AUGUST 16
Proverbs 16:16: "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding [is] rather to be chosen than silver!" [That's because, in God's view, wisdom and understanding are more valuable than silver and gold.]
Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Near the end, it says:
"6. Practically, this [verse] should affect our every day lives.
"a. Where do we obtain God's wisdom and understanding? From God's Word…
"b. Thus, wisdom is obtained by spending TIME in His Word…
"c. The local church is the place where God's Word is taught…
"d. Personal devotion time in the word each day is also essential in obtaining wisdom.
"e. Silver and gold can sometimes pull us AWAY from obtaining God's wisdom…
"f. Silver and gold… and the OTHER things of the world vie [compete] for our affection and our time.
"g. We have to LOVE wisdom before we will seek it. It IS a matter of the heart."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_16/
AUGUST 15
John 14:6: "Jesus saith [said] unto him [Thomas, the disciple], I am the way [to heaven], the truth [God's truth], and the life [eternal life]: no man [or woman or child] cometh unto the Father [i.e., to God the Father, in heaven,] [physically or spiritually], but by [except through] me."
This verse is saying that the only way we can have our sins forgiven and our fellowship with God restored is by receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. If you would like to do that, and if you believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him, through prayer (either silently or out loud), to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.
Detailed instructions for the plan of salvation can be found on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. If you want to read them, here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
AUGUST 10-14
Exodus 20:2-17 - The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by the finger of God and delivered to Moses when he appeared before God on Mount Sinai. They were part of the comprehensive system of laws (moral, ceremonial, and judicial) that God specifically gave to the Jewish nation, but these ten moral laws also applied (and still do apply) to everyone else in the world.
[Introduction:] "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee [you, the children of Israel,] out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage [because they had been slaves in Egypt, and God rescued them].
[1] Thou shalt have no other gods before me [God, meaning they were only to worship Almighty God, the one true God].
[2] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image [referring to idols made of wood, metal, and stone], or any likeness [such as pictures and statues] of any thing that is in heaven above [including God], or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them [the idols, statues, etc.] [in worship], nor serve them: for [because] I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity [sins] of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation [referring to the descendants] of them that hate me; And shewing [showing] mercy unto thousands [or 'unto the thousandth generation'] of them [the people] that love me, and keep my commandments.
[3] Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him [or her] guiltless [innocent] that taketh his name in vain. [This includes false oaths, unkept promises to God, common swearing where the name of God is used, jokes about God, etc.]
[4] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [i.e., Saturday in the Old Testament, and Sunday in the New Testament] is the sabbath [the day of rest after labor] of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, [nor] thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it [made it holy].
[5] Honour [love, respect, and obey] thy [your] father and thy mother: [so] that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[6] Thou shalt not kill [intentionally murder someone due to hatred or revenge].
[7] Thou shalt not commit adultery[,] [which is voluntary intercourse between a married person and someone who is not his or her spouse].
[8] Thou shalt not steal.
[9] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour [meaning you shall not give false testimony in court, spread gossip, tell lies about someone, etc.].
[10] Thou shalt not covet [yearn to possess or have] thy neighbour's house [or land or possessions], thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass [donkey], nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
Commandments 1-4 concern our duty to God; the last six concern our duty to ourselves and mankind.
In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summed up all of these commandments as follows: "… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
AUGUST 7-9
Genesis 9:18-29 - After the Flood--Noah Curses Canaan (Son of Ham)
Verses 18-19: "And the sons of Noah, that went forth of [from] the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of [from] them was the whole earth overspread [covered, meaning populated, or filled with people--see note below*]."
Verses 20-22: "And Noah began to be an husbandman [a farmer], and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine [that was made from the grapes], and was drunken; and he was uncovered [wearing no clothes] within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren [brothers] [who were] without [outside the tent]."
Verse 23: "And Shem and Japheth took a garment [a piece of clothing], and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went [walked] backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not [did not see] their father's nakedness."
Verse 24: "And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him [see note below**]."
Verse 25: "And he [Noah] said, Cursed be Canaan [and his descendants]; a servant of servants shall he [and his descendants] be unto his brethren [brothers] [and their descendants]. "
Verses 26-27: "And he [Noah] said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his [Shem's] servant. God shall enlarge Japheth [in regard to land that his people would occupy and their intellectual faculties (i.e., their ability to reason and understand objectively)], and he [Japheth] shall dwell in the tents of Shem [meaning their people would live near one another]; and Canaan shall be his [Japheth's] servant."
Verses 28-29: "And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died."
_________________________
*An article entitled "The Table of Nations" explains in detail who the descendants of Noah's sons were and where they settled (Shem in Asia, Ham and Canaan in Africa, Japheth in Europe). It is very easy to read and includes a map. Here's the link, if you want to check it out: https://www.bible-history.com/maps/2-table-of-nations.html.
**According to John Gill's commentary on Genesis 9:22: "… what Noah's younger son did unto him, besides looking on him, we are not told, yet it was such as brought a curse on Canaan; and one would think it would be more than bare sight, nay, it is expressly said there was something done, but what is not said, (Genesis 9:24) ."
