Podcast appearances and mentions of matthew poole

Friday, 7 February 2025   Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12   “Therefore, all as what you may determine that men, they should do to you, thus also you, you do to them. For this, it is, the Law and the Prophets” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished a thought concerning the nature of man in relation to God. We are evil, but we still bear hints of His nature, doing what is right toward our children, but He provides more abundantly than we do. Now, He makes a summary statement, beginning with, “Therefore, all as what you may determine that men, they should do to you.”   He uses the word oun, translated as, therefore. HELPS Word Studies says, it “is typically translated ‘therefore' which means, ‘By extension, here's how the dots connect.'” The question that arises quite often with the use of this word is naturally, “What dots?”   At what point do the dots begin for there to be this summary “therefore?” It is not always easy to determine. In the case of Jesus' words now, it seems extremely difficult to find the logical point where His words began. In fact, the thoughts since 7:1 have not seemed to logically fit into what He is now saying in verse 7:12.   Despite this, He is giving a summary that consists first of how His disciples want others to treat them, “what you may determine that men, they should do to you.” In the manner they desire, He continues with, “thus also you, you do to them.”   His words are often called the golden rule. The way you want to be treated, so you must also do toward others. The thought, though expressed a bit differently, is similar to the conclusion others have made. For example, Confucius, using the negative of the precept, said, “Do not to others what you would not wish done to yourself.”   Likewise, Rabbi Hillel said, “...whatsoever is hateful to thee, that do not thou to thy neighbor, ‘this is all the whole law,' and the rest is an explication of it, go and be perfect.” Jesus finishes His thought in a similar manner, saying, “For this, it is, the Law and the Prophets.”   In other words, this precept sums up the Law and the Prophets. The thought is not unlike what the Lord has already said in Leviticus 19:18 –   “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”   Jesus will again use this terminology concerning the Law and the Prophets later in Matthew 22, also citing Leviticus 19 –   “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 ‘On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.'” Matthew 22:37-40   Jesus refers to both loving God and loving one's neighbor as being that on which all the Law and the Prophets hang in Matthew 22. However, Jesus only cites the part about interactions between oneself and others here. Therefore, the sentiment among many scholars is like that of Matthew Poole, saying, “This precept containeth in it the substance of all that is to be found in the books of the law and the prophets which concerneth us in reference to others, the sum of the second table, which requireth only justice and charity.”   In other words, they say that what Jesus is saying here isn't a sum of the whole Law and the Prophets but that part dealing with interactions between others (the second tablet of the Ten Commandments), while the interactions between the Lord and men are contained on the first tablet.   This has to be read into Jesus' words. He does not say this. He says that what He has taught is the Law and the Prophets. But how can this be if His words now only deal with interactions between others? The answer is what the word oun, therefore, summarizes, which is everything since Matthew 5 where Jesus said –   “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-20   Since that point, Jesus has brought in the nature of the law in many aspects, including Israel's relationship with the Father. That is seen, for example, in the Lord's Prayer and what He says in the surrounding words –   “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do ot forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:8-15   One cannot disassociate his relationship with God when dealing with others while under the law. Jesus has clearly laid out the impossible weight of the law that rests upon those under it. It is the reason for His coming. A person's righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees. In fact, he cannot err in a single point of law (a jot or tittle) and be held blameless before the law.   That is why Jesus' coming was necessary. Without God's personal intervention, not a person could be saved. Man, apart from the law, is already condemned (John 3:18, Romans 5:12, etc.). How much more condemnation, then, came with the giving of the law.   Man is being given schooling on what he needs to be right before God. That “what” is a Who, Jesus. Only He can meet the demands of the greater understanding of the law that He has set forth so far in Matthew 5-7. Without Him, all men stand condemned.   Life application: Paul is quite clear concerning the reason for the law –   “Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Galatians 3:21-25   The Gentiles were never under the Law of Moses. The Jews could not fulfill the Law of Moses but were kept under guard by it until Christ came. The law was given as a means of instruction concerning what God was going to do in the giving of Jesus Christ.   Unfortunately, so many have failed to see this. Instead, they keep themselves under the law (Jews), or they place themselves under the law that was never given to them (Gentiles trying to show God that they are worthy of His merit).   All men must come to God with empty hands. In essence, “Lord God, I have no merit or standing before You. I put my trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone.”   Heavenly Father, thank You for the cross of Jesus Christ where we find complete reconciliation with You. Jesus is our only trust, and He is our complete hope. Amen.

Matthew Poole preaching on Ephesians 5:21-33 on Sunday/10/Nov/2024 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Stratford, PEI

Monday, 16 September 2024   and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'” Matthew 4:6   “and says to Him, ‘If Son – You are – of God, throw yourself down, for it has been written, “That His messengers, He will enjoin concerning You, and upon hands, they will lift You, lest when You may strike a stone to Your foot”'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the Traducer took Jesus up into the holy city and stood Him on the winglet of the temple. With that, we next read, “and says to Him, ‘If Son – You are – of God.'”   It is the same as in verse 4:2 where the word “Son” is in the emphatic position. As such, it is not a question of “if” but more of an affirmative statement, “As You are God's Son...” With that noted, the Traducer next says, “throw yourself down.”   Wherever Jesus was standing, it was from a high point on the temple. As noted, most translations say “pinnacle,” but it may be some other high point. Some scholars look at what is suggested as a way for the masses to see Jesus and what happens to Him.   If this is correct, then the pinnacle of the temple may or may not be the best location for this to occur. Rather, it may be the winglet where most people gathered at a particular hour. In Jesus throwing Himself down, it would thus be a publicly seen event that would unmistakably identify Him as a miracle worker, or even the Messiah.   Others disagree with this and focus solely on the matter of divine protection. As the psalm that will be cited is messianic in nature, it is probably a mixture of both – a public display accompanied by divine protection. Either way though, the Traducer next says, “for it has been written.”   He cunningly turns to Scripture, having realized that Jesus knew Scripture because He competently quoted it during the first temptation. However, does He know it in context? The first temptation proved that He could quote it to defend His position. However, the Traducer cites a messianic verse, but he does not cite all of it.   Will this be enough to trip up the Son of God? To find out, he then says, “That His messengers, He will enjoin concerning You, and upon hands, they will lift You, lest when You may strike a stone to Your foot.”   The words are taken from the Greek translation of Psalm 91:11, 12, but they leave out the words “to keep You in all Your ways.” This is how the NKJV translated the Hebrew –   “For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11, 12   The problem here is that Jesus' ways are to be God's ways. If the Traducer were to cite that, it would be evident that Jesus should refrain from doing something so outwardly boastful and self-directed. And more, a few verses earlier in the Psalm, specifically in verse 9, it says, “For You, Yehovah, my shelter. Highest – set Your abode” (CG).   In other words, the psalm says that the Messiah would trust in and abide in the Lord. After that, in verse 10, it notes that because of this there would be no evil to come upon Him or any plague to come near Him. However, if Jesus were to trust in the angels to keep Him safe, the Lord would not be His primary trust, only a secondary.   The angels, then, were there not to satisfy the Messiah's whims but to keep Him from dangers that may come unseen to Him. His primary shelter and abode were to be Yehovah. Therefore, Matthew Poole rightly states that this portion of Scripture has been falsely stated and ill-applied.   Life application: It is not just enough to know and cite Scripture but to keep it in its proper context. One should never tear verses out of Scripture to make a point that is not supported by the surrounding context.   For example, one could say, “The Bible says, Judas “went and hanged himself. ... Go and do likewise.” A problem arises with this because the first clause is from Matthew 27:5 while the second is from Luke 10:37.   The thoughts have nothing to do with each other and they have nothing to do with the surrounding context. Because of this, all kinds of problems could arise if the advice was followed. Further, the fact that Judas hanged himself is simply a description of what occurred. There is nothing prescribed for anyone else to do.   When you listen to pastors and preachers, pay attention to what they say, maybe write down the references, and check up on what you hear. The same is true with commentaries, videos, etc. However you are receiving your theology, be sure to check out what you are being told.   Lord God, give us wisdom in Your word, not just to know what it says, but what is the context of what is being said. May we properly apply what we read. And, Lord, keep us from intentionally misusing this marvelous treasure, Your superior word. Amen.  

