Bible Quotes & Verses, Bible Games, Famous Quotes & Sayings

Much is said about courage and perseverance in the Bible. While some consider that to have courage means to have no fear, others like myself believe that courage provides us the ability to act in the face of fear. Which brings me to today’s Bible-sounding quote…

“Be men now, dear friends, and take up the heart of courage, and have consideration for each other in the strong encounters, since more come through alive when men consider each other.” – Homer, The Ilead c. 800 BC

We see that the notion of courage has been around for a very long time, and that’s because such quality traits have been ingrained in the human spirit from the beginning. Here is a formal definition of courage according to Webster and Dictionary.com.

Courage - [kuhr ij] – noun | Definition:
1. the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
2. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

The courage written of by Homer was preceded by the courage written of in the Old Testament book of Joshua by approximately 400 years. While the idea of courage may be the same, and the context of having courage through war may be the same, the courage we read about in the Bible has much more power. And why is that?

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 NKJV

So we see that courage is a universal trait, and that whether it comes from the Bible or not, it is to be desired and those that display it are admired. The difference lies in where we get the power and strength to be courageous. If our courage comes solely from the spirit of man, then it will have its limitations. But if we walk with God, and stand on His promise that He is with us wherever we go, then our courage will be bolstered by the Spirit and power of God.

Today is tax day, the day we render unto “Caesar” what is his. The quote by Jesus that we should render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s is by far the most popular quote about paying taxes. But, did Jesus actually pay taxes?

“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” – Matthew 22:21

There are two events in the Bible regarding Jesus and taxes. The first occurs when the tax collectors from the temple came to Peter to see if Jesus was going to pay the temple tax. It seems that Jesus did not agree with the policy of collecting temple taxes, however, He was willing to submit and pay His due. In this instance the money with which to pay the tax was miraculously provided from a fish.

24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?”

 25 He said, “Yes.”  And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?”

26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.

27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

- Matthew 17:24-27 NKJV

Perhaps some of the Pharisees heard about Jesus attitude about temple tax, and it prompted this second account regarding Jesus and taxes. In this case the question is about paying taxes to the Roman government.

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk.

16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men.

17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius.

20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”

21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

- Matthew 22:15-21NKJV

So did Jesus pay taxes? It seems pretty clear from the Bible that he did.

More About Taxes in the Bible

So the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house exemption from taxes in Israel. – Samuel 17:25 NKJV

Moreover I issue a decree as to what you shall do for the elders of these Jews, for the building of this house of God: Let the cost be paid at the king’s expense from taxes on the region beyond the River; this is to be given immediately to these men, so that they are not hindered. – Ezra 6:8 NKJV

There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom; but within a few days he shall be destroyed, but not in anger or in battle. – Daniel 11:20 NKJV

Therefore, because you tread down the poor And take grain taxes from him, Though you have built houses of hewn stone, Yet you shall not dwell in them; You have planted pleasant vineyards, But you shall not drink wine from them. – Amos 5:11 NKJV

When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”  – Mark 12:14 NKJV

Today is the 100th anniversary of an historic event of epic proportions: the sinking of the Titanic. The fame of the Titanic’s voyage and sinking continues to captivate the interest of people everywhere. It is the most compelling example of both the monumental acheivements and foolish pride of modern man.

On April 10th 1912 the much heralded Titanic left Southampton England on its maiden voyage. A hallmark of the Titanic’s design was its double hull, designed to make the ship unsinkable. The purported unsinkability of the Titanic was the inspiration for this now very famous quote said to embarking passenger, Mrs Sylvia Caldwell.

“God himself could not sink this ship!” - Unknown Titanic Crewmember

Four days later the Titanic struck an iceberg and on April 15th 1912 it sank into the icy Atlantic leaving only 710 survivors. This was indeed a tragedy, but a tragedy that could have been avoided. The Titanic is the poster child for the Bible proverb, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 NKJV). It’s like the tale of Icarus, who was so enamored by his new wings and ability to fly so high, that he tumbled to the sea when he got too close to the sun.

The sinking of the Titanic was truly a tragedy, and on this 100th anniversary let’s hope that we have learned from history. Read the entire story here, and enjoy the trailer of the new Titanic 3D movie.