September 22
NEED
HELP? MEDITATE ON THREE HEBREW WORDS FOR "HELP" (Revised) - (1) AZAR in Ps
79:9 "HELP us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name" (2) EZER
in Ps 124:8 "Our HELP is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and
earth" (3) EZRA in Ps 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present
HELP in trouble" May our souls learn to
"wait for Jehovah, for He is our HELP and our shield" (Ps 33:20) in and
through Christ Jesus. Amen
http://preceptaustin.org/hebrew_word_study_on_help.htm
September 16
HEBREW
WORD STUDY - Racham - To show compassion, mercy, tender heartfelt feelings
like a father would for his children (Ps 103:13), and so not surprisingly
most often refers to God as the source of racham. Some well known uses =
The prophet Micah declares Jehovah "will again have compassion (racham) on
us; He will tread our iniquities under
foot..." (Mic 7:19) Habakkuk prays asking God "In wrath remember mercy
(racham)" (Hab 3:2b)
http://preceptaustin.org/lovingkindness-definition_of_hesed.htm#r
September 13
EVEN MORE
COMMENTARIES ON ACTS - A C Gaebelein's Exposition of Acts - about whom
Rosscup writes "This is one of the best older...works on Acts and is at
times helpful in studying the transitional problems. It does not involve
itself with exegetical details." Expositor's Greek Testament (R J
Knowling) = Rosscup says it is " One of
the older, much-used commentaries, which offers considerable help on Greek
words, grammar, background etc. and will prove rather contributive".
Charles Simeon's 82 sermons on Acts (from Horae Homileticae) = John Piper
says "What Simeon experienced in the word was remarkable. And it is so
utterly different from the counsel that we receive today that it is worth
looking at."
http://www.preceptaustin.org/acts_commentaries_2.htm#acg
September 11
UPDATED
ACTS COMMENTARIES - William Arnot (1873, 569pp) of whom Spurgeon says
"even his simplest expositions are rich and full." G Campbell Morgan
(1947, 500pp) - "one of his better commentaries and one which the student
can profitably consult" (Rosscup). T E Page (1895, 250pp). Richard Rackham
(1904, 655pp) - "very good verse by verse
he often offers good help." (Rosscup)
http://www.preceptaustin.org/acts_commentaries_2.htm#wa
September 7
NEW
HEBREW WORD STUDY - Hesed = This word describes God's Lovingkindness --
His faithful, steadfast, unfailing Love! Scripture describes His hesed as
abundant, great, everlasting, trustworthy, marvelous, multitudinous,
better than life, as that which preserves, revives, draws, comforts,
crowns...should I go on? Do not these
assorted accolades paint a picture worth perusing the "precious" (Ps
36:7NAS) pearls portrayed by God's Hesed?
http://preceptaustin.org/lovingkindness-definition_of_hesed.htm
September 4
Mp3 of
Spurgeon's sermon "Marvelous Lovingkindness": David prayed "Show Thy
marvelous lovingkindness" (KJV) Spurgeon exhorts us to pray this same
prayer. Do we dare pray such a prayer? Heb 4:16 invites us to "draw near
with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may
find grace to help in time
of need."
Given this truth, dare we NOT pray this great prayer? Oh beloved, let us
offer up this prayer and "test (Jehovah) now in this, if (He) will not
open for (us) the windows of heaven, and pour out for (us) a blessing
until it overflows" (Mal 3:10) in Christ Jesus Who became poor that we
through His poverty might become rich in His marvelous
lovingkindnesses.(2Co 8:9) Amen
http://www.preceptaustin.org/mp3_sermons.htm#ml
HEBREW
WORD STUDY PAGE- Links to definitions of select Hebrew words. Given the
fact that there are over 8600 Hebrew words in the OT, this page will be a
long term, ongoing project, so check back occasionally for updates.
http://preceptaustin.org/hebrew_word_studies.htm
September 2
HEBREW
WORD STUDY - COVENANT = Beriyth - Andrew Murray "One of the words of
Scripture, which is almost going out of fashion, is the word Covenant.