Sunday, 26 November 2023   So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' Acts 22:8   Rather, the Greek reads, “And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Paul had fallen to the ground and heard a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” It next says, “And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?'”   Paul's questioning of who the Presence is shows that even though he had all of the training of a master, he still didn't know who the Lord truly was. It is reminiscent of the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3 –   “And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you did call me.' Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”' So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears.'” 1 Samuel 3:8-10   Paul knew that this was a divine messenger, but he could not have imagined that Jesus was that divine messenger. His worldview and presuppositions about the law, the Messiah, etc., would not allow him to believe that his actions could possibly be responsible for the persecution of God's appointed Messiah. However, that was about to change with the next words, “And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene.'”   The word Nazarene was not used by Luke in Chapter 9. However, Paul here indicates that this is the full title that was spoken to him. Luke's words in Chapter 9 were focused more on the persecution and Paul's stubborn inability to perceive the truth, instead recklessly pursuing a false direction –   “And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?' Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'”   Here, Paul first identifies the Source of the words from heaven because of the audience he is addressing. He carefully calls Jesus the Nazarene to ensure that the proper Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua) was being identified for their understanding.   The name was not uncommon in Israel at the time. Identifying him this way would carefully elicit memories of the Man who had come and done so many miracles among the people, who had been crucified, and whose followers avowed that He had risen. Paul poignantly identifies himself with this same Jesus. With that, he completes Jesus' words to him, saying, “whom you are persecuting.”   Paul doesn't leave out the fact that he had been persecuting Jesus, but the proper Jesus had to first be identified. Matthew Poole describes the term Nazarene used here, saying “...that contemned (though not contemptible) name is owned by Christ from heaven, that they might not be ashamed when they were reproached by it on earth.”   Life application: The name Jesus is the name at which every person shall someday bow. All of humanity, from Adam until the last person born, will acknowledge Him –   “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11   Isaiah, however, ascribes this honor to the Lord (Yehovah) –   “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23 I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath.” Isaiah 45:22, 23   Paul directly cites Isaiah and applies what the Lord said through him to Jesus. Either Paul was a heretic and a blasphemer, or he is rightly claiming that Jesus is the Lord incarnate. The truth of Jesus' deity cannot be missed if one truly searches it out. However, presuppositions and biases stand in the way. Paul was given a special grace by encountering the Lord personally.   We are likewise offered the grace of meeting Jesus personally through the now-completed pages of Scripture. Let us be wise and attend carefully to what we read. The choice is ours, just as it was for Paul. He responded properly –   “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” Acts 26:19, 20   Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. We are not to be disobedient to the testimony now set forth in the pages of the Bible. Believe and be saved, and then share this message with those you encounter, to the glory of God who saved you.   Lord God Almighty, thank You for the word that You have given us. It is the place where we can encounter You and find the truth of who You are. May we not be slack about our pursuit of You. Rather, fill us with the burning desire to know You more and more each day. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Friday, 10 November 2023   He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Acts 21:32   The words are more literally rendered, “Who, immediately, having taken soldiers and centurions, ran down upon them. And having seen the commander and the soldiers, stopped beating Paul” (CG).   In the previous verse, it noted the commander of the cohort heard that all of Jerusalem was in an uproar. Now, referring to this commander, it says, “Who, immediately.”   This man was responsible for keeping peace and security within his area of jurisdiction. If he failed to act with absolute alacrity, things could get out of hand within moments. If it did, there would be investigations and possibly being relieved of his rank and/or position. Therefore, without delay, he arose from whatever he was doing, “having taken soldiers and centurions.”   Without even bothering to go see what was occurring, the first thing he did was to instinctively get a number of men assigned under him. By the time he had gone to see the disturbance and then returned, it might be too late. Therefore, he grabbed an overwhelming force and headed out.   Centurions were leaders over one hundred men. Therefore, this gives the sense that many soldiers were immediately dispatched. If there was more than one centurion, as the plural implies, then there were at least two hundred soldiers, maybe more.   They were prepared for whatever could happen by bringing a large show of force. And it worked. It next says they “ran down upon them.”   The sense is lost with the NKJV, which says, “ran down to them.” First, Luke uses a word found only here, katatrechó. The word gives the sense of running down from a higher point to a lower point. As they were in the tower, they descended.   Second, the word epi, or upon, is used. It was as if the soldiers were poured from on high, descending upon the masses below, flooding them. With that, Luke next says, “And having seen the commander and the soldiers.”   Those who were the perpetrators of the confrontation realized that they were being flooded with soldiers who were well-ranked and set for battle. There was obviously only one thing they could do at this point. And so, they “stopped beating Paul.”   As soon as the folks pounding on Paul saw the overwhelming flood of soldiers descending upon them, they restrained their fists lest they be taken in for rioting and assault. Of this, Matthew Poole marvelously notes, “The fear of man caused them to forbear what the fear of God could not.”   With that, the commander would have to evaluate the situation and take the path that would lead the most quickly to restoration of peace.   Life application: It has previously been argued during this Acts commentary checking a variety of translations is profitable for finding out the true sense of what is being conveyed. In this verse, and speaking of the commander, it says, “Who, immediately, having taken soldiers and centurions.”   Here, the word exautés is used. It is derived from ek, from or out of, and autos, a word used for a third-person pronoun such as he, she, it, etc. In the case of exautés, the explanation of the second word is given by James Strong, saying it is “the genitive case singular feminine of autos (hora being understood).” The word hora that Strong's says is implied means a time period, such as an hour.   Why does this matter? It is because Smith's Literal Translation uniquely says, “Who having taken out of it the soldiers and centurions.” In other words, instead of “immediately,” he says, “out of it.” The obvious question is, “Out of what?” The answer is determined from the previous verse, “Out of the cohort.”   Why would Smith's say this? It is because the word translated as cohort is genitive, feminine, singular. This is exactly what the form of autos is in the word exautés. Hence, Smith's determined that Luke's reference is to the cohort and not to the amount of time in which the commander acted. Considering this, look at the two translations again –   “Who, immediately, having taken soldiers and centurions.” CG “Who having taken out of it [the cohort] the soldiers and centurions.” SLT   Which is correct? They are both possible, and just because Smith's is unique among translations, it does not mean he is wrong. As for the word exautés, it is used five other times in the New Testament. Each time it is used, it implies time. As such, the conservative view would be this is referring to time as well.   Hence, the CG translation followed this translation for consistency. However, this does not mean that this is what was on Luke's mind. It would have been foolish for the commander to do anything but act with promptness. But there have been many fools in the world. Maybe he was just scared to go alone and called men out of the cohort.   As you can see, there is a chance that the translation may be one thing or another. Translating this verse one way or another will make absolutely no change in theology. But it demonstrates to us that we should not be so bullheaded as to demand that the Bible we are using is correct and all others are to be tossed in the fire. Rather, let us consider this wonderfully precious word, giving it our attention and careful consideration all our days.   O God, You who have given us Your word, help us to be careful and meticulous in how we consider what You have given to us in the pages of Scripture. May we be studious and lovingly consider each word that comes forth to us as we read. What a precious and beautiful gift of love this word is! Thank You for Your superior word. Amen.  

