11/8/12

Bible Reading, Nov. 8


 
Nov. 8
Isaiah 49-52

Isa 49:1 Listen, islands, to me; and listen, you peoples, from far: Yahweh has called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother has he made mention of my name:
Isa 49:2 and he has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand has he hid me: and he has made me a polished shaft; in his quiver has he kept me close:
Isa 49:3 and he said to me, "You are my servant; Israel, in whom I will be glorified."
Isa 49:4 But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely the justice due to me is with Yahweh, and my reward with my God."
Isa 49:5 Now says Yahweh who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered to him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Yahweh, and my God is become my strength);
Isa 49:6 yes, he says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth."
Isa 49:7 Thus says Yahweh, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despises, to him whom the nation abhors, to a servant of rulers: "Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Yahweh who is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."
Isa 49:8 Thus says Yahweh, "In an acceptable time have I answered you, and in a day of salvation have I helped you; and I will preserve you, and give you for a covenant of the people, to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritage:
Isa 49:9 saying to those who are bound, 'Come out!'; to those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves!' "They shall feed in the ways, and on all bare heights shall be their pasture.
Isa 49:10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun strike them: for he who has mercy on them will lead them, even by springs of water he will guide them.
Isa 49:11 I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.
Isa 49:12 Behold, these shall come from far; and behold, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim."
Isa 49:13 Sing, heavens; and be joyful, earth; and break forth into singing, mountains: for Yahweh has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted.
Isa 49:14 But Zion said, "Yahweh has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me."
Isa 49:15 "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you!
Isa 49:16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
Isa 49:17 Your children make haste; your destroyers and those who made you waste shall go forth from you.
Isa 49:18 Lift up your eyes all around, and see: all these gather themselves together, and come to you. As I live," says Yahweh, "you shall surely clothe you with them all as with an ornament, and gird yourself with them, like a bride.
Isa 49:19 "For, as for your waste and your desolate places, and your land that has been destroyed, surely now you shall be too small for the inhabitants, and those who swallowed you up shall be far away.
Isa 49:20 The children of your bereavement shall yet say in your ears, The place is too small for me; give place to me that I may dwell.
Isa 49:21 Then you will say in your heart, 'Who has conceived these for me, seeing I have been bereaved of my children, and am solitary, an exile, and wandering back and forth? Who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where were they?' "
Isa 49:22 Thus says the Lord Yahweh, "Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and set up my banner to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
Isa 49:23 Kings shall be your nursing fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers: they shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and lick the dust of your feet; and you shall know that I am Yahweh; and those who wait for me shall not be disappointed."
Isa 49:24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives be delivered?
Isa 49:25 But thus says Yahweh, "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children.
Isa 49:26 I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."
 

Isa 50:1 Thus says Yahweh, "Where is the bill of your mother's divorce, with which I have put her away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities were you sold, and for your transgressions was your mother put away.
Isa 50:2 Why, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can't redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst.
Isa 50:3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering."
Isa 50:4 The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
Isa 50:5 The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.
Isa 50:6 I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair; I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting.
Isa 50:7 For the Lord Yahweh will help me; therefore I have not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be disappointed.
Isa 50:8 He is near who justifies me; who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together: who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.
Isa 50:9 Behold, the Lord Yahweh will help me; who is he who shall condemn me? Behold, all they shall wax old as a garment, the moth shall eat them up.
Isa 50:10 Who is among you who fears Yahweh, who obeys the voice of his servant? He who walks in darkness, and has no light, let him trust in the name of Yahweh, and rely on his God.
Isa 50:11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who gird yourselves about with firebrands; walk you in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that you have kindled. You shall have this of my hand; you shall lie down in sorrow.
 

