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Angie and Susie continue the series on the armor of God by digging into Ephesians 6:11 and exploring how to recognize the enemy's schemes. They talk about what it means to actively put on God's armor and how spiritual awareness helps us stand firm.You'll hear practical encouragement for deepening your trust in God as your first line of defense.Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.https://livesteadyon.com/https://susiecrosby.com/https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/Wilhelm Michaelis, “Ὁδός, Ὁδηγός, Ὁδηγέω, Μεθοδία, Εἵσοδος, Ἔξοδος, Διέξοδος, Εὐοδόω,” in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 103.Vine, W. "Wiles - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words." Blue Letter Bible. 24 Jun, 1996. Web. 5 Feb, 2025.https://biblehub.com/greek/3180.htmRobert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 357.Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.+See+on+ch.+4%3a14.+~The+armor+is+a+defen ""), vol. 3 (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1887), 406.John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible.+~Paul%E2%80%99s+use+of+the+Gr "") (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Eph 6:11.Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 643.Max Turner, “Ephesians,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1243.Richard J. Erickson, “Ephesians,” in Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, vol. 3, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995), 1032.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison
Thursday, 19 June 2025 Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. Matthew 11:1 “And it was, when Jesus, He finished through-arranging His twelve disciples, He departed thence to teach and proclaim in their cities” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus finished up His words to the apostles concerning their commission to go forth and preach the gospel. Chapter 11 begins with, “And it was, when Jesus, He finished through-arranging His twelve disciples.” Of the words, “And it was, when Jesus, He finished...” The Pulpit Commentary notes – The same formula recurs in Matthew 7:28; Matthew 13:53; Matthew 19:1; and Matthew 26:1. In all five cases, it marks the end of important speeches. Because of this, we know that the direction of thought will make a change, and it does. In Matthew's note, a new word diatassó is used. It is from dia, through, and tassó, to arrange, assign, appoint, etc. Thus, it speaks of thoroughly arranging a matter. It thus gives the sense of Jesus having completely instructed His apostles, preparing them for what lay ahead. With them properly and thoroughly instructed, it next says that “He departed thence.” Where “thence” is, cannot be defined. The last hint of any location they were at was as Chapter 9 was ending – “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'” Matthew 9:35-38 Thus, this instruction probably came at some unrecorded point along their travels throughout the Galilee. With that noted, another difficult set of words arises, noting that He left there “to teach and proclaim in their cities.” The words themselves are not complicated, but it begs the question, “Who is ‘their' referring to?” The nearest personal antecedent would be the twelve disciples. As such, one would think it would be either the towns where they had gone to or maybe the cities where they were from. However, it may be Matthew making a general statement about the cities of the Galilee. This is how Vincent's Word Studies and some others take the words. Life application: Jesus carefully instructed those He was sending forth so that they would be prepared for what lay ahead. Some of His instructions apply to things that would happen in the distant future in relation to Israel, demonstrating that His words carry beyond the immediate disciples listening to His instruction. However, they are words that apply to evangelizing Israel. The context needs to be maintained. If not, people will incorrectly insert themselves into the narrative, and faulty connections will be inevitable. Continue to remember this as Matthew and the other synoptic gospels are read. There are various truths that Jesus will state at times that apply in any situation and to anybody. But the specific directions and prophesied events He speaks of apply to Israel, not the church. By keeping this in mind, His words will always fit harmoniously with the rest of the New Testament. When the church is inappropriately inserted, there will be conflicts between what Jesus says and what is presented later in the epistles. Israel, as a nation, eventually rejected Jesus. They will be exiled and receive the curses of the law until a set time when they will be regathered. At some point, the church will be removed, and the attention of the Lord will predominantly be on Israel once again. With Israel back in the land, we can assume that this change is coming sooner rather than later. Although the day is unknown and will come without any advanced notice (1 Thessalonians 5:1), it will come. Until then, remember that Israel is not the church nor has it been replaced by the church. With this understanding, there will be no contradictory thoughts between Jesus' words and those of the epistles. Lord God, one step at a time, You are working through history to bring all things back to the state of perfection that was lost so long ago. Help us to see clearly how You are doing these things and to rightly divide Your word according to this marvelous plan. Yes, Lord, give us insights into these wonderful things. Amen.
Sunday, 15 June 2025 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:39 “The ‘having found his soul,' he will lose it, and the ‘having lost his soul' because of Me, he will find it” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus noted that he who did not take his cross and follow after Him was not worthy of Him. Now, to build upon that, He says, “The ‘having found his soul,' he will lose it.” The words at first seem paradoxical. However, Jesus is using the thought of the psuché, the soul, in two ways at the same time. The word itself was introduced in Matthew 2:20. It is derived from psucho, breath. The meaning is based on the context, and it can mean the breath of one's life, the seat of affection, the self, a human person, or an individual. The word corresponds to the Hebrew word nephesh. In the case of Jesus' words, He indicates that a person who has found his soul, meaning his earthly self, will wind up losing his soul, meaning his eternal self. Finding one's earthly self involves looking after oneself, getting the best out of life, advancing in one's career, or whatever motivates a person to ingratiate his existence apart from God's guiding hand. The problem with this type of life is two-fold. The first and main consideration is that it leaves God, the Creator, out of the picture. It ignores man's responsibilities to Him and sets one's course for self-directed aims. The second problem with this is obvious to all and yet it is ignored most of the time. Man is destined to die. As this is so, all self-directed advances and aims have an end because the self has an end. Jesus says elsewhere – “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26 This is Jesus' intent. The person finds his soul, the epitome of self-satisfaction and aggrandizement, maybe even living to the point of hedonism, but because he has left God out of the equation, he winds up losing his soul. On the other hand, Jesus next says, “and the ‘having lost his soul' because of Me, he will find it.” The “because of Me” is the key point of His words. Many scholars and philosophers have stated words similar in thought to Jesus' words – Plato said, “O my friend! I want you to see that the noble and the good may possibly be something different from saving and being saved, and that he who is truly a man ought not to care about living a certain time: he knows, as women say, that we must all die, and therefore he is not fond of life; he leaves all that with God, and considers in what way he can best spend his appointed term” (“Gorgias,” 512). (via Vincent's Word Studies). Euripides said, “Who knows if life be not death, and death life.” (via Vincent's Word Studies). The Pulpit Commentary notes, “In Talm. Bab., ‘Tamid,' 32a, Alexander the Great asks ‘the elders of the south' ten questions, among them, ‘What shall a man do that he may live?' They answer, ‘Let him put himself to death.' ‘What shall a man do that he may die?' ‘Let him make himself alive.'” Such sayings are found in cultures around the world, and many live lifestyles that bear this concept, such as those living