Hello friends and many Blessings to you! ⚪Revelation 4Heavenly Throne RevealedRevelation Chapter 4 provides a glimpse into the heavenly realm and the throne room of God. Here is a summary of Revelation Chapter 4:The chapter begins with the Apostle John receiving a vision where a door in heaven is opened, and he hears a voice like a trumpet calling him to come up. In the spirit, John is transported to the heavenly realm, where he sees a throne set in heaven and someone sitting on it, who is described as having the appearance of jasper and a sardine stone.John observes twenty-four other thrones surrounding the central throne, and seated on those thrones are twenty-four elders clothed in white garments, wearing crowns of gold. Thunder and lightning proceed from the throne, and there are seven lamps of fire burning before it, representing the seven Spirits of God.In front of the throne, John sees a sea of glass, like crystal. Surrounding the throne, he also notices four living creatures, each having six wings and being full of eyes, both in front and behind. These creatures praise and worship God day and night, declaring His holiness, and they give glory, honor, and thanks to the one seated on the throne.Whenever the living creatures offer worship to God, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him, casting their crowns before the throne and proclaiming His worthiness to receive glory, honor, and power. They acknowledge that God is the creator of all things and that by His will, everything exists and was created.Revelation Chapter 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.Discussion Question:Whom did the 4 beasts signify?Matthew Poole's Commentary:Solution:There are various notions about them. Some judge them the four evangelists; but John himself was one of these, and yet alive.Some will have them four apostles that were mostly at Jerusalem; but I see no ground for that. Some will have them angels; others, glorified saints; but we shall afterwards find them distinguished from both these.Others will have them the whole church. But the most probable sense is, that they represented the ministers of the church, who are living creatures, whose place is between God and his church, as those beasts are placed between the throne and the elders; and who are but four to the twenty-four elders, being but few in comparison with the multitude of believers; and yet have eyes on all sides, being enough to see to the affairs of the whole church of Christ on the earth.In this sense I rest; only here remains a question, how these are said to be in the midst of the throne, and yet round about the throne?To which various answers are given; that which pleaseth me best is, en mesw, in the middle, is not to be strained to signify a place at equal distance from two extremes, but more largely and proverbially for near the throne, or near him who sat upon the throne.In summary, Revelation Chapter 4 describes John's vision of the heavenly throne room, where he witnesses God sitting on His throne, surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures. The elders worship and honor God, acknowledging His power as the Creator of all things.Thank you for listening!

