This website is entirely the work of one individual and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any church or other organization.

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/bq010527.htm.

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

KJV - 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

NRSV - 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.

TEV - "Introduction" - 1 From the Elder -- To my dear Gaius, whom I truly love. 2 My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health -- as I know you are well in spirit. 3 I was so happy when some Christian brothers arrived and told me how faithful you are to the truth -- just as you always live in the truth. 4 Nothing makes me happier than to hear that my children live in the truth.

KJV - 1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. 4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

NRSV - 1 O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. 5 My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips 6 when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

TEV - "Longing for God" - 1 O God, you are my God, and I long for you. My whole being desires you; like a dry, worn-out, and waterless land, my soul is thirsty for you. 2 Let me see you in the sanctuary; let me see how mighty and glorious you are. 3 Your constant love is better than life itself, and so I will praise you. 4 I will give you thanks as long as I live; I will raise my hands to you in prayer. 5 My soul will feast and be satisfied, and I will sing glad songs of praise to you. 6 As I lie in bed, I remember you; all night long I think of you, 7 because you have always been my help. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. 8 I cling to you, and your hand keeps me safe.

KJV - 4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

NRSV - 4 One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

TEV - "A Prayer of Praise" - 4 I have asked the LORD for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the LORD's house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance. 5 In times of trouble he will shelter me; he will keep me safe in his Temple and make me secure on a high rock. 6 So I will triumph over my enemies around me. With shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple; I will sing, I will praise the LORD.

KJV - 1 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee…

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

NRSV - 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.

4 Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly.

TEV - "Longing for God's House" - 1 How I love your Temple, LORD Almighty! 2 How I want to be there! I long to be in the LORD's Temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrows have built a nest, and the swallows have their own home; they keep their young near your altars, LORD Almighty, my king and my God. 4 How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you.

10 One day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand anywhere else; I would rather stand at the gate of the house of my God than live in the homes of the wicked. 11 The LORD is our protector and glorious king, blessing us with kindness and honor. He does not refuse any good thing to those who do what is right. 12 LORD Almighty, how happy are those who trust in you!

• Psa 84:2
• Psa 42:3
• Psa 84:4
• Psa 65:5

KJV - 18 …thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.

NRSV - 18 ...thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it a chaos, he formed it to be inhabited!): I am the LORD, and there is no other.

TEV - "The LORD of Creation and History" - 18 The LORD created the heavens -- he is the one who is God! He formed and made the earth -- he made it firm and lasting. He did not make it a desolate waste, but a place for people to live. It is he who says, "I am the LORD, and there is no other god. 19 I have not spoken in secret or kept my purpose hidden. I did not require the people of Israel to look for me in a desolate waste. I am the LORD, and I speak the truth; I make known what is right."

KJV - 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

NRSV - 5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you;

10 You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.

21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.

TEV - "God Promises to Rescue His People" - 4 I will give up whole nations to save your life, because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honor. 5 Do not be afraid -- I am with you! "From the distant east and the farthest west I will bring your people home. 6 I will tell the north to let them go and the south not to hold them back. Let my people return from distant lands, from every part of the world. 7 They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory."

"Israel Is the LORD's Witness" - 10 "People of Israel, you are my witnesses; I chose you to be my servant, so that you would know me and believe in me and understand that I am the only God. Besides me there is no other god; there never was and never will be. 11 "I alone am the LORD, the only one who can save you. 12 I predicted what would happen, and then I came to your aid. No foreign god has ever done this; you are my witnesses. 13 I am God and always will be. No one can escape from my power; no one can change what I do."

"Escape from Babylon" - 18 But the LORD says, "Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. 19 Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already -- you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there. 20 Even the wild animals will honor me; jackals and ostriches will praise me when I make rivers flow in the desert to give water to my chosen people. 21 They are the people I made for myself, and they will sing my praises!"

• Isa 43:1 - fear not
• To explore additional references in the Bible and other writings, browse "FEAR NOT" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/f.htm.
• Isa 43:10 - witnesses
• S&H 149:31
• Mis 150:21

KJV - 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

NRSV - 5 For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.

