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Daily Bible Reading Podcast
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NL-Day152 1 Samuel 23-24; Psalm 104:19-35; Romans 8:12-39
May 3100:25:58Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 23-24:As David fled from Saul, he went for help to Ahimelech the priest. He needed food and wanted to consult with the Lord, and it happened that Ahimelech also gave him Goliath's sword. This resulted later in Ahimilech's death and the deaths of all of Ahimilech's family— except one, Abiathar. PSALM 104b:This psalm starts and ends with the same refrain, and it is the same refrain as in Psalm 103. This psalm expounds on the majesty of God— especially as seen in His creation. ROMANS 8b:The power behind the new lives that God wants us to live is the Holy Spirit. A side observation here: We can see that the Holy Spirit can equally be called the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ (vs. 9-11). He is the power for transformation in our lives. But having God's Spirit in our lives does not mean that we will not suffer. In the second half of today's reading, note the Holy Spirit's role for us in the midst of our sufferings. Then at the end of the chapter, note the wonderful promises given to us! Four times in Romans 8 Paul refers to us as God's 'sons'. Both NLT and GNT have translated 'sons' as 'children'. That would normally be deemed an acceptable translation, but this time translating using the word 'sons' is better, as long as there is a footnote that will give an explanation. So let me give a footnote now. Just as men feel a bit squeamish about being included in the 'bride of Christ' in Ephesians, I am sure there are some women who will not feel comfortable being included as sons. But look for the treasure here! Both Romans 8 and Ephesians 1:5 show that we are given legal status as adopted sons. Paul shows this by using a legal term for 'sonship' in those two chapters, which would have reminded his readers that in Roman law, the adoption of a son could not be undone. That's the treasure! God has made the unchangeable decision that we would be his legally adopted sons and have all the rights and privileges of that status. Thank the Lord for our union with his Son, Jesus! In the middle of the references to 'sons' in Romans 8, Paul also used the Greek word that means 'children'. The alternation between 'sons' and 'children' is part of the reason that I think the use of 'sons' was important to Paul. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 104:21 Then the young lions roar for their prey,stalking the food provided by [You, O] God.34 May all my thoughts be pleasing to [You, O God//him],for I rejoice in [in You, O Lord//the LORD].====Rom. 8:5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature [just] think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature [any longer]. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 [0/And] Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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NL-Day151 1 Samuel 21-22; Psalm 104:1-18; Romans 8:1-30
May 2400:20:01Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 21-22:Yesterday we heard the touching story of David and Jonathan's deep friendship, and how Jonathan realized at last the secret plot that his father, Saul, had against David. Jonathan seems to have been a prophet, for he realized that he would not succeed his father as king. PSALM 104a:This is a companion with Psalm 103. This psalm also starts and ends with the same refrain as the one in Psalm 103. This poem expounds on the majesty of God. ROMANS 8a:Paul said something in 7:5 that he felt needed to be explained from verse 7 to the end of chapter 7. (Of course there were no chapters or verses when Paul wrote it.) He said that the Law "aroused evil desires." How could something good seemingly do something evil? Be sure to always link what Paul was saying before this explanation with what comes after it. Give the part after that explanation (chapter 8) priority. Keep in mind that the explanation that Paul makes (a long parenthesis (after 7:7) about how evil desires work) is not supposed to be our pattern for living now. Our pattern for living is explained in this chapter! NLT Translation notes:Ps. 104:21 Then the young lions roar for their prey,stalking the food provided by [You, O] God.34 May all my thoughts be pleasing to [You, O God//him],for I rejoice in [in You, O Lord//the LORD].====Rom. 8:5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature [just] think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature [any longer]. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 [0/And] Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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NL-Day150 1 Samuel 20; Psalm 103; Romans 7:7-8:4
May 2400:20:36Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 20:Yesterday we heard the slow escalation of David's problems stemming from Saul's jealousy. Saul made David his son-in-law, but only because of the hope that David would be killed by the Philistines. For only the first time in yesterday's reading, we heard how Saul was humbled because of the results of acting on his jealousy. But he doesn't learn from it. PSALM 103:How it must please the Lord when we pray this psalm, which is another favorite! Note that the psalm starts and ends with the same line. ROMANS 7:8—8:4:The second key to being released from the power of sin is God's Spirit! (v.6) Paul then launched into an exposition of what he meant in verse 5: "When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death." The explanation that extends from verse 7 to the end of the chapter should NOT be construed to negate what he said in verse 6, in the preceding chapters, and in chapter 8! Notice that in the second half of chapter 7, Paul stops mentioning Christ. That's a hint that he is not talking about our life in union with Christ. Also, I found it interesting to do a search of Romans searching for the word 'Spirit'. Look at the pattern of where the word 'Spirit' is used! NLT Translation notes:Rom. 7:10 and [might as well as killed me. I died— spiritually speaking.