Episode 214 – Ten Commandments – Part 10 – The Dignity of Truth Welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The goal of Anchored by Truth is to encourage everyone to grow in the Christian faith by anchoring themselves to the secure truth found in the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Script: You shall not testify falsely [that is, lie, withhold, or manipulate the truth] against your neighbor (any person). Exodus, Chapter 20, verse 16, Amplified Bible ******** VK: Hi and welcome to Anchored by Truth brought to you by Crystal Sea Books. I’m Victoria K. We’re glad that you are able to join us for another episode of Anchored by Truth. Today, we are continuing our series on the Ten Commandments but since we are coming to the 9th commandment we know we are starting to approach the end. With us today in the studio we have RD Fierro. RD is an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, today, we are going to discuss the 9th commandment which we heard in our opening scripture. That means that we have gone over the first 8 commandments. And in the last part of our last episode of Anchored by Truth we had begun to discuss the fact that one common thread that binds all of the commandments is that they are all concerned with the concept of dignity. Can you give us a brief summary of what you are thinking of when you say the Ten Commandments all concern “dignity?” RD: Well, before we get to that I would also like to welcome everyone to this episode of Anchored by Truth. We’re very grateful that everyone is with us. So, for a second let’s think about the Ten Commandments as they unfold from start to finish. The order of the commandments within the Bible is not random or haphazard. God had a reason He put them in the order that He did. The first 3 commandments all concern themselves with the dignity of God. This is entirely appropriate because God existed before He made any part of the created order. The next two commandments concern themselves with preserving God’s dignity as that dignity begins to manifest itself in the created order. The 4th commandment to honor the Sabbath refers us back to God’s period of creative activity. VK: The 4th commandment tells us that we are to honor the 7th day of the week because that was the day that God declared to be “blessed.” Genesis, chapter 2, verses 2 and 3 say, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” So, when God instructed Moses, the Israelites, and us to honor the Sabbath God is directing our attention straight back to – as you said – His period of creative activity. God created for 6 days and rested on the 7th. We are to work for 6 days and rest on the 7th – just as God did. RD: Yes. And the 4th commandment is evidence that the various theories that somehow the 1st chapter of Genesis refers to 6 indeterminately long periods of creative activity don’t make sense. God doesn’t intend for us to work for 6 periods of indeterminate activity followed by a rest period that might be thousands of years. God used a 7 day period of 24-hour days when he gave the 4th commandment and that is a direct reflection of how God performed His own creative activity. Then, the 5th commandment tells us to honor our mother and father. That refers us back to God’s partial delegation of the oversight of His created order to the creature He created in His image: man. God conveyed a portion of His authority to Adam and Eve in what is often referred to as the “Dominion Mandate.” So, the first five commandments are all concerned with the inherent dignity of God. VK: But of course man also possesses an inherent dignity because man is the only creature that God made in His image. We possess an inherent dignity because we are the image bearers of God. RD: Yes. And the 6th through 10th commandments, like the commandments that precede them, are also concerned with dignity. The 6th commandment is concerned with the dignity of their lives, the 7th the dignity of marriage, and the 8th the dignity of work. The 8th commandment, which says, “do not steal” is concerned with the dignity of work because it is through our labor that we produce the goods and services that we need to sustain our lives. If someone steals any of those goods or services, regardless of the amount or value, they have exhibited a blatant disrespect for the labor and work of another person. God took His own work in creation seriously. He said the product of His work was valuable. It was good. When God finished the entirety of His creative activity He said it was “very good.” VK: God highly valued the work that He had completed. He should. He made a universe with 50 to 100 billion galaxies each of which has 50 billion or more stars. That’s an impressive total of production for 6 days. And while our own work is not on the same scale anyone who is performing legitimate, productive labor may also be proud of their efforts. So, if anyone steals the product those efforts they are just denying the producer the value and they are demeaning the effort that went into the production. RD: Exactly. So, we see that the 6th commandment is concerned with the dignity of innocent human life, the 7th the dignity of marriage, and the 8th the dignity of work. Today we will see that the 9th commandment is concerned with the dignity of words, speech, and truth. And, to complete the thought, as strange as it may seem the 10th commandment is concerned with the dignity of desire. VK: The “dignity of desire” – now that’s a phrase you probably don’t hear every day. Would you care to give us a glimpse of what you’re thinking about with that? RD: I don’t want to take too much time today on the 10th commandment. That’s what the next episode of Anchored by Truth is for. But suffice it to say this. Too often, we equate the words “desire” and “lust.” And, as a general rule, lust is sinful. So, we think we are to avoid it. And, of course, we should avoid sinful lusts. But desire need not be sinful. The Bible commands us to desire good things. For instance, in the opening lines of the Lord’s Prayer Jesus taught us to pray for “[God’s] kingdom to come and [God’s] will be done.” Well, if we want God’s kingdom to come and God’s will to be done, then obviously we are to desire those things. We are to desire to live holy lives, to have faith, and to please God. We are to desire to spend an eternity with God in heaven. Desire is a basic attribute of being human and there is nothing wrong with desire. There is a lot wrong with allowing our desire to be transformed into sinful lusts. The 10th commandment not to covet anything of our neighbors helps us see where and how to draw the line. So, the 10th commandment is concerned with the preserving the dignity of desire. And one thread that ties all of the commandments together is that are concerned with the dignity of God and the dignity of people because they are God’s image bearers. VK: Interesting. The “dignity of desire” – more about that in the next episode of Anchored by Truth. For today let’s turn our attention back to the 9th commandment which says not “bear false witness against our neighbor” or, as the Contemporary English Version put it, “Do not tell lies about others.” We might again think that this commandment would be unnecessary because it is so obvious. But it is necessary because we humans resort to lying so quickly when we get into trouble. And, even though the commandment is often phrased as “not lying about our neighbors” Christian scholars are uniform in their agreement that our neighbors isn’t just referring to the people living in the next house or apartment. The 9th commandment is concerned with a wide variety of human behavior including the behavior of individuals, groups, and governments. That’s why we used the Amplified Bible’s version of the 9th commandment as our opening scripture. Many versions will use the phrase “not bear false witness against your neighbor” but the Amplified Bible makes it plain that there are many forms of such “false witness” such as withholding or manipulating the truth. RD: Bible scholars down through history have recognized that certainly one of the primary applications of the 9th commandment has to do with giving false testimony in a trial or judicial proceeding. But that is only one of its applications. The 9th commandment goes well beyond just one specific venue where lying is prohibited. For instance, one of the best known Bible commentaries was written by Matthew Henry in the latter part of the 17th century and early part of the 18th century. Henry wrote this: “The ninth commandment concerns our own and our neighbour's good name. This forbids speaking falsely on any matter, lying, equivocating, and any way devising or designing to deceive our neighbour. Speaking unjustly against our neighbour, to hurt his reputation. Bearing false witness against him, or in common conversation slandering, backbiting, and tale-bearing; making what is done amiss, worse than it is, and in any way endeavouring to raise our reputation upon the ruin of our neighbour's. How much this command is every day broken among persons of all ranks!” VK: And another Bible scholar Matthew Poole, who wrote in the 17th century, reinforces the observation that there is a wide variety of behaviors that violate the 9th commandment. Poole said, “[do] not speak a false testimony, or as a false witness; which doth not only forbid perjury in judgment, but also all unjust censure, slander, backbiting, scorning, false accusation, and the like; and also requires a just and candid judgment of him, and of his words and actions, speaking well of him, as far as truth and justice will permit, and defending his good name against the calumnies and detractions of others.” Poole and Henry’s observations help us to see that the 9th commandment, like all of God’s commandments, are designed to help us recognize the sin that lurks deep within our hearts. (214 punch) Perversely enough, the 9th commandment about not lying about our neighbor is unlike the 8th commandment about not stealing because lying about others often injures the victim but doesn’t do any good for the liar. William Shakespeare wrote: “Who steals my purse, steals trash, But he who filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, Yet leaves me poor indeed …” What Shakespeare is observing that lies often destroy one person while not helping anyone else. Stealing property or money at least leaves the property or money in the possession of the thief. But you can decimate a person’s reputation with a lie and yet that may very well never improve the life of the liar. When you stop and think about it that truly is vile. RD: The 9th commandment is one area where God’s commandments and law were consistent with many of the other ancient cultures which took lying, especially lying in judicial proceedings, very seriously. This is true because most cultures have recognized that lying in court makes the administration of justice impossible. The Pulpit Commentary available at biblehub.com says this about the 9th commandment: “ The wrong done to a man by false evidence in a court may be a wrong of the very [worst] kind – [it] may be actual murder … [because it is] fatal to the administration of justice, false witness in courts has been severely visited by penalties in all well-regulated states. At Athens the false witness was liable to a heavy fine, and if thrice convicted lost all his civil rights. At Rome, by a law of the Twelve Tables, he was hurled headlong from the Tarpeian rock. In Egypt, false witness was punished by amputation … Private calumny may sometimes involve as serious consequences to individuals as false witness in a court. It may ruin a man; it may madden him; it may drive him to suicide. But it does not disorganise the whole framework of society, like perjured evidence before a tribunal...” VK: And as bad as lying in judicial proceedings may be for individuals and society the worst consequence of lying at all is that it displays an intentional disregard for God’s majesty, doesn’t it? RD: Yes. In our day and age we have forgotten the importance of words, speech, and language. But the Bible makes it clear that words and speech are so important that God used them to bring much of what exists into existence. In fact, God’s first use of language occurs in the 3rd verse of the 1st chapter of Genesis. And thereafter, chapter 1 of Genesis is full of “And God said,” such as “And God said let there be light.” God spoke the entire creation into existence and as He did so He started assigning names to things: day, night, sky, land, seas, etc. Words and language are so important to God that they were the mechanism by which he created life and made the world a suitable habitation for man. And the first task that God gave man involved the use of language. Adam’s first task was to name the animals. VK: Obviously, if God could give Adam a task that involved language we know that Adam was created with the capacity for speech and language. In fact, that is one of the major attributes that separates man from all other creatures. The ability to use language, speech, and words is one of the ways that man bears God’s image. Theologians sometimes use the phrase “communicable attributes” to refer to attributes that God possessed that He transmitted to man. RD: Correct. Other creatures certainly use sounds and audible signals to communicate with one another. But obviously, the information that goes back and forth is rudimentary and biological. I’m well aware that gorillas have been taught words by stimulus and response and some have developed vocabularies that are impressive by non-human standpoints. But no gorilla or chimpanzee has ever written a sonnet and no dolphin has ever composed in iambic pentameter. The human capacity for speech, language, words and the ability to express abstract and mathematical concepts is unique among the creatures that live on this earth. Now we know that angels speak and use language intelligently but angels are, of course, greater in power, mobility, and action than human beings. No other physical creature besides man uses words, linguistics, and speech. VK: So, when we misuse speech and words by lying or distorting the truth we really are committing an offense against God in a very real and fundamental way. We are, in effect, telling God that we have so little esteem or regard for the gifts He gave us that we are unconcerned about whether we use them in the manner in which He intended. In our time misrepresentations and distortions of the truth are so common that we come to expect them. We will use clever terms such as “political spin,” “gilding the lily,” “being disingenuous,” etc. to cover over the fact that someone is not telling the plain truth. We will excuse advertisers, marketers, and sales people for making ridiculous claims and say things like “well, that’s how business is done” or “everybody does it.” Students and politicians alike turn in work that is not their own as if it were. Lawyers go into court, blatantly lie, hide evidence, or use misleading arguments and claim that they are just providing zealous representation. All about us every day we see people manipulating the truth and we grow so used to it that we never bother to call it what it is: the sin of lying. But God is never misled and God always knows the plain truth. Spin is sin in God’s eyes and He sees the motivations of our hearts. Our clever, inventive ways neither mislead or please Him. RD: Exactly. God gave man the capacity to speak and use language and words but He also gave us the choice about we would employ that capacity. He gave us free choice. But violations of the 9th commandment are not strictly limited to the use of words or language. We can withhold, distort, or manipulate the truth even when our words may be technically accurate. In my first summer at West Point they gave us quite a number of classes about the cadet honor code which in those days said, “A cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate anyone who does so.” One of the subjects they discussed at length was what was termed “quibbling.” VK: Quibbling was the practice of using technically accurate words that were intended to deceive or deflect. If a senior officer asked you whether you had shined your shoes, and all you had really done was rub a wash cloth over them, technically you could say that you had “shined your shoes.” But that, of course, was not what the senior officer was talking about. You knew it. He knew it. But you could – technically – accurately say “yes.” But that was quibbling. And I suspect it rarely fooled anyone at that place. But we have an awful lot of quibbling that goes on around us these days. Quibbling violates the 9th commandment as do all of the other detours and bypasses that are used today to manipulate the truth. RD: So, the point of all this is that the 9th commandment, like the commandments that precede it is concerned with dignity. The 9th commandment is concerned with the dignity of words and speech in no small measure because words and speech are so important they were used as part of God’s process of creating the universe. God spoke many parts of the created order into existence. By words God ordered a world that was “void and formless.” By words God made living creatures out of inanimate matter and energy. By words God made people. Today, we have more ways of communicating language and speech than ever before, but it has made us far less careful in how we use them, not more. VK: Well, Shakespeare also said “familiarity breeds contempt.” We have so many ways of flinging words about, we exhibit a blatant contempt for being accurate or careful with their use. Jesus’ half-brother James said in James, chapter 3, verses 5 through 8, “…the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” That’s from the New International Version. RD: The 9th commandment is concerned with the dignity of words, speech, and truth. James helps us understand the dangers that abound when we misuse them. In James day it was far more common for ordinary people to communicate orally rather than in writing. I have a feeling that if James were to bring his same message today he would note that not only is the tongue “restless” and “full of deadly poison” but so are our fingers and thumbs. VK: Now that is a really scary and sobering thought. How many people ever think about the 9th commandment when they sit down at a keyboard and go into a social media site or get ready to send a text message? And how much of the content that circulates on the internet violates the 9th commandment? And how many of us contribute to this mass of misleading content? When you think about the 9th commandment that way it probably would lead to some troubling questions and consciences. RD: God gave the 9th commandment to a people who leaving a period of captivity to begin to establish a new nation in a new location. As we heard earlier ensuring that truth is present in a judicial system and in judicial proceedings is a fundamental necessity for a sound society. In that respect, the 9th commandment was similar to the expectations of many ancient cultures. But in at least one respect it was different. As Jesus would clarify during His lifetime the neighbors who were not to be lied about or slandered were not limited to just Hebrews or Israelites. In the tale of the Good Samaritan we hear that our neighbors include even people who are not from our tribe and tongue. That was not all that common. Even in come cultures today it is perfectly okay to lie to someone who is not from a particular group. But that is not true for Christians. God expects us to be truthful in our speech, actions, and treatment of all people. This does not mean that we don’t need wisdom when we do so. We can, but we shouldn’t, hurt people by woodenly telling the truth. So, what we should do is pray for discernment to always be guided by a spirit of integrity but one that recognizes the dangers that lurk in a fallen world. VK: We don’t need to tell someone that we hated the cabbage rolls that they served us at dinner. And we don’t need to disclose the hiding places of people fleeing death or slavery. The 9th commandment would not have been necessary except for the fall but the fall has occurred and the 9th commandment sits behind the 6th commandment that prohibits murder for a reason. Like all the commandments, the 9th commandment restrains the sin that came from the fall but some deviations from the strict truth will be lesser sins than the ones that might follow when we tell all we know at the wrong time. And that’s a topic we will to continue to explore in this series because we just don’t have enough time to fully explore it today. God gave us the commandments because He wants us to have the right relationship with Him and a right relationship with each other. But until Jesus comes again we still have to navigate in a fallen creation. That’s one of the big reasons we wanted to do this series. The Ten Commandments are enduring ethical principles that are the basis for sound families, communities, and nations. We used to understand that. But the Ten Commandments, like all of God’s pronouncements, contain and demand wisdom to correctly apply and understand them. We should be willing to devote the time and energy necessary to be sure we apply them correctly because God gave His all for us. We should be willing to give our time and energy to Him to understand how to properly honor Him with our lives. Sounds like a good time to go to our God in prayer. Today, let’s listen to a prayer that we may all be faithful stewards of the resources that have been entrusted to us. Faithful stewardship is evidence of our own faithfulness to the cause of Christ. ---- PRAYER TO BE A FAITHFUL STEWARD (MARCUS) VK: We’d like to remind our audience that a lot of our radio episodes are linked together in series of topics so if they missed any episodes or if they just want to hear one again, all of these episodes are available on your favorite podcast app. To find them just search on “Anchored by Truth by Crystal Sea Books.” If you’d like to hear more, try out crystalseabooks.com where “We’re not perfect but our Boss is!” (Opening Bible Quote from the Amplified Bible) Exodus, Chapter 20, verse 16, Amplified Bible History, prophecy, ancestry, unity, and relevance