TEV - "Confidence in God's Protection" - 3 How much longer will all of you attack a man who is no stronger than a broken-down fence? 4 You only want to bring him down from his place of honor; you take pleasure in lies. You speak words of blessing, but in your heart you curse him. 5 I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. 6 He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. 7 My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter.

KJV - 7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols:…

9 For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

NRSV - 7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, those who make their boast in worthless idols;...

9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

TEV - "God the Supreme Ruler" - 7 Everyone who worships idols is put to shame; all the gods bow down before the LORD. 8 The people of Zion are glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O LORD. 9 LORD Almighty, you are ruler of all the earth; you are much greater than all the gods.

KJV - 5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

8 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

NRSV - 5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it:

8 I am the LORD, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols.

TEV - "The LORD's Servant" - 5 God created the heavens and stretched them out; he fashioned the earth and all that lives there; he gave life and breath to all its people. And now the LORD God says to his servant, 6 "I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. 7 You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons. 8 "I alone am the LORD your God. No other god may share my glory; I will not let idols share my praise. 9 The things I predicted have now come true. Now I will tell you of new things even before they begin to happen."

• Isa 42:5
• Gen 1:1-31

KJV - 16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

NRSV - 16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay? Shall the thing made say of its maker, "He did not make me"; or the thing formed say of the one who formed it, "He has no understanding"?

TEV - "Hope for the Future" - 15 Those who try to hide their plans from the LORD are doomed! They carry out their schemes in secret and think no one will see them or know what they are doing. 16 They turn everything upside down. Which is more important, the potter or the clay? Can something a man has made tell him, "You didn't make me"? Or can it say to him, "You don't know what you are doing"? 17 As the saying goes, before long the dense forest will become farmland, and the farmland will go back to forest.

KJV - 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:…

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

NRSV - 7 let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts;...

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

TEV - "God's Offer of Mercy" - 6 Turn to the LORD and pray to him, now that he is near. 7 Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the LORD, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive. 8 "My thoughts," says the LORD, "are not like yours, and my ways are different from yours. 9 As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways and thoughts above yours.

• Isa 55:7
• S&H 139:1
• S&H 239:14
• Isa 55:8
• Rom 11:33

KJV - 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: 5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

NRSV - 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.

TEV - "The Great Commandment" - 4 "Israel, remember this! The LORD -- and the LORD alone -- is our God. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. 8 Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.

• Deu 6:4 - one God or one Lord God
• To explore additional references on this subject, browse "ONE GOD, or ONE LORD GOD" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/o.htm.
• Deu 6:5 - love God with all heart, soul, mind
• To explore additional references on this subject, browse "LOVE GOD WITH ALL HEART, SOUL, MIND" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/l.htm.

KJV - 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank:…

11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.

NRSV - 3 Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king's palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the royal rations of food and wine. They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king's court. 6 Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah.

8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine;...

11 Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 12 "Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe." 14 So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations.

TEV - "The Young Men at Nebuchadnezzar's Court" - 3 The king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief official, to select from among the Israelite exiles some young men of the royal family and of the noble families. 4 They had to be handsome, intelligent, well-trained, quick to learn, and free from physical defects, so that they would be qualified to serve in the royal court. Ashpenaz was to teach them to read and write the Babylonian language. 5 The king also gave orders that every day they were to be given the same food and wine as the members of the royal court. After three years of this training they were to appear before the king. 6 Among those chosen were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, all of whom were from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 8 Daniel made up his mind not to let himself become ritually unclean by eating the food and drinking the wine of the royal court, so he asked Ashpenaz to help him, 9 and God made Ashpenaz sympathetic to Daniel. 10 Ashpenaz, however, was afraid of the king, so he said to Daniel, "The king has decided what you are to eat and drink, and if you don't look as fit as the other young men, he may kill me." 11 So Daniel went to the guard whom Ashpenaz had placed in charge of him and his three friends. 12 "Test us for ten days," he said. "Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare us with the young men who are eating the food of the royal court, and base your decision on how we look." 14 He agreed to let them try it for ten days. 15 When the time was up, they looked healthier and stronger than all those who had been eating the royal food. 16 So from then on the guard let them continue to eat vegetables instead of what the king provided. 17 God gave the four young men knowledge and skill in literature and philosophy. In addition, he gave Daniel skill in interpreting visions and dreams.

