From Gary... The closer you look...

I have used several of Terri Justice's pictures before, so I thought I would try this one. Yes, this is one picture. The bottom is my adjustment. Both pictures are fine; the top one shows more reflection, and the bottom one more detail.  So what? Well, these pictures are a lot like people. You can look at their glossy exterior (appearance and character) or you can go a bit closer.  When you do, I can almost guarantee you will find something wrong. If your motives in considering the other person are good ones- no problem. But, if you WANT TO FIND SOMETHING WRONG TO USE IN A NOT-SO-NICE way, then, we have a problem. In thinking about this a bit, I chose a few Bible verses to consider....

Matthew, Chapter 7

 1  “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.   2  For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.  3  Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye?   4  Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye?   5  You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye. 

1 Corinthians, Chapter 5

12 For what have I to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within?  13 But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.”

Romans, Chapter 2

 26 If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won’t his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision?  27 Won’t the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law?  28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh;  29 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. 

From the beginning of your life and thereafter, you will be judged. From whether or not you are a "cute" baby, to scores on a test in school, and countless other things- you WILL BE JUDGED!!!  So, it is no different in religious matters. Except that Christians are well aware that their judgment is flawed compared to that of the creator. However, in order to maintain purity, we have to consider conduct; matters of the heart are God's purview. Yes, we are to proclaim truth; truth in what we do religiously (liturgy), truth in what we teach (dogma) and ethics (everyday living). However, our aim as Christians is to proclaim Jesus as the way to freedom from sin (sanctification). Christians should be progressing in this last concept and when they fall - 1 Corinthians 5 should be considered. Now, what about the Christian's attitude towards those OUTSIDE THE CHURCH? Consideration, understanding and a call to a Godly controlled though the GOSPEL should be our focus.  Once a person understands the truly evil nature and dastardly effects of sin, well, why would they want to stay in it???  I know that it sometimes hurts to consider your ways, but seeing truth is well worth it. Just like that lower picture of the moon above; it may be clearer, but you are bound to see more defects. This is where Jesus comes in- HE is the way out of your problems, by the truth and leading to a better life (John 14:6).

From Gary... Bible Reading March 22

Bible Reading  

March 22

The World English Bible

Mar. 22

Exodus 38 – 40

Exo 38:1 He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its breadth was five cubits, and its height was three cubits.

Exo 38:2 He made its horns on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with brass.

Exo 38:3 He made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its vessels of brass.

Exo 38:4 He made for the altar a grating of a network of brass, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up.

Exo 38:5 He cast four rings for the four ends of brass grating, to be places for the poles.

Exo 38:6 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with brass.

Exo 38:7 He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks.

Exo 38:8 He made the basin of brass, and its base of brass, out of the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Exo 38:9 He made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits;

Exo 38:10 their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.

Exo 38:11 For the north side one hundred cubits, their pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.

Exo 38:12 For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.

Exo 38:13 For the east side eastward fifty cubits.

Exo 38:14 The hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three;

Exo 38:15 and so for the other side: on this hand and that hand by the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Exo 38:16 All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen.

Exo 38:17 The sockets for the pillars were of brass. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver; and the overlaying of their capitals, of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

Exo 38:18 The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. Twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, like to the hangings of the court.

Exo 38:19 Their pillars were four, and their sockets four, of brass; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals, and their fillets, of silver.

Exo 38:20 All the pins of the tabernacle, and around the court, were of brass.

Exo 38:21 This is the amount of material used for the tabernacle, even the Tabernacle of the Testimony, as they were counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest.

Exo 38:22 Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 38:23 With him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen.

Exo 38:24 All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents, and seven hundred thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

Exo 38:25 The silver of those who were numbered of the congregation was one hundred talents, and one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

Exo 38:26 a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty men.

Exo 38:27 The one hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the veil; one hundred sockets for the one hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

Exo 38:28 Of the one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their capitals, and made fillets for them.

Exo 38:29 The brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand four hundred shekels.

Exo 38:30 With this he made the sockets to the door of the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, all the vessels of the altar,

Exo 38:31 the sockets around the court, the sockets of the gate of the court, all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins around the court.

Exo 39:1 Of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 39:2 He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Exo 39:3 They beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, in the purple, in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of the skillful workman.

Exo 39:4 They made shoulder straps for it, joined together. At the two ends it was joined together.

Exo 39:5 The skillfully woven band that was on it, with which to fasten it on, was of the same piece, like its work; of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 39:6 They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel.

Exo 39:7 He put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 39:8 He made the breastplate, the work of a skillful workman, like the work of the ephod; of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Exo 39:9 It was square. They made the breastplate double. Its length was a span, and its breadth a span, being double.

Exo 39:10 They set in it four rows of stones. A row of ruby, topaz, and beryl was the first row;

Exo 39:11 and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

Exo 39:12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

Exo 39:13 and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in gold settings.

Exo 39:14 The stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, for the twelve tribes.

Exo 39:15 They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.

Exo 39:16 They made two settings of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.

Exo 39:17 They put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.

Exo 39:18 The other two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in its front.

Exo 39:19 They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which was toward the side of the ephod inward.

Exo 39:20 They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its front, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.

Exo 39:21 They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 39:22 He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

Exo 39:23 The opening of the robe in its midst was like the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding around its opening, that it should not be torn.

Exo 39:24 They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen.

Exo 39:25 They made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates around the skirts of the robe, between the pomegranates;

Exo 39:26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, around the skirts of the robe, to minister in, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 39:27 They made the coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

Exo 39:28 and the turban of fine linen, and the linen headbands of fine linen, and the linen breeches of fine twined linen,

Exo 39:29 and the sash of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 39:30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it a writing, like the engravings of a signet: "HOLY TO YAHWEH."

Exo 39:31 They tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the turban above, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 39:32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was finished. The children of Israel did according to all that Yahweh commanded Moses; so they did.

Exo 39:33 They brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent, with all its furniture, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets,

Exo 39:34 the covering of rams' skins dyed red, the covering of sea cow hides, the veil of the screen,

Exo 39:35 the ark of the testimony with its poles, the mercy seat,

Exo 39:36 the table, all its vessels, the show bread,

Exo 39:37 the pure lampstand, its lamps, even the lamps to be set in order, all its vessels, the oil for the light,

Exo 39:38 the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent,

Exo 39:39 the bronze altar, its grating of brass, its poles, all of its vessels, the basin and its base,

Exo 39:40 the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, all the instruments of the service of the tabernacle, for the Tent of Meeting,

Exo 39:41 the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.

Exo 39:42 According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work.

Exo 39:43 Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it as Yahweh had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Exo 40:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Exo 40:2 "On the first day of the first month you shall raise up the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting.

Exo 40:3 You shall put the ark of the testimony in it, and you shall screen the ark with the veil.

Exo 40:4 You shall bring in the table, and set in order the things that are on it. You shall bring in the lampstand, and light its lamps.

Exo 40:5 You shall set the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the screen of the door to the tabernacle.

Exo 40:6 You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting.

Exo 40:7 You shall set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and shall put water therein.

Exo 40:8 You shall set up the court around it, and hang up the screen of the gate of the court.

Exo 40:9 You shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is in it, and shall make it holy, and all its furniture: and it will be holy.

Exo 40:10 You shall anoint the altar of burnt offering, with all its vessels, and sanctify the altar: and the altar will be most holy.

Exo 40:11 You shall anoint the basin and its base, and sanctify it.

Exo 40:12 You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and shall wash them with water.

Exo 40:13 You shall put on Aaron the holy garments; and you shall anoint him, and sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest's office.

Exo 40:14 You shall bring his sons, and put coats on them.

Exo 40:15 You shall anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may minister to me in the priest's office. Their anointing shall be to them for an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations."

Exo 40:16 Moses did so. According to all that Yahweh commanded him, so he did.

Exo 40:17 It happened in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was raised up.

Exo 40:18 Moses raised up the tabernacle, and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its pillars.

Exo 40:19 He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tabernacle above on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 40:20 He took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark.

Exo 40:21 He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 40:22 He put the table in the Tent of Meeting, on the side of the tabernacle northward, outside of the veil.

Exo 40:23 He set the bread in order on it before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 40:24 He put the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting, opposite the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.

Exo 40:25 He lit the lamps before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 40:26 He put the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting before the veil;

Exo 40:27 and he burnt incense of sweet spices on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 40:28 He put up the screen of the door to the tabernacle.

Exo 40:29 He set the altar of burnt offering at the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 40:30 He set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water therein, with which to wash.

Exo 40:31 Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and their feet there.

Exo 40:32 When they went into the Tent of Meeting, and when they came near to the altar, they washed, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Exo 40:33 He raised up the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

Exo 40:34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of Yahweh filled the tabernacle.

Exo 40:35 Moses wasn't able to enter into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and Yahweh's glory filled the tabernacle.

Exo 40:36 When the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward, throughout all their journeys;

Exo 40:37 but if the cloud wasn't taken up, then they didn't travel until the day that it was taken up.

Exo 40:38 For the cloud of Yahweh was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

From Mark Copeland... Running The Race Of Faith (Hebrews 12:1-3)

                "THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS"

                   Running The Race Of Faith (12:1-3)

INTRODUCTION

1. Throughout our study, we have noted the emphasis on being steadfast
   in our faith...
   a. The warning against developing unbelief - He 3:12-15
   b. The need for a faith that endures - He 6:11-12; 10:36-39
   c. In chapter eleven, we were reminded of many who had this kind of 
      faith

2. This emphasis continues, with our own life of faith described as a 
   race...
   a. In which we are "surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses"
      - He 12:1
      1) The "cloud of witnesses" refers to those mentioned in the 
         previous chapter
      2) I.e., those Old Testament saints like Abraham, Moses, etc.
   b. In what way are they "witnesses"?
      1) While the word can mean "spectator", it is not likely so used
         here
         a) That would suggest they are now "looking down" on us from
            heaven
         b) But there is no indication the dead know what is going on 
            earth - cf. Ec 9:5
         c) While they may have "memory" of what happened (Lk 16:28),
            their attention is focused upon their present condition 
            - cf. Re 7:9-17
      2) The word can also refer to those who "bear witness"
         a) By their lives, they have borne witness to the value of 
            faith - cf. He 11:1-40
         b) By their exemplary lives, they encourage us in "Running The
            Race Of Faith"!

[As we seek to follow in the footsteps of others who have successfully
"run the race of faith", there are three things necessary as presented
in our text.  The first one is...]

I. WE NEED TO LAY SOME THINGS ASIDE (1)

   A. NOTE THE COMPARISON TO RUNNING...
      1. The runner who seeks to win:
         a. Loses as much weight as possible without hurting
            performance
         b. Wears clothing that is light and allows freedom of movement
      2. Excess weight, chafing clothing, etc., can be the difference
         between victory or defeat!

   B. WE TOO MUST LAY SOME THINGS ASIDE...
      1. "every weight"
         a. I.e., things which slow down our spiritual progress
            1) Such as "carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life"
               - Lk 21:34-36
            2) Also, "anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy 
               language..." - cf. Col 3:8; 1Pe 2:1-2; Jm 1:21
         b. Such things make "running the race of faith" difficult, if
            not impossible!
      2. "the sin which so easily ensnares us"
         a. Any and all sins should be laid aside
         b. From the context, I understand "the" sin to be the "sin of 
            unbelief"
            1) The epistle was written to encourage faithfulness to 
               Christ and His covenant
            2) We've seen warnings against unbelief - He 3:12-13
            3) When one no longer believes, the race is lost! - He 10:
               26-39

[With a full assurance of faith, and with every hindrance laid aside, 
we can "run the race of faith" as God intended.  But as we comprehend 
the true nature of the "course" set before us, we can appreciate the 
need for the element of endurance...]

II. WE NEED TO HAVE ENDURANCE (1)

   A. THE "RACE OF FAITH" IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT...
      1. It does not require one quick burst of energy, in which the 
         race is soon over
      2. This "race" requires a sustained effort over a long period of 
         time

   B. ENDURANCE IS A NECESSARY QUALITY...
      1. Jesus often taught His disciples concerning the need for 
         endurance (i.e., patience)
         a. In the parable of The Sower - Lk 8:12
         a. In preparing the disciples for the Limited Commission - Mt 10:22
         b. In His discourse on the Mount of Olives - Mt 24:13
      2. The writer to the Hebrews had stressed this virtue earlier
         a. In which he appealed to the example of Abraham - He 6:11-15
         b. In which he quoted from Habakkuk - He 10:36-39
      3. We can develop such patience with the help of the Scriptures 
         - Ro 15:4
         a. As we read of the faithfulness of God Who fulfills His 
            promises
         b. As we read of the ultimate end of those persevered in 
            faithfulness

[Paul wrote that eternal life would be given "to those who by patient
continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality" (Ro
2:7). Therefore, endurance is required for successfully running this 
"race of faith"!

Equally important is where we have our mind focused as we run the 
race...]

III. WE NEED TO FOCUS ON JESUS (2-3)

   A. WE MUST "LOOK UNTO JESUS"...
      1. Our focus must be upon the Lord as we "run the race"
         a. We might "glance" at others (cf. He 11)
         b. But we are to "gaze" upon the Lord Savior (Believers' Study
            Bible)
         c. As suggested by this "Formula For Spiritual Success":
            1) If you want to be distressed -- look within
            2) If you want to be defeated -- look back 
            3) If you want to be distracted -- look around
            4) If you want to be dismayed -- look ahead
            5) If you want to be delivered -- look up! - cf. Col 3:1-2
      2. For Jesus is "the author and finisher of our faith"
         - cf. He 2:10
         a. He is the beginning and the end, the first and the last,
            the Alpha and the Omega - Re 1:8,11
         b. He has blazed the trail for us...
            1) By having run the race Himself
               a) As a forerunner He has entered the heavenly sanctuary
                  - He 6:19-20
               b) He has opened a "new and living way" for us - He 10:
                  20
            2) And now He helps us to finish it ourselves - cf. He 7:25
      3. He succeeded in running the race by looking at "the joy set 
         before Him"
         a. The "joy" that inspired Him was likely that privilege of 
            being seated at God's right hand - cf. Ps 16:9-11; Ac 2:
            25-31
         b. With the anticipation of such "joy", Jesus...
            1) "endured the cross" (the physical pain)
            2) "despised the shame" (the emotional and spiritual agony)
      -- Just as Jesus looked at the joy set before Him, so we must
         look to Jesus!

   B. WE MUST "CONSIDER HIM"...
      1. We must consider how He endured, not only on the cross, but 
         even before! - He 11:3
         a. How He "endured such hostility from sinners against 
            himself"
         b. This hostility is something He experienced frequently - cf.
            Lk 4:28-29; 11:15-16,53-54; 16:14
      2. Meditating upon our Lord will prevent us from becoming
         "weary and discouraged in your souls"
         a. We cannot run with endurance if we become weary and
            discouraged
         b. But as we consider the Lord and His example (in itself a
            form of "waiting upon the Lord"), we shall not grow weary
            nor faint - cf. Isa 40:31

CONCLUSION

1. "Running The Race Of Faith" requires both negative and positive 
   elements...
   a. Negatively, we must lay aside things which would hinder us
   b. Positively, we must keep our focus on Jesus who has made our 
      salvation possible

2. In both cases, the Word of God (the Bible) is crucial...
   a. For in it we learn what sort of things we must lay aside
   b. For in it we learn about our Lord, what He endured, how His 
      example should inspire us

3. Have you lost your endurance?  Have you grown weary in "Running The
   Race Of Faith"?
   a. Let the Bible help you examine what "baggage" should be left 
      aside!
   b. Let the Bible help you learn about Jesus whose own example can 
      encourage you to continue on with perseverance!

Remember what we read earlier...

   "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the
   will of God, you may receive the promise..." (Hebrews 10:36)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Jim McGuiggan.... A hand's not an eye but...

A hand's not an eye but...

Not all Christians are individually called to suffer in the way the servants of 1 Peter 2:18-21 were called to suffer. But it’s important to remember that no Christian or group of Christians exists as an independent unit, as if they were not a part of the community of faith. This means that while only certain members of Christ’s body are called to some particular experience or path that it is nevertheless the Church as a single body that experiences this or walks that path.

As a physical body has many parts and is yet one body so also is the Church (Romans 12:4-5). It’s true that the eyes don’t do the hearing or that the nose doesn’t do the seeing; but it is not true that seeing and hearing and smelling are completely isolated and individual workings. Seeing is a function of the body and not merely the eyes!

It is not the eyes that see through the eyes; it is the body that sees through the eyes. It is not the ears that hear through the ears, it is not the nose that smells through the nose. Hearing and smelling is what the body as a single and undivided unit does and it does these things through the various parts of the body.

So it is with the Body of Christ. There are no isolated parts that function independently of the rest of the body. A hand in a body has no existence without the body. It can only be understood as a hand precisely because there is a body of which it is a part. This remains true even though the hand is not the foot and the eye is not the ear. There is diversity within the parts of the body and the hand mustn’t abdicate and lay the burden on the eye. Each one must bear his or her own burden and be held accountable in that regard. The church takes care of its children via its parents and it respects it parents via its children. The church serves its wives via its husbands and its husbands via its wives. Family members were instructed to take care of needy widows so that the "church" should not be burdened (1 Timothy 5:16). There is a doctrine of specificity of responsibility (for example, 1 Timothy 5:8). But we’re not to allow that to mask the truth that when these specific responsibilities are being fulfilled by the various members (parts) that this is the body at work; this is how the body does its work!

When God calls specific people within the body to a particular role we’re not to conclude that they are not functioning as the body! Not everyone was called to patiently endure mistreatment at the hands of harsh masters but because they are members of the body it is the body that is under attack by harsh masters. Christ told Paul in Acts 9 that when he persecuted the people of God he was persecuting their Head.

It’s nonsense for us to think that we exist independent of the rest of the People of God.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, theabidingword.com.

From Gary... Bible Reading March 21

Bible Reading  

March 21

The World English Bible

Mar. 21

Exodus 36, 37

Exo 36:1 "Bezalel and Oholiab shall work with every wise-hearted man, in whom Yahweh has put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Yahweh has commanded."

Exo 36:2 Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Yahweh had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it:

Exo 36:3 and they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, with which to make it. They brought yet to him freewill offerings every morning.

Exo 36:4 All the wise men, who performed all the work of the sanctuary, each came from his work which they did.

Exo 36:5 They spoke to Moses, saying, "The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which Yahweh commanded to make."

Exo 36:6 Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, "Let neither man nor woman make anything else for the offering for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing.

Exo 36:7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

Exo 36:8 All the wise-hearted men among those who did the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, with cherubim, the work of the skillful workman, they made them.

Exo 36:9 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains had one measure.

Exo 36:10 He coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled one to another.

Exo 36:11 He made loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling. Likewise he made in the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the second coupling.

Exo 36:12 He made fifty loops in the one curtain, and he made fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that was in the second coupling. The loops were opposite one to another.

Exo 36:13 He made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains one to another with the clasps: so the tabernacle was a unit.

Exo 36:14 He made curtains of goats' hair for a covering over the tabernacle. He made them eleven curtains.

Exo 36:15 The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits the breadth of each curtain. The eleven curtains had one measure.

Exo 36:16 He coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

Exo 36:17 He made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the coupling, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which was outmost in the second coupling.

Exo 36:18 He made fifty clasps of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be a unit.

Exo 36:19 He made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.

Exo 36:20 He made the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing up.

Exo 36:21 Ten cubits was the length of a board, and a cubit and a half the breadth of each board.

Exo 36:22 Each board had two tenons, joined one to another. He made all the boards of the tabernacle this way.

Exo 36:23 He made the boards for the tabernacle: twenty boards for the south side southward.

Exo 36:24 He made forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons.

Exo 36:25 For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, he made twenty boards,

Exo 36:26 and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Exo 36:27 For the far part of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.

Exo 36:28 He made two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far part.

Exo 36:29 They were double beneath, and in like manner they were all the way to its top to one ring. He did thus to both of them in the two corners.

Exo 36:30 There were eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; under every board two sockets.

Exo 36:31 He made bars of acacia wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

Exo 36:32 and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the hinder part westward.

Exo 36:33 He made the middle bar to pass through in the midst of the boards from the one end to the other.

