Monthly Archives: December 2008

Q&A 0727 – The Spirit

Written on December 31, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

In Acts 8, why wasn’t the indwelling Spirit given to the Samaritans at their baptism? Why did the apostles have to lay hands on them for them to receive the… Read More

Q&A 0726—Apostolicity

Written on December 29, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

You mentioned in your series How the Bible Came To Be that apostolicity is the key to inclusion of a text in the NT canon. How do I know any writing is apostolic,… Read More

Q&A 0725 – The baptism administered by Jesus’ disciples (John 4)

Written on December 27, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

We know that John the Baptist immersed people. In John 4:1, we see that Jesus’ disciples were also immersing. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. What was the purpose… Read More

Q&A 0724 – What constitutes a marriage?

Written on December 25, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

How does one become married according to scripture? Actually, the Bible does not specify any one way to become married. This will depend on the laws of the nation in… Read More

Q&A 0723 – NIV translators

Written on December 23, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

What is your opinion of the NIV Translation Committee? It is my understanding that there were as many as three homosexuals assisting them in some capacity. When I compare the… Read More

Q&A 0722 – English-Greek Lexicon suggestion for non-Greek reader?

Written on December 21, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

I wanted your recommendation on a title(s)/author(s) for an English-NT Greek Lexicon; and the more "user friendly," the better for me. What would you recommend? At the moment, I do… Read More

Q&A 0721 – Qual é o real sentido que Jesus ora em João 17?

Written on December 19, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

Em João 17 Jesus ora para que sejamos completamente unidos. Em nossa congregação aqui em Recife tem alguns líderes que tem tido um contato muito grande com a Igreja de… Read More

MATTHEW 1

Written on December 18, 2008 at 8:01 pm, by

Matt 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: 2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and… Read More

MATTHEW 2

Written on December 18, 2008 at 8:01 pm, by

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who… Read More

MATTHEW 3

Written on December 18, 2008 at 8:00 pm, by

1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!  3 For this is… Read More

MATTHEW 4

Written on December 18, 2008 at 8:00 pm, by

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward he… Read More

MATTHEW 5 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:51 pm, by

1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them saying: 3… Read More

MATTHEW 5 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:51 pm, by

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you… Read More

MATTHEW 6 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:49 pm, by

1 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven…. Read More

MATTHEW 6 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:49 pm, by

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in… Read More

MATTHEW 7 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:48 pm, by

1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it… Read More

MATTHEW 7 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:47 pm, by

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the… Read More

MATTHEW 8

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:46 pm, by

1 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can… Read More

MATTHEW 9 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:46 pm, by

1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their… Read More

MATTHEW 9 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:44 pm, by

18 While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she… Read More

MATTHEW 10 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:44 pm, by

1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of… Read More

MATTHEW 10 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:43 pm, by

24 “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like… Read More

MATTHEW 11 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:43 pm, by

1 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. 2 And when John… Read More

MATTHEW 11 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:42 pm, by

20 Then he began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to… Read More

MATTHEW 12 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:42 pm, by

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 And when… Read More

MATTHEW 12 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:41 pm, by

22 Then one was brought to him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. 23 And… Read More

MATTHEW 13

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:41 pm, by

1 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together to him, so that he got into… Read More

MATTHEW 14

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:40 pm, by

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and… Read More

MATTHEW 15 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:40 pm, by

1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash… Read More

MATTHEW 15 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:39 pm, by

21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have… Read More

MATTHEW 16

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:39 pm, by

1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him asked that he would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is… Read More

MATTHEW 17

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:38 pm, by

1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and he was transfigured before them. His… Read More

MATTHEW 18

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:38 pm, by

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to him, set him… Read More

MATTHEW 19

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:37 pm, by

1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that he departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. 2 And great… Read More

MATTHEW 20

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:36 pm, by

1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with… Read More

MATTHEW 21 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:36 pm, by

1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite… Read More

MATTHEW 21 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:35 pm, by

23 Now when he came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you… Read More

MATTHEW 22

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:34 pm, by

1 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,… Read More

MATTHEW 23

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:34 pm, by

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe,… Read More

MATTHEW 24

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:33 pm, by

1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and his disciples came up to show him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do… Read More

MATTHEW 25

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:32 pm, by

1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise,… Read More

MATTHEW 26 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:32 pm, by

1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that after two days is the Passover, and… Read More

MATTHEW 26 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:31 pm, by

31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the… Read More

MATTHEW 27 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:30 pm, by

1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put him to death. 2 And when they had bound him, they led… Read More

