120 species and subspecies of the pine tree exist worldwide (“What Are...?,” n.d.). The Ponderosa pine tree (pinus ponderosa) is one of America’s abundant tree species, covering approximately 27 million acres of land (“Ponderosa Pine,” 1995). A young Ponderosa pine has brownish-black bark that changes to a distinctive orange-brown color as the tree grows older. The bark is segmented into large plate-like structures whose appearance has been likened to a jigsaw puzzle. This unusual design has a purpose. If the tree catches fire, these plates pop off as the bark burns. The tree, in effect, sheds its burning bark! This design, along with the great thickness of the bark, allows the tree to be very resistant to low intensity fires (“Ponderosa Pine,” n.d.). Since design demands a designer, who is responsible for this intricate design?

Ponderosa bark Courtesy sxc.hu and Jesse Adams

Another species of pine tree is the Lodgepole Pine (pinus contorta), so named since Native Americans used Lodgepole pine for the “lodge poles” in their tepees. This amazing pine tree grows cones that are slightly smaller than a golf ball, are tan when fresh, but turn gray with age. These serotinous cones remain closed until the heat of a forest fire causes them to open. After the fire, the cones open and reseed the forest. The species thus regenerates itself—even though the forest fire kills the tree itself (“Lodgepole Pine,” n.d.). Since such design demands a designer, who is responsible for this ingenious design?
Yet another species of pine tree is the Whitebark Pine (pinus albicaulis). This tree possesses a symbiotic relationship with a bird species known as the Clark’s Nutcracker. The tree is dependent on this bird for reproduction, while the seed of the tree is a major source of food for the bird. This mutualistic relationship is further seen in the fact that Whitebark pinecones do not open and cast seed when they are ripe. The cones remain closed until the Nutcracker comes along, pries the cone open with its bill, and stores the seed within a pouch beneath its tongue. The bird then caches the seed to be used later as a food supply. Some of these seed caches are forgotten, or are not needed, thus enabling the tree to reproduce (“Whitebark Pine,” n.d.). Such amazing design—with no Mind behind it? Illogical!

Ponderosa pine tree Courtesy bigstockphotos.com and Angela McElroy

The interdependent, interconnected, interpenetrating features of God’s Creation are beyond the capability of man to trace out—let alone to “manage” or “assist.” Neither a pine tree nor a pinecone is sentient. They have no thinking capacity or consciousness. They possess no personhood, soul, or spirit. Pine trees did not get together and discuss the threat of forest fires to their future survival, and then decide to produce pinecones that would remain closed during a fire only to open afterwards. The standard explanations by evolutionists for such wonders of creation are incoherent and nonsensical. Elihu reminded Job: “Behold, God is exalted in His power; Who is a teacher like Him? Who has appointed Him His way, and who has said, ‘You have done wrong’? Remember that you should exalt His work, of which men have sung. All men have seen it; man beholds from afar” (Job 36:22-25—NASB).
Indeed, the realm of nature literally shouts forth the reality of the all-powerful Maker Who alone accounts for the intelligent design of the created order. As the psalmist so eloquently affirmed: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.... There is no speech, nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4). Indeed, “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made” (Romans 1:20). Only a foolish person would conclude there is no God (Psalm 14:1).

REFERENCES

“Lodgepole Pine” (no date), USDA Forest Service, [On-line], URL: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/resources/trees/LodgepolePine.shtml.
“Ponderosa Pine” (no date), USDA Forest Service, [On-line], URL: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/resources/trees/PonderosaPine.shtml.
“Ponderosa Pine” (1995), Western Wood Products Association, [On-line], URL: http://www.wwpa.org/ppine.htm.
“What Are Pine Trees?” (no date), The Lovett Pinetum Charitable Foundation, [On-line], URL: http://www.lovett-pinetum.org/1whatare.htm.
“Whitebark Pine” (no date), USDA Forest Service, [On-line], URL: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/resources/trees/WhitebarkPine.shtml.