Exo 36:34 He overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold for places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Exo 36:35 He made the veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim. He made it the work of a skillful workman.

Exo 36:36 He made four pillars of acacia for it, and overlaid them with gold. Their hooks were of gold. He cast four sockets of silver for them.

Exo 36:37 He made a screen for the door of the tent, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer;

Exo 36:38 and the five pillars of it with their hooks. He overlaid their capitals and their fillets with gold, and their five sockets were of brass.

Exo 37:1 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, and its breadth a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.

Exo 37:2 He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold for it around it.

Exo 37:3 He cast four rings of gold for it, in its four feet; even two rings on its one side, and two rings on its other side.

Exo 37:4 He made poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.

Exo 37:5 He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.

Exo 37:6 He made a mercy seat of pure gold. Its length was two and a half cubits, and a cubit and a half its breadth.

Exo 37:7 He made two cherubim of gold. He made them of beaten work, at the two ends of the mercy seat;

Exo 37:8 one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end. He made the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends.

Exo 37:9 The cherubim spread out their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.

Exo 37:10 He made the table of acacia wood. Its length was two cubits, and its breadth was a cubit, and its height was a cubit and a half.

Exo 37:11 He overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it.

Exo 37:12 He made a border of a handbreadth around it, and made a golden molding on its border around it.

Exo 37:13 He cast four rings of gold for it, and put the rings in the four corners that were on its four feet.

Exo 37:14 The rings were close by the border, the places for the poles to carry the table.

Exo 37:15 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold, to carry the table.

Exo 37:16 He made the vessels which were on the table, its dishes, its spoons, its bowls, and its pitchers with which to pour out, of pure gold.

Exo 37:17 He made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of beaten work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers were of one piece with it.

Exo 37:18 There were six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of its one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of its other side:

Exo 37:19 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower: so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.

Exo 37:20 In the lampstand were four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers;

Exo 37:21 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of it.

Exo 37:22 Their buds and their branches were of one piece with it. The whole thing was one beaten work of pure gold.

Exo 37:23 He made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, of pure gold.

Exo 37:24 He made it of a talent of pure gold, with all its vessels.

Exo 37:25 He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its breadth a cubit. Its height was two cubits. Its horns were of one piece with it.

Exo 37:26 He overlaid it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns. He made a gold molding around it.

Exo 37:27 He made two golden rings for it under its molding crown, on its two ribs, on its two sides, for places for poles with which to carry it.

Exo 37:28 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.

Exo 37:29 He made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, after the art of the perfumer.

 

Mar. 21, 22

Mark 13

Mar 13:1 As he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!"

Mar 13:2 Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down."

Mar 13:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,

Mar 13:4 "Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?"

Mar 13:5 Jesus, answering, began to tell them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray.

Mar 13:6 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and will lead many astray.

Mar 13:7 "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don't be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet.

Mar 13:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains.

Mar 13:9 But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them.

Mar 13:10 The Good News must first be preached to all the nations.

Mar 13:11 When they lead you away and deliver you up, don't be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

Mar 13:12 "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Mar 13:13 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end, the same will be saved.

Mar 13:14 But when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,

Mar 13:15 and let him who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of his house.

Mar 13:16 Let him who is in the field not return back to take his cloak.

Mar 13:17 But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babies in those days!

Mar 13:18 Pray that your flight won't be in the winter.

Mar 13:19 For in those days there will be oppression, such as there has not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be.

Mar 13:20 Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the sake of the chosen ones, whom he picked out, he shortened the days.

Mar 13:21 Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, there!' don't believe it.

Mar 13:22 For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

Mar 13:23 But you watch. "Behold, I have told you all things beforehand.

Mar 13:24 But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light,

Mar 13:25 the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.

Mar 13:26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

Mar 13:27 Then he will send out his angels, and will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.

Mar 13:28 "Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near;

Mar 13:29 even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors.

Mar 13:30 Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen.

Mar 13:31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Mar 13:32 But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Mar 13:33 Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don't know when the time is.

Mar 13:34 "It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch.

Mar 13:35 Watch therefore, for you don't know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning;

Mar 13:36 lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping.

Mar 13:37 What I tell you, I tell all: Watch."