Mark

Chapter 1 The Preaching of John the Baptist

[Mar 1:1 LSB] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

[Mar 1:4 LSB] John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

[Mar 1:8 LSB] "I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

The Baptism of Jesus

[Mar 1:10 LSB] And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him;

[Mar 1:11 LSB] and a voice came out of the heavens: "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."

Jesus Preaches in Galilee

[Mar 1:17 LSB] And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."

Simon’s Mother-In-Law and Many Others Healed

[Mar 1:35 LSB] And in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus rose up, went out of [the house], and went away to a desolate place, and was praying there.

[Mar 1:38 LSB] And He said to them, "Let us go elsewhere, to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came out for."

[Mar 1:39 LSB] And He went, preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee and casting out the demons.

[Mar 1:41 LSB] And moved with compassion, He stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."

Chapter 2 Jesus Heals a Paralytic

[Mar 2:5 LSB] And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "Child, your sins are forgiven."

[Mar 2:10 LSB] "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--He said to the paralytic,

[Mar 2:11 LSB] "I say to you, get up, pick up your mat, and go to your home."

Levi and Sinners Called

[Mar 2:17 LSB] And hearing [this], Jesus said to them, "Those who are healthy do not have need for a physician, but [only] those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Lord of the Sabbath

[Mar 2:27 LSB] And Jesus was saying to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

[Mar 2:28 LSB] "Consequently the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

Chapter 3 Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath

Jesus Appoints the Twelve

[Mar 3:13 LSB] And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him.

[Mar 3:14 LSB] And He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) to be with Him and to send them out to preach,

[Mar 3:15 LSB] and to have authority to cast out the demons.

[Mar 3:29 LSB] but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--

Can a Christian Blaspheme the Holy Spirit?

[Luk 12:10 LSB] "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him, but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.

[Act 16:31 LSB] And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house." 

[Jhn 6:40 LSB] "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." 

[Heb 12:17 LSB] For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. 

[1Jo 5:16 LSB] If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not [leading] to death, he shall ask and [God] will for him give life to those who commit sin not [leading] to death. There is a sin [leading] to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. 

[Eph 4:29 LSB] Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such [a word] as is good for building up what is needed, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

[Eph 4:30 LSB] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

[Eph 4:31 LSB] Let all bitterness and anger and wrath and shouting and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 

[Mar 3:29 LSB] but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--

Chapter 4 The Parable of the Sower

[Mar 4:9 LSB] And He was saying, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

[Mar 4:11 LSB] And He was saying to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, everything comes in parables,

[Mar 4:12 LSB] so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, LEST THEY RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN."

The Parable of the Sower Explained

[Mar 4:14 LSB] "The sower sows the word.

[Mar 4:20 LSB] "And those are the ones which were sown on the good soil: they who hear the word and accept it and are bearing fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."

The Parable of the Seed

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

[Mar 4:32 LSB] yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes largest of all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE."

[Eze 31:6 LSB] 'All the birds of the sky nested in its boughs, And under its branches all the beasts of the field gave birth, And all great nations lived under its shade.

Jesus Calms a Storm

[Mar 4:41 LSB] And they became very afraid and were saying to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

Chapter 5 Jesus Saves a Man with Many Demons

[Mar 5:18 LSB] And as He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was pleading with Him that he might accompany Him.

[Mar 5:19 LSB] And He did not let him, but He said to him, "Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and [how] He had mercy on you."

Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus’ Daughter

[Mar 5:22 LSB] And one of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet

[Mar 5:23 LSB] and pleaded with Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death; [please come], that by coming, You may lay Your hands on her, so that she will be saved and live."

[Mar 5:34 LSB] And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace and be healed of your affliction."

[Mar 5:36 LSB] But Jesus, overhearing what had been spoken, said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid, only believe."

[Mar 5:41 LSB] And taking the child by the hand, He said to her, "Talitha kum!" (which translated means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!").

Chapter 6 Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

The Twelve Sent Out

The Death of John the Baptist

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

[Mar 6:34 LSB] And when Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.

Jesus Walks on the Sea

[Mar 6:52 LSB] for they had not gained any insight about the loaves, but their heart was hardened.

