remem.me

David Passes Plans to Solomon

"Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.”

Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the vestibule, its houses, its treasuries, its upper chambers, its inner chambers, and the place of the mercy seat;

And the plans for all that he had by the Spirit, of the courts of the house of the Lord, of all the chambers all around, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries for the dedicated things;

Also for the division of the priests and the Levites, for all the work of the service of the house of the Lord, and for all the articles of service in the house of the Lord."

{Some of David's plans were his own, otherwise "plans...by the Spirit" would not have been mentioned}

The Lord Gave Plans

“All this,” said David, “the Lord made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans.”

If You Forsake Him

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

Warning / Lord's Table

"Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep."

Message of the Cross

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Pray/Sing w/the Spirit & w/ Understanding

What is the conclusion then? I will PRAY with the spirit, and I will also PRAY with the understanding. I will SING with the spirit, and I will also SING with the understanding.

Psalms Listed 1st to be Included in Gatherings

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Paul Teaches the Lord’s Commandments

If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

Paul makes the direct connection that what he teaches are actually the commandments of the Lord.

Tongues Edifies Yourself

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Paul's Planning

"Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).

And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."

Great & Effective Door

But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Great & Effective Door

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Faith in God's Power

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power;

That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Laborers Together eith God

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

For we are >laborers together with God< you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

Deliver to Satan

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife!

And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.

For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Anyone Called a Brother

I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.

But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.

For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges.

Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

Only What Edifies

"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not edifying. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."

Not All Expedient

"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."

(Find the things that ARE "EXPEDIENT" and constantly build yourself up & at the same time avoid that which tears you down)

Do Not Deprive

"Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment."

All Things to All Men

"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;

And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;

To those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;

To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

World Class Athlete / Christian

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

If We Confess

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Sins of the Whole World

"My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world."

Love Not the World

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."


In this passage, what promise is given to the one who "does the will of God"? ______________________

Must Keep God's Commands

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Because We Keep His Commandments

"Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment."

Spirit of Truth & Error

"They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.

We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."

According to His Will

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Keeps Himself

"We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him."

If the Lord is God

So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel.

And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

Plans for House of the Lord

"In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, in the month of Ziv.

And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished in all its details and according to all its plans. So he (Solomon) was seven years in building it."

Redeemed by the Blood

Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Sprinkling of Jesus Blood

Elect, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Born of the Word of God

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever, because,

“All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

Born of the Word of God

"Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God, which lives and abides forever!"

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Milk of the Word

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

Called to Suffer as Jesus Did

19. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

20. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

21. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

Suffering in God's Will

"For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit"

Do Not Run With Them

For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Shepherd God's Flock

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."

God Uses Music to Change People

After that you shall come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is.

And it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet A GROUP OF PROPHETS coming down from the high place WITH a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and THEY WILL BE PROPHESYING.

Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you.

You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you and show you what you should do.

So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day.

When they came there to the hill, there was a group of prophets to meet him; then the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

Anger from God's Spirit

Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused.

So he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, “Whoever does not go out with Saul and Samuel to battle, so it shall be done to his oxen.”

And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

By Many or by Few

Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.”

{Sometimes finding God's will takes trial and error or even by multiple choice as to how a scenerio unfolds...after seeking the Lord’s guidance}

God Regrets Choosing Saul

Now the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying,

“I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.”

And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the Lord all night.

Skilful on the Harp

But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him.

And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.”

So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.” Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.”

Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by his son David to Saul.

So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer. Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.”

And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.

Holy Spirits Overwhelming Power

Now it was told Saul, saying, “Take note, David is at Naioth in Ramah!” Then Saul sent messengers to take David. And when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as leader over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.

And when Saul was told, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. Then Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.

Then he also went to Ramah, and came to the great well that is at Sechu. So he asked, and said, “Where are Samuel and David?”
And someone said, “Indeed they are at Naioth in Ramah.” So he went there to Naioth in Ramah.

Then the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on and prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. And he also stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

David Strengthened Himself

Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

Eli's Certain Judgment

Then the Lord said to Samuel:

“Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.

For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.

And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.”

Works in Those Who Believe

"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed It, not as the Word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which also effectively works IN YOU WHO BELIEVE."

Satan Hinders Godly Plans

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.

Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,
so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

Recognize those Over You

"And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves."

Spiritual Overview

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He who calls you is faithful, Who also will do it.

Pure Conscience

Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money

Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.

But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

Savior of All Men

"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

These things command and teach."

