Notes from Linda:
12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
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8/8/21: Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.
I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses
Bible Verses
"Verse of the Day"
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Previous Month
April 2023
APRIL 30
Proverbs 30:17: "The eye [of the child] that mocketh at [mocks at, ridicules] his [or her] father [referring to the 'child' (young or old) who makes unkind facial expressions], and despiseth [despises, hates] to obey his [or her] mother, the ravens [large black birds] of the valley shall pick it [the child's eye] out, and the young eagles shall eat it."
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In the last part of his commentary, Pastor Delany explains the meaning of the second half of today's verse (i.e., "the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it") as follows:
"1. The point Agur is making in the proverb is NOT that if a child mocks or disrespects his parents that birds will immediately swoop down out of the sky and pluck his eyes out.
"a. Rather, the picture that is painted here is that of a dead body lying out in the wilderness and birds of prey eating the carcass, and yes, even plucking out the eyeballs and eating them. It is a delicacy for ravens!
"2. This picture should be put in its social and historical context.
"a. In the Old Testament, a decent burial was extremely important.
"• It was important to be buried with your fathers [ancestors] with the proper fragrant [sweet-smelling] spices and incense and to have many [people] come to the funeral and weep [cry] excessively.
"• II Chron. 16:13-14 -- the burial of King Asa.
"b. To die without a decent burial was the highest form of disgrace.
"• II Kings 9:10 -- Jezebel died and there was none [no one] to bury her. Dogs ate her flesh.
"• Jer. 16:3-4 -- God's judgment was a lack of a decent burial for them [the people who died], their sons, and daughters. Without a burial, they were considered as 'dung' [manure] upon the face of the earth.
"• Rev. 19:13-18 -- When [Jesus] Christ returns [to earth], the armies of the world gather to fight against Him. Those armies are destroyed, and as a final insult and disgrace, their bodies lie unburied--and the birds of prey come and eat their flesh… presumably, including their eyeballs.
"• This was the highest form of disgrace.
"3. Agur's point to the youth [young people] who do not show respect for their parents and for elders [older people, senior citizens] in general: this is what will happen to you!
"a. If you treat your parents and the elderly in a disgraceful manner, disgraceful treatment will come around to you!
"b. Perhaps your children will grow up to mock and despise you--as you did to your parents.
"c. This is not part of a Hindu-like karma. Rather, this is a very natural principle of life: you reap what you sow.
"• Bad behavior begets [brings about] more bad behavior.
"• If you sow seeds of disrespect, expect to reap a crop of disrespect.
"• God used similar language to describe the consequences of Judah's rebellion [referring to one of the tribes of Israel]: 'Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee.'
"• It is poetic justice [when something bad happens to a person who seems to deserve it]--but also divine [godly] justice.
"• You'll get what's coming to you one day.
"• Rebellious children who disrespect parents and all authority usually beget children who disrespect parents.
"• Note also that it was the EYE that mocked the father. The eye is a window into the soul. It reveals what is going on inside [the person] -- the inner man.
"• It is the eye in particular that is mentioned for the grossest insult and disgrace in death. It is a hideous picture.
"• It is a hideous [an ugly] picture because this kind of disrespect is hideous [offensive] to God.
"• The respect (or lack thereof) we show to parents, leaders, elders, and rulers, and others in authority is an expression of our attitude towards God--[who is] the ultimate Authority over us."
If you want to read the rest of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_17/.
He goes on to tell us:
"2. What their doom will be. Those that dishonour their parents shall be set up as monuments of God's vengeance; they shall be hanged in chains, as it were, for the birds of prey to pick out their eyes, those eyes with which they looked so scornfully on their good parents. The dead bodies of malefactors [criminals] were not to hang all night, but before night the ravens would have picked out their eyes. If men do not punish undutiful children, God will [punish them], and [he] will load those with the greatest infamy [evil reputation] that conduct themselves haughtily [arrogantly, pridefully] towards their parents. Many who have come to an ignominious [humiliating, shameful] end have owned [admitted] that the wicked courses that brought them to it began in a contempt of their parents' authority."
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/30.html, "Verses 15-17," "v. 17")
"Disrespect for one's parents is as bad as arrogance [pride] and greed. Agur's graphic descriptions visualize the terrible consequences of this folly [foolishness]. Whereas we should obey our parents as long as we live under their authority, we should honor them all our lives. We should do so simply because they have given us physical life, if for no other reason. This proverb warns that severe punishment awaits those who disrespect their parents."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/30-17.html, "Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable")
APRIL 29
Proverbs 29:11: "A fool uttereth [utters, speaks out about, makes known to others, tells] all [that is on] his [or her] mind [referring to his (or her) thoughts and emotions--everything that he (or she) thinks and feels]: but a wise man [or woman or child] keepeth it in [keeps it in, doesn't say anything, exercises self-control] till afterwards [until the right time--see below*]."
-- "The fool loudly and publically [publicly] proclaims [announces] his irrational [not logical or reasonable] thoughts, his assumptions, his foolish ideas, and his uncontrolled emotions … [He] utters his whole mind and heart. Whatever pops into his head… whatever he happens to be feeling at the moment is sure to come out of his mouth--with little to no thought."
-- On the other hand, the wise man "waits for the right time … waits until he has thought it through … waits until he has all the facts … waits until his emotions have cooled down … waits and thinks of the best way to word what he is trying to say … waits to say many things in private."
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-29-index/proverbs-29_11/.
APRIL 28
Philippians 2:4: "Look not every man [or woman or child] [only] on his [or her] own things [in other words, people shouldn't be selfish or self-centered], but every man [and woman and child] [should look] also on the things of others [meaning they should also show an interest in the concerns of others, and help them if and when they are able to do so]."
"But every man also on the things of others - It is the duty of every man [person] to do this. No one is at liberty to live for himself or to disregard the wants of others. The object of this rule is to break up the narrow spirit of selfishness, and to produce a benevolent [kind] regard for the happiness of others. In respect to the rule we may observe:
"(1) We are not to be 'busybodies' in the concerns of others … We are not to attempt to pry into their secret purposes. Every man has his own plans, and thoughts, and intentions, which no other one has a right to look into. Nothing is more odious [disgusting] than a meddler in the concerns of others.
"(2) We are not to obtrude [force upon others] our advice where it is not sought, or at unseasonable times and places, even if the advice is in itself good. No one likes to be interrupted to hear advice; and I have no right to require that he should suspend his business in order that I may give him counsel.
"(3) We are not to find fault with what pertains exclusively to him. We are to remember that there are some things which are his business, not ours; and we are to learn to 'possess our souls in patience,' if he does not give just as much as we think be ought to benevolent objects, or if he dresses in a manner not to please our taste, or if he indulges in [or allows himself to do] things which do not accord [agree] exactly with our views. He may see reasons for his conduct which we do not; and it is possible that be may be right, and that, if we understood the whole case, we should think and act as he does. We often complain of a man because be does not give as much as we think he ought, to objects of charity; and it is possible that he may be miserably niggardly [stingy] and narrow. But it is also possible that he may be more embarrassed than we know of; or that he may just then have demands against him of which we are ignorant; or that he may have numerous poor relatives dependent on him; or that he gives much with 'the left hand' which is not known by 'the right hand.' At any rate, it is his business, not ours; and we are not qualified to judge until we understand the whole case.
"(4) We are not to be gossips about the concerns of others. We are not to hunt up small stories, and petty [insignificant] scandals respecting their families; we are not to pry into domestic [private family] affairs, and divulge them [make them known] abroad [publicly], and find pleasure in circulating snell [bad?] things from house to house. There are domestic secrets, which are not to be betrayed; and there is scarcely an offence of a meaner or more injurious [hurtful] character than to divulge to the public what we have seen a family whose hospitality we have enjoyed.
"(5) Where Christian duty and kindness require us to look into the concerns of others, there should be the utmost delicacy. Even children have their own secrets, and their own plans and amusements, on a small scale, quite as important to them as the greater games which we are playing in life; and they will feel the meddlesomeness [intrusiveness] of a busybody to be as odious to them as we should in our plans. A delicate parent, therefore, who has undoubtedly a right to know all about his children, will not rudely intrude into their privacies, or meddle with their concerns. So, when we visit the sick, while we show a tender sympathy for them, we should not be too particular in inquiring into their maladies [illnesses] or their feelings. So, when those with whom we sympathize have brought their calamities [disasters] on themselves by their own fault, we should not ask too many questions about it. We should not too closely examine one who is made poor by intemperance [as in alcohol abuse], or who is in prison for crime. And so, when we go to sympathize with those who have been, by a reverse of circumstances, reduced from affluence [wealth] to penury [poverty], we should not ask too many questions. We should let them tell their own story. If they voluntarily make us their confidants, and tell us all about their circumstances, it is well; but let us not drag out the circumstances, or wound their feelings by our impertinent [rude] inquiries [questions], or our indiscreet sympathy in their affairs. There are always secrets which the sons and daughters of misfortune would wish to keep to themselves.
"However, while these things are true, it is also true that the rule before us positively requires us to show an interest in the concerns of others; and it may be regarded as implying the following things:
"(1) We are to feel that the spiritual interests of everyone in the church is, in a certain sense, our own interest. The [Christian] church is one [meaning its people are united]. It is confederated [joined] together for a common object. Each one [of the members] is entrusted with a portion of the honor of the whole [group], and the conduct of one member affects the character of all [of them]. We are, therefore, to promote, in every way possible, the welfare of every other member of the church. If they go astray [off the right path], we are to admonish [warn] and entreat [try to persuade] them; if they are in error, we are to instruct them; if they are in trouble, we are to aid [help] them. Every member of the church has a claim on the sympathy of his brethren [brothers--or, in this case, fellow Christians], and should be certain of always finding it when his circumstances are such as to demand it.
"(2) There are circumstances where it is proper to look with special interest on the temporal [worldly] concerns of others. It is when the poor, the fatherless, and the afflicted [troubled] [people] must be sought out in order to be aided and relieved. They are too retiring [shy] and modest [humble] to press their situation on the attention of others, and they need that others should manifest [demonstrate] a generous care in their welfare in order to relieve them. This is not improper interference in their concerns, nor will it be so regarded.