There was a time when it was the keynote of the theology and the Christian
life of strong and holy men. We know how deep in Scotland it entered into
the national life and thought. It made
mighty men to whom God and His promise and power were wonderfully real. It
will be found still to bring strength and purpose to those who will take
the trouble to bring all their life under control of the inspiring
assurance that they are living in covenant with a God who has sworn
faithfully to fulfill in them every promise He has given."
http://preceptaustin.org/covenant_definition.htm
September 1
Mp3 of C H Spurgeon's
sermon on Blood of the Covenant -- "Do not be satisfied with a little,
weak, almost imperceptible, pulse of religion, of which you can hardly
judge whether it is there or not; but ask to feel the divine energies
working within you, the eternal omnipotence of God, struggling and
striving mightily in
your spirit until sin shall be conquered, and grace shall gloriously
triumph. This is a covenant blessing. Seek ye for it."
http://www.preceptaustin.org/mp3_sermons.htm#tb
August 28
UPDATED CHART
in Ruth commentary = "The Character of Boaz's Character" - A wonderful
example of a "God saturated" man. Study the individual traits (derived
from the text of Ruth 2) and see if you don't agree that Boaz presents an
excellent Biblical pattern for the way a man should treat a woman. Would
make a great men's
or marriage study. Very convicting! May his tribe increase. Amen
http://www.preceptaustin.org/ruth_21-7.htm#t
NEW HEBREW WORD
STUDY - Shalem = complete, whole, full. >50% of uses deal with the
heart (our "control center"), e.g, "the eyes of the LORD move to and fro
throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is
completely His. (Note: Click the "http" link, not the "Shalom-Definition"
link)
http://www.preceptaustin.org/shalom_-_definition.htm#s
August 25
NEW
HEBREW WORD STUDY - Shalom - Yes, it means "peace" but it means so
much more. For example, the NIV uses 70 different English words to
translate shalom! "The general meaning behind the root sh-l-m is
completion and fulfillment—of entering into a state of wholeness and
unity, a restored relationship." As they still say
in Jerusalem "Shalom" or even better as Nu 6:26 says "(May) The LORD lift
up His countenance on you and give you SHALOM."
http://www.preceptaustin.org/shalom_-_definition.htm
August 22
REVISED COMMENTARY -
1Corinthians 15:58 - Be Steadfast, Immovable, Always Abounding the the
Work of the Lord.
http://preceptaustin.org/1_corinthians_1558_commentary.htm
Motives for Steadfastness - Spurgeon
Mp3 on 1Corinthians 15:58 - Is your Christian life a bit listless?
Then set aside 42 minutes to listen to Spurgeon's excellent exposition of
Paul's great exhortation based on the truth of the resurrection and our
"victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1Cor 15:57). For context take a
few moments to read 1Cor 15:1-57 = the doctrinal declaration calling
for the dutiful directive in v58. The link below includes
http://preceptaustin.org/mp3_sermons.htm#ms
August 20
NEW COMMENTARY - 1Corinthians 15:10 -
"Grace in Triplicate!" - The key word in this passage is clearly "grace"
which gives us an "amazing" key regarding how we can experience a
supernatural life of grace saturated, God glorifying service like Paul
(1Co 4:16, 11:1)
http://www.preceptaustin.org/1_corinthians_1510_commentary.htm
August 18
NEW MP3 (32') - Lessons on Divine Grace
- based on 1 Corinthians 15:10 - by C H Spurgeon - Discusses (1) Doctrine
of Grace (2) Experiential grace - very interesting (3) Practical
Application of Grace.
http://www.preceptaustin.org/mp3_sermons.htm#dg
August 18
NEW STUDY- Pr 18:11 Commentary - A
Study in Contrasts = God in Pr 18:10 vs money in Pr 18:11. Where do I seek
security & safety--from the uncertainty of wealth or from the unchangeably
faithful God?
http://www.preceptaustin.org/proverbs_1811_commentary.htm
August 17
Bible Maps Page - Updated 8/16/10 -
Links to New Maps, Nice Search tool retrieves color maps and corresponding
Bible dictionary articles.
http://www.preceptaustin.org/bible_maps1.htm
August 15
NEW MP3 - Have a lengthy commute?
