What About Interpretation? by J.C. Bailey

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Bailey/John/Carlos/1903/Articles/interpre.html

What About Interpretation?

I have not forgotten the old adage, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." I have just read brother Norton's editorial in the February issue of the Christian Chronicle. I have just read brother Woodroof's book, The Church in Transition and brother Lynn Anderson's book, Freshness for the Far Journey. Recently, I heard Lynn preach. Many years ago, I baptized Lynn, but that is not as important as the fact that it was a country schoolhouse where Lynn's father attended a meeting that I held. Lawrence, Lynn's father, was then courting the woman who became Lynn's mother. The letters Lawrence wrote are still in Lynn's possession.

After each sermon, Lawrence said that it was just the way he had read it in the Bible. There was another man who attended the meeting. He obeyed the gospel in that meeting. He said that for 18 years he had been looking for people who were just God's people.

Shortly after that, I preached a series of sermons on the radio from Regina. As a result of this, I held two meetings in two new places. There were 14 baptized in each place.

After more than 50 years, some of the faithful members of the church are those who obeyed in those meetings. I would like to mention one sister, who has since gone to her reward. The morning after my first sermon, she said she had a job for me. I asked her what it was. She said she wanted to be baptized. I must have looked surprised because she said, "I know what I am doing. When you preached on the radio, I took down every scripture." There never was a more devout member of the church than she.

I suppose I have read my New Testament through fifty times. I have read the Old Testament more than 30 times. I firmly believe that every scripture came by the inspiration of God. I taught the Word, people heard the Word, believed the Word and obeyed the Word. In all my study and in all my preaching, I never found where it says we are to interpret the Word. Jesus said, "heaven and earth will pass away but my Word will not pass away." There is an axiom we need to remember: The Bible, as it is, is sufficient for man, as he is. "And the common people heard Him gladly" (Mark 12:37).

For more than 40 years, I preached in Canada and the U.S.A. Then I went to India. I preached the Word there. Here is an extract from a letter I just received:

"We conducted six area meetings where thousands of people were gathered by tractors and trucks. In one such area meetings, we baptized 2,153 people. Thus, by the end of our work, 10,424 people and 263 denominational preachers were baptized and 185 new congregations were started."

This brother was born to illiterate parents. He is now Dr. Ratnam.

Whether in Canada, U.S.A. or India, I shall only preach the Word; I owe that to the Lord. If the church is on the way back to Pentecost, that is the right transition. If the Lord tarries until the 21st century, the same gospel will be preached from the inspired Word of God.

When we were married 68 years ago, my wife would come to me with her Bible in her hand and she would read a certain verse and say, "What does this mean?" I would say, "My dear, if it doesn't mean what it says, I have not the slightest idea what it means."

Peter tells about some people who interpreted the Word, he says they wrested the Scripture to their own destruction (II Peter 3:16). "No prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation" (II Peter 1:20).

J.C. Bailey (June 1992, Weyburn, Saskatchewan)

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

HERESY CHECK ! BY STEVE FINNELL

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2017/02/heresy-check-by-steve-finnell-there-are.html

HERESY CHECK !   BY STEVE FINNELL

There are only two kinds of doctrine taught in contemporary churches.

1. Man-made doctrine, which is heresy. (Mark 7:1-9-13... 9 And He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.....13"making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.)

Man-made doctrine is found in catechisms, creed books, and church statements of faith.

2.The word of truth, which is God's word. (1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.)

The word of God is found in the Bible and the Bible alone. 

Some believers proclaim that in order to be saved, men must go to a mourners bench, repent and pray until you feel saved. Still other believers assert that men need to go to a so-called altar, in front of the church building, and pray a sinner's prayer in order to be saved. There are those that believe salvation comes from simply saying a sinners prayer, and having a repentant heart. Is this heresy or truth? Where are the Scriptures to support these doctrines? There are no Scriptures, there are only handed down traditions of men

Jesus said, Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Was Jesus a heretic for saying "Is baptized will be saved?" Or was Jesus speaking the word of God?

The apostle Peter said, 1 Peter 3:20-21....were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Was the apostle Peter a heretic for saying, "Which now saves you, namely baptism?" Or was Peter speaking the word of God?

Ananias said, Acts 22:16 'And why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

Was Ananias a heretic for saying, "Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins?" Or was Ananias speaking the word of God?

The apostle Paul said, Ephesians 5:25-27 ...just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, 26 that He might sanctify and cleans it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Was the apostle Paul a heretic for saying. "sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word?" Or was Paul speaking the word of God?

The apostle Peter said, Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Was the apostle Peter a heretic for saying, " Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins?" Or was Peter speaking the word of God?

