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November 4, 2007
2 Corinthians 5
Assurance of the Resurrection
1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from
God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan,
earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed,
having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan,
being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality
may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who
also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent
from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased
rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the
things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing,
therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I
also trust are well known in your consciences.
Be Reconciled to God
12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on
our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in
heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for
you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all,
then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for
themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have
known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things
have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through
Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in
Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has
committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we
implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin
to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
July 1, 2007
Philippians 4
1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the
Lord, beloved.
Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge
you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with
Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Meditate on These Things
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things
are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good
report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the
God of peace will be with you.
Philippian Generosity
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again;
though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to
need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased,
and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and
to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians
know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church
shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica
you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the
fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having
received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an
acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory
forever and ever. Amen.
Greeting and Blessing
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the
saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
2 Timothy 1
Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which
is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, a beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Timothy’s Faith and Heritage
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without
ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being
mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine
faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I
am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in
you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of
power and of love and of a sound mind.
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but
share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has
saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His
own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but
has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished
death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was
appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also
suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and
am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
Be Loyal to the Faith
13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love
which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy
Spirit who dwells in us.
15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are
Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for
he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome,
he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find
mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to
me at Ephesus.
July 8, 2007
Matthew 17
1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high
mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the
sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah
appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is
good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one
for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a
voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly
afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When
they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the
vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”
10 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come
first?”
11 Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all
things. 12 But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did
to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their
hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.
A Boy Is Healed
14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him
and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for
he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples,
but they could not cure him.”
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I
be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked
the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have
faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will
move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except
by prayer and fasting.”
Jesus Again Predicts His Death and Resurrection
22 Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to
be betrayed into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be
raised up.” And they were exceedingly sorrowful.
Peter and His Master Pay Their Taxes
24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter
and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?”
25 He said, “Yes.”
And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think,
Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from
strangers?”
26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.”
Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the
sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its
mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”
Psalm 27
A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.
4 One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
9 Do not hide Your face from me;
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the LORD will take care of me.
11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Daniel 11
1 “Also in the first year of Darius the Mede, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen
him.) 2 And now I will tell you the truth: Behold, three more kings will arise in Persia, and the
fourth shall be far richer than them all; by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up
all against the realm of Greece. 3 Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great
dominion, and do according to his will. 4 And when he has arisen, his kingdom shall be
broken up and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not among his posterity nor
according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be uprooted, even for
others besides these.
Warring Kings of North and South
5 “Also the king of the South shall become strong, as well as one of his princes; and he
shall gain power over him and have dominion. His dominion shall be a great dominion. 6
And at the end of some years they shall join forces, for the daughter of the king of the
South shall go to the king of the North to make an agreement; but she shall not retain the
power of her authority, and neither he nor his authority shall stand; but she shall be given
up, with those who brought her, and with him who begot her, and with him who
strengthened her in those times. 7 But from a branch of her roots one shall arise in his
place, who shall come with an army, enter the fortress of the king of the North, and deal
with them and prevail. 8 And he shall also carry their gods captive to Egypt, with their
princes and their precious articles of silver and gold; and he shall continue more years than
the king of the North.
9 “Also the king of the North shall come to the kingdom of the king of the South, but shall
return to his own land. 10 However his sons shall stir up strife, and assemble a multitude of
great forces; and one shall certainly come and overwhelm and pass through; then he shall
return to his fortress and stir up strife.
11 “And the king of the South shall be moved with rage, and go out and fight with him, with
the king of the North, who shall muster a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given
into the hand of his enemy. 12 When he has taken away the multitude, his heart will be
lifted up; and he will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not prevail. 13 For the king of
the North will return and muster a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly
come at the end of some years with a great army and much equipment.
14 “Now in those times many shall rise up against the king of the South. Also, violent men
of your people shall exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they shall fall. 15 So the
king of the North shall come and build a siege mound, and take a fortified city; and the
forces of the South shall not withstand him. Even his choice troops shall have no strength
to resist. 16 But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and no one
shall stand against him. He shall stand in the Glorious Land with destruction in his power.
