Showing posts with label The Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Bible. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

The Bible - Resources

The Bible – Resources


“What is the Bible?”
GotQuestions?org.

“Questions About the Bible.”
GotQuestions?org
Contains list of topics under this general heading, with links to articles.

Gideon Bible introduction
In many Bibles printed by the Gideons (http://www.gideons.org), the following statement about the Bible can be found. I also found this text at the following links.
The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s charter. Here too, Heaven is opened and the gates of Hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.


“Survey Course of the Bible: 1. Introduction to the Bible”
This is a simple presentation providing a basic introduction to the Bible.

“Word of God in the Bible.” Nave's Topical Bible Concordance Online.




VERSES

Deuteronomy 11:18-23 [18] Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. [19] You shall teach them your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. [20] You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates; [21] that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth. [22] For if you shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cling to him; [23] then will Yahweh drive out all these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 [18] It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites. [19] It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; [20] that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

1 Samuel 15:22-26 [22] Samuel said, “Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. [23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected Yahweh’s word, he has also rejected you from being king.” [24] Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. [25] Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Yahweh.” [26] Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you; for you have rejected Yahweh’s word, and Yahweh has rejected you from being king over Israel.”

Psalm 1:1-3 [1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night. [3] He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 19:7-11 [7] Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh’s testimony is sure, making wise the simple. [8] Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. [11] Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:97-104 [97] How I love your law! It is my meditation all day. [98] Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. [100] I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts. [101] I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word. [102] I have not turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me. [103] How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth! [104] Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

Proverbs 30:5-6 [5] “Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. [6] Don’t you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.

Isaiah 5:24 Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Yahweh of Armies, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 55:10-11 [10] For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth, and makes it grow and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater; [11] so shall my word be that goes out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do.

Jeremiah 6:19-20 [19] Hear, earth! Behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. [20] To what purpose comes there to me frankincense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.”

Jeremiah 8:4-10 [4] “Moreover you shall tell them, ‘Thus says Yahweh: “‘Shall men fall, and not rise up again? Shall one turn away, and not return? [5] Why then have the people of Jerusalem fallen back by a perpetual backsliding? They cling to deceit, they refuse to return. [6] I listened and heard, but they didn’t say what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, saying, “What have I done?” Everyone turns to his course, as a horse that rushes headlong in the battle. [7] Yes, the stork in the sky knows her appointed times; and the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people don’t know Yahweh’s law. [8] How do you say, “We are wise, and Yahweh’s law is with us?” But, behold, the false pen of the scribes has worked falsely. [9] The wise men are disappointed. They are dismayed and trapped. Behold, they have rejected Yahweh’s word. What kind of wisdom is in them? [10] Therefore will I give their wives to others, and their fields to those who shall possess them: for everyone from the least even to the greatest is given to covetousness; from the prophet even to the priest every one deals falsely.

Amos 8:11-12 [11] Behold, the days come,” says the Lord Yahweh, “that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing Yahweh’s words. [12] They will wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; they will run back and forth to seek Yahweh’s word, and will not find it.

Matthew 4:1-4 [1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. [3] The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 7:24-27 [24] “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. [25] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. [26] Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. [27] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

Luke 6:46-49 [46] “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say? [47] Everyone who comes to me, and hears my words, and does them, I will show you who he is like. [48] He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock. [49] But he who hears, and doesn’t do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Luke 11:27-28 [27] It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!” [28] But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”

John 5:37-40 [37] The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. [38] You don’t have his word living in you; because you don’t believe him whom he sent. [39] “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. [40] Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.

John 8:31-32 [31] Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. [32] You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

John 12:47-50 [47] If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day. [49] For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. [50] I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”

John 17:17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.

John 20:30-31 [30] Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Romans 2:13 For it isn’t the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:1-12 [1] Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; [2] and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; [3] and all ate the same spiritual food; [4] and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. [5] However with most of them, God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. [6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. [7] Neither be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” [8] Neither let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell. [9] Neither let us test the Lord, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents. [10] Neither grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer. [11] Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. [12] Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

2 Timothy 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.
2 Timothy 2:15 [KJV] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12-13 [12] For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [13] There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

James 1:22-25 [21] Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; [24] for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. [25] But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.

