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Wednesday, May 06, 2026

Unselfishness illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Unselfish
W. Oregon Sara Tucholsky first HR - ultimate sportsmanship
Western Oregon Sara Tucholsky hit her first career HR with the help from Central Washington - ultimate sportsmanship. She tore her ACL running back to 1st as she missed it initially. Ump if she didn't run the bases by herself, the HR wouldn't count. If her teammates touched her, it would be void.

The opposing team saw her pain and did the unexpected, they picked her up and helped her touch each base.
Central Washington lost the game, 4-2 
Sportsmanship at its best.


https://youtu.be/jocw-oD2pgo

Constant Consumption Produces a Creeping Dissatisfaction that Nothing Will Fix

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#Unselfish
#Unselfish
#Selflessness
#Unselfishness
#Unselfishly
#Generosity

Proverbs 22:9 (MSG) Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.
Ecclesiastes 11:1 (MSG) Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns.
Psalms 100:5 (MSG) For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.
Proverbs 19:6 (MSG) Lots of people flock around a generous person; everyone’s a friend to the philanthropist.
Proverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.
Philippians 2:4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.

unselfishness

Putting the concerns and interests of others before one’s own. Jesus Christ was the supreme example of this and believers should follow his example, denying themselves in order to serve others.

  • The supreme example of selflessness is that of Jesus Christ himself
  • In his life and work Jn 5:30; Ro 15:3 See also Mt 15:32; Jn 13:3-5; 2Co 8:9
  • In his dying for others Mt 20:26-28 pp Mk 10:43-45 Php 2:5-8 See also Isa 53:3-12; Jn 10:17-18; Ro 5:6-8; 1Co 15:3; 2Co 5:14; 1Th 5:10; 1Pe 2:22-24; 3:18; 1Ti 2:6
  • Unselfishness is a result of a relationship with Jesus Christ
  • Christian discipleship begins with a denial of self-interest Mt 16:24 pp Mk 8:34 pp Lk 9:23 Mk 10:45 See also Ro 6:6; 2Co 5:15; Eph 4:22; Col 3:9
  • It springs from an experience of life with Jesus Christ Php 1:21-24 See also Php 3:7-11
  • It is inspired by the example of Jesus Christ Php 2:4-5 See also Jn 13:14-15; 1Jn 3:16; 4:19-21
  • It is the result of the Spirit’s work in the believer Gal 5:22-26
  • Putting others first is fundamental in Christian behavior
  • Ro 12:10; 1Co 10:23-24 This was particularly so when it came to the exercise of personal scruples. See also Ro 14:7; 15:1-2; 1Co 8:9; Eph 4:32-5:2; Col 3:13; 1Ti 6:18
  • Unselfishness involves a proper attitude to one’s own self-importance
  • Php 2:3 See also Ro 12:16; Gal 6:2-3; Eph 4:2; 5:21; 1Pe 3:8; 5:5
  • Unselfishness is expressed in Christian service
  • Lk 22:26; Gal 5:13 See also 1Pe 4:10; 5:2
  • Examples of unselfish behavior
  • Those who put others first Ge 13:8-9 Abraham; Ex 32:31-32 Moses; Ru 1:16-17 Ruth; 1Sa 12:3-5 Samuel; Ne 5:14-18 Nehemiah; Mk 12:41-44 a poor widow; Mt 15:21-28 a mother; Mt 26:6-13 pp Mk 14:3-9 a woman with a jar of perfume; Jn 3:27-30 John the Baptist; Ac 4:32-37 the first Christians; Ro 16:3-4 Priscilla and Aquila; 1Co 16:15 the household of Stephanas; Php 2:20-21 Timothy; Php 2:29-30 Epaphroditus
  • Paul’s ministry was motivated by the interests of others 1Co 10:32-33; 11:1 See also Ac 20:33-35; 1Co 9:3-15,19-23; 2Co 11:23-29; 13:4; Php 2:17; 1Th 2:8-9,19-20
Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser.