Isa 51:1 "Listen to me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek Yahweh: look to the rock whence you were cut, and to the hold of the pit whence you were dug.
Isa 51:2 Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for when he was but one I called him, and I blessed him, and made him many.
Isa 51:3 For Yahweh has comforted Zion; he has comforted all her waste places, and has made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of Yahweh; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
Isa 51:4 "Attend to me, my people; and give ear to me, my nation: for a law shall go forth from me, and I will establish my justice for a light of the peoples.
Isa 51:5 My righteousness is near, my salvation is gone forth, and my arms shall judge the peoples; the islands shall wait for me, and on my arm shall they trust.
Isa 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and those who dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
Isa 51:7 "Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; don't you fear the reproach of men, neither be you dismayed at their insults.
Isa 51:8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation to all generations."
Isa 51:9 Awake, awake, put on strength, arm of Yahweh; awake, as in the days of old, the generations of ancient times. Isn't it you who did cut Rahab in pieces, who pierced the monster?
Isa 51:10 Isn't it you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; who made the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over?
Isa 51:11 The ransomed of Yahweh shall return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy shall be on their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isa 51:12 "I, even I, am he who comforts you: who are you, that you are afraid of man who shall die, and of the son of man who shall be made as grass;
Isa 51:13 and have forgotten Yahweh your Maker, who stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fear continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he makes ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?
Isa 51:14 The captive exile shall speedily be freed; and he shall not die and go down into the pit, neither shall his bread fail.
Isa 51:15 For I am Yahweh your God, who stirs up the sea, so that its waves roar: Yahweh of Armies is his name.
Isa 51:16 I have put my words in your mouth, and have covered you in the shadow of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and tell Zion, 'You are my people.' "
Isa 51:17 Awake, awake, stand up, Jerusalem, that have drunk at the hand of Yahweh the cup of his wrath; you have drunken the bowl of the cup of staggering, and drained it.
Isa 51:18 There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she has brought forth; neither is there any who takes her by the hand among all the sons who she has brought up.
Isa 51:19 These two things have happened to you. Who will bemoan you? Desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword; how shall I comfort you?
Isa 51:20 Your sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as an antelope in a net; they are full of the wrath of Yahweh, the rebuke of your God.
Isa 51:21 Therefore hear now this, you afflicted, and drunken, but now with wine:
Isa 51:22 Thus says your Lord Yahweh, and your God who pleads the cause of his people, "Behold, I have taken out of your hand the cup of staggering, even the bowl of the cup of my wrath; you shall no more drink it again:
Isa 51:23 and I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, who have said to your soul, 'Bow down, that we may walk over you;' and you have laid your back as the ground, and as the street, to those who walk over."
 

Isa 52:1 Awake, awake, put on your strength, Zion; put on your beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean.
Isa 52:2 Shake yourself from the dust; arise, sit on your throne, Jerusalem: loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, captive daughter of Zion.
Isa 52:3 For thus says Yahweh, "You were sold for nothing; and you shall be redeemed without money."
Isa 52:4 For thus says the Lord Yahweh, "My people went down at the first into Egypt to sojourn there: and the Assyrian has oppressed them without cause.
Isa 52:5 "Now therefore, what do I here," says Yahweh, "seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? those who rule over them mock," says Yahweh, "and my name continually all the day is blasphemed.
Isa 52:6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he who does speak; behold, it is I."
Isa 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Isa 52:8 The voice of your watchmen! they lift up the voice, together do they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when Yahweh returns to Zion.
Isa 52:9 Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem; for Yahweh has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.
Isa 52:10 Yahweh has made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Isa 52:11 Depart you, depart you, go you out from there, touch no unclean thing; go you out of the midst of her; cleanse yourselves, you who bear the vessels of Yahweh.
Isa 52:12 For you shall not go out in haste, neither shall you go by flight: for Yahweh will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward.
Isa 52:13 Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.
Isa 52:14 Like as many were astonished at you (his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men),
Isa 52:15 so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand.

