Daily Bible Verse - 12/31/2007 - Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Commentary
Verse 11 is a powerful promise to claim when you are "in exile." God thinks about you personally and is planning for you. His plans are for peace, not war, so you need not fear the future. His plans are purposeful, so let Him work out His will. No matter how difficult your situation may be, do not waste your suffering by resisting God.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Je 29:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
Jer-emiah was speaking to the people of Judah in a time of national disaster. The Babylonians were about to take Jerusalem and destroy the holy city. The people who heard Jeremiah's words would soon be carried from their homeland and resettled in pagan Babylon. Yet through Jeremiah, God promised that one day the Jews would return to their homeland. The national disaster was not a sign that God had abandoned them, nor should His present discipline make them give up hope. Instead, the people of Judah could take comfort in the fact that God planned to do them good. In spite of the present distress, in God they had hope and a future.

Richards, L. (1998). Every promise in the Bible. Includes indexes. (86). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/30/2007 - Isaiah 9:2

The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.

Isaiah 9:2

Commentary
The district of Galilee, located in the hill country of Zebulun and Naphtali, was inhabited by a mixed population of Israelites and heathen. Years after Joshua led the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan, Canaanites still inhabited the region (Judg. 1:30-33; 4:2). Galilee was also situated on a major trade route, which brought foreigners to the area. Thus it came to be frowned upon as "Galilee of the Gentiles" (9:1).
Yet God promised to send a "great light" on these "people who walked in darkness" (9:2). Who was this Light, who came for both Gentiles and Israelites? According to the Gospel of Matthew, it was Jesus Christ: "When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee .. that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah" (Matt. 4:12-17).
Jesus is the Light that God sent even to the Gentiles, the expression of His love for the whole world.

Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (Is 9:2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/29/2007 - Matthew 2:10-11

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:10-11

Commentary
"The young Child" (paidion, Gk.), and not "the Babe" (brephos, Gk.) as in Luke 2:16, has been moved from the manger, indicating that several months, or possibly more than a year, had passed before the Magi's visit (cf. vv. 7, 16).

Believer's Study Bible. 1997, c1995. C1991 Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. (electronic ed.) (Mt 2:11). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Notice that they saw Jesus with His mother. Ordinarily mention would be made of a mother first, then her child, but this Child is unique and must be given first place (see also vv. 13, 14, 20, 21). The wise men worshiped Jesus, not Mary or Joseph.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 2:11). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
The number of wise men is not given. The traditional notion that there were 3 stems from the number of gifts they brought. These were not kings, but Magi, magicians or astrologers-possibly Zoroastrian wise men from Persia whose knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures could be traced back to the time of Daniel (cf. Dan. 5:11).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Mt 2:1). Nashville: Word Pub.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/28/2007 - Matthew 2:1

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." (NIV)

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (KJV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." (NASB)

Matthew 2:1

Commentary

These men viewed the phenomenon of stars at the time of Jesus' birth in a distant land, and they could have taken up to two years to reach Judea. The wise men came to the house, not the stable (v. 11), and saw the Child, not the baby (vv. 9, 11).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Mt 2:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
Herod the Great is known to have died in 4 b.c. Therefore Jesus was actually born in about 5 or 6 b.c. according to the standard dating of the Gregorian calendar.

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Mt 2:1). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/27/2007 - Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NIV)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (KJV)

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (NASB)

Isaiah 9:6

Commentary
God's answer to the arrogance of the world is a Child, His own Son. He will be what Judah's human kings have not been. Because He is the Mighty God, He can be a true Father to His people, He can bring lasting peace, and He can give counsel that is truly wonderful.

The Open Bible : New King James Version. 1998, c1997. Includes indexes. (electronic ed.) (Is 9:2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?
Hebrew poetry typically repeats thoughts in couplets. Yet there is something unique here. The coming ruler will be born a child. But at the same time, He is a gift-the Son of the Giver! These words might have meant little in Isaiah's time. But today we recognize Jesus Christ in this couplet. Born as an infant in Bethlehem, Jesus was nevertheless the eternal Son of God, given to take away the sins of the world. And Isaiah declared that the government-all rule and authority-would one day rest on His shoulders.

Richards, L. (1998). Every promise in the Bible. Includes indexes. (59). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/26/2007 - Luke 2:15-16

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

Luke 2: 15-16

Commentary
The word translated "thing" in this passage denotes much more in Greek than it does in English. The term literally means "word" or "reality." The shepherds understood that they had received a word from God, and the reality of it was that Messiah had been born that same day. And the reality was something they could confirm tangibly because the angel gave them a sign to look for, a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger (2:12).

MacArthur, J. (2001). God in the manger : The miraculous birth of Christ (89). Nashville, Tenn.: W Pub. Group.

Did you know?

In that day, shepherds were looked upon with disdain; but God singled them out to be the first human messengers of Messiah's birth.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Lk 2:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/25/2007 - Luke 2:10-11

Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (NIV)

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (NASB)
Luke 2:10-11

Commentary

The city of David here refers to Bethlehem. In other passages, the phrase means Jerusalem (2 Sam. 5:7).
Savior .. Christ .. Lord: These three titles together summarize the saving work of Jesus and His sovereign position. What God was called in 1:47, Savior, Jesus is called here. The word Christ means "Anointed," referring to Jesus' royal, messianic position. The word Lord was the title of a ruler. The meaning of the word is defined by Peter in Acts 2:30-36. Jesus is destined to sit and distribute salvation's benefits from God's side, ruling with the Father.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Lk 2:11-12). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?
Our word Christmas comes from the English observance of the birth of Christ called Christes masse (Christ's mass), because a special mass was celebrated on that day. In France, it's known as Noel; in Spain, Navidad; and in Italy, Natale-all those words meaning simply birthday. The Germans use the word Weihnachten, meaning holy nights.

Morgan, R. J. (2000). Nelson's complete book of stories, illustrations, and quotes (electronic ed.) (110). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/24/2007 - Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (NIV)

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (KJV)

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." (NASB)

Luke 2:14

Commentary

peace. This is not to be taken as a universal declaration of peace toward all humanity. Rather, peace with God is a corollary of justification (see note on Rom. 5:1). goodwill toward men. Note the marginal rendering. The Gr. word for "goodwill" is also used in 10:21. The verb form of the same word is used in 3:22; 12:32. In each case, it refers to God's sovereign good pleasure. So a better rendering here might be "peace toward men on whom God's sovereign pleasure rests." God's peace is not a reward for those who have good will, but a gracious gift to those who are the objects of His good will.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Lk 2:14). Nashville: Word Pub.

Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Broadcast
Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the Moon, entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968. That evening, the astronauts; Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders did a live television broadcast from lunar orbit, in which they showed pictures of the Earth and Moon seen from Apollo 8. They ended the broadcast with the crew taking turns reading from the book of Genesis. Borman then added, "And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you - all of you on the good Earth."

The Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Broadcast Video

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo8_xmas.html

Daily Bible Verse - 12/23/2007 - Micah 5:2

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. " (NIV)

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (KJV)

"But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity."

Micah 5:2

Commentary
The birthplace of the Shepherd-King would be the city of Bethlehem. King David, a man after God's own heart, had been born in Bethlehem centuries before. The intervening kings had failed to follow the Lord. By predicting a new King from Bethlehem, Micah was invoking the covenant God made with David (2 Sam. 7). Centuries later when Jesus was born, this prophecy was quoted in answer to the question of the wise men concerning where the Christ was to be born

(Mic. 5:2; Matt 2:1-6).Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Mic 5:2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
Since there were two Bethlehems in the Holy Land, Micah specifies Bethlehem Ephrathah, six miles south of Jerusalem.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mic 5:2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/22/2007 - Luke 1:46-48

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

	And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

Luke 1:46-48

Commentary
A pregnant Jewish girl from Nazareth, engaged to marry a poor carpenter, what did Mary have to sing about? She sang about the Lord, what He did for her (vv. 46-49), for all who fear Him (vv. 50-53), and for His people Israel (vv. 54-55). God gives power to the weak, thrones to the lowly, and food to the hungry; but the strong, the rich, and the mighty go away empty.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Lk 1:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
Mary's song (the Magnificat) is taken from the song of Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1-10) in a similar condition of miraculous birth. In Jewish prophecy, new messages are often elaborations of former revelations, with new meaning and application.

Spirit filled life study Bible. 1997, c1991 (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/21/2007 - Luke 1:30-31

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God." And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.

Luke 1:30-31

Commentary
Jesus - the name means "Yahweh is salvation." Mary was understandably troubled by this greeting; she wondered what it meant. The angel calmed her fears, then told her that God was choosing her to be the mother of the long-awaited Messiah.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Lk 1:29). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
Mary and Joseph were betrothed but did not live together as husband and wife. According to Jewish custom, betrothal was a time of engagement that was as binding as marriage. The Law of Moses concerning breaking a betrothal by adultery, rape, fornication, or incest called for death by stoning (Deut. 22:23-30). When Mary became pregnant during her betrothal, Joseph decided to divorce her quietly. However, God explained to Josephin a dream that Mary's conception was the miracle of the Holy Spirit (see Mary of Nazareth).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Lk 1:27). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/20/2007 - Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

Commentary
The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is a basic doctrine of the Christian faith, for the Son of God could never be born as you were born. Every baby is a new creation, but Jesus Christ existed from eternity. He was not only born, but He "came into the world" (John 3:17; 10:36; 16:28). According to Isaiah 9:6, the Child was born (His human nature) and the Son was given (His divine nature). The holy Son of God could not partake of sinful human nature. His body was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary's womb (Luke 1:26-38; Heb. 10:5). He did no sin (1 Pet. 2:22); "in Him there is no sin" (1 John 3:5); He knew no sin (2 Cor. 5:21). Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Is 7:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

"Immanuel"

The title, applied to Jesus in Matt. 1:23, means "God with us."

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Is 7:14). Nashville: Word Pub.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/19/2007 - Luke 1:76-77

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins,

Luke 1:76-77

Commentary
John the Baptist was a prophet sent by God to announce the coming of the Messiah and to preach the message of repentance. John (lit. "Yahweh has been gracious") began his ministry near the Jordan River in a.d. 26 or 27 (see Matt. 3:1, note).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Lk 1:76). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Old Testament Prophecy

Here again we see that references to Jehovah in the OT are applied to Jesus in the New. Malachi predicted a messenger to prepare the way before Jehovah (3:1). Zacharias identifies John as the messenger. We know that John came to prepare the way before Jesus. The obvious conclusion is that Jesus is Jehovah.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Lk 1:76). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/18/2007 - Luke 1:68-69

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant--

Luke 1:68-69

Commentary
This passage is known as the Benedictus (the first word of v. 68 in the Latin translation; see notes on vv. 46-55; 2:29-32). Like Mary's Magnificat, it is liberally sprinkled with OT quotations and allusions. When Zacharias was struck mute in the temple (v. 20), he was supposed to deliver a benediction (see note on v. 21). So it is fitting that when his speech was restored, the first words out of his mouth were this inspired benediction.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Lk 1:68). Nashville: Word Pub.

"horn of salvation"

The expression "horn of salvation," applied to Christ, means a salvation of strength, or a strong Saviour (Luke 1:69). To have the horn "exalted" denotes prosperity and triumph (Ps. 89:17, 24). To "lift up" the horn is to act proudly (Zech. 1:21).

Horns are also the symbol of royal dignity and power (Jer. 48:25; Zech. 1:18; Dan. 8:24).

Easton, M. (1996, c1897). Easton's Bible dictionary. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/17/2007 - Jeremiah 24:7

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.

Jeremiah 24:7

Commentary
The Lord's answer to His people's inability to maintain the covenant relationship is for He Himself to intervene and create in them a new capacity for knowing Him.

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Je 24:7). Nashville: T. Nelson.

The Sign of the Figs (Jeremiah 24)

24:1-7The Lord showed Jeremiah two baskets of figs set in front of the temple. One basket contained very good figs and the other contained very bad figs.

The good figs pictured the exiles in Babylon, who would be brought back to the land because they would return to God with their whole heart.

24:8-10The bad figs pictured Zedekiah the king of Judah, his princes, and the people remaining in the land after the deportation in Jeconiah's reign. The exiles will be brought back to the land, but the others will be scattered and consumed by sword, famine, and pestilence.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Je 24:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/16/2007 - Romans 11:22

Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

Romans 11:22

Commentary
consider the goodness and severity. All of God's attributes work in harmony; there is no conflict between His goodness and love, and His justice and wrath. Those who accept His gracious offer of salvation experience His goodness (2:4); those who reject it experience His severity (2:5).
those who fell. The unbelieving Jews described in vv. 12-21. "Fell" translates a Gr. word meaning "to fall so as to be completely ruined." Those who reject God's offer of salvation bring upon themselves utter spiritual ruin.
if you continue. Genuine saving faith always perseveres (cf. John 8:31; 15:5, 6; Col. 1:22, 23; Heb. 3:12-14; 4:11; 1 John 2:19).
cut off. From the same Gr. root word translated "severity" earlier in the verse. God will deal swiftly and severely with those who reject Him.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 11:22). Nashville: Word Pub.

Background
The Jews' rejection of the gospel amazingly resulted in its being extended more quickly to the Gentiles. The 1st-century missionaries proclaimed the gospel to the Jews first as recorded in the Book of Acts. When the Jews rejected the message, the Christians turned to the Gentile audience (see Acts 13:46). Nevertheless, Paul had not given up on the Jews. Paul employed the imagery of an olive tree to warn the Gentiles against boasting about their new status (Rom. 11:17-24). The unbelieving Jews are the natural branches that have been cut from God's olive tree. The Gentile believers are only wild olive branches that have been grafted in. How much more easily can the natural branches again be grafted into the tree when Jews respond in faith (vv. 23, 24)!

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ro 11:11). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/15/2007 - 2 Corinthians 6:16

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE."

2 Corinthians 6:16

Commentary
An ox and a donkey put in a double yoke were unequally yoked (see Deut. 22:10). They could not pull the load evenly and might want to go different directions. So Christians are not to form close or permanent, marital, social, or business ties with unbelievers. These relationships might pull them into sin. God does not ask that we cease contacts with the world, but that we not make any contracts that would compromise the integrity of our faith. righteousness with lawlessness: This and the other mismatches named here make impossible the most effective building of God's kingdom. Belial: Satan. you are the temple (v. 16): The community of believers who are open to God is the place where God chooses to dwell and walk on this earth.

The Open Bible : New King James Version. 1998, c1997. Includes indexes. (electronic ed.) (2 Co 6:14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?

In the Old Testament God's dwelling place with His people was the tabernacle and later the temple built by Solomon. When Christ came, He was Himself the true temple or dwelling place of God (Matt. 1:23; John 2:21; Col. 2:9). Now God the Holy Spirit lives in us, and for this reason we are the new temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19; 1 Pet. 2:5).

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (2 Co 6:16). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/14/2007 - 2 Corinthians 7:1

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Commentary
These promises that God will dwell among us, receive us, and be our Father (6:16-18) should motivate us to holiness, as should the proper fear of God. See 5:10, 11; 1 John 3:1-3.

Spirit filled life study Bible. 1997, c1991 (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Perfecting Holiness
The Greek word for "perfecting" means "to finish" or "to complete" (cf. 8:6). "Holiness" refers to separation from all that would defile both the body and the mind. Complete or perfect holiness was embodied only in Christ, thus believers are to pursue Him (cf. 3:18; Lev. 20:26; Matt. 5:48; Rom. 8:29; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 John 3:2, 3).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (2 Co 7:1). Nashville: Word Pub.D

Daily Bible Verse - 12/13/2007 - Isaiah 1:18

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool."

Isaiah 1:18

Commentary
Outwardly, the nation seemed prosperous and even religious, but God saw a different picture. His people were rebellious children, lower than animals (vv. 1-3). They were sick with sin, like lepers (vv. 4-6), and their "garden city" had become another Sodom and Gomorrah (vv. 7-9).
Sin breaks God's heart, cheapens a nation or an individual, and invites the judgment of God. God graciously offers His forgiveness if we will repent (vv. 18-20).

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Is 1:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
The words scarlet and white also suggest the idea of soiled garments (64:6) that in ancient times were not capable of being cleansed (namely, to whiteness). But God can cleanse anything. He can do this and still maintain His righteousness because Jesus died for sinners (Rom. 3:21-26).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Is 1:17-18). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.