Tag: Bible-Smart (Page 6 of 6)

Praying Through Romans in 31 Days

Scripture: Romans 1-16

Let’s try an experiment, you and I.

We know that spiritual growth accelerates when we read the Bible and pray. And we know that the biblical book of Romans is the foundational explanation of the theology of our Christian faith. In fact, Martin Luther once said of Romans, “The more it is dealt with, the more precious it becomes.”

So let’s try this:

  1. First, bookmark this web page so you can come back to it frequently. Then …
  2.  Every day for the next 31 days, let’s take the main messages in the book of Romans—and pray them back to God.

What do you think might happen then?

•••

DAY 1

Jesus, I’m your servant, set apart for your gospel. In humanity you’re descended from King David; through your Spirit of holiness you’re the Son of God! You proved this powerfully when you raised from the dead, giving grace to all who belong to you. May your grace and peace flow through me today. Amen!

From Romans 1:1-7

DAY 2

Jesus, faith in you is being reported all over the world, and I get to be part of that! Right now, in this prayer, I want to remember those who serve you in my community, nation, and world. Lord, please make us strong today. Help us to encourage and build each other up. Don’t let us be ashamed of your gospel—the power of God for salvation! We live by faith in you. Amen.

From Romans 1:8-17

DAY 3

Lord, from the first moment of creation your invisible qualities—your eternal power and divine being—have been clearly seen. Still, some of us have refused to see you. We’ve let our thinking become futile, and our foolish hearts be darkened. Forgive us, Jesus. Amen.

From Romans 1:18-21

DAY 4

Oh God, too many of us have exchanged your immortal glory to worship shallow images of you in creation. We’ve exchanged truth for a lie, indulged in shameful lusts, and allowed our lives to be filled with every kind of evil. Today, Lord, once again, please forgive us. Amen.

From Romans 1:22-32

DAY 5

Jesus, it’s hard sometimes to avoid passing judgment on others—even though I’m guilty of sin like they are! You’ve been kind and tolerant and patient to me; help me understand how your kindness leads to repentance—not my angry judgments. You don’t show favoritism; you alone are worthy to judge. Help me remember that today. Amen.

From Romans 2:1-29

DAY 6

Father God, thank you for entrusting your word to the world through the Jewish people—even though some haven’t believed in your Son. You’re always faithful (even when we’re faithless!), always true even if every human is a liar. Help me today to be faithful to you. Amen.

From Romans 3:1-8

DAY 7

Father, I know this is true: There is none righteous, not even me. All of us have sinned and fallen short of your glory. BUT … We’re justified freely by your grace and by the redemption you provided. You’ve given us faith—and we are saved! Thank you! Amen.

From Romans 3:9-31

DAY 8

Jesus, how grateful I am for the example of Abraham. Through him you showed that righteousness comes from you, by faith. As David said, “Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them!” So today, Lord, I trust in you who were raised to life for my justification. Thank you! Amen!

From Romans 4:1-25

DAY 9

Lord God, I’m awed by the fact that I can have peace with you through Jesus Christ. At just the right time, when I was powerless, Christ died for me. While I was still a sinner, you died for me! I’m eternally grateful. Amen.

From Romans 5:1-11

DAY 10

Father, you saw it happen: Sin entered the world through Adam, and death through sin. Death reigned until … Your One and Only Son came along. Now, right now, grace reigns for me through the life of Jesus Christ, my Lord! Help me remember this today. Amen.

From Romans 5:12-21

DAY 11

Sometimes, Jesus, I’m tempted to keep on sinning so your grace keeps on growing—but I know that’s foolish! Instead, Lord, help me live in truth: My soul is dead to sin, raised to new life in you. Don’t let sin be my master today; help me live instead wrapped completely in your grace. Amen.

From Romans 6:1-14

DAY 12

Father, I’m humbled. I once was a slave to sin which was leading me to death. Yet now, thanks to you, I’m free from that! The wages of my sin should’ve been death, but instead I’ve received your gift—eternal LIFE in Christ Jesus my Lord. Thank you. Amen.