Nov. 8
2 Timothy 2

2Ti 2:1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 2:2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
2Ti 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2Ti 2:4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
2Ti 2:5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules.
2Ti 2:6 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops.
2Ti 2:7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
2Ti 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News,
2Ti 2:9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word isn't chained.
2Ti 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2Ti 2:11 This saying is faithful: "For if we died with him, we will also live with him.
2Ti 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
2Ti 2:13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can't deny himself."
2Ti 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
2Ti 2:15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
2Ti 2:16 But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
2Ti 2:17 and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
2Ti 2:18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
2Ti 2:19 However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."
2Ti 2:20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor.
2Ti 2:21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.
2Ti 2:22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2Ti 2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
2Ti 2:24 The Lord's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
2Ti 2:25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
2Ti 2:26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.

Revelation, Chapter 4, Mark Copeland

                        "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                              Chapter Four

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To consider the implication of the vision of God on His throne

2) To note that this vision along with the one in chapter five will set
   the stage for what follows

SUMMARY

The visions of Revelation now begin in earnest.  Upon seeing a door
standing open in heaven and hearing a trumpet-like voice promising to
show him of things which must take place, John is transported to the
throne room of God.  He describes what he sees and hears with vivid and
colorful imagery.  The One on the throne radiates like white and red
sparkling stones and is surrounded by an emerald rainbow.  The colors
may reflect the characteristics of God, such as His holiness,
righteousness, justice, and mercy (1-3).

John takes special note of twenty-four elders clothed with white robes
and crowns of gold, sitting on thrones around the throne of God.  
Summers and Hailey suggest that they depict the twelve patriarchs of 
Israel and the twelve apostles, who represent the redeemed of both 
covenants now united in Christ.  Note that in 5:8-9 they do seem to
speak in behalf of the redeemed (4).

From the throne proceed lightnings, thunderings, and voices, which may
illustrate the divine power and judgments coming from God.  Before the
throne are seven lamps of fire, explained as the seven Spirits of God.
This likely symbolizes the Holy Spirit in His work of illumination and
revelation of God's word to man (Summers).  A sea of glass like crystal
is also before the throne, perhaps symbolizing the transcendence of God
that presently separates God and His people (5-6a).

Then there are four living creatures, similar in some respects and yet
different in others, united in their constant praise of God for His
eternal holiness.  Though not exactly like the cherubim seen by Ezekiel
(cf. Ezek 1, 10), they appear to serve similar functions.  Hailey
suggests they may be a special order of heavenly beings, perhaps the
highest and closest to the throne, who serve God's majestic will
(6b-8).  As the four living creatures praise Him who sits on the
throne, the twenty-four elders join in by falling down, casting their
crowns before the throne, and praising God as the Eternal Creator
(9-11).

This scene, along with the one in chapter five, appears designed to set
the stage for what follows.  At the outset, we are shown the first
guarantee of ultimate victory:  God is on His throne! (Summers)  The
praise offered by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders
reinforce the truth that the One on the throne (and therefore in
ultimate control) is none other than the Lord God Almighty, Eternal and
Holy, the Creator who holds all things together.  He is therefore
worthy of glory, honor and power!  He is the one to revere, not man!

OUTLINE

I. THE THRONE SCENE (1-8)

   A. JOHN TAKEN TO HEAVEN (1)
      1. After seeing the Lord and hearing the letters addressed to the
         seven churches
      2. Upon seeing a door standing open in heaven, and hearing a
         trumpet-like voice
         a. Being told "Come up here"
         b. In which he will see "things which must take place after
            this"

   B. HE DESCRIBES THE THRONE SCENE (2-8)
      1. The One on the throne
         a. Like a jasper (sparkling white)
         b. And a sardius stone (fiery red) in appearance
         c. With an emerald rainbow (various shades of green) around
            the throne
      2. The twenty-four elders
         a. Sitting on twenty-four thrones around the throne
         b. Clothed in white robes
         c. With crowns of gold on their heads
      3. Other elements around the throne
         a. Lightnings, thunderings, and voices proceeding from the
            throne
         b. Seven lamps (the Seven Spirits of God) burning before the
            throne
         c. A sea of glass, like crystal, before the throne
         d. Four living creatures in the midst and around the throne
      4. The four living creatures
         a. Unique characteristics
            1) The first was like a lion
            2) The second was like a calf
            3) The third had a face like a man
            4) The fourth was like a flying eagle
         b. Similar characteristics
            1) Each had six wings
            2) Full of eyes in front and back, around and within
            3) Do not rest day or night, praising the holiness of the
               Eternal God

II. GOD PRAISED AS THE CREATOR (9-11)

   A. PROMPTED BY THE LIVING CREATURES (9)
      1. Whenever they give glory, honor, and thanks
      2. To Him who sits on the throne, the Eternal One

   B. OFFERED BY THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS (10-11)
      1. Who fall down before Him who sits on the throne
      2. Who worship Him who lives forever
      3. Who cast their crowns before the throne
      4. Who proclaim God worthy to receive glory, honor, and power
         a. For He created all things
         b. And by His will they exist and were created

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The throne scene (1-8)
   - God praised as the Creator (9-11)

2) When the Lord has finished with His letters to the churches, what
   does John see? (1)
   - A door standing open in heaven

3) What does John hear?   What is he told he will see? (1)
   - A voice like a trumpet, saying "Come up here..."
   - Things which must take place after this

4) What is the first thing he notices? (2)
   - A throne set in heaven, and One sitting on the throne

5) How does John describe the appearance of the One on the throne? (3)
   - Like a jasper (sparkling white like a diamond) and a sardius stone
     (fiery red)

6) What is the color of the rainbow around the throne? (3)
   - Like an emerald (various shades of green)

7) What is around the throne? (4)
   - Twenty-four elders with crowns of gold, clothed in white robes,
     siting on thrones

8) What proceeds from the throne? (5)
   - Lightnings, thunderings, voices

9) What stands before the throne? (5)
   - Seven lamps of fire burning (the seven Spirits of God)

10) What lies before the throne? (6)
   - A sea of glass like crystal

11) What is seen in the midst and around the throne?  How are they 
    described? (6-8)
   - Four living creatures
   - One like lion, one like a calf, one with a face like a man, and
     one like a flying eagle
   - They have all have eyes in front and back, around and within, and
     six wings

12) What do they proclaim without rest, day and night? (8)
   - "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to
     come!"

13) Whenever the four creatures offer glory, honor, and thanks to God,
    what happens? (9-10)
   - The twenty-four elders fall down before God on the throne
   - They worship Him, casting their crowns before the throne

14) Why do the twenty-four elders deem God worthy of glory, honor, and
    power? (11)
   - He created all things, and by His will they exist

11/7/12

My left eye



United Socialist America has spoken; Barak Obama will be president for a second term!!! I weep for the United States of America for we are well on our way to becoming a communist society.  Even though I am filled with sorrow, I know that God still has control of everything and believe that HIS plan will eventually prevail.  As a Christian, I will obey my leaders, even if I can't even stand to look at them.  Admittedly, this will be difficult for me, because for me, The United States of America died yesterday and in its place I must endure a United Socialist America.  I anticipate continued efforts by our new government to stamp out God, but they will fail.  I just pray that the eventual takeover of our country by another will be not be a violent one.  May the God of Heaven be merciful to the obvious sinful majority that exists within our borders.  With great sorrow, I am reminded of the following verse...

Lamentations, Chapter 1
1 How the city sits solitary, that was full of people!

She has become as a widow, who was great among the nations!


She who was a princess among the provinces has become tributary!


  2 She weeps bitterly in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks;


among all her lovers she has none to comfort her:


All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they are become her enemies.

There is a time for every season under heaven and today is one of mourning for me. I am retired and know that I have but a very few decades left upon this Earth, but my heart is heavy for the legacy my beloved grandchildren must endure.  May God grant me the strength to endure the obvious difficult times ahead and also to encourage others to seek God during our struggles with evil.

Bible Reading, Nov.7


Nov. 7
Isaiah 45-48

Isa 45:1 Thus says Yahweh to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him, and strip kings of their armor; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut:
Isa 45:2 "I will go before you, and make the rough places smooth. I will break the doors of brass in pieces, and cut apart the bars of iron.
Isa 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, Yahweh, who call you by your name, even the God of Israel.
Isa 45:4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called you by your name. I have surnamed you, though you have not known me.
Isa 45:5 I am Yahweh, and there is none else. Besides me, there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not known me;
Isa 45:6 that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none besides me. I am Yahweh, and there is no one else.
Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness. I make peace, and create calamity. I am Yahweh, who does all these things.
Isa 45:8 Distil, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open, that it may bring forth salvation, and let it cause righteousness to spring up with it. I, Yahweh, have created it.
Isa 45:9 Woe to him who strives with his Maker-- a clay pot among the clay pots of the earth! Shall the clay ask him who fashions it, 'What are you making?' or your work, 'He has no hands?'
Isa 45:10 Woe to him who says to a father, 'What have you become the father of?' or to a mother, 'To what have you given birth?' "
Isa 45:11 Thus says Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: "You ask me about the things that are to come, concerning my sons, and you command me concerning the work of my hands!
Isa 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man on it. I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens; and I have commanded all their army.
Isa 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways. He shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward," says Yahweh of Armies.
Isa 45:14 Thus says Yahweh: "The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours. They will go after you. They shall come over in chains; and they will bow down to you. They will make supplication to you: 'Surely God is in you; and there is none else. There is no other god.
Isa 45:15 Most certainly you are a God who hid yourself, God of Israel, the Savior.' "
Isa 45:16 They will be disappointed, yes, confounded, all of them. Those who are makers of idols will go into confusion together.
Isa 45:17 Israel will be saved by Yahweh with an everlasting salvation. You will not be disappointed nor confounded to ages everlasting.
Isa 45:18 For thus says Yahweh who created the heavens, the God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn't create it a waste, who formed it to be inhabited: "I am Yahweh; and there is no other.
Isa 45:19 I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness. I didn't say to the seed of Jacob, 'Seek me in vain.' I, Yahweh, speak righteousness. I declare things that are right.
Isa 45:20 "Assemble yourselves and come. Draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations. Those have no knowledge who carry the wood of their engraved image, and pray to a god that can't save.
Isa 45:21 Declare and present it. Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has shown this from ancient time? Who has declared it of old? Haven't I, Yahweh? There is no other God besides me, a just God and a Savior; There is no one besides me.
Isa 45:22 "Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
Isa 45:23 By myself have I sworn, the word has gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and will not return, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Isa 45:24 They will say of me, 'There is righteousness and strength only in Yahweh.' " Even to him shall men come; and all those who were incensed against him shall be disappointed.
Isa 45:25 In Yahweh shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
 

Isa 46:1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on the animals, and on the livestock: the things that you carried about are made a load, a burden to the weary animal.
Isa 46:2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.
Isa 46:3 "Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borne by me from their birth, that have been carried from the womb;
Isa 46:4 and even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
Isa 46:5 "To whom will you liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
Isa 46:6 Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down--yes, they worship.
Isa 46:7 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands, from its place it shall not move: yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
Isa 46:8 "Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, you transgressors.
Isa 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me;
Isa 46:10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
Isa 46:11 calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yes, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it.
Isa 46:12 Listen to me, you stout-hearted, who are far from righteousness:
Isa 46:13 I bring near my righteousness, it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not wait; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
 