[Mar 8:17 LSB] And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you discuss [the fact] that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Do you have a hardened heart?

Many Healed at Gennesaret 

Chapter 7 God’s Commandments, Man’s Traditions

The Heart of Man

[Mar 7:21 LSB] "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries,

[Mar 7:22 LSB] coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, [and] foolishness.

A Gentile Woman’s Faith

The Deaf Hear, the Mute Speak

Chapter 8 Jesus Feeds Four Thousand

[Mar 8:17 LSB] And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you discuss [the fact] that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Do you have a hardened heart?

Peter Confesses Jesus Is the Christ

[Mar 8:29 LSB] And He [continued] asking them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ."

Take Up Your Cross

[Mar 8:34 LSB] And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

[Mar 8:38 LSB] "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

Chapter 9 The Transfiguration

[Mar 9:1 LSB] And Jesus was saying to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God having come in power."

[Mar 9:2 LSB] And six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain alone by themselves. And He was transfigured before them;

[Mar 9:3 LSB] and His garments were shining intensely white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.

[Mar 9:7 LSB] Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!"

I Believe, Help My Unbelief

[Mar 9:23 LSB] And Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes."

[Mar 9:24 LSB] Immediately the boy's father cried out and was saying, "I do believe; help my unbelief."

[Mar 9:28 LSB] And when He came into the house, His disciples [began] questioning Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"

[Mar 9:29 LSB] And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

[Mar 9:35 LSB] And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."

[Mar 9:37 LSB] "Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me."

Temptations to Sin

[Mar 9:43 LSB] "And if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire,

[Mar 9:44 LSB] [and where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.]

Chapter 10 Teaching About Divorce

[Mar 10:9 LSB] "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."

Jesus Blesses Little Children

[Mar 10:14 LSB] But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

[Mar 10:15 LSB] "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it [at all]."

[Mar 10:16 LSB] And He took them in His arms and [began] blessing them, laying His hands on them.

The Rich Young Ruler

[Mar 10:21 LSB] And looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

[Mar 10:22 LSB] But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

[Mar 10:27 LSB] Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."

Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection

A Request for Status

[Mar 10:45 LSB] "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Bartimaeus Regains His Sight

[Mar 10:52 LSB] And Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has saved you." Immediately he regained his sight and [began] following Him on the road.

Chapter 11 The Triumphal Entry

The Barren Fig Tree

Jesus Drives Merchants from the Temple

[Mar 11:17 LSB] And He [began to] teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS'? But you have made it a ROBBERS' DEN."

[Isa 56:7 LSB] Even those I will bring to My holy mountain And make them glad in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

Chapter 12 Parable of the Vine-Growers

[Mar 12:10 LSB] "Have you not even read this Scripture: 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNER [stone];

[Mar 12:11 LSB] THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES'?"

[Psa 118:22 LSB] The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner [stone].

[Psa 118:23 LSB] This is from Yahweh; It is marvelous in our eyes.

[Psa 118:24 LSB] This is the day which Yahweh has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Taxes to Caesar

The Sadducees and the Resurrection

The Foremost Commandment

The Widow’s Offering 

Mark 13 Signs of Christ’s Return

[Mar 13:2 LSB] And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down."

[Mar 13:4 LSB] "Tell us, when will these things be, and what [will be] the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?"

[Mar 13:14 LSB] "But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.

[Mar 13:26 LSB] "And then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory.

[Mar 13:28 LSB] "Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.

[Mar 13:29 LSB] "Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, [right] at the door.

Chapter 14 The Plot to Kill Jesus

The Costly Perfume

[Mar 14:3 LSB] And while He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining [at the table], there came a woman with an alabaster jar of perfume of very costly pure nard; [and] she broke the jar and poured it over His head.

[Mar 14:8 LSB] "She has done what she could; she anointed My body beforehand for the burial.

The Passover Meal

The Lord’s Supper

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

[Mar 14:34 LSB] And He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch."

[Mar 14:35 LSB] And He went a little beyond [them], and fell to the ground and [began to] pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Jesus Before His Accusers

Peter’s Denials 

Chapter 15 Jesus Before Pilate

Jesus Is Mocked

[Mar 15:21 LSB] And they pressed into service a passer-by coming from the countryside, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.

[Rom 16:13 LSB] Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine.

The Crucifixion

Jesus Is Buried

Chapter 16 Jesus Is Risen!

The Great Commission

[Mar 16:15 LSB] And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

[Mar 16:16 LSB] "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Judges

Chapter 1 The Fight Against the Canaanites

[Jdg 1:1 LSB] Now it happened after the death of Joshua that the sons of Israel asked of Yahweh, saying, "Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?"

[Jdg 1:2 LSB] And Yahweh said, "Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand."

Failure to Complete the Conquest

Chapter 2 The Angel of Yahweh Speaks to Israel

[Jdg 2:4 LSB] So it happened that when the angel of Yahweh spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, the people lifted up their voices and wept.

Joshua’s Death and Burial

[Jdg 2:10 LSB] And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know Yahweh or even the work which He had done for Israel.

Israel Serves Baals

[Jdg 2:11 LSB] Then the sons of Israel did what was evil in the eyes of Yahweh and served the Baals,

Yahweh Raises Up Judges

[Jdg 2:16 LSB] Then Yahweh raised up judges who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them.

[Jdg 2:17 LSB] Yet they did not listen to their judges either, for they played the harlot after other gods and bowed themselves down to them. They turned aside quickly from the way in which their fathers had walked in obeying the commandments of Yahweh; they did not do as [their fathers].

Chapter 3 Yahweh Tests Israel

[Jdg 3:4 LSB] And they were for testing Israel, to know if they would obey the commandments of Yahweh, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

Yahweh Raises Up Othniel

Yahweh Raises Up Ehud and Shamgar

Chapter 4 Yahweh Raises Up Deborah and Barak

[Jdg 4:22 LSB] Now behold, Barak was pursuing Sisera, and Jael came out to meet him and said to him, "Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking." And he entered with her, and behold, Sisera was lying dead with the tent peg in his temple.

Sin Slain by Spurgeon

Chapter 5 The Song of Deborah and Barak

[Jdg 5:31 LSB] "Thus let all Your enemies perish, O Yahweh; But let those who love Him be like the rising of the sun in its might." And the land was quiet for forty years.

Chapter 6 Midian Prevails Against Israel

Yahweh Sends Gideon to Save Israel

[Jdg 6:13 LSB] Then Gideon said to him, "O my lord, if Yahweh is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His wondrous deeds which our fathers recounted to us, saying, 'Did not Yahweh bring us up from Egypt?' But now Yahweh has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian."

[Jdg 6:22 LSB] And Gideon saw that he was the angel of Yahweh, so he said, "Alas, O Lord Yahweh! For now I have seen the angel of Yahweh face to face."

Gideon Tears Down the Altar of Baal

[Jdg 6:27 LSB] So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as Yahweh had spoken to him; and now it happened that because he was too afraid of his father's household and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night.

The Test of the Fleece

[Jdg 6:38 LSB] And it was so. Indeed he arose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece. And he drained the dew from the fleece, a bowl full of water.

[Jdg 6:40 LSB] And God did so that night. So it was dry only on the fleece, but dew was on all the ground.

Chapter 10 Tola and Jair Judge Israel

Israel Forsakes Yahweh Again

Israel Cries Out to Yahweh

Chapter 11 Jephthah Delivers Israel

Jephthah Vows a Burnt Offering

Colossians

Chapter 1 Thanksgiving and Prayer

[Col 1:3 LSB] We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

[Col 1:4 LSB] since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints,

[Col 1:5 LSB] because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel

[Col 1:6 LSB] which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and multiplying, just as [it has been doing] in you also since the day you heard and understood the grace of God in truth;

[Col 1:9 LSB] For this reason also, since the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

[Col 1:10 LSB] so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please [Him] in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and multiplying in the full knowledge of God;

[Col 1:11 LSB] being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously

[Col 1:12 LSB] giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

[Col 1:13 LSB] Who rescued us from the authority of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son of His love,

[Col 1:14 LSB] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Firstborn of All Creation

Joshua

Yahweh’s Commands to Joshua

Joshua 1:8 LSB — “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful, and then you will be prosperous.

