Spirit-Led Evangelism

Consider It All Joy

Know Jesus, Make Him Known

Burst Your Christian Bubble

God's Goodness and Human Free Will

Baptism Faith Training

Everyday Evangelism: Practical Ways to Share Jesus

The Harvest Is Ready

Christmas Miracles

Christmas: The Birth of Your Personal Miracle

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch20" data-usfm="PRO.20">
         <div class="label">20</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.20.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.20.1"><span class="content">whoever is led astray by them is not wise.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.20.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.20.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">A king&#8217;s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.20.2"><span class="content">those who anger him forfeit their lives.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.20.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.20.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">It is to one&#8217;s honor to avoid strife,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.20.3"><span class="content">but every fool is quick to quarrel.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.20.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.20.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Sluggards do not plow in season;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.20.4"><span class="content">so at harvest time they look but find nothing.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.20.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.20.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The purposes of a person&#8217;s heart are deep waters,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.20.5"><span class="content">but one who has insight draws them out.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.20.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.20.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Many claim to have unfailing love,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.20.6"><span class="content">but a faithful person who can find?</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.20.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.20.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The righteous lead blameless lives;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.20.7"><span class="content">blessed are their children after them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.20.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.20.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">When a king sits on his throne to judge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.20.8"><span class="content">he winnows out all evil with his eyes.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.20.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.20.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Who can say, &#8220;I have kept my heart pure;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.20.9"><span class="content">I am clean and without sin&#8221;?</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.20.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.20.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Differing weights and differing measures&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.20.10"><span class="content">the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests them both.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.20.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.20.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Even small children are known by their actions,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.20.11"><span class="content">so is their conduct really pure and upright?</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.20.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.20.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Ears that hear and eyes that see&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.20.12"><span class="content">the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has made them both.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.20.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.20.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.20.13"><span class="content">stay awake and you will have food to spare.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.20.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.20.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;It&#8217;s no good, it&#8217;s no good!&#8221; says the buyer&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.20.14"><span class="content">then goes off and boasts about the purchase.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.20.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.20.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.20.15"><span class="content">but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.20.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.20.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.20.16"><span class="content">hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.20.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.20.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.20.17"><span class="content">but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.20.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.20.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Plans are established by seeking advice;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.20.18"><span class="content">so if you wage war, obtain guidance.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.20.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.20.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">A gossip betrays a confidence;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.20.19"><span class="content">so avoid anyone who talks too much.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.20.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.20.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">If someone curses their father or mother,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.20.20"><span class="content">their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.20.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.20.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">An inheritance claimed too soon</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.20.21"><span class="content">will not be blessed at the end.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.20.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.20.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Do not say, &#8220;I&#8217;ll pay you back for this wrong!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.20.22"><span class="content">Wait for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, and he will avenge you.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.20.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.20.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests differing weights,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.20.23"><span class="content">and dishonest scales do not please him.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.20.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.20.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">A person&#8217;s steps are directed by the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.20.24"><span class="content">How then can anyone understand their own way?</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.20.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.20.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">It is a trap to dedicate something rashly</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.20.25"><span class="content">and only later to consider one&#8217;s vows.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.20.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.20.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">A wise king winnows out the wicked;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.20.26"><span class="content">he drives the threshing wheel over them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.20.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.20.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The human spirit is</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">20:27 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">A person&#8217;s words are</span></span></span><span class="content"> the lamp of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.20.27"><span class="content">that sheds light on one&#8217;s inmost being.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.20.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.20.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.20.28"><span class="content">through love his throne is made secure.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.20.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.20.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">The glory of young men is their strength,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.20.29"><span class="content">gray hair the splendor of the old.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.20.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.20.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Blows and wounds scrub away evil,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.20.30"><span class="content">and beatings purge the inmost being.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch91" data-usfm="PSA.91">