Sunday, 9 April 2023   Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; Acts 15:39   The previous verse revealed Paul's insistence that John Mark should not be taken along with him and Barnabas on the next missionary journey. With that, it now notes, “Then the contention became so sharp.”   The word translated as contention is paroxusmos. This is the first of two times it will be seen in Scripture. It signifies a paroxysm; a provocation that literally jabs someone to the point where he is forced to respond. Words such as provoke, incite, and so on will give the active sense of the matter. The other use of the word is in Hebrews 10:24 where it is used in a positive sense where believers are implored to motivate one another toward love and good works.   As for Paul and Barnabas, one would say something that cut so deeply the other couldn't let it go and responded with his own cutting words. It is the type of argument that leads to words that may never be forgiven and wounds that may never heal. Because of this, it says “that they parted from one another.”   Of this, Matthew Poole dubiously equates this to the parting of Abraham and Lot as is recorded in Genesis 13, claiming they kept the unity of the Spirit. The words now do not bear this out. Their fellowship was torn apart, and the Spirit would have to deal with them individually as they proceeded in their own directions. Because of this, it next says, “And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.”   Barnabas was from Cyprus (Acts 4:36) and it is where he and Paul set forth on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:4). Thus, it is the natural direction that he should go to have the most impact on his next missionary travels. Taking along John Mark shows Barnabas' ability to overlook whatever Paul perceived as a permanent factor of disqualification. This is the last time that Barnabas is mentioned in Acts. The record Luke lays down from this point on, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, is directed to the ministry of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. Any further record of future impact that Barnabas may have had on the church is left to secular history. In Scripture, he will be directly mentioned two more times. The first is in 1 Corinthians 9 –   “My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?” 1 Corinthians 9:3-7   He will also be mentioned again in Galatians where Paul notes that he was led astray, just as Peter was, by the Judaizer who came to Antioch. That is an event that probably occurred during the events of Acts 15, although some see it as having occurred during Acts 18, something less likely. Of the events now taking place, John Gill says –   “...thus as soon almost as peace was made in the church, a difference arises among the ministers of the word, who are men of like passions with others; and though it is not easy to say which was to blame most in this contention; perhaps there were faults on both sides, for the best men are not without their failings; yet this affair was overruled by the providence of God, for the spread of his Gospel, and the enlargement of his interest; for when these two great and good men parted from one another, they went to different places, preaching the word of God.”   Life application: Regardless as to whether Paul and Barnabas ever reconciled again or not, the Spirit inspired Luke to record the events in Acts for us to consider what occurred. There was a sharp dispute between two men who had expended themselves for the gospel and who would continue to do so.   This is a fallen world. We all have limitations and buttons are bound to get pushed. When they are, our response may set us at odds with one another, even to the point of never fellowshipping together again. And yet, Paul does not later hint at the events that occurred or claim that Barnabas is not to be trusted. Rather, his comments in 1 Corinthians 9 (noted above) indicate that Barnabas was a trustworthy, selfless worker for the Lord.   Somehow, those in Corinth will hear about Barnabas even if there is no record of him traveling there in Acts. This means that Paul probably spoke well of him to the Corinthians, describing the person he had traveled with on his first missionary journey. In other words, just because they could not agree on working together any longer, Paul continued to speak highly about Barnabas. Let us consider doing this as well should we divide from another over some difference in opinion.   Heavenly Father, we are limited beings. We don't have all the information, we only have so much power and stamina, we may get riled up or offended by events that occur, etc. Because of this, differences are bound to arise between us. When such times come, give us wisdom and discernment in how to handle such things. May we not spitefully hurt others simply because we can. Help us in this, O God. Amen.  

Do you love poetry? I do! Today is "Poetry Break Day"--so we will do just that, and I'll share a couple wonderful treasures with you in today's episode, beginning with "My Little Life" by Debbie Kea. Stay-On-Track Bible Reading Schedule: Today's reading is Genesis 46-50 (Day 12 on the schedule). Daily Jesus Prophecy #11: "Seed of Isaac" in Genesis 17:19, fulfilled in Romans 9:7. Daily Scripture Writing from The Planning Woman: Today's passage on Priorities for the New Year is Mark 8:34-38, regarding self denial. I'll share "Dying to Self" by Bill Britton. Daily Scripture Memory: Today is our final day memorizing 1 Corinthians 13:1-2. We'll add verse 3 on Monday. Amy Carmichael's "If": Today we are inspired to be inspirational to others. I'll share some interesting characteristics of inspirational people from Forbes that are remarkably biblical. Our first prayer scripture on the topic of "Christian Walk" is Micah 6:8. Today we look at "walk humbly" from Matthew Poole's Commentary. Hymnary: "It is Worth All It Costs to be Holy" by Rhea F. Miller--some very interesting details regarding her life and a connection to another text she wrote, "I'd Rather Have Jesus".

Many make resolutions concerning their health and/or weight. Today is "Healthy Weight, Healthy Look" Day. The first will invariably lead to the second. The sparkle comes back to the eyes, an increase in energy, a decrease in swelling and inflammation--all benefits of paying attention to how we are caring for our temples. Health should be the focus. Helping our bodies work well and serve us well so we can serve the Lord with what He has lent to us. Stay-On-Track Bible Reading Schedule: Today's reading is Genesis 41-45 (Day 11 on the schedule). Daily Jesus Prophecy #10: "The Last Supper Foreshadowed" in Genesis 14:18 fulfilled in Matt. 26:26-29. Daily Scripture Writing from The Planning Woman: Today's passage on Priorities for the New Year is Matthew 28:18-20. Our priority to Go and Teach. Daily Scripture Memory: This week we are memorizing 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, adding verse 2 to context. Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions, #4 is on determining to glorify the Lord in soul and body. Our first prayer scripture on the topic of "Christian Walk" is Micah 6:8. Today we look at "love mercy" from Matthew Poole's Commentary. The Valley of Vision: Today's reading is entitled "Divine Mercies"--being thoughtfully thankful for all we've been given.

Today we celebrate sort of a no-brainer: "No Longer New Years Day" Day. A bit of a reality check that the things we intended to begin should probably be begun! I'll share an extra hymn text today and a quote by Spurgeon to get us going!

What are we celebrating today? Peculiar People Day (we'll look at some instances of this word in the Bible) and "Poetry at Work Day" (with a fun exercise for you to draw out your inner poet!). Stay-On-Track Bible Reading Schedule: Today's reading is Genesis 31-35 (Day 9 on the schedule). This schedule runs Monday through Friday, and gives you the weekends to catch up or read ahead. If you use an audio Bible option, it takes less than 20 minutes to cover these chapters. Really not as daunting as it might seem. Try it here: https://www.biblestudytools.com/audio-bible/esv/genesis/ Daily Jesus Prophecy #8: Genesis 14:18 "The Priest after the order of Melchizedek", fulfilled in Hebrews 6:20. I'll share some words from a great post by John Piper. Daily Scripture Writing from The Planning Woman: Today's passage on Priorities for the New Year is Matthew 6:31-34. "Seek ye first..." Daily Scripture Memory: This week we are memorizing 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, adding verse 2 to context. Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions, #3 is on the theme of repentance, which we'll revisit at the end of today's episode. Our first prayer scripture on the topic of "Christian Walk" is Micah 6:8. Today we consider some good notes from Matthew Poole's Commentary. The Valley of Vision: Today's reading is entitled "The Convicting Spirit"...I'll share a little about a practical application of these truths here at home.

Matthew Poole, writer, art curator, and professor of art history, theory, and curatorial studies at California State University, San Bernardino, chats with host George Romero. They discuss the languages of art, the difficult but rewarding journey that is writing, and making the transition to Southern California from London. 

Monday, 22 August 2022   And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Acts 9:38   In the previous verse, Tabitha is said to have died. With that remembered, Luke next records, “And since Lydda was near Joppa.” The verb is a present participle, “And Lydda being near Joppa.” Luke is describing the narrative as if it is ongoing. Understanding that, he continues with, “and the disciples had heard that Peter was there.” Again, the verbs are present tense, “and the disciples having heard that Peter is there.”   Tabitha has died, it is understood that Peter is in Lydda and Lydda is not that far away. Luke is weaving his words together to join his reader in the narrative as it continues. The sadness of the situation, the loss that has been experienced, and the immediate pressing nature of the situation is highlighted by the use of his words.   Because of this state, Luke next records, “they sent two men to him.” Many scholars tie in the coming internment with the urgency of the request while, at the same time, denying that Peter was being called for the purpose of a hoped-for miracle. In other words, an example of the reasoning is that Peter's presence was needed “to comfort those that were concerned in the great loss of so good a woman” (Matthew Poole).   If this was the case, it would hardly matter if Tabitha was buried or not. Comfort can be provided if a body is above ground or in the grave. It is obvious that they have hope that Peter can, in fact, appeal to the Lord for a miracle. It would make no sense to rush Peter to Joppa unless this was the possible outcome. But the next words give just that sense of urgency, saying they were “imploring him not to delay in coming to them.”   The verse ahead will clearly show that Tabitha was not someone Peter knew well, if at all. And yet, he is being summoned to come quickly. However, just a few verses ago, it said –   “And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.' Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” Acts 9:34, 35   The word had gone out all around the surrounding area that Peter had accomplished this miracle. It was understood from Jesus' ministry that He had not only healed but that He had also raised the dead. The anticipation is that Jesus, through the apostleship of Peter, might again perform such a miracle.   Life application: Luke's words are meticulously recorded to show an ongoing narrative, one thing often leading to the next. This is certainly the case here. The final note concerning the healing of Aeneas going out in a great manner was provided for just this reason, meaning it was intended to lead into the next section of the narrative.   Likewise, if you come to the end of this passage about Tabitha and look it over, you will see a connection to the next section. This is not uncommon in Scripture and such clues show that what is being detailed is not a haphazardly recorded account, but a purposeful compilation intended to lead us through the narrative to a more perfect understanding of what God has done in order to establish His church.   Pay attention to such cues because they will help provide a clearer sense of why things are occurring at the times they occur. Acts is a vital part of God's word, even if it is not prescribing things for us to do. It is showing us that God's hand was with His church as it began, and thus we can know that His hand continues with His church today.   The miracles, for example, helped establish a sense of surety within the church until the word was written. Those same miracles can provide us with the exact same sense of surety now that the word has been received.   Lord God, we can look to the wonderful things You have done for Your people in the past as are recorded in Your word. Now, we can have faith that what is provided there is true and reliable, and we can have confidence in the future concerning Your guiding hand being with us. Thank You for the surety Your word provides us as we continue forward in time, awaiting the fulfillment of all the things it promises are yet ahead. Amen.  

