Rim Country of Payson On Fire My 1st PowerPoint

The Rim Country on Fire

This is the Office 2007 PowerPoint Show I did for my midterm in college Fall of 2009.

 

Some of the 1000 (plus) Commands of the New Testament

No human being alive can keep all of these commands 100% of the time. This why John wrote 1John 1:7-9 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Seven things to Abstain from:

Idols (ACTS 15:20)

Fornication (ACTS 15:20,29; 1 THESSALONIANS 4:2-3)

Strangled meats (ACTS 15:20)

Eating blood (ACTS 15:20)

Meats offered to idols (ACTS 15:29)

All appearance of evil (1 THESSALONIANS 5:22)

Fleshly lusts (1 PETER 2:11)

Three to be Baptized:

To be saved (Mark 16:16)

To enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:5)

For forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16)

 Seven Things to Avoid:

Troublemakers (ROMANS 16:17)

Profane and vain babblings (1 TIMOTHY 6:20)

False science (1 TIMOTHY 6:20)

Unlearned questions (2 TIMOTHY 2:23)

Foolish questions (TITUS 3:9)

Genealogies (TITUS 3:9)

Arguments about the law (TITUS 3:9)

Three “Asks”:

Ask and ye shall receive (MATTHEW 7:7)

Ask no return of goods (LUKE 6:30)

Ask life for backsliders (1 JOHN 5:16)

Two Things to Awake to: 

Awake to righteousness (1 CORINTHIANS 15:34)

Awake to life (EPHESIANS 5:14)

Seventy-four “Be”:

Be exceeding glad (MATTHEW 5:12)

Be reconciled to a brother (MATTHEW 5:24)

Be perfect (MATTHEW 5:48; 2 CORINTHIANS 13:11)

Be wise as serpents (MATTHEW 10:16)

Be harmless as doves (MATTHEW 10:16)

Be ready for Christ’s coming (MATTHEW 24:44; LUKE 12:40)

Be content with your wages (LUKE 3:14)

Be merciful as God (LUKE 6:36)

Be like faithful servants (LUKE 12:36)

Be thankful (COLOSSIANS 3:15)

Be at peace among selves (1 THESSALONIANS 5:13)

Be patient toward all people (1 THESSALONIANS 5:14; 2 TIMOTHY 2:24)

Be no partaker of sin (1 TIMOTHY 5:22)

Be sober and hope (1 PETER 1:13)

Be sober and pray (1 PETER 4:7)

Be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, charity, and patience (aged men, TITUS 2:2)

Be sober, love husbands and children (young women, TITUS 2:4)

Be sober minded (young men, TITUS 2:6)

Be in behavior as becoming to saints (aged women, TITUS 2:3)

Be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient (young women, TITUS 2:5)

Be ready to give an answer of the hope that is in you (1 PETER 3:15)

Be of good cheer (JOHN 16:33)

Be baptized (ACTS 2:38)

Be converted (ACTS 3:19)

Be transformed (ROMANS 12:2)

Be kind of brotherly love one to another (ROMANS 12:10; EPHESIANS 4:32)

Be fervent in spirit (ROMANS 12:11)

Be patient in tribulation (ROMANS 12:12)

Be given to hospitality (ROMANS 12:13)

Be afraid, if lawless (ROMANS 13:4)

Be no idolater (1 CORINTHIANS 10:7)

Be followers of Paul as he followed Christ (1 CORINTHIANS 11:1; PHILIPPIANS 3:17)

Be followers of God (EPHESIANS 5:1)

Be followers of the faithful and patient (HEBREWS 6:12)

Be children in malice (1 CORINTHIANS 14:20)

Be men in understanding (1 CORINTHIANS 14:20)

Be steadfast (1 CORINTHIANS 15:58)

Be unmovable (1 CORINTHIANS 15:58)

Be always abounding in God’s work (1 CORINTHIANS 15:58)

Be strong in the Lord (1 CORINTHIANS 16:13; EPHESIANS 6:10; 2 TIMOTHY 2:1)

Be of good comfort (2 CORINTHIANS 13:11)

Be of one mind (ROMANS 12:16; 2 CORINTHIANS 13:11; PHILIPPIANS 2:2; 1 PETER 3:8)

Be separate from the unclean (2 CORINTHIANS 6:17)

Be renewed in spirit (EPHESIANS 4:23)

Be angry and sin not (EPHESIANS 4:26)

Be tender-hearted one to another (EPHESIANS 4:32)

Be filled with the Spirit (EPHESIANS 5:18)

Be likeminded (PHILIPPIANS 2:2)

Be one of accord (PHILIPPIANS 2:2)

Be anxious for nothing (PHILIPPIANS 4:6)

Be an example to believers in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity (1 TIMOTHY 4:12)

Be a partaker of Christian sufferings (2 TIMOTHY 1:8; cp. 1 PETER 4:1)

Be gentle to all people (2 TIMOTHY 2:24)

Be apt to teach (2 TIMOTHY 2:24)

Be instant in season, out of season (2 TIMOTHY 4:2)

Be careful to maintain good works (TITUS 3:8,14; cp. MATTHEW 5:16)

Be content with what you have (HEBREWS 13:5)

Be doers of the Word (JAMES 1:22)

Be afflicted and mourn (JAMES 4:9)

Be patient till Christ comes (JAMES 5:7-8)

Be holy in conversation (behavior) (1 PETER 1:15-16)

Be pitiful (1 PETER 3:8)

Be courteous (1 PETER 3:8)

Be examples of the flock of God, not lord over it (1 PETER 5:3)

Be subject one to another (1 PETER 5:5)

Be clothed with humility (1 PETER 5:5)

Be sober (1 PETER 5:8)

Be vigilant (1 PETER 5:8)

Be mindful of prophecies and command­ments (2 PETER 3:2)

Be diligent to be found in peace (2 PETER 3:14)

Be diligent to be without spot, and blameless (2 PETER 3:14)

Be faithful to death (REVELATION 2:10)

Be watchful, strengthen self (REVELATION 3:2)

Be zealous and repent (REVELATION 3:19)

 

Thirty “Be Not’s”:

 

Be not like the hypocrites in prayer (MATTHEW 6:5)

Be not like the heathen in prayer (MATTHEW 6:8)

Be not as hypocrites in fasting (MATTHEW 6:16)

Be not called “Rabbi” (MATTHEW 23:8)

Be not called “Master” (MATTHEW 23:9)

Be not afraid of man (LUKE 12:4)

Be not of doubtful mind (LUKE 12:29)

Be not many teachers (JAMES 3:1)

Be not afraid of terror (1 PETER 3:14)

Be not troubled (1 PETER 3:14)

Be not ignorant of time with God (2 PETER 3:8; cp. ISAIAH 57:15)

Be not deceived: 10 classes not to inherit the kingdom (1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10)

Be not conformed to world (ROMANS 12:2)

Be not slothful in business (ROMANS 12:11)

Be not conceited (ROMANS 12:16)

Be not overcome of evil (ROMANS 12:21)

Be not mere servants of men (1 CORINTHIANS 7:23)

Be not children in understanding (1 CORINTHIANS 14:20)

Be not deceived by evil companions (1 CORINTHIANS 15:33)

Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-15)

Be not entangled again with keeping the law (GALATIANS 5:1. See ‘Eighty-five Old and New Covenant Contrasts’)

Be not deceived: man will reap what he sows (GALATIANS 6:7-8)

Be not partakers with sinners (EPHESIANS 5:7)

Be not unwise about God’s will (EPHESIANS 5:17)

Be not drunk with wine (EPHESIANS 5:18)

Be not weary in well doing (2 THESSALONIANS 3:13)

Be not ashamed of God (2 TIMOTHY 1:8)

Be not slothful (HEBREWS 6:12)

Be not forgetful of strangers (HEBREWS 13:2)

Be not carried about with different strange doctrines (HEBREWS 13:9) 

 Fourteen “Beware’s”:

Beware of false prophets (MATTHEW 7:15)

Beware of people (MATTHEW 10:17)

Beware of leaven (doctrine) of Pharisees (MATTHEW 16:6-12)

Beware of leaven (doctrine) of Herod (MARK 8:15)

Beware of hypocrisy (LUKE 12:1)

Beware of covetousness (LUKE 12:15)

Beware of scribes (MARK 12:38; LUKE 20:46)

Beware of lest you despise God and perish (ACTS 13:40-41)

Beware of dogs (false teachers, PHILIPPIANS 3:2; ISAIAH 56:10)

Beware of evil workers (PHILIPPIANS 3:2)

Beware of the concision (Jews, PHILIPPIANS 3:2)

Beware of being spoiled through philosophy (COLOSSIANS 2:8)

Beware of being spoiled through vain deceit (COLOSSIANS 2:8)

Beware of backsliding (2 PETER 3:17)

Four Things to Believe:

The gospel (MARK 1:15)

God’s existence (HEBREWS 11:6)

On Jesus Christ (1 JOHN 3:23)

God rewards diligent seeking (HEBREWS 11:6)

One Thing Not to Believe:

Believe not every spirit (1 JOHN 4:1)

Two Bless:

Those who curse you (MATTHEW 5:44; LUKE 6:28)

Persecutors (ROMANS 12:14)

Three Things to Cast Out or Away:

The beam out of own eyes (MATTHEW 7:5; LUKE 6:42)

Devils (MATTHEW 10:8)

All your cares upon God (1 PETER 5:7)

Two to Comfort:

One another-fellow Christians (1 THESSALONIANS 4:18; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11)

The feeble-minded (1 THESSALONIANS 5:14)

Six to Honor:

Fathers (MATTHEW 19:19; MARK 10:19; LUKE 18:20; EPHESIANS 6:2)

Mothers (MATTHEW 19:19; MARK 10:19; LUKE 18:20; EPHESIANS 6:2)

Others (ROMANS 12:10)

Widows indeed (1 TIMOTHY 5:3)

All people (1 PETER 2:17)

Rulers (1 PETER 2:17)

Five Things to Charge:

Men to be blameless (1 TIMOTHY 5:7)