(Source for above quote: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-9-22.html)
Note: GotQuestions.org has several articles regarding the above story:
-- "What is the biblical account of Shem, Ham, and Japheth?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Shem-Ham-Japheth.html)
-- "Why did Noah curse Ham / Canaan?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-Ham-Canaan.html)
-- "Are black people cursed?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/black-people-cursed.html)
AUGUST 6
2 Timothy 2:15 [In a letter, the apostle Paul told Timothy, a minister of the gospel]: "Study [the Bible] to shew thyself [show yourself] approved unto God [or 'to prove yourself acceptable to God'], a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth [see explanation below*]."
_________________________
*According to Adam Clarke's commentary, " … by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his [Timothy's, or a Christian minister's,] continuing in the true doctrine, and teaching that to every person; and … giving each his portion of meat in due season - milk to babes, strong meat to the full grown, comfort to the disconsolate [unhappy, depressed people], reproof to the irregular and careless; in a word, finding out the necessities of his hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities."
(Source for above quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-timothy/2-15.html, "Adam Clarke Commentary")
Albert Barnes gives the same meaning but states it a little differently. According to him, a minister's job is "… rightfully and skillfully teaching the word of truth. The idea seems to be, that the minister of the gospel is to make a proper distribution of that word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and wants of his hearers, and giving to each that which will be fitted to nourish the soul for heaven."
(Source for Barnes quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-timothy-2.html, "Verse 15")
AUGUST 5
Luke 17:3-4 - Forgiveness
To his disciples (followers), Jesus said:
Verse 3: "Take heed to yourselves [carefully consider this]: If thy brother [or sister--in this case, meaning a fellow Christian] [shall] trespass [sin] against thee [you], rebuke him [or her; i.e., tell that person (preferably in private) what he (or she) did, and ask for an explanation]; and if he [or she] [shall] repent [be truly sorry for what he (or she) did to you*], forgive him [or her]."
Verse 4: "And if he [or she--the person you have already forgiven for sinning against you] [shall] trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day [shall] turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him [or her]."
According to the Bible, when people who have offended or hurt us say "I'm sorry" and ask for forgiveness, we should not hesitate to accept their apology and forgive them, even if it (the same sin and apology) happens repeatedly (over and over again).
_________________________
*Biblical definition of repent: a change of mind that results in a change of action. Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html.
AUGUST 1-4
Matthew 19:16-26 - Riches Can be a Hindrance (Obstacle) to Salvation
Verse 16: "And, behold, one [young man, who was a ruler,] came [to Jesus as he was preaching and teaching and healing people along the coasts of Judea] and said unto him [Jesus], Good Master [teacher], what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Verses 17-20: "And he [Jesus] said unto him [the young man], Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt [if you want to] enter into life [have eternal life in heaven], keep [obey] the [ten] commandments. He [the young man] saith [said] unto him [Jesus], Which [commandments]? Jesus said,
[No. 6] Thou shalt do no [you shall not commit] murder,
[No. 7] Thou shalt not commit adultery,
[No. 8] Thou shalt not steal,
[No. 9] Thou shalt not bear false witness [shall not lie about others, publicly or privately],
[No. 5] Honour thy father and thy mother [by giving them love, respect, obedience, etc.]:
and[,] [in summary], Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[Notice that in the above list, Jesus did not mention the commandments about idolatry, covetousness, and loving God.]
The young man saith unto him, All these things [the commandments listed above] have I kept [obeyed] from my youth up [since I was a child]: what lack I yet [what else do I need to do]?"
Verses 21-22: "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect [if your obedience to God will be complete], go and sell that thou hast [what you have, or 'your possessions'], and give to the poor [people], and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me [obey my commandments, follow my example, and live like I do]. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful [filled with sadness]: for he had great possessions [he was very rich--and, unfortunately, loved his money and possessions more than he loved God]."
Verses 23-24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily [truly] I say unto you, That a rich man [or woman or child] shall hardly [with difficulty] enter into the kingdom of heaven [which means that it's very hard to get rich people to realize that they must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ--not their money and possessions--if they want to be saved and have eternal life]. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of [or hole in] a needle, than for a rich man [or woman or child] to enter into the kingdom of God [i.e., heaven]."
Verses 25-26: "When his disciples heard it [what Jesus said], they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved [from hell]? But Jesus beheld [looked at] them, and said unto them, With men [human beings] this [thing, meaning salvation,] is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
As is shown by the above story, nobody can obey all of God's commandments all of the time, we can't work our way to heaven, and pride and love of money have prevented many people from being saved in the past and will prevent many people from being saved in the future.
In Ephesians 2:8-9, the Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." This means that the only way we can get to heaven is through faith--by believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, and that he was buried and rose again, and by trusting him as our personal Savior.
If you want to be saved (born again) but aren't sure what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
_________________________
GotQuestions.org has an article about these verses. It's called "What did Jesus mean when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/camel-eye-needle.html.
