It seems common these days to hear, "don't judge me..", usually in the context of a behavior--more often than not, a behavior proscribed by the Bible. Often, the line comes from someone who knows just enough about Jesus to know that he said something along that line, as a way to silence their "accuser".
In Matthew 7:1 NKJV Jesus declared, "Judge not, that you be not judged." In the commentary (Spirit Filled Life Bible), I got this Bible verse from, it noted, Jesus does not forbid criticisms, opinions or the condemnation of wrongdoing. What He forbids is the spirit of faultfinding that overlooks one's own shortcomings while assuming the role of supreme judge. In other words, stating that a behavior is wrong is not the same as, saying something is wrong and then getting a "high and mighty" attitude about it. It is good to have an attitude of mercy to counteract this tendency because "blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7).
In I Corinthians 2:15, further light is cast on the topic...."But he who is spiritual judges all things." Jesus confirmed the idea of making correct, spiritual judgments vs. fleshly, self-righteous, "high and mighty" judgments in John 8:15-16, where He said, "You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true, for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent me." Indeed the Bible is "sharper than any two-edged sword..."
Monday, December 31, 2012
New Year verses to consider....
It's a New Year again...
Philippians 3:14 notes, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
In John 16:13, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit in the future, "...He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
For the Lord's people, those doing His will and keeping His Word, may the Lord bless according to Psalm 65:11, "You crown the year with Your goodness , And your paths drip with abundance."
Sadly, just as Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, those on the road to destruction are many and those who find the path of life are few.
Hosea 9:7 declares, "The days pf punishment have come;
The days of recompense have come,
Israel knows!
The prophet is a fool,
The spiritual man is insane,
Because of the greatness of your iniquity and your great enmity."
Sadly, this verse describes the extreme hostility among so many Americans toward the Bible and God's servants. Will America be judged severely this year, or next, or the next? I don't know but if the American people don't repent, it is coming!
Philippians 3:14 notes, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
In John 16:13, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit in the future, "...He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
For the Lord's people, those doing His will and keeping His Word, may the Lord bless according to Psalm 65:11, "You crown the year with Your goodness , And your paths drip with abundance."
Sadly, just as Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, those on the road to destruction are many and those who find the path of life are few.
Hosea 9:7 declares, "The days pf punishment have come;
The days of recompense have come,
Israel knows!
The prophet is a fool,
The spiritual man is insane,
Because of the greatness of your iniquity and your great enmity."
Sadly, this verse describes the extreme hostility among so many Americans toward the Bible and God's servants. Will America be judged severely this year, or next, or the next? I don't know but if the American people don't repent, it is coming!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Merry Christmas 2012
As you celebrate Christmas this year, please keep in mind these verses from the Gospel of John:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it....He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:1-5, 10-13.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done
has been done through God." John 3:16-21 NIV
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it....He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:1-5, 10-13.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done
has been done through God." John 3:16-21 NIV
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Is the Bible Narrow?
In today's increasingly secular, allegedly post-Christian world it has become fashionable to politely , and sometimes not so politely, mock the Bible as a source of reliable authority. It is viewed by some as irrelevant, intolerant, narrow, or unscientific.
The truth is quite the opposite, at least in terms of a world view*. The Bible addresses virtually every conceivable area of human experience. It not only offers a promise of eternal salvation to every one trusting in Jesus Christ, but it also offers promises to:
· the broken hearted - Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3, and Isaiah 61:3.
· the cheerful in heart - Proverbs 15:13, Proverbs 15:15, and Proverbs 17:22.
· the diligent - Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 12:24, and Proverbs 21:5.
· the discerning - Proverbs 14:6, Proverbs 14:33, and Proverbs 19:25.
· the disciplined - Psalm 94:12, Proverbs 10:17, and Proverbs 12:1.
· the faithful - II Samuel 22:26, Psalm 31:23, and Proverbs 28:20.
· the generous - Psalm 112:5, Proverbs 11:25, and Proverbs 22:9.
· the humble - II Samuel 22:28, Psalm 25:9, and James 4:6.
· the kind - Proverbs 11:16 and Proverbs 11:17.
· the merciful - Proverbs 3:3:4 and Matthew 5:7.
· the oppressed - Psalm 9:9, Psalm 103:6, and Luke 4:18.
· the fatherless and widowed - Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 68:5, and Proverbs 15:25.
· the peacemakers - Matthew 5:9 and James 3:18.
· the prudent women - Proverbs 19:14 and Proverbs 31:10-31.
· the pure - Psalm 18:26, Proverbs 22:11, and Matthew 5:8.
· those acting with integrity - I Kings 9:4-5, Proverbs 10:9, and Proverbs 13:6.
· those who are kind to animals - Proverbs 12:10.
· those who are kind to the poor, and have regard for the weak - Psalm 41:1,
Proverbs 14:21, and Proverbs 28:8.
· those who bless Christians and Jews - Genesis 12:3 and Galatians 3:14.
· those who delight in / meditate on the Word of God - Deuteronomy 11:18, Joshua
1:8, and Psalm 1:2-3.
· those who honor their father and mother - Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3.
· those who sacrifice - Proverbs 21:17 and Proverbs 21:20.
· those who seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness - Matthew 6:33.
· those who wait on God - Isaiah 40:31.
· those who listen well - Proverbs 18:13.
· those who serve others - Matthew 23:11, Galatians 6:2, and Ephesians 5:21
· those with positive and pleasant speech - Proverbs 16:21 and Proverbs 16:24.
With over 30,000 verses in the Bible, this is far from a comprehensive list of its beneficiaries. God's Word is the foundation for all wisdom.
The truth is quite the opposite, at least in terms of a world view*. The Bible addresses virtually every conceivable area of human experience. It not only offers a promise of eternal salvation to every one trusting in Jesus Christ, but it also offers promises to:
· the broken hearted - Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3, and Isaiah 61:3.
· the cheerful in heart - Proverbs 15:13, Proverbs 15:15, and Proverbs 17:22.
· the diligent - Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 12:24, and Proverbs 21:5.
· the discerning - Proverbs 14:6, Proverbs 14:33, and Proverbs 19:25.
· the disciplined - Psalm 94:12, Proverbs 10:17, and Proverbs 12:1.
· the faithful - II Samuel 22:26, Psalm 31:23, and Proverbs 28:20.