Joshua’s Command to the Officers

Rahab Hides the Spies

Hebrews 11:31 LSB — By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after welcoming the spies in peace.

The Oath to Rahab

Israel Crosses the Jordan

Joshua 3:17 LSB — And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground until all the nation had completed crossing the Jordan.

Hebrews 11:29 LSB — By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land, and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.

Memorial Stones from the Jordan

[Jos 4:21-24 LSB] Then he said to the sons of Israel, "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean?' then you shall make your children know, saying, 'Israel crossed this Jordan on dry land.' "For Yahweh your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as Yahweh your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of Yahweh is strong, so that you may fear Yahweh your God forever."

The Men of Israel Circumcised

[Jos 5:7, 9 LSB] And their sons whom He raised up in their place, Joshua circumcised; for they were uncircumcised because they had not circumcised them along the way. ... Then Yahweh said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." So the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day.

The Host of Yahweh’s Army

The Destruction of Jericho

[Jos 6:20 LSB] So the people shouted, and [the priests] blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down beneath itself, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city.

[Heb 11:30-31 LSB] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after welcoming the spies in peace.

[Jos 6:26 LSB] Then Joshua made them swear [an oath] at that time, saying, "Cursed before Yahweh is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with [the loss of] his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and with [the loss of] his youngest son he shall set up its gates."

[1Ki 16:34 LSB] In his days Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho; he laid its foundations with thThe Sin of Achane [loss of] Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the [loss of] his youngest son Segub, according to the word of Yahweh, which He spoke by the hand of Joshua the son of Nun.

Chapter 7

Israel Struck Down at Ai

The Sin of Achan

Chapter 8

Ai Given to Israel

Joshua 8:26 LSB — For Joshua did not withdraw his hand with which he stretched out the javelin until he had devoted to destruction all the inhabitants of Ai.

Chapter 9

The Gibeonite Acts Craftily

[Jos 9:14 LSB] So the men [of Israel] took some of their provisions, but they did not ask for the command of Yahweh.

[Jas 1:5 LSB] But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Chapter 10

Five Kings Attack Gibeon

[Jos 10:11 LSB] Now it happened as they fled from before Israel, [while] they were at the descent of Beth-horon, that Yahweh threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died; [there were] more who died from the hailstones than those whom the sons of Israel killed with the sword.

[Rev 16:21 LSB] And huge hailstones, about one talent each, came down from heaven upon men; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, because its plague was extremely severe.

 

[Jos 10:12-13 LSB] Then Joshua spoke to Yahweh in the day when Yahweh gave over the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, "O sun, stand still at Gibeon, And O moon in the valley of Aijalon." So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. Is it not written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stood in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go [down] for about a whole day.

[Luk 17:6 LSB] And the Lord said, "If you have faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you.

Joshua Captures Makkedah

Israel Captures Kings by Yahweh’s Sword

Chapter 11

Joshua Takes the Whole Land

Chapter 12

The Kings of the East Struck Down

The Kings of the West Struck Down

Chapter 13 Land That Remains to Be Possessed

The Inheritance East of the Jordan

Chapter 14 The Inheritance Beyond the Jordan

Caleb’s Inheritance

[Jos 14:12 LSB] "So now, give me this hill country about which Yahweh spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim [were] there, with great fortified cities; perhaps Yahweh will be with me, and I will dispossess them as Yahweh has spoken."

[Jos 14:13 LSB] So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance.

Chapter 15 Judah’s Inheritance

Chapter 16 Ephraim’s Inheritance

[Jos 16:10 LSB] But they did not dispossess the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers.

Chapter 17 Manasseh’s Inheritance

Chapter 18 The Remaining Land Divided

Benjamin’s Inheritance

Chapter 19 Simeon’s Inheritance

[Jos 19:9 LSB] The inheritance of the sons of Simeon [was taken] from the portion of the sons of Judah, for the share of the sons of Judah was too large for them; so the sons of Simeon received [an] inheritance in the midst of Judah's inheritance.

Zebulun’s Inheritance

Issachar’s Inheritance

Asher’s Inheritance

Naphtali’s Inheritance

Dan’s Inheritance

Chapter 20 The Cities of Refuge

[Jos 20:2 LSB] "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses,

[Jos 20:3 LSB] that the manslayer who strikes down any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become for you as a refuge from the avenger of blood.

