BIBLETEXTS.COM - Online Bible Commentary


A Bible Lesson Study Aid

for Sunday, April 29, 2001 (version 1.01)


What is included in this study aid and in the actual Bible lesson?

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This Bible lesson study aid includes a variety of resources: Bible texts from the KJV, NRSV, and TEV; excerpts from the BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary; and links to other resources that can enrich your study of the current Bible lesson.

The Bible lesson itself has three components: (1) the current Christian Science Quarterly magazine, (2) the Bible, and (3) Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (by Mary Baker Eddy). All three can be read or purchased at any Christian Science Reading Room. A worldwide listing of Reading Rooms is available at http://168.203.8.11/Church.qry?function=form.

The Christian Science Quarterly contains three months of weekly Bible Lessons. Each week's Bible lesson begins with a Golden Text and Responsive Reading and then lists six sections of (a) readings from the Bible and (b) correlative readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which help to explain each section's Bible passages.

Some questions regarding this week's Bible Lesson may be found at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bq010415.htm.


"The Bible" and the 3 Bible versions used here

The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in English or in Chinese or in Aramaic, whether produced in 384 A.D. or in 1611 A.D. or in 1996 A.D., are merely translations indirectly derived from those original Hebrew and Greek texts. The BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm provides verse-by-verse textual corrections that are based upon the most current knowledge of those original Hebrew and Greek texts. Most of those corrections are relevant only to the KJV, because most modern versions such as the NRSV and the TEV were translated from Hebrew and Greek texts that are much more consistent with "the original texts" than those Hebrew and Greek texts from which the 1611 KJV was translated. In the KJV most of the substantive errors are due to the faulty Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. (See S&H 139:15.) For more details on these issues, you can browse http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.

Wherever there are substantial differences between the wording of the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the wording of the original texts. Of the three English language Bible versions used below (the KJV, the NRSV, and the TEV), the NRSV gives the best word-for-word representation of the wording of original texts, and the TEV gives the best phrase-by-phrase representation of the originally intended meaning of original texts.

This webpage also includes links to textual commentary and to glossary articles that describe people, places, terms, and books of the Bible. To access those links, just click on "[To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]." To use the "Sunday School preparation aid," browse http://www.bibletexts.com/sundayschool.htm.

KJV = King James Version, NRSV = New Revised Standard Version, TEV = Today's English Version


Bible Lesson Study Aid

<GT> 2 Samuel 7 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 29 …let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it:

NRSV - 29 ...may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you; for you, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever."

TEV - "David's Prayer of Thanksgiving" - 25 "And now, LORD God, fulfill for all time the promise you made about me and my descendants, and do what you said you would. 26 Your fame will be great, and people will forever say, "The LORD Almighty is God over Israel.' And you will preserve my dynasty for all time. 27 LORD Almighty, God of Israel! I have the courage to pray this prayer to you, because you have revealed all this to me, your servant, and have told me that you will make my descendants kings. 28 "And now, Sovereign LORD, you are God; you always keep your promises, and you have made this wonderful promise to me. 29 I ask you to bless my descendants so that they will continue to enjoy your favor. You, Sovereign LORD, have promised this, and your blessing will rest on my descendants forever."


<RR1> Psalm 36 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. 8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. 9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. 10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

NRSV - 7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. 10 O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart!

TEV - "The Goodness of God" - 7 How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of your wings. 8 We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness. 9 You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light. 10 Continue to love those who know you and to do good to those who are righteous. 11 Do not let proud men attack me or wicked men make me run away.


<RR2> Psalm 40 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. 11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified.

NRSV - 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

10 I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. 11 Do not, O LORD, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever.

16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!"

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 6 You do not want sacrifices and offerings; you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar or for sacrifices to take away sins. Instead, you have given me ears to hear you, 7 and so I answered, "Here I am; your instructions for me are in the book of the Law. 8 How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart." 9 In the assembly of all your people, LORD, I told the good news that you save us. You know that I will never stop telling it. 10 I have not kept the news of salvation to myself; I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help. In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent about your loyalty and constant love. 11 LORD, I know you will never stop being merciful to me. Your love and loyalty will always keep me safe.

"A Prayer for Help" - 16 May all who come to you be glad and joyful. May all who are thankful for your salvation always say, "How great is the LORD!" 17 I am weak and poor, O Lord, but you have not forgotten me. You are my savior and my God -- hurry to my aid!


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<B1> 1 Thessalonians 5 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing.