Proverbs 16:16: "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding [is] rather to be chosen than silver!" [That's because, in God's view, wisdom and understanding are more valuable than silver and gold.]
Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Near the end, it says:
"6. Practically, this [verse] should affect our every day lives.
"a. Where do we obtain God's wisdom and understanding? From God's Word…
"b. Thus, wisdom is obtained by spending TIME in His Word…
"c. The local church is the place where God's Word is taught…
"d. Personal devotion time in the word each day is also essential in obtaining wisdom.
"e. Silver and gold can sometimes pull us AWAY from obtaining God's wisdom…
"f. Silver and gold… and the OTHER things of the world vie [compete] for our affection and our time.
"g. We have to LOVE wisdom before we will seek it. It IS a matter of the heart."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_16/
AUGUST 15
John 14:6: "Jesus saith [said] unto him [Thomas, the disciple], I am the way [to heaven], the truth [God's truth], and the life [eternal life]: no man [or woman or child] cometh unto the Father [i.e., to God the Father, in heaven,] [physically or spiritually], but by [except through] me."
This verse is saying that the only way we can have our sins forgiven and our fellowship with God restored is by receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. If you would like to do that, and if you believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him, through prayer (either silently or out loud), to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.
Detailed instructions for the plan of salvation can be found on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. If you want to read them, here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
AUGUST 10-14
Exodus 20:2-17 - The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by the finger of God and delivered to Moses when he appeared before God on Mount Sinai. They were part of the comprehensive system of laws (moral, ceremonial, and judicial) that God specifically gave to the Jewish nation, but these ten moral laws also applied (and still do apply) to everyone else in the world.
[Introduction:] "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee [you, the children of Israel,] out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage [because they had been slaves in Egypt, and God rescued them].
[1] Thou shalt have no other gods before me [God, meaning they were only to worship Almighty God, the one true God].
[2] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image [referring to idols made of wood, metal, and stone], or any likeness [such as pictures and statues] of any thing that is in heaven above [including God], or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them [the idols, statues, etc.] [in worship], nor serve them: for [because] I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity [sins] of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation [referring to the descendants] of them that hate me; And shewing [showing] mercy unto thousands [or 'unto the thousandth generation'] of them [the people] that love me, and keep my commandments.
[3] Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him [or her] guiltless [innocent] that taketh his name in vain. [This includes false oaths, unkept promises to God, common swearing where the name of God is used, jokes about God, etc.]
[4] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [i.e., Saturday in the Old Testament, and Sunday in the New Testament] is the sabbath [the day of rest after labor] of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, [nor] thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it [made it holy].
[5] Honour [love, respect, and obey] thy [your] father and thy mother: [so] that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[6] Thou shalt not kill [intentionally murder someone due to hatred or revenge].
[7] Thou shalt not commit adultery[,] [which is voluntary intercourse between a married person and someone who is not his or her spouse].
[8] Thou shalt not steal.
[9] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour [meaning you shall not give false testimony in court, spread gossip, tell lies about someone, etc.].
[10] Thou shalt not covet [yearn to possess or have] thy neighbour's house [or land or possessions], thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass [donkey], nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
Commandments 1-4 concern our duty to God; the last six concern our duty to ourselves and mankind.
In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summed up all of these commandments as follows: "… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
AUGUST 7-9
Genesis 9:18-29 - After the Flood--Noah Curses Canaan (Son of Ham)
Verses 18-19: "And the sons of Noah, that went forth of [from] the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of [from] them was the whole earth overspread [covered, meaning populated, or filled with people--see note below*]."
Verses 20-22: "And Noah began to be an husbandman [a farmer], and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine [that was made from the grapes], and was drunken; and he was uncovered [wearing no clothes] within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren [brothers] [who were] without [outside the tent]."
Verse 23: "And Shem and Japheth took a garment [a piece of clothing], and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went [walked] backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not [did not see] their father's nakedness."
Verse 24: "And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him [see note below**]."
Verse 25: "And he [Noah] said, Cursed be Canaan [and his descendants]; a servant of servants shall he [and his descendants] be unto his brethren [brothers] [and their descendants]. "
Verses 26-27: "And he [Noah] said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his [Shem's] servant. God shall enlarge Japheth [in regard to land that his people would occupy and their intellectual faculties (i.e., their ability to reason and understand objectively)], and he [Japheth] shall dwell in the tents of Shem [meaning their people would live near one another]; and Canaan shall be his [Japheth's] servant."
Verses 28-29: "And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died."
_________________________
*An article entitled "The Table of Nations" explains in detail who the descendants of Noah's sons were and where they settled (Shem in Asia, Ham and Canaan in Africa, Japheth in Europe). It is very easy to read and includes a map. Here's the link, if you want to check it out: https://www.bible-history.com/maps/2-table-of-nations.html.
**According to John Gill's commentary on Genesis 9:22: "… what Noah's younger son did unto him, besides looking on him, we are not told, yet it was such as brought a curse on Canaan; and one would think it would be more than bare sight, nay, it is expressly said there was something done, but what is not said, (Genesis 9:24) ."
(Source for above quote: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-9-22.html)
Note: GotQuestions.org has several articles regarding the above story:
-- "What is the biblical account of Shem, Ham, and Japheth?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Shem-Ham-Japheth.html)
-- "Why did Noah curse Ham / Canaan?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-Ham-Canaan.html)
-- "Are black people cursed?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/black-people-cursed.html)
AUGUST 6
2 Timothy 2:15 [In a letter, the apostle Paul told Timothy, a minister of the gospel]: "Study [the Bible] to shew thyself [show yourself] approved unto God [or 'to prove yourself acceptable to God'], a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth [see explanation below*]."
_________________________
*According to Adam Clarke's commentary, " … by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his [Timothy's, or a Christian minister's,] continuing in the true doctrine, and teaching that to every person; and … giving each his portion of meat in due season - milk to babes, strong meat to the full grown, comfort to the disconsolate [unhappy, depressed people], reproof to the irregular and careless; in a word, finding out the necessities of his hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities."
(Source for above quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-timothy/2-15.html, "Adam Clarke Commentary")
Albert Barnes gives the same meaning but states it a little differently. According to him, a minister's job is "… rightfully and skillfully teaching the word of truth. The idea seems to be, that the minister of the gospel is to make a proper distribution of that word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and wants of his hearers, and giving to each that which will be fitted to nourish the soul for heaven."
(Source for Barnes quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-timothy-2.html, "Verse 15")
AUGUST 5
Luke 17:3-4 - Forgiveness
To his disciples (followers), Jesus said:
Verse 3: "Take heed to yourselves [carefully consider this]: If thy brother [or sister--in this case, meaning a fellow Christian] [shall] trespass [sin] against thee [you], rebuke him [or her; i.e., tell that person (preferably in private) what he (or she) did, and ask for an explanation]; and if he [or she] [shall] repent [be truly sorry for what he (or she) did to you*], forgive him [or her]."
Verse 4: "And if he [or she--the person you have already forgiven for sinning against you] [shall] trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day [shall] turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him [or her]."
According to the Bible, when people who have offended or hurt us say "I'm sorry" and ask for forgiveness, we should not hesitate to accept their apology and forgive them, even if it (the same sin and apology) happens repeatedly (over and over again).
_________________________
*Biblical definition of repent: a change of mind that results in a change of action. Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html.
AUGUST 1-4
Matthew 19:16-26 - Riches Can be a Hindrance (Obstacle) to Salvation
Verse 16: "And, behold, one [young man, who was a ruler,] came [to Jesus as he was preaching and teaching and healing people along the coasts of Judea] and said unto him [Jesus], Good Master [teacher], what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Verses 17-20: "And he [Jesus] said unto him [the young man], Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt [if you want to] enter into life [have eternal life in heaven], keep [obey] the [ten] commandments. He [the young man] saith [said] unto him [Jesus], Which [commandments]? Jesus said,
[No. 6] Thou shalt do no [you shall not commit] murder,
[No. 7] Thou shalt not commit adultery,
[No. 8] Thou shalt not steal,
[No. 9] Thou shalt not bear false witness [shall not lie about others, publicly or privately],
[No. 5] Honour thy father and thy mother [by giving them love, respect, obedience, etc.]:
and[,] [in summary], Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[Notice that in the above list, Jesus did not mention the commandments about idolatry, covetousness, and loving God.]
The young man saith unto him, All these things [the commandments listed above] have I kept [obeyed] from my youth up [since I was a child]: what lack I yet [what else do I need to do]?"
Verses 21-22: "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect [if your obedience to God will be complete], go and sell that thou hast [what you have, or 'your possessions'], and give to the poor [people], and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me [obey my commandments, follow my example, and live like I do]. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful [filled with sadness]: for he had great possessions [he was very rich--and, unfortunately, loved his money and possessions more than he loved God]."
Verses 23-24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily [truly] I say unto you, That a rich man [or woman or child] shall hardly [with difficulty] enter into the kingdom of heaven [which means that it's very hard to get rich people to realize that they must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ--not their money and possessions--if they want to be saved and have eternal life]. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of [or hole in] a needle, than for a rich man [or woman or child] to enter into the kingdom of God [i.e., heaven]."
Verses 25-26: "When his disciples heard it [what Jesus said], they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved [from hell]? But Jesus beheld [looked at] them, and said unto them, With men [human beings] this [thing, meaning salvation,] is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
As is shown by the above story, nobody can obey all of God's commandments all of the time, we can't work our way to heaven, and pride and love of money have prevented many people from being saved in the past and will prevent many people from being saved in the future.
In Ephesians 2:8-9, the Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." This means that the only way we can get to heaven is through faith--by believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, and that he was buried and rose again, and by trusting him as our personal Savior.
If you want to be saved (born again) but aren't sure what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
_________________________
GotQuestions.org has an article about these verses. It's called "What did Jesus mean when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/camel-eye-needle.html.
Previous Verses
August 2019
AUGUST 16
Proverbs 16:16: "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding [is] rather to be chosen than silver!" [That's because, in God's view, wisdom and understanding are more valuable than silver and gold.]
Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Near the end, it says:
"6. Practically, this [verse] should affect our every day lives.
"a. Where do we obtain God's wisdom and understanding? From God's Word…
"b. Thus, wisdom is obtained by spending TIME in His Word…
"c. The local church is the place where God's Word is taught…
"d. Personal devotion time in the word each day is also essential in obtaining wisdom.
"e. Silver and gold can sometimes pull us AWAY from obtaining God's wisdom…
"f. Silver and gold… and the OTHER things of the world vie [compete] for our affection and our time.
"g. We have to LOVE wisdom before we will seek it. It IS a matter of the heart."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_16/
AUGUST 15
John 14:6: "Jesus saith [said] unto him [Thomas, the disciple], I am the way [to heaven], the truth [God's truth], and the life [eternal life]: no man [or woman or child] cometh unto the Father [i.e., to God the Father, in heaven,] [physically or spiritually], but by [except through] me."
This verse is saying that the only way we can have our sins forgiven and our fellowship with God restored is by receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. If you would like to do that, and if you believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him, through prayer (either silently or out loud), to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.
Detailed instructions for the plan of salvation can be found on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. If you want to read them, here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
AUGUST 10-14
Exodus 20:2-17 - The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by the finger of God and delivered to Moses when he appeared before God on Mount Sinai. They were part of the comprehensive system of laws (moral, ceremonial, and judicial) that God specifically gave to the Jewish nation, but these ten moral laws also applied (and still do apply) to everyone else in the world.
[Introduction:] "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee [you, the children of Israel,] out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage [because they had been slaves in Egypt, and God rescued them].
[1] Thou shalt have no other gods before me [God, meaning they were only to worship Almighty God, the one true God].
[2] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image [referring to idols made of wood, metal, and stone], or any likeness [such as pictures and statues] of any thing that is in heaven above [including God], or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them [the idols, statues, etc.] [in worship], nor serve them: for [because] I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity [sins] of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation [referring to the descendants] of them that hate me; And shewing [showing] mercy unto thousands [or 'unto the thousandth generation'] of them [the people] that love me, and keep my commandments.
[3] Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him [or her] guiltless [innocent] that taketh his name in vain. [This includes false oaths, unkept promises to God, common swearing where the name of God is used, jokes about God, etc.]
[4] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [i.e., Saturday in the Old Testament, and Sunday in the New Testament] is the sabbath [the day of rest after labor] of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, [nor] thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it [made it holy].
[5] Honour [love, respect, and obey] thy [your] father and thy mother: [so] that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[6] Thou shalt not kill [intentionally murder someone due to hatred or revenge].
[7] Thou shalt not commit adultery[,] [which is voluntary intercourse between a married person and someone who is not his or her spouse].
[8] Thou shalt not steal.
[9] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour [meaning you shall not give false testimony in court, spread gossip, tell lies about someone, etc.].
[10] Thou shalt not covet [yearn to possess or have] thy neighbour's house [or land or possessions], thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass [donkey], nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
Commandments 1-4 concern our duty to God; the last six concern our duty to ourselves and mankind.
In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summed up all of these commandments as follows: "… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
AUGUST 7-9
Genesis 9:18-29 - After the Flood--Noah Curses Canaan (Son of Ham)
Verses 18-19: "And the sons of Noah, that went forth of [from] the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of [from] them was the whole earth overspread [covered, meaning populated, or filled with people--see note below*]."
Verses 20-22: "And Noah began to be an husbandman [a farmer], and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine [that was made from the grapes], and was drunken; and he was uncovered [wearing no clothes] within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren [brothers] [who were] without [outside the tent]."
Verse 23: "And Shem and Japheth took a garment [a piece of clothing], and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went [walked] backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not [did not see] their father's nakedness."
Verse 24: "And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him [see note below**]."
Verse 25: "And he [Noah] said, Cursed be Canaan [and his descendants]; a servant of servants shall he [and his descendants] be unto his brethren [brothers] [and their descendants]. "
Verses 26-27: "And he [Noah] said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his [Shem's] servant. God shall enlarge Japheth [in regard to land that his people would occupy and their intellectual faculties (i.e., their ability to reason and understand objectively)], and he [Japheth] shall dwell in the tents of Shem [meaning their people would live near one another]; and Canaan shall be his [Japheth's] servant."
Verses 28-29: "And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died."
_________________________
*An article entitled "The Table of Nations" explains in detail who the descendants of Noah's sons were and where they settled (Shem in Asia, Ham and Canaan in Africa, Japheth in Europe). It is very easy to read and includes a map. Here's the link, if you want to check it out: https://www.bible-history.com/maps/2-table-of-nations.html.
**According to John Gill's commentary on Genesis 9:22: "… what Noah's younger son did unto him, besides looking on him, we are not told, yet it was such as brought a curse on Canaan; and one would think it would be more than bare sight, nay, it is expressly said there was something done, but what is not said, (Genesis 9:24) ."