From Romans 6:15-23

DAY 13

I see today, Lord, an example from marriage. When a husband dies, the wife is no longer bound by the law of marriage. Likewise, I’ve “died” to the ancient Law so I might belong to you instead. I’m released from the law, and sin, and can now serve God in the strength of your Spirit. Help me to live this truth today. Amen!

From Romans 7:1-6

DAY 14

God, your law teaches me what sin is. I see the good I want to do—yet I don’t do it. I see evil I don’t want to do—yet I keep doing it anyway. I feel wretched! Who will save me from myself? You, of course. Only, always you, who delivers me again, today, through Christ Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

From Romans 7:7-25

DAY 15

What comfort today! There is now no condemnation for people who, like me, are in Christ. You’ve set us free from the law of sin and death! Your Spirit testifies still today that I’m your child. I’m a co-heir with Christ. I’ll share in his suffering—and in his glory. Amen!

From Romans 8:1-17

DAY 16

Jesus, this life is hard—you know that. But our present suffering doesn’t compare to the glory you’ll reveal in us. Your Spirit helps in my weakness, even interceding with groans that language can’t express. Help me today to remember your glory to come, to lean on you in my weakness. I trust in you. Amen.

From Romans 8:18-27

DAY 17

God, in all things you work for the good of those who love you—that’s what your Scripture says. If you’re for me, who can be against me? What possible thing could ever separate me from you? Hardship? Poverty? Death or life? No, nothing in all creation can ever separate me from your love in Christ Jesus! I need your help to remember that today. Thank you, amen.

From Romans 8:28-39

DAY 18

Lord, it confuses and saddens me sometimes to discover that many of your people of Israel could miss your mercy and compassion. Meanwhile non-Jews are allowed—by faith—to be called your people in Christ. This is a stumbling block for many; today may it strengthen my faith in your love. Amen.

From Romans 9:1-33

DAY 19

Jesus, my heart’s desire echoes the cry of your Apostle Paul: May the people of Israel be saved by you. I ask for your Spirit—today—to continue to make known that righteousness is available to anyone who believes, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord! Amen.

From Romans 10:1-24

DAY 20

God, this much is clear: You didn’t reject your people of Israel! At all times, even now, you’ve kept a remnant for yourself. And now your remnant is chosen by grace, no longer chosen by works or else grace wouldn’t be grace! So please help me to experience your grace afresh today. Amen.

From Romans 11:1-10

DAY 21

Jesus, you’re amazing! You’ve taken Israel’s struggles with righteousness and used them to create riches for the world. It’s like natural branches broke off a vine, and you grafted in wild olive shoots to receive your life in their place. Today may I understand better what this really means for me. Amen.

From Romans 11:11-24

DAY 22

Father, there’s mystery in the way you work. You’ve promised to save Jew and gentile alike—and your gifts and call are irrevocable. Our disobedience is no match for your mercy! Today, Lord, please have mercy… again. Amen.

From Romans 11:25-36

DAY 23

Jesus, considering your mercy, help me offer my body in service as a living sacrifice—something holy and pleasing to you. Renew and transform my mind so I can pursue your good, pleasing, perfect will! Help me today to humbly share my gifts, and cheerfully encourage others’ gifts too. Thank you! Amen.

From Romans 12:1-8

DAY 24

Lord, my love must be sincere. I need to hate evil and cling to good; to be devoted to my family in Christ; to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Today, minute by minute, please don’t let me be overcome by evil, but help me overcome evil with good. Amen!

From Romans 12:9-21

DAY 25

Holy God, politics are such a pain—help me remember no authority is put over me except what you’ve established. Please give me grace to submit appropriately to those who govern me, and to give to everyone what I owe, especially respect and honor. Amen.

From Romans 13:1-7

DAY 26

Dear Jesus, I want to owe nothing to anyone—except an ongoing debt of love for others. Your law is summed up in one rule: Love my neighbor as myself. Today I’m asking you to help me love well, live well, and be clothed in you all day long. Amen!

From Romans 13:8-14

DAY 27

Lord, today when I’m strong in faith, help me accept and encourage ones who are weak. When I’m weak, help me find grace from the strong. I need to remember that none of us lives to ourselves alone! Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Thank you, amen.

From Romans 14:1-11

DAY 28

Lord, why do I so easily pass judgment? Help me keep away from that, and avoid being a stumbling block to others. With your Spirit, I can make every effort to encourage peace and mutual support with others. Let’s do that today, Jesus! Amen!

From Romans 14:12-23

DAY 29

This is my prayer today: Give me the same attitude of mind toward others that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice we glorify you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in you, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen!

From Romans 15:1-13

DAY 30

Dear Jesus, the Apostle Paul reminds me today that you’ve filled us with goodness, and made us complete in knowledge to be able to teach one another about you. Thank you for Paul’s encouragement—even when he faced great struggles! Help me to follow Paul’s example of faith today. Amen.

From Romans 15:14-33

DAY 31

Dear God, I want to be wise about what’s good—and innocent about evil. I’m waiting for the day when you’ll crush Satan under my feet. Lord, you’re able to establish me in accordance with the gospel. To you, the only wise God, be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

From Romans 16:1-27

•••

Congratulations! You’ve done something unique and powerful—you’ve prayed through all of Romans in just 31 days. My hope is that the time you’ve spent in these prayers has been a catalyst for renewed spiritual growth, and given you a deeper understanding of—and appreciation for—the Christian faith we hold so dear.

Sources:

BSB 197


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Bibliography of Sources

Listed Alphabetically by Abbreviation

Grateful acknowledgment goes out to the authors and publishers of the many works that have been consulted in the research for Bible-Smart.com. Each of the sources has been assigned an abbreviation, which is indicated when used in a commentary article, and then listed here for your reference.

Note: Some of these sources are listed here in anticipation of future use, even though they may not be represented currently within the commentary on Bible-Smart.com.


AAU    Angels Among Us, by Ron Rhodes. (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1994.

ABC     The Abingdon Bible Commentary, edited by Frederick Carl Eiselen (Nashville, TN: Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1929).

ADV    Adventuring Through the Bible: New Testament, by Ray C. Stedman (Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House, 1997, 2012).

AMB    All the Men of the Bible, by Herbert Lockyer (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1958).

ANT    Archaeology and the New Testament, by John McRay (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1991).

APB     All the Prayers of the Bible, by Herbert Lockyer. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1959).

ARF     Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day, by Philip Matyszak (London, UK: Thames and Hudson, 2007).

ASB      Archaeological Study Bible, NIV, edited by Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, Dr. Duane A. Garrett, and Joan Davis Wanner (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005).

AST      The Apologetics Study Bible, Ted Cabal, general editor (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2007)

ATP     All the Parables of the Bible, by Herbert Lockyer (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1963).

ATR     Along the Road, by John A. Beck (Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House, 2018).

AWB    All the Women of the Bible, by Herbert Lockyer (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1988).

BAB     The Bible Answer Book, by James Stuart Bell and Sam O’Neal (Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks, 2010).

BAH     The Bible Answer Handbook, by Larry Richards (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 1997, 2012).

BAL     The Bible Almanac, edited by J.I. Packer, Merrill C. Tenney, and William White, Jr. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1980).

BBH     Bagster’s Bible Handbook, introduction by Dr. Walter Elwell (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1983).

BCB     Baker Commentary on the Bible, edited by Walter A. Elwell. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1989).

BEC     The Bible Exposition Commentary, New Testament Volume 1, by Warren W. Wiersbe (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor Books, 2001).

BIB      The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary, edited by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2020).

BID      The Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited Tremper Longman III (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013).

BIE      Biblical Interpretation in the Early Church, edited and translated by Karlfried Froehlich (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1984).

BIG      The Baker Illustrated Guide to Everyday Life in Bible Times, by John A. Beck. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2013).

BKB     The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Matthew-Luke, edited by Craig A. Evans (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor Books, 2003).

BKN    The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983).

BKO    The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985, 1989).