KJV - 17 …Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

NRSV - 17 ...Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

TEV - "Jesus Begins His Work in Galilee" - 17 From that time Jesus began to preach his message: "Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!"

• Mat 4:17 - Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand
• Browse "REPENT" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/r.htm to explore additional references to in the Bible and other writings.
• Browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer2.htm to explore this passage in the context of the Lord's Prayer's "May your Kingdom come," including:
• Repentance in the context of the Lord's Prayer:
• "2.a. REPENT: 'Confess... and forsake... sins' (Pro 28:13) in thought, word, or action (per Mat 5,6,7)"
• "2.b. REPENT: 'Deny .. self' (Luk 9:23)"
• Correlative passages:
• "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom..." (Psa 143:1,13)
• "The kingdom of God has come to you." (Luk 10:20)
• "The kingdom of God is within you." (Luk 17:20,21)
• "The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the Good News!" (Mar 1:15)
• To explore other relevant web pages, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/morals-ethics.htm.
• Mat 4:17 - kingdom ... at hand
• To explore additional references, browse "KINGDOM... AT HAND" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/k.htm.

KJV - 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

NRSV - 24 "No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

31 Therefore do not worry, saying, "What will we eat?' or "What will we drink?' or "What will we wear?' 32 For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

TEV - "God and Possessions" - 24 "No one can be a slave of two masters; he will hate one and love the other; he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 "This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn't life worth more than food? And isn't the body worth more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds? 27 Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?

31 "So do not start worrying: "Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?' 32 (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. 34 So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.

• Mat 5, 6, 7 - THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (see also Sermon on the Plain, Luk 6:20-49)
• To explore additional references to and commentary on each of the Sermon on the Mount topics below, browse at http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/som.htm:
• To further explore this topic, browse "God and possessions and cares" (Mat 6:24-34 and Luk 16:13) at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/substance.htm.
• To explore references to and commentary on each of the verses in "the Sermon on the Plain" (Luk 6:20-49), browse http://www.bibletexts.com/verses/v-luk.htm.

KJV - 8 …bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

NRSV - 8 ...while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

TEV - "A Good Servant of Christ Jesus" - 6 If you give these instructions to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, as you feed yourself spiritually on the words of faith and of the true teaching which you have followed. 7 But keep away from those godless legends, which are not worth telling. Keep yourself in training for a godly life. 8 Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future. 9 This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed. 10 We struggle and work hard, because we have placed our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all and especially of those who believe.

KJV - 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

NRSV - 6 So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord -- 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

TEV - "Living by Faith" - 6 So we are always full of courage. We know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord's home. 7 For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. 8 We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord. 9 More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. 10 For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. Each one will receive what he deserves, according to everything he has done, good or bad, in his bodily life.

• 2Co 5:6
• Heb 11:13
• 2Co 5:8
• Phi 1:23

KJV - 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

NRSV - 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits -- 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

6 The LORD works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.

TEV - "The Love of God" - 1 Praise the LORD, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name! 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. 5 He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle. 6 The LORD judges in favor of the oppressed and gives them their rights. 7 He revealed his plans to Moses and let the people of Israel see his mighty deeds. 8 The LORD is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant love. 9 He does not keep on rebuking; he is not angry forever. 10 He does not punish us as we deserve or repay us according to our sins and wrongs.

• Psa 103:3 - HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES
• To explore additional references, browse
• "HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/h.htm
• "CHRISTIAN HEALING" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/christianhealing.htm

KJV - 8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

NRSV - 8 In Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet and had never walked, for he had been crippled from birth. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. And Paul, looking at him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said in a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And the man sprang up and began to walk.

TEV - "In Lystra and Derbe" - 8 In Lystra there was a crippled man who had been lame from birth and had never been able to walk. 9 He sat there and listened to Paul's words. Paul saw that he believed and could be healed, so he looked straight at him 10 and said in a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet!" The man jumped up and started walking around. 11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they started shouting in their own Lycaonian language, "The gods have become like men and have come down to us!" 12 They gave Barnabas the name Zeus, and Paul the name Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of the god Zeus, whose temple stood just outside the town, brought bulls and flowers to the gate, for he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifice to the apostles.