· the generous - Psalm 112:5, Proverbs 11:25, and Proverbs 22:9.
· the humble - II Samuel 22:28, Psalm 25:9, and James 4:6.
· the kind - Proverbs 11:16 and Proverbs 11:17.
· the merciful - Proverbs 3:3:4 and Matthew 5:7.
· the oppressed - Psalm 9:9, Psalm 103:6, and Luke 4:18.
· the fatherless and widowed - Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 68:5, and Proverbs 15:25.
· the peacemakers - Matthew 5:9 and James 3:18.
· the prudent women - Proverbs 19:14 and Proverbs 31:10-31.
· the pure - Psalm 18:26, Proverbs 22:11, and Matthew 5:8.
· those acting with integrity - I Kings 9:4-5, Proverbs 10:9, and Proverbs 13:6.
· those who are kind to animals - Proverbs 12:10.
· those who are kind to the poor, and have regard for the weak - Psalm 41:1,
Proverbs 14:21, and Proverbs 28:8.
· those who bless Christians and Jews - Genesis 12:3 and Galatians 3:14.
· those who delight in / meditate on the Word of God - Deuteronomy 11:18, Joshua
1:8, and Psalm 1:2-3.
· those who honor their father and mother - Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3.
· those who sacrifice - Proverbs 21:17 and Proverbs 21:20.
· those who seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness - Matthew 6:33.
· those who wait on God - Isaiah 40:31.
· those who listen well - Proverbs 18:13.
· those who serve others - Matthew 23:11, Galatians 6:2, and Ephesians 5:21
· those with positive and pleasant speech - Proverbs 16:21 and Proverbs 16:24.
With over 30,000 verses in the Bible, this is far from a comprehensive list of its beneficiaries. God's Word is the foundation for all wisdom.
Monday, October 1, 2012
BASIC BIBLE FACTS & STATISTICS
OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS
THE PENTATEUCH OR THE LAW (5)
GENESIS, contains 1,530 VERSES, 50 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 50:26.
It is the 2nd longest book in the Bible. Genesis is the book of creation and the book of beginnings, starting with the beginning of creation and ending with the new nation of Israel.
EXODUS, contains 1,213 VERSES, 40 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 40:38.
It is the 7th longest book in the Bible. Exodus is a book of redemption, specifically the
redemption of his chosen people, Israel, from bondage in Egypt.
LEVITICUS, contains 859 VERSES, 27 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 27:34.
It is the 16th longest book in the BIble. Leviticus is the book of instruction for holy living for the Israelites.
NUMBERS, contains 1,288 VERSES, 36 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 36:13.
It is the 5th longest book in the Bible. Numbers is the book of preparation, rebellion, and still more preparation of the Israelites to enter the Promised Land.
DEUTERONOMY, contains 959 VERSES, 34 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 34:12. It is the 12th longest book in the Bible. Deuteronomy is a book reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness, and then urging them to commit to Him to receive his fullest blessings.
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS (12)
JOSHUA, contains 658 VERSES, 24 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 24:33. It is the 23rd longest book in the Bible. Joshua is the record of the Israelites' conquest and possession of the Promised Land.
JUDGES, contains 618 VERSES, 21 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 21:25. It is the 24th longest book in the Bible. Judges shows that God's judgment against sin is certain.
RUTH, contains 85 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:22. It is the 50th longest book in the Bible. Ruth is the account of three people who remained faithful to God while the society around them was collapsing.
I SAMUEL, contains 810 VERSES, 31 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 31:13. It is the 19th longest book in the Bible. I Samuel records the life of Samuel, Israel's last judge; the reign and decline of Saul; and the preparation of David, Israel's greatest king.
II SAMUEL, contains 695 VERSES, 24 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 24:25. It is the 21st longest book in the Bible.
I KINGS, contains 813 VERSES, 22 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 22:53. It is the 18th longest book in the Bible.
II KINGS, contains 719 VERSES, 25 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 25:30. It is the 20th longest book in the Bible.
I CHRONICLES, contains 941 VERSES, 29 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 29:30. It is the 13th longest book in the Bible.
II CHRONICLES, contains 822 VERSES, 36 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 36:23. It is the 17th longest book in the Bible.
EZRA, contains 280 VERSES, 10 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 10:44. It is the 31st longest book in the Bible.
NEHEMIAH, contains 406 VERSES, 13 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 13:31. It is the 27th longest book in the Bible., LEADERSHIP AND OVERCOMING OPPOSITION AND INTIMIDATION
ESTHER, contains 167 VERSES, 10 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 10:3. It is the 36th longest book in the Bible.
POETICAL BOOKS (5)
JOB, contains 1,070 VERSES, 42 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 42:17. It is the
11th (tied with Acts) longest book in the Bible.
PSALMS, contains 2,461 VERSES, 150 PSALMS, and its LAST VERSE is 150:6. It is the longest book in the Bible.
PROVERBS, contains 915 VERSES, 31 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 31:31. It is the 14th longest book in the Bible.
ECCLESIASTES, contains 222 VERSES, 12 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 12:14. It is the 33rd longest book in the Bible.
SONG OF SONGS, contains 117 VERSES, 8 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 8:14. It is the 41st longest book in the Bible.
PROPHETIC BOOKS (17)
ISAIAH, contains 1,292 VERSES, 66 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 66:24. It is the 4th longest book in the Bible.
JEREMIAH, contains 1,364 VERSES, 52 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 52:34. It is the 3rd longest book in the Bible.
LAMENTATIONS, contains 154 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:22. It is the 38th longest book in the Bible.
EZEKIAL, contains 1,273 VERSES, 48 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 48:35. It is the 6th longest book in the Bible.
DANIEL, contains 357 VERSES, 12 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 12:13. It is the 29th longest book in the Bible. Daniel was God's prophet to a pagan/ secular land.
HOSEA, contains 197 VERSES , 14 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 14:9. It is the 35th longest book in the Bible.
JOEL, contains 73 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:21. It is the 52nd longest book in the Bible.
AMOS, contains 146 VERSES, 9 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 9:15. It is the 40th longest book in the Bible. Amos was a layman prophet of judgment.