17 “He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright
ones with him; thus shall he do. And he shall give him the daughter of women to destroy it;
but she shall not stand with him, or be for him. 18 After this he shall turn his face to the
coastlands, and shall take many. But a ruler shall bring the reproach against them to an
end; and with the reproach removed, he shall turn back on him. 19 Then he shall turn his
face toward the fortress of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.
20 “There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom; but
within a few days he shall be destroyed, but not in anger or in battle. 21 And in his place
shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come
in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 With the force of a flood they shall be
swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. 23 And
after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become
strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest
places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers:
he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans
against the strongholds, but only for a time.
25 “He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great
army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty
army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. 26 Yes, those who eat
of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many
shall fall down slain. 27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak
lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time.
28 While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy
covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land.
The Northern King’s Blasphemies
29 “At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like
the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he
shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage.
“So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 And
forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they
shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. 32
Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people
who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the
people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and
flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little
help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall
fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is
still for the appointed time.
36 “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself
above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till
the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. 37 He shall
regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he
shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses;
and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious
stones and pleasant things. 39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a
foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to
rule over many, and divide the land for gain.
The Northern King’s Conquests
40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North
shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and
he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the
Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his
hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand
against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over
the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans
and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. 44 But news from the east and the north shall
trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45
And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain;
yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
1 John 4
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;
because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of
God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and
every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And
this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in
the world.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is
greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the
world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is
not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
Knowing God Through Love
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of
God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this
the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into
the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that
He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so
loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Seeing God Through Love
12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His
love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us,
because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has
sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,
God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God
has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
The Consummation of Love
17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of
judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect
love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made
perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.
Obedience by Faith
20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not
love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And
this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
July 15, 2007
2 Corinthians 2
1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. 2 For if I
make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful
by me?
Forgive the Offender
3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from
whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For
out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you
should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not
to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such
a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps
such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your
love to him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are
obedient in all things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have
forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest
Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Triumph in Christ
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened
to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but
taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses
the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of
Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the
one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading
to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the
word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1
Greeting
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our
brother,
2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus,
called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,
both theirs and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Gifts at Corinth
4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by
Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all
knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come
short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also
confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Sectarianism Is Sin
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak
the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined
together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me
concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions
among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or
“I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or
were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone
should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of
Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send
me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ
should be made of no effect.
Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who
are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“ I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God
made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world
through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message
preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after
wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks
foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God
and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the
weakness of God is stronger than men.
Glory Only in the Lord
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many
mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world
to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame
the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are
despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that
are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus,
who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and
redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”
Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.
Matthew 8
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
1 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And
behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make
me clean.”
3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the
priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant
5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6
saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”
7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my
roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under
authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to
another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to
you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will
come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of
heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be
weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and
as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same
hour.
Peter’s Mother-in-Law Healed
14 Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a
fever. 15 So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.
Many Healed in the Evening
16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And
He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
“ He Himself took our infirmities
And bore our sicknesses.”
The Cost of Discipleship
18 And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the
other side. 19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You
wherever You go.”
20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of
Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
21 Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Wind and Wave Obey Jesus
23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great
tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.
25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are
perishing!”
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and
rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled,
saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed
28 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him
two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one
could pass that way. 29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with
You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
30 Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the
demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of
swine.”
32 And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of
swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the
sea, and perished in the water.
33 Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything,
including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, the whole city
came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their
region.
July 22, 2007
1 Peter 5
Shepherd the Flock
1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the
sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the
flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not
for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being
examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown
of glory that does not fade away.
Submit to God, Resist the Devil
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be
submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
“ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in
due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same
sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all
grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while,
perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion
forever and ever. Amen.
Farewell and Peace
12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting
and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
2 Corinthians 3
Christ’s Epistle
1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of
commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? 2 You are our epistle written in
our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by
us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on
tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
The Spirit, Not the Letter
4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of
ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6
who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the
Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Glory of the New Covenant
7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the
children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his
countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be
more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of
righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no
glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was
glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike
Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at
the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the
same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken
away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16
Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the
Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face,
beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image
from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Romans 8
Free from Indwelling Sin
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not
walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in
Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not
do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of
sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous
requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but
according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the
things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For
to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the
carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now
if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the
body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the
Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the
dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Sonship Through the Spirit
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the
deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are
sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you
received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself
bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—
heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be
glorified together.
From Suffering to Glory
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with
the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation
eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to
futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation
itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the
children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs
together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even
we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of
our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why
does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly
wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should
pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which
cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is,
because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who
are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to
be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also
justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
God’s Everlasting Love
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He
who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him
also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God
who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also
risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who
shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:
“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I
am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor
things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
July 29, 2007
Matthew 28
He Is Risen
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and
the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an
angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the
door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you
seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the
place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the
dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have
told you.”
8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His
disciples word.
The Women Worship the Risen Lord
9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they
came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be
afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
The Soldiers Are Bribed
11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to
the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they had assembled with the
elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 saying,
“Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this
comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” 15 So they took
the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among
the Jews until this day.
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had
appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in
heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to
observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the
end of the age.” Amen.
Hebrews 13
Concluding Moral Directions
1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some
have unwittingly entertained angels. 3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—
those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.
4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers
God will judge.
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For
He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say:
“ The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?”
Concluding Religious Directions
7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose
faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,
today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is
good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those
who have been occupied with them.
10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11
For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high
priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify
the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 Therefore let us go forth to
Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we have no continuing city, but
we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise
to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do
good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as
those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be
unprofitable for you.
Prayer Requested
18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring
to live honorably. 19 But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the
sooner.
Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great
Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you
complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight,
through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you
in few words. 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see
you if he comes shortly.
24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
Galatians 3
Justification by Faith
1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before
whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want
to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by
the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it
by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and
it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of
faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the
Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the
nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing
Abraham.
The Law Brings a Curse
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed
is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to
do them.” 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the
just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live
by them.”
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it
is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham
might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the
Spirit through faith.
The Changeless Promise
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is
confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the
promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your
Seed,” who is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty
years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ,[j] that it
should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer
of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Purpose of the Law
19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the
Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by
the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law
given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But
the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be
given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kepnder guard by the law,
kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to
bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no
longer under a tutor.
Sons and Heirs
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as
were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is
neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the
promise.
August 5, 2007
2 Corinthians 5
Assurance of the Resurrection
1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from
God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan,
earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed,
having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan,
being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality
may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who
also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent
from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased
rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the
things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing,
therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I
also trust are well known in your consciences.
Be Reconciled to God
12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on
our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in
heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for
you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all,
then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for
themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have
known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things
have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through
Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in
Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has
committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we
implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin
to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
1 Corinthians 14
Prophecy and Tongues
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he
who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him;
however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and
exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who
prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you
prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless
indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
Tongues Must Be Interpreted
6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I
speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? 7 Even
things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a
distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? 8 For if the trumpet
makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 So likewise you, unless you utter
by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will
be speaking into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world,
and none of them is without significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the
language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner
to me. 12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of
the church that you seek to excel.
13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a
tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then?
I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit,
and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will
he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he
does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not
edified.
18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would
rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
Tongues a Sign to Unbelievers
20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in
understanding be mature.
21 In the law it is written:
“ With men of other tongues and other lips
I will speak to this people;
And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”
says the Lord.
22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but
prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole
church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those
who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But
if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by
all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling
down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
Order in Church Meetings
26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a
teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for
edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in
turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church,
and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the
others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.
31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of
confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but
they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let
them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37
If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things
which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him
be ignorant.
