BIBLETEXTS.COM - Online Bible Commentary


Bible Lesson Study Aid

for Sunday, September 16, 2001 (version 2.01)


SPECIAL: Response to World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks - Written by this website administrator, who was less than a half mile from the World Trade Center throughout the time of the attacks and the first two building implosions. (http://www.bibletexts.com/issues/response2attacks.htm)


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The Bible Lesson Study Aid includes a variety of resources: (1) Bible texts from the KJV, NRSV, and TEV; (2) excerpts from the BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary; and (3) links to other resources -- all of which are intended to enrich your study of the current Bible lesson. This Bible Lesson Study Aid does not contain the Bible Lesson. It only provides tools to help explore that Bible Lesson.

The Bible Lesson Questions for this week's Bible Lesson may be found at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bq010916.htm.

The weekly 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 is published by the Christian Science Publishing Society (Boston, MA, USA) and 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.


"The Bible" and the 3 Bible versions used on this webpage

The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in Latin, English, Chinese, or 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.

NEW: Recommended Bible Study Books/Resources - This provides a listing of recommended books (Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, etc.) that Bible students should consider for deeper exploration of the Bible, including the Bible Lesson texts. There are also links to BibleTexts.com book reviews for each of the listings. (http://www.bibletexts.com/reviews/index.htm)


Bible Lesson Study Aid

<GT> 1 Timothy 6- [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 11 …follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

NRSV - 11 ...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.

TEV - "Personal Instructions" - 11 But you, man of God, avoid all these things. Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses. 13 Before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who firmly professed his faith before Pontius Pilate, I command you 14 to obey your orders and keep them faithfully until the Day when our Lord Jesus Christ will appear. 15 His appearing will be brought about at the right time by God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.


<RR> 2 Peter 1 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

NRSV - 2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. 8 For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.

TEV - "Introduction" - 1 From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ -- To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours: 2 May grace and peace be yours in full measure through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

"God's Call and Choice" - 3 God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. 4 In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature. 5 For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; 6 to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness; 7 to your godliness add brotherly affection; and to your brotherly affection add love.8 These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is so shortsighted that he cannot see and has forgotten that he has been purified from his past sins. 10 So then, my brothers, try even harder to make God's call and his choice of you a permanent experience; if you do so, you will never abandon your faith. 11 In this way you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


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<B1> Proverbs 3 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

NRSV - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.

9 Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce;

13 Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, 14 for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

TEV - "Advice to Young Men" - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. 7 Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong. 8 If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. 9 Honor the LORD by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces. 10 If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all. 11 Son, when the LORD corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning. 12 The LORD corrects those he loves, as a father corrects a son of whom he is proud. 13 Happy is the man who becomes wise -- who comes to have understanding. 14 There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold. 15 Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it. 16 Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor. 17 Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it. 18 Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life. 19 The LORD created the earth by his wisdom; by his knowledge he set the sky in place.


<B2> Psalms 27 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

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.


<B3> Psalms 104 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 31 The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.

34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.

NRSV - 31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works --

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

TEV - "In Praise of the Creator" - 31 May the glory of the LORD last forever! May the LORD be happy with what he has made! 32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles; he touches the mountains, and they pour out smoke. 33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; as long as I live I will sing praises to my God. 34 May he be pleased with my song, for my gladness comes from him. 35 May sinners be destroyed from the earth; may the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise the LORD!


<B4> 1 John 2 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

NRSV - 16 for all that is in the world -- the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches -- comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.

TEV - "The New Command" - 14 I write to you, my children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong; the word of God lives in you, and you have defeated the Evil One. 15 Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. 16 Everything that belongs to the world -- what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of -- none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. 17 The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but he who does the will of God lives forever.


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


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<B5> 2 Kings 5 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. 3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. 11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? 14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

NRSV - 1 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. 2 Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, "If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy."

9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha's house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean." 11 But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, "I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?" He turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants approached and said to him, "Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, "Wash, and be clean'?" 14 So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.

TEV - "Naaman Is Cured" - 1 Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, was highly respected and esteemed by the king of Syria, because through Naaman the LORD had given victory to the Syrian forces. He was a great soldier, but he suffered from a dreaded skin disease. 2 In one of their raids against Israel, the Syrians had carried off a little Israelite girl, who became a servant of Naaman's wife. 3 One day she said to her mistress, "I wish that my master could go to the prophet who lives in Samaria! He would cure him of his disease." 4 When Naaman heard of this, he went to the king and told him what the girl had said. 5 The king said, "Go to the king of Israel and take this letter to him." So Naaman set out, taking thirty thousand pieces of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of fine clothes.

9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariot and stopped at the entrance to Elisha's house. 10 Elisha sent a servant out to tell him to go and wash himself seven times in the Jordan River, and he would be completely cured of his disease. 11 But Naaman left in a rage, saying, "I thought that he would at least come out to me, pray to the LORD his God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and cure me! 12 Besides, aren't the rivers Abana and Pharpar, back in Damascus, better than any river in Israel? I could have washed in them and been cured!" 13 His servants went up to him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. Now why can't you just wash yourself, as he said, and be cured?" 14 So Naaman went down to the Jordan, dipped himself in it seven times, as Elisha had instructed, and he was completely cured. His flesh became firm and healthy like that of a child. 15 He returned to Elisha with all his men and said, "Now I know that there is no god but the God of Israel; so please, sir, accept a gift from me."


<B6> James 4 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

NRSV - 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

TEV - "Friendship with the World" - 7 So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. 8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! 9 Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.


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


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

KJV - 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

NRSV - 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,

TEV - "Dying and Living with Christ" - 1 You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. 2 Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!


<B8> Mark 8 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi:…

NRSV - 27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi;...

TEV - "Peter's Declaration about Jesus" - 27 Then Jesus and his disciples went away to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Tell me, who do people say I am?" 28 "Some say that you are John the Baptist," they answered; "others say that you are Elijah, while others say that you are one of the prophets." 29 "What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah." 30 Then Jesus ordered them, "Do not tell anyone about me."


<B9> Mark 10 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

NRSV - 1 He left that place and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. And crowds again gathered around him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them.

17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: "You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother."' 20 He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."

TEV - "Jesus Teaches about Divorce" - 1 Then Jesus left that place, went to the province of Judea, and crossed the Jordan River. Crowds came flocking to him again, and he taught them, as he always did. 2 Some Pharisees came to him and tried to trap him. "Tell us," they asked, "does our Law allow a man to divorce his wife?" 3 Jesus answered with a question, "What law did Moses give you?" 4 Their answer was, "Moses gave permission for a man to write a divorce notice and send his wife away."

"The Rich Man" - 17 As Jesus was starting on his way again, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: "Do not commit murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; do not cheat; respect your father and your mother." 20 "Teacher," the man said, "ever since I was young, I have obeyed all these commandments." 21 Jesus looked straight at him with love and said, "You need only one thing. Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me." 22 When the man heard this, gloom spread over his face, and he went away sad, because he was very rich. 23 Jesus looked around at his disciples and said to them, "How hard it will be for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God!"


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


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<B10> 2 Corinthians 4 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 18 …we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

NRSV - 18 ...we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

TEV - "Living by Faith" - 16 For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. 17 And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. 18 For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.


<B11> Jude 1 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

NRSV - 17 But you, beloved, must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 for they said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts." 19 It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. 20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; 21 keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

TEV - "Warnings and Instructions" - 17 But remember, my friends, what you were told in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, "When the last days come, people will appear who will make fun of you, people who follow their own godless desires." 19 These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.


<B12> Titus 2 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

NRSV - 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

TEV - "Sound Doctrine" - 11 For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all mankind. 12 That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, 13 as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. 14 He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good. 15 Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.


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


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<B13> Malachi 3 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 6 For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground;…

NRSV - 6 For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished.

11 I will rebuke the locust for you, so that it will not destroy the produce of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not be barren, says the LORD of hosts.