         <div class="label">91</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 91</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.91.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.91.1"><span class="content">will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">91:1 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Shaddai</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.91.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.91.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">I will say of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, &#8220;He is my refuge and my fortress,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.91.2"><span class="content">my God, in whom I trust.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.91.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.91.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Surely he will save you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.91.3"><span class="content">from the fowler&#8217;s snare</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.91.3"><span class="content">and from the deadly pestilence.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.91.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.91.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">He will cover you with his feathers,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.91.4"><span class="content">and under his wings you will find refuge;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.91.4"><span class="content">his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.91.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.91.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">You will not fear the terror of night,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.91.5"><span class="content">nor the arrow that flies by day,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.91.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.91.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.91.6"><span class="content">nor the plague that destroys at midday.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.91.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.91.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">A thousand may fall at your side,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.91.7"><span class="content">ten thousand at your right hand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.91.7"><span class="content">but it will not come near you.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.91.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.91.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">You will only observe with your eyes</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.91.8"><span class="content">and see the punishment of the wicked.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.91.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.91.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">If you say, &#8220;The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is my refuge,&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.91.9"><span class="content">and you make the Most High your dwelling,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.91.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.91.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">no harm will overtake you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.91.10"><span class="content">no disaster will come near your tent.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.91.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.91.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">For he will command his angels concerning you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.91.11"><span class="content">to guard you in all your ways;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.91.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.91.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">they will lift you up in their hands,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.91.12"><span class="content">so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.91.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.91.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">You will tread on the lion and the cobra;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.91.13"><span class="content">you will trample the great lion and the serpent.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.91.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.91.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;Because he</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">91:14 </span><span class="ft">That is, probably the king</span></span></span><span class="content"> loves me,&#8221; says the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, &#8220;I will rescue him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.91.14"><span class="content">I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.91.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.91.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">He will call on me, and I will answer him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.91.15"><span class="content">I will be with him in trouble,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.91.15"><span class="content">I will deliver him and honor him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.91.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.91.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">With long life I will satisfy him</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.91.16"><span class="content">and show him my salvation.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkREV">
      <div class="chapter ch20" data-usfm="REV.20">
         <div class="label">20</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Thousand Years</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="REV.20.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="REV.20.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.20.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.20.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.20.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">20:4 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">God; I also saw those who</span></span></span><span class="content"> had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.20.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.20.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Judgment of Satan</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.20.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="REV.20.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="REV.20.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth&#8212;Gog and Magog&#8212;and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.20.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God&#8217;s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="REV.20.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Judgment of the Dead</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="REV.20.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="REV.20.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.20.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.20.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="REV.20.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="REV.20.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1CO">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="1CO.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CO.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CO.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CO.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ&#8212;their Lord and ours:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CO.1.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CO.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Thanksgiving</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CO.1.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CO.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">For in him you have been enriched in every way&#8212;with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CO.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CO.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CO.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">A Church Divided Over Leaders</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1CO.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:10 </span><span class="ft">The Greek word for </span><span class="fq">brothers and sisters </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">adelphoi</span>) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God&#8217;s family; also in verses 11 and 26; and in 2:1; 3:1; 4:6; 6:8; 7:24, 29; 10:1; 11:33; 12:1; 14:6, 20, 26, 39; 15:1, 6, 50, 58; 16:15, 20.</span></span></span><span class="content"> in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe&#8217;s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1CO.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">What I mean is this: One of you says, &#8220;I follow Paul&#8221;; another, &#8220;I follow Apollos&#8221;; another, &#8220;I follow Cephas</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:12 </span><span class="ft">That is, Peter</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8221;; still another, &#8220;I follow Christ.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1CO.1.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CO.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="1CO.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1CO.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don&#8217;t remember if I baptized anyone else.) </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CO.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel&#8212;not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Christ Crucified Is God&#8217;s Power and Wisdom</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CO.1.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="1CO.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CO.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">For it is written:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CO.1.19"><span class="content">&#8220;I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CO.1.19"><span class="content">the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:19 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 29:14</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CO.1.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="1CO.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="1CO.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="1CO.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="1CO.1.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="1CO.1.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="1CO.1.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="1CO.1.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="1CO.1.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="1CO.1.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="1CO.1.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things&#8212;and the things that are not&#8212;to nullify the things that are, </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="1CO.1.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">so that no one may boast before him. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="1CO.1.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God&#8212;that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="1CO.1.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Therefore, as it is written: &#8220;Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:31 </span><span class="ft">Jer. 9:24</span></span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1CO">