"(3) For a similar reason, we should seek the welfare of all others in a spiritual sense. We should seek to arouse the sinner [i.e., stir him to action], and lead him to the Saviour [i.e., Jesus Christ]. He is blind, and will not come himself; [he is] unconcerned, and will not seek salvation; [he is] filled with the love of this world, and will not seek a better [love]; [he is] devoted to pursuits that will lead him to ruin, and he ought to be apprised of it. It is no more an improper interference in his concerns to apprise [inform] him of his condition, and to attempt to lead him to the Saviour, than it is to warn a man in a dark night, who walks on the verge [edge] of a precipice [cliff], of his peril [danger]; or to arouse [awaken] one [person] from sleep whose house is in flames. In like manner, it is no more meddling with the concerns of another to tell him that there is a glorious heaven which may be his, than it is to apprise a man that there is a mine of golden ore [or 'a gold mine'] on his farm. It is for the man's own interest, and it is the office [role] of a friend to remind him of these things. He does a man a favor who tells him that he has a Redeemer [Savior, referring to Jesus Christ], and that there is a heaven to which he may rise; he does his neighbor the greatest possible kindness who apprises him that there is a world of infinite woe [great sorrow or distress], and tells him of an easy way by which he may escape it. The world around is dependant on the church of Christ [i.e., the Christian church] to be apprised of these truths. The frivolous [carefree, not serious] ones [people] will not warn the fools of their danger; the crowd that presses to the theater or the ballroom will not apprise those who are there that they are in the broad way to hell; and everyone who loves his neighbor, should feel sufficient interest in him to tell him that he may be eternally happy in heaven."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/philippians-2.html, "Verse 4")
APRIL 26-27
Biblical Rules for "Speaking in Tongues"
In a letter to born-again Christians in the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 14:27: "If any man [or woman or child] [wants to] speak in an unknown tongue [language] [publicly, in the church], let it be by two, or at the most by three [people; i.e., in a group of two (or, at the most, three) in one day, or in one meeting], and that [it should be done] by course [or 'in turn' (meaning separately, one after another)]; and let one [of those people] interpret [or translate, or explain what the others are saying]."
1 Corinthians 14:28: "But if there be no interpreter, let him [or her--the person desiring to speak in tongues] keep silence [remain silent] in the church; and let him [or her] speak [in tongues only] to himself [or herself], and to God."
APRIL 25
While tellingNicodemus (a Pharisee and a leader of the Jews) why people must be born again (or saved), Jesus said:
John 3:16: "For God [the Father] so loved the world [i.e., he loved everyone in the world so much], that he gave his only begotten Son [Jesus Christ] [as a sacrifice for sin; in other words, God allowed his only Son, Jesus (who shared God's divine nature but was not adopted, like born-again Christians are--see note below*), to die on the cross to pay for all of the sins of mankind], [so] that whosoever believeth [believes] in him [Jesus] [which means that whoever, through faith, trusts Jesus as Savior] should not perish [be tormented forever, first in hell and then in the lake of fire], but [will, instead,] have everlasting [eternal] life [in heaven]."
Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) 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.
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For detailed instructions for the plan of salvation, visit the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
APRIL 23-24
The Biblical Way to Discipline Children
Proverbs 23:13: "Withhold not correction from the child [don't hesitate to discipline your child]: for if thou beatest [if you beat] him [or her] with the rod [or 'if you spank your child'], he [or she] shall not die."
Proverbs 23:14: "Thou shalt [you shall] beat him [or her--your child] with the rod, and shalt deliver his [or her] soul from hell [probable meaning in this case: you will save your child from a premature, untimely death (see explanation in the second commentary listed below)]."
-- The first commentary discusses the importance of Solomon's main command to discipline our children and gives specific reasons why many parents don't spank their children (mainly due to human nature and choosing to follow advice from the "world" instead of the Bible).
-- The second commentary tells why we should obey the command to discipline our children and gives specific instructions on spanking, including what type of rod to use. (Both commentaries are good, but this is my favorite.)
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Here are some excerpts from the second commentary:
In paragraph 2 under the heading "A. Beat Him With a Rod," Pastor Delany says:
"j. Because of the wild variations in the usage and connotation of [or idea suggested or implied by] this term [or word (i.e., 'beat')], it is not surprising that there is not unanimity [agreement] concerning just how aggressive [forceful] a parent should BE with spanking.
"k. A couple of things ARE clear:
"• Solomon is speaking about corporal [bodily, physical] punishment (striking or hitting) and not a 'time out' or 'going to bed early' or 'no dessert tonight.'
"• That corporal punishment (smiting) [spanking] is supposed to hurt.
"• That corporal punishment can be misapplied:
"» Either so lightly that it does not hurt and thus is ineffective.
"» So hard and brutal [cruel] that it physically damages the child and is thus ineffective--because you have 'provoked your child to anger.'
"» It can also be misapplied when not used consistently--so that the child never knows what the limits really are.
"» It can be misapplied when the parent is angry and out of control. (wrong spirit)
"» It can be misapplied when the child is never told what it is for… or when the child is never told what the rules are.
"» It can be misapplied when a child is spanked for an unintentional accident.
"» It is also misapplied when the rod is continually threatened, but not used."
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A little farther down the page, in paragraph 3 of the same section, Pastor Delany goes on to say:
"c. Again, note the wide range of meaning [of the term 'rod'].
"d. The Hebrew term for rod used here could refer to anything from a thin switch [branch] off a willow tree to a massive [large and heavy] club used to crush someone's skull… to a dart or javelin [spear] used to kill someone.
"e. Obviously, a little common sense needs to be applied in choosing the kind of 'rod' to use in spanking your child.
"f. I recommend the small flexible 'rod' that comes with the mini blinds. It won't do any damage, (as a wooden spoon could do if it hit a bone accidently) but it sure does sting. It communicates the message that needs to be communicated.
"4. I would prefer to translate 'beat him with the rod' as 'strike him with a thin, flexible switch.'
"a. Or as others have said, 'Apply the board of knowledge to the seat of understanding.'
"b. It is not a beating in the sense that we use the term today.
"c. It is a striking of the rear end (where you are unlikely to do any real harm).
"d. It is a striking that inflicts [causes] enough pain to get the point across.
"e. Common sense needs to be applied on the part of the parent--and the parent needs to be under the control of the Holy Spirit.
"f. And as a side note, corporal punishment should not be applied for each and every tiny infraction [minor offense]. Other forms of punishment might well be applied in those situations.
"g. Corporal punishment [spanking] ought to be applied in cases of direct rebellion and disobedience… when that disobedience is done with full knowledge that they [the children] were breaking the rules.
"h. One man wrote, 'It is medicine, not food.' (For an occasional sickness that needs fixing; not for daily ingestion.)
"i. It [corporal punishment] should also be balanced with encouragement, praise, and even rewards for good behavior.
"j. Parents are to be to their children as God is to us: gracious, longsuffering, and loving, but firm and just. Parents are to be more like a loving father than a drill sergeant."
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Near the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany says that Solomon's point in the proverb is this: "Spanking won't kill them [your children]. But not correcting their behavior via corporal punishment when they are young could set them off on a life of rebellion, sin, and violence that ends in a tragic death."
If you want to read one or both of the commentaries, here are the links:
-- Commentary 1: "Withhold Not Correction"
(https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-23-index/proverbs-23_13-14/)
-- Commentary 2: "The Benefits of Corporal Punishment"
(https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-23-index/proverbs-23_13b-14/)
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Note: Most (if not all) of the Salem Bible Church's commentaries on Proverbs are outlines of sermons that Pastor Delany preached to his congregation.
APRIL 21-22
Proverbs 21:20: "There is treasure [for example, money and food] to be desired and oil [representing other basic necessities, similar to olive oil, which was a valuable thing in Bible times, as it served many important purposes in daily living: i.e., cooking, anointing, cleansing, healing, etc.] in the dwelling [or home] of the wise [person]; but a foolish man [or woman or child] spendeth [spends] it up."
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Here are some more excerpts from Pastor Delany's commentary:
In paragraph 2 under "Treasure Saved":
"d. The wise man's view of prosperity [success] is through the making of long range goals… planning ahead for the future.
"• The wise man did not live lavishly [luxuriously] for the moment.
"• He had long range goals in his planning.
"• Because he salted some away [meaning he set some things aside to use at a later date] during good times, his dwelling place continually had a stockpile of the goods and funds he needed.
"e. His view of prosperity is to portion out today's income in order to salt some away [or save some money] for tomorrow.
"• He was frugal [thrifty, not wasteful] today so that he will have enough for tomorrow.
"• He pinched his pennies [or spent as few of them as possible] in order to make them last.
"• He didn't spend more than he made.
"• He didn't borrow more than he could pay back.
"• He didn't live above his means.
"• To use today's vernacular [form of language]: he didn't buy more house than he could afford!
"• Nobody had to bail him out."
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And under the "Treasure Spent" section, we find:
In paragraph 3:
"b. The foolish man spends money as soon as he gets it.
"c. Money seems to fall through holes in his pockets.
"d. When good times come economically, instead of saving for bad times which will eventually come… he decides to blow his money on having a good time."
In paragraph 4:
"c. It [i.e., foolish spending] demonstrates a heart attitude of 'living for today'… a 'here and now' mentality."
"e. The fool cares only about feeding his desires NOW; he cares only about experiencing pleasure NOW."
In paragraph 5:
"5. The obvious point of the second part of this proverb (though not stated) is that the fool loves to 'spend it up' and as a result there is nothing left!
"a. He ends up poor. He doesn't have a storehouse of goods and supplies. He has nothing."
If you want to read the rest of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-21-index/proverbs-21_20/.
"Foolish children spend what their wise parents have laid up [or saved]."
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/21.html, "Verse 20")
APRIL 20
Proverbs 20:11: "Even a child is known by his [or her] doings [actions--what he (or she) does], whether his [or her] work [behavior] be pure [clean, acceptable, good], and whether it be right."
"The graces or the faults of children are not trifles [things of little or no importance]. 'The child is father of the man;' and the earliest actions are prophecies [predictions] of the future [behavior], whether it will be pure and right, or unclean and evil."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/proverbs-20.html, "Verse 11")
APRIL 19
No Marriage or Sex in Heaven
Matthew 22:23-24: "The same day [when he was teaching in the temple] came to him [Jesus] the Sadducees [members of the ruling class in Israel, who denied various doctrines (teachings), including resurrection of the body, immortality of the soul, and the existence of spirits and angels], which [or 'who,'] say that there is no resurrection [i.e., when people are raised from the dead, or come back to life], and [they--the Sadducees] asked him [Jesus] [this question], Saying, Master, Moses [a prophet of God] said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed [offspring, children, descendants] unto his brother [to carry on the family name--see Note 1 below]."