(Source for above quote: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-9-22.html)
Note: GotQuestions.org has several articles regarding the above story:
-- "What is the biblical account of Shem, Ham, and Japheth?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Shem-Ham-Japheth.html)
-- "Why did Noah curse Ham / Canaan?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-Ham-Canaan.html)
-- "Are black people cursed?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/black-people-cursed.html)
AUGUST 6
2 Timothy 2:15 [In a letter, the apostle Paul told Timothy, a minister of the gospel]: "Study [the Bible] to shew thyself [show yourself] approved unto God [or 'to prove yourself acceptable to God'], a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth [see explanation below*]."
_________________________
*According to Adam Clarke's commentary, " … by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his [Timothy's, or a Christian minister's,] continuing in the true doctrine, and teaching that to every person; and … giving each his portion of meat in due season - milk to babes, strong meat to the full grown, comfort to the disconsolate [unhappy, depressed people], reproof to the irregular and careless; in a word, finding out the necessities of his hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities."
(Source for above quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-timothy/2-15.html, "Adam Clarke Commentary")
Albert Barnes gives the same meaning but states it a little differently. According to him, a minister's job is "… rightfully and skillfully teaching the word of truth. The idea seems to be, that the minister of the gospel is to make a proper distribution of that word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and wants of his hearers, and giving to each that which will be fitted to nourish the soul for heaven."
(Source for Barnes quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-timothy-2.html, "Verse 15")
AUGUST 5
Luke 17:3-4 - Forgiveness
To his disciples (followers), Jesus said:
Verse 3: "Take heed to yourselves [carefully consider this]: If thy brother [or sister--in this case, meaning a fellow Christian] [shall] trespass [sin] against thee [you], rebuke him [or her; i.e., tell that person (preferably in private) what he (or she) did, and ask for an explanation]; and if he [or she] [shall] repent [be truly sorry for what he (or she) did to you*], forgive him [or her]."
Verse 4: "And if he [or she--the person you have already forgiven for sinning against you] [shall] trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day [shall] turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him [or her]."
According to the Bible, when people who have offended or hurt us say "I'm sorry" and ask for forgiveness, we should not hesitate to accept their apology and forgive them, even if it (the same sin and apology) happens repeatedly (over and over again).
_________________________
*Biblical definition of repent: a change of mind that results in a change of action. Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html.
AUGUST 1-4
Matthew 19:16-26 - Riches Can be a Hindrance (Obstacle) to Salvation
Verse 16: "And, behold, one [young man, who was a ruler,] came [to Jesus as he was preaching and teaching and healing people along the coasts of Judea] and said unto him [Jesus], Good Master [teacher], what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Verses 17-20: "And he [Jesus] said unto him [the young man], Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt [if you want to] enter into life [have eternal life in heaven], keep [obey] the [ten] commandments. He [the young man] saith [said] unto him [Jesus], Which [commandments]? Jesus said,
[No. 6] Thou shalt do no [you shall not commit] murder,
[No. 7] Thou shalt not commit adultery,
[No. 8] Thou shalt not steal,
[No. 9] Thou shalt not bear false witness [shall not lie about others, publicly or privately],
[No. 5] Honour thy father and thy mother [by giving them love, respect, obedience, etc.]:
and[,] [in summary], Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[Notice that in the above list, Jesus did not mention the commandments about idolatry, covetousness, and loving God.]
The young man saith unto him, All these things [the commandments listed above] have I kept [obeyed] from my youth up [since I was a child]: what lack I yet [what else do I need to do]?"
Verses 21-22: "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect [if your obedience to God will be complete], go and sell that thou hast [what you have, or 'your possessions'], and give to the poor [people], and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me [obey my commandments, follow my example, and live like I do]. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful [filled with sadness]: for he had great possessions [he was very rich--and, unfortunately, loved his money and possessions more than he loved God]."
Verses 23-24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily [truly] I say unto you, That a rich man [or woman or child] shall hardly [with difficulty] enter into the kingdom of heaven [which means that it's very hard to get rich people to realize that they must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ--not their money and possessions--if they want to be saved and have eternal life]. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of [or hole in] a needle, than for a rich man [or woman or child] to enter into the kingdom of God [i.e., heaven]."
Verses 25-26: "When his disciples heard it [what Jesus said], they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved [from hell]? But Jesus beheld [looked at] them, and said unto them, With men [human beings] this [thing, meaning salvation,] is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
As is shown by the above story, nobody can obey all of God's commandments all of the time, we can't work our way to heaven, and pride and love of money have prevented many people from being saved in the past and will prevent many people from being saved in the future.
In Ephesians 2:8-9, the Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." This means that the only way we can get to heaven is through faith--by believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, and that he was buried and rose again, and by trusting him as our personal Savior.
If you want to be saved (born again) but aren't sure what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
_________________________
GotQuestions.org has an article about these verses. It's called "What did Jesus mean when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/camel-eye-needle.html.
Proverbs 16:16: "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding [is] rather to be chosen than silver!" [That's because, in God's view, wisdom and understanding are more valuable than silver and gold.]
Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse. Near the end, it says:
"6. Practically, this [verse] should affect our every day lives.