The rich to be humble (1 TIMOTHY 6:17)

The rich to trust in God (1 TIMOTHY 6:17)

The rich to do good works (1 TIMOTHY 6:18)

The rich to lay hold on eternal life (1 TIMOTHY 6:19)

Five Things to Consider:

The ravens (LUKE 12:24)

The lilies (LUKE 12:27-28)

Truth (2 TIMOTHY 2:7)

That you are capable of falling (GALATIANS 6:1)

Christ (HEBREWS 3:1; HEBREWS 12:3)

Three Things to Continue in:

Love (JOHN 15:9)

Prayer (ROMANS 12:12; COLOSSIANS 4:2)

Truth (2 TIMOTHY 3:14)

Two Things to Covet:

The best gifts (1 CORINTHIANS 12:31)

To prophesy (1 CORINTHIANS 14:39); cp. things not to covet (EXODUS 20:17; DEUTERONOMY 5:21)

One Thing Not to Cast Away:

Your confidence in God (HEBREWS 10:35)

Two Things to Endure:

Hardness (2 TIMOTHY 2:3)

Sufferings (2 TIMOTHY 4:5)

Five to Greet: 

Kiss (ROMANS 16:16; 1 CORENTIANS 16:20; 2 CORENTIANS 13:12; THESSALONIANS 5:26; 1 TIMOTHY 5:26; 1 PETER 5:14)

Every Saint in Christ (PHILLIPPIANS 4:21)

Those who use in the Faith (TITUS 3:15)

Rulers over you (HEBREWS 13:24)

By name (3 JOHN 1:14)

One Whom to Fear:

God (MATTHEW 10:28; LUKE 12:5; 1 PETER 2:17; REVELATION 14:7) 

Three Things Not to Fear:

Man (MATTHEW 10:28; LUKE 12:5)

Persecutors (MATTHEW 10:26)

No lack of provision (MATTHEW 10:31; MARK 6:8-9; LUKE 12:7)

Five Things to Feed:

Enemies (ROMANS 12:20)

Lambs (JOHN 21:15)

Sheep (JOHN 21:16,17)

Flock of God (1 PETER 5:2)

The church (ACTS 20:28)

Four Things to Flee:

Fornication (1 CORINTHIANS 6:18)

Idolatry (1 CORINTHIANS 10:14)

Hurtful lusts (1 TIMOTHY 6:9-11)

Youthful lusts (2 TIMOTHY 2:22)

Eleven “Do’s”:

Do good to them that hate you (MATTHEW 5:44; LUKE 6:27)

Do good to all (GALATIANS 6;10)

Do to others what you expect of them (MATTHEW 7:12; LUKE 6:31)

Do violence to no man (LUKE 3:14)

Do good (LUKE 6:35; ROMANS 13:3)

Do this (put God first) and live (LUKE 10:28)

Do all to God’s glory (1 CORINTHIANS 10:31; COLOSSIANS 3:17,23)

Do all things without murmuring and disputing (PHILIPPIANS 2:14)

Do those things, which were seen and heard in me (Paul, PHILIPPIANS 4:9)

Do your own business (1 THESSALONIANS 4:11)

Do the work of an evangelist (2 TIMOTHY 4:5)

Eleven “Do Not’s”:

Do not alms before people (MATTHEW 6:1)

Do not sound trumpet before you when giving alms (MATTHEW 6:2)

Do not provoke children to anger (EPHESIANS 6:4)

Do not do works of Pharisees (MATTHEW 23:3-33)

Do not love in word only (1 JOHN 3:18)

Do not give heed to fables (1 TIMOTHY 1:4)

Do not give heed to genealogies (1 TIMOTHY 1:4)

Do not err (JAMES 1:16)

Do not commit adultery (JAMES 2:11)

Do not kill (JAMES 2:11)

Do not fashion self according to former lusts (1 PETER 1:14)

Ten Things to Follow:

Christ (MATTHEW 4:19; MATTHEW 8:22; MATTHEW 16:24; MARK 8:34; MARK 10:21; LUKE 9:23; JOHN 21:19)

Love (1 CORINTHIANS 14:1; 1 TIMOTHY 6:11; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22)

Good (1 THESSALONIANS 5:15; 3 JOHN 11)

Righteousness (1 TIMOTHY 6:11; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22)

Godliness (1 TIMOTHY 6:11)

Faith (1 TIMOTHY 6:11; 2 TIMOTHY 2:22)

Patience (1 TIMOTHY 6:11)

Meekness (1 TIMOTHY 6:11)

Peace (2 TIMOTHY 2:22; HEBREWS 12:14)

Holiness (HEBREWS 12:14)

Seven Things about Giving:

Commanded: give (LUKE 6:38)

• Three Whom to give to:
• Him that asks (MATTHEW 5:42; LUKE 6:30)
• Needy saints (ROMANS 12:13)
• God (COLOSSIANS 3:17; REVELATION 14:7)
• Two Whom not to give to:
• Give not holy things to rebels (MATTHEW 7:6)
• Give no place to Satan (EPHESIANS 4:27)
• Five What to give:
• Holy things (MATTHEW 7:6; MATTHEW 10:8)
• Give thanks (EPHESIANS 5:20; PHILIPPIANS 4:6; COLOSSIANS 3:17; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18)
• Give time to reading, exhortation, doctrine (1 TIMOTHY 4:13)
• Give self wholly (1 TIMOTHY 4:15)
• Give glory to God (REVELATION 14:7)
• What not to give:
• Give no offence (1 CORINTHIANS 10:32)
• Give no heed of fables and command­ments of human beings (TITUS 1:14)
• How to give:
• Freely (MATTHEW 10:8; 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6)
• Good measure (LUKE 6:38)
• As God has prospered (1 CORINTHIANS 16:2)
• Willingly (2 CORINTHIANS 8:12)
• With purpose (2 CORINTHIANS 9:7)
• Cheerfully (2 CORINTHIANS 9:7)
• Blessings promised for giving:
• Returns on the basis of giving (LUKE 6:38; 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6)
• Reward (MATTHEW 10:42)
• All grace abounding (2 CORINTHIANS 9:8)
• All sufficiency (2 CORINTHIANS 9:8)
• Eternal righteousness (2 CORINTHIANS 9:9)
• Increased fruits (2 CORINTHIANS 9:10)
• Enrichment in all things (2 CORINTHIANS 9:11)

Seven Things to Keep:

Keep commandments (MATTHEW 19:17; JOHN 14:15)

Keep no company with the 6 classes of professed Christians of 1 CORINTHIANS 5:11

Keep yourself pure (1 TIMOTHY 5:22)

Keep the gospel commandments until Christ comes (1 TIMOTHY 6:14)

Keep the good entrusted you (2 TIMOTHY 1:14)

Keep yourself from idols (1 JOHN 5:21)

Keep yourself in God’s love (JUDE 21)

Five “Go’s”:

Go two miles (MATTHEW 5:41)

Go teach (MATTHEW 28:19-20)

Go preach (MARK 16:15)

Go not from house to house (LUKE 10:7)

Go and do likewise (LUKE 10:37)

Seven “Have’s”:

Have faith (MARK 11:22; ROMANS 14:22-23)

Have no fellowship with darkness (EPHESIANS 5:11)

Have no respect of persons (1 TIMOTHY 5:21; JAMES 2:1-10)

Have honest conversation (1 PETER 2:12)

Have compassion (1 PETER 3:8; JUDE 22)

Have a good conscience (1 PETER 3:16)

Have fervent love (1 PETER 4:8)

Fourteen “Hold’s”:

Hold forth Word of life (PHILIPPIANS 2:16)

Hold fast to the good (1 THESSALONIANS 5:21)

Hold Christian traditions (2 THESSALONIANS 2:15; 2 THESSALONIANS 3:6)

Hold faith (1 TIMOTHY 1:19; 1 TIMOTHY 3:9)

Hold a good conscience (1 TIMOTHY 1:19)

Hold fast sound doctrine (2 TIMOTHY 1:13)

Hold fast till Christ comes (REVELATION 2:25)

Hold fast what you have (REVELATION 3:11)

Hold your crown (REVELATION 3:11)

Hold reputation of ministers (PHILIPPIANS 2:29)

Hold eternal life (1 TIMOTHY 6:12,19)

Hold hope (HEBREWS 6:18)

Hold confidence (HEBREWS 3:6,14)

Hold what is heard and received (REVELATION 3:3)

One Hundred “Let’s”:

Let your light shine (MATTHEW 5:16; LUKE 12:35)

Let your conversation be yea, nay (MATTHEW 5:37; JAMES 5:12)

Let your enemy have your cloak (MATTHEW 5:40; LUKE 6:29)

Let blind leaders alone (MATTHEW 15:14)

Let everyone deny themselves (MATTHEW 16:24; MARK 8:34; LUKE 9:23)

Let him take up cross (MATTHEW 16:24; MARK 8:34; MARK 10:21; LUKE 9:23)

Let him hear (MARK 4:23; LUKE 14:35)

Let him share with the needy (LUKE 3:11)

Let your loins be girded (LUKE 12:35)

Let everyone take your purse and script (LUKE 22:36)

Let him sell his garment, buy sword (LUKE 22:36)

Let your love be genuine (ROMANS 12:9)

Let everyone obey the civil laws (ROMANS 13:1)

Let everyone choose his own Sabbath day (ROMANS 14:5-7; COLOSSIANS 2:14-17)

Let everyone take heed how he builds upon Christ (1 CORINTHIANS 3:10)

Let no man deceive himself (1 CORINTHIANS 3:18)

Let every man have his own wife (1 CORINTHIANS 7:2)

Let every woman her own husband (1 CORINTHIANS 7:2)

Let spouses satisfy each other in sexual relations (1 CORINTHIANS 7:4-5)

Let them who cannot restrain marry (1 CORINTHIANS 7:9)

Let husbands and wives remain unmarried if they separate or, be reconciled (1 CORINTHIANS 7:11)

Let the unbelieving ones depart who refuse to remain (1 CORINTHIANS 7:15)

Let every man abide in his calling (1 CORINTHIANS 7:17-24)

Let no one seek to erase circumcision (1 CORINTHIANS 7:18)

Let no one be circumcised (as a religious rite, 1 CORINTHIANS 7:18)

Let a father give his daughter in marriage if she desires it (1 CORINTHIANS 7:36-38)

Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 CORINTHIANS 10:12)

Let no man seek wealth selfishly (1 CORINTHIANS 10:24)

Let the woman cut her hair if her head is uncovered (1 CORINTHIANS 11:6)

Let the woman wear a covering if cutting and shaving the hair be a shame (1 CORINTHIANS 11:6)

Let everyone examine self when taking the Lord’s Supper (1 CORINTHIANS 11:28)

Let the hungry eat at home, not at the Lord’s Supper (1 CORINTHIANS 11:34)

Let the speaker in tongues pray for the inter­pretation (1 CORINTHIANS 14:13)

Let all things be done to edifying (1 CORINTHIANS 14:26)

Let no more than 3 messages in tongues be given in one service (1 CORINTHIANS 14:27)

Let one interpret (1 CORINTHIANS 14:27)

Let the mind of Christ be in you (PHILIPPIANS 2:5)

Let your moderation be known (PHILIPPIANS 4:5)

Let your requests be known to God (PHILIPPIANS 4:6)

Let no one judge you with regard to meats, drinks, holy days, new moons, and Sabbath days (COLOSSIANS 2:14-17; ROMANS 14:5-7)

Let no one rob you of your reward by some vain religion (COLOSSIANS 2:18)

Let peace rule the heart (COLOSSIANS 3:15)

Let the Word dwell in you (COLOSSIANS 3:16)

Let speech be with grace (COLOSSIANS 4:6)

Let no one deceive you about the day of Christ being at hand (2 THESSALONIANS 2:3)

Let no man despise youth (1 TIMOTHY 4:12)

Let the speaker in tongues keep silent in church speaking to himself and God if no interpreter present (1 CORINTHIANS 14:28)

Let the prophets speak two or three mes­sages and let others judge (1 CORINTHIANS 14:29)

Let times be shared in revelation (1 CORINTHIANS 14:30)

Let women learn quietly in church or at home (1 CORINTHIANS 14:34-35; 1 TIMOTHY 2:11)

Let everyone acknowledge regulation of spiri­tual gifts to be commandments of God (1 CORINTHIANS 14:37)

Let rebels to truth remain ignorant (1 CORINTHIANS 14:38)

Let all things be done in decent order (1 CORINTHIANS 16:2)

Let everyone give as God prospers (1 CORINTHIANS 16:2)

Let all things be done in love (1 CORINTHIANS 16:14)

Let everyone give cheerfully (2 CORINTHIANS 9:7)

Let rebels to truth be accursed (1 CORINTHIANS 16:22; GALATIANS 1:8-9)

Let everyone prove their own work (GALATIANS 6:4)

Let those taught support the teacher (GALATIANS 6:6)

Let the thief steal no more (EPHESIANS 4:28)

Let the thief labor instead of stealing to have to give to others (EPHESIANS 4:28)

Let no corrupt conversation come from your mouth (EPHESIANS 4:29)

Let bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice be put away (EPHESIANS 4:31)

Let no man deceive you with vain words (EPHESIANS 5:6)

Let the wives be subject to their husbands (EPHESIANS 5:22,24; COLOSSIANS 3:18; 1 PETER 3:1-6)

Let the husbands love their wives (EPHESIANS 5:25,28,33; COLOSSIANS 3:19; 1 PETER 3:7)

Let the wives reverence their husbands (EPHESIANS 5:33)

Let your conversation (behavior) be becom­ing of the gospel (PHILIPPIANS 1:27)

Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory (PHILIPPIANS 2:3)

Let each esteem other better than himself (PHILIPPIANS 2:3)

Let worthy elders be doubly honored (paid) (1 TIMOTHY 5:17)

Let servants honor masters (1 TIMOTHY 6:1)

Let masters respect servants (1 TIMOTHY 6:2)

Let every Christian depart from iniquity (2 TIMOTHY 2:19)

Let no man despise you (TITUS 2:15)

Let brotherly love continue (HEBREWS 13:1)

Let conversation be without covetousness (HEBREWS 13:5)

Let patience work perfectly (JAMES 1:4)

Let one who lacks, ask for wisdom (JAMES 1:5)

Let him ask in faith (JAMES 1:6)

Let the exalted rejoice (JAMES 1:9)

Let the humble rejoice (JAMES 1:10)

Let no man lay temptation to God (JAMES 1:13)

Let everyone be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (JAMES 1:19)

Let the wise demonstrate wisdom and knowledge (JAMES 3:13)

Let the light-hearted sinners become remorse­ful (JAMES 4:9)

Let the afflicted pray (JAMES 5:13)

Let the merry sing psalms (JAMES 5:13)

Let the sick call elders (JAMES 5:14)

Let elders pray for sick, anointing with oil (JAMES 5:14-15; cp. MARK 6:13)

Let adorning be more inward than outward (1 PETER 3:3-4; 1 TIMOTHY 2:9-10)

Let everyone refrain tongue from evil, and lips from guile (1 PETER 3:10)

Let everyone shun evil, do good, seek peace and pursue it (1 PETER 3:11)

Let ministers speak for God (1 PETER 4:11)

Let no one suffer as a murderer, thief, evildoer, or busybody (1 PETER 4:15)

Let no one be ashamed to suffer as a Chris­tian, but be thankful (1 PETER 4:16)

Let Christian sufferers commit their souls to God (1 PETER 4:19)

Let eternal life abide in you (1 JOHN 2:24-25)

Let no man deceive you about being right­eous (1 JOHN 3:7)

Let him that hath an ear, hear (REVELATION 2:7,11,17,29; REVELATION 3:6,13,22)

Twelve “Let Not’s”:

Let not your left hand know what the right hand does (MATTHEW 6:3)

Let not man sever those who are married (MATTHEW 19:6)

Let not good be evil spoken of (ROMANS 14:16)

Let not sin reign in the body (ROMANS 6:12)

Let not him that eateth despise him that does not (ROMANS 14:3)

Let not him that eateth not judge him that does (ROMANS 14:3)

Let not the wife depart from her husband (1 CORINTHIANS 7:10)

Let not the husband put away his wife (1 CORINTHIANS 7:11)

Let not the Christian put away the unsaved companion who wishes to remain (1 CORINTHIANS 7:12,13)

Let not the sun go down on wrath (EPHESIANS 4:26)

Let not fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting be mentioned among you as becometh saints (EPHESIANS 5:3-4)

Let not unworthy widows be supported by the church (1 TIMOTHY 5:9-16)

Forty-two “Let us”:

Let us walk honestly (ROMANS 13:13)

Let us cast off works of darkness (ROMANS 13:12)

Let us put on armor of light (ROMANS 13:12)

Let us follow things of peace (ROMANS 14:19)

Let us follow things that edify (ROMANS 14:19)

Let us please neighbor for good (ROMANS 15:2-3)

Let us be sincere (1 CORINTHIANS 5:8)

Let us not commit fornication (1 CORINTHIANS 10:8)

Let us not tempt Christ (1 CORINTHIANS 10:9)

Let us not murmur (1 CORINTHIANS 10:10)

Let us cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of body and spirit (2 CORINTHIANS 7:1)

Let us perfect holiness (2 CORINTHIANS 7:1)

Let us walk in the Spirit (GALATIANS 5:25)

Let us not desire vain glory (GALATIANS 5:26)

Let us not provoke one another (GALATIANS 5:26)

Let us not envy one another (GALATIANS 5:26)

Let us not be weary in well doing (GALATIANS 6:9)

Let us do good to all people (GALATIANS 6:10)

Let us do good especially to fellow Christians (GALATIANS 6:10)

Let us who are mature press forward toward the mark (PHILIPPIANS 3:14-15)

Let us walk by the same rule (PHILIPPIANS 3:16)

Let us mind the same thing (PHILIPPIANS 3:16)

Let us not sleep spiritually (1 THESSALONIANS 5:6)

Let us watch and be sober (1 THESSALONIANS 5:6,8)

Let us be content with food and raiment (1 TIMOTHY 6:8)

Let us fear losing the soul (HEBREWS 4:1-2)

Let us labor to be saved (HEBREWS 4:11)

Let us hold fast our profession (HEBREWS 10:23)

Let us come boldly to the throne of grace (HEBREWS 4:16; HEBREWS 10:19-23)

Let us go on to perfection (HEBREWS 6:1)

Let us draw near to God (HEBREWS 10:22)

Let us provoke to love and good works (HEBREWS 10:24)

Let us not forsake assembling together in worship (HEBREWS 10:25)

Let us exhort one another (HEBREWS 10:25)

Let us lay aside every weight (HEBREWS 12:1)

Let us lay aside besetting sin (HEBREWS 12:1)

Let us run race with patience (HEBREWS 12:1)

Let us look to Jesus (HEBREWS 12:2)

Let us have grace to serve God (HEBREWS 12:28)

Let us bear Christ’s reproach (HEBREWS 13:13)

Let us offer our sacrifice of praise to God continually (HEBREWS 13:15)

Let us love one another (1 JOHN 4:7, 1JOHN 4:11)

Eight “Let Us Not’s”:

Let us not walk in rioting (ROMANS 13:13)

Let us not walk in drunkenness (ROMANS 13:13)

Let us not walk in chambering (ROMANS 13:13)

Let us not walk in wantonness (ROMANS 13:13)

Let us not walk in strife (ROMANS 13:13)

Let us not walk in envying (ROMANS 13:13)

Let us not judge one another in doubtful things (ROMANS 14:13)

Let us not cause others to stumble (ROMANS 14:13) 

Three Ways to Live:

Live peacefully (ROMANS 12:18; 2 CORINTHIANS 13:11)

Live free from anxiety and undue care (1 CORINTHIANS 7:28-35)

Live no longer in lusts of sin (1 PETER 4:2)

Four to “Love”:

Love your enemies (MATTHEW 5:44; LUKE 6:27,35)

Love your fellow Christians (JOHN 13:34; JOHN 15:12,17; GALATIANS 5:14; 1 PETER 2:17; 1 JOHN 3:23; 2 JOHN 1:5)

Love the brotherhood (1 PETER 2:17)

Love your brother (1 JOHN 4:21)

Two Things Not to Love:

The world (1 JOHN 2:15)

Things in the world (1 JOHN 2:15)

Three Ways to Love:

Fervently (1 PETER 2:22)

With a pure heart (1 PETER 2:22)

As brethren (1 PETER 3:8)

One to Pray to:

Pray to thy Father (MATTHEW 6:6; MATTHEW 6:9; JOHN 16:23-26) 

Two to Pray in:

Through Jesus authority (John 14:14) 

In the Spirit (EPHESIANS 6:18)

Five to Pray for:

Your persecutors (MATTHEW 5:44; LUKE 6:28)

For laborers (MATTHEW 9:38; LUKE 10:2)

All people (1TIMOTHY 2:1)

Those in authority (1 TIMOTHY 2:2)

For one another (JAMES 5:16)

Two Ways Not to Pray:

Use not vain repetitions like the heathen (MATTHEW 6:7)

Do not pray as hypocrites (MATTHEW 6:5)

 

Four Ways to Pray:

 

After this manner pray (MATTHEW 6:9-13)

Ask, seek, knock (MATTHEW 7:7-11)

Pray in the Spirit (JUDE 1:20)

Lifting Holy hands (1 TIMOTHY 2:8)

Four Things to Prove:

Prove yourself (2 CORINTHIANS 13:5)

Prove what is acceptable to God (EPHESIANS 5:10)

Prove all things (1 THESSALONIANS 5:21)

Prove accusations against elders (1 TIMOTHY 5:19)

Two to Rejoice:

Rejoice (MATTHEW 5:12; ROMANS 15:10)

Rejoice evermore (1 THESSALONIANS 5:16)

Eight “Put Away”:

Put away wicked people from the congregation (1 CORINTHIANS 5:13)

Put away lying (EPHESIANS 4:25)

Put away all bitterness (EPHESIANS 4:31)

Put away wrath (EPHESIANS 4:31)

Put away anger (EPHESIANS 4:31)

Put away clamor (EPHESIANS 4:31)

Put away evil speaking (EPHESIANS 4:31)

Put away all malice (EPHESIANS 4:31)

Six “Put Off”:

Put off the old man (EPHESIANS 4:22; COLOSSIANS 3:9)

Put off anger (COLOSSIANS 3:8)

Put off wrath (COLOSSIANS 3:8)

Put off malice (COLOSSIANS 3:8)

Put off blasphemy (COLOSSIANS 3:8)

Put off filthy conversation (COLOSSIANS 3:8)

Twelve “Put On”:

Put on Christ (ROMANS 13:14)

Put on the armor of light (ROMANS 13:12)

Put on the new man (EPHESIANS 4:24; COLOSSIANS 3:10)

Put on the whole armor of God (EPHESIANS 6:11,13)

Put on the bowels of mercy (COLOSSIANS 3:12)

Put on kindness (COLOSSIANS 3:12)

Put on humility (COLOSSIANS 3:12)

Put on meekness (COLOSSIANS 3:12)

Put on longsuffering (COLOSSIANS 3:13)

Put on love (COLOSSIANS 3:14)

Put on the breastplate of faith and love (1 THESSALONIANS 5:8)

Put on the hope of salvation (1 THESSALONIANS 5:8)

One Not to Rebuke:

Elders (1 TIMOTHY 5:1)

Three to Rebuke:

Certain sinners (1 TIMOTHY 5:20)

Rebels (TITUS 1:13)

Works of darkness (EPHESIANS 5:11)

Two Ways to Rebuke:

With all authority (TITUS 2:15)

With all longsuffering (2 TIMOTHY 4:2)

Four Things to Rejoice in:

Hope (ROMANS 12:12)

Blessings of others (ROMANS 12:15)

The Lord (PHILIPPIANS 3:1; PHILIPPIANS 4:4)

Suffering for Christ (1 PETER 4:13)

Five Things to Remember:

What you are saved from (EPHESIANS 2:11-12)

Those who suffer (HEBREWS 13:3)

Those who lead you (HEBREWS 13:7)

Truth (JUDE 17,18; REVELATION 3:3)

Backsliding, and repent (REVELATION 2:5)

 

Four Things to Seek:

God’s kingdom first (MATTHEW 6:33; LUKE 12:31)

God in prayer (MATTHEW 7:7)

To edify the church (1 CORINTHIANS 14:12)

Things above (COLOSSIANS 3:1)

One Command to Stand Fast:

Stand fast, and hold Christian traditions (2 THESSALONIANS 2:15)

Three Things to Stand Fast With:

Truth

Righteousness

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (EPHESIANS 6:14-15)

Five Things to Stand in:

Faith (1 CORINTHIANS 16:13)

Liberty (GALATIANS 5:1)

One spirit (PHILIPPIANS 1:27)

One mind (PHILIPPIANS 1:27)

The Lord (PHILIPPIANS 4:1)

Eight Things to Think on:

Things about your true self (ROMANS 12:3; 1 CORINTHIANS 3:18)

Things true

Things honest

Things just

Things pure

Things lovely

Things of good report

Things of virtue (PHILIPPIANS 4:8) 

One Way to Think:

Think soberly (ROMANS 12:3)

Five  to Submit:

Submit one to another (EPHESIANS 5:21)

Submit to God (JAMES 4:7)

Submit to every ordinance of man (1 PETER 2:13-14; ROMANS 13:1-8)

Younger ones are to submit to their elders (1 PETER 5:5)

Wives must submit to their husbands (EPHESIANS 5:22; COLOSSIANS 3:18; 1 PETER 3:1-6)

Twelve “Take”:

Take no anxious thought for necessities of life (MATTHEW 6:25,31; LUKE 12:22-30)

Take no anxious thought of tomorrow (MATTHEW 6:34)

Take no anxious thought of defense (MATTHEW 10:19; MARK 13:9-11; LUKE 12:11-12; LUKE 21:14)

Take my yoke upon you (MATTHEW 11:29)

Take advantage of freedom (1 CORINTHIANS 7:21)

Take the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Christ (1 CORINTHIANS 11:24-26)

Take the shield of faith (EPHESIANS 6:16)

Take the helmet of salvation (EPHESIANS 6:17)

Take the sword of the Spirit (EPHESIANS 6:17)

Take oversight of the flock willingly (1 PETER 5:2)

Take oversight of the flock without thought of personal gain (1 PETER 5:2)

Take a humble seat (LUKE 14:8)

Eighteen “Take Heed”:

Take heed that you do not alms to be seen by people (MATTHEW 6:1)

Take heed not to despise little ones (MATTHEW 18:10)

Take heed not to be deceived (MATTHEW 24:4; MARK 13:5; LUKE 21:8)

Take heed what you hear (MARK 4:24)

Take heed how you hear (LUKE 8:18)

Take heed to walk in the light (LUKE 11:35)

Take heed to rebuke and forgive (LUKE 17:3)

Take heed not to get drunk (LUKE 21:34)

Take heed not to surfeit (LUKE 21:34)

Take heed not to be overcome with cares (LUKE 21:34)

Take heed to yourselves (MARK 13:9; LUKE 17:3; LUKE 21:34; ACTS 20:28)

Take heed to the flock of God (ACTS 20:28)

Take heed lest you misuse your liberty (1 CORINTHIANS 8:9)

Take heed lest you fall (1 CORINTHIANS 10:12; ROMANS 11:21)

Take heed to your ministry (COLOSSIANS 4:17)

Take heed that you destroy not one another (GALATIANS 5:15)

Take heed to yourself and your doctrine (1 TIMOTHY 4:16)

Take heed not to backslide (HEBREWS 3:12)

Two Ways Not to Walk on:

As Sinners (EPHESIANS 4:17)

As fools (EPHESIANS 5:15)

Four “Thou Shalt”:

Thou shalt worship God only (MATTHEW 4:10; LUKE 4:8)

Thou shalt serve God only (MATTHEW 4:10; LUKE 4:8)

Thou shalt love neighbors as yourself (MATTHEW 5:43; MATTHEW 19:19; MATTHEW 22:39; MARK 12:31; LUKE 10:27; ROMANS 13:9; GALATIANS 5:14)

Thou shalt love God wholeheartedly (MATTHEW 22:37; MARK 12:30; LUKE 10:27)

Eight “Thou Shalt Not”:

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord (MATTHEW 4:7; LUKE 4:12)

Thou shalt not kill (MATTHEW 5:21; MATTHEW 19:18; MARK 10:19; LUKE 18:20; ROMANS 13:9)

Thou shalt not commit adultery (MATTHEW 5:27-28; MATTHEW 19:18; LUKE 18:20; ROMANS 13:9)

Thou shalt not pray to be seen by people (MATTHEW 6:5)

Thou shalt not steal (MATTHEW 19:18; MARK 10:19; LUKE 18:20; ROMANS 13:9)

Thou shalt not bear false witness (MATTHEW 19:18; MARK 10:19; LUKE 18:20; ROMANS 13:9)

Thou shalt not covet (ROMANS 13:9)

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox treading corn (1 CORINTHIANS 9:9; 1 TIMOTHY 5:18)

Seven Things to Walk in:

The Spirit (GALATIANS 5:16)

Love (EPHESIANS 5:2)

The light (EPHESIANS 5:8-9; 1 JOHN 1:7)

Watchfulness (EPHESIANS 6:18)

Christ (COLOSSIANS 2:6-7; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17)

Wisdom (COLOSSIANS 4:5)

Honesty (1 THESSALONIANS 4:12)

200 Miscellaneous:

Abhor what is evil (ROMANS 12:9)

A bishop must be (see characteristics of, 1 TIMOTHY 3:2-7; TITUS 1:6-9)

Abide in Christ (JOHN 15:4)

Abide with worthy ones (MATTHEW 10:11-13; MARK 6:10; LUKE 9:4; LUKE 10:5-8)

Accuse none falsely (LUKE 3:14)

Add to Christian graces (2 PETER 1:5-7)

Admit your own unprofitableness (LUKE 17:10)

Admonish one another (COLOSSIANS 3:16)

Admonish the unruly (2 THESSALONIANS 3:15)

Agree with your adversary (MATTHEW 5:25)

Allow no liberty to ensnare you to commit sin (1 CORINTHIANS 10:25-30)

Allow no lust of evil in the your body (1 THESSALONIANS 4:5)

Allow no cursing and blessing from the same mouth (JAMES 3:10)

Anoint your head and wash face when fast­ing (MATTHEW 6:17)

Arm your self with a mind to suffer for Christ (1 PETER 4:1)

Avenge not yourself (ROMANS 12:19)

Awake from death to light (EPHESIANS 5:14)

Bear one another’s burdens (GALATIANS 6:2)

Behave like men (1 CORINTHIANS 16:13)

Bid no false teacher “Godspeed” (2 JOHN 10-11)

Bring proof of your repentance (MATTHEW 3:8; LUKE 3:8)

Bring your children up in the Lord (EPHESIANS 6:4)

Build up your faith (JUDE 20)

Call the poor to your feast (LUKE 14:13)

Children, obey your parents (EPHESIANS 6:1; COLOSSIANS 3:20)

Cleanse the lepers (MATTHEW 10:8)

Cleanse your hands you sinners (JAMES 4:8)

Cleave to good (ROMANS 12:9)

Collect just dues only (LUKE 3:13)

Come out from among them (2 CORINTHIANS 6:17)

Command and teach these things (1 TIMOTHY 4:11; 1 TIMOTHY 6:2)

Commit the truth to faithful teachers (2 TIMOTHY 2:2)

Confess your faults one to another (JAMES 5:16)

Count it joy when you are tempted (JAMES 1:2)

Cut off offending members (MATTHEW 5:29-30; MATTHEW 18:8,9)

Deacons must be (see 1 TIMOTHY 3:8-12)

Defraud not (MARK 10:19)

Desire spiritual gifts (1 CORINTHIANS 14:1)

Desire the milk of the Word (1 PETER 2:2)

Despise not prophesying (1 THESSALONIANS 5:20)

Destroy none with non-essentials (ROMANS 14:15; 1 CORINTHIANS 8:13)

Draw near to God (JAMES 4:8)

Eat your own bread in quietness (2 THESSALONIANS 3:12)

Earnestly contend for faith (JUDE 3)

Edify yourselves with singing (EPHESIANS 5:19)

Edify one another (1 THESSALONIANS 5:11)

Enter the straight (narrow) gate (MATTHEW 7:13; LUKE 13:24)

Examine yourself as to faith (2 CORINTHIANS 13:5)

Exercise in godliness (1 TIMOTHY 4:7-8)

Exhort servants to obey (TITUS 2:9-10)

Exhort one another daily (HEBREWS 3:13)

Fear not (LUKE 12:32)!

Fight the good fight of faith (1 TIMOTHY 6:12)

Follow peace and holiness (HEBREWS 12:14)

Forbear one another (COLOSSIANS 3:13)

Forbid not children (MATTHEW 19:14; MARK 10:14; LUKE 18:16)

Forbid not tongues (1 CORINTHIANS 14:39)

Forget not to share (HEBREWS 13:16)

Forgive 490 times (MATTHEW 18:22)

Forgive (MARK 11:25-26; LUKE 6:37; EPHESIANS 4:32; COLOSSIANS 3:13)

Fret not in servitude (2 CORINTHIANS 7:21)

Gird up loins of mind (1 PETER 1:13)

Give place to wrath (ROMANS 12:19)

Give your enemy a drink of water (ROMANS 12:20)

Give no occasion to the adversary (1 TIMOTHY 5:14)

Glorify God in your body and spirit (1 CORINTHIANS 6:20; cp. ROMANS 12:1-2)

Grieve not the Holy Spirit (EPHESIANS 4:30)

Grow in grace and knowledge (2 PETER 3:18)

Grudge not against another (JAMES 5:9)

Harden not your hearts (HEBREWS 3:8-15)

Hate flesh-spotted garments (JUDE 23)

Have no respect of persons (partiality, preju­dice) (1 TIMOTHY 5:21)

Have the same love (PHILIPPIANS 2:2)

Have no fellowship with works of darkness (EPHESIANS 5:11)

Heal the sick (MATTHEW 10:8; LUKE 10:9)

Help propagate truth (3 JOHN

Humble yourselves (JAMES 4:10; 1 PETER 5:6)

Husbands, love your wives (EPHESIANS 5:25,28; COLOSSIANS 3:19; 1 PETER 3:7)

Husbands, be not bitter against your wives (COLOSSIANS 3:19)

Instruct rebels in meekness (2 TIMOTHY 2:25)

Entreat others according to 1 TIMOTHY 5:1-2.

Judge not (MATTHEW 7:1; LUKE 6:37)

Have faith before God for things not con­demned in Scripture (ROMANS 14:22-23)

Know how to control your body (1 THESSALONIANS 4:4)

Lay not up your treasures on earth (MATTHEW 6:19)

Lay up your treasures in heaven (MATTHEW 6:20; LUKE 12:33-34)

Lay hold on eternal life (1 TIMOTHY 6:12)

Leave your parents and cleave to your wife (MATTHEW 19:5; MARK 10:7; EPHESIANS 5:31)

Lend, hoping for nothing back (LUKE 6:35)

Lie not (COLOSSIANS 3:9)

Lift up hands that hang down (HEBREWS 12:12)

Look not everyone on your own things only (PHILIPPIANS 2:4)

Look diligently not to fail of grace (HEBREWS 12:15)

Look diligently lest any root of bitterness defile (HEBREWS 12:15)

Look diligently lest any be a fornicator (HEBREWS 12:16-17)

Look to yourselves not to lose reward (2 JOHN

Look for mercy unto eternal life (JUDE 21)

Lust not after evil things (1 CORINTHIANS 10:6)

Make a tree good or corrupt (MATTHEW 12:33)

Make no provision for lusts (ROMANS 13:14)

Make full proof of ministry (2 TIMOTHY 4:5)

Make straight paths (HEBREWS 12:13)

Mark troublemakers (ROMANS 16:17; PHILIPPIANS 3:17)

Mark the unruly (2 THESSALONIANS 3:14)

Marvel not if you are hated by the world (1 JOHN 3:13)

Masters, be good to servants (EPHESIANS 6:9; COLOSSIANS 4:1)

Meditate upon things of 1 TIMOTHY 4:15.

Mind not the high things (ROMANS 12:16)

Minister as good stewards (1 PETER 4:10)

Mortify offending physical members (COLOSSIANS 3:5; ROMANS 8:12-13)

Neither be of doubtful mind (LUKE 12:29)

No man is to defraud his brother (1 THESSALONIANS 4:6)

Neglect not spiritual gifts (1 TIMOTHY 4:14; cp. 2 TIMOTHY 1:6)

Obey your leaders (HEBREWS 13:17)

Offer the other cheek (MATTHEW 5:39; LUKE 6:29)

Ordain no one in a hurry (1 TIMOTHY 5:22)

Owe nothing but love (ROMANS 13:8)

Overcome evil with good (ROMANS 12:21)

Pass the time in fear (1 PETER 1:17)

Pay your taxes (ROMANS 13:6)

Pay just dues (ROMANS 13:7)

Praise the Lord (ROMANS 15:11)

Preach (MATTHEW 10:7,27; MARK 16:15; 2 TIMOTHY 4:2)

Present your body to God (ROMANS 12:1)

Provide things honestly (ROMANS 12:17)

Provoke not your children to wrath (EPHESIANS 6:4; COLOSSIANS 3:21)

Purge out the old leaven (evil influence) (1 CORINTHIANS 5:7)

Purify your hearts of doubt (JAMES 4:8)

Put others in remembrance of the essentials (2 TIMOTHY 2:14)

Quench not the Spirit (1 THESSALONIANS 5:19)

Raise the dead (MATTHEW 10:8)

Receive (accept) weak brethren (ROMANS 14:1)

Receive one another (ROMANS 15:7)

Receive the Word with meekness (JAMES 1:21)

Reckon yourself as dead to sin (ROMANS 6:11)

Reckon yourself as alive to God (ROMANS 6:11)

Recognize the truth (1 CORINTHIANS 10:15)

Redeem the time (EPHESIANS 5:16; COLOSSIANS 4:5)

Reject heretics (TITUS 3:10)

Refuse to support young widows from church funds (1 TIMOTHY 5:11)

Remind people of the seven things of TITUS 3:1-2.

Render no evil for evil (1 PETER 3:9; ROMANS 12:17)

Repent (MATTHEW 3:2; MATTHEW 4:17; MARK 1:15; ACTS 2:38; ACTS 3:19; REVELATION 2:16; REVELATION 3:19)

Resist not evil (MATTHEW 5:38-39)

Resist the devil (JAMES 4:7; 1 PETER 5:9)

Restore backslider in meekness, considering your own life (GALATIANS 6:1)

Run to obtain (1 CORINTHIANS 9:24)

Salute none by the way (LUKE 10:4)

Salute your leaders (HEBREWS 13:24)

Sanctify God in your heart (1 PETER 3:15)

Save some with fear (JUDE 23)

Search the Scriptures (JOHN 5:39)

Seek not eats and drinks (LUKE 12:29)

Sell to help the needy (LUKE 12:33)

Serve the Lord (ROMANS 12:1)

Servants, obey masters (EPHESIANS 6:5-8; COLOSSIANS 3:22-25; 1 PETER 2:18)

Set the least to judge (1 CORINTHIANS 6:4)

Set your affections above (COLOSSIANS 3:2)

Shake off the dust of your feet (MATTHEW 10:14; MARK 6:11; LUKE 9:5; LUKE 10:10-11)

Show charity to other ministers (LUKE 9:49-50)

Show yourself as a pattern (TITUS 2:7)

Show four things of TITUS 2:7-8.

Sin not (1 CORINTHIANS 15:34)

Sing with grace in heart (COLOSSIANS 3:16)

Shun vain babblings (2 TIMOTHY 2:16)

Speak and do things in view of the judgment day (JAMES 2:12)

Speak truth (EPHESIANS 4:25)

Speak sound doctrine (TITUS 2:1)

Speak no evil of your brethren (JAMES 4:11)

Establish your hearts (JAMES 5:8)

Strengthen your feeble knees (HEBREWS 12:12)

Strive together for the gospel faith (PHILEMON 27)

Study to be quiet (1 THESSALONIANS 4:11)

Study (be diligent) to show yourself approved (2 TIMOTHY 2:15)

Support the weak (1 THESSALONIANS 5:14)

See that no one renders evil for evil (1 THESSALONIANS 5:15)

Swear not (JAMES 5:12; MATTHEW 5:33-36)

Tarry one for another (1 CORINTHIANS 11:33)

Tarry for power (LUKE 24:49; ACTS 1:4-8)

Teach one another (COLOSSIANS 3:16)

Teach no other doctrine that the truth (1 TIMOTHY 1:3)

Tell your brother his fault alone first (MATTHEW 18:15-17)

Trust God for your needs as you work (MATTHEW 10:9; LUKE 9:3; LUKE 10:4)

Understand the will of God (EPHESIANS 5:17)

Use not your liberty as an occasion to sin (GALATIANS 5:13; 1 PETER 1:16)

Use hospitality without grudging (1 PETER 4:9)

Warn the unruly (1 THESSALONIANS 5:14)

Watch and pray (MATTHEW 24:42; MATTHEW 25:13; MARK 13:33,35; MARK 14:38; LUKE 21:36; EPHESIANS 6:18; COLOSSIANS 4:2)

Watch in all things (2 TIMOTHY 4:5; 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13)

Weep with others (ROMANS 12:15)

Withdraw from disorderly brethren (2 THESSALONIANS 3:6,14)

Withdraw from evil people (1 TIMOTHY 6:3-6)

Wives of deacons must be (see 1 TIMOTHY 3:11)

Wives, submit to your husband’s (EPHESIANS 5:22; COLOSSIANS 3:18; 1 PETER 3:1-6)

Work with your own hands (1 THESSALONIANS 4:11)

Work, or do not eat (2 THESSALONIANS 3:10-11)

Work out own salvation (PHILIPPIANS 2:12)

Yield not your members to sin (ROMANS 6:13)

Yield yourself to God (ROMANS 6:13)

Yield your members to righteousness (ROMANS 6:13)

 

In Remembrance of Jesus: A Lord’s Supper Devotion

In our culture, here in America, we have entered our global time of remembrance. We enter this special time each year to remember and be grateful for the wonderful bounty God has blessed each of us.

The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. Their destination – The New World. Although filled with uncertainty and peril, it offered both civil and religious liberty.

For over two months, the 102 passengers braved the harsh elements of a vast storm-tossed sea. Finally, with firm purpose and a reliance on Divine Providence, the cry of “Land Ho!” was heard.

Arriving in Massachusetts in late November, the Pilgrims sought a suitable landing place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they had a prayer service and then began building hasty shelters. However, unprepared for the starvation and sickness of a harsh New England winter, nearly half of the 102 died before spring. Yet, persevering in prayer, and assisted by helpful Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer.

The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God for bringing them through the voyage and winter. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), it was America’s first Thanksgiving remembrance of what God specifically did for us.

There is only one true command from Jesus associated with the communion service – with the observance of the Lord’s Supper we are about to partake of.

We read in Luke chapter 22:15 and following;

“Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; “for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; “for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”

Paul reminded the Corinthians of the command of Jesus when he wrote them in 1 Corinthians 11 – starting with verse 23, saying;

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”

You see it was first Jesus who commanded us to be here. It was Jesus who commanded us to remember Him as we take of the bread and drink from the cup. When we concentrate on Jesus at this time and all He has done for us; we are recognizing that it is only by the Lord’s authority and power that we are saved from our sins and a life of worldly bondage.

First and foremost; collectively, we remember Jesus because this communion proclaims His death until He returns.

Why do you personally remember?

What storms of life has Jesus brought you through?

What harsh winters has Jesus saved you from?

What does knowing Jesus mean in your personal life?

Why are you thankful?

For me, I am grateful for Jesus leading me out of the bondage of a 32 year wasted life of drugs, alcohol, anger, and daily resentments: From a personal hell that created misery and suffering for many people by way of my actions, attitudes, and words.

Today, I am grateful for Jesus showing me a life where I can be usefully whole to my fellows through love and tolerance because of the unselfish love of Jesus that compels me as a Christian, humbly, to do the next right thing today.

Block out of your mind what happen yesterday, what is going to happen today, and what you are planning to do tomorrow, this week, or in the future. Instead, focus on the mercy, the grace, and the greatest love ever, the needed death, the cross of Jesus, and the resurrection over deaths power that changed our lives.

Let us all, in quite meditation, follow the command of Jesus “to remember Him” and what He has personally done for you.

By Guy Lewis Saturday, November 28, 2009

2009 Food Donation Drive Stats

The annual Payson church of Christ Food Drive was a wonderful success.  I wish to personally thank each and everyone who helped in this wonderful expression of Christian Compassion.

FINAL DEMOGRAHICS

Number of people who helped box food - 32

Number of church families who delivered the food - 16      

Families where the request for food came from 2009:

Congregation members friends - 19

Clothing drive - 2

Payson Schools - 35

Total Families Feed - 56

Number of people in families came from 2009:

Congregation members friends - 60

Clothing drive - 9

Payson Schools - 178

Total People Feed - 247

Number of people feed came from:

Children - 135 (55%)

Adults - 114 (45%)

Number of families requesting a church visit - 25 (45%)

Number of family members requesting a church visit - 122 (49%)

Number of families feed 2008 - 34

Number of families feed 2009 - 56

2009 % increase over number of families feed 2008 - 61%

Number of people feed 2008 - 129

Number of people feed 2009 - 247

2009 % increase over number of people feed 2008 - 52%

Largest size family feed 2008 - 7

Largest size family feed 2009 - 12

Smallest size family feed 2008 - 1

Smallest size family feed 2009 - 1

2008 average cost per family to feed - $53.96

2009 average cost per family to feed - $52.58

2009 % decrease from 2008 - 10%

2008 cost per person to feed - $14.22

2009 cost per person to feed - $11.92

2009 % decrease from 2008 - 8%

Stores that participated  with $25.00 gift card (Wal-Mart &                       Safeway)

Stores actual food prices: Wal-Mart $2650.23, Costco $3180.30, Safeway $3821.82, and Bashas $3916.54

Store that accepted all other store prices - Wal-Mart

Known families who gave financial donations 2009 - 21

Donations:

Total donations from congregation members 2009 - $1494.00

Total donations from non-congregation members 2009 - $2036.00

Anonymous cash donations - $115.00

Anonymous cash non-congregation donations - $61.00

Gift cards - $150.00

Funds to be repaid members - $49.70

Estimated turkey donation - $156.00

Total Donations Received 2009 - $4061.70

Cost:

Stores actual food prices - $2650.23

Misalliance - $4.80

Out of pocket funds used mistaken delivery - $44.90

Extra food box - $44.60

Gift cards used - $150.00

2009 final total cost - $2944.23

2009 total financial donations saved for 2010 - $1117.47

Total donations from 2008 - $1834.73

2009 % increase over donations from 2008 - 45%

Largest single donation - $1000.00 (26%)

Donations % from congregation members - 46%

Donations % from non-congregation members - 54%

Number of people on the 2009 food committee - 8

2009 1^st Funds Advanced - $1982.72

2009 2^nd Funds Advanced - $774.43

2009 Total Funds Advanced - $2760.15

To Be Refunded to the church - $65.32

Sincerely,

Guy Lewis, 2009 Food Drive Committee Chairperson

Smokie the “Jackhuahua” stands his ground.

It is 4:00 A.M. and the Chihuahua “Mr. Smokie” just cornered three raccoons on the back deck. Even the smallest raccoon was 300% larger than Mr. Smokie was, yet he stayed his ground and defended his home from the masked invaders to the disgruntlement of the sleepy neighborhood 4:00 A. M. braking alarm clock. He earned a early morning doggy treat for saving the home because the doggy door was open and the coons could have wandered into the house while the I slept. Good boy Mr. Smokie for a job well done.

Study Of The Greek Words For Prophets: Prophecy: Prophetic: Teachers: False: As Used By Peter in 2 Peter 1:19 to 2:3

This study will attempt to answer the question:

 “Was Peter saying that people today have the ability to speak prophesy when teaching about Jesus when using the Bible?”

The Text

 2 Peter 1:19-2:3

 “And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.  For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.  But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.  And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of.  And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not.” (ASV)

2 Peter 1:19-2:3

 “So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.  But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.  But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who tought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.  Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” (NASV 95)

(This study will use; W. E. Vine, Alfred Marshall, Strong’s, & Joseph Thayer to define understanding of the lesson by Peter for modern application.)

Prophecy:  Noun = Greek = 4394 = (2 Peter 1:20 & 21) = Propheteia = (derived from 4395 Propheteuo meaning to foretell) = the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God. Used here for the instructions, teaching or utterances of the Old Testament prophets.

Prophetic:  Adjective = Greek = 4397 = (2 Peter 1:19) = Prophetikos = (derived from 4396 Prophetes meaning to interpret the divine will) =  relating to prophecy, or proceeding from a prophet, prophetic, as to the word of prophecy made more sure; i.e. confirmed by the Person and work of Christ.  Used here for the instructions, teaching or utterances of any prophet concerning the truth about Jesus.

Prophets:  Noun = Greek = 5578 = (2 Peter 2:1) = Pseudoprophetes = (derived from 4396 Prophetes meaning to interpret the divine will and from 5571 Pseudes meaning lying) = relating to a false prophet. Used here for anyone acting the part of a divinely inspired prophet or teacher who speaks falsehoods under the name of divine prophecy.

Teachers:  Noun = Greek = 5572 = (2 Peter 2:1) = Pseudodidas = (derived from 1320 Didaskalos meaning an instructor and from 5571 Pseudes meaning lying) = relating to a false teacher.  Used here for anyone teaches false.

False:

a.     Noun = Greek = 5578 = (2 Peter 2:1) = Pseudoprophetes = (derived from 4396 Prophetes meaning to interpret the divine will and from 5571 Pseudes meaning lying) = relating to a false prophet.  Used here for anyone acting the part of a divinely inspired prophet or teacher who speaks falsehoods under the name of divine prophecy.

b.     Noun = Greek = 5572 = (2 Peter 2:1) = Pseudodidas = (derived from 1320 Didaskalos meaning an instructor and from 5571 Pseudes meaning lying) = relating to a false teacher.  Used here for anyone teaches false.

c.      Noun = Greek = 4112 = (2 Peter 2:3) = Plastos = (derived from 4111 Didaskalos meaning to construct and from and 5571 Pseudes meaning lying) = meaning false.  Used here to describe a person who willfully and knowingly tells a falsehood having knowledge that what they say is a lie.

2 Peter 1:19-2:3 with word meanings inserted

“So we have the instructions, teaching or utterances of any prophet concerning the truth about Jesus word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.  But know this first of all, that no instructions, teaching or utterances of the Old Testament prophets of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no instructions, teaching or utterances of the Old Testament prophets was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.  But anyone acting the part of a divinely inspired prophet or teacher who speaks falsehoods under the name of divine prophecy also arose among the people, just as there will also be anyone teaches false among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.  Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with willfully and knowingly tells a falsehood having knowledge that what they say is a lie words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” (NASV 95)

In conclusion:  Yes Peter was saying that people today have the ability to speak prophecy when teaching about Jesus when using the Bible as their text because their instruction is about Jesus as written in the inspired Bible which either is divine or all religious people today are following a lie. 

By Guy Lewis, Payson, Arizona

Started = Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Completed = Sunday, October 18, 2009

My nerves are shot

My nerves are shot right now.  My anxiety is off the chart causing very sever nervous distress and acid build up in my gut.  I got a call today and the VA is sending an evaluator to my house next Monday; October 19, 2009, to conduct a 2 to 3 hour interview concerning the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Independent Living Program I applied to. 

The interview is to determine if I am physically and physiologically suitable for the program.

So far the VA counselor at the Voc. Rehab. Office in Phoenix has kept me in complete darkness concerning every step of this path.  I still do not know much about the program or what it really does offer in assistance to improve my quality of life as a disabled veteran. 

Please keep me in your thoughts as this event in my life with the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Independent Living Program is really stressing me out.

Sincerely, Guy

Thoughts on MDR

I have rarely commented on the topic of MDR because it is a topic of tradition based opinion hot bed of controversy. 

It has been brought to my attention that some preachers, therefore, some church members, in the church today feel that Jesus decreed a universal law that is forever in His statements of Matthew 19 and the corresponding passages in the other Gospels.

The present idea of MDR that the church holds came from Catholicism.  From what I have read, the church (universal) was not worried about MDR until around the 600’s when the Roman Church decreed the marriage was a sacrament of God.  Up until then, divorce and remarriage was not an issue.

I often wonder why on the day of Pentecost, when Peter preached the 1^st recorded gospel sermon, that the 3000 that believed and were baptized were not required to pass the present day MDR salvation test that some in the church requires? 

The reason we do not see a requirement in scripture baring divorce people to remarry is that God never made one.  The rules we try to force everyone to follow concerning the issue of MDR; all came from the Roman Catholic Church in the 600’s AD.  It is a false study when based our doctrine upon just Matt. 19:9 and not the complete picture of biblical facts presented by scripture.  Therefore, the conclusions we have reached within the church are false.  This is what the church of today has done for the past 150 or so years concerning MDR:  Followed a false doctrine of man and not what God said.

The Bible does not lie and it does not contradict its self.  Jesus did not make a universal forever law in Matt. 19 because if He did then Paul is a liar and a false teacher in his letters to the Corinthians and to Timothy.

The Bible is not in conflict between Jesus and Paul as they both are guided by the Holy Spirit of God in what they said.  So with this understanding, the teachings of the church since about 600 AD must be wrong and therefore false.

What I do know is simple: 

A.   The gospel is a simple path to follow and leads to salvation. 

B.   God is NOT looking for away to send me to hell as the fear preachers seem to think. 

C.   If salvation were a “restitution” system and not a grace system, none of us could ever be saved. 

D.   If God was looking for away to send me to hell, He would not have sent Jesus as a sin payment for me and everyone who believes and is baptized. 

Further more:  My only hope and prayer is that other’s will study what I have posted and see that the things that have been taught by the church are not correct because they would make Paul out to be a liar and would place most of the New Testament in doubt because most is written by Paul and therefore, it would make our faith void because it would be based on lies.

However, to really and truthfully understand the topic of MDR in light of working out your own salvation; I humble submit the following unbiased study I conducted on this topic considering all relevant passages of the Bible I could think of at the time.

                        ******************************************

If salvation is based on a “restitution” system then none could be saved – My study of MDR = Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage
By Guy Lewis

My premise concerning my study of this topic is that all of the scripture covering divorce and remarriage in the New Testament must agree with each other and that if any passage of scripture does not seem to agree with another then it is mankind’s opinion that is wrong and not scripture.  I will take a simple look at each of the passages of scripture that is concerned with the issue of divorce in the New Testament and look at the simple language of what it has to say and see if we can not see the simple message offered and if it in fact agrees with all other passages of New Testament scripture.  Therefore, I hope to show that there is no prohibition on remarriage of divorced person and that Paul was not contradicting Jesus in 1 Cor. 7 when he said that divorced person’s do not sin if they marry.

De 24:1-4

1 When a man taketh a wife, and marrieth her, then it shall be, if she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some unseemly thing in her, that he shall write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.
2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife.
3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, who took her to be his wife;
4 her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before Jehovah: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. (ASV)

First off we must understand what the Law of Moses had to say about divorce and see if we can understand why this Law was given. 

In verse 1 the Hebrew word for “unseemly thing” is “ervah” which means indecency or nakedness or shame, that the husband shall give her (the wife) a bill or certificate of divorcement or divorce and send her out of the house.  This verse implies that there was a need of the Hebrew nation to protect the wives from just being sent out or being put out of a house by the husband and being discarded and destitute with no way to provide for themselves.

Verse 2 provides the remedy of the destitution indicated in verse 1.  That she may be the “wife” of another man.  This is a legal wife before God and before man.

Verses 3 and 4 says that if the second husband finds some “ervah” with her and divorces her or he dies, the first husband is bared from taking her as his wife again.   This is said to be an abomination before God and therefore a sin.  This may have been done to protect the woman from a wicked ex husband as or an effort to keep the nation pour in their bloodlines, but I am not sure but might be indicated by the use of the term “cause the land to sin” in verse 4.

Now this was the Law of God handed down through Moses to the people of Israel, concerning divorce and remarriage.

Mt 5:17-20

17 Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. (ASV)

Jesus did not come to destroy the Law of Moses.  Jesus did not come to change the Law of Moses.  Jesus says in verses 17 to 19 that He did not come to do away with the Law of Moses and that whoever keeps and teaches the Law will be great in the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus did not come to change but to keep the Law.  In verse 20 Jesus says that keeping the commandments is not an outward show it is a matter of ones heart that matters most.

Mt 5:31-32

31 It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery. (ASV)

These two verses must be read in the same context as the rest of the verses in this section of the Sermon on the Mount such as Matt. 5: 17-20, Matt. 5:21-22 and Matt 5:27-28.  Verse 31 says simply that the Law of Moses says to give a certificate of divorce (i.e. divorce your wife not just send her out or put her away).  Jesus was saying in verse 32 that to (apoluo) send her away or put her out would make her an adulteress because to survive she would have to join with another man who could support her or become a prostitute.  The only way she could be an adulteress was if she was still married.  So the word (apoluo) in this text can not mean divorce or she would not be an adulteress.  Because to divorce according to Deuteronomy 24 would have ended the marriage in the eyes of God and man and she would have been free to remarry whom ever she desired because that was the Law and Jesus did not come to change the Law.  Therefore the correct translation of (apoluo) in verse 32 is send out or put away and not to divorce.  This translation is in keeping with and fits with all other passages in the New Testament concerning MDR.

Mt 19:9

9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery.  (ASV)

Once again in verse 9 Jesus was saying that to (apoluo) send away a wife or put a wife out and marry another would cause adultery because of being still married.  So the word (apoluo) in this text can not mean divorce or there would be no adultery.  Because to divorce according to Deuteronomy 24 would have ended the marriage in the eyes of God and man and both the man and woman would have been free to remarry whom ever they desired because that was the Law and Jesus did not come to change the Law.  Therefore the correct translation of (apoluo) in verse 9 is send out or put away and not to divorce.  This translation is in keeping with and fits with all other passages in the New Testament concerning MDR.

Mr 10:11

11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her: (ASV)

Again the word (apoluo) in verse 11 does not mean divorce in this passage either but to put away without divorce thus causing the adultery because the two are still married.  Because to divorce according to Deuteronomy 24 would have ended the marriage in the eyes of God and man and both the man and woman would have been free to remarry whom ever they desired because that was the Law and Jesus did not come to change the Law.  It is interesting to note that here Mark also tell us to whom any adultery is committed against and that is the wife who is put away and not the new person married.  This is the only passage that specifically tells us this information.

Lu 16:18

18 Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery. (ASV)

Once again the word (apoluo) used in verse 18 does not mean divorce in this passage either but to put away without divorce thus causing the adultery because the two are still married.  Because to divorce according to Deuteronomy 24 would have ended the marriage in the eyes of God and man and both the man and woman would have been free to remarry whom ever they desired because that was the Law and Jesus did not come to change the Law.

Mt 16:18-19

18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
19 “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (ASV)

What does Jesus mean when He tells the apostles that what they “DO” require on earth will be required in heaven and what they ‘do not” require will not be required in heaven?  Jesus is speaking directly to Peter in this passage but He was also talking to the other eleven by the context.  See the context of the nature of the conversation in:

Mt 16:13-16

13 “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (ASV)

Jesus started the conversation out by addressing all the disciples not just Peter.  Peter just happens to be the one who answered for the group. (Also see John 20:23 where Jesus tells the disciples that whom ever they forgive on earth will also be forgiven in heaven.)

Jesus was talking about the new kingdom or church once it was established in Act’s chapter two.  Jesus was not addressing the apostles concerning events prior to the establishment of the church in this conversation because they were still under the Law of Moses.

Now the question is “Which of the apostles”, if any, established rules concerning marriage, divorce and remarriage after the church was established in Acts chapter two.

Ro 7:2-3

2 For the woman that hath a husband is bound by law to the husband while he liveth; but if the husband die, she is discharged from the law of the husband.
3 So then if, while the husband liveth, she be joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if the husband die, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she be joined to another man.  (ASV)

This passage is talking about a MARRIED couple not a DIVORCED couple.  So if she is still a married wife to the husband and she joins with another man then yes she become an adulteress because she was never given a divorce according to the Law because to divorce according to (Deuteronomy 24 which Jesus did not change) would have ended the marriage in the eyes of God and man and woman would have been free to remarry whom ever she desired.

1Cor 6:9-11

9 Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,
10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. (ASV)

This passage is important because it says that no matter what your sin, verses 9 and 10 the blood of Jesus and the Spirit of God washes you clean; sanctifying you and justifying you.  This means you are made new again.  Made whole again.  Your prior sins are washed away as if they never happened.  In the book of Hebrew it says that God remembers your sins no more.  This is what verse 11 is also saying.  What ever the sin, including adultery according to verse 9, it is wiped away and remembered no more by the blood of Jesus.

1Cor 7:27-28

27 Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife.
28 But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you. (ASV)

Paul in verses 27 and 28 is clearly saying that if you are divorced and you remarry you have not sinned.  In verse 27 the word loosed (which is released in the NASB) indicates that one was married or attached to another (wife by the passage) so that they could not be released from her.  In the Greek it is number 3080 is translated “seek release or to be loosed.”  Whereas in the Greek number 3089 is also translated “Are you released or loosed?” within the same verse.  Two different Greek words have been translated into the same English word release in the NASB or loosed in the ASV in verse 27.  Also in the KJV and the NKJV this word is “loosed”.  In the NIV this word is “divorced” and “unmarried” respectfully.  In the RSV and NRSV the word is “free.”

The Greek word with the number 3080 = lusis meaning a loosing (by divorce) or released.

The Greek word with the number 3089 = luo meaning to loose, to release, to dissolve: – annuls, break, breaking, broke down, broken, destroy, destroyed, loose, loosed, putting an end to, released, removed, take off, unbind, untie, untied, untying.

Therefore, with this in mind, Paul, the inspired writer, by the power of the Holy Spirit of God, said in verse 28 that divorce person’s, who choice to, have not sinned if they remarry. 

This does not violate Matt. 19:9 because Jesus never changed or altered the Law of Moses.  Divorce according to Deuteronomy 24 would have ended the marriage in the eyes of God and man and both the man and woman would have been free to remarry whom ever they desired because that was the Law and Jesus did not come to change the Law

1Tim 4:1-5

1 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.  (ASV)

In this passage, Paul tells Timothy that a time will come where people, false teachers, will tell other people they can not marry.  In verses 1 through 3 we see this clearly.  And as we have seen, if we apply usage of “put away” for the Greek word (apoluo) and not divorce, then all of the passages commonly referred to marriage and divorce fit together without any problem.  Also when we use “put away” for the word (apoluo) we have not reason to refuse anyone the right to remarry provided they were legally divorced from their prior spouse.  We will not be one of the people Paul warns Timothy about in verse 3 when we use the proper meaning for the Greek work (apoluo) in our translations.

Summary:  The Bible does not prohibit remarriage, but wants people to remain as they are or marry. 

The over all context of 1 Corinthians 7 is to remain in what ever state you are in but that you have not sinned if you can not stay unmarried or if you decide to seek marriage.  Jesus did not change or alter the Law of His time; he explained it in simple understanding to get it back to its simple meaning.  No where in the Old Testament Law or the New Testament is the Bible saying an unmarried person (never married, widowed, or divorced) can’t marry. 

By the direct authority of Jesus to the apostles:  Jesus leaves it up to them to set policy on this matter.

Yes God’s plan from the beginning was that it was “not good for man to be alone.”  Yes God hate’s divorce but that does not negate the fact that God Himself said that it was not good for man to be alone. 

As I have shown, all the New Testament passages agree and none are in conflict with each other with this translation.  The apostle Paul established the rules of the new church or kingdom concerning marriage, divorce and remarriage by the authority of Jesus Himself and Paul said that “if you are divorced and remarry you have not sinned.”

Who are we to continue to rule where God has already ruled in this matter?

Original study was completed on 5/26/2007
(Updated to this study was completed on 6/27/09)

Help Is Needed In Payson, Arizona

The Rim Country Alano Club

What we do: We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping all people who are in 12 Step Recovery to have an alternative safe place to come and fellowship (hang out) for coffee, conversation, special events, etc… instead of bars, drug houses, casino’s or places that influence or jeopardize their addiction.

What we offer: The club has a snack bar, comfortable couches, TV with DVR/CD player, games, books, wireless internet, monthly potluck, monthly recovery speaker meeting, weekly 12 Step Recovery meetings, monthly fun night (bingo or karaoke with prizes), space for recovery meetings, holiday parties, semiannual yard sale, etc.

We are funded by: Membership dues, Voluntary donations, Counter sales of packaged refreshments.

We are all facing hard financial times in the Rim Country right now. The Alano Club is a self-help (501 c 3) organization that helps make Payson a better place for all of us to live.

We are asking for any charitable donation to help keep the doors open in order to help all the Rim Country people (adult and youth) maintain their recovery from addictions, live fuller lives, and rejoin society as upstanding individuals.

All donated financial help is greatly appreciated and is tax deductible.

WE NEED YOUR HELP !!

RIM COUNTRY ALANO CLUB
434 S. Beeline Hwy, Suite A • Payson, AZ 85541• 928-468-8535

Is Getting To heaven really God’s Main Goal For Christians

My question is offered for thoughtful banter and not for all out warfare.

“Was getting us to heaven really the goal of Jesus coming to earth or was there another reason according to scripture as to why Jesus came and heaven is only a by-product of His coming?”

I call into question the following passages of scripture for thought on this topic…

Gen. 3:22-24

Matt. 22:37-40

John 6:44

2 Cor. 5:12-21

“Have you (we) ever stopped to consider that question?

Our impulse might be to blurt out “HEAVEN! I wanna go to heaven!” But, should that really be our motivation?

2 Cor 5:17-21 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Eph 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Does God want each soul to be saved (2 Pet 3:9) simply so that they can go to heaven? Or, is there something more?

Certainly we all want to go to heaven! But why? Is it because of selfish reasons (i.e. I want to be free from pain, sorrow, hardships, and trials) or is it out of a sincere desire to be with God and sing songs of praise to His name for all eternity?

Rev 7:13-15 – Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15″Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

As the passages from 2 Cor 5 and Eph 2 above bear out, we are, through Christ, meant to be instruments of righteousness for the glory and praise of God.

God wants to have a relationship with us and has made such possible through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Heb 9:13-14 – For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Any relationship will ultimately fail if love is not present. And what do we mean when we say “love?”

A sincere interest in the welfare of others.

God certainly has manifested His love towards us (John 3:16), but are you manifesting your love towards God by selflessly serving Him and seeking to live a life that will bring Him joy (John 14:15)?

And so we come back to our original question…why are you a Christian?

Are you in it for you? Or are you in it for God?

Are you selfish? Or are you truly selfless?

May we all begin this week with the attitude of humble servants whose aim is to, in good and honest hearts, bear fruit with patience.”

These thoughts in the “” are offered from another blog website poster for consideration.

As my friend Edwin wrote to me concerning this thought:

“I think this is a great question. It is actually one I’ve considered for a few weeks now. Certainly, Paul in Philippians 3:11 spoke of doing all things so he could attain the resurrection. However, as far as I know, this is the only passage that actually makes heaven our goal. I think Paul’s letter to Titus gives some interesting insight. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great god and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14). Notice that we are waiting for the return of Jesus and the glory that will be revealed. However, Jesus didn’t give Himself just so we could be part of that glorious appearing. Jesus gave Himself so we could be His possession zealous for good works in this present age. In other words, Jesus didn’t die just to save us. Jesus died in order to save us in order that we might be free to do good works.

Consider also Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Why have we been recreated in Christ Jesus? Not so we can go to heaven, but so we can walk in the good works God prepared beforehand.

Note I Timothy 1:5, “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” Some translations say the “goal of our instruction.” Interestingly, the aim or goal is not to get us to heaven. Rather, it is for us to love based on a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Love who? God and others.

Here is where I am. I don’t want to totally discount heaven as a proper goal (I can’t deny the existence of Philippians 3:11). However, the New Testament gives far more air time to the goal of simply wanting to do God’s will because we love Him. I think this is a better goal because when I’m working on trying to attain heaven, I start thinking in checklists and limits. I ask stupid questions like, “Exactly how much do I have to do to go to heaven? Do I really have to do this to go to heaven? Do I really have to avoid this to go to heaven?” I find that for me a better question is, “Am I doing this because I love God?” I’m trying very hard each day to quit thinking in terms of “I’m going to do this so God will bless me” whether the blessing I’m looking for is heaven, victory over some sin, a material blessing, or anything else. I want to act based out of love for God. I’m not fully there yet, but right now I’m more aware of this and working on it.”

Again this is posted for thought and not angry banter.