Matthew 22:25-26,27-28: "Now there were with us seven brethren [brothers]: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased [died], and, having no issue [children], left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second [brother] also [died], and [so did] the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman [a widow again and still childless] died also. Therefore in the resurrection [see Note 2 below,] whose wife shall she be of the seven [brothers]? for they all had her [as a wife]."
Matthew 22:29-30: "Jesus answered and said unto them [the Sadducees], Ye do err [you are mistaken], not knowing the scriptures [at that time, he was referring to the books of the Old Testament, especially concerning the law of Moses], nor the power of God [to raise the dead]. For in the resurrection they [the people (both males and females) who are brought back to life] neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but [they] are as [like] the angels of God in heaven [meaning they are single, and similar to the angels in the way that they act and live--see Note 3 below]."
-- "Will there be marriage in heaven?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/marriage-heaven.html)
-- "Will there be sex in heaven?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/sex-heaven.html)
Regarding the questioners' reference to the law of Moses in Matthew 22:24, one Bible commentator wrote the following:
"… Under that law if a man died childless his brother (or kinsman [male relative]) was required to take his wife and produce children who would inherit the dead man's name, and his property …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/22-23.html, "Pett's Commentary on the Bible," "Verse 23")
There are various types of resurrections mentioned in the Bible. They are explained in the following article: "When will the Resurrection take place?" To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/when-resurrection.html.
Here are some articles about angels:
-- "What is the purpose of angels?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/purpose-of-angels.html)
-- "What do angels look like?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-look.html)
-- "What do angels do?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/what-do-angels-do.html)
APRIL 11-18
Parable of the Prodigal Son
This is a parable, or story, that Jesus told about sinners and repentance, with the older son (the "good kid") representing the scribes and Pharisees (religious leaders with a "holier than thou" attitude), the younger (prodigal) son (the "bad kid") representing the returning (repenting) sinner (especially, a rebellious Christian), and the father (a kind, compassionate, merciful, forgiving, loving person) representing God.
Luke 15:11-12: "And he [Jesus] said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them [who became known as the prodigal son] said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me [meaning his inheritance]. And he [the father] divided unto them [both sons] his living [i.e., his money and property].
Luke 15:13-14: And not many days after [that,] the younger son gathered all [of his personal belongings] together, and took his journey into [traveled to] a far[away] country, and there wasted his substance [spent all that he had] with riotous living [an extravagant (expensive) lifestyle]. And when he had spent all [of his money], there arose a mighty famine [an extreme shortage of food] in that land; and he began to be in want [need]."
Luke 15:15-16: "And he [the prodigal son] went and joined himself to [hired himself out to, became employed by] a citizen of that country; and he [the employer] sent him [the prodigal son] into his fields to feed swine [pigs]. And he [the prodigal son] would fain [gladly] have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat [because that type of food was better than what his employer provided]: and no man [person] gave unto him [the prodigal son] [any of the husks] .
Luke 15:17,18-19: And when he [the prodigal son] came to himself [came to his senses], he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread [food] enough [for themselves] and [some] to spare [meaning the servants had more than enough to eat], and I perish with hunger [I'm starving to death]! I will arise [leave this place] and go to my father, and [acknowledging that he (the prodigal son) had been acting in a wicked, ungrateful, and rebellious manner] will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven [God], and before thee [you], And [I] am no more worthy to be called thy [your] son: make [treat] me as one of thy hired servants.
Luke 15:20: And he [the prodigal son] arose [got up], and came [back, or returned,] to his father [meaning he went home]. But when he [the prodigal son] was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion [felt pity for him, had sympathy for his suffering], and [he] ran, and fell on [threw his arms around] his [son's] neck, and kissed him."
Luke 15:21-22,23-24: "And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven [God], and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and [put] shoes [sandals] on his feet: And bring hither [here] the fatted [fattened] calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry [cheerful, joyful]: For this my son was dead [to virtue, or good moral behavior--because he had been corrupted by sin], and is alive again; he was lost [to the family, because they didn't know where he was], and is found. And they began to be merry [or celebrate].
Luke 15:25-26,27: Now his [the father's] elder [older] son was in the field [working]: and as he came and drew nigh [near] to the house, he heard musick [music] and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he [the servant] said unto him [the older son], Thy brother is come [home]; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him [the prodigal son] [back home] safe and sound [i.e., in good health].
Luke 15:28,29,30: And he [the older son] was angry, and would not go in [the house]: therefore came his father out[side], and intreated [begged, pleaded with] him. And he [the older son] answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed [disobeyed] I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest [gave] me a kid [a young goat, which was of less value than a calf], [so] that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come [home], [referring to the younger (prodigal) son,] which hath devoured [who has spent, wasted, used up] thy living [your property and money] with harlots [prostitutes], thou hast [you have] killed for him the fatted calf.
Luke 15:31-32: And he [the father] said unto him [the older son], Son, thou art ever [forever, always] with me, and all that I have is thine [yours]. It was meet [fitting, appropriate, right] that we should make merry [celebrate], and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and [he] was lost, and is found."
-- "What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-prodigal-son.html)
-- "What should Christian parents do if they have a prodigal son (or daughter)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/prodigal-son.html)
APRIL 9-10
The Resurrection of Jesus
Matthew 28:1: "In the end of the [Jewish weekly] sabbath [a day of rest and worship, which took place every Saturday], as it began to dawn toward [Sunday,] the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary [i.e., wife of Cleopas, and mother of James and Joses] to see the sepulchre [the tomb in which the crucified Jesus had been buried]."
Matthew 28:2-3,4: "And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended [came down] from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door [of the sepulchre], and sat upon it [the very large, heavy stone]. His [the angel's] countenance [outward appearance] was [bright and shining] like lightning, and his raiment [clothing] [was as] white as snow: And for fear of him [or 'due to fear of the angel'] the keepers [the Roman soldiers who were guarding the tomb] did shake [tremble], and became as dead men [i.e., they probably fainted from fright, because they were terrified by what had just happened]."
Matthew 28:5-6,7: "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye [don't be afraid]: for I know that ye [you] seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen [from the dead], as he said. Come, see the place [in the sepulchre] where the Lord lay [or 'where Jesus' body had been lying']. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he [Jesus] goeth [goes] before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you."
Matthew 28:8-9: "And they [the women] departed [left] quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word [the good news] [that Jesus was alive]. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail [which meant 'rejoice']. And they [the women] came and held him [Jesus] by the feet [i.e., they came and laid face down on the ground, touching his feet, showing their respect, honor, love, and affection,], and worshipped him."
APRIL 8
Luke 23:39: "And one of the malefactors [criminals--in this case, robbers] which were hanged [on crosses at Calvary, or Golgotha] railed on [complained bitterly to] him [Jesus], saying, If thou be [if you are] Christ [the Messiah], save thyself [yourself] and us."
Luke 23:40-41: "But the other [malefactor] answering [or 'in response'] rebuked [reprimanded] him [the first malefactor], saying, Dost not thou [do you not] fear God, seeing thou art [you are] in the same condemnation [as he (Jesus--the son of God, or God the Son) is, referring to crucifixion, the type of death they were all experiencing]? And we indeed [are being punished] justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man [Jesus] hath [has] done nothing amiss [wrong]."
Luke 23:42-43: "And he [the second malefactor] said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest [when you come] into thy [your] kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily [truly] I say unto thee [you], To day shalt thou [you shall] be with me in paradise [see note below*]."
Luke 23:44-45: "And it was about the sixth hour [which was noon in Bible time], and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour [3 p.m.]. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst [or 'torn in the middle' or 'ripped in half--see note below**]."
Luke 23:46: "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said [to God], Father, into thy hands I commend [commit, entrust] my spirit: and having said thus [this], he gave up the ghost [meaning he died]."
-- "What did Jesus mean when He said, 'Today you will be with me in paradise'?
(https://www.gotquestions.org/today-paradise.html)
-- "Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-go-to-hell.html)
APRIL 7
While telling Nicodemus (a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews) why people must be born again, or saved, Jesus said:
John 3:14-15: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent [in this case, the image of a snake, made of brass] [on a pole] in the wilderness [desert] [see note below for explanation*], even so [in like manner] must the Son of man [i.e., Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God,] be lifted up [on the cross] [see note below**]: [so] That whosoever [whoever] believeth in him [Jesus, meaning those who believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for their sins, and that he was buried and rose again, and who trust him as their personal Savior] should not perish [be destroyed in hell and the lake of fire], but [will] have eternal life [in heaven]."
-- Numbers 21:5,6: "And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth [or 'we hate'] this light bread [manna]. And the LORD sent fiery serpents [poisonous snakes] among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died."
-- Numbers 21:7,8: "Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee [you]; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee [the image of] a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live."
-- Numbers 21:9: "And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld [looked at] the serpent of brass, he lived."
Verse 14 -- Jesus Must Be 'Lifted Up':
"… The points of resemblance between his [Jesus'] being lifted up and that of the brass serpent seem to be these:
"I. In each case those who are to be benefited can he aided in no other way. The bite of the serpent was deadly, and could be healed only by looking on the brass serpent; and sin is deadly in its nature, and can be removed only by looking on the cross.
"II. The mode of their being lifted up. The brass serpent was in the sight of the people. So Jesus was exalted from the earth raised on a tree or cross.
"III. The design was similar. The one was to save the life, the other the soul; the one to save from temporal, the other from eternal death.
"IV. The manner of the cure was similar. The people of Israel were to look on the serpent and be healed, and so sinners are to look on the Lord Jesus that they may be saved. …"
Verse 15 -- Whoever Believes 'Should Not Perish':
"That whosoever - This shows the fulness and freeness of the gospel. All may come and be saved. Believeth in him - Whosoever puts confidence in him [Jesus] as able and willing to save. All who feel that they are sinners, that they have no righteousness of their own, and are willing to look to him as their only Saviour.
"Should not perish - … All who believe on [or trust in] Jesus shall be saved from this condemnation [punishment in hell] and be raised up to eternal life. And from this we learn:
"1.That there is salvation in no other [person] [besides Jesus].
"2.That salvation is here full and free for all who will come.