"a. Where do we obtain God's wisdom and understanding? From God's Word…
"b. Thus, wisdom is obtained by spending TIME in His Word…
"c. The local church is the place where God's Word is taught…
"d. Personal devotion time in the word each day is also essential in obtaining wisdom.
"e. Silver and gold can sometimes pull us AWAY from obtaining God's wisdom…
"f. Silver and gold… and the OTHER things of the world vie [compete] for our affection and our time.
"g. We have to LOVE wisdom before we will seek it. It IS a matter of the heart."
If you want to read the rest of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-16-index/proverbs-16_16/
AUGUST 15
John 14:6: "Jesus saith [said] unto him [Thomas, the disciple], I am the way [to heaven], the truth [God's truth], and the life [eternal life]: no man [or woman or child] cometh unto the Father [i.e., to God the Father, in heaven,] [physically or spiritually], but by [except through] me."
This verse is saying that the only way we can have our sins forgiven and our fellowship with God restored is by receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. If you would like to do that, and if you believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins and that he was buried and rose again, all you need to do is sincerely ask him, through prayer (either silently or out loud), to come into your heart and save you so you can go to heaven when you die.
Detailed instructions for the plan of salvation can be found on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. If you want to read them, here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
AUGUST 10-14
Exodus 20:2-17 - The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by the finger of God and delivered to Moses when he appeared before God on Mount Sinai. They were part of the comprehensive system of laws (moral, ceremonial, and judicial) that God specifically gave to the Jewish nation, but these ten moral laws also applied (and still do apply) to everyone else in the world.
[Introduction:] "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee [you, the children of Israel,] out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage [because they had been slaves in Egypt, and God rescued them].
[1] Thou shalt have no other gods before me [God, meaning they were only to worship Almighty God, the one true God].
[2] Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image [referring to idols made of wood, metal, and stone], or any likeness [such as pictures and statues] of any thing that is in heaven above [including God], or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them [the idols, statues, etc.] [in worship], nor serve them: for [because] I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity [sins] of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation [referring to the descendants] of them that hate me; And shewing [showing] mercy unto thousands [or 'unto the thousandth generation'] of them [the people] that love me, and keep my commandments.
[3] Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him [or her] guiltless [innocent] that taketh his name in vain. [This includes false oaths, unkept promises to God, common swearing where the name of God is used, jokes about God, etc.]
[4] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [i.e., Saturday in the Old Testament, and Sunday in the New Testament] is the sabbath [the day of rest after labor] of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, [nor] thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it [made it holy].
[5] Honour [love, respect, and obey] thy [your] father and thy mother: [so] that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
[6] Thou shalt not kill [intentionally murder someone due to hatred or revenge].
[7] Thou shalt not commit adultery[,] [which is voluntary intercourse between a married person and someone who is not his or her spouse].
[8] Thou shalt not steal.
[9] Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour [meaning you shall not give false testimony in court, spread gossip, tell lies about someone, etc.].
[10] Thou shalt not covet [yearn to possess or have] thy neighbour's house [or land or possessions], thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass [donkey], nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
Commandments 1-4 concern our duty to God; the last six concern our duty to ourselves and mankind.
In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summed up all of these commandments as follows: "… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
AUGUST 7-9
Genesis 9:18-29 - After the Flood--Noah Curses Canaan (Son of Ham)
Verses 18-19: "And the sons of Noah, that went forth of [from] the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons of Noah: and of [from] them was the whole earth overspread [covered, meaning populated, or filled with people--see note below*]."
Verses 20-22: "And Noah began to be an husbandman [a farmer], and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine [that was made from the grapes], and was drunken; and he was uncovered [wearing no clothes] within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren [brothers] [who were] without [outside the tent]."
Verse 23: "And Shem and Japheth took a garment [a piece of clothing], and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went [walked] backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not [did not see] their father's nakedness."
Verse 24: "And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him [see note below**]."
Verse 25: "And he [Noah] said, Cursed be Canaan [and his descendants]; a servant of servants shall he [and his descendants] be unto his brethren [brothers] [and their descendants]. "
Verses 26-27: "And he [Noah] said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his [Shem's] servant. God shall enlarge Japheth [in regard to land that his people would occupy and their intellectual faculties (i.e., their ability to reason and understand objectively)], and he [Japheth] shall dwell in the tents of Shem [meaning their people would live near one another]; and Canaan shall be his [Japheth's] servant."
Verses 28-29: "And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died."
_________________________
*An article entitled "The Table of Nations" explains in detail who the descendants of Noah's sons were and where they settled (Shem in Asia, Ham and Canaan in Africa, Japheth in Europe). It is very easy to read and includes a map. Here's the link, if you want to check it out: https://www.bible-history.com/maps/2-table-of-nations.html.
**According to John Gill's commentary on Genesis 9:22: "… what Noah's younger son did unto him, besides looking on him, we are not told, yet it was such as brought a curse on Canaan; and one would think it would be more than bare sight, nay, it is expressly said there was something done, but what is not said, (Genesis 9:24) ."
(Source for above quote: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-9-22.html)
Note: GotQuestions.org has several articles regarding the above story:
-- "What is the biblical account of Shem, Ham, and Japheth?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/Shem-Ham-Japheth.html)
-- "Why did Noah curse Ham / Canaan?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-Ham-Canaan.html)
-- "Are black people cursed?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/black-people-cursed.html)
AUGUST 6
2 Timothy 2:15 [In a letter, the apostle Paul told Timothy, a minister of the gospel]: "Study [the Bible] to shew thyself [show yourself] approved unto God [or 'to prove yourself acceptable to God'], a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth [see explanation below*]."
_________________________
*According to Adam Clarke's commentary, " … by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his [Timothy's, or a Christian minister's,] continuing in the true doctrine, and teaching that to every person; and … giving each his portion of meat in due season - milk to babes, strong meat to the full grown, comfort to the disconsolate [unhappy, depressed people], reproof to the irregular and careless; in a word, finding out the necessities of his hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities."
(Source for above quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-timothy/2-15.html, "Adam Clarke Commentary")
Albert Barnes gives the same meaning but states it a little differently. According to him, a minister's job is "… rightfully and skillfully teaching the word of truth. The idea seems to be, that the minister of the gospel is to make a proper distribution of that word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and wants of his hearers, and giving to each that which will be fitted to nourish the soul for heaven."
(Source for Barnes quote: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/2-timothy-2.html, "Verse 15")
AUGUST 5
Luke 17:3-4 - Forgiveness
To his disciples (followers), Jesus said:
Verse 3: "Take heed to yourselves [carefully consider this]: If thy brother [or sister--in this case, meaning a fellow Christian] [shall] trespass [sin] against thee [you], rebuke him [or her; i.e., tell that person (preferably in private) what he (or she) did, and ask for an explanation]; and if he [or she] [shall] repent [be truly sorry for what he (or she) did to you*], forgive him [or her]."
Verse 4: "And if he [or she--the person you have already forgiven for sinning against you] [shall] trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day [shall] turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him [or her]."
According to the Bible, when people who have offended or hurt us say "I'm sorry" and ask for forgiveness, we should not hesitate to accept their apology and forgive them, even if it (the same sin and apology) happens repeatedly (over and over again).
_________________________
*Biblical definition of repent: a change of mind that results in a change of action. Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html.
AUGUST 1-4
Matthew 19:16-26 - Riches Can be a Hindrance (Obstacle) to Salvation
Verse 16: "And, behold, one [young man, who was a ruler,] came [to Jesus as he was preaching and teaching and healing people along the coasts of Judea] and said unto him [Jesus], Good Master [teacher], what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"
Verses 17-20: "And he [Jesus] said unto him [the young man], Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt [if you want to] enter into life [have eternal life in heaven], keep [obey] the [ten] commandments. He [the young man] saith [said] unto him [Jesus], Which [commandments]? Jesus said,
[No. 6] Thou shalt do no [you shall not commit] murder,
[No. 7] Thou shalt not commit adultery,
[No. 8] Thou shalt not steal,
[No. 9] Thou shalt not bear false witness [shall not lie about others, publicly or privately],
[No. 5] Honour thy father and thy mother [by giving them love, respect, obedience, etc.]:
and[,] [in summary], Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[Notice that in the above list, Jesus did not mention the commandments about idolatry, covetousness, and loving God.]
The young man saith unto him, All these things [the commandments listed above] have I kept [obeyed] from my youth up [since I was a child]: what lack I yet [what else do I need to do]?"
Verses 21-22: "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect [if your obedience to God will be complete], go and sell that thou hast [what you have, or 'your possessions'], and give to the poor [people], and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me [obey my commandments, follow my example, and live like I do]. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful [filled with sadness]: for he had great possessions [he was very rich--and, unfortunately, loved his money and possessions more than he loved God]."
Verses 23-24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily [truly] I say unto you, That a rich man [or woman or child] shall hardly [with difficulty] enter into the kingdom of heaven [which means that it's very hard to get rich people to realize that they must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ--not their money and possessions--if they want to be saved and have eternal life]. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of [or hole in] a needle, than for a rich man [or woman or child] to enter into the kingdom of God [i.e., heaven]."
Verses 25-26: "When his disciples heard it [what Jesus said], they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved [from hell]? But Jesus beheld [looked at] them, and said unto them, With men [human beings] this [thing, meaning salvation,] is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
As is shown by the above story, nobody can obey all of God's commandments all of the time, we can't work our way to heaven, and pride and love of money have prevented many people from being saved in the past and will prevent many people from being saved in the future.
In Ephesians 2:8-9, the Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." This means that the only way we can get to heaven is through faith--by believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, and that he was buried and rose again, and by trusting him as our personal Savior.
If you want to be saved (born again) but aren't sure what to do, please read one or more of the gospel tracts on the "Printable Gospel Tracts" page of my website. Here's the link: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
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GotQuestions.org has an article about these verses. It's called "What did Jesus mean when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/camel-eye-needle.html.
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