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

NRSV - 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing,

21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good;

TEV - "Final Instructions and Greetings" - 12 We beg you, our brothers, to pay proper respect to those who work among you, who guide and instruct you in the Christian life. 13 Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of the work they do. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 We urge you, our brothers, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people. 16 Be joyful always, 17 pray at all times, 18 be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. 19 Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; 20 do not despise inspired messages. 21 Put all things to the test: keep what is good 22 and avoid every kind of evil. 23 May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being -- spirit, soul, and body -- free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you will do it, because he is faithful. 25 Pray also for us, brothers. 26 Greet all the believers with a brotherly kiss. 27 I urge you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.


<B2> Psalms 34 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

NRSV - 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.

TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 1 I will always thank the LORD; I will never stop praising him. 2 I will praise him for what he has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad! 3 Proclaim with me the LORD's greatness; let us praise his name together! 4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears. 5 The oppressed look to him and are glad; they will never be disappointed. 6 The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles. 7 His angel guards those who honor the LORD and rescues them from danger. 8 Find out for yourself how good the LORD is. Happy are those who find safety with him. 9 Honor the LORD, all his people; those who obey him have all they need. 10 Even lions go hungry for lack of food, but those who obey the LORD lack nothing good.


<B3> Psalms 23 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

NRSV - 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff -- they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.

TEV - "The LORD Our Shepherd" - 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. 3 He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised. 4 Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. 5 You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim. 6 I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in the preceding section.


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<B4> Genesis 1 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

NRSV - 3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

TEV - "The Story of Creation" - 1 In the beginning, when God created the universe, 2 the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the power of God was moving over the water. 3 Then God commanded, "Let there be light" -- and light appeared. 4 God was pleased with what he saw. Then he separated the light from the darkness, 5 and he named the light "Day" and the darkness "Night." Evening passed and morning came -- that was the first day.

27 So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female, 28 blessed them, and said, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals. 29 I have provided all kinds of grain and all kinds of fruit for you to eat; 30 but for all the wild animals and for all the birds I have provided grass and leafy plants for food" -- and it was done. 31 God looked at everything he had made, and he was very pleased. Evening passed and morning came -- that was the sixth day.


<B5> Genesis 2 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

NRSV - 2 And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done.

TEV - "The Story of Creation" - 1 And so the whole universe was completed. 2 By the seventh day God finished what he had been doing and stopped working. 3 He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a special day, because by that day he had completed his creation and stopped working. 4 And that is how the universe was created.


<B6> Psalms 119 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

NRSV - 89 The LORD exists forever; your word is firmly fixed in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 91 By your appointment they stand today, for all things are your servants.

TEV - "Faith in the Law of the LORD" - 89 Your word, O LORD, will last forever; it is eternal in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures through all the ages; you have set the earth in place, and it remains. 91 All things remain to this day because of your command, because they are all your servants. 92 If your law had not been the source of my joy, I would have died from my sufferings. 93 I will never neglect your instructions, because by them you have kept me alive. 94 I am yours -- save me! I have tried to obey your commands. 95 Wicked men are waiting to kill me, but I will meditate on your laws.


<B7> 2 Peter 3 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 8 …beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief [in the night]*;...

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

NRSV - 8 ...do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief,...

13 But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. 14 Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish;

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

TEV - "The Promise of the Lord's Coming" - 8 But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to him the two are the same. 9 The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins. 10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that Day the heavens will disappear with a shrill noise, the heavenly bodies will burn up and be destroyed, and the earth with everything in it will vanish. 11 Since all these things will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you be? Your lives should be holy and dedicated to God, 12 as you wait for the Day of God and do your best to make it come soon -- the Day when the heavens will burn up and be destroyed, and the heavenly bodies will be melted by the heat. 13 But we wait for what God has promised: new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will be at home. 14 And so, my friends, as you wait for that Day, do your best to be pure and faultless in God's sight and to be at peace with him. 15 Look on our Lord's patience as the opportunity he is giving you to be saved, just as our dear brother Paul wrote to you, using the wisdom that God gave him. 16 This is what he says in all his letters when he writes on the subject. There are some difficult things in his letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction. 17 But you, my friends, already know this. Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. 18 But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in the preceding section.


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<B8> Acts 16 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 31 …Believe on the Lord Jesus [Christ]*, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

NRSV - 31 ...Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.