BKW1  The Bible Knowledge Word Study: Genesis–Deuteronomy, edited by Eugene H. Merrill. (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor Books, 2003).

BKW2  The Bible Knowledge Word Study: Joshua–2 Chronicles, edited by Eugene H. Merrill. (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor Books, 2004).

BPB      The Black Presence in the Bible, by Rev. Walter Arthur McCray (Chicago, IL: Black Light Fellowship, 1990, 1993).

BSB      The Bible Source Book, by Dave Branon (Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House, 2019)

BTC     Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible, Matthew, by Anna Case-Winters (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2015).

BTCM  Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible: Matthew, by Stanley Hauerwas, (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2006).

CBC     The Classic Bible Commentary, edited by Owen Collins (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1999).

CBP     The Complete Book of Bible Prophecy, by Mark Hitchcock (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999)

CBS      Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, NIV (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016).

CEM    Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew, by David Platt (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2013).

CFC     The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998)

CGB     The Complete Guide to the Bible, by Stephen M. Miller (Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour Publishing, 2007).

CHF     The Christian Faith, by Michael Horton (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011).

CSB      The Chronological Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2014).

CSLB   The C. S. Lewis Bible, edited by Marlene Baer Hekkert and Michael G. Maudin (San Francisco, CA: HarperOne, 2010).

CWDN The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, edited by Spiro Zodhiates (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1992, 1993).

CWDO The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament, edited by Warren Baker and Eugene Carpenter (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003).

CWSN The Complete Word Study New Testament, edited by Spiro Zodhiates (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1991).

CWSO The Complete Word Study Old Testament, edited by Warren Baker (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1994).

DBI      Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, edited by Leland Ryken, James C. Wilhoit, and Tremper Longman III (Downers Grover, IL: IVP Academic, 1998).

DBT     A Dictionary of Bible Types, by Walter E. Wilson (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers Inc., 1999).

DCC    Documents of the Christian Church, Fourth Edition, edited by Henry Bettenson and Chris Maunder (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1943, 1963, 1999, 2011).

DHB    Discovery House Bible Atlas, by Dr. John A. Beck (Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House, 2015).

DLJ      Daily Life at the Time of Jesus, by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh (Herzlia, Israel: Palphot Ltd., 2007).

DOB    A Dictionary of the Bible, Fourth Revised Edition, by John D. Davis. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1898, 1903, 1911, 1924, 1954, 1958).

DOS    Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney. (Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, 1980).

EBD     Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, by Gleason L. Archer, Jr. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1982).

EDB     The Expository Dictionary of Bible Words, by Lawrence O. Richards (Grand Rapids, MI: Regency Reference Library, 1985).

EHB     Eerdmans’ Handbook to the Bible, edited by David Alexander and Pat Alexander (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1973).

EOR     The Emperors of Rome, by David Potter (New York: Metro Books, 2007).

EPB     Every Prophecy of the Bible, by John F. Walvoord (Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Publishing, 1990, 1999).

ESB      The ESV Study Bible, edited by Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

ETC     Eyewitness to Crucifixion, by Stephen M. Miller (Grand Rapids, MI: Our Daily Bread Publishing, 2020).

ETJ      Every Teaching of Jesus in the Bible, by Larry Richards (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001).

FCC     “Fertility Cults of Canaan,” by Ray Vander Laan, That the World May Know, accessed August 26, 2021. https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/fertility-cults-of-canaan.

FOD    Fodor’s Israel, edited by Linda Cabasin (New York: Fodor’s Travel/Random House, 2014).

GNM   The Good News According to Matthew, by Eduard Schweizer, translated by David E. Green (Atlanta, GA: John Knox Press, 1975).

GPB Great People of the Bible and How They Lived, by The Reader’s Digest Association (Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 1974)

HAC    The Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Bible: The Gospels and Acts, Jeremy Royal Howard, general editor. (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2013).

HBD    Harper’s Bible Dictionary, edited by Paul J. Achtemeier (San Francisco, CA: Harper & Row Publishers, 1985).

