Psalms 101:3
Psalms 101:3 in Multiple Translations
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
I will set no base thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; It shall not cleave unto me.
I will not put any evil thing before my eyes; I am against all turning to one side; I will not have it near me.
I will not look at anything evil. I hate doing wrong—I won't have anything to do with it.
I wil set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the worke of them that fall away: it shall not cleaue vnto me.
I set not before mine eyes a worthless thing, The work of those turning aside I have hated, It adhereth not to me.
I will set no vile thing before my eyes. I hate the deeds of faithless men. They will not cling to me.
I will set no wicked thing before my eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Turn not away thy face from me: in the day when I am in trouble, incline thy ear to me. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me speedily.
I will not allow stay away from those who do what is evil [SYN]. I hate the deeds of those who ◄turn away from/sin against► you; I will ◄completely avoid those people/not allow those people to come near me►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 101:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 101:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
אָשִׁ֨ית
לְ/נֶ֥גֶד
עֵינַ֗/י
דְּֽבַר
בְּלִ֫יָּ֥עַל
עֲשֹֽׂה
סֵטִ֥ים
שָׂנֵ֑אתִי
לֹ֖א
יִדְבַּ֣ק
בִּֽ/י
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אָשִׁ֨ית
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לְ/נֶ֥גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
עֵינַ֗/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
דְּֽבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
בְּלִ֫יָּ֥עַל
bᵉlîyaʻal
H1100
Belial
N-ms
עֲשֹֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Inf-a
סֵטִ֥ים
sûwṭ
H7750
to swerve
N-mp
שָׂנֵ֑אתִי
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִדְבַּ֣ק
dâbaq
H1692
to cleave
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בִּֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 101:3
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָשִׁ֨ית
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
לְ/נֶ֥גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
עֵינַ֗/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
דְּֽבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
בְּלִ֫יָּ֥עַל
bᵉlîyaʻal
H1100
"Belial"
N-ms
Belial refers to something or someone worthless or wicked, often translated as evil or ungodly. It describes people or actions that are good for nothing and lead to destruction.
Definition: : worthless 1) worthlessness 1a) worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable, base fellow 1b) wicked 1c) ruin, destruction (construct) Also means: be.liy.ya.al (בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ": destruction" H1100H)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked. See also: Deuteronomy 13:14; 2 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 18:5.
עֲשֹֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
סֵטִ֥ים
sûwṭ
H7750
"to swerve"
N-mp
To swerve means to turn away from what is right, often referring to idolatry, and is used to describe those who fall away from their faith.
Definition: 1) to swerve, fall away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swerve, fall away 1a2) those falling away (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: turn aside to. See also: Psalms 40:5; Psalms 101:3.
שָׂנֵ֑אתִי
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִדְבַּ֣ק
dâbaq
H1692
"to cleave"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
בִּֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 101:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 101:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 101:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 101:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 101:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 101:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
- Sermons on Psalms 101:3
Context — I Will Set No Worthless Thing before My Eyes
1I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
2I will ponder the way that is blameless— when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart.
3I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
4A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil. 5Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:37 | Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word. |
| 2 | Job 31:1 | “I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin? |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 11:2–3 | One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” |
| 4 | Proverbs 6:25 | Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. |
| 5 | James 1:13–15 | When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. |
| 6 | Matthew 5:28 | But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. |
| 7 | Psalms 40:4 | Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. |
| 8 | Exodus 20:17 | You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 12:20–21 | “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty. |
| 10 | Romans 12:9 | Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. |
Psalms 101:3 Summary
[This verse is saying that the Psalmist is making a commitment to himself to not look at or focus on things that are sinful or ungodly, because he wants to live a life that is pleasing to God. He hates the things that people who have turned away from God do, and he doesn't want those things to have any influence over him. This is similar to the idea in Proverbs 4:23 to guard our hearts, because what we focus on can have a big impact on our lives. By setting our minds on things that are pure and noble, as Philippians 4:8 says, we can live a life that is honorable to God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to set no worthless thing before my eyes?
This means to intentionally avoid looking at or focusing on things that are sinful or ungodly, as the Psalmist is committed to living a life of integrity and purity, as seen in Psalms 101:2, and is reminiscent of the instruction in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are noble and pure.
Who are those who fall away, and what is their work?
Those who fall away are individuals who have turned from following God, and their work refers to the sinful and ungodly actions they engage in, which the Psalmist hates and wants to avoid, much like the apostle Paul's warning in Ephesians 5:11 to not participate in the unfruitful works of darkness.
How can I apply this verse to my life in a practical way?
You can apply this verse by being mindful of what you watch, read, and listen to, and making a conscious effort to avoid things that are sinful or ungodly, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:29 to remove anything that causes you to sin.
What does it mean for something to cling to me?
For something to cling to you means for it to have a lasting impact or influence on your life, and the Psalmist is saying that he does not want the sinful works of those who fall away to have any lasting impact on him, which is similar to the idea in 2 Corinthians 6:17 to separate ourselves from unbelievers and be holy.
Reflection Questions
- What are some worthless things that I have set before my eyes in the past, and how can I avoid them in the future?
- How can I cultivate a heart that hates the work of those who fall away, and instead loves the things of God?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that I am not clinging to sinful or ungodly things, and instead am clinging to the things of God?
- How can I balance my desire to avoid sinful things with my need to engage with a fallen world, as seen in John 17:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes, Either the eyes of the body, which are the inlets of lust and are easily caught with objects that inflame the heart, and should be turned aside from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes - literally, 'no thing of Belial' (Psalms 41:1-13, note).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
Before mine eyes, to wit, to look upon it with deliberation and design, or with desire and delight, as this phrase here and elsewhere implies. If any ungodly or unjust thing shall be suggested to me, whatsoever specious pretences it may be covered with, as reason of state or worldly advantage, I will cast it out of my mind and thoughts, it, horrency; so far will I be from putting it in execution. That turn aside from God, and from his laws. It shall cleave to me, to wit, such work, or the contagion of such examples. I will neither imitate nor endure such works, nor such workers.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; [it] shall not cleave to me. Ver. 3. I will set no wicked thing (Heb. thing of Belial) before mine eyes] That is, in my thoughts, saith Kimchi; for the thinking faculty is in the forepart of the brain, as are also the eyes. I will not gaze upon forbidden objects, nor venture upon a temptation to or an occasion of sin. I will also be wise and wary in the choice of my servants and under officers. Theodosius’ s court was virtutum officina, non vitiorum sentina, saith Pareus. And Archbishop Cranmer’ s house was schola vel palaestra pietatis et literarum, saith Tremellius. See above on the title of this psalm. I hate the work of them that turn aside] Of treacherous men and apostates; such as Constantius Chlorus, the father of Constantine the Great found (by proof made) some of his counsellors and courtiers to be, and therefore turned them off, saying, He cannot be faithful to me who is unfaithful to God; Pietate sublata fides tollitur (Euseb.). It shall not cleave to me] I will none of them, neither shall any such wickedness hang at my heels, to hinder my progress in piety and good government.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
(3) I will set no. . . . . —Mark the wisdom of the resolve in a despotic monarch, who has only to speak to effect whatever he has looked on with desire. Wicked thing.—Thing (or, word) of Belial. (See Note on Psalms 41:8.) I hate the work of them that turn aside.—Or, I hate the doing of false things, according as we take the word in the concrete or abstract. It shall not cleave to me.—Such conduct shall not be mine.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
Verse 3. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes] I will undertake no unjust wars; will enter into no sinful alliances; will not oppress my subjects by excessive taxation, to support extravagance in my court. I will not look favourably on things or words of Belial. What is good for nothing or evil in its operation, what is wicked in its principle, and what would lead me away from righteousness and truth, I will never set before my eyes. Them that turn aside] I shall particularly abominate the conduct of those who apostatize from the true religion, and those who deny its Divine authority, and who live without having their conduct governed by its influence, such shall never he put in a place of political trust or confidence by me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 101:3
3. I will set no base thing before mine eyes (R.V.), as an aim to be accomplished, or an example to be imitated. Lit. matter of belial, i.e. worthlessness. Cp. Deuteronomy 15:9. the work of them that turn aside] Or, more probably, the practice of depravities. it shall not cleave to me] “If it seized on him unawares, he would shake it off as an accursed thing; Deuteronomy 13:17” (Kay).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes - That is, I will propose no wicked thing to be done; I will have no such object in view; I will employ no one to do that which is wrong.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 101:3
3. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes—Literally, No thing of Belial, a designation of worthlessness, lowness, impiety. He would not propose to himself such, as an object of pursuit or desire.
Sermons on Psalms 101:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Better Late Than Never by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of decisions and the consequences that come with them. He shares a story of a Christian brother who made a series of bad decisions |
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Uncompromising Holiness (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding wickedness and sin in our lives. He criticizes the entertainment industry, particularly television, for promoting |
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Personal Holiness - Part 1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking resolute action and exercising strict control over certain aspects of our lives. He specifically mentions the need t |
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The Father Is a Watchman - Part 1 by Denny Kenaston | This sermon addresses the challenges faced by godly families in a world filled with various forms of entertainment, focusing on the negative impact of media like television, movies |
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Holiness to the Lord (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize reading and loving the Bible over watching television. He highlights the danger of allowing sin to bec |
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The Christians Hate Life by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of teaching children to hate sin. He shares stories of individuals who have been affected by sin and highlights the need for |
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Responding to Mercy by Jason Neil | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and marvelous works of the Lord, as mentioned in Revelation 15:3-4. The sermon then focuses on the proper response to God's go |