Departing from the faith

1) Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
2) speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

Saving You & Others

Till I come, GIVE ATTENTION to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

DO NOT NEGLECT the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

MEDITATE on these things; GIVE YOURSELF ENTIRELY to them, that your progress may be evident to all. TAKE HEED to yourself and to the doctrine.

CONTINUE in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

In the Latter Times

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

Saving You & Others

MEDITATE on these things; GIVE YOURSELF ENTIRELY to them, that your progress may be evident to all. TAKE HEED to yourself and to the doctrine.

CONTINUE in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Words of Faith

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ,

Nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

Flee, Pursue, Fight, Lay Hold

But you, O man of God, FLEE these things and PURSUE righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

FIGHT the good fight of faith, LAY HOLD ON eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Notice the ACTION VERBS

Love of Money

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

God Himself Searches

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”

To Know What Was in His Heart

Hezekiah had very great riches and honor. And he made himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of desirable items;
storehouses for the harvest of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of livestock, and folds for flocks.
Moreover he provided cities for himself, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance; for God had given him very much property.
This same Hezekiah also stopped the water outlet of Upper Gihon, and brought the water by tunnel to the west side of the City of David. Hezekiah prospered in all his works.
However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.

Till There Was No Remedy

"And the Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place.

But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy."

Weapons of Warfare / Obedience to Christ

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for:

PULLING DOWN strongholds,
CASTING DOWN arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God

BRINGING EVERY THOUGHT INTO CAPTIVITY to the obedience of Christ."

No Dominion Over

Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

No Dominion Over

Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

Thorn in the Flesh

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for MY STRENGTH is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the POWER OF CHRIST may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.

For when I am weak, THEN I AM STRONG.

Spiritual Blindness

3. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4. Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

ALL THINGS Become New

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, ALL THINGS have become new.

Now ALL THINGS are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

Ambassadors For Christ

That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Judgement Seat of Christ

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

Be Separate

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

Therefore - “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”

Come Out & Be Separate

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial?

Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.

As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

Therefore, "Come out from among them and be separate", says the Lord. "Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters", says the Lord Almighty.

Come Out & Be Separate

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial?

Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.

As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

Therefore, "Come out from among them and be separate", says the Lord. "Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters", says the Lord Almighty.

Reap how you sow

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Do Not Receive or Greet

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him.

For he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

Our God & Savior

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

A Dog & Sow Returning

For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.

For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Peter: His Teachings & Paul’s Are Same

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.

And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,

As also IN ALL HIS EPISTLES, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

God Wants None to Perish

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

Faith Can Grow - Exceedingly!

3. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

4. So that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,

5. Which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;

Power, Signs, Lying Wonders

9. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

10. And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Not Receiving the Love of the Truth

9. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

10. And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,

12. That they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Do Not Keep Company

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Pray for Us & the Word

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

Withdraw from the Disorderly

"But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you."

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God;

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began;

But has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

To Be Thoroughly Equipped

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

BUT YOU must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Wise for Salvation

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture Inspired

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.

And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Perilous Times Coming

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Perilous Times Coming

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be...

Lovers of themselves,
Lovers of money,
Boasters, proud, blasphemers,
Disobedient to parents,
Unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, Slanderers,
Wiithout self-control, brutal,
Despisers of good,
Traitors, headstrong, haughty,
Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Having a form of godliness, but denying its power.

And from such people turn away!

For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

Preach the Word

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

And they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

I Have Fought the Good Fight

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Jesus Healed All

"...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing ALL who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

1 year in Antioch

Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.

So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Holy Spirit the Author

“Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which THE HOLY SPIRIT SPOKE before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus"

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

Separate to Me

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said,

“Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

Staying Where God Worked

Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.

THEREFORE THEY STAYED THERE A LONG TIME, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Reporting to Antioch

From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

SO THEY STAYED THERE A LONG TIME with the disciples.

Strengthened in the Faith

And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Jews & Greeks Believe

“Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Therefore many of them (Jews) believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.”

Double Checking Praised

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.

Paul Preaches to Jews & Gentiles

“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”

And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.”

Reasoning From the Scriptures

“Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

Explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”

We must use the Scriptures to reason with & explain to people who Jesus really is. To do this, we must be spend much time in the study of the Word of God & in prayer.

God Hoping People Will Grope for Him

And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,

So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;

Jesus will Judge

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.

Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.

Persuaded Jews and Greeks

“And he (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Paul 18 Months Corinth

When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.

Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

2 Year Stint

And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.

But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

Repentance & Faith

And when they had come to him, he said to them:

“You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Months in Greece

Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece and stayed three months.

And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.

Paul’s 3 Years of Ministry

"Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."