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Apologizing Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Apologizing

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Devotional Thoughts


Apologize





Links to more resources about Apologizing

#Apologize
#Apologizing
#Apologized

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Matthew 5:23-24 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Luke 17:3-4 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Matthew 12:25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.
1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Hebrews 12:14-15 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;


Greek Words

Logos Dictionary Themes


You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Hermeneutics

A text without context is a pretext for a proof text.

What is Hermeneutics?
Kevin Vanhoozer joins Kirk E. Miller to surface the question that quietly shapes every act of Bible reading: What does it mean to understand Scripture well?

Aiming to demystify the discipline, Kevin explores what hermeneutics is, what theological and metaphysical pre-commitments ought to inform our approach to Scripture, and why it matters for our Christian "reading cultures," the local church.

Episode outline: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:40 Meet Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer 01:31 What is Hermeneutics? 07:06 The Importance of Hermeneutics in Christian Life 13:06 Hermeneutics and Other Theological Disciplines 20:13 The Role of Theological Pre-commitments 25:01 Understanding the Ontology and Teleology of Scripture 25:39 The Nature of Scripture: Human and Divine Discourse 28:33 Literal vs. Figural Readings of the Bible 34:39 The Meaning of Meaning in Biblical Texts 40:27 The Role of Hermeneutics in Addressing Interpretive Pluralism 41:49 The Importance of Interpretive Virtues 46:28 The Concept of Interpretive Communities 52:54 Practical Implications for Local Churches 53:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Preaching Illustrations



Good Preaching Helps Us Take God Seriously with Billy Wilson
Mar 12, 2025  Radically Christian Podcast = What would we be like if we really took God seriously? Today's discussion centers around a profound statement Billy Wilson made at a preacher's retreat: "It's a good thing none of us take God seriously. If we did, we would never stop laughing." He explains that understanding God and seeing the world through Jesus' eyes reveals the joke of human striving—how so much of what we chase after is futile in light of God's kingdom. Through biblical examples, Billy illustrates how Jesus infused his ministry with humor and deeper theological meaning, helping believers grasp the true nature of reality.
The conversation shifts to preaching, where Billy critiques modern sermons that focus more on behavior modification than on revealing the magnificence of God. He argues that if preachers truly immersed themselves in knowing and proclaiming God, congregations would be drawn to the Lord, not just to self-improvement strategies. He recounts personal experiences, including a pivotal moment with Jim McGuigan, who helped redirect his faith simply by talking about God's greatness.
The episode concludes with a reflection on John 17:3—"This is eternal life, that they know you." Billy emphasizes that eternal life isn't just about knowledge about God, but about truly knowing Him in a relational sense. If believers took this seriously, it would reshape their lives, anchoring them in joy, meaning, and unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty.
In this episode, Wes McAdams welcomes Billy Wilson, a preacher with a rich history of ministry in Scotland, Australia, and the United States. Billy shares his personal journey, including his experiences with adoption, fostering, and his unexpected return to full-time preaching after swearing it off for years. His story highlights God's providence and the unique congregation in Mineral Wells that drew him back into pulpit ministry.



Graduation Banquet 2025


Saturday, October 26, 2024

Sin Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Sin


Devotional Thoughts






Search these Links to Sermons on YouTube about Sin


Questions:
What is Sin?
Sin will always be an offensive word. We can talk openly and impersonally about crimes like rape and murder; we can make statistics out of our adulteries, unwed pregnancies, and divorces; we can trivialize greed, selfishness, and lust or elevate them to the level of cultural values-but to call anything sin makes us uncomfortable. The word sin implies violating an objective and absolute standard or code of behavior established by God. We almost instinctively feel this to be an infringement on our rights. Yet such an attitude displays a terrible misunderstanding of sin and an underestimation of God. When a doctor correctly diagnoses a disease in our body, we do not accuse her of impinging on our freedom; rather, we are grateful because we know diseases can destroy our lives. The Bible teaches that God is concerned about sin-not because he wants to limit our freedom and enjoyment of life but because sin is a disease of the soul that destroys our lives and leads to spiritual death if we do not treat it.