Sunday, 21 August 2022   But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Acts 9:37   The verse now is speaking of Tabitha (Dorcas) of the previous verse. It noted that she was full of good works and charitable deeds. Luke now continues with, “But it happened in those days.”   Without going ahead, “those days” means that it was during the time that Peter was in the vicinity. The narrative was focused on him and Aeneas. What is happening now is to be assumed (and later made explicit) that this is during that time period “that she became sick.”   Luke, a physician, doesn't give any specifics. This shows that no determination was made how this happened. Otherwise, he would have given his usual careful observations. Rather, he gives the main point that some malady had overtaken her. She was “sick and died.”   Her death is given as a recorded fact. There is no reason to assume anything other than this occurred. Those who argue that this was a swoon or the like do so against the plainly stated facts. Further, to argue for this when they were not present is to argue that the account is factual and simply needs to be tweaked to allow for their own presuppositions and biases concerning the matter.   Further, it is the height of arrogance to make a claim about the narrative that is contrary to what is plainly stated when they were not there. Being dead is a state that is not hard to determine, and people have identified it for all of human history. If there are exceptions where a misdiagnosis was made, the burden of proof is on the one making the claim to prove it. As this cannot be done, the record of her death must stand as it is written. With that in mind, it next says, “When they had washed her.”   This was a traditional part of the burial process. It is a demonstration of care and respect for the person's memory as she is prepared for her final internment. Matthew Poole says, “They washed the dead, and anointed them, to fit them for their burying, and especially to show their hope of the resurrection; which some think St. Paul alludes unto, 1 Corinthians 15:29.”   This is actually an important point. Matthew Poole's note about anointing the dead is correct, but nothing is said of that here. It is actually a clue that they have a hope that has not yet been expressed in the account. That will be seen in the coming verses.   People tend to the corpses of their dead all over the world. It may be there is a sense of hope in an afterlife (such as the Egyptians) or for some other reason but including 1 Corinthians 15:29 is not correct. That is not at all the intent of Paul's words. He clearly says in the same passage “that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Corinthians 15:50).   The bodies that believers now possess are destined to return to the dust of the earth, just as the early Genesis account tells us. When Daniel was told that many of those who sleep in the dust will be raised, it confirms this. The bodies that we now possess will not be the bodies we will possess at the resurrection. The washing of Tabitha was a note of respect and a point of closure for those left behind. With that noted, the verse ends with “they laid her in an upper room.”   This would be out of sight of any who came by the house except for those who would purposefully go up to view her one last time. The custom in the Middle East was to always bury a person as quickly as possible, usually within the same day. Any chance to pay one's last respects would have to come within that short timeframe.   Life application: Unless the rapture happens, we are all going to die physically. This is a part of the way things are at this time. There is not a moment of guarantee that when we wake up in the morning, we will be alive by evening. And there is no guarantee that going to bed will be followed by getting up the next morning.   We must be prepared, right now, to meet our Maker. As Jesus is the One who makes reconciliation with Him possible, it is our responsibility to receive His offer of peace and reconciliation now. And more, it is our responsibility to tell others about what God has offered. Our date with death's destiny is assured. When it will come is known to God alone. Let us be wise and be prepared for that day and let us prepare others – as best as we can – for that day as well.   Lord God, thank You that because of Jesus Christ, we have the sure, certain, and blessed promise of the resurrection to eternal life that You have promised to all those who believe. May we be responsible to tell others about this joy that we possess while we have the time. Prompt us in this, O God. Amen.  

It is crucial that we discern between what is proper to divinity and what is proper to the creature, especially when it comes to our Christology. Our Lord necessarily implies a distinction between His divine and human natures in John 12:44. Both Poole and Aquinas pick up on the distinction in their commentary.

It is crucial that we discern between what is proper to divinity and what is proper to the creature, especially when it comes to our Christology. Our Lord necessarily implies a distinction between His divine and human natures in John 12:44. Both Poole and Aquinas pick up on the distinction in their commentary.

Message from Matthew Poole on January 30, 2022

Message from Matthew Poole on December 19, 2021

Message from Matthew Poole on December 12, 2021

*****SCRIPTURES AND REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE*****https://thedoctrineofchristseries.com/seasons-scripture-references/****DOC Links****DOC Email: thedoctrineofchristseries@gmail.comDOC Website: http://thedoctrineofchristseries.com*****Support This Channel*****Paypal: https://paypal.me/jimivision?locale.x=en_USMonthly Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JimivisionCash App: https://cash.app/$JimivisionVenmo: www.venmo.com/Jimmy-Cooper-17Mail To:Jimmy Cooper11205 Lebanon Rd #16Mount Juliet, TN 37122*****Links to Podcast Networks*****Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-doctrine-of-christ/id1499184324Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mFiTMRND9DWJIL5Z02Yi8Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jimivision/the-doctrine-of-christ*****Youtube Playlist Links*****https://thedoctrineofchristseries.com/seasons/****Follow Jimivision****Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClUvYf3rZHvqQloMEoEFtlw? ****Follow FOJC Radio****YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0RmdJ0nhShuDLp8Q41BlwgFollowers of Jesus Christ Web Site:http://www.fojcradio.com  or http://www.ritualabusefree.org“NEW” RUMBLE CHANNEL https://rumble.com/c/c-704825Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/overcomerBrighteon The Vault: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/fojcvaultTo receive notices for Friday night Remnant Gathering messages or other programs we are on, send an email to lastdayschurch@cs.com with: “Sign Up” in the Subject line.RADIO PAGE at http://www.fojcradio.com/RADIO.htm#fojc radioWe Are *on Air LIVE *** Every Friday for Remnant Gathering@ 6 PM Central TimePlease Join the Chat Room with other Listeners where Scriptures & Comments are postedor, Listen to the 24/7 Auto DJ with Teachings, Music, and other Audios.CONTACT INFORMATION: David and Donna Carrico Followers of Jesus ChristP. O. BOX 671Tell City, IN 47586Phone -812-836-2288 Email - lastdayschurch@cs.com