Able to Build You Up

“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Paul Refuses Redirection

And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”

Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

{Quality of Leadership: steadfast commitment to the revealed will of God}

Philip the Evangelist

On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

Good Conscience Before God

Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”

Conscience Without Offense

This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Paul’s Calling Repeated

So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.

I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God;

That they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

Paul Sharing the Gospel with Jews

And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the JEWS together. So when they had come together, he said to them:

“Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death.

But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”

So when they (the Jews) had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.

And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’ “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

Repent & Be Converted

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

The Holy Spirit Witness

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.

Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

A Chosen Vessel

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

If You Continue

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight

If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Labor in Preaching

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

I Also Labor

"To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily."

Seek & Set Your Mind

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

Fervently Laboring in Prayer

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Pray: a Door for the Word

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains;

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

God Tests Us to Know Our Heart

“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder,
and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’

You shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

The Lord is Testing You

“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’

You shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.

But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst.

God Changing When People Rebel

“If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE Lord YOUR GOD, then the Lord will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues—great and prolonged plagues—and serious and prolonged sicknesses.

Moreover He will bring back on you all the diseases of Egypt, of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you. Also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in this Book of the Law, will the Lord bring upon you until you are destroyed. You shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of heaven in multitude, because you would not obey the voice of the Lord your God.

And it shall be, that just as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good and multiply you, so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing; and you shall be plucked from off the land which you go to possess.

"Then the Lord will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you shall serve other gods, which neither you nor your fathers have known—wood and stone.

And among those nations you shall find no rest, nor shall the sole of your foot have a resting place; but there the Lord will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and anguish of soul. Your life shall hang in doubt before you; you shall fear day and night, and have no assurance of life.

In the morning you shall say, ‘Oh, that it were evening!’ And at evening you shall say, ‘Oh, that it were morning!’ because of the fear which terrifies your heart, and because of the sight which your eyes see.

And the Lord will take you back to Egypt in ships, by the way of which I said to you, ‘You shall never see it again.’ And there you shall be offered for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will buy you.”

Names Blotted Out

14) “I make this covenant and this oath, not with you alone, 15) but with him who stands here with us today before the Lord our God, as well as with him who is not here with us today...

16) {For you know that we dwelt in the land of Egypt and that we came through the nations which you passed by, 17) and you saw their abominations and their idols which were among them—wood and stone and silver and gold}

18) ...so that there may not be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, and that there may not be among you a root bearing bitterness or wormwood; 19) and so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart’—as though the drunkard could be included with the sober.
20) “The Lord would not spare him; for then the anger of the Lord and His jealousy would burn against that man, and every curse that is written in this book would settle on him, and the Lord would blot out his name from under heaven.

Blot Out Name from Under Heaven

“And so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart’—as though the drunkard could be included with the sober.

“The Lord would not spare him; for then the anger of the Lord and His jealousy would burn against that man, and every curse that is written in this book would settle on him, and the Lord would blot out his name from under heaven.”

Conditional Righteousness

Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.’

God Tested the Children of Israel

“And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.”

Israel Almost Destroyed

12) “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, go down quickly from here, for your people whom you brought out of Egypt have acted corruptly; they have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them; they have made themselves a molded image.’

13) “Furthermore the Lord spoke to me, saying, ‘I have seen this people, and indeed they are a stiff-necked people.

14) Let Me alone, that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven; and I will make of you a nation mightier and greater than they.’

His Power Toward Those Who Believe

(15) Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, (16) do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: (17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Exceeding Greatness of His Power

"...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened.

That you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe;

According to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places;

Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,

His Power Toward Those Who Believe

And what is the exceeding greatness of HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE, according to the working of HIS MIGHTY POWER which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places

Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Every Spiritual Blessing

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,

His Workmanship

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

To Him Who is Able

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Walk Worthy

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.

With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

No Corrupt Word

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Impart Grace to Hearers

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Father Above All

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.

One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Armor of God

Finally, my brethren, be strong (endunamoo) in the Lord and in the power (kratos) of His might (ischus). Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (methodia) of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities (arche), against powers (exousia), against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual <hosts of> wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able (dunamai) to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able (dunamai) to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God;

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel;

For which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Prayer for Utterance

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;

And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel;

For which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Jehovah Rapha

“...If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”

Blot Out Remembrance Of

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.”

Blotted Out of the Book

And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.

God: “It may be that they will consider”

1 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
2 “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house.
3 “Therefore, son of man, prepare your belongings for captivity, and go into captivity by day in their sight. You shall go from your place into captivity to another place in their sight. IT MAY BE THAT THEY WILL CONSIDER, THOUGH THEY ARE A REBELIOUS HOUSE.”

“Thus says the Lord God: ‘In the day when it went down to Hell, I caused mourning. I covered the deep because of it. I restrained its rivers, and the great waters were held back. I caused Lebanon to mourn for it, and all the trees of the field wilted because of it.

I made the nations shake at the sound of its fall, when I cast it down to Hell together with those who descend into the Pit; and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, were comforted in the depths of the earth.

They also went down to Hell with it, with those slain by the sword; and those who were its strong arm dwelt in its shadows among the nations. To which of the trees in Eden will you then be likened in glory and greatness?

Yet you shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the depths of the earth; you shall lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude,’ says the Lord God.”

As One Who Plays Well

(30) As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’

(31) So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.

(32) Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.

(33) And when this comes to pass—surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”

Damascus 3 Years

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.

Fullness of Time

"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law"

Mind w/o Heart

idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions

Fallen From Grace

You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

In Due Season

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

LOSE HEART: release of the bow

Spirit's Involvement in Creation

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.

And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

(God's Spirit was hovering over the area where God was about to do a work, preparing the way for what was going to be accomplished by the Father through His Word)

God Gives Man Dominion

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Exceedingly Wicked

But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.

Pretty Obvious

And the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave,

I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.”

For Now I Know

But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said,

“Abraham, Abraham!”

So he said, “Here I am.”

And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”

God Tests Abraham

Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”
And he said, “Here I am.”
Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.
Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off.
And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together.
But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!”
And he said, “Here I am, my son.”
Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.
Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.
And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”
So he said, “Here I am.”
And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”

Stir Up Each Other

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Sinning Wilfully

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

Wilfully Sinning

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Faith is Substance & Evidence

Now FAITH is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen.

Jesus is Heir of ALL THINGS

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,

Has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of ALL THINGS through whom also He made the worlds;

Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding ALL THINGS by the Word of His power (dunamis), when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Can't Please God Without Faith

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Not Knowing Where He Was Going

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance.

And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.

For he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Strengthen the Hands

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.

And make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

Run to the Battle

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses {Martus's}, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance >to the battle< that is set before us.

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Obey Those Over You

"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.

Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."

Greet Those Over You

"Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you."

Marriage Bed Undefiled

"Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."

"Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct."

God Bearing Witness

"How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him?

God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.”

Departing from God

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.

But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,

God's Word is Living & Powerful

For the word of God is
living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Throne of Grace

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

You Ought to be Teachers

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God. And you have come to need milk and not solid food.

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the Word of Righteousness, for he is a babe.

But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

Faith AND Patience

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end.

That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who THROUGH FAITH and PATIENCE inherit the promises.

#4 & #7 of the fruits of the Spirit (in the Greek)

Faith & Patience

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

Jesus Our Intecessor

"But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens."

God Always Leads Us in Triumph

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life..."

The Mouth of the Lion

"At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!"

God's Manifold Grace

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

After You Have Suffered

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Hell is Excited

“Hell from beneath is excited about you, to meet you at your coming; it stirs up the dead for you, all the chief ones of the earth;

It has raised up from their thrones, all the kings of the nations. They all shall speak and say to you: "Have you also become as weak as we, have you become like us?"

Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, And the sound of your stringed instruments; The maggot is spread under you, and worms cover you.’

Plans w/o Consulting God

“Woe to the rebellious children,” says the Lord, “Who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin;

Who walk to go down to Egypt, and have not asked My advice; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!"

They That Wait Upon the Lord

Why do you say, O Jacob,
And speak, O Israel:

“My way is hidden from the Lord,
And my just claim is passed over by my God”?

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

(28) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

(29) He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.

(30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.

(31) But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

God Gives Power to the Weak

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Waiting on the Lord

He gives POWER to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases STRENGTH.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord:
• SHALL renew their strength!
• They SHALL mount up with wings like eagles!
• They SHALL run and not be weary!
• They SHALL walk and not faint!

Shall Renew Strength

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Rivers in the Desert

“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah’s Calling

“Listen, O coastlands, to Me,
And take heed, you peoples from afar!
The Lord has called Me from the womb;
From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name.

And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me.

“And He said to me,
‘You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.’

Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain;
Yet surely my just reward is with the Lord,
And my work with my God.’ ”

“And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength),

Indeed He says,
‘Is it too small a thing that You should be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel? I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

Rebuke for Fearing Man

“I, even I, am He who comforts you.
Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass? And you forget the Lord your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth;

You have feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor?