Fact—The New Testament is the Most Historically Accurate Book Ever Written by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=13&article=524

Fact—The New Testament is the Most Historically Accurate Book Ever Written

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Dismissing the miracles documented in the New Testament is a favorite pastime of many skeptics, and even some liberal-thinking religious leaders. However, this “dismissal” game gets extremely complicated because the miracles are so closely blended with historical facts that separating the two soon becomes like trying to separate two different colors of Play-Doh.^® Take, for instance, the plight of Sir William Ramsay. His extensive education had engrained within him the keenest sense of scholarship. Along with that sense of scholarship came a built-in prejudice about the supposed inaccuracy of the Bible (especially the book of Acts). Ramsay noted: “…[A]bout 1880 to 1890 the book of the Acts was regarded as the weakest part of the New Testament. No one that had any regard for his reputation as a scholar cared to say a word in its defence [sic]. The most conservative of theological scholars, as a rule, thought the wisest plan of defence [sic] for the New Testament as a whole was to say as little as possible about the Acts” (1915, p. 38).
As could be expect of a person trained by such “scholars,” Ramsay held the same view—for a while. He held the view only for a brief time, however, because he did what few people of his time dared to do. He decided to explore the actual Bible lands with an open Bible—with the intention of proving the inaccuracy of Luke’s history as found in the book of Acts. However, much to his surprise, the book of Acts passed every test that any historical narrative could be asked to pass. After his investigation of the Bible lands, he was forced to conclude:
The more I have studied the narrative of the Acts, and the more I have learned year after year about Graeco-Roman society and thoughts and fashions, and organization in those provinces, the more I admire and the better I understand. I set out to look for truth on the borderland where Greece and Asia meet, and found it here [in the Book of Acts—KB]. You may press the words of Luke in a degree beyond any other historian’s, and they stand the keenest scrutiny and the hardest treatment, provided always that the critic knows the subject and does not go beyond the limits of science and of justice (1915, p. 89).
The renowned archaeologist Nelson Glueck put it like this:
It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which conform in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible (1959, p. 31).
Considering the fact that the land of Palestine in the days of the New Testament writers tossed and turned on a sea of political, economical, and social unrest, I would say that its historical accuracy is pretty amazing. Travel to the Holy Lands and see for yourself if you doubt New Testament accuracy. Carry with you an honest, open mind and a New Testament, and I assure you that you will respect the New Testament writers as accurate historians by the end of your journey.

REFERENCES

Glueck, Nelson (1959), Rivers in the Desert: A History of the Negev (New York: Farrar, Strauss, and Cudahy).
Ramsay, William (1915), The Bearing of Recent Discovery on the Trustworthiness of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1975 reprint).

"STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Introduction To The Minor Prophets by Mark Copeland

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

                   Introduction To The Minor Prophets

INTRODUCTION

1. While Christians are not under the Old Testament as a system of 
   justification, the OT is of great value for us today...
   a. Written for our learning, it is a source of comfort and hope 
      - Ro 15:4
   b. Written for our admonition, we learn what mistakes to avoid 
      - 1Co 10:11
   c. As with all scripture inspired of God, it is profitable "for 
      doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in 
      righteousness" - cf. 2Ti 3:14-17

2. This is especially true with regard to "The Minor Prophets"...
   a. A collection of twelve books that make up the last part of the 
      Old Testament
   b. Beginning with Hosea, and ending with Malachi

3. Those willing to study these books will find their lives enriched as
   they increase...
   a. Their knowledge of God's holiness, righteousness, justice and 
      mercy
   b. Their understanding of God's dealings in the nations of men
   c. Their appreciation of the Bible as a literary masterpiece

[With this lesson, we begin a series of studies in which we will survey
"The Minor Prophets". Before we examine our first book, some 
introductory material may prove helpful...]

I. WHO WERE THE PROPHETS?

   A. THE OLD COVENANT HAD DIFFERENT KINDS OF INSTRUCTORS...
      1. There was Moses, the lawgiver - Neh 8:1,14; 9:13-14; Jn 1:17;
         7:19
      2. There were the priests, administrators of the law - Lev 10:
         8-11; Hos 4:6; Eze 22:26; Mal 2:7
      3. There were the wise men, who gave counsel - 2Sa 14:1-24; 
         20:16-22
      4. There were the psalmists, poets who were the "sweet singers" 
         of Israel - cf. 2Sa 23:1; 1Ch 6:33
      5. There were the prophets, communicators of the Word of God