1 Peter 1:10-12 [10] Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, [11] searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. [12] To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow,

2 Peter 1:16-21 [16] For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [18] We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. [19] We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: [20] knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. [21] For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 3:1-2 [1] This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you; [2] that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior:

2 Peter 3:15-18 [15] Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you; [16] as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. [17] You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.



STORIES

Exodus 4:10-16 [10] Moses said to Yahweh, “O Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before now, nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” [11] Yahweh said to him, “Who made man’s mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn’t it I, Yahweh? [12] Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.” [13] He said, “Oh, Lord, please send someone else.” [14] Yahweh’s anger was kindled against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he comes out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. [15] You shall speak to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with your mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. [16] He will be your spokesman to the people; and it will happen, that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God.

2 Kings 22
Josiah finds book of law in temple

Jeremiah 1:4-10 [4] Now Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, [5] “Before I formed you in the belly, I knew you. Before you came out of the womb, I sanctified you. I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” [6] Then I said, “Ah, Lord Yahweh! Behold, I don’t know how to speak; for I am a child.” [7] But Yahweh said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for to whoever I shall send you, you shall go, and whatever I shall command you, you shall speak. [8] Don’t be afraid because of them; for I am with you to deliver you,” says Yahweh. [9] Then Yahweh stretched out his hand, and touched my mouth; and Yahweh said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. [10] Behold, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Jeremiah 36:1-32
King cuts up scroll, Jeremiah writes it again

Ezekiel 2:8-10 [8] But you, son of man, hear what I tell you; don’t be rebellious like that rebellious house: open your mouth, and eat that which I give you. [9] When I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me; and, behold, a scroll of a book was therein; [10] He spread it before me: and it was written within and without; and there were written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.
Ezekiel 3:1-4 [1] He said to me, Son of man, eat that which you find. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel. [2] So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat the scroll. [3] He said to me, Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your bowels with this scroll that I give you. Then I ate it; and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. [4] He said to me, Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them.

Matthew 4:1-11 [1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. [3] The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” [5] Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you.’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’” [7] Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’” [8] Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. [9] He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.” [10] Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’” [11] Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.

Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:14-20; Luke 8:11-15
The sower sows the word

Acts 8:26-40 [26] But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert.” [27] He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. [28] He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. [29] The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.” [30] Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” [31] He said, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” He begged Philip to come up and sit with him. [32] Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth. [33] In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away. Who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth.” [34] The eunuch answered Philip, “Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?” [35] Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him Jesus. [36] As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?” [37] [] [38] He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. [39] When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing. [40] But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.

Acts 17:10-12 [10] The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue. [11] Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. [12] Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men.


Thursday, May 14, 2015

The Bible - Lesson 4: How to use the Bible

The Bible
Lesson 4: How to use God's word, the Bible


Deuteronomy 17:18-20 [18] It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites. [19] It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; [20] that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Psalm 1:1-3 [1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night. [3] He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.


MEDITATE
1. To dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind; appropriately but not exclusively used of pious contemplation, or a consideration of the great truths of religion.
His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Ps.1.

"meditate." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/meditate (14 May 2015).


The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is to provide some basic instructions and principles regarding the Bible, so that the scriptures may be found to be that which makes wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and not that which will judge in the last day (John 12:48).

In the previous lessons, we learned that the Bible is God's word. He gave it to us to hear and do. We should tremble at his word. God's word is important to us because it shows us the path to God, to eternal life.

With that in mind, what should we do with the Bible, with God's word? How should we use it that it may be to us the blessing God intended? In his word, God gives instructions regarding his word, some clear and explicit, and some implied.

READ. Included in “reading” is listening, giving ear, hearing, etc. While this may seem obvious (for isn't a book printed for the purpose of being read?), it needs to be stated. We must read the word of God. Further, we should read it regularly. God commanded the kings of Israel to read from his word all the days of their life. This was a wise command for them, and should be followed by God's people today as well.

MEMORIZE. The Psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). An important part of hiding God's word in our heart is memorization. Parents should help their children memorize scripture. We help them memorize the multiplication table. Of how much greater value, both for this life and for the next, is the word of God stored up in the heart and mind of a child.

MEDITATE. The blessed of God are those who meditate on God's word. We should spend time thinking about the things God has said, done and commanded. We are charged to set our mind on things above. Spending time to meditate on God's word is one way to do this. Meditating on the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2) is a way to love the Lord with all our mind.

STUDY. We should study God's word, seeking to understand what God means. We study alone with God in prayer; We study God's word with others; We listen to others who have studied and lived according to God's word. Studying God's word is, in a sense, part of the larger definition of meditating of the word of God.

DELIGHT IN / TREASURE. We should delight in God's word, and treasure it. We may begin to do this by choosing to spend time with God's word instead of other things. As we spend time reading, memorizing and meditating on God's word, obeying all that we understand, we will find that the delight of the will (the purposeful and disciplined choosing) begins to include a delight, a joy in God and his word, the God who gives us life indeed.

PRAY. Prayer should accompany our reading of the Bible. We should ask God for wisdom and understanding as we read. We should pray for grace and mercy to walk according to the commands of God we read in his word. While prayer should accompany the reading of the Bible, we should also pray the Bible. The Bible records the prayers of many of God's people. Many Psalms are prayers to God. We should become familiar with and make use of these prayers, both as words and principles in praying.

SPEAK. The word of God should be ready on our lips. When spoken in love and wisdom, it is surely a wholesome word that is good for edification. When we speak (or read aloud) the word of God, we can more easily remember it. We should sing God's word. Many portions of scripture have been put to music. Many (if not all) of the Psalms were to be sung. Sing them.

Above are several things we should do with God's word. Yet, these are not ends in themselves. (See Deuteronomy 17:18-20.) We should do these things with the goal of learning (at least) two things. As we use the Bible, we should aim to learn to fear the Lord; and to learn to keep, to do, his word, to walk according to his commands. The purpose of learning these things is that we may have a humble heart towards God and men, and that we may faithfully follow God and his command. The result of gaining this purpose is a long life (eternal life) with God in his kingdom for yourself and for your children.


Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we are continuing a few lessons on the Bible. In this lesson, we will talk about how to use the Bible, God's word.

Do a quick overview of the previous lessons with the children by asking them questions. Where does the Bible come from? (From God, through apostles and prophets, and Jesus. Hence we call it the word of God.) We should hear it and...? (Obey it, or do it.) What should be our attitude towards God's word? (We should tremble at God's word.) Why? (Because God means what he says.) Why it God's word important to us? (It shows us how to see God, or how to get to God.)

This lesson does not have a specific story.

How should we use God's word, the Bible? What should we do with it? (You should read it.) You can read it alone and with others. Can you listen to it? (Yes.)

We should memorize it. Do any of you have a verse memorized that you can recite? (Let them recite a verse they know.)

We should meditate on it. Explain that meditate means to spend time thinking about something. Do any of you know a good story from the Bible? What is your favorite story? You could spend time thinking about that story. If you can't fall asleep, think about a story from the Bible. If you have to sit for a while with nothing to do, try meditating on a story from the Bible that you remember.

We should study it. Do any of you study the Bible? Do you ever ask someone to explain what something from the Bible means? That is the beginning of studying it.

We should delight in it. Do you choose to read the Bible? If it is important, and if it can be such a help to us both for this life and for the next, shouldn't we like the Bible, and like to read it?

We should pray it. Can you think of any part of the Bible that we could pray? (The Lord's Prayer.)

We should speak it. Why should we speak the word of God? (So others can hear it. So I can learn it better.) Do any of you sing the Bible? Do you know songs from the Bible? You can sing one or two Bible songs with them.

Finally, you can ask the children: Why should we do all these things? (So that we can know God and obey him.)

To close the lesson, pray with the children and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.


Stories:


More Stories and Examples:


Other Verses:

READ

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 [18] It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites. [19] It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; [20] that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.
God commanded through Moses that the future kings of Israel should write for themselves a copy of God's word and then read from it every day. He was to read from it for specific reasons. He should read it seeking to learn to fear the Lord. He should read it to learn to keep, to do, God's commands. He should read it seeking to learn humility before God and men. He should read it desiring to learn to be faithful to God and his commands. If the king daily reads God's word for these goals, as he learns and lives out these things, the result will be a long life in the kingdom, both for himself and his children, in the midst of God's people. This counsel was good for the kings of Israel. It is also good for us today. We should daily read God's word. Yet, we should not read it just for the sake of reading it. Rather, we should read it with these specific goals in mind. Such a use of God's word must lead to eternal life in God's eternal kingdom.


MEMORIZE

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

2 Peter 3:1-2 [1] This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you; [2] that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior:
The apostle Peter wrote his second epistle so that God's people would remember the word of God spoken through the prophets and apostles. Taking time to memorize God's word is one way we can help ourselves to remember what the apostle Peter thought so important to keep in our thoughts.


MEDITATE

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

Psalm 1:1-3 [1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night. [3] He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 119:97-99 [97] How I love your law! It is my meditation all day. [98] Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

Proverbs 22:17-21 [17] Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching. [18] For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. [19] That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you. [20] Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge, [21] To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.


STUDY

2 Timothy 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.
2 Timothy 2:15 [KJV] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


SPEAK

Proverbs 22:17-21 [17] Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching. [18] For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. [19] That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you. [20] Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge, [21] To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.


PRAY


DELIGHT IN / TREASURE

Psalm 1:1-2 [1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night.

Proverbs 7:1-2 [1] My son, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you. [2] Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow,



Saturday, May 9, 2015

The Bible - Lesson 3: Why is God's word important to us?

The Bible
Lesson 3: Why is God's word important to us?


2 Timothy 3:14-17 [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.


The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is to provide some basic instructions and principles regarding the Bible, so that the scriptures may be found to be that which makes wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and not that which will judge in the last day (John 12:48).

God's word is important. When God spoke through his son, and through the apostles and prophets, it was important. Today, that word has been written down for us to read as the Bible. It is still just as important for us today.

Why is God's word important to us? In his word, in the Bible, God shows us the path that leads to eternal life with him. Jesus said, the pure in heart will see God. If we want to see God, we must be pure in heart. Then, how can we be pure in heart? The Psalmist tells that a young man can keep his way pure by living according to God's word. Do you want to be found pleasing to God on the judgment day? How should you live today? Where can you find out what God requires of us? The prophet Micah said, He has shown you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

God, in his word, provides us with strong encouragement regarding the importance of his word.

God's word is the wisest choice. That is, hearing and obeying God's word is the wisest choice you can make, both for this life and for the next. Do you want to do what is best for yourself? Then hear and obey God's word. Such people will have a firm foundation in this life and the next.

God's word is many things for and accomplishes many things in those who hear and obey it. It is a lamp to our feet and light to our path. It warns us, enlightens us, and keeps our way pure. It is profitable for those pursuing righteousness, to help make the man of God complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. God's word can makes us wise for salvation, and is able to save our soul.

Jesus said that he is the only way to the Father. Where can we learn of Jesus that we may follow him, and so get to the Father? In the volume of the book it is written of him (Hebrews 10:7), that is, God tells us in his word of Jesus, who is himself the path of life.

One word of caution: The Bible is not a magic wand. We should read the Bible, but reading alone, without humble obedience, may serve only to bring upon us greater condemnation at the judgment day. We must remember that the difference between the wise man and the foolish man is that while both heard the word, only the wise man did it. Great was the fall of the foolish man, the man who heard the word and did not do it.


Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we will have a few lessons on the Bible. In this lesson, we will talk about why God's word is important to us.

Begin by asking the children why they think God's word is important. Write down some good ideas they may have.

Read Matthew 5:8. How can you see God? [by being pure in heart] How can you have a pure heart? How do you know what a pure heart is?

Read Psalm 119:9. Explain that God's word shows us how to keep our way pure. So, if you don't want to see God, is God's word very important to you? No. If you do want to see God, is God's word important to you? Yes.

Tell the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. Was God's word important? Did they listen to it? [yes] Did they obey it? [no] What were the consequences of not keeping God's word?

As you tell these stories and ask them questions, be sure to connect God's word that he spoke to God's word written down in the Bible.

You can play a game by reading verses below and asking them to tell you what each verse says about the importance of God's word.

To close the lesson, pray with the children and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.


Stories:

Genesis 2:8-10,15-16 [8] Yahweh God planted a garden eastward, in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed. [9] Out of the ground Yahweh God made every tree to grow that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. [15] Yahweh God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it. [16] Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;
Genesis 3:1-24
God spoke to Adam and Eve. He gave them his word. They could choose to hear and do his word, or hear and not do his word. When they chose to disobey God's word, they found death.

2 Kings 22:1-20
During the reign of Josiah, the book of the law was found in the house of the Lord. When Josiah heard it, he chose to obey what God said by humbling himself and praying, seeking for mercy for the sins of his people. Walking in the path of God's word, Josiah found grace from God and life.


More Stories and Examples:

Here is a short list compiled from scripture of the things God's word does for God's people:

Restores the soul
  Rejoices the heart
Makes us wise
  Enlightens the eyes
  Gives me understanding
Warns us
  helps me to not sin against God
  Written for our admonition
Great reward in keeping God's word
  Keeps our way pure when we live according to it
  We have a house built on rock when we hear and do God's word
  Makes us truly his disciples and sets us free (when we abide in it)
A lamp to our feet
  A light to our path
Live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God
  His commandment is eternal life (implied: when we hear and do)
Testify about Jesus who gives us life
  Helps us to believe in Jesus, and so have life in his name
Is part of sanctifying us
Written for our learning, helps us to find and have hope
Is the sword of the Spirit for us
Makes us wise for salvation (through faith)
Profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness
Helps us to be complete
Equips us for every good work
Divides/discerns soul and spirit and thoughts and intentions
Implanted word is able to save our souls
We can grow by it


Other Verses:

GOD'S WORD IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS THE WISE CHOICE

Proverbs 3:1-4 [1] My son, don’t forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments: [2] for length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add to you. [3] Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man.


THE BENEFITS / VALUES OF GOD'S WORD

Psalm 19:7-11 [7] Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh’s testimony is sure, making wise the simple. [8] Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. [11] Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:97-104 [97] How I love your law! It is my meditation all day. [98] Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. [100] I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts. [101] I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word. [102] I have not turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me. [103] How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth! [104] Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

Matthew 4:1-4 [1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. [3] The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 7:24-27 [24] “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. [25] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. [26] Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. [27] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

John 5:37-40 [37] The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. [38] You don’t have his word living in you; because you don’t believe him whom he sent. [39] “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. [40] Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.

John 8:31-32 [31] Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. [32] You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

John 12:47-50 [47] If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day. [49] For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. [50] I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”

John 17:17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.

John 20:30-31 [30] Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:1-12 [1] Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; [2] and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; [3] and all ate the same spiritual food; [4] and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. [5] However with most of them, God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. [6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. [7] Neither be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” [8] Neither let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell. [9] Neither let us test the Lord, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents. [10] Neither grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer. [11] Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. [12] Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

2 Timothy 3:14-17 [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12-13 [12] For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [13] There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

James 1:22-25 [21] Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; [24] for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. [25] But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow,



Friday, April 24, 2015

The Bible - Lesson 2: Trembling at God's Word

The Bible
Lesson 2: Trembling at God's Word


Isaiah 66:2 For all these things has my hand made, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but to this man will I look, even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.