The captive exile hastens, that he may be loosed, that he should not die in the pit, and that his bread should not fail.

But I am the Lord your God, Who divided the sea whose waves roared—The Lord of hosts is His name. And I have put My words in your mouth;
I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, that I may plant the heavens, lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’”

Despising the Word of God

Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff, So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;

Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

No Weapon Formed Against You

“In righteousness you shall be established;
You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you.

Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.

Behold, I have created the blacksmith who blows the coals in the fire; who brings forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the spoiler to destroy.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn.

This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord.

Enlarge the Place of Your Tent

“Sing, O barren, you who have not borne!Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, You who have not labored with child!

For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.

For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited.

“Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.

For your Maker is your husband, The Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.

For the Lord has called you Like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, Like a youthful wife when you were refused,”
Says your God.

As the Rain Comes Down

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

As the Rain Comes Down

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

God Turns on His Children

For He said, “Surely they are My people,
Children who will not lie.” So He became their Savior.

In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them all the days of old.

But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned Himself against them as an enemy, and He fought against them.

Whom Shall I Send

So I said:
“Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.”

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.”

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

On this One Will I Look

Thus says the Lord:

“Heaven is My throne and Earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made and all those things exist,” Says the Lord.

“But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit and who trembles at My word."

No Light in Them

“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

Prophesies Concerning You

"This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare;

Having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck.

Of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme."

Bridle the Tongue

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Pure Religion

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Friendship With the World

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?

Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Philia (5373) Involves "The idea of loving as well as being loved"

Effective Fervent Prayer

"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Man Needs God's Guidance

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself;

It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.

God Tests Us

I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.

God Tests Us

“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.

God Relents Good & Evil Intentions

"The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it; if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it.

And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it,

If it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it."

Like Fire & a Hammer

“The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully."

"What is the chaff to the wheat?” says the Lord. “Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?"

“Therefore behold, I am against the prophets,” says the Lord, “who steal My words every one from his neighbor."

When You Seek

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity;

I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord,
and I will bring you to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive.

Nothing to Hard For God

‘Ah, Lord God ! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You."

Nothing's Too Hard for God

Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying,

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"

Word of God Like Fire

Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts:

“Because you speak this word, behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them."

Fruit of Their Thoughts

Hear, O earth!
Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people—
The fruit of their thoughts,

Because they have not heeded My words nor My law, but rejected it.

More Than Food

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth, more than my necessary food.

God Executes His Word

The Lord gives voice before His army, for His camp is very great;

For strong is the One who executes His word.

For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible;
Who can endure it?

Believe the Works

“If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me;

But if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”

Jesus is the Door

Then Jesus said to them again,

“Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

In the Beginning

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus the Word of God

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Jesus Gives Light to “Every Man”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me.
And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.

Jesus' Words Will Judge Us

And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life.

Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

Jesus' Words Will Judge You

He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.

And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

Authority Passed On

Jesus said...

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

Greater Works than Jesus

(12) Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these HE WILL DO because I go to My Father.

(13) And whatever you ask in My name, THAT I WILL DO that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

(14) If you ask anything in My name, I WILL DO IT

Jesus is the Way, Truth & Life

Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Abide in Me

1) I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
2) Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3) You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
4) Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5) “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
6) If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7) If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8) By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
9) “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
10) If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

Jesus Chose & Appointed Us

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

God' Word Has Power to Cleanse

You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

Ask What You Desire

If you abide in Me,
And My words abide in you,
You will ask what you desire,
And it shall be done for you.

By this My Father is glorified,
That you bear much fruit.
So, you will be My disciples.

I AM Knocks Them Over

Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.

Now when He said to them, “I am,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

My Lord and My God

And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!"

Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

And Thomas answered and said to Him, “MY LORD AND MY GOD!”

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thomas Calls Jesus God

And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

Mary Tries to Control Jesus

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

Notice that Jesus doesnt even call her by name but rather...woman

God’s Intention = Everlasting LIFE

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have EVERLASTING LIFE!

Sent by God the Father

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Loving Light or Darkness

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Jesus' Food

In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”

But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

All Judgment to the Son

"For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son."

Resurrection of Life & Death

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

Scriptures Testify of Jesus

"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me."

The Flesh Profits Nothing

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.

The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

Jesus Always Pleased the Father

Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.

And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”

Came from God

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.

Hearing God's Word

He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

Never See Death

Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

Before Abraham Was...

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Jesus Declares “I AM”

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

Convicted by Their Conscience

Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Sole of Your Foot

Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.