OBADIAH, contains 21 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER , and its LAST VERSE is 1:21. It is the
64th longest book (tied with Jude and Philemon) in the Bible (and it is the shortest Old Testament book). It shows God's curse against His people's enemies.
JONAH, contains 48 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:11. It is the 57th longest book in the Bible. The account of God's reluctant prophet.
MICAH, contains 105 VERSES, 7 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 7:20. It is the 46th longest book in the Bible. It is a message about Israel's sin.
NAHUM, contains 47 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:19. It is the
59th longest book (tied with II Thessalonians and ) in the Bible. The rest of the story about what ultimately happened at Ninevah.
HABAKKUK, contains 56 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:19. It is the 54th longest book in the Bible. About God's questioning prophet.
ZEPHANIAH, contains 53 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:30. It is the 56th longest book in the Bible. About God's wrath and hope for Judah.
HAGGAI, contains 38 VERSES, 2 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 2:23. It is the 61st longest book in the BIble. It is a call to rebuild God's temple.
ZECHARIAH, contains 210 VERSES, 14 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 14:21. It is the 34th longest book in the Bible. It speaks of God's deliverance through the Messiah.
MALACHI, contains 55 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS , and its LAST VERSE is 4:6. It is the 55th longest book in the Bible. God confronts His sinful people.
OLD TESTAMENT SUMMARY
TOTAL OLD TESTAMENT VERSES - 23,137 VERSES
RANKED BY LENGTH (THE TOP 10) - PSALMS (2461), GENESIS (1530), JEREMIAH (1364), ISAIAH (1292) , NUMBERS (1288), EZEKIAL (1273), EXODUS (1213), JOB (1070), DEUTERONOMY (959), I CHRONICLES (941) - 13,391 VERSES OR 57.9% OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS
MATTHEW, contains 1,071 VERSES, 28 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 28:20. It is the 9th longest book in the Bible. The promised Messiah is revealed.
MARK, contains 677 VERSES, 16 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 16:20. It is the 22nd longest book in the Bible. It is the “action gospel.”
LUKE, contains 1,150 VERSES, 24 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 24:53. It is the 8th longest book in the Bible. Jesus, the perfect human and the Son of God.
JOHN, contains 878 VERSES, 21 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 21:25. It is the 15th longest book in the Bible. The Son of God as viewed by the beloved disciple.
ACTS, contains 1,007 VERSES, 28 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE 28:31. It is the
11th longest (tied with Job) book in the Bible. The birth and growth of the church.
ROMANS, contains 433 VERSES, 16 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 16:27. It is the 26th longest book in the Bible. An exposition or treatise on faith.
I CORINTHIANS, contains 437 VERSES, 16 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 16:24. It is the 25th longest book in the Bible. About problems and solutions in an early church.
II CORINTHIANS, contains 257 VERSES, 13 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 13:14. It is the 32nd longest book in the Bible. About defending truth and refuting error.
GALATIANS, contains 149 VERSES, 6 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 6:18. It is the 39th longest book in the Bible. Freedom is a key theme.
EPHESIANS, contains 155 VERSES, 6 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 6:24. It is the 37th longest book in the Bible. About the place and role of the church.
PHILIPPIANS, contains 104 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:23. It is the 47th longest book in the Bible. JOY
COLOSSIANS, contains 95 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:18. It is the 48th longest book in the Bible. CONFRONT SYNCRETISM WITH SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST
I THESSALONIANS, contains 89 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:28. It is the 49th longest book in the Bible. STRENGTHEN, ENCOURAGE, CHRIST’S RETURN.
II THESSALONIANS, contains 47 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:18. It is the 61st longest book in the Bible ( tied with....). CLARIFY 2ND COMING OF CHRIST.
I TIMOTHY, contains 113 VERSES, 6 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 6:21. It is the 42nd longest book in the Bible. , INSTRUCT AND ENCOURAGE TIMOTHY .
II TIMOTHY, contains 83 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:22. It is the 51st longest book in the Bible. , MORE INSTRUCTION TO TIMOTHY.
TITUS, contains 46 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:15. It is the 60th longest book in the Bible. , INSTRUCTION TO TITUS ON CRETE.
PHILEMON, contains 25 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:25. It is the 64th longest book ( tied with Obadiah and Jude) in the Bible. , FORGIVENESS.
HEBREWS, contains 303 VERSES, 13 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 13:25. It is the 30th longest book in the Bible. SUPERIORITY AND SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST.
JAMES, contains 108 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:20. It is the
43rd longest book in the Bible. , TRUE FAITH.
I PETER, contains 105 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:14. It is the 46th longest book (tied with Micah and I John) in the Bible. , LIVING WITH PERSECUTION
II PETER, contains 61 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:18. It is the 53rd longest book in the Bible. , MATURITY.
I JOHN, contains 105 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:21. It is the 46th longest book (tied with Micah and I Peter) in the Bible. , WARNINGS ABOUT FALSE TEACHERS
II JOHN, contains 13 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:13. It is tied as the shortest book (tied with III John) in the Bible, the 66th longest book. , BASICS OF FAITH & FALSE TEACHINGS
III JOHN, contains 13 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:13. It is tied as the shortest book (tied with II John) in the Bible, the 66th longest book. HOSPITALITY TO BELIEVERS.
JUDE, contains 25 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:25. It is the 64h longest book (tied with Obadiah and Philemon) in the Bible. VIGILANCE.
REVELATION, contains 404 VERSES, 22 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 22:21. It is the 28th longest book in the Bible. END TIMES, GOD’S WRATH, AND HIS ULTIMATE VICTORY.
