A Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has Anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
Explanation:
In this passage, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth, declaring His mission and purpose.
He emphasizes several key aspects:
Proclaiming good news to the poor** This signifies the message of hope and salvation for those who are marginalized or in need.
**Freedom for the prisoners**: This can be understood both literally, as in those who are imprisoned, and spiritually,
referring to liberation from sin.
**Recovery of sight for the blind**: This suggests both physical healing and spiritual enlightenment.
**Setting the oppressed free**: This includes releasing those who are burdened or suffering injustice.
- **Proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor**: This refers to the Jubilee year in Jewish tradition, a time of restoration and forgiveness.
Overall, this declaration marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, highlighting His role as the Messiah who brings hope and liberation.
B Revelation 22:7 (NIV)
"Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll."
C Luke 7:22 (NIV)
"So he replied to the messengers, 'Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are Cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.'"
Explanation**: In this passage, Jesus is responding to inquiries from John the Baptist's disciples about whether He is the Messiah. Jesus points to the miracles He has performed as evidence of His messianic identity and the fulfillment of prophecy, emphasizing His ministry to the marginalized and suffering.
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D Luke 14:27-28 (NIV)
"27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my Disciple. 28 'Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?'"
Explanation**: In these verses, Jesus teaches about the cost of discipleship. He uses the metaphor of carrying one's cross to illustrate the sacrifices required to follow Him. He also emphasizes the importance of counting the cost before undertaking a significant commitment (like building a tower), which serves as a metaphor for the commitment required to be His disciple.
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E Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an Everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'"
Explanation**: This verse expresses God's deep and enduring love for His people, Israel. It highlights the nature of God's relationship with His people as one characterized by love and kindness, indicating that His commitment to them is eternal.
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F 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
No Temptation has overtaken except what is common to mankind.
And God is Faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out
So that you can endure it
**Explanation**: In this verse, Paul is warning the Corinthian Christians against idolatry, which was prevalent in their culture. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding anything that would distract them from their devotion to God and lead them away from their faith.
GRomans 8:17 (NIV)
"Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his Glory
**Explanation**: This verse speaks to the identity of believers as children of God. It emphasizes the concept of inheritance, indicating that believers are not only part of God’s family but also share in the sufferings of Christ, which is essential for sharing in His glory.
H Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)
And they were calling to one another: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty; The whole earth is full of his glory.”
**Explanation**: Isaiah 6:3 serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. It illustrates the social and moral decay that results from abandoning faithfulness to God, emphasizing that God’s judgment will lead to significant changes in the society.
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I Exodus 3:1 (NIV)
And God Said unto Moses I AM THAT IAM: and he said Thus shall thou say unto the children of Israel I am hath sent me unto you.
**Explanation**: This verse introduces the account of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. It sets the stage for Moses' calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The mention of Horeb as the "mountain of God" indicates the significance of this location in the unfolding narrative of the Exodus.
J Galatians 2:16 (NIV)
"Know that a person is not Justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be Justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified."
**Explanation**: This verse emphasizes the doctrine of justification by faith rather than by works. Paul is addressing the Galatians to clarify that salvation and acceptance by God come through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the Jewish law.
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K Ephesians 3:19 (NIV)
"and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
**Explanation**: In this verse, Paul is praying for the Ephesian believers to understand the depth of Christ's love, which is beyond human comprehension. He desires that they be filled with the fullness of God, indicating a deep spiritual relationship and experience with Him.
L Revelation 19:16 (NIV)
"On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
**Explanation**: This verse is from a vision of Jesus' triumphant return. It highlights His ultimate authority and sovereignty over all rulers and powers. The title "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" signifies His supreme reign.
M John 1:41 (NIV)
"The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ)."
**Explanation**: This verse describes Andrew, one of Jesus' disciples, as he excitedly tells his brother Simon Peter that they have found the Messiah. It signifies the importance of recognizing Jesus as the promised Savior and the excitement of sharing that discovery.
N Matthew 2:23 (NIV)
"And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets that he would be called a Nazarene."
**Explanation**: This verse explains how Joseph and Mary settled in Nazareth with Jesus after returning from Egypt. It indicates the fulfillment of prophecy, though the specific prophecy is not quoted in the Old Testament, suggesting a broader prophetic theme regarding the Messiah's humble origins.
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O Deuteronomy 4:30 (NIV)
"When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and Obey him."
**Explanation**: This verse is part of Moses' address to the Israelites, warning them about the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. It offers hope, stating that even in their distress and after experiencing the consequences of their actions, they will return to God and He will restore them.
P Matthew 21:16 (NIV)
"‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. 'Yes,' replied Jesus, 'have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your Praise”?'"
**Explanation**: In this passage, the religious leaders are questioning Jesus about the praises being shouted by children in the temple. Jesus affirms their praise by quoting Scripture, demonstrating that God receives worship from even the youngest and most vulnerable.
Q 1 Corinthians 15:4 (NIV)
And so it was written the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last man was made a Quickening spirit
"That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."
**Explanation**: This verse is part of Paul's proclamation of the gospel. He emphasizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, highlighting that His resurrection was foretold in the Scriptures, affirming the core of Christian faith.
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R John 11:25 (NIV)
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the Resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;'"
**Explanation**: In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, after Lazarus has died. Jesus declares Himself as the source of resurrection and life, assuring that those who believe in Him will have eternal life, even if they physically die.
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S Genesis 49:18 (ASV)
** I Have waited for thy Salvation O
Jehovah
**Explanation**: This verse appears in the middle of Jacob’s prophetic blessings to his sons. It stands out because, while most of the chapter is Jacob addressing each son’s future, verse 18 is a brief prayer directly to God.
T 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)
"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s Temple and that God’s Spirit dwells among you?"
**Explanation**: Paul is reminding the Corinthian believers that they are collectively the temple of God, where the Holy Spirit resides. This verse underlines the sanctity of the community of believers and the presence of God among them.
U Proverbs 10:29 The Lord is strength to the Upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity
**Explanation**: This proverb contrasts the outcomes of righteousness and wickedness. It suggests that those who live according to God's ways find safety and refuge, while those who do evil will face destruction.
V 1 Samuel 16:18 (NIV)
"One of the servants answered, 'I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a Valient man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him.'"
**Explanation**: In this verse, a servant of King Saul describes David, who would eventually become king. It highlights David's qualifications and attributes, emphasizing that the Lord is with him, indicating God's choice of David as the future leader of Israel.
W John 4:24 (NIV)
"God is spirit, and his worshipers must Worship in the Spirit and in truth."
**Explanation**: Jesus is speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, explaining the nature of God and true worship. This verse emphasizes that genuine worship must be done in the Spirit (with sincerity and authenticity) and in truth (aligned with God's revelation).
X Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
X Commadments Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
**Explanation**: In response to a question about the greatest commandment, Jesus summarizes the essence of the Law with two commandments: loving God fully and loving one's neighbor as oneself. These principles are foundational to Christian ethics.
Y Matthew 5:37 (KJV) says:
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Meaning & Context:
• Plain speech: Jesus is teaching that your words should be truthful and straightforward—“yes” meaning yes and “no” meaning no—without needing oaths or elaborate promises to prove honesty.
• Integrity: Anything beyond simple, honest speech (like swearing or making vows to convince others) can lead to deception or come from a sinful heart.
Z Psalms 50:2
“Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God hath shined forth.”
Psalms 50:2 ASV
**Explanation**:
Zion: Refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual center where God’s presence dwells.
• Perfection of beauty: Describes Zion as the place of God’s glory and majesty, symbolizing the ultimate beauty that comes from His presence.