Consider listening to Mp3 entitled "Our Stronghold" - C H Spurgeon's
Excellent Message on Proverbs 18:10. Delivered in the year 1862. This
sermon was so good I listened to it twice on my bike ride. Produced using
text to Mp3 software = pronunciation may be slightly off. Let me know if
I should continue to periodically make Mp3's available. Sermon Length
~42 minutes (~38MB).
http://www.preceptaustin.org/mp3_sermons.htm#os
August 14
New Study - Pr 18:10 The Name of the
LORD is like a strong tower. The righteous man or woman runs into His Name
and is safe (LIFTED UP!) In Him we can be "LIFTED UP" even in the midst of
fiery trials and afflictions because Jesus was "lifted up" (same verb in
Greek as in Lxx of Pr 18:10!) for us, in our place! - "even so must the
Son of Man BE LIFTED UP that whoever believes may in Him have eternal
life" (Jn 3:14,15) May our Father daily strengthen each of us with His
Spirit so that we have the desire and power (Php 2:13) to continually
"run" into His Mighty Name, Jehovah-Jesus, and therein continually
experience His eternal life, life abundant in Christ. Amen
http://www.preceptaustin.org/proverbs_1810_commentary.htm
August 11
New Commentary: 1Corinthians 15:9 The
Least of the Apostles - What Does this Mean? How does it relate to John
3:30 "He must increase. I must decrease"? See chart on Paul's "progression
in humility". Thomas Guthrie wrote "The Christian is like the ripening
corn, the riper he grows, the more lowly bends his head." Spurgeon adds
that "He whose garments are the whitest will best perceive the spots on
them!" May we all choose to imitate Paul's example (1Co 11:1), even as he
imitated the example of Christ, following in His steps (1Pe 2:21)
http://www.preceptaustin.org/1_corinthians_159_commentary.htm
August 9
New Commentary: Matthew 26:41
- In Spiritual Warfare the Best "Defense" is a Good "Offense" - Jesus
commands His disciples to continually keep watching and praying (eg
passages like) Mt 6:13 "Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us
from evil"..."For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to
the flesh, for
the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for
the destruction of fortresses." (2Cor 10:3-4)
http://www.preceptaustin.org/matthew_264
August 6
New Commentary - 1Cor 9:27 - What does Paul mean by
"Disqualified"! How should this truth motivate us to "run" with endurance?
What does it mean to give one's body "a bruised eye"? How do we make our
body a slave? May our Father give each of us a sense of the significance
and brevity of the "race of grace" in comparison to the eternality of
the reward for running well, so that we might be motivated and empowered
by His Spirit to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call
of God in Christ Jesus. Amen
http://www.preceptaustin.org/1_corinthians_927_commentary.htm
August
5
New Commentary - 1Cor 9:26 Running With Aim, Direction and Purpose.
Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) said "Let us each morning resolve to send the
day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever." May
our Father in Heaven grant that each of us be strengthened by His Spirit
in our inner man so that we might be imitators of Paul, determining to
run this once in a lifetime race with holy aim and heavenly purpose, all
for His glory. In the Name of His Son. Amen
http://www.preceptaustin.org/1_corinthians_926_commentary.htm
August 3
New Commentary - 1Cor 9:25 - Running to Win by exercising "Self Control in
All Things" - The Greek word for "all" means "every kind or variety".
Remember Paul is not dealing with "Salvation" (It is a free gift) but with
the prize (reward for running well) - not only does God give us eternal
salvation in Christ but then He gives us the opportunity to receive
eternal rewards if we run a faithful race! What amazing grace from our
incomparable God - "Who is like Thee, majestic in holiness, Awesome in
praises, working wonders?" (Ex 15:11)
http://www.preceptaustin.org/1_corinthians_925_commentary.htm
August
3
New Commentary-1Cor 9:24 - Running to Win the Prize. The way I run this
"once in a lifetime" spiritual race has eternal consequences. "We must be
travelers before we are possessors" (Thomas Watson, Puritan). Will I be
able to say like Paul "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the
race. I have kept the faith." (2Ti 4:7ESV) May God grant each of us His
enabling grace to finish our earthly race with endurance, for the glory of
His Name. Amen
http://www.preceptaustin.org/1_corinthians_924_commentary.htm
August 1
Updated-W H Griffith-Thomas' Complete Devotional Commentary on Genesis
published in 1908- Rosscup calls it the single best devotional commentary
ever penned on Genesis. Griffith-Thomas was the co-founder of Dallas
Theological Seminary in 1924. Warren Wiersbe says "Griffith Thomas excels
in spiritual depth, practicality, and simplicity of expression that
makes the most profound truths come alive with excitement." If you read a
few entries, I think you will agree!
http://www.preceptaustin.org/genesis_commentaries.htm#whgt
July 30
New Commentary - Gal 6:9-10: Growing Weary of Well Doing? These verses are
for you. Tempus fugit (time flies) Carpe Diem (seize the day) Coram Deo
(Before the face of God) What opportunity (what person) has God
providentially placed in your path today? Don't miss your "once in a
lifetime" opportunity. May we be enabled by His grace to recognize &
seize the moment for the strengthening of His saints (see Acts 14:22) and
the glory of His Name (Ps 115:1). Amen
http://preceptaustin.org/galatians_69-10_commentary.htm
July 29
New Commentary - Galatians 6:8 - A sobering passage = Every thought, word &
deed I sow today is either to the flesh or to the Spirit and is planting
seed that I will one day reap as my "harvest"! The question to ponder =
"Am I disciplining myself for the purpose of godliness, in light of the
truth that godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise
for the present life and also for the life to come?" (1Ti 4:7,8) God grant
each of us the grace in Christ to redeem the time (1Co 15:10, 2Co 12:9,
10, Ep 5:16). Amen
http://preceptaustin.org/galatians_68_commentary.htm
July 28
New Commentary - Galatians 6:7 - Principle of Sowing & Reaping. The seed we sow today
determines the fruit we reap tomorrow-this begs the question "What kind of
seed am I sowing today?" [More coming on Ga 6:8-10] In light of the import
of what we sow each day consider praying Ps 90:12 "So teach us to number
our days (aware of how few there really are), that we may present to Thee
a heart (wellspring of spiritual life=seat of principles, fountain of
actions) of wisdom." Amen
http://preceptaustin.org/galatians_67_commentary.htm
July 25
New Word Study: Kauchema = Boast (KJV=Glory, Rejoice) in the context of
Php 2:16. The study of kauchema begs the question "Will you (I) have cause
to BOAST (kauchema) at the Bema (Judgment) Seat of Christ?"
http://preceptaustin.org/philippians_216.htm#g
July 24
New Word Study: Aletheia = Truth. Every believer is engaged in an ongoing
spiritual war w/ invisible spiritual forces-Not a POWER struggle, but a
TRUTH struggle. The "battlefield" is our MIND! Jesus prayed "Sanctify them
in the TRUTH. Thy Word is TRUTH." May aletheia equip you to gird your
loins with God's Word of TRUTH and take up the sword of the Spirit, the
Word of God.
http://preceptaustin.org/2_timothy_215-19.htm#t
July 22
What do a set of scales have to do with a "worthy walk", a walk that
pleases God? See link for an illustration & a "Scriptural definition" of a
worthy walk. Be sure to read the references. Beloved child of God, how are
you walking when compared to God's "plumbline" for a "worthy walk"?
http://preceptaustin.org/1thessalonians_210-12.htm#ww
July 21
Added John Bengel's "highly acclaimed "Gnomon" and "The Critical English
Testament" (Mt-Rev) indexed by chapter. Spurgeon said "Bengel condensed
more matter into a line than can be extracted from pages of other
writers." Bengel said "Apply the text wholly to yourself; apply yourself
wholly to the text."
http://preceptaustin.org/nt_commentary-john_bengel.htm
July 21
Added Henry Alford's "The Greek New Testament" (Mt-Rev, index by chap) on
same page as "NT for English Readers" for those who want more Greek
analysis. Alford was not only a great expositor but was also a poet and
hymn writer ("Come, Ye Thankful People, Come").
http://www.preceptaustin.org/nt_commentary-henry_alford.htm#gt
July
20
Added 110 New Devotionals from Our Daily Bread to Resources on The
Revelation of Jesus Christ. Excellent sermon illustrations. Eg, If you are
growing weary (cp Gal 6:9, Heb 12:3), read the devotional on Rev 22:1-5
"What Will We Do in Heaven?" and be encouraged to persevere, to fight the
good fight of faith & to not lose heart!
http://www.preceptaustin.org/revelation_commentaries.htm#odb
July 19
New Resource: Henry Alford's 1868 highly acclaimed Verse by Verse
commentary "NT for English Readers">links to each NT book by chapter.
Spurgeon="an invaluable aid to the critical study of the text of the NT".
Piper="When I'm stumped I go to Henry Alford".
http://www.preceptaustin.org/nt_commentary-henry_alford.htm
July 18
Major revision: Commentary on Heb 13:20-21 which "must rank among
the most powerfully worded blessings found in Scripture." It therefore
behooves us to study it carefully and even memorize it (see related links)
that we might be able to meditate on it.
http://preceptaustin.org/hebrews_1320-21.htm
http://www.preceptaustin.org/Memorizing_His_Word.htm
http://preceptaustin.org/topical_memory_verses.htm
July 17
New Word Study: Be on the Alert = Agrupneo from a = without + hupnos =
sleep = figuratively pictures one as spiritually alert, wide awake to
"enemy" intrusions. 4x in NT, twice in context of prayer. See link for "Excubitors"
and "Shrikes" which make interesting illustrations of the meaning of
agrupneo.
http://preceptaustin.org/hebrews_1317-19.htm#kw
July 15
New Word Study = Parakaleo (Eng=Paraclete~Holy Spirit) from para = beside
+ kaleo = call > lit. = call alongside + idea of giving help/aid. Secular
use = rally soldiers, sending courageously into battle. Interesting! Think
"spiritual warfare" - Cp charge to believers to encourage one another
daily -Heb 3:13!
http://preceptaustin.org/ephesians_41.htm#i
July 14
Major Revision: Commentary on Pr 5:22
"His own iniquities will capture the wicked, and he will be held with the
cords of his sin." Added several word studies, quotes, illustrations and
sermons.
http://preceptaustin.org/proverbs_515-23_commentary.htm#5:22
July 13
New: Links to the 21 volumes of Simeon's expository sermons
(~13,000 pp) indexed by subject. Click below to see example of this tool.
Battling a besetting sin? Indulging a secret sin? Not alert for "little
sins"? Read entry "Sin"+ links. See Instruction at top of index page to
use this tool.
http://www.preceptaustin.org/charles_simeon-index_to_sermons-3.htm#sin
July 12
Matthew Resources Updated/Revised: New Commentaries by Henry Alford,
Johann Bengel, Grant Richison, Charles Simeon (you will often find sermon
"nuggets" in Simeon). Over 300 Our Daily Bread devotionals indexed by
verse = excellent sermon illustrations. All of Spurgeon's sermons &
devotionals on Matthew.
Main Link =
http://preceptaustin.org/matthew_commentaries.htm
Our Daily Bread
http://preceptaustin.org/matthew_commentaries_3.htm#odb
Spurgeon =
http://www.preceptaustin.org/matthew_commentaries_1a.htm
Simeon =
http://www.preceptaustin.org/matthew_sermons-charles_simeon.htm
July 10
Revised Notes: What is the significance of "Oneness" in Covenant? Numerous
additions to page:
http://www.preceptaustin.org/covenant_oneness_notes.htm
Fascinating book by H. Clay Trumbull "Blood Covenant: A Primitive Rite &
Its Bearing on Scripture" (1893).
http://preceptaustin.org/covenant_oneness_notes.htm#tbc
July 8
Hint - Click following link for brief description of potential value of
the NET Bible Notes in your Bible Studies. While the NET Bible notes are
often a bit too technical, at times they yield nuggets of gold. To entice
you to look at the link, the illustration discusses the meaning of the
"desire" of the woman for her husband in Ge 3:16. You may be surprised at
the Net Note comment! The goal of this post is not to convince you of the
meaning of the word "desire" but to demonstrate the potential use of the
NET Bible Notes in your personal Bible Studies.
http://www.preceptaustin.org/genesis_commentaries.htm#n
July 7
Revision: In discussion of the
Topic "Oneness of Covenant" - Added notes on sharing of names and/or
change of names when one party entered into covenant with another party.
http://www.preceptaustin.org/covenant_oneness_notes.htm#c
New resources: You will be challenged by these devotionals by F B Meyer on
the book of Genesis - Here is the link
http://www.preceptaustin.org/f_b_meyer-genesis.htm
July 7
Updated Genesis Resources - John Kitto's Daily Illustrations and
Pictorial Bible. H C Leupold's commentary on Genesis (Rosscup calls it #5
best exegetical commentary on Genesis). W H Griffith-Thomas' Devotional
Commentary on Genesis . Franz Delitzsch's "A New Commentary on Genesis". G
Campbell Morgan's "The Analyzed Bible" on Genesis. Critiques Spurgeon and
Rosscup on various Genesis commentaries.
http://www.preceptaustin.org/genesis_commentaries.htm