"3.That it is easy. What was more easy for a poor, wounded, dying Israelite, bitten by a poisonous serpent, than to look up to a brass serpent? So with the poor, lost, dying sinner. And what more foolish than for such a wounded, dying man to refuse to look on a remedy so easy and effectual [effective]? So nothing is more foolish man for a lost and dying sinner to 'refuse' to look on God's only Son [Jesus Christ], exalted on a cross to die for the sins of men, and able to save to the uttermost [utmost (greatest) degree] 'all' who come to God by him [for salvation]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/john-3.html, "Verses 14 and 15")
"… People are foolish. Unless they can understand all the processes by which God is working, they won't accept it. I can't explain to you how that believing in Jesus Christ can cleanse you of your sin and cause you to be born again and become a child of God. All I can tell you is it will. It works. That's what God has ordained. Jesus, hanging on the cross, was bearing the judgment of God for your sins. 'All we like sheep have gone astray, we turn, everyone of us, to our own ways. And God has laid on Him the iniquities of us all' ( Isaiah 53:6 ). 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up. ' And Jesus, hanging there on the cross, was there taking the judgment of God for sin, dying for our sins, dying in our place. And even as those in the days of Israel looked at the serpent and lived, so we, by looking at the cross in faith and in trusting in Jesus, live. We have eternal life. And so, it was quite an interesting parallel, symbolism that God had established …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/3-14.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
APRIL 6
The Crucifixion of Jesus
After being sentenced to death by Pilate, Jesus was forced to carry his cross to the place of execution.
John 19:17-18: "And he [Jesus] bearing [carrying] his cross [referring to the transverse, or horizontal, beam--i.e., the smaller piece of wood, to which his hands would be nailed] went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they [the Romans] crucified him, and two other [men, both of whom were criminals,] with him, on either side one [or 'one on each side'], and Jesus in the midst [middle]."
____________________
See Matthew Henry's commentary for more information about Golgotha and the cross. Go to https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/john/19.html and scroll down to "Verses 16-18," then to "(v. 17)."
APRIL 5
Was Jesus Really Crucified on Friday?
Matthew 12:38: "Then certain [some] of the scribes [teachers of the Jewish people and interpreters of the law] and of the Pharisees [members of a certain Jewish sect (religious group)] answered [Jesus], saying, Master, we would [like to] see a sign from thee [you] [i.e., a sign from heaven, in the form of a miracle] [to prove that you are the Christ (Messiah, Savior of the world) and have been sent by God]."
Matthew 12:39,40: "But he [Jesus] answered and said unto them [the crowd], An evil and adulterous generation [referring to the Jews, many of whom--at that time--were unfaithful to their spouses and/or God] seeketh after [seeks after, looks for] a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it [i.e., the 'evil and adulterous generation'], but [except] the sign of the prophet Jonas [Jonah]: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man [Jesus] be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth [which meant that Jesus would be in the grave, or tomb, for three days and three nights between his crucifixion and resurrection, which was the same amount of time that Jonah spent inside the whale]."
Matthew 12:41: "The men [inhabitants] of Nineveh [capital city of the Assyrian empire] shall rise [as witnesses] in judgment [on judgment day] with this generation [of Jews], and [their example, or the example of the Ninevites] shall condemn it ['this generation']: because they [the people of Nineveh] repented at the preaching of Jonas [who was only a prophet, or messenger, of God]; and, behold, a greater [one] than Jonas [Jonah] is here [referring to himself (Jesus), who was and is the Son of God--second person of the Trinity (which means one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost)--see note below*] [and the Jews wouldn't even repent at his preaching]."
APRIL 4
In many places in the Bible, we're told that Jesus suffered and died to pay for our sins. The following verse focuses some of the suffering that he endured before and during the crucifixion.
Isaiah 53:5: "But he [Jesus Christ] was wounded [pierced, or stabbed--on his hands and feet with nails, in his side with a spear, and on his head with the crown of thorns] for our transgressions [or our rebellion against God], he was bruised for our iniquities [sins]: the chastisement of our peace was upon him [Jesus, referring to the punishment he endured and the pain that he suffered when he died on the cross to pay for our sins and purchase our peace (and restore our fellowship) with God]; and with his stripes [or bruises; i.e., the marks that were made on Jesus' back when he was brutally whipped and on his face and body when he was severely punched, or beaten with fists] we are healed [spiritually]."
-- "What does it mean that Christ was wounded for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/wounded-for-our-transgressions.html)
-- "What does it mean that 'by His stripes we are healed'?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/by-His-stripes-healed.html)
APRIL 2-3
Watch Out for the Devil!
In a letter to Jewish Christians (and to all other born-again Christians, too), the apostle Peter wrote:
1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober [calm and collected (not drunk), having a sound mind], be vigilant [watchful]; because your adversary [enemy] the devil, as [like] a roaring lion, walketh about [walks around] [on the earth], seeking whom he may devour [consume, eat, destroy]:"
1 Peter 5:9: "Whom [referring to the devil] [you can] resist [oppose] [by being] stedfast [unwavering] in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions [or things that cause suffering, pain, and distress] [that you may be experiencing] are accomplished in [happening to] your brethren [fellow Christians] that are [alive] in the world."
"… Strong drink is not only the way to the devil, but the devil's way into you; and YE [you] are such as the devil particularly MAY swallow down."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-peter/5-8.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
"… We are all liable to [or likely or prone to have] suffering. We are exposed to sickness, bereavement [grief or mourning after a relative, close friend, or loved one dies], death. We often feet [feel?] as if we could not bear up [hold up] under the sufferings that may be before us, and especially do we dread the great trial - death. It may furnish us some support and consolation [comfort] to remember:
"(1) That this is the common lot [experience] of people. There is nothing special in our case. It proves nothing as to the question whether we are accepted of God, and are beloved by him, that we suffer; for those whom he [God] has loved most have been often among the greatest sufferers. We often think that our sufferings are unique [the only one of its kind]; that there have been none like them. Yet, if we knew all, we should find that thousands [of people] - and among them the most wise, and pure, and good - have endured sufferings of the same kind as ours, and perhaps far more intense in degree [meaning much worse].
"(2) Others [other people] have been conveyed [carried] triumphantly through their trials. We have reason to hope and to believe that we shall also [be triumphant or victorious], for [because]:
"(a)Our trials have been no greater than theirs have been; and,
"(b)Their natural strength was no greater than ours. Many of them [the other people] were timid [shy], and shrinking [fearful], and trembling [shaking], and felt that they had no strength, and that they should fail [be unsuccessful] under the trial.
"(3) The grace which sustained [supported, helped] them can sustain us. The hand of God is not shortened that it cannot save; his ear is not heavy that it cannot hear. His power is as great, and his grace is as fresh, as it was when the first sufferer was supported by him; and that divine strength [referring to the strength from God] which supported David and Job in their afflictions [pain and suffering], and [which supported] the apostles and martyrs [people who were killed for their religious beliefs] in theirs [in their afflictions], is just as powerful as it was when they applied to God [i.e., asked him in prayer] to be upheld in their sorrows.
"(4) We are especially fearful of death - fearful that our faith will fail, and that we shall be left to die without support or consolation. Yet let us remember that death is the common lot of man [in other words, we will all experience it]. Let us remember who have died - tender females; children; the timid and the fearful; those, in immense multitudes, who had no more strength by nature than we have. Let us think of our own kindred [relatives] who have died. A wife has died, and shall a husband be afraid to die? A child [has died], and shall a father [be afraid to die]? A sister [has died], and shall a brother [be afraid to die]? It does much to take away the dread [fear] of death, to remember that a mother has gone through the dark valley [of death]; that that gloomy vale [dark valley] has been trod [walked] by delicate, and timid, and beloved sisters. Shall I be afraid to go where they have gone? Shall I apprehend [fear] that I shall find no grace that is able to sustain me where they have found it? Must the valley of the shadow of death be dark and gloomy to me, when they found it to be illuminated [made bright] with the opening light of heaven? Above all, it takes away the fear of death when I remember that my Saviour [Jesus Christ] has experienced all the horrors which can ever be in death; that he has slept in the tomb, and made it a hallowed [holy, sacred] resting-place."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-peter-5.html, "Verse 9")
APRIL 1
King David wrote this psalm:
Psalm 53:1: "The fool [in this case, a person with no conscience] hath [has] said in his [or her] heart [or 'has thought, or said to himself (or herself)'], There is no God. Corrupt [dishonest and immoral] are they [the fools], and [they] have done abominable iniquity [bad things]: there is none [no one, including so-called 'good' (moral) people] that doeth good [who does good things] [in other words, we have all sinned]."
How to be saved God's way: If you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) 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 in most of the tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. If you want to read one or more of them, here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
Proverbs 30:17: "The eye [of the child] that mocketh at [mocks at, ridicules] his [or her] father [referring to the 'child' (young or old) who makes unkind facial expressions], and despiseth [despises, hates] to obey his [or her] mother, the ravens [large black birds] of the valley shall pick it [the child's eye] out, and the young eagles shall eat it."
_______________
According to Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church, "… this is yet another 'you reap what you sow' proverb with a specific application."____________________
In the last part of his commentary, Pastor Delany explains the meaning of the second half of today's verse (i.e., "the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it") as follows:
"1. The point Agur is making in the proverb is NOT that if a child mocks or disrespects his parents that birds will immediately swoop down out of the sky and pluck his eyes out.
"a. Rather, the picture that is painted here is that of a dead body lying out in the wilderness and birds of prey eating the carcass, and yes, even plucking out the eyeballs and eating them. It is a delicacy for ravens!
"2. This picture should be put in its social and historical context.
"a. In the Old Testament, a decent burial was extremely important.
"• It was important to be buried with your fathers [ancestors] with the proper fragrant [sweet-smelling] spices and incense and to have many [people] come to the funeral and weep [cry] excessively.
"• II Chron. 16:13-14 -- the burial of King Asa.
"b. To die without a decent burial was the highest form of disgrace.
"• II Kings 9:10 -- Jezebel died and there was none [no one] to bury her. Dogs ate her flesh.
"• Jer. 16:3-4 -- God's judgment was a lack of a decent burial for them [the people who died], their sons, and daughters. Without a burial, they were considered as 'dung' [manure] upon the face of the earth.
"• Rev. 19:13-18 -- When [Jesus] Christ returns [to earth], the armies of the world gather to fight against Him. Those armies are destroyed, and as a final insult and disgrace, their bodies lie unburied--and the birds of prey come and eat their flesh… presumably, including their eyeballs.
"• This was the highest form of disgrace.
"3. Agur's point to the youth [young people] who do not show respect for their parents and for elders [older people, senior citizens] in general: this is what will happen to you!
"a. If you treat your parents and the elderly in a disgraceful manner, disgraceful treatment will come around to you!
"b. Perhaps your children will grow up to mock and despise you--as you did to your parents.
