11/7/12

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"

11/6/12

Vote NOW, reflect later!!!



I voted last week, so for me, the ELECTION IS OVER!!!  I made the best choices I could and the rest is up to God!!!  Usually, a graphic reminds me of a Bible verse, but today's jpeg more than covers that part of what I do.  If you have not voted, PLEASE GO AND DO SO, NOW!!!!  The year's election is the most important one in my lifetime as I feel it will be a referendum on whether or not The United states of America wishes to remain a democracy or become a socialist nation.  May God bless you for participating!!!!

Bible Reading, Nov. 6


Nov. 6
Isaiah 41-44

Isa 41:1 "Keep silent before me, islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come near, then let them speak. Let's meet together for judgment.
Isa 41:2 Who has raised up one from the east? Whom called him to his foot in righteousness? He hands over nations to him, and makes him rule over kings. He gives them like the dust to his sword, like the driven stubble to his bow.
Isa 41:3 He pursues them, and passes by safely, Even by a way that he had not gone with his feet.
Isa 41:4 Who has worked and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Yahweh, the first, and with the last, I am he."
Isa 41:5 The islands have seen, and fear. The ends of the earth tremble. They approach, and come.
Isa 41:6 Everyone helps his neighbor. They say to their brothers, "Be strong!"
Isa 41:7 So the carpenter encourages the goldsmith. He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, "It is good;" and he fastens it with nails, that it might not totter.
Isa 41:8 "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend,
Isa 41:9 You whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth, and called from its corners, and said to you, 'You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you away;'
Isa 41:10 Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isa 41:11 Behold, all those who are incensed against you will be disappointed and confounded. Those who strive with you will be like nothing, and shall perish.
Isa 41:12 You will seek them, and won't find them, even those who contend with you. Those who war against you will be as nothing, as a non-existent thing.
Isa 41:13 For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Don't be afraid. I will help you.'
Isa 41:14 Don't be afraid, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel. I will help you," says Yahweh, "and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 41:15 Behold, I have made you into a new sharp threshing instrument with teeth. You will thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and will make the hills like chaff.
Isa 41:16 You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away, and the whirlwind will scatter them. You will rejoice in Yahweh. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 41:17 The poor and needy seek water, and there is none. Their tongue fails for thirst. I, Yahweh, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
Isa 41:18 I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
Isa 41:19 I will put cedar, acacia, myrtle, and oil trees in the wilderness. I will set fir trees, pine, and box trees together in the desert;
Isa 41:20 that they may see, know, consider, and understand together, that the hand of Yahweh has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Isa 41:21 Produce your cause," says Yahweh. "Bring forth your strong reasons," says the King of Jacob.
Isa 41:22 "Let them announce, and declare to us what shall happen. Declare the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or show us things to come.
Isa 41:23 Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and see it together.
Isa 41:24 Behold, you are of nothing, and your work is of nothing. He who chooses you is an abomination.
Isa 41:25 "I have raised up one from the north, and he has come; from the rising of the sun, one who calls on my name; and he shall come on rulers as on mortar, and as the potter treads clay.
Isa 41:26 Who has declared it from the beginning, that we may know? And before, that we may say, 'He is right?' Surely, there is no one who declares. Surely, there is no one who shows. Surely, there is no one who hears your words.
Isa 41:27 I am the first to say to Zion, 'Behold, look at them;' and I will give one who brings good news to Jerusalem.
Isa 41:28 When I look, there is no man; even among them there is no counselor who, when I ask of them, can answer a word.
Isa 41:29 Behold, all of them, their works are vanity and nothing. Their molten images are wind and confusion.
 

Isa 42:1 "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delights-- I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations.
Isa 42:2 He will not shout, nor raise his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.
Isa 42:3 He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice.
Isa 42:4 He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he has set justice in the earth, and the islands will wait for his law."
Isa 42:5 Thus says God Yahweh, he who created the heavens and stretched them out, he who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, he who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it.
Isa 42:6 "I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations;
Isa 42:7 to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.
Isa 42:8 "I am Yahweh. That is my name. I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to engraved images.
Isa 42:9 Behold, the former things have happened, and I declare new things. I tell you about them before they come up."
Isa 42:10 Sing to Yahweh a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the islands and their inhabitants.
Isa 42:11 Let the wilderness and its cities raise their voices, with the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing. Let them shout from the top of the mountains!
Isa 42:12 Let them give glory to Yahweh, and declare his praise in the islands.
Isa 42:13 Yahweh will go out like a mighty man. He will stir up zeal like a man of war. He will raise a war cry. Yes, he will shout aloud. He will triumph over his enemies.
Isa 42:14 "I have been silent a long time. I have been quiet and restrained myself. Now I will cry out like a travailing woman. I will both gasp and pant.
Isa 42:15 I will destroy mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs. I will make the rivers islands, and will dry up the pools.
Isa 42:16 I will bring the blind by a way that they don't know. I will lead them in paths that they don't know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them.
Isa 42:17 "Those who trust in engraved images, who tell molten images, 'You are our gods' will be turned back. They will be utterly disappointed.
Isa 42:18 "Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see.
Isa 42:19 Who is blind, but my servant? Or who is as deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is as blind as he who is at peace, and as blind as Yahweh's servant?
Isa 42:20 You see many things, but don't observe. His ears are open, but he doesn't listen.
Isa 42:21 It pleased Yahweh, for his righteousness' sake, to magnify the law, and make it honorable.
Isa 42:22 But this is a robbed and plundered people. All of them are snared in holes, and they are hidden in prisons. They have become a prey, and no one delivers; and a spoil, and no one says, 'Restore them!'
Isa 42:23 Who is there among you who will give ear to this? Who will listen and hear for the time to come?
Isa 42:24 Who gave Jacob as plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Didn't Yahweh, he against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in his ways, and they disobeyed his law.
Isa 42:25 Therefore he poured the fierceness of his anger on him, and the strength of battle; and it set him on fire all around, but he didn't know; and it burned him, but he didn't take it to heart."
 

Isa 43:1 But now thus says Yahweh who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel: "Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.
Isa 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
Isa 43:3 For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Isa 43:4 Since you have been precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you; therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life.
Isa 43:5 Don't be afraid; for I am with you. I will bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west.
Isa 43:6 I will tell the north, 'Give them up!' and tell the south, 'Don't hold them back! Bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth--
Isa 43:7 everyone who is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yes, whom I have made.' "
Isa 43:8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears.
Isa 43:9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the peoples be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified; or let them hear, and say, "That is true."
Isa 43:10 "You are my witnesses," says Yahweh, "With my servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he. Before me there was no God formed, neither will there be after me.
Isa 43:11 I myself am Yahweh; and besides me there is no savior.
Isa 43:12 I have declared, I have saved, and I have shown; and there was no strange god among you. Therefore you are my witnesses," says Yahweh, "and I am God.
Isa 43:13 Yes, since the day was I am he; and there is no one who can deliver out of my hand. I will work, and who can hinder it?"
Isa 43:14 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake, I have sent to Babylon, and I will bring all of them down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their rejoicing.
Isa 43:15 I am Yahweh, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King."
Isa 43:16 Thus says Yahweh, who makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
Isa 43:17 who brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty man (they lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinct, they are quenched like a wick):
Isa 43:18 "Don't remember the former things, and don't consider the things of old.
Isa 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs forth now. Don't you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isa 43:20 The animals of the field shall honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; because I give water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen,
Isa 43:21 the people which I formed for myself, that they might set forth my praise.
Isa 43:22 Yet you have not called on me, Jacob; but you have been weary of me, Israel.
Isa 43:23 You have not brought me of your sheep for burnt offerings; neither have you honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, nor wearied you with frankincense.
Isa 43:24 You have bought me no sweet cane with money, nor have you filled me with the fat of your sacrifices; but you have burdened me with your sins. You have wearied me with your iniquities.
Isa 43:25 I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.
Isa 43:26 Put me in remembrance. Let us plead together. Set forth your case, that you may be justified.
Isa 43:27 Your first father sinned, and your teachers have transgressed against me.
Isa 43:28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; and I will make Jacob a curse, and Israel a reviling."
 

Isa 44:1 Yet listen now, Jacob my servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen.
Isa 44:2 This is what Yahweh who made you, and formed you from the womb, who will help you says: "Don't be afraid, Jacob my servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
Isa 44:3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit on your seed, and my blessing on your offspring:
Isa 44:4 and they will spring up among the grass, as willows by the watercourses.
Isa 44:5 One will say, 'I am Yahweh's;' and another will be called by the name of Jacob; and another will write with his hand 'to Yahweh,' and honor the name of Israel."
Isa 44:6 This is what Yahweh, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies, says: "I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.
Isa 44:7 Who is like me? Who will call, and will declare it, and set it in order for me, since I established the ancient people? Let them declare the things that are coming, and that will happen.
Isa 44:8 Don't fear, neither be afraid. Haven't I declared it to you long ago, and shown it? You are my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? Indeed, there is not. I don't know any other Rock."
Isa 44:9 Everyone who makes an engraved image is vain. The things that they delight in will not profit. Their own witnesses don't see, nor know, that they may be disappointed.
Isa 44:10 Who has fashioned a god, or molds an image that is profitable for nothing?
Isa 44:11 Behold, all his fellows will be disappointed; and the workmen are mere men. Let them all be gathered together. Let them stand up. They will fear. They will be put to shame together.
Isa 44:12 The blacksmith takes an axe, works in the coals, fashions it with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. He is hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water, and is faint.
Isa 44:13 The carpenter stretches out a line. He marks it out with a pencil. He shapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, and shapes it like the figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house.
Isa 44:14 He cuts down cedars for himself, and takes the cypress and the oak, and strengthens for himself one among the trees of the forest. He plants a fir tree, and the rain nourishes it.
Isa 44:15 Then it will be for a man to burn; and he takes some of it, and warms himself. Yes, he burns it, and bakes bread. Yes, he makes a god, and worships it; he makes it an engraved image, and falls down to it.
Isa 44:16 He burns part of it in the fire. With part of it, he eats meat. He roasts a roast, and is satisfied. Yes, he warms himself, and says, "Aha! I am warm. I have seen the fire."
Isa 44:17 The rest of it he makes into a god, even his engraved image. He bows down to it and worships, and prays to it, and says, "Deliver me; for you are my god!"
Isa 44:18 They don't know, neither do they consider: for he has shut their eyes, that they can't see; and their hearts, that they can't understand.
Isa 44:19 No one thinks, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, "I have burned part of it in the fire. Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals. I have roasted meat and eaten it. Shall I make the rest of it into an abomination? Shall I bow down to a tree trunk?"
Isa 44:20 He feeds on ashes. A deceived heart has turned him aside; and he can't deliver his soul, nor say, "Isn't there a lie in my right hand?"
Isa 44:21 Remember these things, Jacob and Israel; for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant. Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
Isa 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Isa 44:23 Sing, you heavens, for Yahweh has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth! Break out into singing, you mountains, O forest, all of your trees, for Yahweh has redeemed Jacob, and will glorify himself in Israel.
Isa 44:24 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, and he who formed you from the womb: "I am Yahweh, who makes all things; who alone stretches out the heavens; who spreads out the earth by myself;
Isa 44:25 who frustrates the signs of the liars, and makes diviners mad; who turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolish;
Isa 44:26 who confirms the word of his servant, and performs the counsel of his messengers; who says of Jerusalem, 'She will be inhabited;' and of the cities of Judah, 'They will be built,' and 'I will raise up its waste places;'
Isa 44:27 who says to the deep, 'Be dry,' and 'I will dry up your rivers;'
Isa 44:28 Who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure,' even saying of Jerusalem, 'She will be built;' and of the temple, 'Your foundation will be laid.' "



Nov. 6
1 Timothy 6

1Ti 6:1 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
1Ti 6:2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
1Ti 6:3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
1Ti 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
1Ti 6:5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out.
1Ti 6:8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1Ti 6:9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1Ti 6:11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
1Ti 6:13 I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,
1Ti 6:14 that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1Ti 6:15 which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1Ti 6:16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.
1Ti 6:17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
1Ti 6:18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1Ti 6:19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
1Ti 6:20 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
1Ti 6:21 which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

Revelation, Chapter 2, Mark Copeland

                        "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                              Chapter Two

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To examine the first four 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

3) To note that the fulfillment of most promises will be described 
   later in the visions to come

SUMMARY

In this chapter John is instructed to write to four churches in Asia:
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.  The Lord generally follows
the same format:  His self-designation, commendation, condemnation and
related warning, exhortation and promise.  Each letter closes with the
admonition, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to
the churches."  This suggests the letters were not just for the
personal benefit of the churches addressed.

The church at Ephesus is commended for its steadfastness, especially
against false apostles.  But while standing for the truth, they had
lost their first love.  Exhorted to repent and be restored by doing the
"first works", they are warned that their "lampstand" would be removed
if they did not repent (1-7).  The church at Smyrna is commended for
being "rich" despite their tribulation and poverty.  Unlike most
churches, there are no words of condemnation directed toward it.  While
they would experience a little persecution, they are exhorted to remain
faithful to death (8-11).  The church  at Pergamos is also praised for
its steadfastness, but faulted for allowing false teachers in their
midst.  The Lord threatens to come and fight with the sword of His
mouth if there is no repentance (12-17).  The church at Thyatira is
also commended, for their last works are more than their first.  But
they too have a false teacher and followers which jeopardize the
condition of the church.  Despite giving this "Jezebel" time to repent,
she has not and so the Lord intends to make her and her followers an
example before the other churches (18-29).

I find noteworthy the connection between these letters with what was
seen in chapter one, and what will be seen in succeeding chapters.  In
most cases the Lord's self-designation borrows something from the
vision of the Son of Man in chapter one, which relates somehow with the
particular message in which it is found.  Also, we will see how most of
the promises to those who overcome will be fulfilled in the unfolding 
of the visions that begin in chapter four.

OUTLINE

I. LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS (1-7)

   A. THE LORD'S SELF-DESIGNATION (1)
      1. "He who holds the seven stars in His right hand"
      2. "Who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands"

   B. COMMENDATION (2-3,6)
      1. For their works, labor and patience
         a. They cannot bear those who are evil, having tested those
            who say they are apostles but were liars
         b. Their perseverance, patience and labor for His name's sake,
            not growing weary
      2. They hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, as does the Lord

   C. CONDEMNATION AND WARNING (4-5)
      1. Condemnation
         a. The Lord has something against them
         b. They have left their first love
      2. Warning
         a. Remember from where they have fallen
         b. Repent and do the first works
         c. Or the Lord will come quickly and remove their lampstand 
            from its place

   D. EXHORTATION AND PROMISE (7)
      1. Hear what the Spirit says to the churches
      2. To him who overcomes, He will give to eat from the tree of 
         life in the midst of the Paradise of God

II. LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA (8-11)

   A. THE LORD'S SELF-DESIGNATION (8)
      1. "The First and the Last"
      2. "Who was dead, and came to life"

   B. COMMENDATION (9a)
      1. For the works, tribulation, and poverty
      2. But they are rich

   C. EXHORTATION AND PROMISE (9b-11)
      1. The Lord knows those who claim to be Jews but are a synagogue
         of Satan
      2. Do not fear what they are about to suffer
         a. The devil is about throw some into prison, that they may be
            tested
         b. They will have tribulation ten days
      3. Be faithful unto death, and He will give them a crown of life
      4. Hear what the Spirit says to the churches
      5. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death

III. LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS (12-17)

   A. THE LORD'S SELF-DESIGNATION (12)
      1. "Who has the sharp two-edged sword"

   B. COMMENDATION (13)
      1. He knows their works, and where they dwell, where Satan's 
         throne is
      2. For holding fast to His name
      3. For not denying His faith even when Antipas was killed among
         them

   C. CONDEMNATION AND WARNING (14-16)
      1. Condemnation
         a. They have those who hold the doctrine of Balaam
            1) Who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before Israel
            2) To eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual
               immorality
         b. They have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans,
            which He hates
      2. Warning
         a. Repent or He will come to them quickly
         b. He will fight against them with the sword of His mouth

   D. EXHORTATION AND PROMISE (17)
      1. Hear what the Spirit says to the churches
      2. To him who overcomes, He will give...
         a. Some of the hidden manna to eat
         b. A white stone with a new name written on it which no one
            knows except he who receives it

IV. LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA (18-29)

   A. THE LORD'S SELF-DESIGNATION (18)
      1. "The Son of God"
      2. "Who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine
         brass"

   B. COMMENDATION (19)
      1. For their works, love, service, faith, and patience
      2. Their last works are more than the first

   C. CONDEMNATION AND WARNING (20-24)
      1. Condemnation
         a. They allow that woman Jezebel
            1) Who calls herself a prophetess
            2) To teach and beguile His servants to commit sexual 
               immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols
         b. Whom the Lord had given time to repent of her sexual 
            immorality, but she did not
      2. Warning
         a. He will cast her into a sickbed
         b. Those who commit adultery with her will have great 
            tribulation, unless they repent
         c. He will kill her children with death; and the churches will
            know that He searches the minds and hearts
         d. He will give to each one according to their works
         e. For those in Thyatira who do not follow her doctrine, or 
            have not known the depths of Satan, as they call it, He 
            places on them no other burden

   E. EXHORTATION AND PROMISE (25-29)
      1. Hold fast what they have till He come
      2. To him who overcomes and keeps His works until the end...
         a. He will give power over the nations, just as He received
            from the Father
         b. He will give the morning star
      3. 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 Ephesus (1-7)
   - Letter to the church in Smyrna (8-11)
   - Letter to the church in Pergamos (12-17)
   - Letter to the church in Thyatira (18-29)

2) What pattern is generally followed in these letters to the churches?
   - Self-designation, commendation, condemnation and warning, 
     exhortation and promise

3) What is generally the basis for the Lord's self-designation in these
   letters? (1,8,12,18)
   - The description of the vision of the Son of Man in chapter one

4) For what does the Lord commend the church in Ephesus? (2-3,6)
   - Their works, labor, patience
   - Testing those who claimed to be apostles, but were liars
   - Persevering and laboring for His name's sake, not growing weary
   - Hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans

5) For what does the Lord condemn them? (4)
   - Losing their first love

6) What solution does Jesus give for restoring their first love? (5)
   - Remember from where they have fallen
   - Repent and do the first works

7) What warning does Jesus give the church in Ephesus? (5)
   - Repent or else He will come quickly and remove their lampstand 
     from its place

8) For what does the Lord commend the church in Smyrna? (9)
   - Their works, tribulation, and poverty (but they are rich)

9) Who was guilty of blasphemy in Smyrna? (9)
   - Those who say they are Jews, but are a synagogue of Satan

10) Why were they not to fear what they were about to suffer? (10)
   - Their tribulation will be short (ten days)
   - If they are faithful unto death, Jesus will give them a crown of 
     life

11) For what does the Lord commend the church in Pergamos? (13)
   - Their works, holding fast to His name, not denying His faith even
     when Antipas was killed

12) What is said about where they dwell? (13)
   - Where Satan's throne is, where Satan dwells

13) For what does the Lord condemn them? (14-15)
   - Having those who hold the doctrine of Balaam
   - Having those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans

14) What warning does Jesus give the church in Pergamos? (16)
   - Repent or else He will come quickly and fight against them with
     the sword of His mouth

15) For what does the Lord commend the church in Thyatira? (19)
   - Their works, love, service, faith and patience
   - Their last works being more than the first

16) For what does the Lord condemn them? (20)
   - Allowing Jezebel to teach and beguile His servants to commit 
     sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols

17) What does the Lord say regarding the woman who calls herself a 
    prophetess? (21-23)
   - He gave her time to repent, but she did not
   - He will cast her into a sickbed, and those with her into great
     tribulation unless they repent
   - He will kill her children with death

18) What exhortation does He give the church at Thyatira? (25)
   - Hold fast what they have till He come

19) What exhortation is given at the end of each letter? (7,11,17,29)
   - He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
     churches

20) List the promises given in this chapter to those who overcome (7,
    11,17,26-28)
   - To eat from the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise
     of God
   - Not be hurt by the second death
   - Some of the hidden manna to eat
   - A white stone, on which a new name is written which no one knows
     but him who receives it
   - Power over the nations, as He received from His Father
   - The morning star