The Holy Bible.

     A copy of the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION ( CEV ) of the Holy Bible; being entitled:  open hearts, open minds, OUTDOORS!, is pictured to the left.  The following quotation is taken from this version of the Holy Bible:

"Languages are spoken before they are written.  And far more communication is done through the spoken word than through the written word.  In fact, more people hear the Bible read than read if for themselves.  Traditional translations of the Bible count on the reader's ability to understand a written text.  But the Contemporary English Version differs from all other English Bibles-past and present-in that it takes into consideration the needs of the hearer, as well as those of the reader, who may not be familiar with traditional biblical language.  The Contemporary English Version has been described as a 'user-friendly' and a 'mission-driven' translation that can be read aloud without stumbling, heard without misunderstanding, and listened to with enjoyment and appreciation, because the language is contemporary and the style is lucid and lyrical."  [  See The Holy Bible, CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION, AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, NEW YORK, Text:  Copyright 1995, American Bible Society, p. vii.  ]

     Jeremiah 44:15-18 read as follows:  "A large number of Jews from both northern and southern Egypt listened to me as I told them what the LORD had said.  Most of the men in the crowd knew that their wives often burned incense to other gods.  So they and their wives shouted:  'Jeremiah, what do we care if you speak in the LORD's name?  We refuse to listen!  We have promised to worship the goddess Astarte, the Queen of Heaven, and that is exactly what we are going to do.  We will burn incense and offer sacrifices of wine to her, just as we, our ancestors, our kings, and our leaders did when we lived in Jerusalem and the other towns of Judah.  We had plenty of food back then.  We were well off, and nothing bad ever happened to us.  But since the time we stopped burning incense and offering wine sacrifices to her, we have been dying from war and hunger."  With the preceding passage from the Holy Bible in mind, we see that the Jews tried to justify the sin of idolatry ( see Exodus 20:3, Matthew 4:10, Romans 15:4, Colossians 2:11-14 ( especially verse 14, for example ), and Hebrews 8:1-13 ( especially verse 13, for example ), for example ) by stating that they had plenty of food, were well off, and that nothing bad ever happened to them.  The LORD had spoken to them, through the prophet Jeremiah ( see Jeremiah 44:1, 4, and 16 ), and told them that they would die in war or from starvation ( see Jeremiah 44:12 ), because of their sin of idolatry ( please read Jeremiah 44:1-18 to get the context ).

     Moreover, the Jews refused to listen ( see verse 16 ).  Many ( see Matthew 7:13, for example ) people are equally stubborn even today.  They refuse to listen to God's word ( the Holy Bible - see Psalm 119:65-72, 142, 151, John 1:1, 14; 7:16; 8:26; 10:30; 17:17, Colossians 2:8, 9, 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, and 1 John 5:6-8, for example ); choosing, rather, to practice idolatry.  Jesus ( see Matthew 5:1 ) said that only those who obey His Father in heaven will get into the kingdom of heaven ( see Matthew 7:21, for example ).  Please study the Holy Bible ( see 2 Timothy 2:15, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of the REVISED STANDARD VERSION ( RSV ) of the Holy Bible.  The following quotation is taken from this version of the Holy Bible:

"The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is an authorized revision of the American Standard Version, published in 1901, which was a revision of the King James Version, published in 1611. . . .  The Revised Standard Version of the Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments, was published on September 30, 1952, and has met with wide acceptance."  [  See THE BIBLE, REVISED STANDARD VERSION, AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, New York, Old Testament Section, Copyright 1952, New Testament Section, First Edition, Copyright 1946, New Testament Section, Second Edition, Copyright 1971, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, pp. iii, vi.  ]

     1 John 5:10 reads as follows:  "He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself.  He who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne to his Son."  The phrase, "has made him a liar," in the preceding passage from the Holy Bible might, at the first, be a source of difficulty for the reader.  We know that God "never lies" ( see Titus 1:2, for example ).  The comparison between the above-referenced phrase in 1 John 5:10, and what is taught in Titus 1:2, for example, would seem to be a contradiction.

     However, since we know that God never lies, we must clarify who the word "liar," in 1 John 5:10, refers to.  The answer to this question becomes clear when we give additional consideration to the phrase, "has made him a liar," in 1 John 5:10.  Specifically, the words "has made," in this phrase, must refer to the intellectual dishonesty of the one who does not believe God.

     Clearly, then, the one who does not believe God is the liar, because this person "has not believed in the testimony that God has borne to his Son" ( recall 1 John 5:10 ).  Thus, there is no contradiction in 1 John 5:10.  Please study the Holy Bible ( see 2 Timothy 2:15, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

NOTE:  In the bibliography of the copy of the REVISED STANDARD VERSION ( RSV ) of the Holy Bible ( pictured above ), a national council of Churches of Christ is referenced.  It is important to understand that the New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:18 and Romans 16:16, for example ) is not a member of any such national council of churches.  Such a structure is not authorized in the Holy Bible.  Rather, each local congregation ( see Galatians 1:2, for example ) of the universal church of Christ ( see Ephesians 1:22, 23, for example ) is to be autonomous; having elders and deacons in those local congregations where men are qualified to serve as elders and deacons ( see Acts 14:23; 20:28, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-4, for example ).

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of The Bible in Today's English Version ( TEV ); being entitled: GOOD NEWS BIBLE.  The following quotation is taken from this version of the Holy Bible:

"In September 1966 the American Bible Society published The New Testament in Today's English Version, a translation for people everywhere for whom English is either their mother tongue or an acquired language.  Shortly thereafter the United Bible Societies requested the American Bible Society to undertake on its behalf a translation of the Old Testament following the same principles.  Accordingly the American Bible Society appointed a group of translators to prepare the translation.  In 1971 this group added a British consultant recommended by the British and Foreign Bible Society.  The translation of the Old Testament now appears together with the fourth edition of the New Testament."  [  See GOOD NEWS BIBLE, The Bible in Today's English Version, AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, New York, Old Testament:  Copyright American Bible Society, 1976, New Testament:  Copyright American Bible Society, 1966, 1971, 1976, p. ix.  ]

     Job 1:13-22 read as follows:  "One day when Job's children were having a feast at the home of their oldest brother, a messenger came running to Job.  'We were plowing the fields with the oxen,' he said, 'and the donkeys were in a nearby pasture.  Suddenly the Sabeans attacked and stole them all.  They killed every one of your servants except me.  I am the only one who escaped to tell you.'  Before he had finished speaking, another servant came and said, 'Lightning struck the sheep and the shepherds and killed them all.  I am the only one who escaped to tell you.'  Before he had finished speaking, another servant came and said, 'Three bands of Chaldean raiders attacked us, took away the camels, and killed all your servants except me.  I am the only one who escaped to tell you.'  Before he had finished speaking, another servant came and said, 'Your children were having a feast at the home of your oldest son, when a storm swept in from the desert.  It blew the house down and killed them all.  I am the only one who escaped to tell you.'  Then Job got up and tore his clothes in grief.  He shaved his head and threw himself face downward on the ground.  He said, 'I was born with nothing, and I will die with nothing.  The LORD gave, and now he has taken away.  May his name be praised!'  In spite of everything that had happened, Job did not sin by blaming God."  Notice how Job responded to this great adversity.  He ultimately praised the name of the LORD.  How do we respond to adversity?

     Psalm 69:1 reads as follows:  "Save me, O God!  The water is up to my neck;  I am sinking in deep mud, and there is no solid ground;  I am out in deep water, and the waves are about to drown me."  Proverbs 24:10 reads as follows:  "If you are weak in a crisis, you are weak indeed."  Psalm 27:1 reads as follows:  "The LORD is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one.  The LORD protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid."  To be sure, we must trust that the LORD will protect us from all danger ( cf. Matthew 7:21-23, Acts 16:16-34 ( especially verses 25-34, for example ), 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ), and Hebrews 9:27, for example ).  We must be strong in a time of crisis.

     Finally, we must view trials in a positive way.  James 1:2, 3 read as follows:  "My brothers, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure."  Please study the Holy Bible ( see 2 Timothy 2:15, for example ), so that you will know how to deal with adversity, for example.