The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is to provide some basic instructions and principles regarding the Bible, so that the scriptures may be found to be that which makes wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and not that which will judge in the last day (John 12:48).

God the Father, the Almighy, the maker of heaven and earth, is the great and mighty king of kings. He is the one in authority over all, he has power over all, and he is also the great and final judge who judges all men without partiality. The prophets of old called men to fear the Lord. The apostle Peter calls all those who call upon this God as Father to daily walk in the fear of the Lord (1 Peter 1:17).

When this God speaks, we should be quick to hear and slow to speak. We should be silent, listen, and respond appropriately. We should tremble at his word, because he, the great and mighty king and judge, has spoken it. That means that we should show deep respect for God's word that has been written down, both because this written word is what God has spoken in the past, and because he still speaks to men through this same written word today. When God speaks, he means what he says, and he will follow through. He meant it when he first said it, and he means it still today.

If we tremble at God's word, listening, humbling ourselves and obeying, then God will show mercy and grace (Isaiah 66:2). Trembling at his word is something we do at a moment in time. For example, Ahab trembled at God's word that was spoken through Elijah. When Ahab heard God's word, he humbled himself. Much more than that, trembling at God's word should be our daily and lifelong attitude.

Not trembling at God's word. If we choose to ignore God's word, as something of no concern to us; if we in reading and hearing God's word treat it lightly, as though God did nor really mean what he said; if we do not tremble at his word now, then we will tremble later at God's wrath.


Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we will have a few lessons on the Bible. In this lesson, we will talk about trembling at God's word.

Read Isaiah 66:2. Ask the children what they think “trembling at my word” means. What kind of attitude do they think it is?

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10 about God calling Samuel. Emphasize how Samuel was quick to hear and respond to Eli each time, and then to God once Eli told him who was calling. Ask the children how Samuel honored Eli and also honored God when God spoke.

Use the stories below about the Egyptians (Exodus 9:13-33), David (2 Samuel 12:1-13), Ahab (1 Kings 21:17-29), Asa (2 Chronicles 16:7-12), Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-23), and possibly the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:23-34). Summarize the stories for the children. As you tell them the stories, ask them to decide who trembled at God's word and who did not. Why do they think so? How do you know this one trembled at God's word and that on did not? What happened to those who trembled at God's word? What happened to those who didn't?


As you tell these stories and ask them questions, be sure to connect God's word that he spoke to God's word written down in the Bible.

To close the lesson, pray with the children and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.


Stories:

1 Samuel 3:1-10 [1] The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. Yahweh’s word was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision. [2] At that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see), [3] and the lamp of God hadn’t yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in Yahweh’s temple, where the ark of God was; [4] Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” [5] He ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call; lie down again.” He went and lay down. [6] Yahweh called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son; lie down again.” [7] Now Samuel didn’t yet know Yahweh, neither was Yahweh’s word yet revealed to him. [8] Yahweh called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” Eli perceived that Yahweh had called the child. [9] Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [10] Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.”
As Eli taught Samuel, so we should teach our children to be quick to listen to the Lord when the Lord speaks. One thing that means is that we should teach our children to fear God and reverence God's word (the Bible), to be quick to listen when it is read and discussed, and when they read it themselves. As Samuel was ready to listen to God's word, so children should follow his example today, to be quick to listen to God's word (the Bible).


More Stories and Examples:

HERE I AM

Genesis 22:1 After these things, God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.”

Exodus 3:4 When Yahweh saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush, and said, “Moses! Moses!” He said, “Here I am.”