7953 TOTAL NT VERSES
RANKED BY LENGTH - LUKE (1150) , MATTHEW (1071), ACTS (1007), JOHN, MARK, 1ST CORINTHIANS, ROMANS, REVELATION, HEBREWS, II CORINTHIANS - 6617 OF VERSES OR 83.2% OF NT
VERSES IN THE BIBLE PER NIV VERSION
31090 TOTAL BIBLE VERSES IN NIV
RANKED BY LENGTH ( TOP 12) - PSALMS (2461 ), GENESIS (1530), JEREMIAH (1364 ), ISAIAH (1292 ) , NUMBERS ( 1288 ), EZEKIEL (1273 ), EXODUS (1213 ), LUKE ( 1150) , MATTHEW ( 1071 ), JOB, ACTS ( 1007 ) , DEUTERONOMY ( 959 )
15678 TOTAL VERSES OR 50.4 % OF BIBLE
NEXT 12 IN LENGTH - ( 13TH-24TH ) - I CHRONICLES, PROVERBS ( 915 ), JOHN, LEVITICUS, II CHRONICLES, I KINGS, I SAMUEL, II KINGS, II SAMUEL, MARK, JOSHUA, JUDGES - 9,405 VERSES OR 30.3 % OF BIBLE
THIRD 12 IN LENGTH - ( 25-36TH )
I CORINTH ( 437 ), ROMANS ( 433 ), NEHEMIAH (406 ), REVELATION ( 404 ),
DANIEL ( 357 ), HEBREWS ( 303 ), EZRA ( 280 ), II CORINTH. ( 257 ), ECCLESIASTES (222 ), ZECHARIAH ( 210), HOSEA ( 197 ), ESTHER ( 167 )
-3678 VERSES OR 11.8 % OF BIBLE
FOURTH 11 IN LENGTH ( 37-47TH )
EPHESIANS ( 155 ), LAMENATATIONS ( 154 ), GALATIANS ( 149), AMOS ( 146 ) ,
SONG OF SONGS ( 117 ), I TIMOTHY ( 113), JAMES ( 108), TIE I PETER, I JOHN AND MICAH ( 105 ), PHILIPIANS ( 104 ) - 1361 VERSES OR 4.4 % OF BIBLE
SHORTEST BOOKS OF BIBLE ( UNDER 100 VERSES ) RANKED WITH SHORTEST FIRST ( 48TH- 66TH ) - II JOHN AND III JOHN TIE (13), OBADIAH, PHILEMON AND JUDE TIE ( 25 ), HAGGAI, TITUS, II THESSALONIANS AND NAHUM TIE, JONAH, ZEPHANIAH, MALACHI, HABAKKUK, II PETER, JOEL, II TIMOTHY, RUTH, I THESSALONIANS, COLOSSIANS - 973 VERSES OR 3.1 % OF BIBLE
THE PENTATEUCH OR THE LAW (5)
GENESIS, contains 1,530 VERSES, 50 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 50:26.
It is the 2nd longest book in the Bible. Genesis is the book of creation and the book of beginnings, starting with the beginning of creation and ending with the new nation of Israel.
EXODUS, contains 1,213 VERSES, 40 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 40:38.
It is the 7th longest book in the Bible. Exodus is a book of redemption, specifically the
redemption of his chosen people, Israel, from bondage in Egypt.
LEVITICUS, contains 859 VERSES, 27 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 27:34.
It is the 16th longest book in the BIble. Leviticus is the book of instruction for holy living for the Israelites.
NUMBERS, contains 1,288 VERSES, 36 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 36:13.
It is the 5th longest book in the Bible. Numbers is the book of preparation, rebellion, and still more preparation of the Israelites to enter the Promised Land.
DEUTERONOMY, contains 959 VERSES, 34 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 34:12. It is the 12th longest book in the Bible. Deuteronomy is a book reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness, and then urging them to commit to Him to receive his fullest blessings.
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS (12)
JOSHUA, contains 658 VERSES, 24 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 24:33. It is the 23rd longest book in the Bible. Joshua is the record of the Israelites' conquest and possession of the Promised Land.
JUDGES, contains 618 VERSES, 21 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 21:25. It is the 24th longest book in the Bible. Judges shows that God's judgment against sin is certain.
RUTH, contains 85 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:22. It is the 50th longest book in the Bible. Ruth is the account of three people who remained faithful to God while the society around them was collapsing.
I SAMUEL, contains 810 VERSES, 31 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 31:13. It is the 19th longest book in the Bible. I Samuel records the life of Samuel, Israel's last judge; the reign and decline of Saul; and the preparation of David, Israel's greatest king.
II SAMUEL, contains 695 VERSES, 24 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 24:25. It is the 21st longest book in the Bible.
I KINGS, contains 813 VERSES, 22 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 22:53. It is the 18th longest book in the Bible.
II KINGS, contains 719 VERSES, 25 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 25:30. It is the 20th longest book in the Bible.
I CHRONICLES, contains 941 VERSES, 29 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 29:30. It is the 13th longest book in the Bible.
II CHRONICLES, contains 822 VERSES, 36 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 36:23. It is the 17th longest book in the Bible.
EZRA, contains 280 VERSES, 10 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 10:44. It is the 31st longest book in the Bible.
NEHEMIAH, contains 406 VERSES, 13 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 13:31. It is the 27th longest book in the Bible., LEADERSHIP AND OVERCOMING OPPOSITION AND INTIMIDATION
ESTHER, contains 167 VERSES, 10 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 10:3. It is the 36th longest book in the Bible.
POETICAL BOOKS (5)
JOB, contains 1,070 VERSES, 42 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 42:17. It is the
11th (tied with Acts) longest book in the Bible.
PSALMS, contains 2,461 VERSES, 150 PSALMS, and its LAST VERSE is 150:6. It is the longest book in the Bible.
PROVERBS, contains 915 VERSES, 31 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 31:31. It is the 14th longest book in the Bible.
ECCLESIASTES, contains 222 VERSES, 12 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 12:14. It is the 33rd longest book in the Bible.
SONG OF SONGS, contains 117 VERSES, 8 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 8:14. It is the 41st longest book in the Bible.
PROPHETIC BOOKS (17)
ISAIAH, contains 1,292 VERSES, 66 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 66:24. It is the 4th longest book in the Bible.
JEREMIAH, contains 1,364 VERSES, 52 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 52:34. It is the 3rd longest book in the Bible.
LAMENTATIONS, contains 154 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:22. It is the 38th longest book in the Bible.
EZEKIAL, contains 1,273 VERSES, 48 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 48:35. It is the 6th longest book in the Bible.
DANIEL, contains 357 VERSES, 12 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 12:13. It is the 29th longest book in the Bible. Daniel was God's prophet to a pagan/ secular land.
HOSEA, contains 197 VERSES , 14 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 14:9. It is the 35th longest book in the Bible.
JOEL, contains 73 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:21. It is the 52nd longest book in the Bible.