//I died]. So I discovered that the law's commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. 11 Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me [— (because I couldn't keep them)]. 15 I don't really understand [my own self//myself], for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 20 But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing [the] wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.23 But there is another powere within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that [lives on//is] [0/still] within me. [PET 24-25] [So you see how it [was//is]: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.///[NLT] 24Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord[./!] //So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.][It seems to me (and I am not alone in this) that reordering Paul's words here helps to remove the impression that Paul is contradicting everything he has said so far about the believer's victory over the power of sin. From verse 7 on, Paul is expounding on verse 5: "When we were controlled by our old nature,b sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death." If I am right, then, NLT is wrong to use the present tense in "you see how it is". I don't have a problem with this connecting phrase showing the logical connection. I just want to change the verb tense. The Greek only says, "So then," which is really enough.This is a very unfortunate chapter break (not made by Paul but by Robert Estienne around 1552). This chapter division has contributed to the wrong understanding of the end of this chapter. I recommend that everyone always keep reading past it!] Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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NL-Day149 1 Samuel 18-19; Psalm 102; Romans 6:19-7:17
May 2400:24:10Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 18-19:In yesterday's story, David showed that he was more concerned with God's reputation than for his own safety. May we all face our imposing enemies with more belief in the unseen God than in the very present enemies! PSALM 102:This psalm starts out like the prayer of anyone in distress and trouble calling out to God. As we read further, many see parallels with what our Savior would have prayed in his darkest days on earth. ROMANS 6:19—7:The last verse of yesterday's reading shows why it is better to take what we are given, rather than what we have earned! This is a big problem for some. My Dad's "having lived a good life" was one of the biggest blocks to him humbly coming to God and receiving the gift of eternal life. I don't think he ever understood how God would not be so impressed by his supposed integrity. The spiritual reality expressed starting at the beginning of the 6th chapter is a key to place along with a second key that we will hear about in today's chapter. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 102:15Then the nations will tremble before [You,//the] LORD.The kings of the earth will tremble before [your/his] glory.16 For [You//the] LORD will rebuild Jerusalem.[You/He] will appear in his glory.17 [You/He] will listen to the prayers of the destitute.[You/He] will not reject their pleas.====Rom. 7:10 and [might as well as killed me. I died— spiritually speaking.//I died]. So I discovered that the law's commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. 11 Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me [— (because I couldn't keep them)]. 15 I don't really understand [my own self//myself], for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 20 But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing [the] wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.23 But there is another powere within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that [lives on//is] [0/still] within me. [PET 24-25] [So you see how it [was//is]: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.///[NLT] 24Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord[./!] //So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.][It seems to me (and I am not alone in this) that reordering Paul's words here helps to remove the impression that Paul is contradicting everything he has said so far about the believer's victory over the power of sin. From verse 7 on, Paul is expounding on verse 5: "When we were controlled by our old nature,b sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death." If I am right, then, NLT is wrong to use the present tense in "you see how it is". I don't have a problem with this connecting phrase showing the logical connection. I just want to change the verb tense. The Greek only says, "So then," which is really enough.This is a very unfortunate chapter break (not made by Paul but by Robert Estienne around 1552). This chapter division has contributed to the wrong understanding of the end of this chapter. I recommend that everyone always keep reading past it!] Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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NL-Day144 1 Samuel 13; Psalm 97; Romans 4
May 1700:16:13Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 13:In yesterday's story, God's Spirit came powerfully upon the new king Saul, and he succeeded in mobilizing all of Israel's fighting men. They won a stunning victory over king Nahash and the Ammonites. Afterwards, Samuel led the people in renewing Israel's call to Saul to be king and then Samuel confronted them all about staying true to the Lord. PSALM 97:Even though the psalms (and our translations) may cast a verse in the present tense, the intent of the writer may be about future things. Hebrew is very fuzzy as to verb tense. But also we may consider that all times are present to the Lord, and the psalmist may see things as happening or already happening in his vision that refer to future events. We see an example of this in today's psalm. ROMANS 4b:The new way of being made right with God by means of fully believing which Paul has been talking about, is it a new religion, or is it based on the past? It is based on the past. We follow Abraham's example of believing, and this also fulfills the prophetic promises given to Abraham. Not only that, but we become heirs to the same promises. And note: Paul uses questions to propel his logical arguments all the way through Romans— just like I did at the start of this paragraph. NLT Translation notes:Rom. 4:3 For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his [fully believing//faith]."4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their [believing//faith] in God who forgives sinners. 9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised [non-Jews//Gentiles]? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his [fully believing//faith].11 Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had [believed//faith] and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have [believed//faith] but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their [fully believing//faith]. 12 And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they [believe the same way Abraham did//have the same kind of faith Abraham had] before he was circumcised.13 Clearly, God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God's law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by [fully believing//faith].14 If God's promise is only for those who obey the law, then [believing//faith] is not necessary and the promise is pointless.16 So the promise is received by [believing//faith]. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we [believe like Abraham did//have faith like Abraham's]. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. [Here is my new attempt at rendering the meaning of this verse:] So the promise is received by [believing//faith]. It is given as a free gift. And if we become Abraham's spiritual children by believing like Abraham did, we are certain to receive it— whether or not we live by the Law of Moses. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.]19 And [Abraham did not weaken in his belief//Abraham's faith did not weaken], even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah's womb.20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his [believing//faith] grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of [Abraham fully believing God's promise//Abraham's faith], God counted him as righteous.25 [Jesus/He] was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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NL-Day143 1 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 96; Romans 4:1-17
May 1700:19:49Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 11-12:Yesterday we heard of the way God arranged for Saul to meet Samuel, and how God revealed amazing details to Samuel about what would happen to Saul in the short term. Saul became king. It is such a shame that Saul fulfilled the earlier prophecy given by Samuel a few chapters back, rather than continuing to be humble like he was at the start of his reign. PSALM 96:EC Olsen's chapter on this psalm is entitled, "A Psalm which ought to give every living person a thrill!!" He's right. This psalm is like vitamins for the soul. This is one of the most loved of all psalms. ROMANS 4a:Yesterday Paul arrived at the first explanation of his main point in 3:23-31. This happens to be a difficult passage to translate. GNT and NLT do a great job making many difficult concepts clear. You might particularly compare verses 23 and 26 with a literal translation. NLT Translation notes:Rom. 4:3 For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his [fully believing//faith]."4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their [believing//faith] in God who forgives sinners. 9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised [non-Jews//Gentiles]? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his [fully believing//faith].11 Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had [believed//faith] and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have [believed//faith] but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their [fully believing//faith]. 12 And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they [believe the same way Abraham did//have the same kind of faith Abraham had] before he was circumcised.13 Clearly, God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God's law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by [fully believing//faith].14 If God's promise is only for those who obey the law, then [believing//faith] is not necessary and the promise is pointless.16 So the promise is received by [believing//faith]. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we [believe like Abraham did//have faith like Abraham's]. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. [Here is my new attempt at rendering the meaning of this verse:] So the promise is received by [believing//faith]. It is given as a free gift. And if we become Abraham's spiritual children by believing like Abraham did, we are certain to receive it— whether or not we live by the Law of Moses. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.]19 And [Abraham did not weaken in his belief//Abraham's faith did not weaken], even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah's womb.20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his [believing//faith] grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of [Abraham fully believing God's promise//Abraham's faith], God counted him as righteous.25 [Jesus/He] was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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NL-Day142 1 Samuel 9-10; Psalm 95; Romans 3:9-31
May 1700:21:15Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 9-10:In yesterday's reading, Samuel was formally made a judge, and then he led the people of Israel into victory over the Philistines. But when Samuel was old and after the appointment of his two sons as judges in his place, his sons perverted justice for bribes. So the people asked to have a king. God had already long ago said this would happen, in fact, this idea was in Hannah's prayer. Samuel was displeased, not for the sake of his sons, but because the people were rejecting God as their king. PSALM 95:This is a gem among the psalms. Note the exuberance of worship in this psalm! And this is balanced by reverence to God. The last half of this psalm is quoted in full in Hebrews and is an important topic in that New Testament book. ROMANS 3b:In Romans chapter 3 Paul refutes important misunderstanding and wrong teaching in the process of resoundingly proving that Jews cannot save themselves by their own power by means of fulfilling the Law. (In his use of the term 'the Law', Paul was following the custom of including other Old Testament books.) In the verses he quoted, he made it very that not even one person can claim to be righteous in God's sight. So God has provided another way to become right in His sight, which is actually foretold in the Law and Biblical prophetic writings. NLT Translation notes:Rom. 3:21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him[, and this way is not based on// without keeping] the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Mosesi and the prophets long ago. [The Greek says "apart from the Law," so NLT's translation is technically possible, but I think it is saying something Paul is NOT saying and is doctrinally defective. In most of my suggested changes to the NLT text, I am concerned with clear communication, here however I am concerned with avoiding misunderstanding that would lead to wrong teaching.]22 We are made right with God by [fully believing//placing our faith] in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.[Here is an excellent example of the point I keep harping on. Note that using the verb form 'believe' instead of the abstract noun form makes it clear that the same word is used later in the verse. Cohesion of ideas makes better understanding. Secondly, it is easier for people to 'do' a verb than it is to 'do' an abstract noun. It is easier to 'practice' something than it is to 'make a practice of' something. It is easier to 'eat' apples than it is to 'practice the consumption of' apples.]27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on [fully believing//faith]. [Notice again the cohesion of the verb 'believe' in 26-31.]28 So we are made right with God [by our fully believing//through faith] and not by obeying the law.]29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the [non-Jews//Gentiles]? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by [believing in that message (the Good News)//fully believing//faith], whether they are Jews or [non-Jews//Gentiles].31 Well then, if we emphasize [fully believing//faith], does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have [fully believe//faith] do we truly fulfill the law. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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NL-Day141 1 Samuel 7-8; Psalm 94; Romans 2:25-3:20
May 1700:18:44Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 7-8:Having won the war with Israel, the Philistines thought their idol Dagon had given them victory. The ark of God was put in Dagon's temple. Then God not only proved that He is greater than Dagon by what happened in the temple, but He also struck the Philistines in all five of their territories with plagues of death, tumors, and rats ravaging the land. The Philistine fortune tellers and priests devised a creative plan to test if these disasters had happened on their own, or because of God's hand was against them. In the story it is clear that the Philistine people knew about the plagues God used against the Egyptians. Once again, God proved that He is God. For any any agnostic or atheist in the audience, this seems to me to be the kind of story that no one would have just made up, especially if you compare this with literature of the same age. PSALM 94:This is a psalm of trust in the face of injustice. The psalmist asks for God's vengeance on arrogant and evil leaders. Those who take advantage of others are called 'stupid fools'. There is a parable that forms an interesting parallel: Luke 12:20, where God says to the rich man, "You fool, this very night your soul will be required of you." ROMANS 2:25—3:In chapter 2 of Romans, Paul warned of a coming judgment of God, where God will judge everyone's secret life. The trouble is, however, that we all will be judged guilty of sin. Paul has shown us that it doesn't matter if you are Jew or non-Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, we all need a radical transformation. We need to become a 'true Jew', which is "one whose heart is right with God]." What each one of us needs is "a change of heart produced by God's Spirit." Paul calls this "circumcision of the heart." NLT Translation notes:Rom 3:21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him[, and this way is not based on// without keeping] the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Mosesi and the prophets long ago. [The Greek says "apart from the Law," so NLT's translation is technically possible, but I think it is saying something Paul is NOT saying and is doctrinally defective. In most of my suggested changes to the NLT text, I am concerned with clear communication, here however I am concerned with avoiding misunderstanding that would lead to wrong teaching.]22 We are made right with God by [fully believing//placing our faith] in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.[Here is an excellent example of the point I keep harping on. Note that using the verb form 'believe' instead of the abstract noun form makes it clear that the same word is used later in the verse. Cohesion of ideas makes better understanding. Secondly, it is easier for people to 'do' a verb than it is to 'do' an abstract noun. It is easier to 'practice' something than it is to 'make a practice of' something. It is easier to 'eat' apples than it is to 'practice the consumption of' apples.]27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on [fully believing//faith].[Notice again the cohesion of the verb 'believe' in 26-31.]28 So we are made right with God [by our fully believing//through faith] and not by obeying the law.]29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the [non-Jews//Gentiles]? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by [believing in that message (the Good News)//fully believing//faith], whether they are Jews or [non-Jews//Gentiles].31 Well then, if we emphasize [fully believing//faith], does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have [fully believe//faith] do we truly fulfill the law. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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NL-Day140 1 Samuel 5-6; Psalm 93; Romans 2:13-29
May 1700:16:36Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 5-6:Yesterday we saw the touching way that God revealed to Samuel how to listen for God's voice, and at the same time how He again warned Eli of impending disaster. Eli was incredibly able to recognize the way the Lord works, but at the same time was unconcerned about how God's words applied to him. Let us not be like him! Observe this link to Romans: God's judgment will come to us just as surely as it did to Eli's sons. PSALM 93:Like the Gettysburg Address, sometimes the noblest thoughts are best expressed with brevity. ROMANS 2b:In yesterday's reading, Paul continued to prove that man is not "basically good" (which one keeps hearing in Hollywood films and on the television). Not only are we sinful, but we tend to be self-righteous— which in itself is sinful. The 'bad news' is compounded in these additional points: "A day of anger is coming, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. … There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil— especially for the Jews, but also for the non-Jews." Verse 12 is difficult so I suggest reading verse 12 from the PET before picking up reading at verse 13.Rom. 2:12 PET So people who already know the Law and break it are just the same as those who've never heard about the law and commit sin. Sinners who don't know the Law will be destroyed. Similarly, people who already know the Law and commit sin will be judged according to the law. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 93:5 NLT Your royal laws cannot be changed. [Holiness, O Lord, aptly adorns your house forever.//Your reign, O LORD, is holy forever and ever.][Using NLT's version, the listener will likely misunderstand 'holy' as 'wholy'.][NET] Holiness aptly adorns your house, O Lord, forever.//[HCSB] holiness is what makes your house beautiful for days without end.//[GW] holiness is the beauty of Your house for all the days to come.]====Rom. 2:9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—[especially for the Jews, but also for the non-Jews//for the Jew first and also for the Gentile].10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—[especially for the Jews, but also for the non-Jews//for the Jew first and also for the Gentile].12 [CEV [Non-Jewish people//Those people} who don't know about God's Law will still be punished {and destroyed} for {the wrong they have done//what they do wrong}. And the Law will be used to judge everyone who knows what it says.//PET So people who already know the Law and break it are just the same as those who've never heard about the law and commit sin. Sinners who don't know the Law will be destroyed. Similarly, people who already know the Law and commit sin will be judged according to the law.//When the [non-Jews//Gentiles] sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God's written law. And the Jews, who do have God's law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it.][The NLT starting with a 'When' phrase makes this sound like sudden destruction from God would come on non-Jews during their lives on earth. The original does not start with a 'When' phrase but with a 'therefore/so'. The PET starts with a sentence of implicit information based on the grammatical parallelism of the Greek.]14 Even [non-Jews//Gentiles], who do not have God's written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, "The [non-Jews//Gentiles] blaspheme the name of God because of you."25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God's law. But if you don't obey God's law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised [non-Jews//Gentile]. 26 And if the [non-Jews//Gentiles] obey God's law, won't God declare them to be his own people? 27 In fact, uncircumcised [non-Jews//Gentiles] who keep God's law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God's law but don't obey it. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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NL-Day139 1 Samuel 3-4; Psalm 92; Romans 1:28-2:16
May 1700:18:56Tap to summarize1SAMUEL 3-4:Yesterday we heard Hannah's poetic and prophetic prayer of praise. R Then we heard of the contrast between the boy Samuel serving the Lord, while Eli's sons were scoundrels. Finally a "man of God" (a prophet or perhaps even an angel) gave a long prophetic warning to Eli. Today we will see that prophecy come true. PSALM 92:This is another favorite psalm of praise! ROMANS 2:Yesterday we heard the first part of some bad news which makes the Good News 'good'. This reminds me of the movie Second Hand Lions. In the movie a main character has a lecture on 'how to be a man' that he frequently has given in his career. It starts out, "Understand this: All people are basically good." However in the movie, all we see in that character's past life and in the current way he lives is that mankind can't be trusted and you gotta' build high fences around your property, and have your gun and fists ready. According to Scripture and what we will read in Romans, mankind hasn't been 'basically good' since the Garden of Eden. NLT Translation notes:Rom. 2:9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—[especially for the Jews, but also for the non-Jews//for the Jew first and also for the Gentile].10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—[especially for the Jews, but also for the non-Jews//for the Jew first and also for the Gentile].12 When the [non-Jews//Gentiles] sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God's written law. And the Jews, who do have God's law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it.14 Even [non-Jews//Gentiles], who do not have God's written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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