      <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="1CO.2">
         <div class="label">2</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CO.2.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:1 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">proclaimed to you God&#8217;s mystery</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CO.2.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CO.2.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CO.2.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit&#8217;s power, </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.2.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God&#8217;s power.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">God&#8217;s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.2.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CO.2.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CO.2.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">No, we declare God&#8217;s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CO.2.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.2.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">However, as it is written:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.2.9"><span class="content">&#8220;What no eye has seen,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.2.9"><span class="content">what no ear has heard,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.2.9"><span class="content">and what no human mind has conceived&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:9 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 64:4</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.2.9"><span class="content">the things God has prepared for those who love him&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.2.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1CO.2.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1CO.2.10"><span class="content">The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.2.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">For who knows a person&#8217;s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1CO.2.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CO.2.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:13 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="1CO.2.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1CO.2.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.2.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">for,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.2.16"><span class="content">&#8220;Who has known the mind of the Lord</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.2.16"><span class="content">so as to instruct him?&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:16 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 40:13</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.2.16"><span class="content">But we have the mind of Christ.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1CO">
      <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="1CO.3">
         <div class="label">3</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Church and Its Leaders</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CO.3.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly&#8212;mere infants in Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CO.3.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CO.3.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CO.3.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">For when one says, &#8220;I follow Paul,&#8221; and another, &#8220;I follow Apollos,&#8221; are you not mere human beings?</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CO.3.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe&#8212;as the Lord has assigned to each his task. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CO.3.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CO.3.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CO.3.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.3.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">For we are co-workers in God&#8217;s service; you are God&#8217;s field, God&#8217;s building.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.3.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1CO.3.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.3.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1CO.3.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CO.3.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person&#8217;s work. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="1CO.3.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1CO.3.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved&#8212;even though only as one escaping through the flames.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1CO.3.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.3.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Don&#8217;t you know that you yourselves are God&#8217;s temple and that God&#8217;s Spirit dwells in your midst? </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CO.3.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">If anyone destroys God&#8217;s temple, God will destroy that person; for God&#8217;s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CO.3.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="1CO.3.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become &#8220;fools&#8221; so that you may become wise. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CO.3.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God&#8217;s sight. As it is written: &#8220;He catches the wise in their craftiness&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:19 </span><span class="ft">Job 5:13</span></span></span><span class="content">; </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="1CO.3.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">and again, &#8220;The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:20 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 94:11</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="1CO.3.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="1CO.3.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:22 </span><span class="ft">That is, Peter</span></span></span><span class="content"> or the world or life or death or the present or the future&#8212;all are yours, </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="1CO.3.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1CO">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="1CO.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Nature of True Apostleship</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CO.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CO.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CO.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CO.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.4.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CO.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, &#8220;Do not go beyond what is written.&#8221; Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CO.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CO.4.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CO.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign&#8212;and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1CO.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1CO.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CO.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world&#8212;right up to this moment.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul&#8217;s Appeal and Warning</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CO.4.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="1CO.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1CO.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Therefore I urge you to imitate me. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CO.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CO.4.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="1CO.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CO.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="1CO.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="1CO.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1CO">
      <div class="chapter ch5" data-usfm="1CO.5">