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

     

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of the HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE ( HCSB ).  The following quotation is taken from this version of the Holy Bible:

"The HCSB has used computer technology and telecommunications in its creation perhaps more than any Bible translation in history.  Electronic mail was used daily and sometimes hourly for communication and transmission of manuscripts.  An advanced Bible software program, Accordance, was used to create and revise the translation at each step in its production.  A developmental copy of the HCSB itself was used within Accordance to facilitate cross-checking during the translation process-something never done before with a Bible translation."  [  See HOLY BIBLE, HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE, AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, NEW YORK, Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers, p. vi.  ]

     Acts 18:14, 15 read as follows:  "And as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, 'If it were a matter of a crime or of moral evil, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you Jews.  But if these are questions about words, names, and your own law, see to it yourselves.  I don't want to be a judge of such things.'"  In verse 14, the phrase "moral evil" is used.  At the first, this phrase would appear to be contradictory, since there is no such thing as righteous evil.  However, it is necessary to consider the definition of the word "moral."

     The word "moral" is defined as follows:

"adj.   1   Pertaining to character and behavior from the point of view of right and wrong, and obligation to duty; pertaining to rightness and duty in conduct.  2  Conforming to right conduct; actuated by a sense of the good, true, and right; good; righteous; virtuous.  3  Concerned with the principles of right and wrong; ethical:  moral philosophy; moral values.  4  Acting or suited to act through man's intellect or sense of right:  often opposed to physical:  moral support.  5  Logic Probable as opposed to demonstrative:  moral proof. . . ."  [  See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY  10016, dictionary portion:  pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 635.  ]

Sense 5, of the above-given definition of the word "moral," agrees with the context of Acts 18:14, 15.  Specifically, the word "probable" could be substituted for the word "moral," in the phrase "moral evil" in Acts 18:14, thus reading "probable evil."

     Moreover, the word "probable," in the above-given definition of the word "moral," is defined as follows:

"adj.   1   Having more evidence than the contrary, but not proof;  likely to be true or to happen, but leaving room for doubt.  2  That renders something worthy of belief, but falls short of demonstration:  probable evidence. . . ."  [  Ibid., p. 771.  ]

Furthermore, the word "demonstrative," in the above-given definition of the word "moral," is defined as follows:

"adj.   1   Having the power of demonstrating or pointing out;  convincing and conclusive. . . ."  [  Ibid., p. 262.  ]

With all of the preceding information in mind, if the situation ( please read Acts, chapter 18 ( especially verses 1-17 ), to get the context ) had been a matter of crime or probable evil, Gallio would have been willing to consider it.  Whatever the case may be, there is no reason to panic regarding the phrase "moral evil" in Acts 18:14, provided that we are willing to to consider the definitions of a few words.  As expressed in a previous posting to this weblog, I would like to encourage ( see 1 Timothy 4:13 ) you, the reader, to study the Holy Bible ( see 2 Timothy 2:15, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     A lesson on the subject of the New Testament church is taught from the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REVISED EDITION ( NABRE ); being entitled: THE NEW CATHOLIC ANSWER BIBLE.  A copy of this version of the Holy Bible is pictured to the left.

     Matthew 16:18 reads as follows:  "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it."  The phrase, "my church," in the above-given verse in the Holy Bible, teaches two things.  To begin with, Jesus ( see Matthew 16:13 ) used the word "my," which clearly indicates that the New Testament church belongs to Him.  Thus, since the New Testament church belongs to Jesus, a Scriptural phrase used to identify the church is "church of Christ."  Furthermore, the apostle Paul ( see Romans 1:1 ), through Tertius his secretary ( see Romans 16:22 ), recorded the following in Romans 16:16:  "Greet one another with a holy kiss.  All the churches of Christ greet you" ( emphasis mine, R.E.W. ).  From Romans 16:16, we see that a Scriptural identifying phrase for the universal New Testament church is "church of Christ"; the plural form of this phrase being used in reference to a plurality of local congregations of the universal New Testament church ( see Galatians 1:2, for example ).  Moreover, the quotation below is taken from the following uniform resource locator ( http://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=2678 ):

"The combination 'the Catholic Church' ( he katholike ekklesia ) is found for the first time in the letter of St. Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans, written about the year 110" ( emphasis mine, R.E.W. ).

With the above-given quotation in mind, it is important to understand that God's word ( the Holy Bible - see Psalm 119:65-72, 142, 151, John 1:1, 14; 7:16; 8:26; 10:30; 14:6; 17:17, Romans 1:20, Colossians 2:8, 9, 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, and 1 John 5:6-8, for example ) was completely revealed in written form when the apostle John finished writing the book of Revelation circa A.D. 96-98.  Therefore, the phrase "the Catholic Church," is not a Scriptural reference to the universal New Testament church.

     Secondly, Jesus used the word "church," singular, in Matthew 16:18.  Therefore, there is one New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see also Romans 12:5 and Ephesians 1:22, 23, for example ) and, thus, "religious" denominationalism is not authorized in the Holy Bible.  The universal New Testament church is the church of Christ - not the Catholic denomination.

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

     

The Holy Bible.

     A lesson on the subject of baptism is taught from the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REVISED EDITION ( NABRE ); being entitled: THE NEW CATHOLIC ANSWER BIBLE.  This version of the Holy Bible is pictured to the left.  Baptism is an extremely important subject in the Holy Bible.

     To begin with, Exodus 24:6-8 read as follows:  "Moses took half of the blood and put it in large bowls; the other half he splashed on the altar.  Taking the book of the covenant, he read it aloud to the people, who answered, 'All that the LORD has said, we will hear and do.'  Then he took the blood and splashed it on the people, saying, 'This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words.'"  The above-given passage appears in the context of the ratification of the Mosaic covenant.  Moreover, Hebrews 9:18-22 read as follows:  "Thus not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.  When every commandment had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves [and goats], together with water and crimson wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, 'This is '"the blood of the covenant which God has enjoined upon you."''  In the same way, he sprinkled also the tabernacle and all the vessels of worship with blood.  According to the law almost everything is purified by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

     The phrase, "first covenant," in Hebrews 9:18 is clearly a reference to the Mosaic covenant.  It is important to understand that the Mosaic covenant is not the first covenant mentioned in the Holy Bible.  However, it was the first covenant to be ratified by blood and, thus, the phrase, "first covenant," is used in Hebrews 9:18.

     Moreover, Mark 16:16 reads as follows:  "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned."  Acts 2:38 reads as follows:  "Peter [said] to them, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit.'"  Romans 6:1-4 read as follows:  "What then shall we say?  Shall we persist in sin that grace may abound?  Of course not!  How can we who died to sin yet live in it?  Or are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life."

     According to Romans 6:3, we come in contact with the blood of Christ when we are baptized into Christ Jesus; being baptized into His death.  How do we come in contact with His blood?  1 Peter 1:1, 2 read as follows:  "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, in the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification by the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling with the blood of Jesus Christ: may grace and peace be yours in abundance."  Furthermore, Hebrews 10:22 reads as follows:  "let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."  The phrase, "bodies washed with pure water," in Hebrews 10:22 is clearly a reference to baptism.  Thus, when we are buried with Christ Jesus through baptism into death ( recall Romans 6:4; the word "buried" indicates that baptism is by immersion in water - not sprinkling ( aspersion ) or pouring ( infusion )), there is a figurative sprinkling of the blood of Jesus that occurs.  Also, since we are baptized into Christ's death, we come in contact with the blood that He shed at His death.  Where did He die?  On the cross of the Skull ( see Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example )).  Additionally, Revelation 1:5 reads as follows:  "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth.  To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood."  Therefore, when we are baptized into Christ Jesus, we come in contact with His blood, which frees us from our sins ( "washed us from our sins" - see Revelation 1:5; KJV, for example ).  If we are not baptized into Christ Jesus, we are not freed from our sins.