There are only two choices. 1. Man-made doctrine, or 2. The word of God.

(All Scripture from: NEW KING JAMES VERSION) 

Critics Cry “Fowl Play” On Chick-fil-A by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

https://thepreachersword.com/2012/07/24/critics-cry-fowl-play-on-chick-fil-a/#more-2076

Critics Cry “Fowl Play” On Chick-fil-A

(Here’s the #1 post of 2012 based on both hits and views.  Who knew a chicken company could cause such a flap?!)

I like Chick-fil-A.  I like their chicken sandwich. I like their chicken noodle soup.  I like their salads.  I like their shakes.  I like their waffle fries.  And I really like their sausage biscuit.  But not everyone likes Chick-fil-A as much as I do. Critics are crying, “Fowl!”

Boston mayor, Thomas Menino, in an interview with the Boston Herald said,  “Chick-fil-A doesn’t belong in Boston.”  He is vowing to block the restaurant chain from opening a store there.

The Jim Henson Company which has produced characters for “The Muppets,” and has worked with the Atlanta based chain to create products for their kids’ meals has severed their relationship.

Singer, Audra McDonald, tweeted, “Not that I ate much Chick-fil-A before but I sho nuff don’t have an appetite for it now.”

The LA Times, the Atlanta Constitution and other major newspapers are reporting that within a few hours thousands had joined activists groups and signed petitions of protest and of boycott.

So what has Chick-fil-A done that’s so horrendous?  Served contaminated food?  Cheated customers?  Been unfair to workers? Abused cows?

No.  When their President and CEO Dan Cathy was interviewed by Baptist Press and asked about their support of the traditional family, he responded,”Well guilty as charged.”

Mr. Cathy went on to say, “We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family owned business, a family led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”

It that all?  Surely he must have uttered a derogatory slur?  An ugly, insensitive epitaph?  Or at least an unkind word?  No!

In fact he emphasized very positively “We operate as a family business … our restaurants are typically led by families…We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that.”

When the story hit the lamestream media, liberal, pro-homosexual activists became incensed.  Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign that works for same-sex-marriage, said. “As the country moves toward inclusion, Chick-fil-A has staked out a decidedly stuck-in-the-past mentality.”

Dan Cathy and the company that his father, Truett Cathy founded,  has been vilified, reviled, and ridiculed.  Ironically, Cathy and those of us who hold the view of traditional family are called “haters,” “intolerant,” and “bigoted.”

I guess we are supposed to be “tolerant” of behavior that violates our Christian principles, but homosexual activists are excused from being tolerant and respectful of our values.  Can anyone see a double standard here?

Dan Cathy, never said one word about gay marriage.  He only spoke in favor of what he believed to be traditional marriage!  But you can’t do that today!  Can you imagine what would have happened had the Chick-A-fil CEO quoted the apostle Paul from Romans 1:20-28 where he calls homosexual activity, “vile”, “shameful” and “unnatural?” I wonder what Griffin will say if he ever finds out that two entire cities were once burned to the ground over this issue?!

Responding to the criticism, Chick-Fil-A used its Facebook Page to make this statement. “The Chick-Fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender.  Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.” To date the post has received almost 69,000 “likes” and over 24,000 comments.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabbe, who has his own show on Fox, said he was “incensed at the vitriolic assaults” on the fast food chain and declared, Wednesday, August 1 “Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day.”  His effort is not sponsored by the corporation, but a personal effort to encourage others to show support for a company founded on and operating by Christian principles.  Huckabee observed, “Too often, those on the left make corporate statements to show support for same-sex marriage, abortion, or profanity, but if Christians affirm traditional values, we’re considered homophobic, fundamentalists, hate-mongers, and intolerant.”

I think after all of this I like Chick-A-Fil even more!   So, tomorrow I’m going to “eat mor chikin”!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Too Militant? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

 http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1250

 Too Militant?

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

The conspiracy to revise the past in order to make it match the current “politically correct” climate of society is manifesting itself in a myriad of ways. One is the ongoing effort to produce gender-neutral translations of the Bible. Another is the attempt to eliminate any indications of the Christian religion from public life—whether “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance or the Ten Commandments from the Alabama Judicial Center building. Perhaps you remember in the late eighties when a mainline protestant denomination considered removing from its hymnal “Onward Christian Soldiers” due to its militant, warlike lyrics.