Caleb's Strength Remained

So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children's forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’

And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness;

And now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in."

Build Yourself Up

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Gideon Grows Valient

Then all the Midianites and Amalekites, the people of the East, gathered together; and they crossed over and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel.

But...the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon.

Then...he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him.
And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, who also gathered behind him. He also sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.

New Every Morning

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

Unclean Spirit Returns

"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.

Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

Ministers of the Word

"Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word"

No matter how others look at our calling, we need to realize that God appoints ministers over the proclamation, confirmation, and defense of His Word on the Earth.

What's Spoken in the Dark

For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.

Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Jesus Says to Fear God

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!"

Much Given / Much Required

And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Unless You Repent

There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

Seeking or Striving?

Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them,

“STRIVE to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will SEEK to enter and will not be able.

Strive: Agonizomai - fight; contend; agonize

Agonize: to suffer extreme pain or anguish, to put forth great effort of any kind

Nothing’s Impossible Wirh God!

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

And the angel answered and said to her, “THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL COME UPON YOU AND THE POWER OF THE HIGHEST WILL OVERSHADOW YOU; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Cost of Discipleship

Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them,

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?

Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.

So likewise, whoever of you that does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Rejoicing Caused by Repentance

Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”

So He spoke this parable to them, saying: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Unprofitable Servant #2

And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?

But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’?

Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.

So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”

Leaving All to Follow Jesus

Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.”

So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Do Business Till I Come

Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.

Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.
So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘DO BUSINESS TILL I COME.’

But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’

“And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’
And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’
And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’
Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’

“Then another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’

And he said to him, ‘OUT OF YOUR OWN MOUTH I WILL JUDGE YOU, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’

“And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.’ But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’

‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ”

Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem

(41) Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying,

(42) “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

(43) For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side,

(44) and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

Greater Condemnation

Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples...

“Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts,
who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers.

These will receive greater condemnation.”

Blood Shed for You

"Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."

Anna the Prophetess

Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

And this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but SERVED GOD WITH FASTINGS AND PRAYERS NIGHT AND DAY.

And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Their Eyes Were Opened

"Now it came to pass as He sat at the table with them that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him, and He vanished from their sight."

Prophetic Psalms

"Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”

Prophetic Psalms

44. Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”

45. And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

The Father's Business

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Jesus Heals Every One

"When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on EVERY ONE OF THEM and healed them."

They Saw His Glory

But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.

Follow Me

And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.

And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

Greatest Commandments

Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is:

‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ (Deut. 6:4-5)

This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this:

‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Lev. 19:18)

There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Greater Condemnation

Then He said to them in His teaching,

“Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts. Who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers.

These will receive greater condemnation.”

Demons Forbidden to Speak

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door.

Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

Peter Tries to Direct Jesus

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You."

But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”

Everyone Seeking Jesus

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."

And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.

Last Thing w/all Together - Sang a Hymn

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Confirming the Word

And they went out and preached everywhere, THE LORD WORKING WITH THEM and confirming the Word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

Jesus' 3-fold Purpose

And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him.

Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:

Jesus Grieved by Hard Hearts

And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.

Man of the Tombs

Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs;

And no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.

When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.”
For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!”

Then He asked him, “What is your name?”
And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” And at once Jesus gave them permission.

Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country.

And they went out to see what it was that had happened. Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.

And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.

And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Shake Off the Dust

Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.

And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them.

Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”

Jesus Limited by Unbelief

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”

Now He could do no mighty work (dunamis) there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.

Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

Ashamed of Jesus & His Words

For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.

for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Flee Persecution

When they persecute you in this city, flee to another.

For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Do Not Fear Man

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

ALL THINGS “Delivered” to Jesus

ALL THINGS have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

Jesus Healed All

"But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all."

Immanuel - God with Us

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

The Abundance of the Heart

Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

The Angels will Separate

So it will be at the end of the age...

The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Revelations Become Our Treasure

Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?”
They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”

Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of HIS TREASURE things new and old.”

Revelations Become Our Treasure

Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of HIS TREASURE things new and old.”

Blind Leaders of Blind

Then His disciples came and said to Him,

“Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

But He answered and said,

“Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”

The Gates of Hell

"He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

The Gates of Hell

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus answered and said to him,

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

The Gates of Hell

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus answered and said to him,

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

The Gates of Hell

”And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Jesus Reveals His Plan

From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”

But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Unbelief Renders Powerless

14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying,
15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water.
16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.”
18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Because of Your Unbelief

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief.

For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Handling Sin From a Brother

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’

And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."

If Two Agree

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Faith Can Move Mountains

So Jesus answered and said to them,

"Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Ye Do Err

Jesus answered and said to them, “You do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God."

Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!

See! Your house is left to you desolate!"

Call No man Father

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

Signs of the End pt. 1

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For MANY will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive MANY. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by ALL nations for My name’s sake. And then MANY will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then MANY false prophets will rise up and deceive MANY. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of MANY will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in ALL the world as a witness to ALL the nations, and then the end will come.

Only the Father Knows

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

Unprofitable Servant

Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look there, you have what is yours.’

But his Lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.

Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Sheep & Goats Separated

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.

All the nations will be gathered before Him, and HE WILL SEPARATE THEM one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

Least of These

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’

Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

The Great Co-Mission

18) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20) Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus in Galilee

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

We Are the Light of the World

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

He Who Does the Will of My Father

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Many Demon Possessed

When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
“He Himself took our infirmities
And bore our sicknesses.”

Man of the Tombs

When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way.

And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”
And He said to them, “Go.”

So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.
Then those who kept them fled;

And they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.

Sinners to Repentance

Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’

For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Sinners to Repentance

“...For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Demon Causes Muteness

As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke.

And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”
But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”

Unbelievers Disturbed

"Then I went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel."

Sins Cause Loss of Dominion

36 “Here we are, servants today!
And the land that You gave to our fathers,
To eat its fruit and its bounty,
Here we are, servants in it!

37 And it yields much increase to the kings
You have set over us, Because of our sins;
Also they have dominion over our bodies and our cattle, at their pleasure;
And we are in great distress.

Despising the Word of the Lord

You shall have one law for him who sins unintentionally, for him who is native-born among the children of Israel and for the stranger who dwells among them.

But the person who does anything presumptuously, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one brings reproach on the Lord.

And he shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him.

Not Only to Believe in Him

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake

Selfish Ambition

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."

Jesus Equal with God

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

This One Thing I Do

(12) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I PRESS ON, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

(13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

(14) I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK (Skopeo) for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

》You have to press into your calling, forsaking all else (Skopeo). It’s not coming on a silver platter, you have to fight for it!

Paul's Outline for Ministry

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

Christ Strengthens Me

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

By Prayer & Supplication

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Choose Friends Carefully

The righteous should choose his friends carefully,

For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Despise the Word = Destruction

He who despises the Word will be destroyed,
But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.

Walk with Wise Men

He who walks with wise men will be wise,

But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

Plan With Counsel

Without counsel, plans go awry,
But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

{Who better to seek counsel than from the Lord?}

God Keeps Watch on Evil & Good

The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

The Lord Still Directs

A man’s heart plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps.

The Lord Tests the Hearts

“The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the Lord tests the hearts.”

Wage War with Plans

Plans are established by counsel;
By wise counsel wage war.

God Searches Our Heart

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord,
Searching all the inner depths of his heart.

If God knows everthing about us before were born, why is He yet searching the depths of our heart?

Plans of the Diligent

The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,

But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

Words of Truth

Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge,

That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,

That you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?

Work on Becoming Strong

If you faint in the day of adversity,
Your strength (Koach /3581) is small.

Prophetic Influence

Where there is no revelation (or prophetic vision), the people cast off restraint;

But happy is he who keeps the law.

Fear of Man a Snare

The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Be Always Enraptured

"Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad; streams of water in the streets?

Let them be only your own, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.

As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress?

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths."

What the Lord Hates

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

A proud look (mind),

A lying tongue (mouth),

Hands that shed innocent blood (motions),

A heart that devises wicked plans (mind),

Feet that are swift in running to evil (motions)

A false witness who speaks lies (mouth),

And one who sows discord among brethren (mouth).

Go to the Ant

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.

Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.

How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?

Forgiveness & Healing

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,

God's Word Healed Them

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions."

In His Law He Meditates

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.

What Can Man do to Me

The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?

Hidden in My Heart

Your Word have I hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

Evildoers "Depart"

Depart from me, you evildoers,
For I will keep the commandments of my God!

God's Word Gives Life

This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your Word has given me life.

Forever Settled in Heaven

"Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven."

Sow in Tears, Reap in Joy

5. Those who sow in tears, shall reap in joy!

6. He who CONTINUALLY GOES FORTH WEEPING, bearing seed for sowing, shall DOUBTLESS come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him!

God's Word Above His Name

"I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;

For You have magnified Your word above all Your name."

David / God / Mother’s Womb

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered (overshadowed) me in my mother’s womb.”

David, God & the Womb

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered (overshadowed) me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

God Searches to Find

The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

Morning Prayer

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust;

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.

Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.

Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good.

Lead me in the land of uprightness.

Plans Perish at Death

"Do not put your trust in princes,
Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish.

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God,

Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,

God's Face

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

You Have Tried Me

You have tested my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and have found nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

His Secret Place is Darkness

“He made darkness His secret place;
His canopy around Him was dark waters
And thick clouds of the skies.”

According to My Righteousness

(18) They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support.

(19) He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.

(20) The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.

(21) For I have kept the ways of the Lord,
And have not wickedly departed from my God.

(22) For all His judgments were before me, and I did not put away His statutes from me.

(23) I was also blameless before Him, and I kept myself from my iniquity.

(24) Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.

Run Thru a Troop Leap a Wall

For You will light my lamp;
The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.

As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

God Arms Me With Strength

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on high places.

He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up.

Your gentleness has made me great. You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip.

Words & Thoughts

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

Secret of the Lord

The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.

My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Forgiveness

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

The Lord's Ways

"Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day."

> What three things does the writer of this Psalm request from God for himself? ___________ me; _____________ me; ______________ me
> What three things does the writer want God to show, teach, and lead him in? "Your __________"; Your __________"; Your ________"

Joy in the Morning

"Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;

Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning."

By the Word of the Lord

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,

And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.

The Lord Delivers

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.

The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all!”

Safety Only From the Lord

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Whoever Offers Praise Glorifies Me

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
And to him who orders his conduct aright
I will show the salvation of God.”

God Gives Strength & Power

"...The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people.

Blessed be God!"

Blotted From Book of the Living

Add iniquity to their iniquity,
And let them not come into Your righteousness.
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living,
And not be written with the righteous.

Blotted from the Book of the Living

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living,
And not be written with the righteous.

God Grieved & Limited

"How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, And grieved Him in the desert!

Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

THEY DID NOT REMEMBER HIS POWER; The day when He redeemed them from the enemy."

God was “grieved” & “limited” by not "remember(ing) His power" and by their behavior.

ALL THINGS Put Under Man’s Feet

When I consider Your heavens,
The work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars,
Which You have ordained,

What is man,
That You are mindful of him?
And the son of man,
That You visit him?

For You have made him
A little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him
With glory and honor.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put ALL THINGS under his feet,

All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,

The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

No Good Thing

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

The Lord will give grace and glory;

No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Nations Forgetting God

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Names of Wicked Blotted Out

You have rebuked the nations,
You have destroyed the wicked;
You have blotted out their name forever and ever.

Straying from God's Commands

You rebuke the proud—the cursed,
Who stray from Your commandments.

Hope in God's Word

I wait for the Lord , my soul waits;
And in His Word I do hope.

Accuser of the Brethren

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Harps Issued to Overcomers of the Beast

(2) And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.

(3) They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying:
“Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!

Jesus is the Almighty

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

John Suffered “For the Word of God”

I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation, and kingdom, and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Faithful Until Death

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

{They had not received the crown of life yet, according to Jesus. Paul mentions "the crown of righteousness" awaiting him because he had kept the faith - 2 Tim. 4:8}

God Searches to Know

I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

Faithful Smyrna’s Suffering

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Sardis: The Dead Church

And to the angel of the church in Sardis write...

“These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Church of Philadelphia

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

No Distinction Between Jew & Gentile

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Confess & Believe

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Paul's Plans to Visit Rome

"For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

Branches Broken Off Due to Unbelief

19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.”
20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.
21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.
22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

Armor of Light

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Paul's Plans Hindered Again

For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. (to preach the Gospel)

But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,
whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you.

For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.

Scriptures Give Patience & Comfort

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

Avoid Devicive Heretics

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Conscience Bearing Witness

For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves;

Who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them,

In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Jews Inwardly

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;

But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

None Righteous

As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;

All Have Sinned

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

All Justified by Faith

"Since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith"

Strengthened in Faith

As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations” in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.

Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

And NOT BEING WEAK IN FAITH, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but WAS STRENGTHENED IN FAITH, GIVING GLORY TO GOD, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Saved by Jesus' Life

"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

Death Through One Man

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

While We Were Sinners

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Weapons of Righteousness

And do not present your members as <weapons> of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as <weapons> of righteousness to God.

Wages & the Gift

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Spirit Gives Life

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

No Condemnation

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Holy Spirit Assists Us

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God

All For Good

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Whom He Foreknew

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Carnal or Spiritual Mind

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Spirit of God = Spirit of Christ

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Our God & Savior - Jesus

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to ALL men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Reject a Devisive Man

Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,

Knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.