"c. This is not part of a Hindu-like karma. Rather, this is a very natural principle of life: you reap what you sow.
"• Bad behavior begets [brings about] more bad behavior.
"• If you sow seeds of disrespect, expect to reap a crop of disrespect.
"• God used similar language to describe the consequences of Judah's rebellion [referring to one of the tribes of Israel]: 'Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee.'
"• It is poetic justice [when something bad happens to a person who seems to deserve it]--but also divine [godly] justice.
"• You'll get what's coming to you one day.
"• Rebellious children who disrespect parents and all authority usually beget children who disrespect parents.
"• Note also that it was the EYE that mocked the father. The eye is a window into the soul. It reveals what is going on inside [the person] -- the inner man.
"• It is the eye in particular that is mentioned for the grossest insult and disgrace in death. It is a hideous picture.
"• It is a hideous [an ugly] picture because this kind of disrespect is hideous [offensive] to God.
"• The respect (or lack thereof) we show to parents, leaders, elders, and rulers, and others in authority is an expression of our attitude towards God--[who is] the ultimate Authority over us."
If you want to read the rest of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-30-index/proverbs-30_17/.
* * * * *
Another Bible commentator, Matthew Henry had these thoughts about the disobedient children in this verse, who "… despise to obey them [their parents], that think it a thing below them to be dutiful to their parents, especially to the mother, they scorn [refuse] to be controlled by her …"He goes on to tell us:
"2. What their doom will be. Those that dishonour their parents shall be set up as monuments of God's vengeance; they shall be hanged in chains, as it were, for the birds of prey to pick out their eyes, those eyes with which they looked so scornfully on their good parents. The dead bodies of malefactors [criminals] were not to hang all night, but before night the ravens would have picked out their eyes. If men do not punish undutiful children, God will [punish them], and [he] will load those with the greatest infamy [evil reputation] that conduct themselves haughtily [arrogantly, pridefully] towards their parents. Many who have come to an ignominious [humiliating, shameful] end have owned [admitted] that the wicked courses that brought them to it began in a contempt of their parents' authority."
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/30.html, "Verses 15-17," "v. 17")
* * * * *
And one more good quote:"Disrespect for one's parents is as bad as arrogance [pride] and greed. Agur's graphic descriptions visualize the terrible consequences of this folly [foolishness]. Whereas we should obey our parents as long as we live under their authority, we should honor them all our lives. We should do so simply because they have given us physical life, if for no other reason. This proverb warns that severe punishment awaits those who disrespect their parents."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/proverbs/30-17.html, "Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable")
APRIL 29
Proverbs 29:11: "A fool uttereth [utters, speaks out about, makes known to others, tells] all [that is on] his [or her] mind [referring to his (or her) thoughts and emotions--everything that he (or she) thinks and feels]: but a wise man [or woman or child] keepeth it in [keeps it in, doesn't say anything, exercises self-control] till afterwards [until the right time--see below*]."
_______________
*In his commentary on this verse, which compares fools to wise men, Pastor Delany of Salem Bible Church says:-- "The fool loudly and publically [publicly] proclaims [announces] his irrational [not logical or reasonable] thoughts, his assumptions, his foolish ideas, and his uncontrolled emotions … [He] utters his whole mind and heart. Whatever pops into his head… whatever he happens to be feeling at the moment is sure to come out of his mouth--with little to no thought."
-- On the other hand, the wise man "waits for the right time … waits until he has thought it through … waits until he has all the facts … waits until his emotions have cooled down … waits and thinks of the best way to word what he is trying to say … waits to say many things in private."
If you want to read more of the commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-29-index/proverbs-29_11/.
APRIL 28
Philippians 2:4: "Look not every man [or woman or child] [only] on his [or her] own things [in other words, people shouldn't be selfish or self-centered], but every man [and woman and child] [should look] also on the things of others [meaning they should also show an interest in the concerns of others, and help them if and when they are able to do so]."
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In his commentary, Albert Barnes has much to say about the second part of this verse:"But every man also on the things of others - It is the duty of every man [person] to do this. No one is at liberty to live for himself or to disregard the wants of others. The object of this rule is to break up the narrow spirit of selfishness, and to produce a benevolent [kind] regard for the happiness of others. In respect to the rule we may observe:
"(1) We are not to be 'busybodies' in the concerns of others … We are not to attempt to pry into their secret purposes. Every man has his own plans, and thoughts, and intentions, which no other one has a right to look into. Nothing is more odious [disgusting] than a meddler in the concerns of others.
"(2) We are not to obtrude [force upon others] our advice where it is not sought, or at unseasonable times and places, even if the advice is in itself good. No one likes to be interrupted to hear advice; and I have no right to require that he should suspend his business in order that I may give him counsel.
"(3) We are not to find fault with what pertains exclusively to him. We are to remember that there are some things which are his business, not ours; and we are to learn to 'possess our souls in patience,' if he does not give just as much as we think be ought to benevolent objects, or if he dresses in a manner not to please our taste, or if he indulges in [or allows himself to do] things which do not accord [agree] exactly with our views. He may see reasons for his conduct which we do not; and it is possible that be may be right, and that, if we understood the whole case, we should think and act as he does. We often complain of a man because be does not give as much as we think he ought, to objects of charity; and it is possible that he may be miserably niggardly [stingy] and narrow. But it is also possible that he may be more embarrassed than we know of; or that he may just then have demands against him of which we are ignorant; or that he may have numerous poor relatives dependent on him; or that he gives much with 'the left hand' which is not known by 'the right hand.' At any rate, it is his business, not ours; and we are not qualified to judge until we understand the whole case.
"(4) We are not to be gossips about the concerns of others. We are not to hunt up small stories, and petty [insignificant] scandals respecting their families; we are not to pry into domestic [private family] affairs, and divulge them [make them known] abroad [publicly], and find pleasure in circulating snell [bad?] things from house to house. There are domestic secrets, which are not to be betrayed; and there is scarcely an offence of a meaner or more injurious [hurtful] character than to divulge to the public what we have seen a family whose hospitality we have enjoyed.
"(5) Where Christian duty and kindness require us to look into the concerns of others, there should be the utmost delicacy. Even children have their own secrets, and their own plans and amusements, on a small scale, quite as important to them as the greater games which we are playing in life; and they will feel the meddlesomeness [intrusiveness] of a busybody to be as odious to them as we should in our plans. A delicate parent, therefore, who has undoubtedly a right to know all about his children, will not rudely intrude into their privacies, or meddle with their concerns. So, when we visit the sick, while we show a tender sympathy for them, we should not be too particular in inquiring into their maladies [illnesses] or their feelings. So, when those with whom we sympathize have brought their calamities [disasters] on themselves by their own fault, we should not ask too many questions about it. We should not too closely examine one who is made poor by intemperance [as in alcohol abuse], or who is in prison for crime. And so, when we go to sympathize with those who have been, by a reverse of circumstances, reduced from affluence [wealth] to penury [poverty], we should not ask too many questions. We should let them tell their own story. If they voluntarily make us their confidants, and tell us all about their circumstances, it is well; but let us not drag out the circumstances, or wound their feelings by our impertinent [rude] inquiries [questions], or our indiscreet sympathy in their affairs. There are always secrets which the sons and daughters of misfortune would wish to keep to themselves.
"However, while these things are true, it is also true that the rule before us positively requires us to show an interest in the concerns of others; and it may be regarded as implying the following things:
"(1) We are to feel that the spiritual interests of everyone in the church is, in a certain sense, our own interest. The [Christian] church is one [meaning its people are united]. It is confederated [joined] together for a common object. Each one [of the members] is entrusted with a portion of the honor of the whole [group], and the conduct of one member affects the character of all [of them]. We are, therefore, to promote, in every way possible, the welfare of every other member of the church. If they go astray [off the right path], we are to admonish [warn] and entreat [try to persuade] them; if they are in error, we are to instruct them; if they are in trouble, we are to aid [help] them. Every member of the church has a claim on the sympathy of his brethren [brothers--or, in this case, fellow Christians], and should be certain of always finding it when his circumstances are such as to demand it.
"(2) There are circumstances where it is proper to look with special interest on the temporal [worldly] concerns of others. It is when the poor, the fatherless, and the afflicted [troubled] [people] must be sought out in order to be aided and relieved. They are too retiring [shy] and modest [humble] to press their situation on the attention of others, and they need that others should manifest [demonstrate] a generous care in their welfare in order to relieve them. This is not improper interference in their concerns, nor will it be so regarded.
"(3) For a similar reason, we should seek the welfare of all others in a spiritual sense. We should seek to arouse the sinner [i.e., stir him to action], and lead him to the Saviour [i.e., Jesus Christ]. He is blind, and will not come himself; [he is] unconcerned, and will not seek salvation; [he is] filled with the love of this world, and will not seek a better [love]; [he is] devoted to pursuits that will lead him to ruin, and he ought to be apprised of it. It is no more an improper interference in his concerns to apprise [inform] him of his condition, and to attempt to lead him to the Saviour, than it is to warn a man in a dark night, who walks on the verge [edge] of a precipice [cliff], of his peril [danger]; or to arouse [awaken] one [person] from sleep whose house is in flames. In like manner, it is no more meddling with the concerns of another to tell him that there is a glorious heaven which may be his, than it is to apprise a man that there is a mine of golden ore [or 'a gold mine'] on his farm. It is for the man's own interest, and it is the office [role] of a friend to remind him of these things. He does a man a favor who tells him that he has a Redeemer [Savior, referring to Jesus Christ], and that there is a heaven to which he may rise; he does his neighbor the greatest possible kindness who apprises him that there is a world of infinite woe [great sorrow or distress], and tells him of an easy way by which he may escape it. The world around is dependant on the church of Christ [i.e., the Christian church] to be apprised of these truths. The frivolous [carefree, not serious] ones [people] will not warn the fools of their danger; the crowd that presses to the theater or the ballroom will not apprise those who are there that they are in the broad way to hell; and everyone who loves his neighbor, should feel sufficient interest in him to tell him that he may be eternally happy in heaven."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/philippians-2.html, "Verse 4")
APRIL 26-27
Biblical Rules for "Speaking in Tongues"
In a letter to born-again Christians in the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 14:27: "If any man [or woman or child] [wants to] speak in an unknown tongue [language] [publicly, in the church], let it be by two, or at the most by three [people; i.e., in a group of two (or, at the most, three) in one day, or in one meeting], and that [it should be done] by course [or 'in turn' (meaning separately, one after another)]; and let one [of those people] interpret [or translate, or explain what the others are saying]."