All of these efforts share in common the fact that they are based upon frail human perception that constantly undergoes alteration with the passing time, rather than being based upon unchanging principles and absolute values that have been articulated by God. “Onward Christian Soldiers” was written by an uninspired human being, and needs no defense. However, opposition to the song raises a broader issue that does merit consideration. Those who find the song objectionable, obviously possess in their own minds a standard with regard to the use of militant terminology in Christian hymnody. They feel that such warlike language is inappropriate and unacceptable. However, the real concern should lie in how God feels about the matter. What does God’s Word say about the propriety of militant language in Christian parlance?

The New Testament repeatedly describes the Christian life metaphorically as a battle to be fought and a war to be waged. Timothy was told to “war a good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18), to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12), and to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3). Paul described his ministry as a “fight” (1 Corinthians 9:26; 2 Timothy 4:7). He characterized his right to receive monetary support as comparable to that of a soldier (1 Corinthians 9:7). Early Christians endured warlike struggles and conflicts (Hebrews 10:32). Christians are told to “put on the whole armor of God”—which includes taking the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:11-17). They wear “armor of light” (Romans 13:12) and “armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left” (2 Corinthians 6:7). Even the specific parts of the Christian’s armor are identified (Ephesians 6:14-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8). Christians use “weapons” in a “warfare” (2 Corinthians 10:4).

When one bothers to consult divine guidelines, one finds that inspired writ frequently represents the Christian’s existence as analogous to that of a soldier. In fact, the song “Onward Christian Soldiers” does a good job of capitalizing on this perfectly scriptural metaphor. Perhaps as society is in the process of abandoning the Christian worldview, devotees of New Testament Christianity ought to get busy emulating their militant and warlike King Who, with flaming eyes and followed by the armies of heaven, “judges and makes war” (Revelation 19:11).

Truth and Feelings by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=333

Truth and Feelings

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Many people in society contend that there is no absolute right way to do things. The idea is that one way might be right for you, but not for another person. Each person does what feels right to him, and that is right for him. This view says that your way is fine for you and my way is fine for me, and everyone does what he thinks is right. Each way is as good as another and none should be called the right way.

This idea is especially common in religion. The masses are content to believe that one religion is as good as another. Most think that as long as a person is sincere in what he believes, then that person is alright. According to this idea, the various religions, denominations, churches, and synagogues are all just different ways to get to the same place. Those who think this way do not believe that any one religion is the right religion. It might be the right religion or church for you, but it cannot be the right religion, because they believe there is no one right religion or church. Is this idea correct? Is there no real, absolute truth? Are all churches and religions just as good as another? Let’s see how this idea works in real life.

Suppose a math teacher places the following problem on the board for her class 2 + 2 = ____. She explains to her class that this is an all-or-nothing quiz. The correct answer is worth 100 points. A wrong answer results in a zero. Suppose a person feels very sure that the answer is five. In fact, suppose the teacher goes out of the room and the entire class votes that the answer is five. Furthermore, suppose the history teacher comes in while the math teacher is out, and explains that the answers three, four, and five should be acceptable as long as each student firmly believes that the answer he or she writes is right. Is any answer except four going to be right? Absolutely not!

Sadly, people do not see that the same principle applies to religion. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus said: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” In John 14:6, Jesus boldly stated: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” It really is as simple as 2 + 2. There is only one way to heaven, and Jesus is it. This is hard for some people to accept, but it is the truth—the absolute, unchanging truth. All those people who are trying to get to heaven through Buddha, Muhammad, Judaism, or countless other religions will be lost if they do not turn to Jesus and do things His way.

It also is the case that many sincere people feel that they are doing right, but are not. The apostle Paul is a great example of this. Paul (whose name was first Saul) thought that Christians were wicked. He thought they were pulling people away from the true way to heaven that he believed was found in the Jewish religion. Because of this sincere belief, he persecuted the Christians. He obtained authority from Jewish authorities to throw Christians in prison. When Christians were on trial for their lives, Paul voted that they should be killed. He sincerely believed that he was doing what God wanted him to do. In Acts 23:1, while he was speaking to the Jewish leaders, Paul said, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” Paul felt as though he was serving God, but he was not. In fact, he was serving Satan and fighting against God, in spite of his sincere motive. He was sincere, but sincerely wrong.

When Christ appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus, He told him that he was sinning (Acts 9). He instructed Paul to go into the city of Damascus where he would be told what he must do to get right with God. Saul believed Jesus, and did exactly as he was instructed. After Paul prayed and fasted for three days, a man named Ananias came to Paul and told him to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Paul was baptized for the remission of his sins, and was added to the one true church that belongs to Christ. Paul’s sincerity did him no good until he found and obeyed the truth.