• Act 14:8 - IMPOTENT
• To explore additional references to "impotent," browse http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/i.htm.

KJV - 19 …my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever…

NRSV - 19 ...my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever...

TEV - "Thanks for the Gift" - 14 But it was very good of you to help me in my troubles. 15 You Philippians know very well that when I left Macedonia in the early days of preaching the Good News, you were the only church to help me; you were the only ones who shared my profits and losses. 16 More than once when I needed help in Thessalonica, you sent it to me. 17 It is not that I just want to receive gifts; rather, I want to see profit added to your account. 18 Here, then, is my receipt for everything you have given me -- and it has been more than enough! I have all I need now that Epaphroditus has brought me all your gifts. They are like a sweet-smelling offering to God, a sacrifice which is acceptable and pleasing to him. 19 And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs. 20 To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

• Phi 4:19 - KJV wording: BY CHRIST JESUS - modern translation: in Christ Jesus

KJV - 19 …know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

NRSV - 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

TEV - "Use Your Bodies for God's Glory" - 18 Avoid immorality. Any other sin a man commits does not affect his body; but the man who is guilty of sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God; 20 he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God's glory.

• 1Co 6:19,20 - use your bodies for God's glory
• See also http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/morals-ethics.htm.
• 1Co 6:20 - in KJV, omit: AND IN YOUR SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD'S
• 1Co 6:20
• Man 47:11

KJV - 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

NRSV - 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect.

TEV - "Life in God's Service" - 1 So then, my brothers, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. 2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God -- what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

• Rom 12:1
• S&H 33:31
• S&H 325:20-26
• Rom 12:2
• Eph 4:22-24
• Eph 5:8-10,17
• S&H 49:14-21

KJV - 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

NRSV - 4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God,

18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

TEV - "Servants of the New Covenant" - 4 We say this because we have confidence in God through Christ. 5 There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God; 6 it is he who made us capable of serving the new covenant, which consists not of a written law but of the Spirit. The written law brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

16 But it can be removed, as the scripture says about Moses: "His veil was removed when he turned to the Lord." 17 Now, "the Lord" in this passage is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. 18 All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.

• 2Co 3:5 - KJV wording: SUFFICIENT... SUFFICIENCY - correct translation: competent... competence
• 2Co 3:5 - our capacity/competance comes from God
• To further explore this theme in the context of the Lord's Prayer, browse
• "1. Father: May your holy name be honored;" at http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer1.htm, including
• "Acknowledge...God" (Psa 100:3,5)
• "Praise" and "Thank" God (Psa 106:1)
• "2. May your Kingdom come." at http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer2.htm, including
• "The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the Good News!" (Mar 1:15)
• "Deny... self" (Luk 9:23)
• 2Co 3:17, 18 - THE LORD
• Roger L. Omanson and John Ellington in A Handbook on Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians (New York: United Bible Societies, 1993, page 69) comments on this verse:
• Spirit of the Lord: some languages specify "Lord God" or "Lord Jesus," since the word for "lord" is the same as that used for a human master or chief. Here Lord may refer to God (3.3) or to Christ (Rom 8:9-10).
• C.K. Barrett in The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, New York: Harper & Row, 1973, page 123) comments on this verse:
• It is certainly true that for Paul Christ the Lord, and the Spirit, were two very closely related terms, each of which was unthinkable apart from the other, since the objective status of being in Christ carried with it the subjective accompaniment of receiving the Spirit, who was manifested in particular gifts (e.g., 1 Cor. xii. 7); he was however capable of distinguishing them, as for example in the phrase 'Spirit of Christ' (Rom. viii. 9). It is in the realm of action (cf. 1 Cor. xv. 45) rather than of person (or of substance, as Lietzmann says) that the terms Lord and Spirit are identified. Earlier in the chapter the Spirit was contrasted with ink (iii. 3) and with letter (iii. 6, 7, 8); the work of the Spirit is to replace the authority (as kurios [Lord]) of the written law, thus fulfilling Jeremiah's 'new covenant' prophecy of the law written in men's hearts.
• See also S&H 590:15-19.
• 2Co 3:18 - KJV wording: THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD - correct translation: the Lord, the Spirit

<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 past section.