Isa 47:1 "Come down, and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, daughter of the Chaldeans: for you shall no more be called tender and delicate.
Isa 47:2 Take the millstones, and grind meal; remove your veil, strip off the train, uncover the leg, pass through the rivers.
Isa 47:3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, yes, your shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and will spare no man."
Isa 47:4 Our Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies is his name, the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 47:5 "Sit in silence, and go into darkness, daughter of the Chaldeans; for you shall no more be called the mistress of kingdoms.
Isa 47:6 I was angry with my people, I profaned my inheritance, and gave them into your hand: you did show them no mercy; on the aged have you very heavily laid your yoke.
Isa 47:7 You said, I shall be mistress forever; so that you did not lay these things to your heart, neither did remember the latter end of it.
Isa 47:8 "Now therefore hear this, you who are given to pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:
Isa 47:9 but these two things shall come to you in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood; in their full measure shall they come on you, in the multitude of your sorceries, and the great abundance of your enchantments.
Isa 47:10 For you have trusted in your wickedness; you have said, None sees me; your wisdom and your knowledge, it has perverted you, and you have said in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me.
Isa 47:11 Therefore evil will come on you; you won't know when it dawns: and mischief wil fall on you; you will not be able to put it away: and desolation shall come on you suddenly, which you don't know.
Isa 47:12 "Stand now with your enchantments, and with the multitude of your sorceries, in which you have labored from your youth; if so be you shall be able to profit, if so be you may prevail.
Isa 47:13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from the things that shall come on you.
Isa 47:14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: it shall not be a coal to warm at, nor a fire to sit before.
Isa 47:15 Thus shall the things be to you in which you have labored: those who have trafficked with you from your youth shall wander everyone to his quarter; there shall be none to save you.
 

Isa 48:1 "Hear this, house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, and have come forth out of the waters of Judah; who swear by the name of Yahweh, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness
Isa 48:2 (for they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves on the God of Israel; Yahweh of Armies is his name):
Isa 48:3 I have declared the former things from of old; yes, they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them: suddenly I did them, and they happened.
Isa 48:4 Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow brass;
Isa 48:5 therefore I have declared it to you from of old; before it came to pass I showed it to you; lest you should say, 'My idol has done them, and my engraved image, and my molten image, has commanded them.'
Isa 48:6 You have heard it; see all this; and you, will you not declare it? "I have shown you new things from this time, even hidden things, which you have not known.
Isa 48:7 They are created now, and not from of old; and before this day you didn't hear them; lest you should say, 'Behold, I knew them.'
Isa 48:8 Yes, you didn't hear; yes, you didn't know; yes, from of old your ear was not opened: for I knew that you did deal very treacherously, and was called a transgressor from the womb.
Isa 48:9 For my name's sake will I defer my anger, and for my praise will I refrain for you, that I not cut you off.
Isa 48:10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.
Isa 48:11 For my own sake, for my own sake, will I do it; for how should my name be profaned? and my glory I will not give to another.
Isa 48:12 "Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Isa 48:13 Yes, my hand has laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand has spread out the heavens: when I call to them, they stand up together.
Isa 48:14 "Assemble yourselves, all you, and hear; who among them has declared these things? He whom Yahweh loves shall perform his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.
Isa 48:15 I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him; I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.
Isa 48:16 "Come near to me and hear this: "From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time that it was, there am I." Now the Lord Yahweh has sent me, with his Spirit.
Isa 48:17 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.
Isa 48:18 Oh that you had listened to my commandments! then had your peace been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea:
Isa 48:19 your seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of your body like its grains: his name would not be cut off nor destroyed from before me.
Isa 48:20 Go you forth from Babylon, flee you from the Chaldeans; with a voice of singing declare you, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth: say you, Yahweh has redeemed his servant Jacob.
Isa 48:21 They didn't thirst when he led them through the deserts; he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them; he split the rock also, and the waters gushed out.
Isa 48:22 "There is no peace," says Yahweh, "for the wicked."



Nov. 7
2 Timothy 1

2Ti 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
2Ti 1:2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2Ti 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day
2Ti 1:4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;
2Ti 1:5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.
2Ti 1:6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
2Ti 1:7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
2Ti 1:8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,
2Ti 1:9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
2Ti 1:10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News.
2Ti 1:11 For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
2Ti 1:12 For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.
2Ti 1:13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 1:14 That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
2Ti 1:15 This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
2Ti 1:16 May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
2Ti 1:17 but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me
2Ti 1:18 (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord's mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.

Revelation, Chapter 3, Mark Copeland

                        "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                             Chapter Three

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To examine the last three of seven letters to the churches in Asia

2) To glean what we can about the condition of each church:  their 
   strengths and weaknesses, the warnings and promises given

SUMMARY

The Lord continues His letters to the churches in Asia, with this 
chapter containing those written to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
The church in Sardis is rebuked for having a name that they are alive,
when in reality they are dead.  With their works not perfected before
God, they are exhorted to be watchful and to strengthen the things 
which remain.  They are also told to remember how they had received and
heard in the past, to hold fast and repent.  Otherwise, the Lord will 
come upon them as a thief in the night.  Notice is taken, however, of a
few in Sardis who had not defiled their garments and are still worthy,
who are promised to walk with the Lord in white (1-6).

The church in Philadelphia is promised an open door that none can shut
because they had kept the Lord's word and not denied His name.  Their
enemies, those who claim to be Jews but are not, will be made to 
worship before them, and the church will be kept from the trial that 
was about to test those on the earth.  With an announcement of His 
quick coming, they are exhorted to hold fast what they have that none
take their crown (7-13).

The church of the Laodiceans is then described as lukewarm, for which
the Lord threatens to spew them out of His mouth.  While claiming to be
rich, they are blind to their true condition.  Therefore the Lord 
counsels them to buy from Him those things they truly need.  His strong
words are indicative of His love for them, and the fact that He stands
ready to re-enter their hearts if they will open to Him (14-22).

As before, each letter ends with wonderful promises to those who 
overcome.  In most cases, the manner in which the promises are to be 
fulfilled is illustrated in the visions to come.

OUTLINE

I. LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SARDIS (1-6)

   A. THE LORD'S SELF-DESIGNATION (1a)
      1. "He who has the seven Spirits of God" - cf. Isa 11:1-2; Zech 
         4:1-10; Re 1:4; 4:5
      2. "...and the seven stars"

   B. CONDEMNATION AND WARNING (1b-3)
      1. Condemnation
         a. They have a name that they are alive, but they are dead
         b. Their works have not been found perfect before God
      2. Warning
         a. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain and are
            ready to die
         b. Remember how they had received and heard
         c. Hold fast and repent
         d. If they don't watch, the Lord will come upon them as a
            thief

   C. COMMENDATION (4)
      1. There are few names in Sardis who have not defiled their 
         garments
      2. They shall walk with Him in white, for they are worthy

   D. PROMISE AND EXHORTATION (5-6)
      1. He who overcomes...
         a. Shall be clothed in white garments
         b. The Lord will not blot his name from the Book of Life
         c. The Lord will confess his name before My Father and His
            angels
      2. Hear what the Spirit says to the churches

II. LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA (7-13)

   A. THE LORD'S SELF-DESIGNATION (7)
      1. "He who is holy, He who is True"
      2. "He who has key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and
         shuts and no one opens" - cf. Isa 22:22

   B. COMMENDATION (8)
      1. The Lord has set an open door before them and none can shut it
      2. For they have a little strength, have kept His word, and not
         denied His name

   C. PROMISE AND EXHORTATION (9b-11)
      1. Concerning the "synagogue of Satan" (who claim to be Jews, but
         are not)...
         a. He will make them come and worship before their feet
         b. He will make them know that He has loved those in 
            Philadelphia
      2. Because the church has kept His command to persevere...
         a. He will keep them from the hour of trial
         b. Which is coming to test those who dwell on the earth
      3. Behold, He is coming quickly!
         a. Hold fast what they have
         b. That no one may take their crown
      4. He who overcomes, the Lord will...
         a. Make him a pillar in the temple of His God, and he shall go
            out no more
         b. Write on him:
            1) The name of His God
            2) The name of the city of His God, the New Jerusalem which
               comes down out of heaven from His God
            3) His new name
      5. Hear what the Spirit says to the churches

III. LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA (14-22)

   A. THE LORD'S SELF-DESIGNATION (14)
      1. "The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness"
      2. "The Beginning of the creation of God"

   B. CONDEMNATION AND WARNING (15-20)
      1. Condemnation
         a. They are neither cold or hot
            1) He wished they were cold or hot
            2) But because they are lukewarm, He will spew them out of
               His mouth
         b. They are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked
            1) Though they say they are rich, wealthy, and in need of 
               nothing
            2) Therefore He counsels them...
               a) To buy from Him:
                  1/ Gold refined in the fire, that they may be rich
                  2/ White garments, that their nakedness be not 
                     revealed
               b) To anoint their eyes with eye salve, that they might
                  see
      2. Warning
         a. As many as He loves, He rebukes and chastens; therefore be 
            zealous and repent
         b. He stands at the door and knocks; if any will hear Him and
            open the door, He will come in and dine with him

   C. PROMISE AND EXHORTATION (21-22)
      1. To him who overcomes...
         a. The Lord will grant to sit with Him on His throne
         b. Just as He overcame and sat down with His Father on His 
            throne
      2. Hear what the Spirit says to the churches

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Letter to the church in Sardis (1-6)
   - Letter to the church in Philadelphia (7-13)
   - Letter to the church in Laodicea (14-22)

2) For what does the Lord condemn the church in Sardis? (1-2)
   - They have a name that is alive, but they are dead
   - Their works have not been found not perfect before God

3) What does the Lord exhort those at Sardis to do? (2-3)
   - Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain and are ready
     to die
   - Remember how they had received and heard
   - Hold fast and repent

4) What warning is given to them? (3)
   - If they do not watch, He will come upon them as a thief

5) What did the Lord find commendable at Sardis? What did the Lord 
   promise them? (4)
   - They had a few people who had not defiled their garments
   - They shall walk with Him in white, for they are worthy

6) What did the Lord promise to those who overcome? (5)
   - They shall be clothed in white garments
   - He will not blot their names from the Book of Life
   - He will confess their names before His Father and the His angels

7) What had the Lord done for those in Philadelphia? Why? (8)
   - Set before them an open door which none could shut
   - They had a little strength, had kept His word, and not denied His
     name

8) What was the Lord going to do to those who claimed to be Jews but
   were actually the synagogue of Satan? (9)
   - Make them come and worship at the feet of those in Philadelphia
   - Make them know that Jesus had loved them

9) What did the Lord say He would do for those in Philadelphia?  Why?
   (10)
   - He would keep them from the hour of trial that was coming upon the
     earth
   - Because they kept His command to persevere

10) What warning and exhortation does He then give? (11)
   - Behold, I come quickly!
   - Hold fast what you have, that none may take your crown

11) What promise does the Lord give to him who overcomes? (12)
   - To make him a pillar in the temple of His God
   - To write on him the name of His God
   - To write on him the name of the city of His God, the New Jerusalem
   - To write on him His new name

12) For what does the Lord condemn those at Laodicea? (15-16)
   - They are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot

13) What does the Lord say He would do because of their lukewarmness?
    (16)
   - Spew them out of His mouth

14) What had they claimed?  What was their true condition? (17)
   - To be rich, wealthy and in need of nothing
   - Wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked

15) What does the Lord counsel them to do? (18)
   - To buy from Him gold refined in the fire, that they might be rich
   - To buy from Him white garments to cover their nakedness
   - To anoint their eyes with eye salve, that they might see

16) What justification does the Lord give for such a strong rebuke? 
    (19)
   - As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten

17) What does He say to such Christians? (19,20)
   - Be zealous and repent
   - He stands at the door and knock; those who hear and open the door,
     He will dine with them

18) What will be granted to him who overcomes? (21)
   - To sit with the Lord on His throne
   - Even as the Lord overcame and sat with His Father on His throne

19) What exhortation is given at the end of each letter in this 
    chapter? (6,13,22)
   - "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the 
     churches"