HER     Herod, by Peter Richardson (Columbia, South Carolina: University of South Carolina Press, 1996).

HSB     Holman Student Bible Dictionary, by Karen Dockrey and Johnnie & Phyllis Godwin (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1993).

HSJ      Hard Sayings of Jesus, by F. F. Bruce. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983).

HTR     How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Fourth Edition, by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1981, 1993, 2003, 2014).

HWG   How We Got the Bible, by Timothy Paul Jones (Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2015).

IB4       The Interpreter’s Bible, Volume IV: Psalms; Proverbs, edited by George Arthur Buttrick, et. al. (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1955).

IB7       The Interpreter’s Bible, Volume VII: General Articles on the New Testament; Matthew; Mark, edited by George Arthur Buttrick, et. al., exposition by Sherman E. Johnson (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1951).

IB8       The Interpreter’s Bible, Volume VIII: Luke; John, edited by George Arthur Buttrick, et. al. (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1952).

IBB      The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, by Craig S. Keener (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993).

IBC      The International Bible Commentary, edited by F. F. Bruce (Grand Rapids, MI: Marshall Pickering/Zondervan, 1979).

IBD1    The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Part 1: Aaron–Golan, edited by J.D. Douglas (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1980).

IBD2    The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Part 2: Goliath–Papyri, edited by J.D. Douglas (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1980).

IBD3    The Illustrated Bible Dictionary: Part 3 Parable-Zuzim, edited by J.D. Douglas. (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1980).

ICR      Institutes of the Christian Religion, by John Calvin, translated Henry Beveridge, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2008).

ID2      The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, Volume 2 E-J, edited by George Arthur Buttrick (New York: Abingdon, 1962).

ID3      The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, Volume 3 K-Q, edited by George Arthur Buttrick (New York: Abingdon, 1962).

ILJ        The Illustrated Life of Jesus, by Herschel Hobbs (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2000).

IMK     Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, Mark, by Lamar Williamson, Jr. (Louisville, KY: John Knox Press, 1983).

IMT     Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, Matthew, by Douglas R.A. Hare (Louisville, KY: John Knox Press, 1993).

ISJ        In the Steps of Jesus, by Peter Walker (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006).

IWB     101 Important Words of the Bible, by Len Woods (Grand Rapids, MI: Our Daily Bread Publishing, 2020).

JAN     The Jewish Annotated New Testament, Second Edition, New Revised Standard Version, edited by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler (New York: Oxford University Press, USA, 2011, 2017).

JCL      Jesus Christ Our Lord, by John F. Walvoord (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1969).

JDL “Jephthah’s Daughter: A Lament.” by Alicia Ostriker, RitualWell. https://ritualwell.org/ritual/jephthahs-daughter-lament. Accessed 08-14-2019.

JHE      Jesus & His Enemies, by Paul Yeulett (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2013).

JHT      Jesus and His Times, edited by Kaari Ward (Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s Digest Association Inc., 1987).

JOB      The Jesus of the Bible, by Stephen M. Miller (Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour Publishing, 2009).

JP “Jerusalem Population.” (2019-05-11). Retrieved 2019-09-10, from http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/jerusalem/

KC       King’s Cross, by Timothy Keller (New York, Dutton, 2011).

KS        Kingdom Suffering, by John Wimber (Ann Arbor, MI: Vine Books, 1988).

LEA     Leadership: Theory and Practice, Fourth Edition, by Peter G. Northouse (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2007).

LEB     The Lion Encyclopedia of the Bible, edited by Pat Alexander (Herts, England: Lion Publishing and Reader’s Digest Association Inc., 1978, 1986).

LOB     The Lands of the Bible Today, by Dave Branon (Grand Rapids, MI: Our Daily Bread Publishing, 2020).

LST      Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry Clarence Thiessen (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1956).

MAC    The MacArthur Study Bible, by John MacArthur. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2013).

MAT    Matthew, by Craig A. Evans (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012).

MBC    The Moody Bible Commentary, edited by Michael Rydelnik and Michael Vanlaningham (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2014).