   B. A "PROPHET" WAS A SPOKESMAN FOR ANOTHER...
      1. Like Aaron was for his brother Moses - Exo 4:16; 7:1
      2. The word literally means "to boil up like a fountain"
      3. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, a prophet...
         a. Was a spokesman for God - 2Pe 1:21
         b. Was given something to say, and had to say it! - Jer 20:7-9
      4. A prophet was primarily a "forth-teller", though sometimes a 
         "fore-teller"
         a. God's word often pertained to future events
         b. The fulfilled prophecies of these prophets are therefore a
            strong proof of inspiration
         -- But much of their word concerned not the future, but
            current events

   C. OTHER DESIGNATIONS HELP TO DEFINE THE ROLE OF A PROPHET...
      1. Early in Israel's history they were called "seers" - 1Sa 9:9
      2. Another appellation was "man of God" - 1Sa 9:6; 1Ki 17:18
      3. Also known as a "servant of God" - 1Ki 18:36; 1Ch 6:49
      4. They served as God's "messenger" - Isa 42:19
      5. They were also assigned the role of "watchman" - Eze 3:17; 
         33:7

[The prophets were therefore servants of God, divinely appointed and 
inspired to proclaim His Word. At times, they were messengers of God's 
word as it applied to the present, serving as watchmen of the people of
God; other times, God's message pertained to the future, and as such 
they were "seers" of things to come.]

II. HOW ARE THE PROPHETS CLASSIFIED?

   A. IT IS COMMON TO SPEAK OF "ORAL" AND "LITERARY" PROPHETS...
      1. The "oral" prophets are those who left no writings bearing 
         their names
         a. Such as Elijah and Elisha - cf. 1Ki 17; 2Ki 2
         b. Many others, including Nathan (2Sa 12), Gad 

            (2 Sam 24:11), Ahijah (1Ki 11:29)
      2. Those who left books bearing their names are called the 
         "literary" prophets

   B. THE LITERARY PROPHETS ARE CATEGORIZED AS "MAJOR" AND "MINOR"
      PROPHETS...
      1. Augustine is credited with being the first to classify them in
         this way
      2. The distinction pertains only to the length of the books
         a. The "major prophets" include the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah,
            Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
         b. The "minor prophets" are those twelve books from Hosea to 
            Malachi

[As we consider the works of the "literary" prophets, we should note 
that the order of the books in our Bibles is not chronological.  
Therefore it may serve useful to review...]

III. THE LITERARY PROPHETS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

Please note:  Dating the prophets is not without controversy, and with
some it can be very difficult. What I provide below are the estimates 
among many conservative scholars...

   A. NINTH CENTURY (EARLY ASSYRIAN PERIOD)
      1. Obadiah (ca. 845 B.C)
      2. Joel (ca 830 B.C.)
      3. Jonah (790-750 B.C.)
      -- This is during the period of "The Divided Kingdom" in Israel's
         history; to the north and east the empire of Assyria was 
         beginning to make its presence known in Israel

   B. EIGHTH CENTURY (ASSYRIAN PERIOD)
      1. Amos (755 B.C.)
      2. Hosea (750-725 B.C.)
      3. Isaiah (740-700 B.C.)
      4. Micah (735-700 B.C.)
      -- In 722 B.C., the northern kingdom of Israel was taken into 
         Assyrian captivity; these prophets were proclaiming God's 
         message as the nation was being threatened from the north

   C. SEVENTH CENTURY (CHALDEAN PERIOD)
      1. Jeremiah (626-586 B.C.)
      2. Zephaniah (630-625 B.C.)
      3. Nahum (625-612 B.C.)
      4. Habakkuk (625-605 B.C.)
      -- Assyria was eventually defeated by Babylon; these prophets 
         served as God's messengers when the Babylonian empire 
         threatened the kingdom of Judah

   D. SIXTH CENTURY (THE EXILE)
      1. Ezekiel (593-570 B.C.)
      2. Daniel (605-536 B.C.)
      -- Like many of their countrymen, these prophets were taken into
         Babylonian captivity; from Babylon they served as God's 
         messengers to both captives and kings

   E. SIXTH AND FIFTH CENTURIES (POST-EXILIC PERIOD)
      1. Haggai (520 B.C.)
      2. Zechariah (520-518 B.C.)
      3. Malachi (ca. 440 B.C.)
      -- After the Jews were allowed to return home from Babylonian 
         captivity, God used Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the 
         people to rebuild the temple; later, Malachi was used to 
         reform the priesthood during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah

[Finally, here are some thoughts on...]

IV. UNDERSTANDING THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHETS

   A. THREE THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND AS YOU STUDY THE PROPHETS...
      1. Seek to understand the political, social and religious 
         conditions of the times
         a. Any interpretation must consider how the message was 
            relevant for the people to whom the prophet spoke
         b. Secondary fulfillment of prophecy is often found in the NT,
            but this can be understood only when applied by inspired 
            writers of the NT
         c. Guard against making interpretations that are purely 
            speculative
         d. Any application to modern events must be carefully 
            harmonized in light of the NT
      2. Consider God's relation to the heathen nations (i.e., other 
         than Israel and Judah)
         a. The prophets often revealed how God directed their destiny 
            and judged them
         b. This may provide insight as to how Christ rules the nations
            today! - cf. Mt 28:18; Re 1:5; 2:26;27
      3. Note any teaching regarding the Messiah and His coming kingdom
         - Ac 26:6-7; 28:20
         a. The immediate mission of most prophets was to save God's 
            people from idolatry and wickedness
         b. Failing that, they were sent to announce God's judgment and
            the coming destruction of the nation
         c. But many prophets left a message of hope for the future, 
            regarding the Messiah who would come and establish a 
            kingdom that could never be destroyed!
         
   B. SOME OF THE GREAT THEMES DEVELOPED BY THE PROPHETS...
      1. The holiness of God - He is absolutely pure, righteous, just,
         merciful, tender, loving, and longsuffering
      2. The sovereignty of God - He rules the universe and is above
         all
      3. The immutability of God's word
         a. He carries out His promises
         b. One can depend upon Him to act consistently with His Word
      4. The terribleness of sin
         a. God abhors iniquity, and will not tolerate, overlook, nor
            excuse it
         b. But He is willing to forgive those who humbly repent
      5. Repentance and righteousness
         a. This is the clarion call of the prophets
         b. Though severe is God's punishment of the wicked, yet God's
            mercy is great in loving kindness upon the righteous who 
            are of broken spirit and contrite heart
      6. The worship due God - The proper reverence, awe, and respect
         for God will cause one to praise Him and give thanks for His 
         wonderful grace and mercy!

CONCLUSION

1. Why study "The Minor Prophets"?
   a. This question was asked by a dear sister in Christ, when I 
      preached this series before
   b. She did not see the value of Christians studying this portion of
      the Old Testament
   c. Yet, she later remarked how much she got out of our study

2. Why study "The Minor Prophets"? Because in them we learn about...
   a. The nature of God, His holiness, justice, righteousness and mercy
   b. The workings of God, as He dealt with nations, bringing judgment
      upon the guilty
   ...which can help us in our relationship with God today, giving us 
      comfort and hope to face the future, knowing that God is in 
      ultimate control!
   
I hope this brief introduction has whetted your appetite to study "The 
Minor Prophets". Our next lesson will begin the study in earnest with
a look at the book of Obadiah...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

"STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Obadiah - The Judgment Of Edom (1:1-21) by Mark Copeland

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

                Obadiah - The Judgment Of Edom (1:1-21)

INTRODUCTION

1. The first of the "The Minor Prophets" we shall consider is Obadiah,
   whose book is the shortest of all books in the Old Testament

2. His name means "Servant of Yahweh (Jehovah)", and was quite
   common...
   a. Thirteen different people are called by this name in the Old 
      Testament
   b. One Jewish tradition identifies him as the one who was Ahab's 
      steward
      1) Who hid 100 prophets from Jezebel, Ahab's wife - 1Ki 18:3-4
      2) Who feared the Lord from his youth - 1Ki 18:12
   c. He may have also been...
      1) The Obadiah sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the law in Judah 
         - 2Ch 17:7
      2) The Obadiah who was one of the overseers in repairing the 
         temple under Josiah - 2Ch 34:12
   -- Whoever this Obadiah was, his message contains valuable lessons
      for us today

[Before looking at the book itself, let's consider some...]

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

   A. THE DATE...
      1. Two dates are often proposed:  845 B.C. and 586 B.C.
      2. The prophet refers to an attack on Jerusalem; commentators 
         offer these two possibilities:
         a. The days of Jehoram (848-844 B.C.), when Philistines and 
            Arabians attacked the city - 2Ch 21:8-10,16-17
         b. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (586 B.C.)
      3. The internal evidence appears to support the early date of
         845 B.C. (Keil, Hailey)
         a. The language of Obadiah is much different from Jeremiah
         b. There is no mention of the destruction of the temple, the
            deportation to Babylon, the remnant who went to Egypt
      -- I accept the early date, that it was around 845 B.C.

   B. THE MESSAGE...
      1. The fall of Edom
         a. Because of its pride
         b. And its cruelty against Israel, their cousins
      2. The exaltation of Zion
         a. When Seir, the Edomite counterpart of Zion, will be cast 
            down
         b. The rescued of Israel will be in Zion, for in it the 
            redeemed shall be found
      -- For this reason I have subtitled this lesson as "The Judgment
         Of Edom"

   C. THE HISTORY OF EDOM...
      1. The people of Edom descended from Esau, Jacob's twin brother
      2. There was sibling rivalry between Edom and Israel, found first
         in Esau and Jacob
         a. The twins struggled in their mother's womb - Gen 25:22-26
         b. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob - Gen 25:27-34
         c. Jacob stole Esau's blessing as the firstborn - Gen 27
      3. While Jacob and Esau eventually reconciled (Gen 32-33), their
         descendants were often at odds with one another
         a. In the Exodus, Edom refused Israel passage through their
            land - Num 20:14-21
         b. Edom was finally subjected by David - 2Sa 8:13-14
         c. During the reign of Jehoram, Edom revolted - 2Ki 8:20-22
      4. Located south of the Dead Sea, they built their cities in the
         cliffs and thought themselves impregnable
      5. After the prophecy of Obadiah...
         a. The Edomites were overcome by the Nabataeans, forced to 
            settle south of Judah
         b. Around 100 B.C., they were conquered by John Hyrcanus of
            the Maccabees
            1) Who forced many of them to be circumcised and accept the
               Law
            2) As such, many became nominal Jewish proselytes (Herod
               the Great was one)
         c. By 100 A.D., Edom as a race and nation had become lost to
            history

[With this background, let's now read through the prophecy of Obadiah,
with the aid of the following...]

II. OUTLINE OF THE BOOK

   A. THE COMING JUDGMENT ON EDOM (1-9)
      1. The decree has gone forth to the nations (1)
      2. Deceived by pride in her location, Edom will be brought down 
         (2-4)
      3. Destruction will be complete (5-6)
      4. Edom will be betrayed by allies (7)
      5. Not even wisdom and might can save them (8-9)

   B. THE REASON FOR JUDGMENT ON EDOM (10-16)
      1. For violence and unbrotherly conduct toward Jacob (10-11)
      2. A rebuke against such conduct (12-14)
      3. Therefore the "Day of the Lord" for them will mean receiving 
         the same sort of treatment! (15-16)

   C. THE EXALTATION OF ISRAEL OVER EDOM (17-21)
      1. Deliverance and holiness will be found on Mt. Zion, not Mt. 
         Seir (the prominent mountain in Edom)! (17a)
      2. The house of Jacob shall consume the house of Esau (17b-18)
      3. The children of Israel will possess Edom and surrounding
         nations (19-20)
      4. The ultimate rule will be that of the Lord's (21)

[With this brief perusal of Obadiah's "vision" concerning Edom (1),
here are some thoughts regarding...]

III. THE FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECY

   A. ITS IMMEDIATE FULFILLMENT...
      1. Edom's destruction began with the Babylonian invasion under
         Nebuchadnezzar (ca. 600 B.C.)
      2. It continued into the fourth century B.C. with the invasion of
         the Arabs known as the Nabataeans, forcing them to a region 
         south of Judah
      3. In the second century B.C., the Maccabees brought them under
         subjection when Judas Maccabeus slew twenty thousand of them
      4. John Hyrcanus (134-104 B.C.) forced the remnant to accept
         circumcision and the Law

   B. ITS ULTIMATE FULFILLMENT...
      1. May likely have been with the coming of the Messiah (Jesus 
         Christ)!
      2. For with His coming, and the establishment of the spiritual
         kingdom beginning in Jerusalem...
         a. Deliverance and holiness did come from Mt. Zion (i.e. 
            Jerusalem)! - Lk 24:47
         b. The kingdom (rule) is the Lord's! - cf. Lk 1:31-34; Mt 28:
            18; 1Pe 3:22; Re 1:5
         c. The house of Jacob (i.e., the true spiritual Israel) did 
            possess Edom as the Gentiles among them became Christians!
            - cf. Ro 11:13-18 (where faithful Gentiles are spoken as 
              being grafted into the stock of Israel)
      3. As support for this interpretation, consider:
         a. The prophecy of Balaam - Num 24:15-19
            1) Which foretells how "A Star shall come out of Jacob, A
               Scepter shall rise out of Israel" (the Messiah?)
            2) And how Edom will be come a possession
         b. The prophecy of Amos - Am 9:11-12
         c. The application by James at the council in Jerusalem-Ac 15:13-17
            1) Who understood the conversion of the Gentiles to be a
               fulfillment of Amos
            2) Therefore the fulfillment is figurative, not literal, as
               Gentiles become Christians

[Finally, a few thoughts about some...]

IV. LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF OBADIAH

   A. "PRIDE GOES BEFORE DESTRUCTION..." - Pr 16:18
      1. Pride leads to vanity and a sense of independence from God
      2. Just as Edom took pride in their geographical location, 
         allies, wisdom and might
      3. Such arrogance God will punish - cf. Isa 13:9-11
      -- Are we on guard against such pride?

   B. DO NOT MISTREAT YOUR BRETHREN...
      1. This was Edom's guilt also (10)
      2. How we treat our brethren affects our relationship with the 
         Lord - cf. 1Co 8:12
      -- Are we careful about our dealings with our brethren?

   C. "DO NOT REJOICE WHEN YOUR ENEMY FALLS..." - Pr 24:17-18
      1. This Edom did when Judah was plundered (12)
      2. This sort of gloating is displeasing to God!
      -- Do we rejoice when our enemy falls?

   D. IN TIME OF DIVINE JUDGMENT, GOD PROVIDES A MEANS AND PLACE OF
      ESCAPE FOR THOSE WHO TURN TO HIM...
      1. Note again verse 17, where Mount Zion would become a place of
         deliverance
      2. Today, spiritual Mount Zion is a place to which we can turn 
         - cf. He 12:22-24
      3. It is a place where we can find:
         a. "the city of the living God"
         b. "the heavenly Jerusalem"
         c. "an innumerable company of angels"
         d. "the firstborn registered in heaven"
         e. "God the Judge of all"
         f. "the spirits of just men made perfect"
         g. "Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant"
         h. "the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than 
            that of Abel"
         -- Of course, this is what we come to as we obey the gospel of
            Christ!

CONCLUSION

1. With this brief look at "The Book Of Obadiah", we have seen that...
   a. The prophets were not limited in their prophecies to just the
      nation of Israel
   b. God held the heathen nations accountable for their actions
   c. While it was written primarily to comfort the Israelites in 
      Obadiah's day, there are lessons to be gleaned for us as well
   d. The message of hope may have had its ultimate fulfillment in what
      we can enjoy ourselves today, in the person and work of Jesus!

2. In verse 15, we find the expression "the day of the Lord"...
   a. An expression often used by the prophets referring to God's 
      judgment upon the nations
   b. The particular "day of the Lord" of which Obadiah wrote was 
      "near", and was fulfilled with the destruction of Edom
   c. But there is another "day of the Lord" yet to come...!
      1) Of which God's judgments upon the nations were only a shadow,
         a type
      2) Peter writes of that day, in which the whole world will be 
         judged - 2Pe 3:7-13

Are we ready for that "day of the Lord"?  Or do we in our arrogance
take pride in our wisdom, might, or position in life?  If so, "the 
pride of your heart has deceived you" (3). How much better to humbly
recognize that...

   "...on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, and there shall be
   holiness;" (Ob 1:17)

Have you come to Mount Zion, and to Jesus the Mediator of the New 
Covenant?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

REAL LIFE by Gary Rose

There are times when "real life" gets you down. A few examples would be: When the wife and the kids are all sick and you feel it coming down on you as well. When the bills are due and there is no money to pay them. When you are swamped at work and your boss sarcastically puts more work on you (and even smiles while doing it). When you are lied to, cheated, DE-friended and belittled. And oh, yes, you can't even seem to find just one friend.

And then there is Jesus...

John, Chapter 10 (WEB)

 ⁷  Jesus therefore said to them again, “Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door.   ⁸  All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them.   ⁹  I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.   ¹⁰  The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.   ¹¹  I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.   ¹²  He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them.   ¹³  The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn’t care for the sheep.   ¹⁴  I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own;   ¹⁵  even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.  ¹⁶  I have other sheep, which are not of this fold.  I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.   ¹⁷  Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life,  that I may take it again.   ¹⁸  No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.”

Jesus cares when no one else does. This is a FACT!!! He loves me when no one else does. And HE will be with me until the end and beyond. He proved it by suffering and being killed for the things that I have done wrong (sin). And all I have to do is to believe, repent, confess and be baptized for the remission of my sins. My lifetime faithfulness to God will be rewarded with an eternal reward of HEAVEN!!!

This is REAL LIFE!!! 

Bible Reading October 21-23 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading October 21-23 (WEB)

Oct. 21

Ecclesiastes 5-7

Ecc 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to God's house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don't know that they do evil.

Ecc 5:2 Don't be rash with your mouth, and don't let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

Ecc 5:3 For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool's speech with a multitude of words.

Ecc 5:4 When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.

Ecc 5:5 It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

Ecc 5:6 Don't allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don't protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?

Ecc 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.

Ecc 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don't marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them.

Ecc 5:9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field.

Ecc 5:10 He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.

Ecc 5:11 When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?

Ecc 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.

Ecc 5:13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.

Ecc 5:14 Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Ecc 5:15 As he came forth from his mother's womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.

Ecc 5:16 This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?

Ecc 5:17 All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.

Ecc 5:18 Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.

Ecc 5:19 Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God.

Ecc 5:20 For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.

Ecc 6:1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:

Ecc 6:2 a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

Ecc 6:3 If a man fathers a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not filled with good, and moreover he has no burial; I say, that a stillborn child is better than he:

Ecc 6:4 for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.

Ecc 6:5 Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other.

Ecc 6:6 Yes, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don't all go to one place?

Ecc 6:7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

Ecc 6:8 For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living?

Ecc 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Ecc 6:10 Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.

Ecc 6:11 For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?

Ecc 6:12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

Ecc 7:1 A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one's birth.

Ecc 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart.

Ecc 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

Ecc 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Ecc 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Ecc 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

Ecc 7:7 Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

Ecc 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Ecc 7:9 Don't be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Ecc 7:10 Don't say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.

Ecc 7:11 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

Ecc 7:12 For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

Ecc 7:13 Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked?

Ecc 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.

Ecc 7:15 All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in his evildoing.

Ecc 7:16 Don't be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

Ecc 7:17 Don't be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?

Ecc 7:18 It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don't withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come forth from them all.

Ecc 7:19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.

Ecc 7:20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn't sin.

Ecc 7:21 Also don't take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you;

Ecc 7:22 for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others.

Ecc 7:23 All this have I proved in wisdom. I said, "I will be wise;" but it was far from me.

Ecc 7:24 That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?

Ecc 7:25 I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.

Ecc 7:26 I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.

Ecc 7:27 Behold, this have I found, says the Preacher, one to another, to find out the scheme;

Ecc 7:28 which my soul still seeks; but I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

Ecc 7:29 Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they search for many schemes.

Oct. 22

Ecclesiastes 8-10

Ecc 8:1 Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

Ecc 8:2 I say, "Keep the king's command!" because of the oath to God.

Ecc 8:3 Don't be hasty to go out of his presence. Don't persist in an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him,

Ecc 8:4 for the king's word is supreme. Who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

Ecc 8:5 Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and his wise heart will know the time and procedure.

Ecc 8:6 For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of man is heavy on him.

Ecc 8:7 For he doesn't know that which will be; for who can tell him how it will be?

Ecc 8:8 There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practice it.

Ecc 8:9 All this have I seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

Ecc 8:10 So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. This also is vanity.

Ecc 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Ecc 8:12 Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

Ecc 8:13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he lengthen days like a shadow; because he doesn't fear God.

Ecc 8:14 There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

Ecc 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

Ecc 8:16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on the earth (for also there is that neither day nor night sees sleep with his eyes),

Ecc 8:17 then I saw all the work of God, that man can't find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won't find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won't be able to find it.

Ecc 9:1 For all this I laid to my heart, even to explore all this: that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God; whether it is love or hatred, man doesn't know it; all is before them.

Ecc 9:2 All things come alike to all. There is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good, to the clean, to the unclean, to him who sacrifices, and to him who doesn't sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; he who takes an oath, as he who fears an oath.