1 Corinthians 14:28: "But if there be no interpreter, let him [or her--the person desiring to speak in tongues] keep silence [remain silent] in the church; and let him [or her] speak [in tongues only] to himself [or herself], and to God."
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The purpose of these instructions was to prevent confusion (disorder) in the church.* * * * *
For more information on the topic of "tongues," read the article entitled "What is the gift of speaking in tongues?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/gift-of-tongues.html.APRIL 25
While tellingNicodemus (a Pharisee and a leader of the Jews) why people must be born again (or saved), Jesus said:
John 3:16: "For God [the Father] so loved the world [i.e., he loved everyone in the world so much], that he gave his only begotten Son [Jesus Christ] [as a sacrifice for sin; in other words, God allowed his only Son, Jesus (who shared God's divine nature but was not adopted, like born-again Christians are--see note below*), to die on the cross to pay for all of the sins of mankind], [so] that whosoever believeth [believes] in him [Jesus] [which means that whoever, through faith, trusts Jesus as Savior] should not perish [be tormented forever, first in hell and then in the lake of fire], but [will, instead,] have everlasting [eternal] life [in heaven]."
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Have you trusted Jesus as your personal Savior? If not, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible.Basically, if you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) 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.
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For detailed instructions for the plan of salvation, visit the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
* * * * *
*For an explanation of only begotten Son in today's verse (John 3:16), read the article entitled "What does it mean that Jesus is God's only begotten son?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/only-begotten-son.html.APRIL 23-24
The Biblical Way to Discipline Children
Proverbs 23:13: "Withhold not correction from the child [don't hesitate to discipline your child]: for if thou beatest [if you beat] him [or her] with the rod [or 'if you spank your child'], he [or she] shall not die."
Proverbs 23:14: "Thou shalt [you shall] beat him [or her--your child] with the rod, and shalt deliver his [or her] soul from hell [probable meaning in this case: you will save your child from a premature, untimely death (see explanation in the second commentary listed below)]."
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As we can see from these verses, sometimes it's necessary to spank our children.* * * * *
Salem Bible Church has two commentaries on the above verses. Both are excellent and highly recommended (by me).-- The first commentary discusses the importance of Solomon's main command to discipline our children and gives specific reasons why many parents don't spank their children (mainly due to human nature and choosing to follow advice from the "world" instead of the Bible).
-- The second commentary tells why we should obey the command to discipline our children and gives specific instructions on spanking, including what type of rod to use. (Both commentaries are good, but this is my favorite.)
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Here are some excerpts from the second commentary:
In paragraph 2 under the heading "A. Beat Him With a Rod," Pastor Delany says:
"j. Because of the wild variations in the usage and connotation of [or idea suggested or implied by] this term [or word (i.e., 'beat')], it is not surprising that there is not unanimity [agreement] concerning just how aggressive [forceful] a parent should BE with spanking.
"k. A couple of things ARE clear:
"• Solomon is speaking about corporal [bodily, physical] punishment (striking or hitting) and not a 'time out' or 'going to bed early' or 'no dessert tonight.'
"• That corporal punishment (smiting) [spanking] is supposed to hurt.
"• That corporal punishment can be misapplied:
"» Either so lightly that it does not hurt and thus is ineffective.
"» So hard and brutal [cruel] that it physically damages the child and is thus ineffective--because you have 'provoked your child to anger.'
"» It can also be misapplied when not used consistently--so that the child never knows what the limits really are.
"» It can be misapplied when the parent is angry and out of control. (wrong spirit)
"» It can be misapplied when the child is never told what it is for… or when the child is never told what the rules are.
"» It can be misapplied when a child is spanked for an unintentional accident.
"» It is also misapplied when the rod is continually threatened, but not used."
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A little farther down the page, in paragraph 3 of the same section, Pastor Delany goes on to say:
"c. Again, note the wide range of meaning [of the term 'rod'].
"d. The Hebrew term for rod used here could refer to anything from a thin switch [branch] off a willow tree to a massive [large and heavy] club used to crush someone's skull… to a dart or javelin [spear] used to kill someone.
"e. Obviously, a little common sense needs to be applied in choosing the kind of 'rod' to use in spanking your child.
"f. I recommend the small flexible 'rod' that comes with the mini blinds. It won't do any damage, (as a wooden spoon could do if it hit a bone accidently) but it sure does sting. It communicates the message that needs to be communicated.
"4. I would prefer to translate 'beat him with the rod' as 'strike him with a thin, flexible switch.'
"a. Or as others have said, 'Apply the board of knowledge to the seat of understanding.'
"b. It is not a beating in the sense that we use the term today.
"c. It is a striking of the rear end (where you are unlikely to do any real harm).
"d. It is a striking that inflicts [causes] enough pain to get the point across.
"e. Common sense needs to be applied on the part of the parent--and the parent needs to be under the control of the Holy Spirit.
"f. And as a side note, corporal punishment should not be applied for each and every tiny infraction [minor offense]. Other forms of punishment might well be applied in those situations.
"g. Corporal punishment [spanking] ought to be applied in cases of direct rebellion and disobedience… when that disobedience is done with full knowledge that they [the children] were breaking the rules.
"h. One man wrote, 'It is medicine, not food.' (For an occasional sickness that needs fixing; not for daily ingestion.)
"i. It [corporal punishment] should also be balanced with encouragement, praise, and even rewards for good behavior.
"j. Parents are to be to their children as God is to us: gracious, longsuffering, and loving, but firm and just. Parents are to be more like a loving father than a drill sergeant."
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Near the end of the commentary, Pastor Delany says that Solomon's point in the proverb is this: "Spanking won't kill them [your children]. But not correcting their behavior via corporal punishment when they are young could set them off on a life of rebellion, sin, and violence that ends in a tragic death."
If you want to read one or both of the commentaries, here are the links:
-- Commentary 1: "Withhold Not Correction"
(https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-23-index/proverbs-23_13-14/)
-- Commentary 2: "The Benefits of Corporal Punishment"
(https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-23-index/proverbs-23_13b-14/)
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Note: Most (if not all) of the Salem Bible Church's commentaries on Proverbs are outlines of sermons that Pastor Delany preached to his congregation.
APRIL 21-22
Proverbs 21:20: "There is treasure [for example, money and food] to be desired and oil [representing other basic necessities, similar to olive oil, which was a valuable thing in Bible times, as it served many important purposes in daily living: i.e., cooking, anointing, cleansing, healing, etc.] in the dwelling [or home] of the wise [person]; but a foolish man [or woman or child] spendeth [spends] it up."
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This proverb is about saving and spending.* * * * *
In the introduction to his commentary on this verse, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church wrote, "Perhaps we [citizens of the United States] should send a copy of this proverb to the chairman of the Federal Reserve, and [to] our treasury secretary… and to congress and to the White House."____________________
Here are some more excerpts from Pastor Delany's commentary:
In paragraph 2 under "Treasure Saved":
"d. The wise man's view of prosperity [success] is through the making of long range goals… planning ahead for the future.
"• The wise man did not live lavishly [luxuriously] for the moment.
"• He had long range goals in his planning.
"• Because he salted some away [meaning he set some things aside to use at a later date] during good times, his dwelling place continually had a stockpile of the goods and funds he needed.
"e. His view of prosperity is to portion out today's income in order to salt some away [or save some money] for tomorrow.
"• He was frugal [thrifty, not wasteful] today so that he will have enough for tomorrow.
"• He pinched his pennies [or spent as few of them as possible] in order to make them last.
"• He didn't spend more than he made.
"• He didn't borrow more than he could pay back.
"• He didn't live above his means.
"• To use today's vernacular [form of language]: he didn't buy more house than he could afford!
"• Nobody had to bail him out."
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And under the "Treasure Spent" section, we find:
In paragraph 3:
"b. The foolish man spends money as soon as he gets it.
"c. Money seems to fall through holes in his pockets.
"d. When good times come economically, instead of saving for bad times which will eventually come… he decides to blow his money on having a good time."
In paragraph 4:
"c. It [i.e., foolish spending] demonstrates a heart attitude of 'living for today'… a 'here and now' mentality."
"e. The fool cares only about feeding his desires NOW; he cares only about experiencing pleasure NOW."
In paragraph 5:
"5. The obvious point of the second part of this proverb (though not stated) is that the fool loves to 'spend it up' and as a result there is nothing left!
"a. He ends up poor. He doesn't have a storehouse of goods and supplies. He has nothing."
If you want to read the rest of Pastor Delany's commentary, here's the link: https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-21-index/proverbs-21_20/.
* * * * *
Matthew Henry agrees with the above comments and adds:"Foolish children spend what their wise parents have laid up [or saved]."
(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/21.html, "Verse 20")
APRIL 20
Proverbs 20:11: "Even a child is known by his [or her] doings [actions--what he (or she) does], whether his [or her] work [behavior] be pure [clean, acceptable, good], and whether it be right."
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By observing children's behavior, we can usually determine what kind of adults those children will grow up to be.* * * * *
Albert Barnes explained the verse like this:"The graces or the faults of children are not trifles [things of little or no importance]. 'The child is father of the man;' and the earliest actions are prophecies [predictions] of the future [behavior], whether it will be pure and right, or unclean and evil."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/proverbs-20.html, "Verse 11")
* * * * *
Note: There is no commentary for this verse on the Salem Bible Church website.APRIL 19
No Marriage or Sex in Heaven
Matthew 22:23-24: "The same day [when he was teaching in the temple] came to him [Jesus] the Sadducees [members of the ruling class in Israel, who denied various doctrines (teachings), including resurrection of the body, immortality of the soul, and the existence of spirits and angels], which [or 'who,'] say that there is no resurrection [i.e., when people are raised from the dead, or come back to life], and [they--the Sadducees] asked him [Jesus] [this question], Saying, Master, Moses [a prophet of God] said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed [offspring, children, descendants] unto his brother [to carry on the family name--see Note 1 below]."
Matthew 22:25-26,27-28: "Now there were with us seven brethren [brothers]: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased [died], and, having no issue [children], left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second [brother] also [died], and [so did] the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman [a widow again and still childless] died also. Therefore in the resurrection [see Note 2 below,] whose wife shall she be of the seven [brothers]? for they all had her [as a wife]."
Matthew 22:29-30: "Jesus answered and said unto them [the Sadducees], Ye do err [you are mistaken], not knowing the scriptures [at that time, he was referring to the books of the Old Testament, especially concerning the law of Moses], nor the power of God [to raise the dead]. For in the resurrection they [the people (both males and females) who are brought back to life] neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but [they] are as [like] the angels of God in heaven [meaning they are single, and similar to the angels in the way that they act and live--see Note 3 below]."
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The following articles explain why no one will be married or have sexual relations in heaven:-- "Will there be marriage in heaven?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/marriage-heaven.html)
-- "Will there be sex in heaven?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/sex-heaven.html)
* * * * *
NOTE 1:Regarding the questioners' reference to the law of Moses in Matthew 22:24, one Bible commentator wrote the following:
"… Under that law if a man died childless his brother (or kinsman [male relative]) was required to take his wife and produce children who would inherit the dead man's name, and his property …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/matthew/22-23.html, "Pett's Commentary on the Bible," "Verse 23")
* * * * *
NOTE 2:There are various types of resurrections mentioned in the Bible. They are explained in the following article: "When will the Resurrection take place?" To read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/when-resurrection.html.
* * * * *
NOTE 3:Here are some articles about angels:
-- "What is the purpose of angels?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/purpose-of-angels.html)
-- "What do angels look like?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-look.html)
-- "What do angels do?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/what-do-angels-do.html)
APRIL 11-18
Parable of the Prodigal Son
This is a parable, or story, that Jesus told about sinners and repentance, with the older son (the "good kid") representing the scribes and Pharisees (religious leaders with a "holier than thou" attitude), the younger (prodigal) son (the "bad kid") representing the returning (repenting) sinner (especially, a rebellious Christian), and the father (a kind, compassionate, merciful, forgiving, loving person) representing God.
Luke 15:11-12: "And he [Jesus] said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them [who became known as the prodigal son] said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me [meaning his inheritance]. And he [the father] divided unto them [both sons] his living [i.e., his money and property].
Luke 15:13-14: And not many days after [that,] the younger son gathered all [of his personal belongings] together, and took his journey into [traveled to] a far[away] country, and there wasted his substance [spent all that he had] with riotous living [an extravagant (expensive) lifestyle]. And when he had spent all [of his money], there arose a mighty famine [an extreme shortage of food] in that land; and he began to be in want [need]."
Luke 15:15-16: "And he [the prodigal son] went and joined himself to [hired himself out to, became employed by] a citizen of that country; and he [the employer] sent him [the prodigal son] into his fields to feed swine [pigs]. And he [the prodigal son] would fain [gladly] have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat [because that type of food was better than what his employer provided]: and no man [person] gave unto him [the prodigal son] [any of the husks] .
Luke 15:17,18-19: And when he [the prodigal son] came to himself [came to his senses], he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread [food] enough [for themselves] and [some] to spare [meaning the servants had more than enough to eat], and I perish with hunger [I'm starving to death]! I will arise [leave this place] and go to my father, and [acknowledging that he (the prodigal son) had been acting in a wicked, ungrateful, and rebellious manner] will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven [God], and before thee [you], And [I] am no more worthy to be called thy [your] son: make [treat] me as one of thy hired servants.
Luke 15:20: And he [the prodigal son] arose [got up], and came [back, or returned,] to his father [meaning he went home]. But when he [the prodigal son] was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion [felt pity for him, had sympathy for his suffering], and [he] ran, and fell on [threw his arms around] his [son's] neck, and kissed him."
Luke 15:21-22,23-24: "And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven [God], and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and [put] shoes [sandals] on his feet: And bring hither [here] the fatted [fattened] calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry [cheerful, joyful]: For this my son was dead [to virtue, or good moral behavior--because he had been corrupted by sin], and is alive again; he was lost [to the family, because they didn't know where he was], and is found. And they began to be merry [or celebrate].
Luke 15:25-26,27: Now his [the father's] elder [older] son was in the field [working]: and as he came and drew nigh [near] to the house, he heard musick [music] and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he [the servant] said unto him [the older son], Thy brother is come [home]; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him [the prodigal son] [back home] safe and sound [i.e., in good health].
Luke 15:28,29,30: And he [the older son] was angry, and would not go in [the house]: therefore came his father out[side], and intreated [begged, pleaded with] him. And he [the older son] answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed [disobeyed] I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest [gave] me a kid [a young goat, which was of less value than a calf], [so] that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come [home], [referring to the younger (prodigal) son,] which hath devoured [who has spent, wasted, used up] thy living [your property and money] with harlots [prostitutes], thou hast [you have] killed for him the fatted calf.
Luke 15:31-32: And he [the father] said unto him [the older son], Son, thou art ever [forever, always] with me, and all that I have is thine [yours]. It was meet [fitting, appropriate, right] that we should make merry [celebrate], and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and [he] was lost, and is found."
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Like the loving father who greeted his missing son with open arms, God loves it when sinners express a heartfelt desire to come to him through repentance and salvation.* * * * *
GotQuestions.org has two very good articles relating to this story:-- "What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-prodigal-son.html)
-- "What should Christian parents do if they have a prodigal son (or daughter)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/prodigal-son.html)
APRIL 9-10
The Resurrection of Jesus
Matthew 28:1: "In the end of the [Jewish weekly] sabbath [a day of rest and worship, which took place every Saturday], as it began to dawn toward [Sunday,] the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary [i.e., wife of Cleopas, and mother of James and Joses] to see the sepulchre [the tomb in which the crucified Jesus had been buried]."
Matthew 28:2-3,4: "And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended [came down] from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door [of the sepulchre], and sat upon it [the very large, heavy stone]. His [the angel's] countenance [outward appearance] was [bright and shining] like lightning, and his raiment [clothing] [was as] white as snow: And for fear of him [or 'due to fear of the angel'] the keepers [the Roman soldiers who were guarding the tomb] did shake [tremble], and became as dead men [i.e., they probably fainted from fright, because they were terrified by what had just happened]."
Matthew 28:5-6,7: "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye [don't be afraid]: for I know that ye [you] seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen [from the dead], as he said. Come, see the place [in the sepulchre] where the Lord lay [or 'where Jesus' body had been lying']. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he [Jesus] goeth [goes] before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you."
Matthew 28:8-9: "And they [the women] departed [left] quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word [the good news] [that Jesus was alive]. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail [which meant 'rejoice']. And they [the women] came and held him [Jesus] by the feet [i.e., they came and laid face down on the ground, touching his feet, showing their respect, honor, love, and affection,], and worshipped him."
APRIL 8
Luke 23:39: "And one of the malefactors [criminals--in this case, robbers] which were hanged [on crosses at Calvary, or Golgotha] railed on [complained bitterly to] him [Jesus], saying, If thou be [if you are] Christ [the Messiah], save thyself [yourself] and us."
Luke 23:40-41: "But the other [malefactor] answering [or 'in response'] rebuked [reprimanded] him [the first malefactor], saying, Dost not thou [do you not] fear God, seeing thou art [you are] in the same condemnation [as he (Jesus--the son of God, or God the Son) is, referring to crucifixion, the type of death they were all experiencing]? And we indeed [are being punished] justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man [Jesus] hath [has] done nothing amiss [wrong]."
Luke 23:42-43: "And he [the second malefactor] said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest [when you come] into thy [your] kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily [truly] I say unto thee [you], To day shalt thou [you shall] be with me in paradise [see note below*]."
Luke 23:44-45: "And it was about the sixth hour [which was noon in Bible time], and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour [3 p.m.]. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst [or 'torn in the middle' or 'ripped in half--see note below**]."
Luke 23:46: "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said [to God], Father, into thy hands I commend [commit, entrust] my spirit: and having said thus [this], he gave up the ghost [meaning he died]."
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*For more information concerning the meaning of paradise, read:-- "What did Jesus mean when He said, 'Today you will be with me in paradise'?
(https://www.gotquestions.org/today-paradise.html)
-- "Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-go-to-hell.html)
* * * * *
**"What was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died?" is answered in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/temple-veil-torn.html.APRIL 7
While telling Nicodemus (a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews) why people must be born again, or saved, Jesus said:
John 3:14-15: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent [in this case, the image of a snake, made of brass] [on a pole] in the wilderness [desert] [see note below for explanation*], even so [in like manner] must the Son of man [i.e., Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God,] be lifted up [on the cross] [see note below**]: [so] That whosoever [whoever] believeth in him [Jesus, meaning those who believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for their sins, and that he was buried and rose again, and who trust him as their personal Savior] should not perish [be destroyed in hell and the lake of fire], but [will] have eternal life [in heaven]."
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*Chapter 21 of Numbers:-- Numbers 21:5,6: "And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth [or 'we hate'] this light bread [manna]. And the LORD sent fiery serpents [poisonous snakes] among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died."
-- Numbers 21:7,8: "Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee [you]; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee [the image of] a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live."
-- Numbers 21:9: "And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld [looked at] the serpent of brass, he lived."
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**In his commentary on today's verses, Albert Barnes said:Verse 14 -- Jesus Must Be 'Lifted Up':
"… The points of resemblance between his [Jesus'] being lifted up and that of the brass serpent seem to be these:
"I. In each case those who are to be benefited can he aided in no other way. The bite of the serpent was deadly, and could be healed only by looking on the brass serpent; and sin is deadly in its nature, and can be removed only by looking on the cross.
"II. The mode of their being lifted up. The brass serpent was in the sight of the people. So Jesus was exalted from the earth raised on a tree or cross.
"III. The design was similar. The one was to save the life, the other the soul; the one to save from temporal, the other from eternal death.
"IV. The manner of the cure was similar. The people of Israel were to look on the serpent and be healed, and so sinners are to look on the Lord Jesus that they may be saved. …"
Verse 15 -- Whoever Believes 'Should Not Perish':
"That whosoever - This shows the fulness and freeness of the gospel. All may come and be saved. Believeth in him - Whosoever puts confidence in him [Jesus] as able and willing to save. All who feel that they are sinners, that they have no righteousness of their own, and are willing to look to him as their only Saviour.
"Should not perish - … All who believe on [or trust in] Jesus shall be saved from this condemnation [punishment in hell] and be raised up to eternal life. And from this we learn:
"1.That there is salvation in no other [person] [besides Jesus].
"2.That salvation is here full and free for all who will come.