AMOS, contains 146 VERSES, 9 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 9:15. It is the 40th longest book in the Bible. Amos was a layman prophet of judgment.
OBADIAH, contains 21 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER , and its LAST VERSE is 1:21. It is the
64th longest book (tied with Jude and Philemon) in the Bible (and it is the shortest Old Testament book). It shows God's curse against His people's enemies.
JONAH, contains 48 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:11. It is the 57th longest book in the Bible. The account of God's reluctant prophet.
MICAH, contains 105 VERSES, 7 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 7:20. It is the 46th longest book in the Bible. It is a message about Israel's sin.
NAHUM, contains 47 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:19. It is the
59th longest book (tied with II Thessalonians and ) in the Bible. The rest of the story about what ultimately happened at Ninevah.
HABAKKUK, contains 56 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:19. It is the 54th longest book in the Bible. About God's questioning prophet.
ZEPHANIAH, contains 53 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:30. It is the 56th longest book in the Bible. About God's wrath and hope for Judah.
HAGGAI, contains 38 VERSES, 2 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 2:23. It is the 61st longest book in the BIble. It is a call to rebuild God's temple.
ZECHARIAH, contains 210 VERSES, 14 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 14:21. It is the 34th longest book in the Bible. It speaks of God's deliverance through the Messiah.
MALACHI, contains 55 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS , and its LAST VERSE is 4:6. It is the 55th longest book in the Bible. God confronts His sinful people.
OLD TESTAMENT SUMMARY
TOTAL OLD TESTAMENT VERSES - 23,137 VERSES
RANKED BY LENGTH (THE TOP 10) - PSALMS (2461), GENESIS (1530), JEREMIAH (1364), ISAIAH (1292) , NUMBERS (1288), EZEKIAL (1273), EXODUS (1213), JOB (1070), DEUTERONOMY (959), I CHRONICLES (941) - 13,391 VERSES OR 57.9% OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS
MATTHEW, contains 1,071 VERSES, 28 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 28:20. It is the 9th longest book in the Bible. The promised Messiah is revealed.
MARK, contains 677 VERSES, 16 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 16:20. It is the 22nd longest book in the Bible. It is the “action gospel.”
LUKE, contains 1,150 VERSES, 24 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 24:53. It is the 8th longest book in the Bible. Jesus, the perfect human and the Son of God.
JOHN, contains 878 VERSES, 21 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 21:25. It is the 15th longest book in the Bible. The Son of God as viewed by the beloved disciple.
ACTS, contains 1,007 VERSES, 28 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE 28:31. It is the
11th longest (tied with Job) book in the Bible. The birth and growth of the church.
ROMANS, contains 433 VERSES, 16 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 16:27. It is the 26th longest book in the Bible. An exposition or treatise on faith.
I CORINTHIANS, contains 437 VERSES, 16 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 16:24. It is the 25th longest book in the Bible. About problems and solutions in an early church.
II CORINTHIANS, contains 257 VERSES, 13 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 13:14. It is the 32nd longest book in the Bible. About defending truth and refuting error.
GALATIANS, contains 149 VERSES, 6 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 6:18. It is the 39th longest book in the Bible. Freedom is a key theme.
EPHESIANS, contains 155 VERSES, 6 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 6:24. It is the 37th longest book in the Bible. About the place and role of the church.
PHILIPPIANS, contains 104 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:23. It is the 47th longest book in the Bible. JOY
COLOSSIANS, contains 95 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:18. It is the 48th longest book in the Bible. CONFRONT SYNCRETISM WITH SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST
I THESSALONIANS, contains 89 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:28. It is the 49th longest book in the Bible. STRENGTHEN, ENCOURAGE, CHRIST’S RETURN.
II THESSALONIANS, contains 47 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:18. It is the 61st longest book in the Bible ( tied with....). CLARIFY 2ND COMING OF CHRIST.
I TIMOTHY, contains 113 VERSES, 6 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 6:21. It is the 42nd longest book in the Bible. , INSTRUCT AND ENCOURAGE TIMOTHY .
II TIMOTHY, contains 83 VERSES, 4 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 4:22. It is the 51st longest book in the Bible. , MORE INSTRUCTION TO TIMOTHY.
TITUS, contains 46 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:15. It is the 60th longest book in the Bible. , INSTRUCTION TO TITUS ON CRETE.
PHILEMON, contains 25 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:25. It is the 64th longest book ( tied with Obadiah and Jude) in the Bible. , FORGIVENESS.
HEBREWS, contains 303 VERSES, 13 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 13:25. It is the 30th longest book in the Bible. SUPERIORITY AND SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST.
JAMES, contains 108 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:20. It is the
43rd longest book in the Bible. , TRUE FAITH.
I PETER, contains 105 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:14. It is the 46th longest book (tied with Micah and I John) in the Bible. , LIVING WITH PERSECUTION
II PETER, contains 61 VERSES, 3 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 3:18. It is the 53rd longest book in the Bible. , MATURITY.
I JOHN, contains 105 VERSES, 5 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 5:21. It is the 46th longest book (tied with Micah and I Peter) in the Bible. , WARNINGS ABOUT FALSE TEACHERS
II JOHN, contains 13 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:13. It is tied as the shortest book (tied with III John) in the Bible, the 66th longest book. , BASICS OF FAITH & FALSE TEACHINGS
III JOHN, contains 13 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:13. It is tied as the shortest book (tied with II John) in the Bible, the 66th longest book. HOSPITALITY TO BELIEVERS.
JUDE, contains 25 VERSES, 1 CHAPTER, and its LAST VERSE is 1:25. It is the 64h longest book (tied with Obadiah and Philemon) in the Bible. VIGILANCE.
REVELATION, contains 404 VERSES, 22 CHAPTERS, and its LAST VERSE is 22:21. It is the 28th longest book in the Bible. END TIMES, GOD’S WRATH, AND HIS ULTIMATE VICTORY.
7953 TOTAL NT VERSES
RANKED BY LENGTH - LUKE (1150) , MATTHEW (1071), ACTS (1007), JOHN, MARK, 1ST CORINTHIANS, ROMANS, REVELATION, HEBREWS, II CORINTHIANS - 6617 OF VERSES OR 83.2% OF NT
VERSES IN THE BIBLE PER NIV VERSION
31090 TOTAL BIBLE VERSES IN NIV
RANKED BY LENGTH ( TOP 12) - PSALMS (2461 ), GENESIS (1530), JEREMIAH (1364 ), ISAIAH (1292 ) , NUMBERS ( 1288 ), EZEKIEL (1273 ), EXODUS (1213 ), LUKE ( 1150) , MATTHEW ( 1071 ), JOB, ACTS ( 1007 ) , DEUTERONOMY ( 959 )
15678 TOTAL VERSES OR 50.4 % OF BIBLE
NEXT 12 IN LENGTH - ( 13TH-24TH ) - I CHRONICLES, PROVERBS ( 915 ), JOHN, LEVITICUS, II CHRONICLES, I KINGS, I SAMUEL, II KINGS, II SAMUEL, MARK, JOSHUA, JUDGES - 9,405 VERSES OR 30.3 % OF BIBLE
THIRD 12 IN LENGTH - ( 25-36TH )
I CORINTH ( 437 ), ROMANS ( 433 ), NEHEMIAH (406 ), REVELATION ( 404 ),
DANIEL ( 357 ), HEBREWS ( 303 ), EZRA ( 280 ), II CORINTH. ( 257 ), ECCLESIASTES (222 ), ZECHARIAH ( 210), HOSEA ( 197 ), ESTHER ( 167 )
-3678 VERSES OR 11.8 % OF BIBLE
FOURTH 11 IN LENGTH ( 37-47TH )
EPHESIANS ( 155 ), LAMENATATIONS ( 154 ), GALATIANS ( 149), AMOS ( 146 ) ,
SONG OF SONGS ( 117 ), I TIMOTHY ( 113), JAMES ( 108), TIE I PETER, I JOHN AND MICAH ( 105 ), PHILIPIANS ( 104 ) - 1361 VERSES OR 4.4 % OF BIBLE
SHORTEST BOOKS OF BIBLE ( UNDER 100 VERSES ) RANKED WITH SHORTEST FIRST ( 48TH- 66TH ) - II JOHN AND III JOHN TIE (13), OBADIAH, PHILEMON AND JUDE TIE ( 25 ), HAGGAI, TITUS, II THESSALONIANS AND NAHUM TIE, JONAH, ZEPHANIAH, MALACHI, HABAKKUK, II PETER, JOEL, II TIMOTHY, RUTH, I THESSALONIANS, COLOSSIANS - 973 VERSES OR 3.1 % OF BIBLE
Saturday, September 8, 2012
On the Reality of Hell !!!
Definitely, one of the most politically "incorrect" topics, whether it be in social conversation, on Facebook, or even at church, is concerning the reality of the existence of a literal hell.
Human beings definitely have an aversion to the topic. Some Christians believe a loving God wouldn't send anyone there, Jehovah's Witnesses think the soul just falls asleep at death, and unchurched teenagers find the topic quite "uncool." It is interesting to me why atheists get so upset about a place that they are quite sure doesn't exist.
Anyway, the Bible tells us hell does exist and Jesus Christ mentioned hell numerous times.
I just want to use this post to share SOME verses about hell and its purpose:
*Hell is the "default" destination after death for those who have rejected Jesus Christ (John 3:18-19),
*Hell, aka Sheol, keeps expanding (Proverbs 27:20),
*Those in hell are in intense pain (Luke 16:19-31, Mark 47 and Matthew 5:22),
*There are different places in hell including outer darkness (Matthew 25:30), the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15), places of chains and gloomy darkness reserved for angels (II Peter 2:4), and places of torment and fire (Luke 16:23-24),
*Hell is eternal (Matthew 25:41, 46),
*The Bible indicates that "many" are on the road to destruction but "few" find the road to life (Matthew 7:13-14), which has unpleasant implications for much of humanity, and
*Hell is a place of punishment originally prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
I would also recommend the book, "A Divine Revelation of Hell" by Mary K. Baxter and the web site, www.spiritlessons.com. These resources feature the testimonies of people who have visited hell. I have found them to be truthful because they confirm what the Bible says about hell.
Hell can be avoided by repenting of sin and turning to faith in Jesus Christ. In John 3:16, Jesus said, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
Human beings definitely have an aversion to the topic. Some Christians believe a loving God wouldn't send anyone there, Jehovah's Witnesses think the soul just falls asleep at death, and unchurched teenagers find the topic quite "uncool." It is interesting to me why atheists get so upset about a place that they are quite sure doesn't exist.
Anyway, the Bible tells us hell does exist and Jesus Christ mentioned hell numerous times.
I just want to use this post to share SOME verses about hell and its purpose:
*Hell is the "default" destination after death for those who have rejected Jesus Christ (John 3:18-19),
*Hell, aka Sheol, keeps expanding (Proverbs 27:20),
*Those in hell are in intense pain (Luke 16:19-31, Mark 47 and Matthew 5:22),
*There are different places in hell including outer darkness (Matthew 25:30), the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15), places of chains and gloomy darkness reserved for angels (II Peter 2:4), and places of torment and fire (Luke 16:23-24),
*Hell is eternal (Matthew 25:41, 46),
*The Bible indicates that "many" are on the road to destruction but "few" find the road to life (Matthew 7:13-14), which has unpleasant implications for much of humanity, and
*Hell is a place of punishment originally prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
I would also recommend the book, "A Divine Revelation of Hell" by Mary K. Baxter and the web site, www.spiritlessons.com. These resources feature the testimonies of people who have visited hell. I have found them to be truthful because they confirm what the Bible says about hell.
Hell can be avoided by repenting of sin and turning to faith in Jesus Christ. In John 3:16, Jesus said, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Announcing Daniel O'Hara's Twitter Account.
Daniel O'Hara, the Lion's Den Society's Founder, President and Contract Pastor started his own personal Twitter account recently at lionsden888. The account will not be directly associated with the Lion's Den Society since it is Mr. O'Hara personal account but will feature regular Bible verses of interest (currently from the old Testament book of Proverbs and the Gospel of John), as well as spiritual insights and comments on current events.
Monday, August 6, 2012
A Few Objections to the Bible Answered...
In today's secular American society many don't want to talk religion, i.e. Biblical Christianity that is. "Religion" is typically the code word for true Christianity. Now if you talk about yoga, or you got involved in the latest New Age cult, etc. now that's a different story. Interest in false doctrines draws the attention of the crowds, or the wicked.
In Luke 14:16-24, Jesus told the Parable of the Great Banquet. It was about the excuses that people gave concerning invitations to a banquet--one man just bought some land. He wanted to check it out, roll around on it, or perhaps check out the view, I guess. Another bought some new oxen and perhaps felt he needed to plow a field, and still another had just gotten married.
All were lame excuses in light of the benefit offered. I would submit that all those invited had different priorities, foolish ones. They didn't "get it" as we might say today. the Parable shows the folly of choosing the temporal over the eternal.
Furthermore, the parable is a lesson showing the perils of making excuses about failing to follow God or to respond to His saving grace because ultimately the invitation will be revoked. In Luke 14:21 the invitation was then offered to "...the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame." And ultimately, in Luke 14:24 the parable ends, Jesus offered this judgment, "I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet."
I once had a discussion with an older Roman Catholic man who used a few of the common modern tricks or excuses of the day to avoid talking about the Bible, or at least to avoid using it as an authoritative resource in a discussion about religion.
The "tricks" he used were:
*I read a verse from the New International Version. He asked which version I was reading because he didn't like what he heard as I read from Matthew 10:34, which is the passage where Jesus says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." As I read the passage he asked skeptically and nervously, "What version is that?" For the record, the King James version, the New King James version, and the English standard Version would have likely prompted the same objection and nervousness. This objection or more aptly, "red herring" is used by some, typically among certain denominations, who either assert that only one version is inspired or acceptable, and others are not. However, in most situations, differences in Bible versions are minor, and not substantive to understanding a given passage. This objection can also be a cover for someone who doesn't know the Bible; a great way to shut off debate. Besides, having attended Catholic schools myself, I recall the religion teachers saying that difference in most versions are subtle.
*If an Old Testament verse is used as support, then the objection, "That's Old Testament" or "That's of the law; I'm under grace" is often raised. Now, if a "nice verse" like one in the Psalms or Proverbs or another "positive" Old Testament passage is read, then that "objection" seems not to be raised. Psalm 23:1, for example, "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want" typically is viewed as harmless, at least among professing Christians. Again, this is typically used by someone who doesn't know the Bible, hasn't studied the Bible to realize that challenging passages can be reconciled, or who may not believe in the validlity, let alone infallibility of the Bible. The bottom line is, according to II Timothy 3:16 NIV, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for training in righteousness..."
*A final obection arose in my itneraction with this older man. It was "You can be a good person without the Bible." This is very deceptive. It is possible to be saved like the thief on the cross just before death. However, often the Bible is preached, which brings about such an immediate conversion. This argument illustrates the danger inherent in the "religious holiness" found in the Roman Catholic Church or other churches or religions that have a long history, beautiful buildings, and an "aura" of holiness. A form of godliness (II Timothy 3:5) or "holiness" can be mastered in such an environment. People like this man who claimed to go to Mass often, perhaps even daily, but asserted that it was possible to be good without the Bible are deceived indeed. Jesus warned the Pharisees of His day about similar behavior. Furthermore, if a person goes to any Mass then he would hear a reading from the Old Testament, a reading from the New Testament, a Psalm, and a Gospel reading. Indeed, the Mass commemorates the biblical account of Jesus' sacrifice recorded in the Bible. Sadly, many religious people may go to church their whole life without putting the Word into practice in their life as Jesus commanded in Matthew 7:24-25. Jesus is the Bible according to John 1:1 NKJV, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." It is impossible to separate the Bible from Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind. Furthermore, Jesus adds in John 8:31-32 NKJV, "If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth , and the truth shall make you free."
In Luke 14:16-24, Jesus told the Parable of the Great Banquet. It was about the excuses that people gave concerning invitations to a banquet--one man just bought some land. He wanted to check it out, roll around on it, or perhaps check out the view, I guess. Another bought some new oxen and perhaps felt he needed to plow a field, and still another had just gotten married.
All were lame excuses in light of the benefit offered. I would submit that all those invited had different priorities, foolish ones. They didn't "get it" as we might say today. the Parable shows the folly of choosing the temporal over the eternal.
Furthermore, the parable is a lesson showing the perils of making excuses about failing to follow God or to respond to His saving grace because ultimately the invitation will be revoked. In Luke 14:21 the invitation was then offered to "...the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame." And ultimately, in Luke 14:24 the parable ends, Jesus offered this judgment, "I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet."
I once had a discussion with an older Roman Catholic man who used a few of the common modern tricks or excuses of the day to avoid talking about the Bible, or at least to avoid using it as an authoritative resource in a discussion about religion.
The "tricks" he used were:
*I read a verse from the New International Version. He asked which version I was reading because he didn't like what he heard as I read from Matthew 10:34, which is the passage where Jesus says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." As I read the passage he asked skeptically and nervously, "What version is that?" For the record, the King James version, the New King James version, and the English standard Version would have likely prompted the same objection and nervousness. This objection or more aptly, "red herring" is used by some, typically among certain denominations, who either assert that only one version is inspired or acceptable, and others are not. However, in most situations, differences in Bible versions are minor, and not substantive to understanding a given passage. This objection can also be a cover for someone who doesn't know the Bible; a great way to shut off debate. Besides, having attended Catholic schools myself, I recall the religion teachers saying that difference in most versions are subtle.
*If an Old Testament verse is used as support, then the objection, "That's Old Testament" or "That's of the law; I'm under grace" is often raised. Now, if a "nice verse" like one in the Psalms or Proverbs or another "positive" Old Testament passage is read, then that "objection" seems not to be raised. Psalm 23:1, for example, "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want" typically is viewed as harmless, at least among professing Christians. Again, this is typically used by someone who doesn't know the Bible, hasn't studied the Bible to realize that challenging passages can be reconciled, or who may not believe in the validlity, let alone infallibility of the Bible. The bottom line is, according to II Timothy 3:16 NIV, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for training in righteousness..."
*A final obection arose in my itneraction with this older man. It was "You can be a good person without the Bible." This is very deceptive. It is possible to be saved like the thief on the cross just before death. However, often the Bible is preached, which brings about such an immediate conversion. This argument illustrates the danger inherent in the "religious holiness" found in the Roman Catholic Church or other churches or religions that have a long history, beautiful buildings, and an "aura" of holiness. A form of godliness (II Timothy 3:5) or "holiness" can be mastered in such an environment. People like this man who claimed to go to Mass often, perhaps even daily, but asserted that it was possible to be good without the Bible are deceived indeed. Jesus warned the Pharisees of His day about similar behavior. Furthermore, if a person goes to any Mass then he would hear a reading from the Old Testament, a reading from the New Testament, a Psalm, and a Gospel reading. Indeed, the Mass commemorates the biblical account of Jesus' sacrifice recorded in the Bible. Sadly, many religious people may go to church their whole life without putting the Word into practice in their life as Jesus commanded in Matthew 7:24-25. Jesus is the Bible according to John 1:1 NKJV, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." It is impossible to separate the Bible from Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind. Furthermore, Jesus adds in John 8:31-32 NKJV, "If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth , and the truth shall make you free."
Thursday, May 17, 2012
A storm is brewing....
After settling down early this year, the European debt crisis appears to be rearing its ugly head again and its effects are spreading to this side of "the pond", as it were.
A few recent events:
*A Greek candidate caused stock markets' fear when he suggested repudiating prior austerity agreements,
*French voters, weary of austerity, threw out Pres. Sarkozy,
*Greek savers are running on banks,
*Moody's downgraded over a dozen Spanish banks today,
*And today the U.S. stock market has dropped for the 11th day out of the last 12,
These signs are just a few showing the crisis in Greece is getting worse and the "contagion" is spreading in severity throughout Europe and affecting the US stock market as well.
The U.S. stock market has given back much of the gains achieved in the first quarter of 2012 in May. Today, gold and silver, traditional safe havens, spiked higher after having a recent lull. The market dropped over 150 points today with the Dow Jones average just over 12440 after being over 13000 earlier this year.
Recently, I asked the Lord to lead me (Proverbs 3:5-6) to a good photo to view on my digital photo frame and I was led to one showing the streets of New York City after the Crash of 1929. I hope I am mistaken but again the signs are ominous:
*Bank runs in Greece,
*Spanish banks downgraded,
*A sputtering U.S. recovery. U.S. corporations have had strong earnings recently but headwinds are growing.
*A so-called "fiscal cliff" looms in the USA due to the expiring Bush tax cuts and coming federal government spending cuts which will have an adverse impact on economic growth, in the eyes of many. Anti-business government policies and uncertainty about ObamaCare add to the risks ahead.
Even if this is just a temporary "pull back" in the market, it is important to keep in mind broader issues. On a spiritual level, it is important to remember history. The USA was founded on biblical principles. The Puritans sought religious freedom in the New World as Christians honoring a Judeo-Christian.
Yet today, we see our President sticking "his elbow in God's eye" by expressing his approval for homosexual marriage, the height of honoring what God calls an "abomination". The hostility I see toward "religion" (aka, true Bible-based Christianity) in this nation is sometimes shocking. Many cry, "God Bless America" but our President and many other Americans curse Israel and true Christians with treachery, irrational hostility, trampled religious freedom, etc.
Under the backdrop of "in your face"scriptures like Hosea 9:7, Genesis 12:3, Psalm 9:17, the book of Habakkuk, and Proverbs 1:20-33, it is hard to see how America will not escape God's judgment as Israel did in biblical times and as Europe is now.
The Bible tells us:
"The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it." Proverbs 22:3 ESV
I am confident this verse is applicable to these times.
Also, Proverbs 11:28 notes, "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf."
In a time of judgment, God will mock the wicked per Proverbs 1:26, "I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you like a storm." But to those who heed God's word of warning and rebuke, Proverbs 1:33 notes, "...but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
A few recent events:
*A Greek candidate caused stock markets' fear when he suggested repudiating prior austerity agreements,
*French voters, weary of austerity, threw out Pres. Sarkozy,
*Greek savers are running on banks,
*Moody's downgraded over a dozen Spanish banks today,
*And today the U.S. stock market has dropped for the 11th day out of the last 12,
These signs are just a few showing the crisis in Greece is getting worse and the "contagion" is spreading in severity throughout Europe and affecting the US stock market as well.
The U.S. stock market has given back much of the gains achieved in the first quarter of 2012 in May. Today, gold and silver, traditional safe havens, spiked higher after having a recent lull. The market dropped over 150 points today with the Dow Jones average just over 12440 after being over 13000 earlier this year.
Recently, I asked the Lord to lead me (Proverbs 3:5-6) to a good photo to view on my digital photo frame and I was led to one showing the streets of New York City after the Crash of 1929. I hope I am mistaken but again the signs are ominous:
*Bank runs in Greece,
*Spanish banks downgraded,
*A sputtering U.S. recovery. U.S. corporations have had strong earnings recently but headwinds are growing.
*A so-called "fiscal cliff" looms in the USA due to the expiring Bush tax cuts and coming federal government spending cuts which will have an adverse impact on economic growth, in the eyes of many. Anti-business government policies and uncertainty about ObamaCare add to the risks ahead.
Even if this is just a temporary "pull back" in the market, it is important to keep in mind broader issues. On a spiritual level, it is important to remember history. The USA was founded on biblical principles. The Puritans sought religious freedom in the New World as Christians honoring a Judeo-Christian.
Yet today, we see our President sticking "his elbow in God's eye" by expressing his approval for homosexual marriage, the height of honoring what God calls an "abomination". The hostility I see toward "religion" (aka, true Bible-based Christianity) in this nation is sometimes shocking. Many cry, "God Bless America" but our President and many other Americans curse Israel and true Christians with treachery, irrational hostility, trampled religious freedom, etc.
Under the backdrop of "in your face"scriptures like Hosea 9:7, Genesis 12:3, Psalm 9:17, the book of Habakkuk, and Proverbs 1:20-33, it is hard to see how America will not escape God's judgment as Israel did in biblical times and as Europe is now.
The Bible tells us:
"The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it." Proverbs 22:3 ESV
I am confident this verse is applicable to these times.
Also, Proverbs 11:28 notes, "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf."
In a time of judgment, God will mock the wicked per Proverbs 1:26, "I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you like a storm." But to those who heed God's word of warning and rebuke, Proverbs 1:33 notes, "...but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
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