MFE2   Matthew for Everyone, Part Two, by Tom Wright (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002, 2004).

NAS     New American Standard Bible: The Open Bible Edition, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1975, 1978).

NET    New Evidence that Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowell (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1999).

NGL    No Greater Love, by Mother Teresa (New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 1997).

NIB      Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Ronald F. Youngblood, general editor. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1986, 1995, 2014.)

NIBC   New International Biblical Commentary: Matthew, by Robert H. Mounce (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1985, 1991).

NMC    The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times, by Ralph Gower (Chicago: Moody Press, 1987).

NNI     Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary, edited by Earl Radmacher, Ronald B. Allen, and H. Wayne House (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1999).

NOG Names of God and Other Bible Studies. (Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2008).

NSC3   The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: Part 3, “Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Hebrew Bible,” compiled by James Strong. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995, 1996).

NSC4   The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: Part 4, “Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament,” compiled by James Strong. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995, 1996).

NTE     The New Testament Explorer, by Mark Bailey and Tom Constable (Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, 1999).

NTI      The New Testament in Its World, by N. T. Wright and Michael Bird (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2019).

NTL     New Testament Life and Times, by Lawrence O. Richards (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 1994, 2002)

NTRJ  The New Testament and Rabbinic Judaism, by David Daube (London: Athlone, 1956).

NTW    New Testament Words in Today’s Language, by Wayne A. Detzler. (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1986).

NUB    The New Unger’s Bible Handbook, by Merrill F. Unger. (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1966, 1984).

OCT    On Christian Teaching, by Saint Augustine, translated by R.P.H. Green, (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1997, 1999, 2008).

OPB     The Open Bible, New Living Translation, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1998)

PCXV  The Pulpit Commentary Volume XV: Matthew, edited by H. D. M. Spence and Joseph S. Exell, exposition written by A. Lukyn Williams. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1892.)

PHS      Precious in His Sight, by Roy B. Zuck (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1996).

PRO     PROOF, by Daniel Montgomery and Timothy Paul Jones (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014).

QST     The Quest Study Bible, New International Version, edited by Marshall Shelley (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994).

RBD     The Revell Bible Dictionary, Deluxe Color Edition, edited by Lawrence O. Richards (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1990).

RCL     Reformation Commentary on Scripture, New Testament III: Luke, edited by Beth Kreitzer (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2015).

RDA    Reader’s Digest Atlas of the Bible (Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 1981, 1985).

RDC    Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to the Bible (Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.).

REC2   Reformed Exposition Commentary: Matthew, Vol.2, by Daniel M. Doriani (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2008).

RES      Resurrection, by Hank Hanegraaff (Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, 2000)

RFG     The Reason for God, by Timothy Keller (New York: Riverhead Books, 2008).

RHW    “Ritual Hand Washing Before Meals,” by MJL, My Jewish Learning, accessed August 15, 2021. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hand-washing/.

SBW     The Study Bible for Women, edited by Dr. Dorothy Patterson and Dr. Rhonda Kelley (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2014).

SGC     Single, Gay, Christian, by Gregory Coles (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2017).

SJP       Swindoll’s New Testament Insights: Insights on James and 1 & 2 Peter, by Charles R. Swindoll. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010).

SLU     Swindoll’s New Testament Insights: Insights on Luke, by Charles R. Swindoll. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012).

SMA     Swindoll’s Living Insights: Matthew 1-15, by Charles R. Swindoll (Carol Stream: IL, Tyndale House Publishers, 2020).

SMB     Swindoll’s Living Insights: Matthew 16-28, by Charles R. Swindoll (Carol Stream: IL, Tyndale House Publishers, 2020).

SMK    Swindoll’s Living Insights: Mark, by Charles R. Swindoll (Carol Stream: IL, Tyndale House Publishers, 2016).

SOC     The Story of Christianity, Volume 1, Revised and Updated, by Justo L. Gonzalez (San Francisco, CA: HarperOne, 2010).

SOM    The Sermon on the Mount, by R. T. Kendall (Minneapolis, MN: Chosen Books, 2011).

SSB      The Swindoll Study Bible, by Charles R. Swindoll (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2017).

ST        Systematic Theology, Fourth Revised and Enlarged Edition, by Louis Berkof (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1939, 1941).

TC       The Teacher’s Commentary, by Lawrence O. Richards (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1987).

TEB     The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, by Tony Evans (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2019).

TEF     That’s Easy for You to Say, by W. Murray Severance (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Reference, 1997).

TEN    The Eternal Now, by Paul Tillich (New York, Charles Scribner and Sons, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963).

TGE    Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, by Joseph H. Thayer (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1977, 1984).

TOR     The Torah: A Modern Commentary, edited by W. Gunther Plaut. (New York: Union of American Hebrew Congregations, 1981).

TRF      The Resurrection Factor, by Josh McDowell (San Bernadino, CA: Here’s Life Publishers, 1981).

TTW    The Theological Wordbook, by Don Campbell, Wendell Johnston, John Walvoord, and John Witmer (Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, 2000).

TYM    Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: Matthew, by R. V. G. Tasker (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1961).

UBP     Understanding the Bible Commentary Series: Psalms, by Craig C. Broyles (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999).

UI        Unveiling Islam, by Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2002).

VCEN Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: New Testament Section, by W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1984, 1996).

VCEO Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: Old Testament Section, by W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1984, 1996).

VGG    A Visual Guide to Gospel Events, by James C. Martin, John A. Beck, and David G. Hansen. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014).

WBH    Willmington’s Bible Handbook, by Harold L. Willmington (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997).

WBS     Women of the Bible Speak Out, by Marlo Schalesky (Grand Rapids, MI: Our Daily Bread Publishing, 2020).

WEC    Women’s Evangelical Commentary: New Testament, edited by Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Rhonda Harrington Kelley. (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2006).

WET    “Wheat’s Evil Twin Has Been Intoxicating Humans for Centuries,” by Sarah Laskow, Atlas Obscura, March 22, 2016, accessed August 9, 2021. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/wheats-evil-twin-has-been-intoxicating-humans-for-centuries.

WIW    What I Wish My Christian Friends Knew about Judaism, by Robert Schonen (Chicago, IL: Loyola Press, 2004).

WOB    The World of the Bible, by John Drane (Oxford, UK: Lion Hudson, 2009).

WOE   What on Earth is Happening? by Ray C. Stedman (Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishers, 2003).

WOM   Women of the Bible, by Frances Vander Velde (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1957).

WWA   Who’s Who and Where’s Where in the Bible, by Stephen M. Miller (Urichsville, OH: Barbour Publishing, 2004).

WWB   Who’s Who in the Bible, by Joan Comay and Ronald Brownrigg (New York: Bonanza Books, 1980).

WWC   Who’s Who in the Bible, by Jean-Pierre Isbouts (Washington, DC: National Geographic, 2013).

WWD Who’s Who in the Bible, by The Reader’s Digest Association (Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., 1994).

WIX     Working IX to V, by Vicki Leon (New York: Walker and Company, 2007).

WWW  Who Was Who in the Bible, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1999).

ZB1      Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, New Testament Volume 1: Matthew, Mark, Luke, edited by Clinton E. Arnold, Matthew commentary by Michael Wilkins (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002).

ZB2      Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, New Testament Volume 2: John, Acts, edited by Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002).

ZBO2 Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, Volume 2: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, edited by John H. Walton (Grand Rapids, MI: 2009)

ZNS     Zondervan NASB Study Bible, Kenneth Barker, general editor (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1999).

ZP1      The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 1: A-C, edited by Merrill C. Tenney (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1975, 1976).

ZP2      The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 2: D-G, edited by Merrill C. Tenney (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1975, 1976).

ZP3      The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 3: H-L, edited by Merrill C. Tenney (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1975, 1976).

ZP4      The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 4: M-P, edited by Merrill C. Tenney (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1975, 1976).

ZP5      The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 5: Q-Z, edited by Merrill C. Tenney (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1975, 1976).


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Bible-Smart™: Matthew by Mike Nappa

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