THEY TREMBLED AT GOD'S WORD

Exodus 9:13-33 [13] Yahweh said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, that they may serve me. [18] Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since the day it was founded even until now. [19] Now therefore command that all of your livestock and all that you have in the field be brought into shelter. Every man and animal that is found in the field, and isn’t brought home, the hail shall come down on them, and they shall die.”’” [20] Those who feared Yahweh’s word among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their livestock flee into the houses. [21] Whoever didn’t respect Yahweh’s word left his servants and his livestock in the field. [22] Yahweh said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man, and on animal, and on every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.” [25] The hail struck throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and animal; and the hail struck every herb of the field, and broke every tree of the field. [26] Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail.
When God spoke to Pharaoh about the coming plague of hail, some Egyptians trembled at God's word and brought their servants and livestock under cover. Some Egyptians did not tremble at God's word, and so left their servants and cattle out in the fields. God means what he says. Those who did not respect God's word, who did not tremble at God's word, did tremble at his wrath.


2 Samuel 12:1-13 [13] David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against Yahweh.” Nathan said to David, “Yahweh also has put away your sin. You will not die.
David committed great sin when he committed adultery with the wife of Uriah and then had Uriah killed. God spoke to David through the prophet Nathan. David was rebuked for his sin, and told of coming judgment. David trembled at God's word. He humbled himself and confessed his sin, and so found mercy with God.

1 Kings 21:17-29 [17] Yahweh’s word came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, [18] “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who dwells in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone down to take possession of it. [19] You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs will lick your blood, even yours.”’” [20] Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh. [21] Behold, I will bring evil on you, and will utterly sweep you away and will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, and him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel. [22] I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah for the provocation with which you have provoked me to anger, and have made Israel to sin.” [23] Yahweh also spoke of Jezebel, saying, “The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel. [24] The dogs will eat he who dies of Ahab in the city; and the birds of the sky will eat he who dies in the field.” [25] But there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. [26] He did very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites did, whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel. [27] When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. [28] Yahweh’s word came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, [29] “See how Ahab humbles himself before me? Because he humbles himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but in his son’s days will I bring the evil on his house.”
King Ahab was a wicked king of Israel. Naboth was killed so that Ahab could take his vineyard. God sent a message of doom to Ahab through Elijah the prophet. Ahab not only heard with his ears, but trembled at God's word and humbled himself. Because he trembled at God's word, because he humbled himself when God spoke, even this most wicked king was shown some measure of mercy.

Acts 16:23-34 [29] He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas,
The Philippian jailer fell down trembling. He had not been reading the Bible. Yet God has spoken clearly to the jailer through the prayer and singing of Paul and Silas, through the earthquake, through the chains falling off, and even through no one escaping. The jailer understood through this “word” of God that he was very near the judgment seat of almighty God, and that his judgment would not go well. Therefore, he fell down trembling, asking, what must I do to be saved. He found mercy. Truly God does look upon the one who is poor and contrite of spirit and who trembles at his word.


THEY DID NOT TREMBLE AT GOD'S WORD

2 Chronicles 16:7-12 [7] At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on Yahweh your God, therefore is the army of the king of Syria escaped out of your hand. [8] Weren’t the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge army, with chariots and horsemen exceeding many? Yet, because you relied on Yahweh, he delivered them into your hand. [9] For the eyes of Yahweh run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein you have done foolishly; for from henceforth you shall have wars.” [10] Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in the prison; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time. [11] Behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. [12] In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet; his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he didn’t seek Yahweh, but to the physicians.
King Asa was known as a good king on Judah. He had trusted in God in the past. Later in his life, when faced with another enemy army, he chose to trust in man rather than God. Hanani the seer brought to Asa a rebuke from the Lord. Though Asa heard with his ears, he did not tremble at God's word. He did not humble himself by repenting and seeking forgiveness for his sin. Instead, he removed the seer who brought to him God's word.

God's word is many things. While at times it is pleasant and comforting, at other times it is convicting and a rebuke. Will we tremble at God's word, humbling ourselves before the God who spoke and still speaks through what was written so long ago? Will we plug the ears of our hearts and put away God's word (and so put away the God who spoke it), no being willing to humble ourselves in repentance and simple obedience? May God grant us hearts that tremble at his word.