Chapter 21 The Cities of the Levites

[Jos 21:43 LSB] So Yahweh gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it.

[Jos 21:44 LSB] And Yahweh gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; Yahweh gave all their enemies into their hand.

[Jos 21:45 LSB] Not [one] promise of the good promises which Yahweh had promised to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.

Chapter 22 Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh

[Jos 22:5 LSB] "Only keep yourselves very carefully to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, to love Yahweh your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and cling to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

An Altar Called Witness

[Jos 22:34 LSB] And the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad called the altar [Witness]; "For," [they said], "it is a witness between us that Yahweh is God."

Chapter 23 Joshua Calls All Israel

[Jos 23:8 LSB] "But you are to cling to Yahweh your God, as you have done to this day.

[Jos 23:11 LSB] "So keep your souls very carefully to love Yahweh your God.

Chapter 24 Joshua Gathers Israel

[Jos 24:12 LSB] 'Then I sent the hornet before you, and it drove out the two kings of the Amorites from before you, [but] not by your sword or your bow.

[Jos 24:13 LSB] 'And I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities which you had not built, and you have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.'

We Will Serve Yahweh Our God

[Jos 24:15 LSB] "If it is evil in your sight to serve Yahweh, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh."

Joshua’s Death and Burial

 A Beginner’s Guide to ‘Free Will’ - John Piper

• Before the fall of Adam, man was sinless and able not to sin.

[Gen 1:31 LSB] And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

• As soon as Adam fell into sin, human nature was profoundly altered. Now man was not able not to sin. In the fall, human nature lost its freedom not to sin.

[Gen 2:17 LSB] but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat from it; for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die."

[Jhn 3:6 LSB] "That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit.

[Rom 8:7 LSB] because the mind set on the flesh is [at] enmity toward God, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able [to do so],

[Rom 8:8 LSB] and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.

[1Co 2:14 LSB] But a natural man does not accept the [depths] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually examined.

Too Rebellious to Submit to God

[2Co 4:4 LSB] in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

To Believe We Must See Beauty

[Mat 10:37 LSB] "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

[Jhn 5:44 LSB] "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the only God?

[Jhn 1:12 LSB] But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, [even] to those who believe in His name,

[Heb 11:6 LSB] And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

[Rom 14:23 LSB] But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because [his eating is] not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

The Great Renovation Through Christ

[Jhn 8:34 LSB] Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

[Rom 6:20 LSB] For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

• God’s creation of light in our hearts

[2Co 4:6 LSB] For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

•  God’s causing us to be born again

[1Pe 1:3 LSB] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

•  God’s raising us from the dead

[Eph 2:4-5 LSB] But God, being rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us,

even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--

•  God’s gift of repentance

[2Ti 2:25-26 LSB] with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth,

and they may come to their senses [and escape] from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 

•  God’s gift of faith

[Phl 1:29 LSB] For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

[Rom 6:14 LSB] For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

A Definition of ‘Free Will’

• A Popular Definition

Our will is free if our preferences and our choices are really our own in such a way that we can justly be held responsible for whether they are good or bad.

 [Rom 8:7-8 LSB] because the mind set on the flesh is [at] enmity toward God, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able [to do so],and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God.

•  A Biblical Definition

The human will is free when it is not in bondage to prefer and choose irrationally. It is free when it is liberated from preferring what is infinitely less preferable than God, and from choosing what will lead to destruction. 

[Jhn 8:32 LSB] and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

[Rom 6:17 LSB] But thanks be to God that [though] you were slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were given over,

[Rom 6:18 LSB] and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 

•  A Technical Definition

We have free will if we are ultimately or decisively self-determining, and the only preferences and choices that we can be held accountable for are ones that are ultimately or decisively self-determined.

On this definition, no human being has free will, at any time. Neither before or after the fall, or in heaven, are creatures ultimately self-determining. There are great measures of self-determination, as the Bible often shows, but never is man the ultimate or decisive cause of his preferences and choices. When man’s agency and God’s agency are compared, both are real, but God’s is decisive. Yet — and here’s the mystery that causes so many to stumble — God is always decisive in such a way that man’s agency is real, and his responsibility remains.

But Isn’t This Inconceivable?

My own view is that the Bible does teach this — the compatibility of God’s decisive sovereignty and man’s responsibility.

Can a person’s acts be justly regarded as praiseworthy or blameworthy if those acts flow from a good or evil nature that inclines him in only one way?

So much more can be said. Questions abound. My plea is that you focus on the actual teaching of the Scriptures. Try not to bring philosophical presuppositions to the text (presuppositions like: human accountability cannot coexist with God’s decisively working “all things according to the counsel of his will,” Ephesians 1:11). Let the Bible speak fully and deeply. Trust that someday we will no longer see in a mirror dimly, but face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).

[Eph 1:11 LSB] In Him, we also have been made an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

[1Co 13:12 LSB] For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

Acts

Chapter 1 The Promise of the Holy Spirit

[Act 1:6 LSB] So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?"

[Act 1:7-8 LSB] But He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to THE END OF THE EARTH."

The Ascension

[Act 1:11 LSB] They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

[Act 1:14 LSB] These all with one accord were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with [the] women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

Chapter 2 The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

[Act 2:1 LSB] And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all together in one place.

[2Ch 8:12-13 LSB] Then Solomon offered burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of Yahweh which he had built before the porch; and [did so] according to the daily rule, offering [them] up according to the commandment of Moses, for the sabbaths, the new moons and the three annual feasts--the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths.

[Exo 34:22 LSB] "And you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks, [that is], the first fruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year.

[Act 2:2-4 LSB] And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues like fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

[Act 2:15-21 LSB] "For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 

'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 

'THAT I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; 

AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, 

AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, 

AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; 

EVEN ON MY MALE SLAVES AND FEMALE SLAVES, 

I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR OUT MY SPIRIT 

And they shall prophesy.

'AND I WILL PUT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE 

AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, 

BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. 

'THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS 

AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, 

BEFORE THE GREAT AND AWESOME DAY OF THE LORD COMES. 

'AND IT WILL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.'

[Joe 2:28-32 LSB] "And it will be afterwards 

That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; 

And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; 

Your old men will dream dreams; 

Your young men will see visions. 

"Even on the male slaves and female slaves I will in those days pour out My Spirit. 

"And I will put wonders in the sky and on the earth, 

Blood, fire, and columns of smoke. 

"The sun will be turned into darkness 

And the moon into blood 

Before the great and awesome day of Yahweh comes."

And it will be that everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh 

Will be delivered; 

For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem 

There will be those who escape, 

As Yahweh has said, 

Even among the survivors whom Yahweh calls.

[Act 2:25-28 LSB]
"For David says of Him, 'I SAW THE LORD CONTINUALLY BEFORE ME; BECAUSE HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, SO THAT I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN.

'THEREFORE MY HEART WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE EXULTED; MOREOVER MY FLESH ALSO WILL LIVE IN HOPE;

BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT FORSAKE MY SOUL TO HADES, NOR GIVE YOUR HOLY ONE OVER TO SEE CORRUPTION.

'YOU HAVE MADE KNOWN TO ME THE WAYS OF LIFE; YOU WILL MAKE ME FULL OF GLADNESS WITH YOUR PRESENCE.'

[Psa 16:8-11 LSB]

I have set Yahweh continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.

For You will not forsake my soul to Sheol; You will not give Your Holy One over to see corruption.

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

[Act 2:32-33 LSB]
"This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.

"Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this which you both see and hear.

[Act 2:34-36 LSB]
"For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,

UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES AS A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET."'

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified."

[Psa 110:1 LSB] Of David. A Psalm. Yahweh says to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand Until I put Your enemies as a footstool for Your feet."

[Heb 1:13 LSB] But to which of the angels has He ever said, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES AS A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET"? 

About Three Thousand Souls Saved

[Act 2:37-38 LSB]
Now when they heard [this], they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men, brothers, what should we do?"

And Peter [said] to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

[Act 2:42 LSB] And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.

[Act 2:46 LSB] And daily devoting themselves with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

[Act 2:47 LSB] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number daily those who were being saved.