Message from Matthew Poole on October 31, 2021

Message from Matthew Poole on October 17, 2021

*****SCRIPTURES AND REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE*****https://thedoctrineofchristseries.com/seasons-scripture-references/****DOC Links****DOC Email: thedoctrineofchristseries@gmail.comDOC Website: http://thedoctrineofchristseries.com*****Support This Channel*****Paypal: https://paypal.me/jimivision?locale.x=en_USMonthly Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JimivisionCash App: https://cash.app/$JimivisionVenmo: www.venmo.com/Jimmy-Cooper-17Mail To:Jimmy Cooper11205 Lebanon Rd #16Mount Juliet, TN 37122*****Links to Podcast Networks*****Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-doctrine-of-christ/id1499184324Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mFiTMRND9DWJIL5Z02Yi8Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jimivision/the-doctrine-of-christ*****Youtube Playlist Links*****https://thedoctrineofchristseries.com/seasons/****Follow Jimivision****Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClUvYf3rZHvqQloMEoEFtlw? ****Follow FOJC Radio****YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0RmdJ0nhShuDLp8Q41BlwgFollowers of Jesus Christ Web Site:http://www.fojcradio.com  or http://www.ritualabusefree.org“NEW” RUMBLE CHANNEL https://rumble.com/c/c-704825Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/overcomerBrighteon The Vault: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/fojcvaultTo receive notices for Friday night Remnant Gathering messages or other programs we are on, send an email to lastdayschurch@cs.com with: “Sign Up” in the Subject line.RADIO PAGE at http://www.fojcradio.com/RADIO.htm#fojc radioWe Are *on Air LIVE *** Every Friday for Remnant Gathering@ 6 PM Central TimePlease Join the Chat Room with other Listeners where Scriptures & Comments are postedor, Listen to the 24/7 Auto DJ with Teachings, Music, and other Audios.CONTACT INFORMATION: David and Donna Carrico Followers of Jesus ChristP. O. BOX 671Tell City, IN 47586Phone -812-836-2288 Email - lastdayschurch@cs.com

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Psalms 15-17, and I'm calling the episode “Who Can Come Into God's Presence?”.  Thoughts on Psalms 15 David begins this Psalm with two questions: Lord, who may enter your Temple? Who may worship on Zion, your sacred hill? These questions show the desire of David's heart. He longed to be in God's presence. The Temple (or actually in the original language the word "Temple" in our translation today, is tent, or Tabernacle) represented the place of God's presence.   He answers his own questions, and it is important for us to remember that he wrote from the perspective of the Old Testament, or Old Covenant. Obedience, or the lack thereof, determined the blessings or curses that a person could expect. The person who was not in obedience to God could not expect the blessing of God's presence. The New Testament gives us a different basis for receiving God's blessing and being able to be in His presence, doesn't it? Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, faith in Him is the ground on which we receive blessings and come into relationship with God.  It is very important to understand, however, that obedience or rebellion is an indicator of whether we actually do have a relationship with God. Or put another way, if we have a genuine faith. 1 John 1:6 tells us, "If we say, 'We have fellowship with Him,' yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.  7But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." In other words, if we say we believe, but our life doesn't reflect a changed heart, we are liars.  In David's list of attributes the righteous person should have (which is only a representative list, not an exhaustive one), he says, "They despise those whom God rejects...". That sounds harsh to our ears today, doesn't it? From childhood, many of us are taught not to "hate" anyone. But listen to Proverbs 8:13: To honor the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil ways and false words.  The person who does evil habitually is in fact rejected by God. The righteous man must also reject such a person. Listen carefully, though. I am not saying that we are to assume that this person is beyond God's ability to forgive if they come to Christ. I like the way Matthew Poole, the 17th century commentator put it: “He doth not admire his person, nor envy his condition, nor court him with flatteries, nor value his company and conversation, nor approve of or comply with his courses; but he thinks meanly of him; he judgeth him a most miserable man, and a great object of pity; he abhors his wicked practices, and labours to make such ways contemptible and hateful to all men as far as it lies in his power.” So what are we to do with this person? We should pray for them. Verse 4: They despise those whom God rejects, but honor those who obey the Lord. I love Spurgeon's comment on the second half of the verse: “We must be as honest in paying respect as in paying our bills. Honour to whom honour is due. To all good men we owe a debt of honour, and we have no right to hand over what is their due to vile persons who happen to be in high places.” In our culture today, it is the person in high places who receive honor, regardless of their character. And the most honorable among us is often overlooked. Let us not fall into this practice, beloved. Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 15 GNT, Ch. 16 ERV, Ch. 17 NASB Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude. Please rate or review the show by clicking the heart! Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ruan Carlos on Unsp...

Message from Matthew Poole on October 3, 2021

*****SCRIPTURES AND REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE*****https://thedoctrineofchristseries.com/seasons-scripture-references/****DOC Links****DOC Email: thedoctrineofchristseries@gmail.comDOC Website: http://thedoctrineofchristseries.com*****Support This Channel*****Paypal: https://paypal.me/jimivision?locale.x=en_USMonthly Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JimivisionCash App: https://cash.app/$JimivisionVenmo: www.venmo.com/Jimmy-Cooper-17Mail To:Jimmy Cooper11205 Lebanon Rd #16Mount Juliet, TN 37122*****Links to Podcast Networks*****Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-doctrine-of-christ/id1499184324Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mFiTMRND9DWJIL5Z02Yi8Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jimivision/the-doctrine-of-christ*****Youtube Playlist Links*****https://thedoctrineofchristseries.com/seasons/****Follow Jimivision****Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClUvYf3rZHvqQloMEoEFtlw? ****Follow FOJC Radio****YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0RmdJ0nhShuDLp8Q41BlwgFollowers of Jesus Christ Web Site:http://www.fojcradio.com  or http://www.ritualabusefree.org“NEW” RUMBLE CHANNEL https://rumble.com/c/c-704825Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/overcomerBrighteon The Vault: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/fojcvaultTo receive notices for Friday night Remnant Gathering messages or other programs we are on, send an email to lastdayschurch@cs.com with: “Sign Up” in the Subject line.RADIO PAGE at http://www.fojcradio.com/RADIO.htm#fojc radioWe Are *on Air LIVE *** Every Friday for Remnant Gathering@ 6 PM Central TimePlease Join the Chat Room with other Listeners where Scriptures & Comments are postedor, Listen to the 24/7 Auto DJ with Teachings, Music, and other Audios.CONTACT INFORMATION: David and Donna Carrico Followers of Jesus ChristP. O. BOX 671Tell City, IN 47586Phone -812-836-2288 Email - lastdayschurch@cs.com

Message from Matthew Poole on September 26, 2021

Message from Matthew Poole on September 12, 2021

Message from Matthew Poole on August 15, 2021

Message from Matthew Poole on August 8, 2021

Message from Matthew Poole on July 25, 2021

Message from Matthew Poole on July 18, 2021

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

Message from Matthew Poole on June 13, 2021

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

#bible #corinthians #biblestudy #howtostudythebible #jesus #equip #encourage #inspire #challenge #theology SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS https://www.facebook.com/anthonyprich... https://www.youtube.com/anthonyprichards https://www.instagram.com/aprichards ... https://odysee.com/@anthonyprichards:... PODCAST LINKS Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/.../anthon... Google  https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=... Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/5A29AH2... Anchor https://anchor.fm/anthonyprichards Breaker  https://www.breaker.audio/anthony-p-r... RadioPublic  https://radiopublic.com/anthony-p-ric... Pocket Casts https://pca.st/pyibm8q1 S.O.A.P. is all about how to study the Bible. It's about reading 'S'cripture, 'O'bserving what it says, working out how you 'A'pply it to your life and then 'P'raying about it. Resources/References/Sources Enduring Word Bible Commentary - David Guzik (copyright) Matthew Henry Commentary NKJV Thomas Nelson Study Bible William Robert Hawkins, Evan Roberts, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Smith Wigglesworth, James Montgomery Boice, Alexander MacLaren, Thomas Horne, Thomas Leblanc, Frederick “F.B.” Meyer, Adam Clarke, Derek Kidner, Curtis Vaughan, F.F. Bruce, George Horne, G. Campbell Morgan, Leon Morris. D. Edmond Hiebert, Charles Bridges, Duane Garrett, Dan Philipps, Matthew Poole, Allen P. Ross, John Trapp, Bruce Waltke, Warren Wiersbe, William Barclay, A.B Bruce, D.A.U, R.T. France,

Message from Matthew Poole on June 6, 2021