Ecc 9:3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Ecc 9:4 For to him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Ecc 9:6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

Ecc 9:7 Go your way--eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.

Ecc 9:8 Let your garments be always white, and don't let your head lack oil.

Ecc 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life of vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity: for that is your portion in life, and in your labor in which you labor under the sun.

Ecc 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.

Ecc 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.

Ecc 9:12 For man also doesn't know his time. As the fish that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them.

Ecc 9:13 I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.

Ecc 9:14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it.

Ecc 9:15 Now a poor wise man was found in it, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

Ecc 9:16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

Ecc 9:17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools.

Ecc 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.

Ecc 10:1 Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.

Ecc 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left.

Ecc 10:3 Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, his understanding fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool.

Ecc 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don't leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.

Ecc 10:5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.

Ecc 10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.

Ecc 10:7 I have seen servants on horses, and princes walking like servants on the earth.

Ecc 10:8 He who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.

Ecc 10:9 Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby.

Ecc 10:10 If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but skill brings success.

Ecc 10:11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.

Ecc 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by his own lips.

Ecc 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.

Ecc 10:14 A fool also multiplies words. Man doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after him, who can tell him?

Ecc 10:15 The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn't know how to go to the city.

Ecc 10:16 Woe to you, land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!

Ecc 10:17 Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Ecc 10:18 By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.

Ecc 10:19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes the life glad; and money is the answer for all things.

Ecc 10:20 Don't curse the king, no, not in your thoughts; and don't curse the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter.

Oct. 23

Ecclesiastes 11, 12

Ecc 11:1 Cast your bread on the waters; for you shall find it after many days.

Ecc 11:2 Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don't know what evil will be on the earth.

Ecc 11:3 If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth; and if a tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there shall it be.

Ecc 11:4 He who observes the wind won't sow; and he who regards the clouds won't reap.

Ecc 11:5 As you don't know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child; even so you don't know the work of God who does all.

Ecc 11:6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening don't withhold your hand; for you don't know which will prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both will be equally good.

Ecc 11:7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to see the sun.

Ecc 11:8 Yes, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that comes is vanity.

Ecc 11:9 Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

Ecc 11:10 Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

Ecc 12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near, when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them;"

Ecc 12:2 Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain;

Ecc 12:3 in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look out of the windows are darkened,

Ecc 12:4 and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;

Ecc 12:5 yes, they shall be afraid of heights, and terrors will be in the way; and the almond tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goes to his everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:

Ecc 12:6 before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern,

Ecc 12:7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Ecc 12:8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity!

Ecc 12:9 Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

Ecc 12:10 The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth.

Ecc 12:11 The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

Ecc 12:12 Furthermore, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Ecc 12:13 This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

 

Oct. 21

Colossians 2

Col 2:1 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

Col 2:2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

Col 2:3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

Col 2:4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

Col 2:5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Col 2:6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him,

Col 2:7 rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.

Col 2:8 Be careful that you don't let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.

Col 2:9 For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily,

Col 2:10 and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power;

Col 2:11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;

Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Col 2:13 You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

Col 2:14 wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;

Col 2:15 having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,

Col 2:17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's.

Col 2:18 Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Col 2:19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God's growth.

Col 2:20 If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,

Col 2:21 "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch"

Col 2:22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men?

Col 2:23 Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Oct. 22

Colossians 3

Col 3:1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.

Col 3:2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.

Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Col 3:4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.

Col 3:5 Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

Col 3:6 for which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

Col 3:7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them;

Col 3:8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.

Col 3:9 Don't lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings,

Col 3:10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,

Col 3:11 where there can't be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;

Col 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.

Col 3:14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

Col 3:17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

Col 3:18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Col 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and don't be bitter against them.

Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.

Col 3:21 Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.

Col 3:22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.

Col 3:23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,

Col 3:24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Col 3:25 But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.

Oct. 23

Colossians 4

Col 4:1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Col 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

Col 4:3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;

Col 4:4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

Col 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Col 4:7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord.

Col 4:8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,

Col 4:9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.

Col 4:10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"),

Col 4:11 and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, men who have been a comfort to me.

Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Col 4:13 For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

Col 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.

Col 4:15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house.

Col 4:16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

Col 4:17 Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it."

Col 4:18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.