TEV - "In Prison at Philippi" - 31 They answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved -- you and your family." 32 Then they preached the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in the house. 33 At that very hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; and he and all his family were baptized at once. 34 Then he took Paul and Silas up into his house and gave them some food to eat. He and his family were filled with joy, because they now believed in God. 35 The next morning the Roman authorities sent police officers with the order, "Let those men go." 36 So the jailer told Paul, "The officials have sent an order for you and Silas to be released. You may leave, then, and go in peace."


<B9> Mark 9 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19 He answereth [him]*, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst [believe]*, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

NRSV - 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so." 19 He answered them, "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me." 20 And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us." 23 Jesus said to him, "If you are able! -- All things can be done for the one who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!" 26 After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.

TEV - "Jesus Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirit" - 14 When they joined the rest of the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and some teachers of the Law arguing with them. 15 When the people saw Jesus, they were greatly surprised, and ran to him and greeted him. 16 Jesus asked his disciples, "What are you arguing with them about?" 17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, because he has an evil spirit in him and cannot talk. 18 Whenever the spirit attacks him, it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth, grits his teeth, and becomes stiff all over. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not." 19 Jesus said to them, "How unbelieving you people are! How long must I stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy to me!" 20 They brought him to Jesus. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a fit, so that he fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 "How long has he been like this?" Jesus asked the father. "Ever since he was a child," he replied. 22 "Many times the evil spirit has tried to kill him by throwing him in the fire and into water. Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" 23 "Yes," said Jesus, "if you yourself can! Everything is possible for the person who has faith." 24 The father at once cried out, "I do have faith, but not enough. Help me have more!" 25 Jesus noticed that the crowd was closing in on them, so he gave a command to the evil spirit. "Deaf and dumb spirit," he said, "I order you to come out of the boy and never go into him again!" 26 The spirit screamed, threw the boy into a bad fit, and came out. The boy looked like a corpse, and everyone said, "He is dead!" 27 But Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him rise, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive the spirit out?" 29 "Only prayer can drive this kind out," answered Jesus; "nothing else can."


<B10> 2 Timothy - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 14 …continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

NRSV - 14 ...continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

TEV - "Last Instructions" - 14 But as for you, continue in the truths that you were taught and firmly believe. You know who your teachers were, 15 and you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, 17 so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in the preceding section.


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<B11> Job 3 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 2 And Job spake, and said, 3 Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.

5 Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it;…

NRSV - 2 Job said: 3 "Let the day perish in which I was born, and the night that said, "A man-child is conceived.'

5 Let gloom and deep darkness claim it...

TEV - "Job's Complaint to God" - 1 Finally Job broke the silence and cursed the day on which he had been born. Job 2...3 O God, put a curse on the day I was born; put a curse on the night when I was conceived! 4 Turn that day into darkness, God. Never again remember that day; never again let light shine on it. 5 Make it a day of gloom and thick darkness; cover it with clouds, and blot out the sun. 6 Blot that night out of the year, and never let it be counted again; 7 make it a barren, joyless night.


<B12> Job 10 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 My soul is weary of my life;…

NRSV - 1 "I loathe my life;...

TEV - "The First Dialogue" - 1 I am tired of living. Listen to my bitter complaint. 2 Don't condemn me, God. Tell me! What is the charge against me? 3 Is it right for you to be so cruel? To despise what you yourself have made? And then to smile on the schemes of wicked men? 4 Do you see things as we do? 5 Is your life as short as ours? 6 Then why do you track down all my sins and hunt down every fault I have? 7 You know that I am not guilty, that no one can save me from you.


<B13> Psalms 71 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

NRSV - 1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.

3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

TEV - "An Old Man's Prayer" - 1 LORD, I have come to you for protection; never let me be defeated! 2 Because you are righteous, help me and rescue me. Listen to me and save me! 3 Be my secure shelter and a strong fortress to protect me; you are my refuge and defense.


<B14> Psalms 119 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

NRSV - 116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope.

TEV - "Safety in the Law of the LORD" - 113 I hate those who are not completely loyal to you, but I love your law. 114 You are my defender and protector; I put my hope in your promise. 115 Go away from me, you sinful people. I will obey the commands of my God. 116 Give me strength, as you promised, and I shall live; don't let me be disappointed in my hope! 117 Hold me, and I will be safe, and I will always pay attention to your commands. 118 You reject everyone who disobeys your laws; their deceitful schemes are useless. 119 You treat all the wicked like rubbish, and so I love your instructions.


<B15> Psalms 73 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

NRSV - 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

TEV - "The Justice of God" - 21 When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, 22 I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you. 23 Yet I always stay close to you, and you hold me by the hand. 24 You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor. 25 What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? 26 My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in the preceding section.


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<B16> Proverbs 10 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life:…

NRSV - 16 The wage of the righteous leads to life,...

TEV - "Solomon's Proverbs" - 13 Intelligent people talk sense, but stupid people need to be punished. 14 The wise get all the knowledge they can, but when fools speak, trouble is not far off. 15 Wealth protects the rich; poverty destroys the poor. 16 The reward for doing good is life, but sin leads only to more sin. 17 People who listen when they are corrected will live, but those who will not admit that they are wrong are in danger. 18 A man who hides his hatred is a liar. Anyone who spreads gossip is a fool. 19 The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.


<B17> Psalms 37 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

NRSV - 29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever.

31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their steps do not slip.

37 Mark the blameless, and behold the upright, for there is posterity for the peaceable.

TEV - "The Destiny of the Wicked and of the Good" - 27 Turn away from evil and do good, and your descendants will always live in the land; 28 for the LORD loves what is right and does not abandon his faithful people. He protects them forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be driven out. 29 The righteous will possess the land and live in it forever. 30 A good man's words are wise, and he is always fair. 31 He keeps the law of his God in his heart and never departs from it.

35 I once knew a wicked man who was a tyrant; he towered over everyone like a cedar of Lebanon; 36 but later I passed by, and he wasn't there; I looked for him, but couldn't find him. 37 Notice the good man, observe the righteous man; a peaceful man has descendants, 38 but sinners are completely destroyed, and their descendants are wiped out.


<B18> Revelation 14 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

NRSV - 12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them."

TEV - "The Three Angels" - 9 A third angel followed the first two, saying in a loud voice, "Whoever worships the beast and its image and receives the mark on his forehead or on his hand 10 will himself drink God's wine, the wine of his fury, which he has poured at full strength into the cup of his anger! All who do this will be tormented in fire and sulfur before the holy angels and the Lamb. 11 The smoke of the fire that torments them goes up forever and ever. There is no relief day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, for anyone who has the mark of its name." 12 This calls for endurance on the part of God's people, those who obey God's commandments and are faithful to Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord!" "Yes indeed!" answers the Spirit. "They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them."


<B19> Revelation 2 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

NRSV - 11 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death.

TEV - "The Message to Smyrna" - 8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: "This is the message from the one who is the first and the last, who died and lived again. 9 I know your troubles; I know that you are poor -- but really you are rich! I know the evil things said against you by those who claim to be Jews but are not; they are a group that belongs to Satan! 10 Don't be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory. 11 "If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches! "Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.


<B20> 1 Corinthians 15 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 57 …thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

NRSV - 57 ...thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

TEV - "The Resurrection Body" - 55 "Where, Death, is your victory? Where, Death, is your power to hurt?" 56 Death gets its power to hurt from sin, and sin gets its power from the Law. 57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 So then, my dear brothers, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in the preceding section.


[********** 6 **********]

<B21> John 14 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?…

10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

NRSV - 8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?

10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.

29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.

TEV - "Jesus the Way to the Father" - 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; so how can we know the way to get there?" 6 Jesus answered him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me. 7 Now that you have known me," he said to them, "you will know my Father also, and from now on you do know him and you have seen him." 8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father; that is all we need." 9 Jesus answered, "For a long time I have been with you all; yet you do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. Why, then, do you say, "Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe, Philip, that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I have spoken to you," Jesus said to his disciples, "do not come from me. The Father, who remains in me, does his own work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. If not, believe because of the things I do. 12 I am telling you the truth: whoever believes in me will do what I do -- yes, he will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father.

"The Promise of the Holy Spirit" - 15 "If you love me, you will obey my commandments. 16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you. 18 "When I go, you will not be left all alone; I will come back to you. 19 In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will see me; and because I live, you also will live. 20 When that day comes, you will know that I am in my Father and that you are in me, just as I am in you.

27 "Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, "I am leaving, but I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father; for he is greater than I. 29 I have told you this now before it all happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. 30 I cannot talk with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, 31 but the world must know that I love the Father; that is why I do everything as he commands me. "Come, let us go from this place.


<B22> John 15 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

NRSV - 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.

7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.

TEV - "Jesus the Real Vine" - 1 "I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. 3 You have been made clean already by the teaching I have given you. 4 Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. 6 Whoever does not remain in me is thrown out like a branch and dries up; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, where they are burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. 8 My Father's glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples. 9 I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.


<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in the preceding section.

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