39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with
tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
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A Word From Pastor Blount
Romans 6
Dead to Sin, Alive to God
1 What shall we say then? Shall we
continue in sin that grace may
abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we
who died to sin live any longer in it? 3
Or do you not know that as many of us
as were baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into His death? 4
Therefore we were buried with Him
through baptism into death, that just as
Christ was raised from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together
in the likeness of His death, certainly
we also shall be in the likeness of His
resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our
old man was crucified with Him, that the
body of sin might be done away with,
that we should no longer be slaves of
sin. 7 For he who has died has been
freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with
Christ, we believe that we shall also
live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ,
having been raised from the dead,
dies no more. Death no longer has
dominion over Him. 10 For the death
that He died, He died to sin once for
all; but the life that He lives, He lives to
God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon
yourselves to be dead indeed to sin,
but alive to God in Christ Jesus our
Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in
your mortal body, that you should obey
it in its lusts. 13 And do not present
your members as instruments of
unrighteousness to sin, but present
yourselves to God as being alive from
the dead, and your members as
instruments of righteousness to God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion
over you, for you are not under law but
under grace.
From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God
15 What then? Shall we sin because
we are not under law but under grace?
Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that
to whom you present yourselves
slaves to obey, you are that one’s
slaves whom you obey, whether of sin
leading to death, or of obedience
leading to righteousness? 17 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. 18 And having been
set free from sin, you became slaves
of righteousness. 19 I speak in human
terms because of the weakness of
your flesh. For just as you presented
your members as slaves of
uncleanness, and of lawlessness
leading to more lawlessness, so now
present your members as slaves of
righteousness for holiness.
20 For when you were slaves of sin,
you were free in regard to
righteousness. 21 What fruit did you
have then in the things of which you
are now ashamed? For the end of
those things is death. 22 But now
having been set free from sin, and
having become slaves of God, you
have your fruit to holiness, and the
end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages
of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6
Dead to Sin, Alive to God
1 What shall we say then? Shall we
continue in sin that grace may
abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we
who died to sin live any longer in it? 3
Or do you not know that as many of us
as were baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into His death? 4
Therefore we were buried with Him
through baptism into death, that just as
Christ was raised from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together
in the likeness of His death, certainly
we also shall be in the likeness of His
resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our
old man was crucified with Him, that the
body of sin might be done away with,
that we should no longer be slaves of
sin. 7 For he who has died has been
freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with
Christ, we believe that we shall also
live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ,
having been raised from the dead,
dies no more. Death no longer has
dominion over Him. 10 For the death
that He died, He died to sin once for
all; but the life that He lives, He lives to
God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon
yourselves to be dead indeed to sin,
but alive to God in Christ Jesus our
Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in
your mortal body, that you should obey
it in its lusts. 13 And do not present
your members as instruments of
unrighteousness to sin, but present
yourselves to God as being alive from
the dead, and your members as
instruments of righteousness to God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion
over you, for you are not under law but
under grace.
From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God
15 What then? Shall we sin because
we are not under law but under grace?
Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that
to whom you present yourselves
slaves to obey, you are that one’s
slaves whom you obey, whether of sin
leading to death, or of obedience
leading to righteousness? 17 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. 18 And having been
set free from sin, you became slaves
of righteousness. 19 I speak in human
terms because of the weakness of
your flesh. For just as you presented
your members as slaves of
uncleanness, and of lawlessness
leading to more lawlessness, so now
present your members as slaves of
righteousness for holiness.
20 For when you were slaves of sin,
you were free in regard to
righteousness. 21 What fruit did you
have then in the things of which you
are now ashamed? For the end of
those things is death. 22 But now
having been set free from sin, and
having become slaves of God, you
have your fruit to holiness, and the
end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages
of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To view Scripture from past thoughts
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November 2007
February - March 2008
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of the week, click on the links below:
November 2007
February - March 2008
May - August 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
February 2009
March 2009
April 2009
May 2009
June 2009
July 2009