In John 8:32, Jesus explained, “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” Later, Jesus explained that God’s Word “is truth” (John 17:17). We have been given God’s Word—the Bible. Jesus said that these words will judge us in the last day (John 12:48). At the Judgment, our lives will be compared to the truth found in the New Testament. If we have followed Jesus’ words, we will go to heaven. If we have not followed them, regardless of how sincere we were, we will go to hell.

North is always north, two plus two always equals four, and Jesus is the only way to get to God and heaven. Let us live our lives, not according to what “feels” right, but according to the truth that is found only in the Bible.

Two Different Questions: What and When? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1864

 Two Different Questions: What and When?

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

“Do you believe that baptism is essential for salvation?” “Yes.” “So you believe in water regeneration?” “No.” “But you believe that you must be immersed in water before your sins are washed away?” “Yes.” “So you believe that the power to wash away your sins is in the water?” “No.” “How can you say you do not believe in water baptismal regeneration if you think that a sinner is not saved until after he is baptized?” “Because when one is saved and what saves a person are two different questions.”

The Bible makes clear that Jesus saves. “[A]ccording to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). It is by His grace that we have hope of eternal life (Ephesians 2:5,8-9). We are “justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:9). We are “redeemed...with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). “Jesus Christ...loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). As Jesus ate with His disciples the night before His crucifixion, He said, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). What is it that saves a sinner from eternal separation from God? What is the remedy for sin? Without any doubt, “the blood of Christ” is what saves us (Hebrews 9:14). The idea of water having some kind of spiritual regenerative power is never taught in Scripture, nor have I ever met a member of the Lord’s church who believed such.

Another question altogether is when something happens. Naaman was healed of his leprosy (by the power of God!) when he washed in the Jordan River seven times (2 Kings 5:1-19). The blind man of John chapter nine was healed of his blindness (by Jesus!) when he washed in the pool of Siloam. And what about a sinner? When does the blood of Christ save one who is separated from God spiritually? The answer to that question is found in such passages as Acts 22:16 and Acts 2:38 (among others), which discuss water baptism. Once Saul (later called Paul) came to believe and confess that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and expressed sorrow for his sins (cf. Acts 9:5-11), Ananias, whom God had sent to Saul, instructed him to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). A sinner has his sins washed away when he is “baptized.” [NOTE: The participial phrase, “calling on the name of the Lord,” describes what Paul was doing when he was baptized and had his sins washed away (cf. Acts 2:21,38)—see Miller, 2003; Lyons, 2004.] Sadly, many have read Acts 22:16 and rejected the necessity of baptism because they approach their study of this verse with the wrong question in mind. This verse does not tell us what saves, but rather when a person is saved, i.e., has his sins washed away. Passages of Scripture such as those previously noted (e.g., Matthew 26:28, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Revelation 1:5) answer what saves, but in order to find out when a person is saved, one must consult passages like Acts 22:16 and Acts 2:38.

In short, the blood of Christ is what saves a sinner. But the blood of Christ washes away sins when a sinner confesses faith in Christ, repents, and is baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16). May God help us to understand the difference between what and when, especially in regard to salvation.

REFERENCES

Lyons, Eric (2004), “Calling on the Name of the Lord,” [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/597.

Miller, Dave (2003), “The Bible is its Own Best Interpreter,” [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2293.

"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" The Significance Of The Resurrection (28:1-10) by Mark Copeland

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

             The Significance Of The Resurrection (28:1-10)

INTRODUCTION

1. According to the four gospels, Jesus rose from the dead following
   His crucifixion...
   a. Matthew records how the women found the tomb empty and were
      instructed by an angel to tell the disciples - Mt 28:1-8
   b. Also how Jesus appeared to them while on their way - Mt 28:9-10
   -- In all, the New Testament records ten distinct resurrection
      appearances of Christ prior to His ascension to heaven

2. The significance of the resurrection of Jesus to the Christian faith
   cannot be overestimated...
   a. It has great significance for one who has yet to believe in Jesus
   b. It also has great significance for those who are Christians

[In this study we shall consider "The Significance Of The Resurrection"
for both unbelievers and believers...]