TEV - "The Payment of Tithes" - 6 "I am the LORD, and I do not change. And so you, the descendants of Jacob, are not yet completely lost. 7 You, like your ancestors before you, have turned away from my laws and have not kept them. Turn back to me, and I will turn to you. But you ask, "What must we do to turn back to you?' 8 I ask you, is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not, yet you are cheating me. "How?' you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings. 9 A curse is on all of you because the whole nation is cheating me. 10 Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things. 11 I will not let insects destroy your crops, and your grapevines will be loaded with grapes.


<B14> Malachi 4 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;…

NRSV - 2 But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

TEV - "The Day of the LORD Is Coming" - 1 The LORD Almighty says, "The day is coming when all proud and evil people will burn like straw. On that day they will burn up, and there will be nothing left of them. 2 But for you who obey me, my saving power will rise on you like the sun and bring healing like the sun's rays. You will be as free and happy as calves let out of a stall. 3 On the day when I act, you will overcome the wicked, and they will be like dust under your feet. 4 "Remember the teachings of my servant Moses, the laws and commands which I gave him at Mount Sinai for all the people of Israel to obey.


<B15> Jeremiah 23 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

NRSV - 29 Is not my word like fire, says the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

TEV - "Jeremiah's Message about the Prophets" - 23 "I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only. 24 No one can hide where I cannot see him. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth? 25 I know what those prophets have said who speak lies in my name and claim that I have given them my messages in their dreams. 26 How much longer will those prophets mislead my people with the lies they have invented? 27 They think that the dreams they tell will make my people forget me, just as their fathers forgot me and turned to Baal. 28 The prophet who has had a dream should say it is only a dream, but the prophet who has heard my message should proclaim that message faithfully. What good is straw compared with wheat? 29 My message is like a fire and like a hammer that breaks rocks in pieces.


<B16> Jeremiah 30 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.

17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord;…

NRSV - 10 But as for you, have no fear, my servant Jacob, says the LORD, and do not be dismayed, O Israel; for I am going to save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and no one shall make him afraid.

17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the LORD,...

TEV - "The LORD's Promises to His People" - 8 The LORD Almighty says, "When that day comes, I will break the yoke that is around their neck and remove their chains, and they will no longer be the slaves of foreigners. 9 Instead, they will serve me, the LORD their God, and a descendant of David, whom I will enthrone as king. 10 "My people, do not be afraid; people of Israel, do not be terrified. I will rescue you from that faraway land, from the land where you are prisoners. You will come back home and live in peace; you will be secure, and no one will make you afraid.

16 But now, all who devour you will be devoured, and all your enemies will be taken away as prisoners. All who oppress you will be oppressed, and all who plunder you will be plundered. 17 I will make you well again; I will heal your wounds, though your enemies say, "Zion is an outcast; no one cares about her.' I, the LORD, have spoken."


<B17> Philippians 4 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

NRSV - 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

TEV - "Instructions" - 5 Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7 And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. 8 In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. 9 Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.


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


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

<B18> Psalm 118 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

NRSV - 1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!

TEV - "A Prayer of Thanks for Victory" - 1 Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good, and his love is eternal. 2 Let the people of Israel say, "His love is eternal." 3 Let the priests of God say, "His love is eternal." 4 Let all who worship him say, "His love is eternal."


<B19> 1 Corinthians 13 - [To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]

KJV - 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth:…

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

NRSV - 1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends...

13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

TEV - "Love" - 1 I may be able to speak the languages of men and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. 2 I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains -- but if I have no love, I am nothing. 3 I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned -- but if I have no love, this does me no good. 4 Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; 5 love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; 6 love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. 8 Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass. 9 For our gifts of knowledge and of inspired messages are only partial; 10 but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear. 11 When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am a man, I have no more use for childish ways. 12 What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete -- as complete as God's knowledge of me. 13 Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.


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

KJV - 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

NRSV - 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

TEV - "Paul's Prayer for His Readers" - 9 I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, 10 so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. 11 Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.


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


Bible Lesson Questions (version 2.01)

for the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson for Sunday, September 16, 2001

The answers to all of these questions can be found (1) in the Bible Lesson itself, (2) in this Bible Lesson Study Aid [BLSA], (3) in other webpages on the BibleTexts.com website, the homepage of which is at http://www.bibletexts.com, or (4) in Recommended Bible Study Books/Resources that are listed at http://www.bibletexts.com/reviews/index.htm.


Golden Text and Responsive Reading

  1. In terms of faith and substance, what is the value of goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love, as described in the Responsive Reading?


Section 1

  1. In terms of faith and substance, what is the practical value of exercising trust in God and of spiritual wisdom?


Section 2

  1. What lessons did Naaman need to learn in order to gain faith and to be healed?


Section 3

  1. As depicted throughout Section 3, how is love of possessions, love of fame, or love of influence a hindrance to faith and substance?
  2. What is the benefit of adopting Mary Baker Eddy's Bible-based description of man as "that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker" (S&H 475:20)?


Section 4

  1. How do self-control, ethics, and morality relate to faith, "spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9, KJV), and substance?


Section 5

  1. Bible citation #13 (TEV) tells us that through one's faith/faithfulness, God says, "I am the Lord, and I do not change... I will not let insects destroy your crops, and your grapevines will be loaded with grapes." If God does this for one's fields, how can such faith/faithfulness impact one's body that is being destroyed by disease?
  2. Bible citations #14 and #15 describe God's power as being like a radiant sun, like a fire, like a hammer, and like a liberator. Jeremiah (Bible citation #16 NRSV) describes God as saying, "I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal." How does all of this apply not only to one's nation, but to one's body?


Section 6

  1. If we go beyond faith to the unconditional, God-impelled love that is described in Bible citation #19, what impact will this have on every aspect of our lives, including our salvation and our health?


Weekly Question

  1. How does the Reverend Irving Tomlinson's explanation of the composition of the Bible Lesson apply to this week's Bible Lesson?

      From 1888 to 1899 the Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee simply had directly copied to the Christian Science Quarterly the Bible citations that had been prepared by the multi-denominational International Lesson Committee [ILC] for the weekly International Sunday School Lessons used by Protestant churches. (The Church of Christ, Scientist, had no representation on that committee.) To those Bible Lessons the Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee added correlative citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which provided explanations of the Bible texts chosen by the ILC. Until 1898 the ILC-based Bible Lessons were a key component of both Christian Science church services and Christian Science Sunday School, which until 1895 included adult Sunday School classes.]

      To read the Rev. Tomlinson's complete article, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/j040p483.htm. To read more about the history of the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons, including the official use of other translations in addition to -- and for one entire year replacing -- the King James Version, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-ver.htm.)]


Other Relevant Webpages File name Comments
"Bible Lesson study aid" for next week and for past weeks http://www.bibletexts.com/bl.htm This webpage lists and provides links to the weekly "Bible Lesson study aid" -- for next week and for past weeks
Essential Bible Lesson study materials http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-components.htm This webpage describes the essential Bible Lesson study materials and how to obtain them.
Info about the Bible Lesson Study Aid http://www.bibletexts.com/bt-info.htm This webpage provides details about the "Bible Lesson Study Aid" webpage's purpose and about the Bible versions used.
Sunday School preparation aid http://www.bibletexts.com/sundayschool.htm This is an optional aid for preparing for Sunday School.
Articles about the Bible Lessons and the Bible -- from early issues of the periodicals http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/bl.htm This webpage includes excerpts from some articles, links to the full text of other articles, and a listing of some other articles.
Homepages (the first two) and backup homepages (the last two) of the BibleTexts website http://www.bibletexts.com

http://www.bibletexts.com

http://members.aol.com/bibletexts

http://www.bibletexts.domainvalet.com

There have been occasions when the primary homepage (www.BibleTexts.com) or even the entire BibleTexts website has been unavailable, due to technical problems with the web hosting service. If such problems arise, the other homepages listed here can enable the BibleTexts website to be available again quickly, if you email the BibleTexts website administrator (support@bibletexts.com) the details about a problem.
NEW: Recommended Bible Study Books/Resources http://www.bibletexts.com/reviews/index.htm This webpage provides a listing of recommended books (Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, etc.) that Bible students should consider for deeper exploration of the Bible, including the Bible Lesson texts.

* Copyright 1996-2001 Robert Nguyen Cramer *