as monks or in asceticism, stoicism, etc. The problem with such lives is that such people are still set to die. Without the “because of Me” of Jesus' words, their end is the same as the others. The main difference between them and those in the first half of Jesus' words is that those in the first category probably had a lot more fun in the process. Jesus is telling His disciples that the pursuit of God in Christ is the key to finding one's soul, meaning his eternal existence in the presence of God. Life application: It is common for Christians to use Jesus' words here and in similar passages to give up various earthly delights, to reject wealth, to live in hovels when they could live in a mansion, etc. Some, such as the Judaizers and Hebrew Roots Movement adherents, live for self while claiming they are living for God. They do this by living by precepts of the Law of Moses instead of living in Christ. Their religion is self-directed because it has rejected the fulfillment of the law by Jesus. Many such paths of existence in Christianity are unbiblical. For example, concerning wealth, Paul says – “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Paul did not say that rich people need to give up their wealth. He instructs them how to use it in a godly manner. People who are attempting to “find life” since the completed work of Jesus need to simply believe in the full, final, finished, and forever work of Christ. That is how one finds his life. Trust. Believing the gospel and trusting God that it is true by faith is how one finds life. Jesus' words in this verse in Matthew have a context. Our instructions for finding life now, because of His completed work, have a new context. Don't stop part of the way in the redemption story. When you get to the cross and resurrection, you have come to the point where God has brought you for life. Find life by finding the risen Savior and trusting in Him. Heavenly Father, our lives are short, and we often focus way too much on making the best of our days without considering You in the process. Forgive us for this. Help us to include You in our every thought and action. Whether we are rich or poor, healthy or sick, single or married, or in any other way, may our priority be to include You in our lives and interactions! Amen.
Saturday, 14 June 2025 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. Matthew 10:38 “And who not, he receives his cross and he follows after Me, not he is worthy of Me” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus noted that those who love son or daughter more than Him are not worthy of Him. He now elevates the thought further, saying, “And who not, he receives his cross.” In His words, the stauros, cross, is introduced. The word is derived from the base of the verb histémi, to stand, set, establish, place, etc. Of the word, Strongs says, “a stake or post (as set upright), i.e. (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e. Self-denial.” A lengthier explanation is provided by HELPS Word Studies – ...the crosspiece of a Roman cross; the cross-beam (Latin, patibulum) placed at the top of the vertical member to form a capital "T." "This transverse beam was the one carried by the criminal" (Souter). Christ was crucified on a literal Roman cross ... ("cross") is also used figuratively for the cross (sacrifice) each believer bears to be a true follower-of-Christ (Mt 10:38, 16:24, etc.). The cross represents unspeakable pain, humiliation and suffering – and ironically is also the symbol of infinite love! At the cross, Jesus won our salvation – which is free but certainly not cheap! For more discussion on the untold suffering of Christ on the cross see ... /stauróō ("to crucify on a cross"). [The "cross" (Mk 8:34) is not a symbol for suffering in general. Rather it refers to withstanding persecution (difficult times), by the Lord's power, as He directs the circumstances of life. As Christ's disciples, believers are to hold true – even when attacked by the ungodly.] As this is the first mention of the cross, something Jesus knew He would eventually have to suffer the torture of, His thoughts probably went forward to that moment and contemplated what He would endure for those gathered around Him. Of this, however, Vincent's Word Studies probably takes that point too far, saying – “This was no Jewish proverb, crucifixion not being a Jewish punishment; so that Jesus uses the phrase anticipatively, in view of the death which he himself was to die.” Though not a traditional Jewish punishment, it was a common one within the empire. As Israel was ruled by the Romans, everyone would know full well the meaning of the saying. In essence, it had by default become a Jewish saying as much as a Roman saying. As noted in the explanation by HELPS Word Studies, those with Him would have understood this as a metaphor for withstanding persecution. Saying “his cross” makes the situation personal. Each person hearing the gospel could expect to face his own personal cross when accepting the message. Understanding this, He continues with, “and he follows after Me, not he is worthy of Me.” Jesus was essentially bearing a cross, a state of persecution. The apostles would have seen this with each city they visited as He received blowback from the Pharisees, Sadducees, and others who constantly came against Him and His teaching. His words are telling them that they, too, would face this type of persecution as they went out. This is the point of the instruction He is giving to them. They are being commissioned to go to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. When they speak, they will be persecuted for it. And more, those who hear and accept should expect this as well. There will be a cost to accepting the message that Jesus is the Messiah. He is telling them this in advance. Life application: There are various views on what Jesus' cross was like. Some say it was an upright pole with a beam on top like a capital T. Some have it as an upright pole with a cross beam somewhere in the midst of the pole, like a small t. The Jehovah's Witnesses call it a “torture stake” and say that it was a single upright pole with one's arms affixed above the head and the body hanging down below that. The Hallelujah Scriptures say Jesus was impaled on a stake. There are other forms of crucifixion, but these are the ones generally provided. Is there a way to tell which is correct? The answer is, “Yes. There is a way to tell. Check Scripture.” Jesus was not impaled. Twice, the notion of Him being nailed to the cross is stated – “Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.' So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.'” John 20:24, 25 “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15 Did Jesus die on a “torture stake?” No. He did not. It says in Matthew – “And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Matthew 27:37 If Jesus was crucified on a stake, Matthew would have said “over His hands,” not “over His head.” That leaves the big T and the little t. Which is it? The answer is a little t. If Jesus were crucified on a big T, the sign could not be over His head. Therefore, the standard little t is what Jesus died on after being nailed to it. In Israel, there are Christian baptismal fonts (Jewish mikvehs) that have been found in the shape of this cross. The standard cross has been accepted since the earliest days as the one on which Jesus died. The main question is whether He carried only the lintel or the entire cross to His death. That can be argued over, but the shape of the cross, once erected, is clearly identifiable from Scripture. But this should be no surprise. The shape of the cross is actually seen in Old Testament types and pictures as well. Though too long to include such a study here, it was clearly identified long before. The question that should arise in our minds is, “Why do people try to change what has always been accepted as Jesus' type of crucifixion into something else?” The reason seems obvious when considering the source. People like the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Hebrew Root Movement adherents are heretics. In order to draw people away from traditional Christianity and set orthodoxy, they introduce destructive heresies to confuse those who do not check things out, pulling them away from sound doctrine while drawing them to their own perverse instruction. “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14 Lord God, thank You for the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Website: http://www.brministry.org | App: http://get.theapp.co/725c Professor Nelson Logan shares to Calvary Bible College students about the importance of studying the Word. It is important to understand scripture.
Send us a textDr. Pete Bowers shared how Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) transforms spelling and vocabulary into tools for deep thinking - perfect for engaging advanced and struggling readers in the elementary reading classroom. We encourage the listeners to also check out this episode on YouTube to learn from the visuals Dr. Bowers shared during the discussion (link is at the top of the show notes).RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THE EPISODE:Our Youtube link to the episodePete Bower's Word Works Kingston website: See MANY helpful links at the bottom of the page. We use this homepage as a hub for SWI information.Dr. Bowers' Monday 5 pm EST office hours linkReal Spelling ToolboxActive View of Reading Duke, Cartwright, 2021Homophone Principle - described in this lessonDavid Share: Self teaching "Ultra-detailed brain map shows neurons that encode words' meaning" Nature 631, 264 (2024)Spelling Out Orthography demonstration video from Dr. BowersDocument describing a SWI hunt for all the jobs of the final, non-syllabic Video from Dr. Bowers with Marie Foley about The Nested Combinatorial Nature of English Spelling2025 Reading League presentation from Dr. Bowers about Morphological Instruction and Language ComprehensionUpcoming SWI Training in June 2025 with Pete Bowers and Rebecca LovelessUpcoming 4 day in-person training with Dr. Bowers in July 2025 on Wolfe IslandStructured Word Inquiry: An Implementation Guide for Teachers by Jennifer A Constantine and Kara B Lee *Amazon affiliate linkTeaching How the Written Word Works by Peter Bowers (via www.wvced.com Store)Bonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonFree Rubrics Guide created by usFinding Good Books Guide created by usInformation about our Patreon membershipSupport the showGet Literacy Support through our Patreon
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Matthew 10:14 “And who, if not he should receive you nor he should hear your words, departing the house or that city, you out-swing the dust of your feet!” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus continued his instructions about greeting a house when looking to stay with someone in a city. Concerning someone whose peace is not received, Jesus says, “And who, if not he should receive you nor he should hear your words.” The word dechomai, to receive, is introduced. HELPS Word Studies says, “to receive in a welcoming (receptive) way. ... [The personal element is emphasized ... which accounts for it always being in the Greek middle voice. This stresses the high level of self-involvement (interest) involved with the ‘welcoming-receiving.'” If the peace spoken to the house is not well-received, it symbolically returns to the one who made the greeting. The apostles' words were heard, their mission was explained, and the one to whom the appeal was made found it unsuitable to the state of their household. This is essentially what Jesus is speaking of. If this is the case, and their words have been rejected, He next says, “departing the house or that city, you out-swing the dust of your feet!” The word ektinassó, to out-swing, is first used here. It is derived from ek, out or from, and tinassó, to swing. Thus, it literally signifies to out-swing. Saying “shake off,” as most translations say, is a suitable and understandable translation. One can imagine them walking out of the house or the city, putting their foot forward, and swinging it back and forth as a symbolic gesture of their displeasure at how things transpired. This is something that is seen by Paul in Acts 13 – “Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 15:48-52 A third new word is also seen in this verse, koniortos, dust. It is derived from koniaó, to whitewash or plaster, and ornumi, to rouse. Thus, one can think of something being pulverized. That leads to the thought of dust, which blows about like something as it is pulverized. This symbolic gesture is a way of indicating that the very dust of the house or city that they visited was repulsive to them and they wanted to be rid of it, lest they carry a vestige of it with them, reminding them of the dirty treatment they received. Life application: Concerning the act of shaking off the dust in this verse, the Pulpit Commentary, among other similar commentaries, says – “Treating it as a heathen place, whose pollution must be shaken off. For the very dust from a heathen land was to be reckoned as polluting, since, as Rashi says on Talm. Bab., ‘Sabb.,' 15b (cf. Lightfoot, 'Hor. Hebr.,' in loc.), ‘It may be doubted, of all the dust of a heathen land, whether it were not from the sepulchre of the dead.'” Because of this comment from Rashi, Vincent's Word Studies says – “The very dust of a heathen country was unclean, and it defiled by contact. It was regarded like a grave, or like the putrescence of death. If a spot of heathen dust had touched an offering, it must at once be burnt. More than that, if by mischance any heathen dust had been brought into Palestine, it did not and could not mingle with that of 'the land,' but remained to the end what it had been - unclean, defiled and defiling everything to which it adhered." The apostles, therefore, were not only to leave the house or city which should refuse to receive them, ‘but it was to be considered and treated as if it were heathen, just as in the similar case mentioned in Matthew 18:17. All contact with such must be avoided, all trace of it shaken off' (Edersheim, ‘Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ').” There is a problem with this, which is that there is nothing to support the conclusion that this was how Jews felt about the dust of pagan lands. It is illogical and a pointless commentary. First, many Jews lived in the diaspora. Paul was born and raised in Tarsus of Cilicia. Acts 2 notes that Jews were visiting from all over the empire. Further, Rashi was born in France in 1040 AD, studied in Germany, and then returned to France. Commenting on the filthy nature of pagan lands by someone who was born, raised, and died in them just means that he was an arrogant, close-minded, and racist person who thought he was better than those among whom he lived. Jesus was making a point about the treatment of the apostles in the land of Israel, not among Gentiles. In Acts 13, Paul was making the same point about Jews in a Gentile nation. God is not worried about the dust of foreign lands. His concern is about the defiled nature of those who come against the gospel. Be sure not to pass on ridiculous commentaries that are not based on a rational analysis of Scripture or how God deals with humanity. Rashi, like the Jews in Acts 13, rejected Jesus Christ. Therefore, Rashi, not the dust of the land in which he lived, was defiled and unacceptable to God. Heavenly Father, the earth is Yours and all its fullness. You are pleased with Your creation, whether in Ome, Japan, or Pueblo Viejo, Ecuador. The things that displease You don't concern the nature of the lands or the clarity of the water. Rather, You are pleased with those who have received Your Son, Jesus. Upon all others, Your wrath remains. Help us to get the word out so that the world will know the glory of Jesus! Amen.
Monday, 19 May 2025 And when you go into a household, greet it. Matthew 10:12 “And entering into the house, you greet it” (CG). The previous verse noted that when a worthy house is found, the apostles were to stay there until they left. Jesus continues with, “And entering.” Being a participle, the intent is “at the time you enter,” or “while you are entering.” He continues with “into the house.” The KJV and NKJV say “a house.” This is incorrect. They were to go to houses until they found a worthy one. They were not required to react positively to those in an unworthy house. There is a reason for this, which will be seen in the next verses. For now, the verse finishes with the words, “you greet it.” This would be the standard Jewish greeting of Shalom lekha, “Peace to you.” These are the Hebrew words Jesus would have used, as is recorded in John 19 – “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.' 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.'” John 19:19-21 Concerning such visits as the church later expanded, Vincent's Word Studies says – “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles," a tract discovered in 1873 in the library of the monastery of the Most Holy Sepulchre at Constantinople, by Bryennios, Metropolitan of Nicomedia, is assigned to the date of 120 a.d., and by some scholars is placed as early as 100 a.d. It is addressed to Gentile Christians, and is designed to give them practical instruction in the Christian life, according to the teachings of the twelve apostles and of the Lord himself. In the eleventh chapter we read as follows: "And every apostle who cometh to you, let him be received as the Lord; but he shall not remain except for one day; if, however, there be need, then the next day; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. But when the apostle departeth, let him take nothing except bread enough till he lodge again, but if he ask money, he is a false prophet." And again (ch. 8): "Likewise a true teacher, he also is worthy like the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, then, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and sheep, thou shalt take and give to the prophets, for they are your high-priests....If thou makest a baking of bread, take the first of it and give according to the commandment. In like manner, when thou openest a jar of wine or oil, take the first of it and give to the prophets; and of money and clothing, and every possession, take the first, as may seem right to thee, and give according to the commandment.” Life application: Whether the tract noted by Vincent's Word Studies is accurate or not, it is an ancient witness to the fact that people were going around evangelizing. As noted in the previous commentary, people will occasionally come spreading a message or asking for assistance who might not have the best intent for the church. Therefore, wisdom in dealing with others is necessary. And more, there is no longer a need for wondering if someone is a false prophet based on whether they remain for a certain amount of time or not. The Bible has been compiled and its instructions are set. To determine if someone is teaching falsities, all we need to do is refer to Scripture and find out what it says. This shouldn't be something we need to do when someone shows up. Rather, it should be something we are doing daily. That way, we will know what the word says and where to find it. When we are presented with false teachings, all we will need to do is go to the Word to ensure we are remembering properly. Once we have determined they are spreading a false message, we can kick them out to the street curb and tell them to beat it. There is no point trying to convince heretics, charlatans, or grifters that they should turn from their ways. They already know this. What they need is a dose of being evicted from the presence of the church. That will be much more effective in hopefully waking them up from their ways than all the words we could utter. Sometimes, a tough example is what is needed to get people to change. Jesus overturned the tables at the temple for a reason. Let us not be timid in dealing with false teachers. Lord God, please give us wisdom and fortitude to stand against false teachers. May we be bold in proclaiming what is true, and may we be intolerant of those who proclaim otherwise. May we not get into back-and-forth argumentation when decisive action is needed. Help us in this, O God. Amen.
Does surrendering to God feel like losing control?Angie and Susie dive into James 4:7 to challenge the idea that submission is a sign of weakness. In reality, true strength comes not from gripping tighter—but from letting go. Join them as they uncover how surrendering to God empowers us to stand firm, resist the enemy, and walk boldly in the freedom of His authority.James 4:7 (NIV)“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”https://livesteadyon.com/To connect with Susie:https://susiecrosby.com/Facebook: @susiecrosbyauthorInstagram: @susiecrosbySusie's devotionals, “Lighthearted” and “Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In” are available on Amazon.https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/Gerhard Delling, Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 27.Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 1 (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1887), 756.J. Ronald Blue, “James,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 830.Peter H. Davids, “James,”.%0a~James+next+shows+us+ "") in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1364.R. Gregg Watson, “James,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1970.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison
Episode 209 from November 8, 2024Chase Young discusses the implementation of Reader's Theater in the classroom, providing a detailed framework for the process. He emphasizes the importance of structured practice, fluency, and expression, as well as the benefits of engaging students in dramatic reading. Reader's Theater can be implemented in ELA and other subject areas with grade-level texts. Reader's Theatre improves reading skills and transfers skills to other texts. TakeawaysStructured practice is essential for achieving fluency and expression in Reader's Theater.Reader's Theater can be integrated with other subjects, providing opportunities for vocabulary and morphology instruction.Choosing challenging, grade-level texts is important for meeting grade-level expectations and supporting students' fluency and comprehension.Repetition plays a significant role in scaffolding and supporting students' fluency and expression in Reader's Theater. Reader's Theatre is an effective tool for improving reading skills and fluency.ResourcesMeta analysis - super duper effect size 1.23 Readers Theatre Plus Comprehension and Word Study 2017 Free Readers' Theater Scripts at The Best Class - Chase Young's website Rumpelstiltskin Readers' Theater Script The Methods of Repeated Readings - J. Samuels The Reading Teacher More Readers' Theater Scripts at JustTwoTeachers We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.Grab free resources and episode alerts! Sign up for our email list at literacypodcast.com.Join our community on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.
How does knowing Hebrew enhance our understanding and worship of God? Hebrew Teacher Melissa Briggs is joining Ken and Deb to lead us in a deeper study of motherhood, listening, and comfort! As we head toward the celebration on Mother's Day, join Melissa as she shows us through the study of the Hebrew words how the comfort and care mothers give is reflected in the comfort of the Lord!Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wdlmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Thursday, 1 May 2025 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. Matthew 9:32 “And they, departing – you behold – they presented Him a man, mute – demon-possessings.” (CG). In the previous verse, the two men healed from blindness disregarded Jesus' admonition and then went out and divulged Him in all the land. Now, the narrative focuses on a new subject, found only in Matthew's gospel. The words begin with, “And they, departing – you behold.” In other words, no sooner had the two healed men left than this event took place. Understanding this, it next says, “They presented Him a man, mute.” The word “they” is not referring to the two healed men who just departed, but either the friends of the man being presented, or maybe the apostles, or even the multitudes who will next be mentioned. Jesus was in “the house” noted in verse 9:28. While he was inside healing the two blind men, the man next to be presented had arrived outside and was promptly brought before Him. This man is described as kóphos, mute. It is a new word in the New Testament. It is derived from the verb koptó, a word signifying to cut off or sever. In this case, it is used to describe one whose speech had been cut off. Vincent's Word Studies notes – “The word is also used of deafness (Matthew 11:5; Mark 7:32; Luke 7:22). It means dull or blunted. Thus Homer applies it to the earth; the dull, senseless earth ("Iliad," xxiv., 25). Also to a blunted dart ("Iliad," xi., 390). The classical writers use it of speech, hearing, sight, and mental perception. In the New Testament, only of hearing and speech, the meaning in each case being determined by the context.” Because he is mute, he would be unable to describe any affliction that could go beyond his inability to speak. Thus, Jesus would have to determine anything else wrong, maybe by asking those with him. Seeing he was mute, Jesus also discovered he was “demon-possessings.” In other words, Matthew is connecting the man's being demon-possessed to his being mute. One led to the other. This account is very similar to that of Matthew 12. Some even say it is the same account from different sources. That is a rather inane proposition when the man there is said to be blind, and Matthew says nothing of the accounts being the same. It would have to assume that Matthew was not the only author, something not hinted at by the contents of the gospel. Life application: The previous account was equated to the doctrine of eternal salvation. People can believe in Jesus, be saved and healed by Him, and yet demonstrate disobedience to Him without being “unsaved.” This happens in all of us at one time or another. However, the men being brought from blindness to seeing can also be equated to those Jews who were blinded to the gospel. Eventually, someone tells them that Jesus is the Messiah and He can heal them. With that, they ask for sight in order to see. In essence, “We have heard and we believe. Now show us the truth.” In that, the blindness Paul refers to in Romans 11 will end, and the veil that he refers to in 2 Corinthians 3 will be lifted. Israel's spiritual sight will be restored. The next logical step is that they go out and tell the world what they know. The healing of the mute, though a different account, would be a logical next step in the proclamation concerning Jesus. Israel is unable to see Jesus for who He is. Because of that, they are unable to speak about Him. In fact, to this day, Jesus is the great unmentionable in Jewish society. The only times He is brought up, it is usually in a very negative way. This anti-Christian sentiment is so profound, it is as if the society is mute in its ability to speak. But this, too, will be healed in Israel. One step at a time, they are being presented with this truth. The young girl is raised, the blind see, and now the mute are brought before Him for healing. Though the accounts seem arbitrary and random, they do show a process that seems logical in how the nation will be healed of its great malady. Restoration is promised, and it will come about in God's pre-determined timing. Lord God, though we may not understand everything concerning the blindness of Israel, Your word speaks of it as a truth that exists. But the veil will be lifted, the people will see, and then they will be brought to speak. We know it is coming. We pray for the nation to see the truth about Jesus that they have rejected for so long. Amen.
We are chosen in Christ! That is the theme in the May edition of Today in the Word. Wednesday on Mornings with Eric and Brigitte, author of this month’s study on Ephsians and Colossians, David Sutton will share how we can walk in victory because of who we are in Christ. Daily Devotional | Today in the WordDonate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wrmbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Friday, 28 March 2025 And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water. Matthew 8:32 “And He said to them, ‘You withdraw!' And having gone out, they went into the sounder of pigs. And, you behold! They dashed, all the sounder of pigs, down the precipice into the sea, and they died in the waters” (CG). In the previous verse, the demon possessed men begged Jesus to be cast out into the sounder of swine. Now, Matthew continues with, “And He said to them, ‘You withdraw!'” The command is given without any further words, implying that their request, as stated, has been granted. They must leave the men and they are to go into the sounder of swine. With that, it next says, “And having gone out, they went into the sounder of pigs.” There is a clear distinction between the men and the demons now. They have left the men and they have entered the pigs. It is at this moment that he is free of the demon possession. That would give the men eyewitness evidence that they were truly freed from the demons when the next events take place. Of those events, Matthew excitedly pens, “And, you behold! They dashed, all the sounder of pigs.” The verb hormaó, is introduced. It signifies to rush or set in motion. In this case, it is used reflexively. The pigs dashed themselves. As such, it is their action that is being described, even if it is the demons causing it. This is no different than saying that the men who were demon possessed troubled those who attempted to pass by. The demons were the efficient cause, but it is still the men who are the material cause. As for the actions which make it evident to them that they are completely free of the demons and that they will not be returning, it next says that the pigs dashed “down the precipice.” It is another new word, krémnos. It will be used only three times. The other two are in the comparable passages in Mark and Luke. Strong's says it signifies an overhanging. Vincent's Word Studies disagrees and says – “Much better the steep (Rev.). Not an overhanging precipice, but a steep, almost perpendicular declivity, between the base of which and the water was a narrow margin of ground, in which there was not room for the swine to recover from their headlong rush. Dr. Thomson (‘Land and Book') says: ‘Farther south the plain becomes so broad that the herd might have recovered and recoiled from the lake.' The article localizes the steep as in the vicinity of the pasture.” Either way, it is evident that the swine were heading in a bad way without pig parachutes (pigachutes?) to save them. They went down the precipice and “into the sea.” This means the Sea of Galilee. The area where this is located is a very steep drop and there would have been no way to avoid plunging into the waters. Upon arrival there, Mathew finishes the thought with, “and they died in the waters.” This is now a third new word, apothnéskó. It comes from two words, apo, away from and thnéskó, to die. It thus intensifies the thought of dying. They, in essence, died away. Scholars argue as to the purpose of this scene, trying to determine why the events occurred as they did. Further, the question arises as to how Jesus could send the demons into someone else's property, allowing it to be destroyed. As for that, it wasn't Jesus who destroyed the pigs. The demons did. The purpose of this is merely speculation, but if being demon possessed is enough to drive a human crazy, how much more a pig with a brain about the size of an orange. For all we know, the pigs went absolutely bonkers and followed one another right off the edge. What would become of the demons enclosed in dead pig bodies isn't stated. Were they freed to go do more demon stuff around the area? Were they consigned to a demon-prison when the death occurred? The narrative doesn't say, and surely outside of Hollywood movies, there is probably no record of a demon named Legion infecting other people. The main thing to know is that the demons were ejected and the men would have seen the results of the ejection. Seeing how it affects an entire sounder of pigs, they would have every reason to be thankful, to not feel responsible for their past actions, and to want to serve the Lord with every fiber of their being. Life application: It appears that demons can still possess people today. We see people that are so seemingly possessed that it seems to be the only explanation. It could be chemical imbalances or other things as well, but if we suppose it could also be demon possession, we should attempt to share the gospel with such a person anyway. If it is a demon, and the person accepts Christ, it would logically follow that the person will be free from the demon. Christ is here to save people. If He saves them, the demon no longer has power to rule in that person's life. This doesn't mean demons cannot afflict people. If they are out there, it is their job to make the lives of humans miserable. If they can do that while possessing someone else, we shouldn't suppose they won't attempt to do so. Ephesians 6 gives instructions on how to deal with spiritual battles. Take time to read up on that chapter and remember what we should be doing to remain strong in the Lord as we continue our walk in this life. We are so grateful to You, O God, for being with us as we walk in this world. This is especially true when we follow You, apply Your word to our lives, and remain close in our hearts and minds to You through prayer and fellowship with others. Thank You for Your glorious presence among us and in us. Amen.
On Day 13, Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan continues the word-for-word analysis of Surah Al-Fatihah, focusing on its first three ayahs. He meticulously breaks down their linguistic structure, explaining their usage in Arabic and their technical definitions as understood in Islamic scholarship. Through this session, we gain a deeper appreciation for the profound meanings behind these opening verses, reinforcing their significance in both language and faith. This lesson further strengthens our understanding of Surah Al-Fatihah's depth, paving the way for upcoming discussions. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amauofficial/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMAU Telegram: https://t.me/amauofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/amauofficial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/amauofficial/ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/al-madrasatu-al-umariyyah/id1524526782 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08NJC1pIA0maaF6aKqZL4N #Tafseer #SurahAlFatihah #Quran #IslamicKnowledge #UstadhAbdulrahmanHassan #QuranicTafseer #IslamicStudies #SpiritualGrowth #IslamicLectures #Day1 #Faith #MuslimEducation
Are you rolling a problem over in your mind looking for a solution? James 1:5 reminds us instead of thinking so hard, we can take our unsolved problems to God. James 1:5 (NIV)If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. https://livesteadyon.com/https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/ Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 484.Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 1 (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1887), 725.J. Ronald Blue, “James,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 821.Peter H. Davids, “James,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1357.Douglas Moo, “James,” in Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, vol. 3, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995), 1153.[1] R. Gregg Watson, “James,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1966.Brian Simmons, trans., The Passion Translation (BroadStreet Publishing, 2017), Jas.Vine, W. "Liberal, Liberality, Liberally - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words." Blue Letter Bible. 24 Jun, 1996. Web. 12 Dec, 2024. Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison
habbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Torah StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah in the resplendent Name of Yahusha HaMashiach be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
A Berean Growth Class on how to read, interpret, and apply God's Word. In session 8 we are looking at how to do word studies.
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Join Brandon and Jonathan for this week's episode, "Digging Deeper: Why and How to Do Word Studies in the Bible's Original Languages." Ever wondered what a Bible verse really means beyond its English translation? In this episode, we explore why Christians should do word studies in the original languages of the Bible—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Understanding key words in their original context can unlock deeper meaning, reveal richer theological truths, and strengthen your faith.We'll discuss:✅ Why word studies matter for biblical interpretation✅ How to choose a word to study✅ Practical tools and resources to explore Greek and Hebrew words✅ Real examples of how word studies can transform your understanding of ScriptureWhether you're new to this or looking to sharpen your Bible study skills, this episode will equip you to engage with God's Word in a fresh and exciting way!Resources MentionedStrong's NASB Concordance Vines Dictionary
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Wine is the most talked about food in the Bible. And yet the church in North America has neglected this important biblical theme and precious, tangible gift. Our difficult history with alcohol, especially distilled spirits, led to the prohibition, and its effects can still be felt today. Wine, like other gifts from God, can be abused. Warnings and boundaries are discussed in this series, just as they are presented in the Bible, but the series concentrates on the beauty of wine and explores how the Bible presents this gift for our flourishing. Gisela Kreglinger Gisela Kreglinger grew up on a winery in Franconia, Germany, where her family has been crafting wine for many generations. She holds two master's degrees in biblical studies from Regent College and a PhD in historical theology from the University of St. Andrews. She teaches Christian spirituality in the academy, churches, on her annual wine pilgrimages, and every time an opportunity opens up around the dinner table, preferably with a glass of well-crafted wine to inspire her musings on food, faith and the importance of cultivating joy and conviviality. Kreglinger is the author of Cup Overflowing: Wine's Place in Faith, Feasting and Fellowship, The Spirituality of Wine, and The Soul of Wine.Gisela WebsiteWine in the Word Study
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word StudyThank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom!If you are led and would like to donate:CashApp: $AhavLoveMinistryPayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word Study Thank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom! If you are led and would like to donate: CashApp: $AhavLoveMinistry PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word Study Thank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom! If you are led and would like to donate: CashApp: $AhavLoveMinistry PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word Study Thank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom! If you are led and would like to donate: CashApp: $AhavLoveMinistry PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Are you caught up in comparison?If you ever feel like God's blessings are for others but not for you, Galatians 3:28 breaks down that barrier and helps you understand we are all one in Christ Jesus.Galatians 3:28 (NIV)There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.https://livesteadyon.com/Logos Softwarehttps://www.logos.com/Enduring Word Commentaryhttps://enduringword.com/WordHippohttps://www.wordhippo.com/BibleGatewayhttps://www.biblegateway.com/Blue Letter Biblehttps://www.blueletterbible.org/Ethelbert Stauffer, ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 434."Abbreviations in Thayer's Lexicon, Etc. - Study Resources." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 6 Nov, 2024.Simmons, Brian, trans. The Passion Translation. BroadStreet Publishing, 2017.Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 332.Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 4 (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1887), 130.John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ga 3:28.Scott E. McClelland, “Galatians,” in Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, vol. 3, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995), 1014.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison
Send us a textThe beautiful reality is that the unchanging, unfailing character of God can be found from cover to cover. What is true of God's perspective, heart and character in Genesis remains true today. So in this new series God and Man we are going to discuss different aspects about the truth of how God views mankind and what is true of our identities in God. In the first episode we are going to trace through the scriptures, the continued truth of how God feels about mankind!Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia
Saturday, 4 January 2025 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12 “And You forgive us our debts as also we, we forgive our debtors” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus included the thought of receiving one's necessary bread as a part of the Lord's Prayer. He now continues with, “And You forgive us our debts.” The word translated as debt is opheiléma. It is found only here and in Romans 4:4, where Paul notes that the wages of those who work are like a debt that is owed. Here, the idea being presented is that sinning (a transgression against God) brings about a debt that must be satisfied. Under the law, this satisfaction was through the Levitical sacrificial system, each aspect of which anticipated the coming of the Messiah. God's holiness demands such a satisfaction to cover over wrongdoing, removing it from His presence. This is because nothing impure or defiled can enter into His presence. Understanding this, Jesus next says, “as also we, we forgive our debtors.” Of this, Vincent's Word Studies is probably missing the mark by saying, “The Rev. rightly gives the force of the past tense, we have forgiven; since Christ assumes that he who prays for the remission of his own debts has already forgiven those indebted to him.” Jesus is not necessarily instructing the people in what has been. Rather, it appears He is instructing them in a state of life that may exist at the time of the prayer but also a state that will be. Thus, it covers all times – Forgive me for this. I have also forgiven others. Forgive me for what I may do, just as I will also forgive others. The prayer shows that forgiveness of others is to be a condition for God's forgiveness at any given time, but it also appears more appropriate as a prayer to cover life in general, not each specific occasion that arises. Life application: Sin is considered a debt that must be paid. As noted, the Levitical sacrificial system was set up for that purpose. However, each aspect of it was given as a type of Christ to come. It was actually ineffective in taking away sin – “For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” Hebrews 10:1-4 This is one of the many points of error found in the doctrine of Judaizers, such as the Hebrew Roots Movement. They mandate that people must observe the law. Quite often their doctrine is selective in that they mandate dietary restrictions, Sabbath observance, etc. But then they ignore the sacrificial system. However, the law is a codified whole. There is no observing it in part. It must be observed in its entirety. If Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of the sacrificial system (and He must be because they do not observe that system now), then He is the fulfillment of the entire law that demands a sacrificial system. To say one must observe the dietary laws, Sabbath laws, etc., but that Jesus is the sacrifice for not observing these laws is convoluted thinking. It is a false presentation of who Jesus is and what He did. A debt for sin is owed. Jesus is the payment for all sin debt. Nothing else can satisfy the debt of sin. And so to mandate law observance makes no sense at all. This is obviously true with Gentiles who neither received the law nor were ever expected to observe it. But it is true with Jews as well. If Jesus fulfilled the law for Israel, which He did, then when they accept Jesus, they enter the New Covenant. The mandates of the Mosaic Law are ended. Put on your thinking cap! Stay away from those who mandate law observance. To attempt to merit God's favor through the law will only lead to condemnation. All of that work... for nothing. What a sad and wasted existence. Come to Jesus and be saved. Then, live in the grace of God that flows from His completion of the law on your behalf. Lord God, help us to understand that salvation stems from You alone. You have sent Jesus to do what we cannot do. May we learn this lesson and rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word Study Thank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom! If you are led and would like to donate: CashApp: $AhavLoveMinistry PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word Study Thank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom! If you are led and would like to donate: CashApp: $AhavLoveMinistry PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word Study Thank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom! If you are led and would like to donate: PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Ahava Love's Shabbat Word Study. Ezra 8-9. 7 December 2024.
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word Study Thank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom! If you are led and would like to donate: CashApp: $AhavLoveMinistry PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word Study Thank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom! If you are led and would like to donate: CashApp: $AhavLoveMinistry PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
Shabbat Shalom, mishpacha! Welcome to our weekly Word Study Thank you for joining and may Yahuah our Aluah be with you and your family this Shabbat! Shalom! If you are led and would like to donate: CashApp: $AhavLoveMinistry PayPal: Ahav~Love Ministry
This month we are focusing on Building a Worship & Prayer Habit.My goal is to help you build habits peacefully so that you can impact your world powerfully.In the Hello Mornings Daily Podcast, I share a simple tip based on our monthly theme and then I close the podcast with our 3-Minute Morning Routine.THE 3-MINUTE MORNINGGod Time: Pray Psalm 143: 8 (Minute 1)Plan Time: Prayerfully Review Your Calendar (Minute 2)Move Time: Take 5-10 Deep Breaths (Minute 3)That's it! Adjust as needed and use as your pathway to a growing morning habit!Want to go deeper with our workshops, journals, Bible Studies and accountability ? Join The Hello Mornings Academy, where we help Christian women build habits and reach goals peacefully so they can impact their world powerfully.GOODIES: Click here to download our FREE morning routine goodies.COMMUNITY: Click here to learn more about the Hello Mornings Academy.BOOK: Click here to get the Hello Mornings BookCheering you on,❤️ Kat Lee
This month we are focusing on Building a Worship & Prayer Habit.My goal is to help you build habits peacefully so that you can impact your world powerfully.In the Hello Mornings Daily Podcast, I share a simple tip based on our monthly theme and then I close the podcast with our 3-Minute Morning Routine.THE 3-MINUTE MORNINGGod Time: Pray Psalm 143: 8 (Minute 1)Plan Time: Prayerfully Review Your Calendar (Minute 2)Move Time: Take 5-10 Deep Breaths (Minute 3)That's it! Adjust as needed and use as your pathway to a growing morning habit!Want to go deeper with our workshops, journals, Bible Studies and accountability ? Join The Hello Mornings Academy, where we help Christian women build habits and reach goals peacefully so they can impact their world powerfully.GOODIES: Click here to download our FREE morning routine goodies.COMMUNITY: Click here to learn more about the Hello Mornings Academy.BOOK: Click here to get the Hello Mornings BookCheering you on,❤️ Kat Lee
We would love to hear from you! Send us a message (if you'd like a reply, email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org)Chase Young discusses the implementation of Reader's Theater in the classroom, providing a detailed framework for the process. He emphasizes the importance of structured practice, fluency, and expression, as well as the benefits of engaging students in dramatic reading. Reader's Theater can be implemented in ELA and other subject areas with grade-level texts. Reader's Theatre improves reading skills and transfers skills to other texts. TakeawaysStructured practice is essential for achieving fluency and expression in Reader's Theater.Reader's Theater can be integrated with other subjects, providing opportunities for vocabulary and morphology instruction.Choosing challenging, grade-level texts is important for meeting grade-level expectations and supporting students' fluency and comprehension.Repetition plays a significant role in scaffolding and supporting students' fluency and expression in Reader's Theater. Reader's Theatre is an effective tool for improving reading skills and fluency.ResourcesMeta analysis - super duper effect size 1.23 Readers Theatre Plus Comprehension and Word Study 2017 Free Readers' Theater Scripts at The Best Class - Chase Young's website Rumpelstiltskin Readers' Theater Script The Methods of Repeated Readings - J. Samuels The Reading Teacher More Readers' Theater Scripts at JustTwoTeachers We wrote a book! The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night Facebook and join our Facebook Group Twitter Instagram Don't miss an episode! Sign up for FREE bonus resources and episode alerts at LiteracyPodcast.com Helping teachers learn about science of reading, knowledge building, and high quality curriculum.
Friday, 8 November 2024 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 “Blessed the poor of the spirit. For the kingdom of the heavens, it is theirs” (CG). In the previous verse, it noted that Jesus opened His mouth and taught the disciples. Now, the words of Jesus are recorded by Matthew, beginning with, “Blessed the poor of the spirit.” This is the first use of the word makarios, blessed, in the New Testament. It is a prolonged form of the poetical makar, meaning happy. As such, it extends the meaning to mean blessed, fortunate, etc. It is the state “when God extends His benefits” (HELPS Word Studies). The word is different than another word translated as bless or blessed, eulogeó. The first speaks of the state of being blessed, while the other speaks of the act of blessing or the reception of a blessing by another. The latter will first be seen in Matthew 5:44. Of the word now being used, Vincent's Word Studies says – “Its root is supposed to be a word meaning great, and its earlier meaning appears to be limited to outward prosperity; so that it is used at times as synonymous with rich.” As such, and if this meaning was understood in its usage by the audience, they would be hearing what would seem to be a contradiction, “Rich are the poor...” Luke 6:20 translates it without the extra words “of the spirit” and says only “Blessed are you poor.” The reason for such a state of blessing is that in being rich, there are the usual problems that arise with that state. People who are rich tend to have trust in their things. They are often built up with pride and arrogance. People who are poor in spirit have no such ideas about themselves. There are no worries about robbers coming to steal, there are no worries about if their wealth will be lost in a fire, etc. In such a state, they are blessed because as a general rule, they acknowledge their dependence on providence, on God, on the help of others, etc. Because Jesus is speaking to the people of Israel, it would be understood that the poverty of those He was speaking to would draw them closer to a relationship with the Lord. On the other hand, those with great wealth would be concerned about the affairs and things of this life. A state of God's blessedness would normally not exist in such people. The idea of being poor in spirit could extend even beyond riches to indicate what occurs with being poor, which is the state of humility. Therefore, even a rich person – if he was a humble soul – could be considered blessed. Although this would be a more difficult state to exist in. Therefore, the words of Luke 6:24 are given to show the normal way things are, which contrast to those who are poor of the spirit. There He says, “But woe to you who are rich.” Of those in this verse, however, He next says, “For the kingdom of the heavens, it is theirs.” Those who placed their trust in the Lord, not in wealth or riches, were those who were more likely to receive what God offers. This is a precept found throughout Scripture – “Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Psalm 125:1 The words that contrast this in Luke 6:24 must be taken in a general sense. In Matthew 19 it will say – “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?' 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” Matthews 19:23-26 Jesus makes access to the kingdom of God possible, even for the rich. But this applies to those who are not trusting in themselves or their riches but in the work of the Lord. Life application: Throughout the ages, there have been those who have taught or lived in a manner not intended by the words of Jesus in this verse. They have walked away from wealth, fearing they would not enter the kingdom of God. They have lived in monasteries, taken vows of poverty, and so forth. The problem with such things is that this is not what the Bible teaches about salvation. Someone who does this may not be trusting in the Lord at all. He may be trusting in himself, through his vow of poverty, to merit God's promises. If he is trusting in his own deeds, he is not trusting in Jesus. Everything in context! To obtain our doctrine concerning salvation, we need to read the epistles that come after Christ's completed work. It is these letters that reveal the knowledge needed to understand how to be saved. These letters never tell us to renounce worldly wealth. For example, Paul says – “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Paul doesn't command the rich to become poor. Rather, he tells them not to trust in such things. Be sure to keep things in their proper context, and be sure to not take every statement as an all-encompassing proclamation. There are those who are poor and who are at complete odds with God. There are some who are rich who walk closely with Him all their days. Lord God, whatever we possess in this world is temporary and can be lost or stolen. May we not set our hearts upon such things. Rather, may we lean on You at all times and understand that our only hope of salvation is through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. In Him alone is our true peace with You to be found. Amen.