Links to more resources about Sin
You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


Monday, July 08, 2024

Family Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Family

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Devotional Thoughts


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#Family

Ephesians 1:5 NLT - 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Ephesians 2:19 NLT - 19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family.
Ephesians 3:15 NIV - 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.


Logos Dictionary Themes

Family
    The members of a family can teach each other about God (Deuteronomy 6:4–9)
    Do not let sin affect your family life (Psalm 101:2)
    Do not bring trouble to a family (Proverbs 11:29)
    Christian faith is of greater importance than family (Luke 12:51–53)
    Christians are members of God’s family (Ephesians 2:19)
    Husbands and wives should love each other (Ephesians 5:21–33)
    Children should obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1)
    Church leaders must have a good family life (1 Timothy 3:4–5)
    Families should take care of each other (1 Timothy 5:3–5)

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


Thursday, June 27, 2024

Attitude Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Attitude




Devotional Thoughts


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#Attitude

1 Peter 3:8 NLT - 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
1 Peter 4:1 NLT - 1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.
Ephesians 4:23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Numbers 14:24 NLT - 24 But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land.
Philippians 2:5 NLT - 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Philippians 4:8 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Romans 12:2 ESV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 14:18 NLT - 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.

Logos Dictionary Themes

Attitude
  •     Bad attitudes hurt our relationship with God (Genesis 4:6–7)
  •     Bad attitudes lead to poor decisions (Numbers 14:1–4)
  •     Always trust God for your life (Proverbs 29:25)
  •     Choose a positive attitude (Habakkuk 3:17–19)
  •     God will reward the meek (Matthew 5:5)
  •     God gives Christians a new attitude (Philippians 1:20–25)
  •     We should imitate Jesus’ attitude (Philippians 2:5)
  •     Christians should always rejoice (Philippians 4:4)
  •     Never be anxious (Philippians 4:6–7)

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


Monday, June 24, 2024

Hope Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Hope


Devotional Thoughts

W.I.P. (Work in Progress)

I talk to many people who are looking for hope. Hopelessness about financial, educational, career, or relational factors. Those especially relating to children, marriage and those they love. And hope deals with the future.

Read Philippians 1:6 ... confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Remember God is working on you and them. We are all "Works In Progress."

Divine love finds a way of being optimistic. God isn't finished with you either.

Death isn't the end of life, but a glorious beginning for the Christian. 
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

God is directing history toward a climatic day. A purging moment. This earth will be changed, refined, and cleansed of all moral imperfections. 

What kind of people should we be...
2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

====
Fall 2001 - National poll in Michigan. Only 1 in 5 Americans feel hopeful about the future. (80%)


Links to other resources:
Quotes
Audio Message of Hope
Hope For Life


*Clickable Quick Links Are Below:

#Hope
#Hoping
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#Hopes

1 Corinthians 13:13 (MSG) But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
1 John 3:3 - And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
1 Peter 1:9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 3:15 - but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
2 John 12 - Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
3 John 14 - I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
Ephesians 1:18 NLT - 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called--his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
Ephesians 2:12 NLT - 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.
Ephesians 4:4 NLT - 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Job 13:15 God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.
Proverbs 13:12 (MSG) Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.
Proverbs 3:5 Put all your hope in God, not looking to your reason for support.
Psalms 25:21 (MSG) Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.
Psalms 31:24 (MSG) Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.
Psalms 42:5 (MSG) Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.
Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,


Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


Wednesday, June 05, 2024

Wisdom Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Wisdom


Devotional Thoughts


*Clickable Quick Links Are Below:
Search BibleHub for Topic Wisdom


#Wisdom
#Wise
#Prudence
#Perception, Spiritual
#Shrewdness
#Insight
#Graduate
#Education
#Folly

Proverbs 1:2, 7, 20 NLT - 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. ... 7 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. ... 20 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square.
Proverbs 2:2, 6, 10, 12, 16 NLT - 2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. ... 6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ... 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. ... 12 Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. ... 16 Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
Proverbs 3:7, 13-15, 18-19 NLT - 7 Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. ... 13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. ... 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. 19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens.
Proverbs 4:5-8 NLT - 5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. 8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.
Proverbs 5:1 NLT - 1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
Proverbs 7:4 NLT - 4 Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family.
Proverbs 8:1, 11-12 NLT - 1 Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! ... 11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. 12 "I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
Proverbs 9:1, 10-12 NLT - 1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. ... 10 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Proverbs 11:2 NLT - 2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 14:6, 33 NLT - 6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. ... 33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
Proverbs 15:33 NLT - 33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
Proverbs 16:10, 16 NLT - 10 The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly. ... 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
Proverbs 17:24 NLT - 24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 18:4 NLT - 4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
Proverbs 19:8 NLT - 8 To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.
Proverbs 21:30 NLT - 30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.
Proverbs 23:23 NLT - 23 Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
Proverbs 24:3, 7, 14 NLT - 3 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. ... 7 Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say. ... 14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
Proverbs 28:26 NLT - 26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
Proverbs 29:3, 15 NLT - 3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. ... 15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
Proverbs 30:3 NLT - 3 I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.


Wisdom
    The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
    To find wisdom, first, find God (Proverbs 2:6–12)
    Wise people accept advice (Proverbs 13:10)
    Wise people boast not in their wisdom but in knowing God (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
    The wise understand God’s ways and follow his guidance (Hosea 14:9)
    Wise people build on the solid foundation of God and his Word (Matthew 7:24–27)
    God’s wisdom is different from the world’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1–16)
    God will give us wisdom if we ask for it (James 1:5)

Logos Dictionary Themes
God, wisdom of

Scripture declares that God alone is wise and discerning, and that human wisdom is often unable or unwilling to understand his ways. God’s wisdom is expressed in both creation and redemption.

  • God’s wisdom described. Isa 28:29 See also 1Sa 2:3; Ro 16:27
  • God’s wisdom is beyond measure. Ps 147:5 See also Isa 44:7; Jer 10:7; Ro 11:33
  • God’s wisdom is profound. Isa 40:28 See also Job 9:4; 28:12-24; Ps 92:5; Ecc 8:17
  • God’s wisdom is superior to human wisdom. Isa 55:9 See also Job 21:22
  • God’s wisdom exhibited. God’s wisdom in creation Jer 10:12 See also Job 28:25-27; 37:14-16; Ps 104:24; 136:5; Pr 3:19-20; Isa 40:12-14
  • God’s wisdom as an agent in creation. Pr 8:22-31 Wisdom here is given personality, and may refer to the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ.
  • God’s wisdom in historical events. Isa 31:2 See also Job 12:13-25; Da 2:20-22
  • God’s wisdom in knowing the human mind. 1Ch 28:9 See also Ps 139:2,4,6
  • Jesus Christ the wisdom of God. 1Co 1:30 See also Isa 9:6; 11:2; 1Co 1:24; Col 2:2-3
  • God’s wisdom in the gospel. 1Co 1:25 See also 1Co 1:18-21; Eph 3:10
  • God gives his wisdom to human beings. Eph 1:17 See also 2Ch 1:11-12; Ezr 7:25; Pr 2:6; Ecc 12:11; Da 2:23; 1Co 2:6-16; Jas 1:5
  • Examples of God’s wisdom. 
  • 1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 3:28; Isa 28:24-29; Lk 11:49

Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser.


You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner