There is one body (Ephesians 4:4) by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/onebody.html

There is one body
(Ephesians 4:4)

The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22,23). Jesus said He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). He did not say He would establish several thousand denominations.

Jesus prayed that His followers might be one.

"Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are" (John 17:11).

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me" (John 17:20-23).

To accomplish this oneness, the distinction between Jew and Gentile had to be erased.

Jesus said to the Jews: "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:16).

Writing to Jews and Gentiles, Paul said: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity" (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Even the high priest who had Christ crucified -- without understanding what he was saying -- was inspired by God to speak of the oneness of all believers in Christ. "And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, 'You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.' Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad" (John 11:49-52).

This oneness in Christ encompasses heaven and earth! God had purposed "to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth" (Ephesians 1:9,10 RSV).

Christ's prayer was answered. His followers are one. There is one body (Ephesians 4:4) consisting of all those who are in Christ.

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another" (Romans 12:3-5).

Our oneness is based on one baptism.

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:26-28).

"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free -- and have all been made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:12,13).

This oneness expresses itself in the Lord's supper. "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread" (1 Corinthians 10:16,17). On the first day of the week, Christians in countless numbers assemble to partake of the one Bread, the bread of life.

The one body has one Lord and one faith. Paul admonished: "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. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:1-6).

Our oneness is based on the oneness of the Father and the Son, as Christ said in His prayer.

"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).

"But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ" (Matthew 23:8-10). "The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Mark 12:29).

"But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him" (1 Corinthians 6:17).

Our oneness is based on the one faith. We must "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). To be one, God's word must dwell in us richly: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:15-17).

When we worship God, we not only unite our voices but also our hearts. "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God" (Romans 15:5-7).

When, on the basis of God's word, we maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we can be of one heart and soul.

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you" (2 Corinthians 13:11).

"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God" (Philippians 1:27,28).

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like- minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:1-4).

"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body" (Colossians 3:14,15).

"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing" (1 Peter 3:8,9).

There is one body. Jesus prayed that His followers might be one, and this prayer was answered. His followers are one. There is one body which consists of all those who are in Christ. Our oneness is based on one baptism. This oneness expresses itself in the Lord's supper. It is based on the oneness of the Father and the Son. When we worship God, not only our voices, but also our hearts are united. Confessing and practicing the one faith, we maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and we are one in heart and soul.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN? by steve finnell

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2017/02/how-to-become-christian-steve-finnell.html

HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN?  by steve finnell

How do men become Christians? They become Christians by believing and obeying God.

Galatians 3:26-27 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were united with Christ in baptism have been clothed with Christ. (NIV 1973)

Does complying with denominational doctrine result in a person becoming a Christian?

The Roman Catholic Denomination states that non-believing infants become part of the body of Christ when they are sprinkled with water. Those infants become Catholics, however, they do not become Christians.

Faith in Jesus precedes water baptism. (Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved...) NIV 1973) The Ethiopian eunuch heard the good news about Jesus before he was baptized.(Acts 8:26-40) The 3000 on the Day of Pentecost believed before they were baptized. (Acts Chapter 2) In every conversion account in Acts they all believed before they were immersed in water.

According to most Baptists denominations water baptism is not essential for salvation. They believe water baptism is essential in order to become a Baptist. Being baptized in a Baptist church makes a person a Baptist; but does it make them a Christian?

Question, do you know what your denomination teaches concerning becoming clothed with Christ?

Claiming to be a Christian does not make anyone a Christian anymore than claiming to be a medical doctor makes a person a physician.

 

What Words Describe You? by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

https://thepreachersword.com/2016/08/25/what-words-describe-you/#more-745

What Words Describe You?

One of my facebook friends posted this last week.  Look carefully.  What are the first four words you see?  Supposedly they will accurately describe you. Don’t read any farther until you see the four words!

Passionate.  Witty. Thoughtful.  Outspoken.  These were the first four words I saw.  I suppose some of my friends may question one or two of those words, but I thought they were pretty accurate!  In fact, my wife agreed.  So that must be right!

I’m not sure if we gravitate to those words that we want to see or not!  I do know it’s difficult to see ourselves the way we really are.  The Scottish poet Robert Burns penned, “O would some power the gift to give us to see ourselves as others see us.”  Probably most people don’t know that line comes from a Burns poem entitled “To a Louse.”   One Sunday while sitting behind a young lady in worship, Burns noticed a head louse roaming over the bows and ribbons of her hat and onto her hair.  Little did that poor woman know that she and her “companion” would be the subject of one of Burns’ poems!

Rarely do we really see ourselves the way others see us.  However, there is a more important question.  How does God see us?  And is it even possible to  know?  Well James provided some help when he wrote:

 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.  But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:22-25).

What do you see when you look into the mirror of God’s Word?  As you read through the New Testament what four words would describe you and your relationship to the Lord and His work?  Faithful? Loving?  Holy? Zealous?

Or would the four words be Faithless? Hateful? Ungodly?  Lukewarm?  Ouch!  That hurts to even think about it, doesn’t it?

However, I suppose the reality for most of us who wear the name of Christ is that a combination of those eight words may have described all of us at one time or another. We have not been totally unfaithful, but our faith has at times waned and wavered.  Hateful may be too strong a word to describe our attitude towards others or God, but no doubt there are times our love has become weak.

We yearn to be holy as He as holy, yet there are occasions we fall short of the mark.  We think, say and do things that are impure, dishonest or irreverent.  Our enthusiasm for spiritual things may not be ever stone cold, yet most of us experience periods of spiritual drought where at best our fervor is tepid.

What we desperately need is the ability to transparently see ourselves as God sees us.  Like David, let us pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).  Then when He does, may God help us to see the words that really describe us and muster the courage to change.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

To Judge, or Not to Judge? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

 

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1197

To Judge, or Not to Judge?

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

One of the most oft’-quoted verses in the Bible is Matthew 7:1—“Judge not, that you be not judged.” Those engaged in immoral behavior frequently quote this verse when attempting to defend their sinful lifestyle. Certain religionists quote it when being challenged to prove that their questionable practices are backed by biblical authority. A belligerent teenager might be heard reciting this phrase to his parents when they inquire about his occasional association with “the wrong crowd.” Skeptics even quote Matthew 7:1 in an attempt to show an inconsistency in Jesus’ teachings. From church pews to barstools, from the “Bible belt” to Hollywood, Matthew 7:1 is ripped from its context and bellowed as some kind of scare tactic: “Do you dare judge me? Jesus said, ‘Judge not, that you be not judged.’ ” Allegedly, Jesus meant that we cannot pass judgment on anyone at anytime.

Sadly, Matthew 7:1 is not only among the most frequently quoted verses in the Bible, but also is one of the most abused verses in all of Scripture. Its exploitation becomes clear when the entire context of Matthew 7 is studied more carefully. Throughout Matthew chapters 5-7 (often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount), Jesus publicly criticized the Jewish scribes and Pharisees for their self-righteousness and abuse of the Old Testament. Near the beginning of this sermon, Jesus stated: “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). The unrighteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was at the heart of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus wanted His audience to understand that self-righteousness would not be permitted in the kingdom of heaven; rather, it would lead to “condemnation” in hell (5:20; cf. 23:14,33). A follower of God must be “poor in spirit” (5:3), not filled with pride. He must love his enemies, not hate them (5:44). He is to do good deeds, but only to please God, not men (6:1-4). The scribes and Pharisees were guilty of wearing “righteousness” on their sleeves, rather than in their hearts (6:1-8; cf. 23:1-36). It was in the midst of such strong public rebuke that Christ proclaimed:

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye”; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye (Matthew 7:1-5).

In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus instructed us not to do charitable deeds…“as the hypocrites do” (to be seen of men). In 6:5-8, Jesus told us not to pray…“like the hypocrites” (to be heard of men). In 6:16-18, Jesus taught us not to fast…“like the hypocrites” (to be seen of men). Likewise, in Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus was teaching us that judging another is wrong…when that judgment is hypocritical.

But, what if we are doing charitable deeds to be seen of God? Then by all means, “do good to all men” (Galatians 6:10)! What if our prayers are led from a pure heart and with righteous intentions? Should we pray? Most certainly (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Can we fast today, if the purpose of our fasting is to be seen of God and not men? Yes. But what about passing judgment? In Matthew 7:1-5, did Jesus condemn all judging, or, similar to the above examples, did He condemn only a certain kind of judging? Matthew 7:5 provides the answer. After condemning unrighteous judgments (7:1-4), Jesus instructed a person to “first remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” He was saying, in essence, “Get your life right first. Then, in love, address your brother’s problem.” This is consistent with what Paul wrote to the church at Philippi: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (2:4). God never intended for Christians to be recluses who never interacted with those around them. Rather, He gave us the responsibility of helping others by lovingly correcting them when they sin. In Matthew 7, Jesus was not suggesting that a person can never judge. He was saying, when you judge, judge righteously (as when we pray, fast, and do good deeds—do it without hypocrisy—John 7:24). Incidentally, Jesus already had judged the Pharisees. Thus, He obviously was not teaching that we should never judge anyone.

Further proof that Jesus did not condemn all judging can be found throughout the rest of chapter 7. In fact, in the very next verse after His statements about judging, Jesus implicitly commanded that His followers make a judgment. He said: “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (7:6). Disciples of Christ must judge as to who are “dogs” and who are “hogs.” Otherwise, how can we know when not to give that which is holy to “dogs”? Or how can we know when not to cast our pearls before “swine”? Jesus said we must judge between those who are “worthy,” and those who are like dogs and pigs (cf. Matthew 10:12-15; Acts 13:42-46). A few verses later, Jesus again implied that His disciples must make a judgment.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them (Matthew 7:15-20).

Question: How can we “watch out” for false prophets if we cannot make judgments as to who the false prophets are? According to Jesus, determining the identity of false teachers involves inspecting “their fruits” and making judgments—righteous judgments.

What does the rest of Scripture have to say to those who regard all judging as being wrong?

• In his letter to the churches of Galatia, Paul commanded those “who are spiritual” to restore those who have been “overtaken in any trespass…in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (6:1). Certainly, determining who is spiritual and who has sinned involves making judgments.
• While addressing an issue in the church at Corinth where a man had “his father’s wife” (1 Corinthians 5:1), Paul wrote through inspiration:
  

  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…. 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…. Therefore, put away from yourselves the evil person (1 Corinthians 5:4-5,11,13b).

  Paul commanded the church at Corinth to purge a fornicator from its midst. This man’s sin was even to be addressed in a public manner. To follow Paul’s command, the church had to make a judgment. Paul also commanded the congregation to “put away” others who were living in a state of sin. When we make such judgments today, they are to be righteous judgments that are based on facts and carried out in love. Such judging should be performed in a merciful spirit (Luke 6:36-37), and for the purpose of saving souls (“that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus”—1 Corinthians 5:5). Judgments are to be made from good (righteous) intentions. But judgments nevertheless must be made.
• Paul instructed the church at Ephesus to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (5:11). And to the Christians in Rome he wrote: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (16:17). Were churches going to have to make important judgments to comply with Paul’s commands? Yes.
• Similarly, the apostle John indicated that “whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 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” (2 John 9-11, emp. added). To determine whether or not we are going to allow someone into our homes, necessitates a judgment on our part.
• Finally, if all judgments concerning spiritual matters are wrong, then why would Jesus have commanded His disciples to go and teach the lost (Matthew 28:19-20; cf. Acts 8:4)? Before one ever teaches the Gospel to someone who is not a Christian, a judgment must be made. Is this person lost in sin, or saved “in Christ”? If we are to teach the lost today, then it is necessary to determine who is lost and who is not.

If we never can “judge people” in any sense, as many today suggest (through the misuse of Matthew 7:1), then the above commands never could be obeyed. But, they must be obeyed! Thus, (righteous) judgments must be made.

The popular and politically correct idea that “all judging is wrong” is anti-biblical. Those who teach that Jesus was condemning all judging in Matthew 7:1 are guilty of ignoring the context of the passage, as well as the numerous verses throughout the rest of the Bible which teach that judging the sinful lifestyles of others is necessary. One key ingredient that we need to incorporate in every judgment is “righteousness.” Jesus commanded that His disciples first get their own lives right with God; then they can “see clearly” to be of help to others who are overcome in their faults (Matthew 7:5). As Jesus told the Jews in the temple on one occasion: “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

To Whom Does Matthew 19:3-12 Apply? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=4187

To Whom Does Matthew 19:3-12 Apply?

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

In order to sort out the proper application of the discussion on divorce in Matthew 19, one must take into account several contextual indicators. First, observe that in the context of the passage, Jesus addressed Himself to Jews (vs. 3—“Pharisees”)—not Christians. He answered their question: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” (vs. 3).

Second, if Jesus’ answer applies only to Christians (as some claim), then He did not help His Jewish inquirers and, in fact, He completely dodged their question. But He made clear that His answer did apply to them and to everybody else, for three reasons:

1. He said, “Have you not read” (vs. 4) and “But I say unto you” (vs. 9). He was speaking to them!
2. He used the term “whosoever” (vs. 9)—an all-inclusive term that means anyone and everyone.
3. In verses 4-5, He appealed to Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24 for His answer to their question. The instruction from Genesis predates the Mosaic period in its original context. Consequently, the teaching of Genesis (i.e., that God has intended from the very beginning of time for one man to be married to one woman for life, with the only exception being fornication) is teaching that applies to mankind and humanity in general.

Though (a) during certain time periods (e.g., Mosaic), people grew lax in their sensitivity to this Divine guideline, and though (b) God “winked at” this lax behavior (Acts 17:30), such is no indication that people today are free to ignore the laws of God on divorce and remarriage (Hebrews 13:4).

Third, notice the disciples’ reaction to the stringent nature of Jesus’ declaration: “[I]f the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry” (vs. 10). In other words, if a man is obligated to remain married to his first spouse (with the only possibility for divorce and remarriage being the sexual unfaithfulness of that mate), then the man ought to think twice, deliberating long and hard, before he decides to get married the first time. In marrying, he is committing himself to a lifetime with the same woman (in God’s sight). It may very well be preferable to live single than to risk permanent marriage to a mate who creates misery and is unpleasant to live with (but who remains sexually faithful). This is the gist of the disciples’ remark to Jesus. They understood Jesus’ instruction to be very restrictive. But they then drew an erroneous conclusion by proposing the propriety, even priority, of celibacy.

Fourth, in response to the disciples’ remark, Jesus noted in verse 11 that not everyone can live as they suggested (i.e., single and celibate). The implication is that some, more than others, possess a greater need for companionship and the sexual relationship that accompanies that marital companionship. (Notice that sex is perfectly permissible in God’s sight—after all, He designed it! But, if one desires to indulge, the participant is under obligation to conform to divine guidelines, limiting and confining sexual activity to a scriptural marriage relationship). Jesus then elaborated upon three classes of men (vs. 12) who would be able to pursue the celibate life which the disciples proposed: (1) those who are born physically defective and, consequently, are unable to function sexually; (2) those who are born physically normal, but who are then surgically rendered unable to perform sexually. Though odd to the modern mind, it was a common practice in ancient cultures to render impotent various individuals who sought to function in official capacities, e.g., wards in charge of royal bedchambers, servants who lived in the palaces of royalty, etc. (cf. Genesis 37:26; 40:2,7; Daniel 1:3; Esther 1:10; 2:21; 1 Kings 22:9; 2 Kings 8:6; 9:32; Acts 8:27); (3) those who simply choose to forego sexual relations and marriage in order to devote themselves completely to religious matters (like Jesus and Paul).

Fifth, Jesus’ concluding statement, “he that is able to receive it, let him receive it” (vs. 12), pertains to that which He had been discussing, i.e., the choice to live celibate. He could not have been referring back to the statement of verse 9. Such would be a contradiction. For, on the one hand, He would have been declaring emphatically that those who divorce/remarry unscripturally are guilty of committing adultery, and then, turning right around and minimizing this declaration by suggesting that a person does not have to abide by the stricture if he does not want to. If people are free to decide their own guidelines for marriage, there was no need for Jesus to have even mentioned the matter in the first place. But when has God ever laid down any regulation with the implication that men do not have to obey if they do not wish to? The “saying” (vs. 11) with which He took issue, maintaining that it should not be set in concrete or urged upon mankind indiscriminately and universally, was the saying of the disciples—that men ought to refrain from marriage and live celibate lives. Jesus’ statement in verse 9 is clearly universal in its application and import. The disciples’ statement in verse 10 is clearly limited in its scope and application to the three classes of individuals that Jesus delineated. Only those three categories of persons are in a position (physically, and/or mentally) to “receive this saying” pertaining to abstinence from marriage.

Tolerance, Diversity, and Division by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=2083

Tolerance, Diversity, and Division

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

One of the “big myths” of society that surely will go down in history as a significant contributor to the moral decline of America is the incessant clamor by liberals for “tolerance” and “diversity.” They insist that those who oppose same-sex marriage are “intolerant” and lack basic human “compassion.” They maintain that “diversity” and “tolerance” (code words for acceptance of homosexuality) are healthy for society, and that those who oppose homosexuality are merely “demonizing people for political advantage” and “perpetuating division” (Obama, 2004).

