Thursday, September 30, 2010

RESURRECTION Romans 6:5

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection
Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Romans 6:8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Romans 8:1 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
2 Corinthians 4:10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
Ephesians 2:6-7 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:10-11 I want to know Christ Jesus and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Colossians 2:11-12 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 3:1-3 Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
2 Timothy 2:11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; ...

NOTES:
Read Revelation 19

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

RESURRECTION Romans 1:4

... and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

was declared with power to be the Son of God
Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Matthew 14:33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life.

by his resurrection from the dead
Acts 2:32 "God has raised this Jesus to life and we are all witnesses of the fact."
Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
1 Corinthians 6:14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.
Ephesians 1:19b-20 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.
1 Peter 1:21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Jesus Christ our Lord
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

NOTES:

Read Revelation 18

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

RESURRECTION Acts 24:14-15

"However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."

I admit that I worship the God of our fathers
Acts 3:13 "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go."

as a follower of the Way
Acts 9:1-2 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

which they call a sect
Acts 24:5-6 "We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him."

I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets
Acts 26:6 "And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today."
Acts 26:22-23 "But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen--that the Christ would suffer and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
Acts 28:23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

that there will be a resurrection
Acts 23:6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead."
Acts 28:20 "For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain."

of both the righteous and the wicked
Matthew 25:46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

NOTES:
Read Revelation 17

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, September 27, 2010

RESURRECTION Acts 23:6-8

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees
Acts 4:1-2 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

My brothers
Acts 22:4-5 "I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as also the high priest and all the Council can testify. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished."

I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee
Acts 26:5 "They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee."

I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead
Acts 24:15 "... and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."
Acts 24:20-21 "Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin--unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: 'It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.'"
Acts 26:8 "Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?"

The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection
Matthew 22:23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
1 Corinthians 15:12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

NOTES:
Sadducees - Acts 4:1; Matthew 3:7; Mark 12:18; Luke 20:27
Pharisees - Matthew 3:7; Mark 2:16; Luke 5:17

Read Revelation 16

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

RESURRECTION Acts 17:31-32

"For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject."

For he has set a day when he will judge the world
Matthew 10:15 "I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."

with justice
Psalm 9:8 He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.
Psalm 96:12b-13 Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.
Psalm 98:8-9 Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.

by the man he has appointed
Acts 10:42 "He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead."

He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead
Acts 2:24 "But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead
Acts 17:18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

NOTES:
The man he has appointed - Jesus, the Son of Man - Daniel 7:13; Matthew 25:31-46;

Read Revelation 15

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

RESURRECTION Acts 17:16-21

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean." (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

So he reasoned in the synagogue
Acts 9:20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

They said this because Paul was preaching the good news
Acts 13:32-33a "We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus."

about Jesus and the resurrection
Acts 17:31-32
"For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject."
Acts 4:2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus
Acts 17:22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious."

"May we know what this new teaching is?"
Mark 1:27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."

All Athenians
Acts 17:15 The men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

NOTES:
Read Revelation 14

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, September 24, 2010

RESURRECTION Acts 4:33

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

With great power the apostles continued to testify
Luke 24:48 "You are witnesses of these things."

to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus
Acts 1:21-22 "Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."

and much grace was upon them all
Romans 3:22-24 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

NOTES:
Read Revelation 13

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

RESURRECTION Acts 4:1-2

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

The priests and the captain of the temple guard
Luke 22:4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.

and the Sadducees
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?"
Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
Matthew 16:6 "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
Matthew 22:23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
Matthew 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.
Acts 5:17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.
Acts 23:6-8 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)

proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead
Acts 17:18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

NOTES:
Read Revelation 12

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

RESURRECTION Acts 2:29-32

"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact."

Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried
Acts 13:36 "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.
1 Kings 2:10 Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David.

But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne
Matthew 1:1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: ...
2 Samuel 7:16 "'Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'"
1 Chronicles 17:14 "'I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.'"

he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay
Psalm 16:10 ... because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

God has raised this Jesus to life
Acts 2:24 "But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."

and we are all witnesses of the fact
Luke 24:46-48 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

NOTES:
God's oath to David - 2 Samuel 7:4-17; 1 Chronicles 17:3-15; Psalm 132

Read Revelation 11

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

RESURRECTION John 11:23-27

Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

I know he will rise again in the resurrection
Daniel 12:2 "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt."
John 5:28-29 "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned."

at the last day
John 6:39-40 "And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

Jesus said to her, "I am"
John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

the resurrection and the life
John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

He who believes in me will live ... and whoever lives and believes in me will never die
John 3:15 "... that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."
Matthew 25:46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

I believe that you are the Christ
Luke 2:11 "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

NOTES:
He is life - John 14:6; Acts 3:15; Hebrews 7:16
He who believes will live - 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Read Revelation 10

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, September 20, 2010

RESURRECTION Luke 20:34-38

Jesus replied, "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection. But in the account of the bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord 'the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."

But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age
Matthew 12:32 "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."

They are God's children
John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ...

the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob
Exodus 3:6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

NOTES:
Children of the resurrection - Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Acts 4:1-2; 23:6-10

Read Revelation 9

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

RESURRECTION Luke 14:12-14

Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
Luke 14:21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'"

you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous
Acts 24:14-15 "However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked."
Daniel 12:2 "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt."
John 5:28-29 "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned."
1 Corinthians 15:23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
Revelation 20:4-6 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

NOTES:
Resurrection of the righteous - 1 Corinthians 15:12, 21; Hebrews 6:2; Revelation 20:11-15
Righteous - Matthew 25:34-30

Read Revelation 8

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

RESURRECTION Mark 12:24-27

Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Now about the dead rising--have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!"

Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:15-17 ... and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

they will be like the angels in heaven
1 Corinthians 15:42-44 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
1 Corinthians 15:49 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob
Exodus 3:6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." At this Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

NOTES:
Read Revelation 7

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, September 17, 2010

RESURRECTION Matthew 27:51-53

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom
Exodus 26:31-33 "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place."
Hebrews 9:3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ...
Hebrews 9:7-8 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.
Hebrews 10:19-20 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ...

The earth shook and the rocks split
Matthew 27:54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city
Matthew 4:5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.

NOTES:
Curtain - Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:14-22

Read Revelation 6

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

RESURRECTION Matthew 22:29-32

Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry or be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead--have you not read what God said to you, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."

"You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures"
John 20:8-9 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage
Matthew 24:38-39 "For in the days before the flood, people were marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."

'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob'
Exodus 3:6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.
Acts 7:30-32 "After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice: 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.

NOTES:
Read Revelation 5

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

HOPE 1 John 3:2-3

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure.

Dear friends
1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.

now we are children of God
1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- ...

But we know that when he appears
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
1 John 2:28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

we shall be like him
Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
2 Peter 1:4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

for we shall see him as he is
Psalm 17:15 And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
John 17:24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

NOTES:
Hope - Romans 5:1-2

Read Revelation 4

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

HOPE Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

and certain of what we do not see
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

NOTES:
Read Revelation 3

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, September 13, 2010

HOPE Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.
Hebrews 6:18-20 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

for he who promised is faithful
1 Corinthians 1:9 God who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
2 Timothy 2:13 ... if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

NOTES:
Read Revelation 2

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

HOPE Hebrews 6:19-20a

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.

It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain
Leviticus 16:2 The LORD said to Moses: "Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover."
Hebrews 9:2-3 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ...
Hebrews 9:7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf
Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

NOTES:
Read Revelation 1

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

HOPE Titus 2:11-14 Part 5

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

eager to do what is good
Titus 2:7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ...
Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
2 Corinthians 8:21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Titus 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.
Titus 3:8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Titus 3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
1 Peter 2:15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
1 Peter 3:13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

NOTES:
Read Jude

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, September 10, 2010

HOPE Titus 2:11-14 Part 4

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

a people that are his very own
Exodus 19:5 "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, ...
Deuteronomy 4:20 But as for you, the LORD took you and brought you out of the iron-smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of his inheritance, as you now are.
Deuteronomy 14:2 ... for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.
Psalm 135:4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession.
Malachi 3:17 "They are mine," says the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him."
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

NOTES:
Read 3 John

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

HOPE Titus 2:11-14 Part 3

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing
1 Corinthians 1:7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
1 Timothy 6:14 I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...

of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ
2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: ...

who gave himself for us
Matthew 20:28 "... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

to redeem us from all wickedness
Matthew 1:21 "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

and to purify for himself
Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

NOTES:
The blessed hope - the glorious appearing - 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1, 8
Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ - Romans 9:5

Read 2 John

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

HOPE Titus 2:11-14 Part 2

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions
Titus 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

and to live self-controlled
Titus 2:2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Titus 2:5-6 ... to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.
Titus 1:8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

upright and godly lives in this present age
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

NOTES:
This present age - 2 Corinthians 4:4

Read 1 John 5

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

HOPE Titus 2:11-14 Part 1

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

For the grace of God that brings salvation
Romans 3:24 ... and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

has appeared
2 Timothy 1:10 ... but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

to all men
1 Timothy 2:4 ... who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

NOTES:
Grace of God - Romans 5:6-10; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9

Read 1 John 4

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Monday, September 6, 2010

HOPE Titus 1:2

... a faith and knowledge testing on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, ...

a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life

Titus 3:7 ... so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, ...
Colossians 1:5-6a ... the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.

which God, who does not lie
Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Hebrews 6:18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.
Titus 1:12 (contrast with Cretans) Even one of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons."
John 8:44 (contrast with the devil) "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

promised before the beginning of time
2 Timothy 1:9 ... who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ...

NOTES:
Read 1 John 3

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

HOPE 1 Timothy 6:17

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Command those who are rich in this present world
1 Timothy 6:9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

nor to put their hope in wealth which is so uncertain
Psalm 62:10 Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Jeremiah 49:4 "Why do you boast of your valleys, boast of your valleys so fruitful? O unfaithful daughter, you trust in your riches and say, 'Who will attack me?'"
Luke 12:20-21 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

but to put their hope in God
1 Timothy 4:9-10 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment
Acts 14:15-17 "Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. In the past he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provided you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

NOTES:
Read 1 John 2

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

HOPE 1 Timothy 4:9-10

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

This is a trustworthy saying
1 Timothy 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.

that we put our hope in the living God
Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

who is the Savior of all men
Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ..."
Luke 2:11 "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

NOTES:
Read 1 John 1

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, September 3, 2010

HOPE 1Thessalonians 5:8

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

But since we belong to the day
1 Thessalonians 5:5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate
Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ...

and the hope of salvation
Romans 8:24
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?

as a helmet
Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

NOTES:
Metaphor of armor - Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7; 10:4; Ephesians 6:13-17

Read 2 Peter 3

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

HOPE 1 Thessalonians 1:3

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

We continually remember before our God and Father
Philippians 4:20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

your work produced by faith
Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him?
James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

your labor prompted by love
1 Thessalonians 3:6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

NOTES:
In addition to the verses above:
Faith, hope and love - Romans 5:2-5; Galatians 5:5-6; Colossians 1:4-5; Hebrews 6:10-12; 10:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 1 Peter 1:3-8, 21-22
Faith produces action - Romans 1:5; 16:26; James 2:14-26
Hope - Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Hebrews 6:18-20

Read 2 Peter 2

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

HOPE Colossians 1:27

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles
Matthew 13:11 He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven ha been given to you, but not to them."

the glorious riches of this mystery
Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

which is Christ in you, the hope of glory
Romans 8:10-11 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

NOTES:
Read 2 Peter 1

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.