2 Chronicles 26:16-23 [16] But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, so that he did corruptly, and he trespassed against Yahweh his God; for he went into Yahweh’s temple to burn incense on the altar of incense. [17] Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him eighty priests of Yahweh, who were valiant men: [18] and they resisted Uzziah the king, and said to him, “It isn’t for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to Yahweh, but for the priests the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary; for you have trespassed; neither shall it be for your honor from Yahweh God.” [19] Then Uzziah was angry; and he had a censer in his hand to burn incense; and while he was angry with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in Yahweh’s house, beside the altar of incense. [20] Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked on him, and behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out quickly from there; yes, himself hurried also to go out, because Yahweh had struck him. [21] Uzziah the king was a leper to the day of his death, and lived in a separate house, being a leper; for he was cut off from Yahweh’s house: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land. [22] Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, wrote. [23] So Uzziah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the field of burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, “He is a leper.” Jotham his son reigned in his place.
King Uzziah (Azariah) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (2 Kings 15:3). However, when he grew strong, he became proud. In his pride he decided to do what God said only the priests should do. He was rebuked by the priests, who reminded him of God's word about this matter. If Uzziah had trembled, if he had humbled himself, perhaps his life would have ended differently. Instead, he became angry. He did not listen and obey. He did not humble himself. God then struck him leprosy. Then Uzziah trembled (2 Chronicles 26:20). Then he feared, but it was too late. He was a leper to the day of his death.


Other Verses:

GOD IS A GREAT GOD AND KING

God is a great king. He is a great king over all the earth. He is a great king over all gods. He is the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity. At his wrath the earth trembles. We are called to walk in the fear of the Lord, in the fear of this God.

Malachi 1:14 “But the deceiver is cursed, who has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices to the Lord a defective thing; for I am a great King,” says Yahweh of Armies, “and my name is awesome among the nations.”

Psalm 47:2 For Yahweh Most High is awesome. He is a great King over all the earth.

Psalm 95:3 For Yahweh is a great God, a great King above all gods.

Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Jeremiah 10:10 But Yahweh is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting King: at his wrath the earth trembles, and the nations are not able to withstand his indignation.

1 Peter 1:17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear:


GODS' WORD IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS GOD'S WORD

Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4 [1] God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. [3] His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; [4] having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have. [2:1] Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away. [2] For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense; [3] how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard; [4] God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?


TREMBLE AT GOD'S WORD

Ezra 9:1-4 [1] Now when these things were done, the princes drew near to me, saying, “The people of Israel, and the priests and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, following their abominations, even those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. [2] For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy seed have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands. Yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.” [3] When I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down confounded. [4] Then were assembled to me everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of their trespass of the captivity; and I sat confounded until the evening offering.

Ezra 10:1-4 [1] Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before God’s house, there was gathered together to him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very bitterly. [2] Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered Ezra, “We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign women of the peoples of the land. Yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing. [3] Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God. Let it be done according to the law. [4] Arise; for the matter belongs to you, and we are with you. Be courageous, and do it.”

Psalm 119:161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.

Proverbs 1:7-9 [7] The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. [8] My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching: [9] for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.
The fear of the Lord and receiving his wisdom and instruction, his word, to obey, are tied together.

Proverbs 13:13 [ASV] Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself; But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.


Isaiah 66:1-5 [1] Thus says Yahweh, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what kind of house will you build to me? and what place shall be my rest? [2] For all these things has my hand made, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but to this man will I look, even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word. [3] He who kills an ox is as he who kills a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as he who breaks a dog’s neck; he who offers an offering, as he who offers pig’s blood; he who burns frankincense, as he who blesses an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations: [4] I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears on them; because when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they didn’t listen; but they did that which was evil in my eyes, and chose that in which I didn’t delight.” [5] Hear Yahweh’s word, you who tremble at his word: “Your brothers who hate you, who cast you out for my name’s sake, have said, ‘Let Yahweh be glorified, that we may see your joy;’ but it is those who shall be disappointed.

Jeremiah 36:15-16 [15] They said to him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears. [16] Now when they had heard all the words, they turned in fear one toward another, and said to Baruch, “We will surely tell the king of all these words.”