         <div class="label">5</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Dealing With a Case of Incest</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CO.5.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father&#8217;s wife. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CO.5.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">And you are proud! Shouldn&#8217;t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CO.5.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CO.5.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.5.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:5 </span><span class="ft">In contexts like this, the Greek word for </span><span class="fq">flesh </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">sarx</span>) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.</span></span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">of his body</span></span></span><span class="content"> so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.5.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CO.5.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Your boasting is not good. Don&#8217;t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CO.5.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch&#8212;as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CO.5.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CO.5.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.5.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1CO.5.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.5.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:11 </span><span class="ft">The Greek word for </span><span class="fq">brother or sister </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">adelphos</span>) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God&#8217;s family; also in 8:11, 13.</span></span></span><span class="content"> but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.5.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1CO.5.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CO.5.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">God will judge those outside. &#8220;Expel the wicked person from among you.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:13 </span><span class="ft">Deut. 13:5; 17:7; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21,24; 24:7</span></span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1CO">
      <div class="chapter ch6" data-usfm="1CO.6">
         <div class="label">6</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Lawsuits Among Believers</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CO.6.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord&#8217;s people? </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CO.6.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Or do you not know that the Lord&#8217;s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CO.6.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CO.6.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.6.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CO.6.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">But instead, one brother takes another to court&#8212;and this in front of unbelievers!</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CO.6.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CO.6.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CO.6.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.6.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:9 </span><span class="ft">The words </span><span class="fq">men who have sex with men </span><span class="ft">translate two Greek words that refer to the passive and active participants in homosexual acts.</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1CO.6.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.6.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Sexual Immorality</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.6.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1CO.6.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#8220;I have the right to do anything,&#8221; you say&#8212;but not everything is beneficial. &#8220;I have the right to do anything&#8221;&#8212;but I will not be mastered by anything. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CO.6.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">You say, &#8220;Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.&#8221; The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="1CO.6.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1CO.6.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.6.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, &#8220;The two will become one flesh.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:16 </span><span class="ft">Gen. 2:24</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CO.6.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:17 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in the Spirit</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CO.6.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="1CO.6.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CO.6.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="1CO.6.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1CO">
      <div class="chapter ch7" data-usfm="1CO.7">
         <div class="label">7</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Concerning Married Life</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CO.7.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Now for the matters you wrote about: &#8220;It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CO.7.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CO.7.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CO.7.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CO.7.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CO.7.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">I say this as a concession, not as a command. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CO.7.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CO.7.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CO.7.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Now to the unmarried</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">7:8 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">widowers</span></span></span><span class="content"> and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.7.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CO.7.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1CO.7.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.7.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CO.7.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1CO.7.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CO.7.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="1CO.7.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="1CO.7.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1CO.7.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.7.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Concerning Change of Status</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CO.7.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CO.7.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="1CO.7.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CO.7.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God&#8217;s commands is what counts. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="1CO.7.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="1CO.7.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="1CO.7.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Were you a slave when you were called? Don&#8217;t let it trouble you&#8212;although if you can gain your freedom, do so. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="1CO.7.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord&#8217;s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ&#8217;s slave. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="1CO.7.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="1CO.7.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Concerning the Unmarried</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="1CO.7.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="1CO.7.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord&#8217;s mercy is trustworthy. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="1CO.7.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="1CO.7.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="1CO.7.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="1CO.7.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="1CO.7.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="1CO.7.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="1CO.7.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="1CO.7.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="1CO.7.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord&#8217;s affairs&#8212;how he can please the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="1CO.7.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world&#8212;how he can please his wife&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="1CO.7.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord&#8217;s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world&#8212;how she can please her husband. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="1CO.7.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="1CO.7.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="1CO.7.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">7:36 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">if she is getting beyond the usual age for marriage</span></span></span><span class="content"> and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="1CO.7.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin&#8212;this man also does the right thing. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="1CO.7.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">7:36-38 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fv">36 </span><span class="fqa">If anyone thinks he is not treating his daughter properly, and if she is getting along in years </span><span class="ft">(or </span><span class="fqa">if her passions are too strong</span><span class="ft">)</span><span class="fqa">, and he feels she ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. He should let her get married. </span><span class="fv">37 </span><span class="fqa">But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind to keep the virgin unmarried&#8212;this man also does the right thing. </span><span class="fv">38 </span><span class="fqa">So then, he who gives his virgin in marriage does right, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="1CO.7.38"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="1CO.7.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="1CO.7.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is&#8212;and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

Mei NextGen Daily Devotion Sample

Scripture

About this Plan

Related Plans