I. FOR THE UNBELIEVER

   A. IT VERIFIES THE DEITY OF JESUS...
      1. The resurrection proves that Jesus truly is the Son of God - Ro 1:4
      2. It also demonstrates that He truly has all authority in heaven
         and on earth - Mt 28:18; Ac 2:36

   B. IT VERIFIES THE TRUTHFULNESS OF JESUS...
      1. Jesus foretold His resurrection on three occasions - Mt 16:21;17:22-23; 20:17-19
         a. If Jesus was telling the truth in describing His suffering and resurrection...
         b. ...then He was telling the truth in everything else He said
         -- Would God raise a liar?
      2. Therefore the following teachings of Jesus are true:
         a. He was from the Father above, and spoke the words of the Father - Jn 8:28-29
         b. No one can come to the Father but through Him - Jn 14:6
         c. His blood was shed for the remission of sins - Mt 26:28
         d. He came to offer abundant life - Jn 10:10
         e. He went to prepare a place for us - Jn 14:2
         f. He shall come again - Jn 14:3
         g. There will be a resurrection of the dead and ensuing
            judgment - Jn 5:28-29; 12:48; Ac 17:30-31

[If Jesus was in fact raised from the dead, "The Significance Of The
Resurrection" for the unbeliever is enormous!  It compels unbelievers
to come face to face with reality, and the need to accept the Lordship
of Jesus.  The resurrection of Jesus has even more significance...]

II. FOR THE BELIEVER

   A. IF JESUS HAS NOT BEEN RAISED...
      1. Gospel preaching is vain - 1Co 15:14
         a. The preaching of the apostles is empty, meaningless
         b. There would be no purpose in preaching about a liar, or lunatic
      2. Our faith is vain - 1Co 15:14
         a. Our belief in Christ would also be empty, meaningless
         b. For our faith would be in a liar, or lunatic
      3. The apostles were false witnesses - 1Co 15:15
         a. They swore that God raised Jesus from the dead - Ac 2:32
         b. They claimed to spend 40 days with Him after the
            resurrection, eating and drinking with Him - Ac 10:39-41
         c. There is no way they could have been deceived or mistaken;
            either they told the truth or they were deliberate liars, deceivers, and frauds!
      4. We are still in our sins - 1Co 15:17
         a. It would have been a liar or lunatic that died on the cross
         b. No such person could have provided a sacrifice that was holy and without blemish
      5. Believers have perished at death - 1Co 15:18
         a. Their faith would have been in a false Messiah
         b. They would have had no atonement for their sins
         c. Dying in their sins, there would be no hope
      6. Christians are to be pitied - 1Co 15:19
         a. Because we believe in a false Messiah
         b. Because our faith in Him leads us to refrain from much worldly pleasure
         c. Because we are often ridiculed or persecuted for our faith

   B. IF JESUS HAS BEEN RAISED...
      1. It verifies our justification - Ro 4:24-25
         a. Jesus claimed His blood would be adequate - Mt 26:28
         b. By raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated His
            acceptance of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins! - Ro 8:33-34
      2. It demonstrates the power available to the Christian - Ep 1:18-20
         a. Power available at our conversion - Col 2:11-12; 1Pe 3:21
         b. Power available to live the Christian life 

             - Ro 8:11-13;Php 2:12-13; 4:13; Ep 3:20; 6:10
      3. It gives us hope concerning our own resurrection - 1Pe 1:3
         a. His resurrection gives us a living hope! - 1Pe 1:21
         b. Especially concerning the resurrection of believers! - 1 Th 4:13-14
      4. It demands our complete loyalty to Him - Ro 14:9
         a. He was raised and then exalted to become our Lord - Ac 2:32-36; Ep 1:20-23
         b. Thus our lives and service belong to Him - Ro 14:7-8; 2 Co 5:15

CONCLUSION

1. The impact of the resurrection of Jesus should not go unfelt in our lives...
   a. As a historical event it has everlasting implications
   b. For both the unbeliever and believer

2. The unbeliever needs to examine the evidence for the resurrection carefully...
   a. The nature of the testimony provided by the witnesses
   b. The unfeasibility of alternative explanations for the empty tomb
   -- For if Jesus rose from the dead, one must believe in Him! - Jn 8: 24

3. The believer must never lose sight of the significance of the resurrection...
   a. Do our lives demonstrate that we serve a risen Lord and Savior?
   b. Do we possess the hope, peace, and strength that the reality and
      power of His resurrection gives to the Christian?

May we never forget "The Significance Of The Resurrection" of Jesus
Christ in our lives! 

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

Be Warned! by Gary Rose

I have seen many charts like this over the years, but this one is slightly different, for it includes warnings. Warnings are a good thing and the passages listed here are worth your time and effort to read them. My only problem with that list of problems is that it is incomplete. It should be more extensive in order to include sins of the individual and of the church collectively and not doctrine only.

Individual problems can often be easily addressed by remembering the basics of following Jesus- in other words- read the sermon on the mount, and Peter’s Pentecostal sermon (Acts 2) and not knowingly practice sin. Addressing the collective sins of the church is far more difficult, as congregations tend to ignore this problem or refuse to admit that there is sin within the church.

With this in mind, I would add the warnings of Revelation, chapters two and three to the list. Consider what is said in the book of Revelation…

 

 

Revelation 1 ( World English Bible )

⁹ I John, your brother and partner with you in oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

¹⁰ I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet

¹¹ saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

¹² I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands.

¹³ And among the lampstands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest.

¹⁴ His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire.

¹⁵ His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters.

¹⁶ He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last,

¹⁸ and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

¹⁹ Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter;

²⁰ the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lampstands are seven assemblies.

This is not the Revelation of John, it belongs to Jesus, who utilizes the apostle John in the revelation of his will. The message is to individual churches, but I think we should consider them as types of churches as well. For those of us who have several decades of experience with numerous churches it is obvious that these types still can occur today.

Revelation 2 ( WEB )

¹ “To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write: “He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lampstands says these things:

² “I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false.

³ You have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary.

⁴ But I have this against you, that you left your first love.

⁵ Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent.

⁶ But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

⁷ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God.

Remember the day you became a Christian; if someone who knew you on that day saw you today – would they say that you have changed? Can the same thing be said of an entire church? Yes, for Jesus said it in 2:4. Unfortunately, I have known churches who have this problem and the solution is given by Jesus in 2:5…. REPENT!

⁸ “To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:

⁹ “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

¹⁰ Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.

¹¹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.

If you are doing the Lord’s work, you will be persecuted. The size of the church does not really matter, it is the will to submit to Jesus that is paramount. Jesus’ admonition – BE FAITHFUL!

¹² “To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: “He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:

¹³ “I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

¹⁴ But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

¹⁵ So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise.

¹⁶ Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.

¹⁷ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.

Sexual immorality and idols; two things that should not be in the church which the Lord built. I was actually a preacher for a church who had to dis-fellowship someone who was sexually harassing both young girls and boys. As far as idols go- ask yourself this: Does America place an emphasis on money first or not? The answer is obvious. Jesus’ answer- Once again- REPENT!

¹⁸ “To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write: “The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things:

¹⁹ “I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first.

²⁰ But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.

²¹ I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.

²² Behold, I will throw her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great oppression, unless they repent of her works.

²³ I will kill her children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.

²⁴ But to you I say, to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as don’t have this teaching, who don’t know what some call ‘the deep things of Satan,’ to you I say, I am not putting any other burden on you.

²⁵ Nevertheless, hold that which you have firmly until I come.

²⁶ He who overcomes, and he who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.

²⁷ He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of my Father:

²⁸ and I will give him the morning star.

²⁹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

 

This one is a bit more difficult. However, we do have false teachers who lead Christians astray. Remember the Crossroads movement of a few decades ago? And how about those preachers who lead whole congregations into incorporating instrumental music into their worship? Have you ever heard of a preacher who waters down the Gospel or whose message contains an inordinate amount of psychological advice instead of Book, Chapter and Verse? Sadly, these things exist in certain places. This must change!

Revelation 3 ( WEB )

¹ “And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: “He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says these things: “I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

² Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God.

³ Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If therefore you won’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you.

⁴ Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

⁵ He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

⁶ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

Complacency and the pride of “we have arrived” have infected many churches. Think about it: have the number of people who regularly attend church fallen over the last decade? Have we confined the Gospel to the confines of the church building? Have you ever attended a church where someone left because they thought the church was “dead”? Jesus’ answer- Wake up, REPENT!

⁷ “To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: “He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things:

⁸ “I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn’t deny my name.

⁹ Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

¹⁰ Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

¹¹ I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.

¹² He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name.

¹³ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

Today, it is somewhat unusual to meet a congregation where almost everyone is well versed in the Scriptures. Many of the younger generation do not read or study or attend services. In some places this is considered to be OK. Often, some churches will tolerate anyone who says that they “love the Lord” and yet they do repent of sin or adhere to sound doctrine.

¹⁴ “To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write: “The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Head of God’s creation, says these things:

¹⁵ “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.

¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth.

¹⁷ Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;’ and don’t know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;

¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.

⁹ As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.

²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.

²¹ He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.

²² He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”

Who would want to be a member of this church? Perhaps someone for whom money or power means greatness or a church that just wants to “get along” with anyone who claims to be a christian and yet doesn’t follow all that the Bible teaches one to do in order to be saved. Has doing nothing become the norm where you worship? Do you just go through the motions of work and worship?

Although today’s post might seem to be negative, I assure you it is not meant to be. As human beings we all have shortcomings, we all do things that are wrong, we sin (hopefully, we do it unwittingly and not willfully). If we consider things that could go wrong with us both as individuals and collectively as a church, then we just might be better Christians and be better churches.

Yes, continue to try to be the church that Jesus built; to follow God faithfully in doctrine and worship and attitude. But be warned, Satan will do everything he can to destroy Christians and the assemblies that make up the body of Christ!

There is one phrase that is repeated again and again; I wonder if it comes to your mind as often as it does to mine?

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”

Bible Reading for October 7 and 8 by Gary Rose

Bible Reading for October 7 and 8

World  English  Bible

Oct. 7

Psalms 141-144

Psa 141:1 Yahweh, I have called on you. Come to me quickly! Listen to my voice when I call to you.

Psa 141:2 Let my prayer be set before you like incense; the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.

Psa 141:3 Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.

Psa 141:4 Don't incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity. Don't let me eat of their delicacies.

Psa 141:5 Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness; let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head; don't let my head refuse it; Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds.

Psa 141:6 Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock. They will hear my words, for they are well spoken.

Psa 141:7 "As when one plows and breaks up the earth, our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol."

Psa 141:8 For my eyes are on you, Yahweh, the Lord. In you, I take refuge. Don't leave my soul destitute.

Psa 141:9 Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, from the traps of the workers of iniquity.

Psa 141:10 Let the wicked fall together into their own nets, while I pass by.

Psa 142:1 I cry with my voice to Yahweh. With my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy.

Psa 142:2 I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles.

Psa 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my path. In the way in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me.

Psa 142:4 Look on my right, and see; for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul.

Psa 142:5 I cried to you, Yahweh. I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."

Psa 142:6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than me.

Psa 142:7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will be good to me.

Psa 143:1 Hear my prayer, Yahweh. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.

Psa 143:2 Don't enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man living is righteous.

Psa 143:3 For the enemy pursues my soul. He has struck my life down to the ground. He has made me live in dark places, as those who have been long dead.

Psa 143:4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is desolate.

Psa 143:5 I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands.

Psa 143:6 I spread forth my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land. Selah.

Psa 143:7 Hurry to answer me, Yahweh. My spirit fails. Don't hide your face from me, so that I don't become like those who go down into the pit.

Psa 143:8 Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.

Psa 143:9 Deliver me, Yahweh, from my enemies. I flee to you to hide me.

Psa 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.

Psa 143:11 Revive me, Yahweh, for your name's sake. In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble.

Psa 143:12 In your loving kindness, cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul, For I am your servant.

Psa 144:1 Blessed be Yahweh, my rock, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to battle:

Psa 144:2 my loving kindness, my fortress, my high tower, my deliverer, my shield, and he in whom I take refuge; who subdues my people under me.

Psa 144:3 Yahweh, what is man, that you care for him? Or the son of man, that you think of him?

Psa 144:4 Man is like a breath. His days are like a shadow that passes away.

Psa 144:5 Part your heavens, Yahweh, and come down. Touch the mountains, and they will smoke.

Psa 144:6 Throw out lightning, and scatter them. Send out your arrows, and rout them.

Psa 144:7 Stretch out your hand from above, rescue me, and deliver me out of great waters, out of the hands of foreigners;

Psa 144:8 whose mouths speak deceit, Whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

Psa 144:9 I will sing a new song to you, God. On a ten-stringed lyre, I will sing praises to you.

Psa 144:10 You are he who gives salvation to kings, who rescues David, his servant, from the deadly sword.

Psa 144:11 Rescue me, and deliver me out of the hands of foreigners, whose mouths speak deceit, whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

Psa 144:12 Then our sons will be like well-nurtured plants, our daughters like pillars carved to adorn a palace.

Psa 144:13 Our barns are full, filled with all kinds of provision. Our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields.

Psa 144:14 Our oxen will pull heavy loads. There is no breaking in, and no going away, and no outcry in our streets.

Psa 144:15 Happy are the people who are in such a situation. Happy are the people whose God is Yahweh.

Oct. 8

Psalms 145-147

Psa 145:1 I will exalt you, my God, the King. I will praise your name forever and ever.

Psa 145:2 Every day I will praise you. I will extol your name forever and ever.

Psa 145:3 Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised! His greatness is unsearchable.

Psa 145:4 One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts.

Psa 145:5 Of the glorious majesty of your honor, of your wondrous works, I will meditate.

Psa 145:6 Men will speak of the might of your awesome acts. I will declare your greatness.

Psa 145:7 They will utter the memory of your great goodness, and will sing of your righteousness.

Psa 145:8 Yahweh is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving kindness.

Psa 145:9 Yahweh is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works.

Psa 145:10 All your works will give thanks to you, Yahweh. Your saints will extol you.

Psa 145:11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and talk about your power;

Psa 145:12 to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, the glory of the majesty of his kingdom.

Psa 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Your dominion endures throughout all generations. Yahweh is faithful in all his words, and loving in all his deeds.

Psa 145:14 Yahweh upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down.

Psa 145:15 The eyes of all wait for you. You give them their food in due season.

Psa 145:16 You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Psa 145:17 Yahweh is righteous in all his ways, and gracious in all his works.

Psa 145:18 Yahweh is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psa 145:19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him. He also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Psa 145:20 Yahweh preserves all those who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

Psa 145:21 My mouth will speak the praise of Yahweh. Let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

Psa 146:1 Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh, my soul.

Psa 146:2 While I live, I will praise Yahweh. I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist.

Psa 146:3 Don't put your trust in princes, each a son of man in whom there is no help.

Psa 146:4 His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.

Psa 146:5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Yahweh, his God:

Psa 146:6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever;

Psa 146:7 who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. Yahweh frees the prisoners.

Psa 146:8 Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down. Yahweh loves the righteous.

Psa 146:9 Yahweh preserves the foreigners. He upholds the fatherless and widow, but the way of the wicked he turns upside down.

Psa 146:10 Yahweh will reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise Yah!

Psa 147:1 Praise Yah, for it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and fitting to praise him.

Psa 147:2 Yahweh builds up Jerusalem. He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

Psa 147:3 He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.

Psa 147:4 He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names.

Psa 147:5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite.

Psa 147:6 Yahweh upholds the humble. He brings the wicked down to the ground.

Psa 147:7 Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God,

Psa 147:8 who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains.

Psa 147:9 He provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call.

Psa 147:10 He doesn't delight in the strength of the horse. He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

Psa 147:11 Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his loving kindness.

Psa 147:12 Praise Yahweh, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!

Psa 147:13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates. He has blessed your children within you.

Psa 147:14 He makes peace in your borders. He fills you with the finest of the wheat.

Psa 147:15 He sends out his commandment to the earth. His word runs very swiftly.

Psa 147:16 He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes.

Psa 147:17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can stand before his cold?

Psa 147:18 He sends out his word, and melts them. He causes his wind to blow, and the waters flow.

Psa 147:19 He shows his word to Jacob; his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.

Psa 147:20 He has not done this for just any nation. They don't know his ordinances. Praise Yah! 

Oct. 7

Galatians 4

Gal 4:1 But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a bondservant, though he is lord of all;

Gal 4:2 but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the father.

Gal 4:3 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world.

Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law,

Gal 4:5 that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children.

Gal 4:6 And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!"

Gal 4:7 So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Gal 4:8 However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods.

Gal 4:9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?

Gal 4:10 You observe days, months, seasons, and years.

Gal 4:11 I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.

Gal 4:12 I beg you, brothers, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong,

Gal 4:13 but you know that because of weakness of the flesh I preached the Good News to you the first time.

Gal 4:14 That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you didn't despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

Gal 4:15 What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

Gal 4:16 So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Gal 4:17 They zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them.

Gal 4:18 But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.

Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you--

Gal 4:20 but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Gal 4:21 Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, don't you listen to the law?

Gal 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the free woman.

Gal 4:23 However, the son by the handmaid was born according to the flesh, but the son by the free woman was born through promise.

Gal 4:24 These things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar.

Gal 4:25 For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to the Jerusalem that exists now, for she is in bondage with her children.

Gal 4:26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Gal 4:27 For it is written, "Rejoice, you barren who don't bear. Break forth and shout, you that don't travail. For more are the children of the desolate than of her who has a husband."

Gal 4:28 Now we, brothers, as Isaac was, are children of promise.

Gal 4:29 But as then, he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.

Gal 4:30 However what does the Scripture say? "Throw out the handmaid and her son, for the son of the handmaid will not inherit with the son of the free woman."

Gal 4:31 So then, brothers, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the free woman.

Oct. 8

Galatians 5

Gal 5:1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Gal 5:2 Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.

Gal 5:3 Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

Gal 5:4 You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.

Gal 5:5 For we, through the Spirit, by faith wait for the hope of righteousness.

Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.

Gal 5:7 You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?

Gal 5:8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you.

Gal 5:9 A little yeast grows through the whole lump.

Gal 5:10 I have confidence toward you in the Lord that you will think no other way. But he who troubles you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.

Gal 5:11 But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.

Gal 5:12 I wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off.

Gal 5:13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.

Gal 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don't consume one another.

Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,

Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,

Gal 5:21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,

Gal 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Gal 5:24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let's also walk by the Spirit.

Gal 5:26 Let's not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.