"3.That it is easy. What was more easy for a poor, wounded, dying Israelite, bitten by a poisonous serpent, than to look up to a brass serpent? So with the poor, lost, dying sinner. And what more foolish than for such a wounded, dying man to refuse to look on a remedy so easy and effectual [effective]? So nothing is more foolish man for a lost and dying sinner to 'refuse' to look on God's only Son [Jesus Christ], exalted on a cross to die for the sins of men, and able to save to the uttermost [utmost (greatest) degree] 'all' who come to God by him [for salvation]."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/john-3.html, "Verses 14 and 15")
* * * * *
In his commentary on John 3:14, Pastor Chuck Smith said:"… People are foolish. Unless they can understand all the processes by which God is working, they won't accept it. I can't explain to you how that believing in Jesus Christ can cleanse you of your sin and cause you to be born again and become a child of God. All I can tell you is it will. It works. That's what God has ordained. Jesus, hanging on the cross, was bearing the judgment of God for your sins. 'All we like sheep have gone astray, we turn, everyone of us, to our own ways. And God has laid on Him the iniquities of us all' ( Isaiah 53:6 ). 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up. ' And Jesus, hanging there on the cross, was there taking the judgment of God for sin, dying for our sins, dying in our place. And even as those in the days of Israel looked at the serpent and lived, so we, by looking at the cross in faith and in trusting in Jesus, live. We have eternal life. And so, it was quite an interesting parallel, symbolism that God had established …"
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/john/3-14.html, "Smith's Bible Commentary")
APRIL 6
The Crucifixion of Jesus
After being sentenced to death by Pilate, Jesus was forced to carry his cross to the place of execution.
John 19:17-18: "And he [Jesus] bearing [carrying] his cross [referring to the transverse, or horizontal, beam--i.e., the smaller piece of wood, to which his hands would be nailed] went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they [the Romans] crucified him, and two other [men, both of whom were criminals,] with him, on either side one [or 'one on each side'], and Jesus in the midst [middle]."
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The place where Jesus was crucified is called Golgotha in the books of Matthew, Mark, and John. Only Luke refers to it as Calvary. Also, this particular hill was called "the place of a skull" because it was in the shape of a skull and also because dead men's skulls and bones were thrown there and the heads of beheaded criminals were left there. In addition, the bones of Adam (the first man) were said to be buried there, and it was the mountain on which Abraham offered up his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice to God.____________________
See Matthew Henry's commentary for more information about Golgotha and the cross. Go to https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/john/19.html and scroll down to "Verses 16-18," then to "(v. 17)."
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Actually, many people--Romans (under the authority of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor), the religious leaders in Israel, and the Jewish people--conspired (worked together) to bring about the crucifixion of Jesus. This is explained in the article entitled "Who was responsible for Christ's death?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/responsible-Christ-death.html.* * * * *
For interesting facts about the trials of Jesus (religious and political) that took place, some of which were illegal, read this article: "What trials did Jesus face before His crucifixion?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/trials-of-Jesus.html.APRIL 5
Was Jesus Really Crucified on Friday?
Matthew 12:38: "Then certain [some] of the scribes [teachers of the Jewish people and interpreters of the law] and of the Pharisees [members of a certain Jewish sect (religious group)] answered [Jesus], saying, Master, we would [like to] see a sign from thee [you] [i.e., a sign from heaven, in the form of a miracle] [to prove that you are the Christ (Messiah, Savior of the world) and have been sent by God]."
Matthew 12:39,40: "But he [Jesus] answered and said unto them [the crowd], An evil and adulterous generation [referring to the Jews, many of whom--at that time--were unfaithful to their spouses and/or God] seeketh after [seeks after, looks for] a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it [i.e., the 'evil and adulterous generation'], but [except] the sign of the prophet Jonas [Jonah]: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man [Jesus] be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth [which meant that Jesus would be in the grave, or tomb, for three days and three nights between his crucifixion and resurrection, which was the same amount of time that Jonah spent inside the whale]."
Matthew 12:41: "The men [inhabitants] of Nineveh [capital city of the Assyrian empire] shall rise [as witnesses] in judgment [on judgment day] with this generation [of Jews], and [their example, or the example of the Ninevites] shall condemn it ['this generation']: because they [the people of Nineveh] repented at the preaching of Jonas [who was only a prophet, or messenger, of God]; and, behold, a greater [one] than Jonas [Jonah] is here [referring to himself (Jesus), who was and is the Son of God--second person of the Trinity (which means one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost)--see note below*] [and the Jews wouldn't even repent at his preaching]."
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Many people believe that Jesus was crucified on Friday, but according to Jesus' statement in Matthew 12:40, that's not true. There are other theories about when he died, and they are discussed in the article entitled "On what day was Jesus crucified?". If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/three-days.html.* * * * *
*For a detailed explanation of the Trinity, read "What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?" Click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Trinity-Bible.html.APRIL 4
In many places in the Bible, we're told that Jesus suffered and died to pay for our sins. The following verse focuses some of the suffering that he endured before and during the crucifixion.
Isaiah 53:5: "But he [Jesus Christ] was wounded [pierced, or stabbed--on his hands and feet with nails, in his side with a spear, and on his head with the crown of thorns] for our transgressions [or our rebellion against God], he was bruised for our iniquities [sins]: the chastisement of our peace was upon him [Jesus, referring to the punishment he endured and the pain that he suffered when he died on the cross to pay for our sins and purchase our peace (and restore our fellowship) with God]; and with his stripes [or bruises; i.e., the marks that were made on Jesus' back when he was brutally whipped and on his face and body when he was severely punched, or beaten with fists] we are healed [spiritually]."
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GotQuestions.org has some articles relating to the above verse. They are:-- "What does it mean that Christ was wounded for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5)?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/wounded-for-our-transgressions.html)
-- "What does it mean that 'by His stripes we are healed'?"
(https://www.gotquestions.org/by-His-stripes-healed.html)
APRIL 2-3
Watch Out for the Devil!
In a letter to Jewish Christians (and to all other born-again Christians, too), the apostle Peter wrote:
1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober [calm and collected (not drunk), having a sound mind], be vigilant [watchful]; because your adversary [enemy] the devil, as [like] a roaring lion, walketh about [walks around] [on the earth], seeking whom he may devour [consume, eat, destroy]:"
1 Peter 5:9: "Whom [referring to the devil] [you can] resist [oppose] [by being] stedfast [unwavering] in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions [or things that cause suffering, pain, and distress] [that you may be experiencing] are accomplished in [happening to] your brethren [fellow Christians] that are [alive] in the world."
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Regarding Peter's warning against drunkenness (intoxication) in 1 Peter 5:8, Adam Clarke wrote:"… Strong drink is not only the way to the devil, but the devil's way into you; and YE [you] are such as the devil particularly MAY swallow down."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-peter/5-8.html, "Clarke's Commentary")
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Commenting on 1 Peter 5:9, Albert Barnes said:"… We are all liable to [or likely or prone to have] suffering. We are exposed to sickness, bereavement [grief or mourning after a relative, close friend, or loved one dies], death. We often feet [feel?] as if we could not bear up [hold up] under the sufferings that may be before us, and especially do we dread the great trial - death. It may furnish us some support and consolation [comfort] to remember:
"(1) That this is the common lot [experience] of people. There is nothing special in our case. It proves nothing as to the question whether we are accepted of God, and are beloved by him, that we suffer; for those whom he [God] has loved most have been often among the greatest sufferers. We often think that our sufferings are unique [the only one of its kind]; that there have been none like them. Yet, if we knew all, we should find that thousands [of people] - and among them the most wise, and pure, and good - have endured sufferings of the same kind as ours, and perhaps far more intense in degree [meaning much worse].
"(2) Others [other people] have been conveyed [carried] triumphantly through their trials. We have reason to hope and to believe that we shall also [be triumphant or victorious], for [because]:
"(a)Our trials have been no greater than theirs have been; and,
"(b)Their natural strength was no greater than ours. Many of them [the other people] were timid [shy], and shrinking [fearful], and trembling [shaking], and felt that they had no strength, and that they should fail [be unsuccessful] under the trial.
"(3) The grace which sustained [supported, helped] them can sustain us. The hand of God is not shortened that it cannot save; his ear is not heavy that it cannot hear. His power is as great, and his grace is as fresh, as it was when the first sufferer was supported by him; and that divine strength [referring to the strength from God] which supported David and Job in their afflictions [pain and suffering], and [which supported] the apostles and martyrs [people who were killed for their religious beliefs] in theirs [in their afflictions], is just as powerful as it was when they applied to God [i.e., asked him in prayer] to be upheld in their sorrows.
"(4) We are especially fearful of death - fearful that our faith will fail, and that we shall be left to die without support or consolation. Yet let us remember that death is the common lot of man [in other words, we will all experience it]. Let us remember who have died - tender females; children; the timid and the fearful; those, in immense multitudes, who had no more strength by nature than we have. Let us think of our own kindred [relatives] who have died. A wife has died, and shall a husband be afraid to die? A child [has died], and shall a father [be afraid to die]? A sister [has died], and shall a brother [be afraid to die]? It does much to take away the dread [fear] of death, to remember that a mother has gone through the dark valley [of death]; that that gloomy vale [dark valley] has been trod [walked] by delicate, and timid, and beloved sisters. Shall I be afraid to go where they have gone? Shall I apprehend [fear] that I shall find no grace that is able to sustain me where they have found it? Must the valley of the shadow of death be dark and gloomy to me, when they found it to be illuminated [made bright] with the opening light of heaven? Above all, it takes away the fear of death when I remember that my Saviour [Jesus Christ] has experienced all the horrors which can ever be in death; that he has slept in the tomb, and made it a hallowed [holy, sacred] resting-place."
(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-peter-5.html, "Verse 9")
APRIL 1
King David wrote this psalm:
Psalm 53:1: "The fool [in this case, a person with no conscience] hath [has] said in his [or her] heart [or 'has thought, or said to himself (or herself)'], There is no God. Corrupt [dishonest and immoral] are they [the fools], and [they] have done abominable iniquity [bad things]: there is none [no one, including so-called 'good' (moral) people] that doeth good [who does good things] [in other words, we have all sinned]."
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Some people deny God's existence because they don't want to have to worry about being punished for their sins. Unfortunately, on judgment day (in heaven), when they will know for sure that they were wrong, and that there really is a God and that they are accountable (answerable) to him, it will be too late. Hopefully, you don't belong to this group.* * * * *
Atheist or not, if you want to stay out of hell, you need to be born again, or saved, according to the Bible. It's not hard to do, but first you must truly believe in God and admit that you're a sinner.How to be saved God's way: If you believe that Jesus Christ (God's Son) 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.
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Detailed instructions for the plan of salvation can be found in most of the tracts in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. If you want to read one or more of them, here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.
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Note: Psalm 14:1 is almost exactly like today's verse (Psalm 53:1).