     The literal sprinkling of blood, by which the Mosaic covenant was ratified, is a foreshadowing of the figurative sprinkling of the blood of Christ, which occurs when we are baptized.  Luke 22:19, 20 read as follows:  "Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.'  And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you."  Luke 22:19, 20 ( KJV; with center-column references ) read as follows:  "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you:  this do in remembrance of me.  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."  The word, "testament," in Luke 22:20 ( KJV; with center-column references ) has an equivalent translation, which is the word "covenant."  Therefore, as the Mosaic covenant was ratified by blood, the New Testament ( new covenant ) is ratified with us, when we are baptized into Christ Jesus; coming in contact with His blood, through the figurative sprinkling of His blood that occurs during the act of baptism.

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

NOTE:  This weblog posting has shown that the sacred text of the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REVISED EDITION ( NABRE ) version of the Holy Bible ( being entitled: THE NEW CATHOLIC ANSWER BIBLE ) can be used to effectively teach God's word ( see 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, for example ), provided that we ignore the seven Old Testament apocryphal books contained within it ( Baruch, Tobit, Judith, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Wisdom ( or Wisdom of Solomon ), and Sirach ( or Ecclesiasticus )), and reject any false teaching contained in the inserts ( labelled "A-1" through "V-4," which is what the June 4, 2012 posting to this weblog was intended to show ).

The Holy Bible.

Pictured to the left is a copy of the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REVISED EDITION ( NABRE ), which is entitled: THE NEW CATHOLIC ANSWER BIBLE.  A quotation regarding this Bible is as follows:  "Beginning with the release of the Revised New Testament in 1986 and the subsequent revision of the Psalter in 1991, the release of the remaining Books of the Old Testament (with further revisions of the Psalter) in 2010 completes an entire revision of the original New American Bible of 1970."  [  See THE NEW CATHOLIC ANSWER BIBLE, NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REVISED EDITION, FIRESIDE CATHOLIC PUBLISHING, WICHITA, KANSAS, COPYRIGHT, 2011, 2006, 1987, 1981, BY DEVORE & SONS, INC., WICHITA, KANSAS  67201, COPYRIGHT, 1970, BY CATHOLIC BIBLE PUBLISHERS, WICHITA, KANSAS  67201, p. xxiii.  ]

     The sermon on the mount is found in Matthew, chapters 5-7.  In Matthew 5:2, concerning Jesus ( see Matthew 4:17 ), we find the following phrase, "He began to teach them" ( emphasis mine, R.E.W. ).  At the end of the sermon, in Matthew 7:29, concerning Jesus ( see Matthew 7:28 ), is the following statement:  "for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes" ( emphasis mine, R.E.W. ).  Thus, we see the concept of teaching associated with the act of preaching.

     Moreover, in Matthew 26, we see that Jesus ( see Matthew 26:17 ) can sing.  Verse 30 reads as follows:  "Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."  Furthermore, concerning Jesus ( see Luke 4:14 ), Luke 4:16-20 read as follows:  "He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day.  He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.  He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:  'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.'  Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him."

     Additionally, John 8:6, 8 read as follows:  "They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him.  Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.  Again he bent down and wrote on the ground."  The preceding verses appear in the context of the scribes and Pharisees, having brought a woman to Jesus, who was "caught in adultery" ( see John 8:3 ).  Please read John 8:1-11 to get the context.

     Finally, Matthew 8:5-13 read as follows:  "When he entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, 'Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.'  He said to him, 'I will come and cure him.'  The centurion said in reply, 'Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.  For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me.  And I say to one, '"Go,"' and he goes; and to another, '"Come here,"' and he comes; and to my slave, '"Do this,"' and he does it.'  When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, 'Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.  I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom will be driven out into outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'  And Jesus said to the centurion, 'You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.'  And at that very hour [his] servant was healed."  Also, concerning Jesus ( see Mark 6:4 ), Mark 7:37 reads as follows:  "They were exceedingly astonished and they said, 'He has done all things well.  He makes the deaf hear and [the] mute speak.'"

     With all of the above-given passages from the Holy Bible in mind, Jesus can preach ( and, therefore, teach ), sing, read, write, and listen well.  To be sure, He can do all things well.  I would like to encourage ( see 1 Timothy 4:13 ) you, the reader, to study the Holy Bible ( see 2 Timothy 2:15, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

NOTE:  The wear, to the lower right corner of the copy of the Holy Bible pictured above, is a result of its use.