MATTHEW 27 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:30 pm, by

32 Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they had come to a… Read More

MATTHEW 28

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:29 pm, by

1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there… Read More

MARK 1 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:06 pm, by

1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It is written in the prophet Isaiah: Look, I am going to send my messenger in… Read More

MARK 1 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:05 pm, by

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw… Read More

MARK 1 – C

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:05 pm, by

21 They went as far as Capernaum, and at once on the Sabbath he went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 And his teaching made a deep impression… Read More

MARK 2

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:04 pm, by

1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. 2 Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them,… Read More

MARK 3

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:04 pm, by

1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so… Read More

MARK 4

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:03 pm, by

1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on… Read More

MARK 5

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:03 pm, by

1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs… Read More

MARK 6 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:02 pm, by

1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him… Read More

MARK 6 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:01 pm, by

30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not… Read More

MARK 7

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:01 pm, by

1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands… Read More

MARK 8

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:00 pm, by

1 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they… Read More

MARK 9

Written on December 18, 2008 at 7:00 pm, by

1 And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”… Read More

MARK 10 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:59 pm, by

1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he… Read More

MARK 10 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:58 pm, by

32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve… Read More

MARK 11

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:58 pm, by

1 And as they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 2 and said to them, “Go into the village… Read More

MARK 12

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:58 pm, by

1 And he began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard, and put a wall around it, and dug a vat under the wine press, and… Read More

MARK 13 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:57 pm, by

1 As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?”… Read More

MARK 13 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:57 pm, by

21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false Christs and false prophets… Read More

MARK 14 – A

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:56 pm, by

1 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly… Read More

MARK 14 – B

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:56 pm, by

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and… Read More

MARK 15

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:55 pm, by

1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away… Read More

MARK 16

Written on December 18, 2008 at 6:55 pm, by

1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on… Read More

THE “HOLIDAY PARADOX”

Written on December 18, 2008 at 2:12 am, by

Please read Luke 2:42-52. Jesus had the holiday spirit. This was a busy time. Yet his family literally forgot the Lord —  they were not on the same spiritual wavelength…. Read More

HANUKKAH

Written on December 18, 2008 at 2:10 am, by

This popular Jewish celebration falls close to the Christmas of the traditional church observance. It dates to the days of the Maccabean revolt (2nd century BC). For the origins of… Read More

XMAS

Written on December 17, 2008 at 2:36 am, by

If you have followed all the studies this year, you have completed an intensive study of the entire New Testament. Well done! For the next few days seasonal information and… Read More

Q&A 0720 – Free Bible software and the Holman Christian Standard Bible

Written on December 17, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

I noticed your reply to the inquiry about the ISV [Q 0695] and I wondered if you have noticed that free HCSB software is now available at e-sword.net. They also… Read More

Q&A 0719 – In Vitro Fertilization

Written on December 15, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

We recently used IVF to conceive another child. However, instead of the normal number of good fertilized eggs (four), which would normally produce one or two babies, we ended up… Read More

Q&A 0718 – Authority of evangelist

Written on December 13, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

Can you think of an instance where an evangelist, elder, deacon, etc. might have his authority removed? A situation has happened in our local congregation that has sparked many questions… Read More

Q&A 0717 – What do you think about David Berçot

Written on December 11, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

What do you think about David Berçot and his writings, especially Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up? — Alvin Gumiran (Manila) I enjoy David Berçot’s writings enormously. They make… Read More

Q&A 0716 – Cohabitation (live-in lovers)

Written on December 9, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

Is it wrong if I move in with my boyfriend? If we love each other, isn’t that what counts? Is the Bible against this? Living (and, presumably, sleeping) with your… Read More

Q&A 0715 – John 7:53-8:11

Written on December 7, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

I have recently read the following books: How We Got the Bible, by Neil R. Lightfoot; The Origin of the Bible, by Philip Wesley Comfort; and From God to Us,… Read More

Q&A 0714 – Did a good God create viruses?

Written on December 5, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

How do viruses fit into God’s plan, and where do you believe they come from? Also, do you believe they are living? — B.M. Virology is simply not addressed, even… Read More

Q&A 0713 – No one righteous?

Written on December 3, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

Romans chapter 3 says that "there is no one righteous — not even one." If there is no one righteous, why is Jesus considered the righteous one? Does righteous mean… Read More

Q&A 0712 – Salvation

Written on December 1, 2008 at 12:00 am, by

I recently wrote a paper on my blog entitled "What is Salvation?" Yet I felt that the baptism discussions were a little too pointed, too focused on baptism exclusively rather… Read More