Satan is slick. He uses “devices,” “wiles,” and “snares” (2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:26) to distort people’s thinking. He is a shrewd master of advancing his agenda by disguising the immoral with a righteous veneer. If people give in to emotional impulse, rather than thinking rationally, logically, and biblically, they will swallow the propaganda and embrace Satan’s ploys.

The fallacy of such “reasoning” is made apparent when placed in syllogistic form:

1. Everyone should be compassionate, tolerant, and accepting of diversity;

2. Homosexuality is one form of diversity;

3. Therefore, homosexuality should be accepted/approved; to fail to do so is intolerant and divisive.

Few would disagree with the first premise. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves every person, and He requires Christians to do the same. However, toleration cannot and must not extend to any practice, action, or behavior that is evil, immoral, and sinful, i.e., out of harmony with God’s will.

Using the above line of reasoning, the tolerance/diversity umbrella ought logically to apply to pedophilia, necrophilia, incest, bestiality, and every other aberrant sexual behavior. Similarly, the same principle ought to apply to murder, stealing, drug dealing, and every other illegal action. Are we simply to cancel all laws in the United States that govern human behavior—on the guise that to enforce them is “intolerant”? Are we to open the doors of all the prisons in the country and free the criminals—on the grounds that to fail to do so is to “perpetuate division”? By such foolish thinking, placing anyone in prison constitutes a lack of “compassion.”

The tolerance/diversity viewpoint is completely nonsensical. If applied consistently and thoroughly, it would lead to social anarchy, rampant lawlessness, and the destruction of society. Opposing homosexuality, abortion, and a host of other social and moral evils is not incompatible with compassion and tolerance. One can oppose and punish murder while still maintaining compassion for the murderer. The overarching, governing principle is the recognition of and submission to the absolute standard of morality given to the human race by the God of the Bible—the God who is love (1 John 4:16). Those who reject that standard, thereby elevating their own fleshly appetites above the transcendent Creator, one day will face the consequences: “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” (John 12:48). Those who consider themselves more tolerant and compassionate than God need a healthy dose of humility to alter their skewed perspective:

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 (Isaiah 66:1-2, emp. added).

May we be among “those that tremble at the commandment of our God” (Ezra 10:3).

REFERENCES

Obama, Barack (2004), “Obama on Marriage,” Windy City Times, November 2, [On-line], URL: “http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=4018.

"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" The Crucifixion Of Jesus (27:32-50) by Mark Copeland

 "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

 The Crucifixion Of Jesus (27:32-50)

 

INTRODUCTION

1. Without question, the crucifixion of Jesus was a terrible event...
   a. It was an excruciating and painful way to die, which Jesus was
      willing to accept without pain-killing drugs - Mt 27:32-35
   b. It was a shameful way to die, mocked by those who watched,
      crucified with common thieves - Mt 27:36-44
   c. Along with the physical suffering, there was the spiritual agony- Mt 27:45-50

2. While there may be a place for contemplating upon the actual
   physical agony Jesus endured...
   a. Jesus did not want people to weep for Him, but for themselves- cf. Lk 23:26-31
   b. Even on the cross, His concern for others was evident - Lk 23:34
   -- So the purpose of the crucifixion was not just to engender pity for Jesus

[The significance and lessons to be learned from the crucifixion go far
beyond feeling sorry for what Jesus suffered.  For example, we should
never forget that "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" is...]

I. THE CONDEMNATION OF SIN

   A. JESUS DIED BECAUSE OF SIN...
      1. As foretold, He died for our sins - 1Co 15:3; Isa 53:5-6
      2. He gave Himself for our sins - Ga 1:4
      3. He bore our sins on the cross - 1Pe 2:24
      -- May the thought of the crucifixion remind us of our own
         sinfulness and the need for redemption - 1Jn 1:8-10

   B. JESUS KILLED SIN...
      1. He condemned sin in the flesh through His death - Ro 8:3
      2. Now making it possible for sinners to destroy their own body
         of sin, when united with Him by baptism into His death - Ro 6: 3-6
      -- May the thought of the crucifixion remind us of our duty to
         crucify the sinful passions of the flesh - Ga 5:24; Col 3:5-11

[To motivate us in our efforts to let Jesus' death help us deal with
the problem of sin, we should also remember that "The Crucifixion Of
Jesus" is...]

II. THE REVELATION OF LOVE

   A. JESUS DIED BECAUSE OF LOVE...
      1. The love of the Father for a lost world - Jn 3:16; Ro 5:8
      2. The love of the Son - Ep 5:2
      -- May our contemplation of the crucifixion never neglect the
         love that was behind the fact - 1Jn 4:9-10

   B. JESUS THEREBY DEMONSTRATED WHAT TRUE LOVE IS...
      1. We now understand the meaning of true love - 1Jn 3:16; Jn 15:13
      2. His love serves as the pattern for our love - Jn 13:34-35;15:12
      -- May our contemplation of the crucifixion remind us of the high
         standard of love we are called to show toward one another - 1Jn 4:11

[As we strive to overcome sin and love one another, assisted and
motivated by the death of Jesus on the cross, we should also be mindful
that "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" is...]

III. THE REDEMPTION OF THE WORLD

   A. JESUS DIED FOR ALL...
      1. God desires all men to be saved, not desiring any to perish- 1Ti 2:3-6; 2Pe 3:9
      2. Therefore He offered Jesus as a propitiation for all - 1Jn 2:1-2
      -- May our meditation upon the crucifixion include thinking about
         the need of others

   B. JESUS IS THE WORLD'S ONLY HOPE...
      1. He is the only way to the Father - Jn 14:6
      2. Only in His name is salvation to be found - Ac 4:12
      3. Deny the Son, and one does not have the Father - 1Jn 2:23
      4. Abide in His doctrine, and one has both the Father and the Son- 2Jn 9
      -- May our meditation upon the crucifixion move us to do what we
         can to proclaim the message of redemption to those lost in sin- cf. 2Co 5:18-6:1

[And so the death of Jesus on the cross should prompt us to look both
inward and outward, to address both our spiritual needs and those of
others. To what extent effort may be required in these areas, we should
also view "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" as...]

IV. THE INSPIRATION OF SACRIFICE

   A. JESUS PROVIDED THE EXAMPLE...
      1. His death demonstrated the mind of humility - Php 2:3-8
      2. His suffering demonstrated the example of suffering patiently- 1Pe 2:20-24
      -- May our reflection upon the crucifixion move us to consider
         what His sacrifice should inspire us to do

   B. JESUS' SACRIFICE IS DESIGNED TO INSPIRE US...
      1. To walk in love - Ep 5:2
      2. To walk in humility - Php 2:3-5
      3. To suffer patiently when mistreated for doing good - 1Pe 2:20-24
      4. To give of ourselves to others - 2Co 8:9; 1Jn 3:16-18

CONCLUSION

1. Certainly more could be said about "The Crucifixion Of Jesus"

2. But perhaps these few thoughts will increase our appreciation of
   this significant event...
   a. His death is the condemnation of sin
   b. His death is the revelation of love
   c. His death is the redemption of the world
   d. His death is the inspiration of sacrifice

3. Have you taken advantage of what "The Crucifixion Of Jesus" means for you...?
   a. Have you been crucified with Christ?
   b. Are you putting to death the deeds of the flesh?
   c. Are you growing in love?
   d. Are you concerned and doing something about the redemption of the

   e. Are you inspired in your service to your brethren and the lost by
      the example of Jesus' sacrifice?

In the words of the apostle Paul:  "We then, as workers together with
Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain." (2 Co 6:1) 

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

Check it out by Gary Rose

Virtually all adult human beings understand the concept of right and wrong (the sane among us, anyway). So, what do we do when we realize that we have done something that is wrong? Forget it, explain it away, try to do better next time, blame it on something or someone else. The fact is that none of these things actually work. They may SEEM to work, but they do not. Why? Because we cannot change what has occurred, that is why.

But, even though we can not make something wrong into something right, God can. God offered up his one and only son in our place; for everyone who truly believes in God and obeys him is forgiven by the precious blood of Jesus on the cross at Calvary.

I like the above check because it puts the Gospel (The good news of God’s gift of grace in Jesus) in terms that almost anyone can understand. For, when we do something wrong, we all know that we will ultimately have to pay for what we have done. Since we can’t pay the debt for our sins, Jesus did. It is up to us to accept this FACT and obey according the the manner that God has prescribed. Consider the following about how God made the one and only way to be forgiven for our sins ...

The FACT of it – Jesus died on a Roman cross

Matthew 27 ( World English Bible )

³¹ When they had mocked him, they took the robe off of him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.

³² As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross.

³³ They came to a place called “Golgotha,” that is to say, “The place of a skull.”

³⁴ They gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink.

³⁵ When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots,

³⁶ and they sat and watched him there.

³⁷ They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

³⁸ Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left.

³⁹ Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads,

⁴⁰ and saying, “You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”

⁴¹ Likewise the chief priests also mocking, with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said,

⁴² “He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him.

⁴³ He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

⁴⁴ The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.

⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.

⁴⁶ About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

⁴⁷ Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”

⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him a drink.

⁴⁹ The rest said, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”

⁵⁰ Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.

⁵¹ Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.

⁵² The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;

⁵³ and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.

⁵⁴ Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

The First Preaching of it (at Pentecost)

Acts 2 ( WEB )

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

¹⁵ For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day.

¹⁶ But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ ‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams.

¹⁸ Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.

¹⁹ I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.

²⁰ The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

²¹ It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

²² “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know,

²³ him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;

²⁴ whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.

²⁵ For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.

²⁶ Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;

²⁷ because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.

²⁸ You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

²⁹ “Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

³⁰ Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,

³¹ he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.

³² This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.

³³ Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear.

³⁴ For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand,

³⁵ until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’

³⁶ “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

³⁸ Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

³⁹ For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”

⁴⁰ With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

⁴¹ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

⁴² They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.

⁴³ Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

⁴⁴ All who believed were together, and had all things in common.

⁴⁵ They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.

⁴⁶ Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

⁴⁷ praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.

The Belief of it- As expressed in Baptism

Mark 16 ( WEB )

¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.

¹⁶ He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.

The Power of it – The blood of Jesus

1 Peter 1 ( WEB )

¹⁸ knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers,

¹⁹ but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ;

The superiority of it - Grace

Romans 3 ( WEB )

²¹ But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;

²² even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,

²³ for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

²⁴ being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;

²⁵ whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;

²⁶ to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Human solutions can not solve the problem of sin. God is our one and only hope. God has made a way for us, but it is up to us to cash in our check of forgiveness. Re-read the Acts passage above and do what those who listened to the very first sermon did. Anything else is foolishness. Be wise and follow God and do not lean on your own understanding.

Bible Reading for October 5 and 6 by Gary Rose

 

Bible Reading for October 5 and 6

World  English  Bible

Oct. 5

Psalms 135-137

Psa 135:1 Praise Yah! Praise the name of Yahweh! Praise him, you servants of Yahweh,

Psa 135:2 you who stand in the house of Yahweh, in the courts of our God's house.

Psa 135:3 Praise Yah, for Yahweh is good. Sing praises to his name, for that is pleasant.

Psa 135:4 For Yah has chosen Jacob for himself; Israel for his own possession.

Psa 135:5 For I know that Yahweh is great, that our Lord is above all gods.

Psa 135:6 Whatever Yahweh pleased, that he has done, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps;

Psa 135:7 who causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth; who makes lightnings with the rain; who brings forth the wind out of his treasuries;

Psa 135:8 Who struck the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and animal;

Psa 135:9 Who sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his servants;

Psa 135:10 who struck many nations, and killed mighty kings,

Psa 135:11 Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,

Psa 135:12 and gave their land for a heritage, a heritage to Israel, his people.

Psa 135:13 Your name, Yahweh, endures forever; your renown, Yahweh, throughout all generations.

Psa 135:14 For Yahweh will judge his people, and have compassion on his servants.

Psa 135:15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

Psa 135:16 They have mouths, but they can't speak. They have eyes, but they can't see.

Psa 135:17 They have ears, but they can't hear; neither is there any breath in their mouths.

Psa 135:18 Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them.

Psa 135:19 House of Israel, praise Yahweh! House of Aaron, praise Yahweh!

Psa 135:20 House of Levi, praise Yahweh! You who fear Yahweh, praise Yahweh!

Psa 135:21 Blessed be Yahweh from Zion, Who dwells at Jerusalem. Praise Yah!

Psa 136:1 Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psa 136:2 Give thanks to the God of gods; for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psa 136:3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:4 To him who alone does great wonders; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:5 To him who by understanding made the heavens; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:6 To him who spread out the earth above the waters; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:7 To him who made the great lights; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:8 The sun to rule by day; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:9 The moon and stars to rule by night; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:10 To him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:11 And brought out Israel from among them; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:13 To him who divided the Red Sea apart; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:14 And made Israel to pass through its midst; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:16 To him who led his people through the wilderness; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:17 To him who struck great kings; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:18 And killed mighty kings; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:19 Sihon king of the Amorites; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:20 Og king of Bashan; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:21 And gave their land as an inheritance; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:22 Even a heritage to Israel his servant; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:23 Who remembered us in our low estate; for his loving kindness endures forever;

Psa 136:24 And has delivered us from our adversaries; for his loving kindness endures forever:

Psa 136:25 Who gives food to every creature; for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psa 136:26 Oh give thanks to the God of heaven; for his loving kindness endures forever.

Psa 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

Psa 137:2 On the willows in its midst, we hung up our harps.

Psa 137:3 For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

Psa 137:4 How can we sing Yahweh's song in a foreign land?

Psa 137:5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

Psa 137:6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you; if I don't prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

Psa 137:7 Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, "Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!"

Psa 137:8 Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who rewards you, as you have served us.

Psa 137:9 Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock. 

 

Oct. 6

Psalms 138-140

Psa 138:1 I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.

Psa 138:2 I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.

Psa 138:3 In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.

Psa 138:4 All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh, for they have heard the words of your mouth.

Psa 138:5 Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh; for great is Yahweh's glory.

Psa 138:6 For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but the proud, he knows from afar.

Psa 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.

Psa 138:8 Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me; your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don't forsake the works of your own hands.

Psa 139:1 Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me.

Psa 139:2 You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar.

Psa 139:3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

Psa 139:4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether.

Psa 139:5 You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me.

Psa 139:6 This knowledge is beyond me. It's lofty. I can't attain it.

Psa 139:7 Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence?

Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!

Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Psa 139:10 Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.

Psa 139:11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me; the light around me will be night;"

Psa 139:12 even the darkness doesn't hide from you, but the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you.

Psa 139:13 For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb.

Psa 139:14 I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.

Psa 139:15 My frame wasn't hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven together in the depths of the earth.

Psa 139:16 Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there were none of them.

Psa 139:17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!

Psa 139:18 If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.

Psa 139:19 If only you, God, would kill the wicked. Get away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

Psa 139:20 For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain.

Psa 139:21 Yahweh, don't I hate those who hate you? Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you?

Psa 139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred. They have become my enemies.

Psa 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.

Psa 139:24 See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Psa 140:1 Deliver me, Yahweh, from the evil man. Preserve me from the violent man;

Psa 140:2 those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.

Psa 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper's poison is under their lips. Selah.

Psa 140:4 Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.

Psa 140:5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah.

Psa 140:6 I said to Yahweh, "You are my God." Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh.

Psa 140:7 Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

Psa 140:8 Yahweh, don't grant the desires of the wicked. Don't let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah.

Psa 140:9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

Psa 140:10 Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.

Psa 140:11 An evil speaker won't be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

Psa 140:12 I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.

Psa 140:13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence. 

 

Oct. 5

Galatians 2

Gal 2:1 Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.

Gal 2:2 I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.

Gal 2:3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

Gal 2:4 This was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage;

Gal 2:5 to whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you.

Gal 2:6 But from those who were reputed to be important (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God doesn't show partiality to man)--they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me,

Gal 2:7 but to the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the Good News for the circumcision

Gal 2:8 (for he who appointed Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision appointed me also to the Gentiles);

Gal 2:9 and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.

Gal 2:10 They only asked us to remember the poor--which very thing I was also zealous to do.

Gal 2:11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned.

Gal 2:12 For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.

Gal 2:13 And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy; so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.

Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they didn't walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?

Gal 2:15 "We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners,

Gal 2:16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.

Gal 2:17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not!

Gal 2:18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker.

Gal 2:19 For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God.

Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

Gal 2:21 I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!"

Oct. 6

Galatians 3

Gal 3:1 Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth among you as crucified?

Gal 3:2 I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?

Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?

Gal 3:4 Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain?

Gal 3:5 He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?

Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness."

Gal 3:7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham.

Gal 3:8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you all the nations will be blessed."

Gal 3:9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.

Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who doesn't continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them."

Gal 3:11 Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, "The righteous will live by faith."

Gal 3:12 The law is not of faith, but, "The man who does them will live by them."

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,"

Gal 3:14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Gal 3:15 Brothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void, or adds to it.

Gal 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He doesn't say, "To seeds," as of many, but as of one, "To your seed," which is Christ.

Gal 3:17 Now I say this. A covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which came four hundred thirty years after, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect.

Gal 3:18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise.

Gal 3:19 What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.

Gal 3:20 Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one.

Gal 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law.

Gal 3:22 But the Scriptures imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Gal 3:24 So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Gal 3:25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Gal 3:26 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Gal 3:29 If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise.