Jesus HIMSELF Makes the Difference

The One who distinguishes anything from everything is Jesus Christ! He makes everything matter for eternity. He loves and forgives and works with us...never giving up on us. Even when we are weak and burdened and struggle through life, and when the world's cold hard hand attempts to disregard and snuff out the warm nearness of and ministry of the Holy Spirit who filled it at Pentecost, Jesus is there with you. He brings those who have been lost into an incredible loving relationship with Him. Those who have been hurt he renews with His unconditional love and forgiveness. He removes the eternal burden of sin and sting of death and replaces it with eternal life.....HIMSELF! When all is said and done Jesus is worthy of our praise and trust. 

IT'S UNSTOPPABLE

We live in the day where the Antichrist spirit wants to silence truth. It wants to control the Internet, it wants to silence true worshipers of God on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem (this Anti Christ Spirit is unashamed in breaking the boundaries of morality and forcing anything that is not good on others), it wants to silence anyone and everything that rejoices in the amazing nature of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who is both Merciful and Just. But the power of Elohim is far reaching, and His grace has extended to the Gentiles now also.  If you are a Christian your God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who is God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. That means you are no longer considered a Jew if you were, nor a Gentile if you were,  but you're identity is now ONE IN CHRIST JESUS THE LORD.  Yawaeh is Alive and well and completely in control drawing Jews and Gentiles into His Salvation. But anyone who gives credit to Jesus Christ in this day is faced with pressure to be silenced or is faced with some type of repercussion. Business Owners, Ranking Officials in the Armed Forces, Chaplains, Teachers , Principles, Students, Faithful Pastors, Political Leaders, Parents, all of these and more who give credit to, and who acknowledge Jesus Christ and His Word for what it says and who He is are facing some kind of consequence. Even Jews who don't believe in Yeshua HaMashiac ( Jesus Christ) yet, but still worship God the Father are silenced, because the enemy knows God's big plan is to draw Israel back to himself, and finally remove the blinders that are keeping them from seeing Jesus as their Messiah. This is what the Prophet Zachariah declares and it is the day we are entering: "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me ( Jesus Christ) on him ( Jesus Christ) whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The land shall mourn, each family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the Shimeites by itself, and their wives by themselves; and all the families that are left, each by itself, and their wives by themselves. (Zechariah 12:10-14 ESV)"

Do you ever ask why? Do you ever work through the thought and rationale of all this pressure against the truth that can not be stopped and that is inevitable? If you will hate Christ or those who follow Christ what is the reason? If you remain indifferent why?   Do you have an antichrist spirit within you or do you have the Holy Spirit within you? Does the Gospel of Jesus, the Truth, offend you? Do you really understand what the Gospel is or are you going along with the spirit of Antichrist? Satan has installed a system of deception within the world and it operates to keep everyone from understanding true Christianity. Do you know that? Not only this, but the flesh and sinful nature of man is very happy to jump on that band wagon and believe his lies. Think of all the issues that are causing a ruckus in the souls of man because of deception and selfishness: We ask is it right or wrong to abort a baby....and we can't decide when we believe it's a life, like our own,  even when the baby is at third trimester! We ask if it's right or wrong to view pornography, and when it begins showing up in the public movie theaters are we unashamed? Satan loves to mix black and white and make shades of grey so the people can have what they want. We ask if it is right or wrong for a man to have sex with another man or a woman with another woman, or an adult with a child. Why? Are we going to be confused whether it's right or wrong for a person to have sex with an animal, or a group of people to have an orgy? Today the opposite of terrorists are being called a threat. Today the world economy is about to explode. Today the nations are about to approve and support terrorism at its finest through by pressuring Israel to divide its land. Does the world even know it's God's land they are dividing? Does the world even care that the Bible speaks loudly about where we are and what is coming upon us for all this wickedness? Where does morality start? Why does it matter? Why not just condone anything and everything that man wants to do? Because the Bible guides and protects and is full of grace, love, truth, encouragement and warnings about sin and death and improper lifestyles. It tells the end from the beginning! And so it boils down to what is light and darkness; Alive or dead, and if you place your trust in the truth of Jesus Christ. Yet still even in the time of darkness when no one can work, when efforts to silence seem to "succeed",  nothing will silence the truth in the hearts of men when it is finally grasped and Jesus is believed in as Lord and God the Savior of the World. Jesus' blood already cried out. You can't silence the love of God that is being proclaimed from the cross to humanity, and the power of God which raised Christ from the dead. IT'S UNSTOPPABLE! and people surrender to Christ Jesus daily.  You can't keep down what is absolutely right and alive forever. Satan has tried to do that through all of the ages, and his pride brought him down. His lies have deceived so many into working for his cause.... some willingly and knowingly, but most are unaware of his death grip on their mind. All of his efforts have produced bloodshed, pain, confusion, mass casualty and death all because he wants to keep the Gospel of Jesus Christ.... that one message of truth....down, buried, and hidden....controlled....diluted. His tactics are the same today as they have always been, but today they're just bigger and wider in scope. He rules the governments you know? Satan's power is limited, but yet it is big enough to do what the Bible says he is going to do. He does not want anything to do with life, or anything that is good. Satan wants to take as many souls with him down into his eternal fate in the burning lake of fire as he can. But remember, God has faithfully and powerfully intersected humanity amidst all the chaos: Without forcing anyone to choose him he has made a way for us to love him back which is through faith in Jesus Christ!

There are three positions then: There are those who openly serve God and are Born Again, and who trust in His sovereign plan through Jesus by God's grace through faith, 2. There are those who openly serve Satan and who know his diabolical plans and work to destroy ( the terrible wrath of God is not realized even by these otherwise they would repent), and 3. those who are caught in the middle thinking they are ok and "good" people, but don't know that their own sins have a death grip on their souls.  

The real point in all this is that no one can silence the truth which is the power of God to forgive sins, and bring in the freedom to worship God in Spirit and Truth. The point is that those killed for standing for the Gospel... their death is noticed by God and honors God. Standing up for truth is really living. 

This Psalm resonates the one motive of why the truth of Jesus is unstoppable. It's why everyone will bow their knee and confess that Jesus is Lord whether they believe in Him or not. It's why Jews and Gentiles have come and will keep coming to Jesus in faith. It's why Jews who still don't see Jesus Christ as their Messiah are compelled to worship on the Temple Mount. It's why Satan and those who follow him push back so hard against it. They hate the light of life:

Psalm 32

"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah.  I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.  Therefore, let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:1-11 ESV)"

MAYDAY! MAYDAY! DAY 1 - 5/15/15

And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. (‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭11‬ ESV)

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ESV)

Long aMayday! Day 1: 5/15/15
go, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, (‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭1-3‬ ESV)

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (‭Psalm‬ ‭2‬:‭1-12‬ ESV)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭1-11‬ ESV)

I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. (‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭1-3‬ ESV)

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭16-17‬ ESV)

that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭20-23‬ ESV)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28-29‬ ESV)

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭13-14‬ ESV)

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭19, 22‬ ESV)

Sin Is One Way But Repentance Is The Other: Choose Your Way

"Forgiveness is reserved exclusively for those who repent of sin. It’s not available to those who defend, justify or celebrate it." Bryan Fischer

The only one with the moral authority to condemn somebody to death because of their sin is the one without sin. No one is without sin but One, and His name is Jesus Christ. In John 8:11 it says, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” 

Jesus is making an extremely important point with his response that we should heed, because if we get it wrong there are serious consequences. It is obvious that Jesus is not saying it's okay to sin. When he said that he does not condemn her, it was because he was going to die in her place. The fact is that someone had to die for the sin, and it was either her or Him. Just hearing that should bring great conviction and thanks to us. Conviction because we are all sinners, and thanks because Jesus is actually willing to die for us in our place! He was going to take her condemnation and everyone else's upon himself, and because of that he commanded her to repent or stop committing adultery. He commands all of us to stop sinning. He is saying take my death seriously, because there's nothing else that can forgive your sins but my blood. If you do not repent then you will have to face the law and its justice on your own. If you repent and live a life of repentance and follow me I will be your Great High Priest or the one who washes away all your sins past, present and future. That is what Jesus is saying. Jesus knows we will struggle with sin even after we repent, but to be really born of his Spirit and Truth means that we will hate our sin, we will not justify what we do that is wrong, we will not celebrate it or be proud of it. We will work to stop it. We will take his word for what it says. "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ." Romans 6:23

If we are not covered by the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, it is because we have not repented of our sins nor have put our trust fully in Christ. It is because we are not ashamed of our sin. It is because we are proud and justify what we do that is wrong according to scripture. It is because we change the meaning of what the Bible says to fit our own ways and understanding. 

What is our fate if we don't take the Bible at it's word as individuals and as a nation? It is very serious. 

I am crying out for my nation, those I know, for my own family and my self. I am beseeching those who know God to cry out as well for His Mercy and Grace, and to pour out his Spirit of repentance and Godly sorrow over our hearts and minds. 

I know my sins throughout my life, and I have not hidden my sins in my fight against it and pursuit of repentance before God. When I do sin I'm convicted, I weep, and I hate all of my sins because it is all against God who is perfect and righteous and who lovingly died to save me.   Nothing of who I am the good bad and ugly is hidden before the living God. My wife knows me for all of who I am and many close friends and family as well.   I do fear the living God and tremble at his Word. The Bible says to confess our sins one to another and pray for one another that we might be healed. I do not see one of my sins as better then another or worse because it is all the same before God. In the same way, my sins are not better nor worse then other people's. We ought not compare our sins as if someone is better off or worse off, because without Jesus the sentence is the same for us all. On the contrary, we ought to realize that Jesus provides the same freedom from sin for us all if we surrender to him and believe in Him. Jesus says the same thing to all of us as he said to the adulterous woman, because we are all on the same playing field. We're all guilty and our Accuser is right. We are not worthy to be saved, but Jesus says, I do not condemn you if you acknowledge you are a sinner who is dead without me, if you depend on me and trust me to put my spirit of repentance within you, to forgive you and save you from eternal death by placing your trust in my life, death and resurrection for you. Believe that I am God and that I am able to do this! 

All sin is grievous and shameful. It is deadly and deceiving. It causes confusion and separates us from the light of life Jesus. We must separate ourselves from our sins and solely be identified to Christ. He is Life after Death! He has the power to regenerate us and make us new creations. He has the power to break the strongholds of sin on our lives. By  Jesus Christ's authority Satan, his demons and lies must flee. 

At all costs, we must not condone sin and make it ok as a people. We must not embrace it, identify with it nor legalize it in our hearts or we are most assuredly going to be separated from eternal life. Alternatively, we must renounce sin, all of it, and put our trust in Jesus to free us from it and give us his nature. 

PSALMS 32

Prayer for Mercy and Grace. The Window is Still Open.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you in the name of your son Jesus Christ. We thank you for you, and we thank you and praise you for your unchanging nature and character. We thank you for your Word that you have faithfully given to us throughout the ages so that we might know you, and hear you, and see you. Without your Word we cannot know you or understand your ways. You are such a faithful God in righteousness, holiness, justice, compassion. Everything good comes from you. Every breath that we breathe, and every step that we take is from you. You hold all things together through your son Jesus Christ. We come before you this day on behalf of our nation. Lord Jesus, we petition you to pour out your Spirit on this country. Your spirit of conviction. Your Spirit of humility, your Spirit of faith and your Spirit of repentance. Lord Jesus, we pray for your will to be done for this country. We ask for mercy and grace. We confess that we have forgotten you in our daily lives, we have neglected your Word, we have turned away to our own ways of thinking and doing. We have pushed you out of all of the areas of our lives, our schools, our government, our courts, our churches, and this by our pride and sinful nature. You cannot bless us if we do not honor you, and if we do not stop and turn around. We pray today that you would in your most merciful kindness deal with our pride. We are calling things that you consider evil and wicked as good. And we are calling things that are good and right and true as evil. We as a nation are backwards and stiff necked because of our pride. We as a nation are apathetic and have turned toward ourselves rather than outward looking to you for answers in humility and godly sorrow for our sins. Our sins are grevious and our hidden sins are obvious. Each one of us has turned to our own way, and you are warning us as a nation, as individuals to stop and turn around and face the reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But we resist your gospel truth about your son Jesus Christ because of our pride. We know this because of the way that we talk to each other, the way that we run from each other, the way that we teach in our churches, the way that we live in our homes when the doors are closed. Every good thing comes from you Lord God please unstop our ear, and open up our blind eyes. You are willing Lord. We praise you and thank you that you are willing still. The window of your mercy and grace is still open. May we be shaken Lord Jesus so that what remains is faith in you. Thank you Heavenly Father and in your Son's name Jesus we pray. 

Prayer In Jesus' Name Will Change Things!

HOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA

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"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." John 14: 13-14

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." John 15:7

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." John 15:16

"In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16: 23-24

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."1 John 5:13-15

The Best Things God Has For You Are Free!

The Living God wants a living relationship with people. He is Spirit and Truth, and those who want to experience Him must seek Him in Spirit and Truth. That is a conditional requirement for having a relationship that is alive with Him. To seek God you must be humbled.  The Spirit of God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. The Spirit of God points to Jesus Christ, the 2nd Person of the Triune God. The reason is because through Jesus Christ God the Father is making a way for all sin and death to be defeated. The blood of Jesus is the literal cleansing agent for all of our sin. Sin is more accurately a human nature problem not a human behavior problem, so it's our nature that keeps us from the Living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. No one is good by nature, and no one is seeking God really. What really is happening is the Living God is pursuing you, doing all that is necessary to really save you from yourself. If you want to meet the Living God today pray that your heart will be humbled. Every good thing comes from the Father. The really good things of God are 1. A broken and contrite heart, 2. A humble heart and mind, 3. Faith to believe in who and what Jesus did for you personally. 4. Salvation for eternity with the Living and Loving God. 

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love....." (Isaiah 55:1-3 ESV)

Mercy May Run Out For Some....But Not All.

Been listening to the Psalms. Today was Psalm 94 and it just describes the ever growing condition of our world and how God views the condition of pride. God waits until the very last minute before he pours out any kind of judgment. He would prefer mercy over justice so Ge waits. But there comes a time when He has to move forward. Think of all the examples throughout history where God gives people the chance to do the right thing....Basically to turn from their own ways and put their trust in His lovingkindness ( Jesus Christ His Son). I am praying for God's mercy to the very last moment for the world and those I know. Even as our world keeps moving away from Him this Psalm is just another faithful warning from the God who has never changed. 

Psalm 94:

O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage. They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.” Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge— the Lord —knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath. Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers? If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the Lord our God will wipe them out. (Psalm 94:1-23 ESV)

God's Mercy Frees Souls from the Grip of Satan- Amen!

This is a testimony that shatters the darkness and exposes the religion of the enemy of our souls- the Devil. If you have a hard time believing that there is a spiritual realm, and that there is a war raging for your soul, and against the fulfillment of the purpose of your life in Jesus Christ then this testimony of John Ramirez will help you see the intensity of the battle. The reality of the spiritual realm is more real then this material world we experience everyday. People are spiritual beings that will either spend eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ, because they have been forgiven their sin, or they will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire with Satan and his demons because they did not put their faith in Jesus as the one who takes away sin. This is no joke. This world is ruled by Satan and he so blinds, and deceives, and seeks to keep those who do not know Jesus from a personal relationship with him, and from receiving the eternal salvation that Jesus possesses within himself. Satan also works over time to keep Christians from fulfilling the divine purpose God has for them in this life. Although this testimony is intense, it is real and a rare eye opener to the reality of the dark side and the reality of the power of Jesus Christ to save souls that cry out to him for mercy...to free them from themselves, and the grip of Satan even to the very last seconds of death.  This testimony will encourage you tremendously...perspective is everything!! 

Escape From Hell - Ex Satan Worshiper John Ramirez Testimony

The Commands of Hebrews

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ NLT)

That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness.

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.” (‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭7-8, 12-13, 15‬ NLT)

God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.

So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭1, 7, 14, 16‬ NLT)

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.

Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭1, 11-12‬ NLT)

They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.” (‭Hebrews‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬ NLT)

For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭10, 22-25, 32, 35-36‬ NLT)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?

Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.

Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1-3, 5, 7, 9, 12-16, 25, 28-29‬ NLT)

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.

So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore.

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. And especially pray that I will be able to come back to you soon.

I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to pay attention to what I have written in this brief exhortation.

Greet all your leaders and all the believers there. The believers from Italy send you their greetings. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭1-5, 7-9, 13, 15-19, 22, 24‬ NLT)

The Commands of Philemon

And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.

I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.

So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. (‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭6, 10, 17-18‬ NLT)

The Commands of Titus

This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. (‭Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬ NLT)

As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say. (‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭1-10, 12-13, 15‬ NLT)

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.

Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive. Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us. May God’s grace be with you all. (‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭1-2, 9-10, 14-15‬ NLT)

The Commands of 2nd Timothy

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭6-8, 13-14‬ NLT)

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.

Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.”

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1-3, 7-8, 14-16, 19, 21-25‬ NLT)

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.

They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1, 5, 14‬ NLT)

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

Timothy, please come as soon as you can.

Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.

When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus.

Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1-2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 19, 21‬ NLT)

The Commands of 1 Timothy

When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭3-4, 15, 19‬ NLT)

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.

Women should learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1-2, 8-9, 11-12‬ NLT)

Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭4, 7, 11-16‬ NLT)

Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters. Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.

So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them.

For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others. I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone. Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭1-3, 14, 18-23‬ NLT)

All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching. If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭1-2, 11-12, 14, 17-18, 20‬ NLT)

The Commands of 2nd Thessalonians

Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.

With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. (‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭2-3, 15‬ NLT)

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us.

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister. (‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭1-2, 6, 13-15‬ NLT)