SACRED TRUST

 

“The Lord’s portion is His people.” Deuteronomy 32:9

 

What God wants most out of all the things that He has created is you, you and the other people that He has made.

 

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. “ Acts 20:28 God has placed the care of His people, His bride, and the gifts they give Him into the hands of men.

 

God has given man clear instructions in His word about all aspects of this sacred trust.  And He has given His living examples in the scriptures.

 

“Show me your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4

 

 

 

                           1 Speak My Words

 

 

When people go to church they are drawing near to God. When a teacher or preacher stands before God’s people he is standing in the place of God. God would not be giving His people the thoughts, ideas, or sentiments of the latest successful preacher or philosopher. God is infinitely greater than all. He would be giving His thoughts, ideas, instructions, and sentiments. (He created all things, all of this universe. Man can’t make a breath of air or a blade of grass).

 

“And he said to me, Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and speak to them with my words.” Ezekiel 3:4

 

Humans wrote all the books on earth except one. 2,500 times the phrases ‘Thus says the Lord’ and ‘God said’ are found in the 31,102 verses of the Bible. That’s averages out to be every 12.4 verses. The Bible is a record of what God has said to man. God has given no command to speak, teach, or preach our thoughts, our words, our inspiration or our vision to His people. His words are the only words that are living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). His words are the only words that change hearts (Jeremiah 23:29).

 

“So will my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper in what I send it to do.” Isaiah 55:11 The One who made all things by HIS WORD has promised success when that word is given out.

 

“For the prophecy did not come in ancient times by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2Peter 1:21 “All scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2Timothy 3:16, 17 ‘Thoroughly furnished’ means that it is all you need.

 

             "If they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings." Jeremiah 23:22

 

 

 

 

                               2 All My Words

 

 

God has been clear about how much of His word is to be spoken to His people.

 

“But he answered and said, “It is written, Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

 

“Thus says the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’S house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’S house, all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not diminish a word…” Jeremiah 26:2

 

              If all the other words spoken in the usual Sunday morning service were typed out and counted, it adds up to more than 3-4 chapters of the Bible. If that much of God’s word was read from the pulpit every Sunday morning, the whole Bible could be covered every seven years.

 

            “And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God in the place which he will choose, you will read this law before all Israel in their hearing…that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And that their children, which have not known, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land where you go over Jordan to possess it. For he is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land.” Deuteronomy 31:10-13 This is for the children too, all that are able to understand. This is vital. He is our life.

 

               God has given us all His illustrations and explanations. He has arranged it in His order—beginning at the beginning and ending at the end.

 

              “Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1Corinthians 14:40   Begin at the beginning and end at the end. And then do it again:  not starting over teaching through the Bible each time new people come to your church. If you do what God says, He will bring new people all the time. You’ll always be starting over and never finish. Respect those who have been keeping up, and respect God’s command.

 

              The entire congregation should be encouraged to read through the whole Bible on their own at least once each year.  It’s a shame and embarrassment how little we know God’s word. _
 

              When we disagree with what God says about anything, He is not the one that is wrong.

 

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8

 

“…charge some that they teach no other doctrine…” 1Tim. 1:3

 

“If any man will add to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man will take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18, 19

 

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield to those that put their trust in him. Do not add to His words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar. “Proverbs 30:5, 6

 

   

 

                          3 The Bread of Life

 

And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me will never hunger; and he that believes on me will never thirst. John 6:35

 

And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

 

From speaking Creation into being in Genesis 1 to His making a new heavens and new earth at the end of Revelation, God is revealed in His word. God’s shepherds are to teach God’s sheep God’s word so that they might know God—because to know Him is life (Deuteronomy 30:20).

 

To know God is to love Him. There is nothing more astonishing or fulfilling than knowing God. It fills man’s heart with joy like nothing else. “You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

 

Over-explaining bores people. God is never boring. Our opinions are not as interesting to others as they are to us.  His words are to be read clearly and distinctly, made clear, and then emphasize what it shows them about God.

 

God’s word is His food for His people’s hearts, minds, and souls. The more food is chewed, the less tasty it is. The more food is cooked, the less nutrients it has.

 

Does it seem like a small thing to you to have eaten up the good pasture, but must you tread down with your feet the remainder of your pastures? And to have drunk of the deep waters, but must you foul the remainder with your feet?" Ezekiel 34:18

 

 

 

                           4 God’s Infinite Gift

 

 

“Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost and teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” Matthew 28:19, 20 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

 

This is a sacred trust.

 

A ‘more subtle’ form of evangelism is proudly announced by many today—humanitarian aid. We should always be willing to help others with basic necessities, but that is not the gift that the church is to give to the world. That is not the gift that our Lord died to give to the world. “For what will it profit a man, if he will gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark 8:36

 

Our Lord left the infinite glory of heaven to come to earth and die to give eternal life to the world. To give humanitarian aid alone is to rob the world of eternal life in the most exquisite eternity that could be possible. Missions of all sorts are falling into this blindness of the enemy. The people who have been given food, clothing, and medical aid but not God’s gift of eternal life may spend eternity burning in a lake of fire instead of basking in the joy of the exquisite love of the Almighty God in a place of beauty beyond imagination. The robbery of this is astounding!

 

God’s gift to the world is infinitely bigger than giving away cashier’s checks for billions of dollars. God’s people should be excited about this. God’s work is the most dazzling occupation ever. Their work is to give away this gift…free!

 

He that overcomes will inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he will be my son.” Revelation 21:7

 

“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God: and her light was like a stone most precious, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal…

 

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones.

 

The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

 

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass…

 

And I saw no temple in it: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it: for the glory of God lightened it, and the Lamb is its light." Revelation 21:10-23

 

 

 

                              5 House of Prayer

 

             

             God has been clear about the purpose of His church building. “I will bring them to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all people.” Isaiah 56:7

 

              Have you ever needed to pray but the noise and commotion going on around you was so loud that you couldn’t focus? Imagine God’s holy temple sounding like a gaggle of geese before and after the worship service. It would be good to set a tone of quiet reverence at church so that people may enter the presence of God and focus on Him.

 

              Much of the noise comes from loving hearts being glad to see one another, greeting, catching up. It is not wrong, but the place is wrong. Try to keep the running children and socializing outside the sanctuary.

 

But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk 2:20

 

 

 

                                   6 Leaders

 

             

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,” Numbers 27:16

 

               They are called bishops, deacons, elders, pastors and shepherds, they lead God’s people. God has been clear in His instructions about the qualifications for the leaders of His people. God said nothing about Ph. D’s, Masters of Theology, Doctorates of Divinity. Listen to God’s qualifications.

 

              “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife [no current bigamy, mistresses, or secret affairs], vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of money; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

 

              One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)

 

              Not new converts. So they won't, being lifted up with pride, fall into the condemnation of the devil.

 

              Moreover he must have a good reputation with those outside the church; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

 

              Likewise the deacons must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of money; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

 

              And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 1Timothy 3:2-13

 

              A man who is young, but has been a Christian, learning the word of God throughout his life would be acceptable. An older man who is a new believer is not acceptable for leadership positions. It takes quite a while to know the word of God and to develop a humble relationship with the Lord.

 

              Men who have been believers a long time but do not know God’s word should not be placed in leadership positions because they do not know what God’s instructions are.

 

              Lastly, there is to be a trial period or a time of probation to see if the qualified person remains stable, faithful, and dependable as a leader of God’s people.

 

If no qualified men are available, do not lower the standard, but pray for God to send qualified men. Disregard stipulations or qualifications that men have added to what God has clearly said.

 

God has even put in His word the words to say at ordination services for leaders:


 

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:1-5

 

 

 

                                 7 In His Love

 

 

Looking at God in the Bible is an awesome glory. It fills the heart with wonder. It terrifies. If we do not remind ourselves and others how much God loves us, our awe of Him separates us from Him.

 

For this reason the communion service should be the latter part of every worship service… not just once a month. During the communion service each person is reminded of who God is by partaking of the bread and his great love for us by partaking of the wine.

 

Suggested verses to read before communion:

 

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

 

1Peter 1:18, 19 For you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

 

1 Corinthians 11:24 “This is my body broken for you.”

 

Luke 22:20 “This is my blood shed for you.”

 

John 15:13 Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

Some places in scriptures sound terrifying. But this is what God said to say to His people. Sinful man needs to be warned. Isn’t it better to hear a strong warning than to walk into punishment? 6,000 needless deaths occur every year because people try to beat the train at railroad crossings. Is the railroad company harsh or mean to put up warning signs and barriers? God is not being harsh when He warns us not to trespass against His holiness. The results of crossing God are painful and can be eternal and irrevocable.

 

One pastor told the congregation that he knew we would see the Lord Jesus in heaven but didn’t know if we would be presented before the Almighty, our heavenly Father.  Jesus told us the answer to that question in His parable of the prodigal son.

 

              “I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you, and am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of your hired servants.

 

              And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son.

 

              But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet…” Luke 15:18-22 The ring was the checkbook. Though the son had squandered his father’s wealth he was totally reinstated.

 

              We will be very close to our heavenly Father in heaven. God always watches for His wandering children, runs to them, embraces them with all the love in His heart, and restores them to Himself.

 

“To him that overcomes I will grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Revelation 3:21

 

“He that overcomes will inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he will be my son.” Revelation 21:7

 

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:21

 

“…Your love is better than wine.” Song of Solomon 1:2 _

 

“…in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

 

 

 

                     8 Benefits

 

           

             God’s word gives us new birth. “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever.” 1Peter 1:23

 

God’s word protects us. “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 “For I, says the LORD, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.” Zechariah 2:5 “But You, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.” Psalm 3:3

 

God’s word prospers us. “This book of the law will not depart out of your mouth; but you will meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it: for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8

 

“Blessed is the man that does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in its season; his leaf will not wither; and whatever he does will prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3

 

“Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.”

 

“The words I speak to you they are Spirit and they are life.” John 6:63 “Set your hearts to all the words which I testify among you this day, that you will command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not an empty thing for you; because it is your life: and through this you will prolong your days in the land, where you go over Jordan to possess it.” Deuteronomy 32:46, 47 

 
God’s word purifies us.“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1Peter 1:22 “Now you are clean through the word I have spoken to you.” John 15:3

 

God’s word brings us into His ‘promised land’ for us. “That you may love the LORD your God, and that you may obey his voice, and that you may cling to him: for he is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them…” Deuteronomy 30:20

 

God’s word teaches our children to fear Him so that their lives will be blessed.“And that their children, who have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land where you go over Jordan to possess it; for he is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land…” Deuteronomy 31:13 Solong lifecomes from hearing and observing God’s word.

 

God shows Himself to us in His word. “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27 Jesus Christ was the bodily representation of God (Colossians 2:9). He often stated plainly who He was and then proved it by doing things that no other person has ever done or can do. During life on earth He demonstrated His control over all nature, all illness, and even death. The final proof that Jesus is God was His bodily resurrection.

 

God’s word builds us up and gives us an inheritance.“For I have not avoided declaring to you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from your own selves will men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after themselves.Therefore watch, and remember, that for three years I did not stop warning every one night and day with tears. And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all those that are sanctified. Acts 20:27-32

 

God wants His people to have all of the benefits of His word. We withhold all these benefits from God’s people if we do not teach them all of His word. Through God’s word we know the love, comfort, protection, guidance, provision, and prosperity of the Creator of the universe! To not give this to God’s people is a theft beyond measure.

 

 

 

                           9 Wholly Following

 

 

"Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, will see the land that I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: Except Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.” Numbers 32:11, 12

 

We don’t see God’s promised land for us if we do not wholly follow Him.

 

A subtle evil in Christianity today is that people are elevated and honored and followed. Their words are placed above God’s words. We need to put God back in His place… LORD of all. Let us put man back in his place as blessed servants all equal to one another.

 

“For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that plants any thing or he that waters; but God that gives the increase." 1 Corinthians 3:4-7

 

Denominations within the church have developed over the centuries through trying to stand in God’s truth and avoid heresy. But they often fall into heresy by following the sayings of men, writing their own books, and following their own traditions rather than the Word of God.

 

Denominations risk the errors of:

 

1) Trusting other men instead of the Lord. “Thus says Jehovah: “Cursed is the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from Jehovah.” Jeremiah 17:5

 

             2) Denominations risk making decisions to protect their own turf rather than doing God’s will. The Pharisees protected their own turf rather than welcoming the Lord of heaven and earth into His world, His nation, and their lives. “If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” John 11:48

 

              3) Denominations, like any governing body, risk becoming top heavy hierarchies using the peoples gifts to God the maintain their infrastructure rather than reaching out with God’s priceless gift. God commissioned faithful men with the care of His church. Administration is necessary but the Lord didn’t commission hierarchies.

 

              Jesus is the head. “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18

 

              “But do not be called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all of you are brothers. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:8-11

 

4) Denominations often put their system above God’s word. Even though that system came from God’s word. Those who want to ‘wholly follow’ the Lord in denominations are forced to challenge an ‘existing system that is based on self-preservation.’ (unknown)

 

Whatever I command you, observe to do it: you will not add to it, or take away from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32

 

It is scriptural for local bodies of His church to support one another, but hierarchies made of men who make pronouncements that oppose the word of God are wrong. The Pharisees of Jesus day had added so many rules above God’s word that it filled another book. Jesus rebuked this. “But in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:9, Mark 7:7

 

Three major denominations in America require that the lectionary Bible readings are used prime time Sunday morning. The lectionary Bible only includes 1/6 of the Bible! Most pastors read and sermonize on one of the four short passages listed for each week…that is 1/24 of God’s word given out every three years. That is not of God. That is a tradition of men that is against God’s stated word.

 

A man with God can stand alone. That man stands in God and His power. God will provide all that is necessary. It is right for men to leave denominations that will not change to follow the scriptures. Furthermore, the money spent on the salaries of the hierarchy could be spent training and sending workers around the world into His field ripe to harvest. “Then He said to his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” Matthew 9:37

 

‘Unleavened bread’ has great significance to the teaching of the word of God. How many men teach God’s truth purely: His whole truth and nothing but His truth? “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he (Jesus) expounded to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27

 

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified." 1Corinthians 2:2 

 

Pride is the leaven that leavens the whole lump. Men often place their own understanding or personal application and experiences of a passage above the words of God. “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Proverbs 20:6

 

“If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man ministers, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1Peter 4:11

 

              “For we are not as many, who corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

 

              “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3 Anything that seems heavy or grievous, is not properly understood. People distort scripture more than anything on earth, placing heavy burdens on others that God did not intend.

 

Who knows more than God? Who would dare to edit God? Where do we get the idea that pastors today have to write sermons? God has given us HIS message. When we make it clear we are letting Him speak! Do we dare do anything else?

 

“The LORD of hosts says this; If you will walk in my ways, and if you will keep my charge, then you will also judge my house, and will also keep my courts, and I will give you places to walk among these that stand by.” Zechariah 3:7

 

Those that stand by are the hosts of heaven. This is one of God’s promises to those who faithfully follow God’s instructions. “And he said, Hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.” 1 Kings 22:19

 

 

 

                                  10 Leavening

 

 

"Then scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem came to Jesus, asking, Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.

 

But he answered and said unto them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor your father and mother: and, He that curses father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whoever will say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever you might be profited by me; And does not his father or his mother, he will be free.

 

By this you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. You hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draw near me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. In vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:1

 

“We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he has done.”Psalm 78:4

 

I will meditate also of all your work, and talk of your doings.” Psalm 77:12

 

God gave us His word to teach us of Him. Christianity is a relationship with our Creator based on His work, not ours. If people go home from church occupied with the text rather than occupied with God something is wrong.

 

When a pastor studies God’s word, he is fed. But if he gives the church his own thoughts about the passage rather than just what God says…he is feeding the sheep pre-chewed food with the nourishment sucked out of it. Jesus is the bread/food of life.

 

It is evil to teach the principles of God but leave out the person of God and the word of God. That is the basis of Satan’s system. He promotes goodness and welfare but leaves out the Creator and Source of life. Let's pray that our words do not distract from God’s words, but only shine light on God’s words.

 

Don’t be concerned about explaining with grand rhetoric or flowery speech. Just be simple and clear. “… unless you utter words easy to be understood, how will it be known what is spoken? You will speak into the air.” 1 Corinthians 14:9

 

“And Moses said to the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, not now or since you have spoken to your servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said to him, Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the LORD?” Exodus 4:10

 

“Not with excellency of speech or wisdom, not enticing words of man’s wisdom but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery which God ordained before the world to our glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-7, 13 God’s words are the most eloquent.

 

Christianity has become encumbered with things not of God, dimming the pure light of His truth. God moved peoples and nations of history to make object lessons for us.

 

“Now all these things happened to them for examples: and are written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the world have come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11

 

Since God caused these things to happen for us it is wise to use them rather than other things. “The Lord said, For these people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips they honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their reverence toward me is taught by the precept of men: (this was a judgment against them). Isaiah 29:13

 

“…Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 1Cor. 5:6

 

… if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root is holy, so are the branches.” Romans 11:16

 

Let's follow Christ’s example. “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father who sent me commanded what I should say and what I should speak.” John 12:49

 

Our Master’s plan of evangelism is person-to-person, heart to heart. The master’s plan of teaching is to train while you teach. Jesus illustrated this perfectly. Jesus wasn’t trained in seminary and didn’t send His disciples to seminary.

 

“And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, commit to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” 2Timothy 2:2

 

              Each truth in scripture is like a gemstone with many facets. All doctrines must take into view all scriptures on that subject. Division comes from lack of focus on Jesus Christ as the head and also from incomplete knowledge of each topic and leaving out verses that do not agree with our personal opinion.

            

              When God says something that seems hard to understand, don’t reject it because you don’t understand it, pray for understanding; seek the whole truth. Who are we to disagree with anything that God has said?

 

              God’s work is not done without His word. The Power of the church is the Word of God, understood and applied to the hearts of mankind by His Holy Spirit. When that is left out…the church has no power.

 

              The more of God’s word that is given to God’s people, the more power those people have and therefore the more power that church has. “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all their host by the breath of his mouth. For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9

 

 

                                   

                                 11 Details

 

ATTENDANCE

 

God promised Israel that He would make them as numerous as the stars. When David checked up on God regarding this, he brought judgment on God’s people._ Attendance can be counted for the purpose of knowing how much to fix at communion. But the information should not be published for the general church knowledge to boast about a large number in attendance or to shame people with a small number or to pressure them into inviting others.
 

“And David’s heart struck him after that he had numbered the people. And David said to the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beg you, O LORD, take away the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.” 2Samuel 24:10

 

 

IMAGES

 

             “You are more beautiful than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God has blessed You forever.” Psalm 45:2_ The Lord is so beautiful that all attempts at picturing Him are wrong and therefore blasphemous. 

 

“And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire: you heard the voice of the words, but saw no likeness; you only heard a voice.” Deuteronomy 4:12

 

You will not bow down to their gods, or serve them, or do their works: but you will utterly overthrow them, and completely break down their images. Exodus 23:24

 

TEACHING ABOUT OTHER RELIGIONS

 

“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of your mouth.” Exodus 23:13 God told His people not to mention the names of other gods and not to ask about them or how they were to be worshipped. Anything that goes into our minds plants a seed. This is not a seed that we want to plant anywhere. It is a seed of death.

 

“Be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you do not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left; That you not come among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods or cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cling to the LORD your God, as you have done until this day. Joshua 23:6-8

 

“For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.” Psalm 96:5

 

 

TRUSTEES

 

“He that is guarantor for a stranger will smart for it: and he that hates guarantorship is secure.” Proverbs 11:15_Trustees of church property are not to be held personally accountable for lawsuits toward the church.
 

“My son, if you be guarantor for your friend, if you have shook hands with a stranger, Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, when you have come into the hand of your friend; go, humble yourself, and make sure your friend.” Proverbs 6:1, 3

 

 

SPECIAL CLERGICAL CLOTHES

 

“Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts… Luke 20:46

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

 

It is never wrong to teach God’s word to children. It is commanded in John 21:15. However, God placed the primary responsibility for teaching children in their parent’s hands.

 

“And you will teach them diligently to your children, and will talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:7, 11:19

 

“For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children. That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children…”Psalm 78:5. 6

 

God’s word presents the realities of life in a way that is interesting and acceptable to most above the age of four. Children will do fine in adult services if disciplined by their parents to remain quiet. The message is only boring if presented in a highly technical manner or the pastor pontificates at length.

 

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 The eventual goal is for children to be active in the adult assembly of God’s people, so train them up that way.

 

The decline in the health of the church began a hundred years ago when Sunday School became the main venue for teaching the Bible. The church service became primarily for ‘worship.’ God’s words were not given prime time any longer. Yet listening to God through hearing His word is the most basic form of worship—personal or group worship.

 

Because predators do not announce themselves but are ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ and child abuse is rampant (even in churches) it seems best to leave children under care of their parents if abundant adult supervision for all children is not available.

 

Hands on Bible has lesson plans filled with wonder that draw the children into the action and causes them to remember what they learned. These lessons can be used by parents as well as teachers.


 

OFFERINGS

 

In the Bible, gifts to God, tithes, and offerings were taken care of before worship. As people entered the temple they placed their offerings in a box on the right of the entrance.

Nowhere in scripture was an offering plate passed during a worship service. That is a tradition of men. Right in the middle of trying to focus man’s heart on God, should we turn their eyes to money?

 

And worse, should we make a sales pitch for money before passing the plate, using scriptures regarding money? Should we beat the sheep over the head/heart with God’s word to get them to give? When God’s word is presented properly, people will grow to love God, the pews will be full, and their offerings will flow freely.


 

“But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put in it all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.” 2Kings 12:9

 

“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and watched how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.” Mark 12:41

 

Special Offerings: “On the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1Corinthians 16:2

 

“For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to what he does not have.” 2Corinthians 8:12 This scripture cancels the tradition of pledge cards promising money before you get it.

 

              “Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Corinthians 9:7

 

 

COMMUNION

 

All people that believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for their sins are members of the body of Christ and should be welcome to partake of the communion service in any Christian Church. “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God…” 1John 5:1 The ‘members only’ policy is a tradition of men. “…making the word of God of no effect through your tradition,” Mark 7:13

 

The bread represents Jesus, all that He is and does. The wine represents the Father's great love for us by the gift of His Son and His Son's death for our sins. Not understanding these two things causes much suffering and death in this life. “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (are dead).” 1Corinthians 11:30

 

             “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9

 

All are given the bread/cup and then wait to partake together. 1 Corinthians 11:33

 

When Jesus initiated the communion service in the upper room the night before He died, they sung a hymn to conclude. So the communion service should end with a hymn. “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:30



 

CHILDRENS COMMUNION

 

But Jesus said, Allow the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

 

 

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION

 

“And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering on the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel. 2Chronicles 29:27 The burnt offering was their picture of the wine that our communion cup represents, God’s love poured out for us.

 

 

WOMEN PASTORS AND TEACHERS

 

“But I do not allow a woman to teach, or to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” 1Timothy 2:12 Why should women go against this command when we can pray for God to prepare men to fulfill His will?

 

“In the same way, the older women are to behave in a way that beautifies holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. Titus 2:3

 

 

USING THE SHEEP

 

Shepherds who push new believers or new church members into ‘service’ to keep them coming back to church, rather than nurturing them in the love relationship with God are false shepherds looking to build a reputation for themselves rather than building God’s kingdom.

 

Using God’s flock to get money, to make your living is worse. If you are actually doing the job, then receiving your living from them is right.

 

            “For thus says the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. I will feed them in a good pasture, and on the high mountains of Israel: there will they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture will they feed on the mountains of Israel.

 

             I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, says the Lord GOD. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.” Ezekiel 34:11-16

 

 

THE IDOL OF SERVICE

 

To fill ones needs by the service that God has given us to do makes that service an idol. That is not to say that there is not a fulfillment in fulfilling God’s work for your life. “But he (Jesus) said to them, I have food to eat that you do not know of. Therefore the disciples said one to another, Has any man brought him something to eat? Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” John 4:32

 

The shepherd’s only goal is to get his own eyes and heart solely on God and then lead his sheep into that same place. From that place all good works toward the brothers in Christ and unbelievers can be fulfilled without risk of taking the glory to oneself. Doing things for God makes service about us and what good Christians we are. Spending time with God, in His word, listening to Him, that’s about Him.

 

 

CHURCH STALKERS

 

People are so deeply needy, so spiritually and emotionally hungry to be loved. But often they do not know that it is God that they need. Many are just looking for a friend. We must be certain that we do not allow ourselves to become the focus and solution of the needs of others…we must give them God who is always with them. We need to be there for them, but to point them to the One who is waiting to supply all their need according to His riches in glory.

 

All leaders and ushers need to be watching for people who are emotional stalkers and real stalkers. Also instruct ushers to watch and listen for people networking for business connections. Many unsuspecting persons in God’s flock have been fleeced by a member of a congregation. Part of protecting the flock from wolves is to remove those who are at church for personal gain. No one should be approached at church about anything other than God.

 

Church directories may not be wise for this reason. Protect God’s flock. Don’t make available names, addresses, and phone numbers. People can share their personal information with those they wish.

 

 

BOARD MEETINGS

 

Administration is necessary but should not become cumbersome. It should not be filled with the ways of the world. Include everything needed and nothing not needed. When everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing it is seen by all. When they aren’t, that also is obvious. Nothing should be done that is against what God’s word says. Don’t let it become committee ‘trumpet blowing time.’

 

 

CIRCLE GROUPS

 

Having people sit in a circle to pray, study, or any activity put peoples eyes on those across from them. When all face front, then there is less distraction and personality conflicts.

 

TESTIMONIALS:

 

 During the worship service at church… So little is heard of His word; so little time is allotted to Him in our busy schedules. We have all week to testify one on one about what God has done in our lives. Anything more than a couple of sentences becomes about us rather than God, a bragamony instead of a testimony, taking the focus off of God and onto ourselves. The time that we spend in church or Bible study is God’s time and shouldn’t be used to talk about ourselves. Too many details about ourselves distracts peoples minds off God. Don’t take what belongs to God.

 

 

GROUP DISCUSSIONS:

 

      God has enough to say to keep us all occupied for eternity. Our opinions are nothing compared to His truths. He has explained what He means in detail. To open for discussion sets His superior knowledge aside to flatter people by listening to their opinion. God is infinitely astounding; His gifts are infinitely astounding. Boring His hungry flock with boring sermons is blasphemy. Yet the most boring man filled with God’s Holy Spirit while speaking God’s words will hold captive his audience to the filling of their souls with the word and person of God.

 

 

GOD FIRST:

 

When ‘love one another’ is stressed rather than ‘love God with all your heart’ then God’s stated priority is reversed. “Jesus said to him, You will love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37

 

We have no power to love others until we keep ourselves in the love of God. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:21

 

 

DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAMS:

 

Discipleship programs often take scriptural principles but leave out the scriptures themselves or they leave out the person of God. To tell people to love others but leave out God and his love for them personally leaves out the heart and center of it all.

 

Evil takes what is God’s and leaves out the heart, God himself. God’s word disciples God’s people. How can we be transformed into his image by leaving out the very center? We are just making cookie cutter Christians that follow a set rules who have no joy because they are trying to be like God instead of having His very person dwell inside them.

 

The people of the world have plenty of this and despise it. It doesn’t give them what they need. What they need is God Himself in person, with them, as he deeply desires to be.

 

 

MUSIC:

 

Traditional or contemporary music is not the issue. God is the issue. Much trouble and church splits occur over the music. Can't we all listen to our favorites on their own time? Choose songs for God’s time that say the most about God and to God.

 

Some songs are the powerful Holy Scripture itself, but the tunes are silly. Do we demean the power and majesty of God’s word by silly tunes? We can change the tunes to powerful and majestic tunes or find something else. Examine the words and see if they praise God or man and man’s doings. ‘They’ll know we are Christians by our love’ is about they, us, and our love.  How Great Thou Art, Fairest Lord Jesus, and He is Lord are about Him.

 

Certain tunes with heavy drums and guitars stir the emotions, particularly when the beat is in close tempo with the human heartbeat. Stirring up the flesh is not worship. Stirring the emotions with heart-wrenching stories is not worship—it is stirring the emotions. Proper worship involves emotions but begins in the heart with love for God in response to who and what He is as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.

 

In 2 Chronicles 5:13, for the music at God’s temple they made one sound—not harmonies. “It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endures forever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;

 

“Stand up and bless the Lord,” His word says in Nehemiah 9:5. If possible the congregation should stand for the singing and words of praise if they are able. If the elderly are not able to stand, it should not be required or brought attention to. They should be made to feel welcome and comfortable.

 

The goal is to put the eyes of man’s heart on God. Solos focus attention on a person other than God. The choir should not be in front ‘to be seen’ but with the congregation or in the back. Choirs in scripture were not ‘performing’ for the congregation but singing at the temple as praise to God.

 

The more you put before someone’s eyes the more distracted they will be. They will look at the clothes, the person, critique the voice, their hair. Some people may lust for the person; some may envy the voice. Some will dislike the person, clothes, and the voice.

 

When all the people join their voices and instruments in one sound then it is all to God from everyone without distractions.

 

 

 

SALARIES:

 

Any minister living high while those he serves are in need is not like Jesus Christ who had no place to lay head (Matthew 8:20). However, living high is usually not the case with pastors. Congregations sometimes starve their pastors.

 

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.” 1Timothy 5:17

 

This is the word of God. It is His instruction for the congregation to pay double the average salary those leaders or pastors who labor in the word and doctrine. (The word of God is where the worst battle against evil takes place because that’s where the power is).

 

 

 

RUMMAGE SALES:

 

God owns the universe. If a church obeys the Lord, He will bless that church in every way. Does it properly represent the One who owns all things, to sell other peoples old junk to stay open or to get more money? Doesn’t that make that churches service to God about money rather than the Lord? There would be nothing wrong with selling old stuff somewhere away from the church without signs saying that the money will go to a church and then donating the money (Matthew 19:21).

 

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and prove me now with this, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10

 

“And said to them that sold doves, Take these things away from here; do not make my Father’s house a house of merchandise.” John 2:16

 

God’s house is a place where God gives to the world the most priceless treasure that exists. We demean that by selling other peoples old stuff.

 

 

SHEPHERDS FUND:

 

“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you says to them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled; but do not give them those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:15-17

 

Part of the church funds are to help the needy in the congregation and community and not just far away missions.

 

REPAIRS FUND: 

 

“And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passes the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that comes into any man’s heart to bring into the house of the LORD, Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wherever any breach will be found.” 2 Kings 12:4, 5

 

SUNDAY MORNING EVANGELISM:

 

Evangelism, reaching out to unbelievers with the     truth about Jeus Christ, is a function of the church. If that is all that happens every Sunday morning at worship service then the believers in the church starve and will not grow in the Lord. They will always be babies. A short gospel message and prayer is all that is necessary.

 

 

 

                     13 Confirming Scriptures

 

         

“But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.” Jeremiah 23:22

 

“An astonishing and horrible thing is committed in the land. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: but what will you do in the end?” Jeremiah 5:30, 31

 

Put God in the pulpit by speaking only His words to His people! “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power…” 1 Corinthians 2:4

 

“And he said to them, Set your hearts to all the words which I testify among you this day, which you will command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing you will prolong your days in the land, where you go over Jordan to possess it.” Deuteronomy 32:46-47

 

              “You therefore gird up your loins, and arise, and speak to them all that I command you: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound you before them.” Jeremiah 1:17

             

             “For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God does not give the Spirit by measure to him.” John 3:34

 

Whatever I command you, observe to do it: you will not add to it, or diminish from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32

 

Joshua set the right example in Joshua 8:35 where it says that there was ‘not a word’ that he did not read to the people. If you do not give God’s word to His people, you suppress the truth.

 

“There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua did not read before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the foreigners that were walking among them.”

 

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” Romans 1:18

 

               Great preachers have their own writings. Denominations have their own writings--the sayings of men that supposedly explain to us what God has said. Many of these explain God’s word very well. Yet often, those writings take precedence in the minds of the people over and above God’s words…that is idolatry.

 

“It is the spirit that makes alive; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63

 

God’s word is a book of living examples. We need to use examples from God’s word. Examples from contemporary life can be skewed by our culture or standards of society. The books of this life will pass away but God’s words will not.

 

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

 

              “If any man teaches otherwise, and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and conflicts over words, from which comes envy, strife, blasphemies, evil conclusions, perverse doubts of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1Timothy 6:3-6

 

               Jesus said what is truth. “Your word is truth.” John 17:17

 

               Large blocks of scripture make sense and are self-explanatory. God knows how to say what He means. Keep reading until you get to His point, Emphasize His point. He is exciting; His word is exciting.

 

Feeding on the bread of life gives life. Feeding on the knowledge of good and evil brought death (Genesis 3). If people do not leave a Bible class or a sermon in awe of God and filled with awe that He loves them personally, then the leader, pastor, or teacher has failed.

 

              To take God’s principles and teach them without God as the central focus is evil. Many systems today are based on morality. Morality came from God’s laws. Satan’s goal is to take all that belongs to God but to leave God out. In pride, he refused to bow to his Maker.

 

 

 

                         14 Declare His Glory

 

 

“Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvelous works among all nations.” 1Chronicles 16:24

 

“And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and on the throne was the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the color of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from his loins upward, and from his loins downward, I saw as the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.” Ezekiel 1:26-28

 

This is the visible representation of our God who is infinite and eternal knowledge, genius, wisdom, creativity, power, righteousness, justice, truth, stability, faithfulness, nobility, dignity, honor, goodness, mercy, grace, protectiveness, possessiveness, provision, heroism, peace, winsomeness, delight, joy, richness, riches, treasure, greatness, grandness, magnificence, purity, perfection, preciousness, beauty, majesty, splendor, glory, affection, passion, and love in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is forever yours.

 

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 “For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1Corinthians 2:2

 

But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, says the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:24

 

“For there is none like to You, O LORD; You are great, and your name is great in might.” Jeremiah 10:6

 

“Who would not fear You, O King of nations? For to You it belongs: For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You.” Jeremiah 10:7

 

“But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and the everlasting king: at his wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to abide his indignation.” Jeremiah 10:10

 

“He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens by his discretion." Jeremiah 10:12

 

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27

 

“I will declare Your name (person) to my brothers: in the midst of the congregation I will praise You.” Psalm 22:22

 

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42
 

The heart of evil is to leave out the Lord. It is the method of all false religions. All who do this are dead and lead people to endless death forever burning, in the lake fire. Revelation 20:14

 

“And he said to them, Set your hearts to all the words which I testify among you this day, which you will command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a empty thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing you will prolong your days in the land, where you go over Jordan to possess it.” Deuteronomy 32:46-47

 

“Do not add to the word which I command you, neither will you diminish any from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." Deuteronomy 4:2

 

 

 

                              15 Conclusion

 

 

“We are to preach among the nations the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8

 

Imagine that moment—the moment when we stand before our Maker, the Creator of the universe—not the President or king of any country in the world, but the Creator of all that exists anywhere and everywhere in this universe of billions of galaxies, the eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

 

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty…I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last…

 

"And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and wrapped about the chest with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

 

"And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shines in his strength. I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:8, 10, 11, 13-16.

 

            “And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes will find so doing. I tell you the truth, he will make him ruler over all that he has.” Luke 12:44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dearly Beloved,

 

Does the Creator of the universe know how to say what He means? 2,500 times THUS SAITH THE LORD or AND GOD SAID are found in the Bible. Do we dare edit God?

 

Jeremiah 26:2 “All the words that I command you, speak to them. Diminish not a word.”

 

Matthew 28:19, 20 “Go into all the world calling out the good news and teaching them to obey all things whatsoever I have commanded you.

 

Matthew 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

 

Revelation 22:18, 19 “If any man add to these things God will add to him the plagues written in this book… If any man take away from the words of this book …God will take away his part out of the book of life.”

 

If you stack up one week’s newspapers on a table beside a Bible, or calculate the amount of information that we take into our brains each week through radio, television and books, you will see that God is not requiring so much.

 

 

LECTIONARY BIBLE

 

YEAR 1 INCLUDES 2,102 VERSES

2                       2230

3                       2189

 

TOTAL VERSES COVERED BY LECTIONARY BIBLE: 6, 521

TOTAL VERSES IN THE BIBLE: 36,000

LECTIONARY BIBLE COVERS JUST OVER 1/6 OF THE WORD OF

GOD

 

 

 

INCLUDED:                                                            EXCLUDED:

 

Genesis             1:2-2:4                                    Genesis             2:5-14

                            2:15-19                                                            2:19-25

                        3:1-7                                                                        3:8-24

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                5

                                                                                                6:1-8

                        6:9-22                                                            7:1-23

                        7:24                                                                        8:1-13

                        8:14-19                                                            8:20-22

                                                                                                9:1-7

                        9:8-17                                                            9:18-29                                   

10

                                                                                                11

                        12:1-4a, 1-9                                                            12:10-20

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14

                        15:1-2,                                                             15:3-11

15:12-18                                                            15:19-21

16

                        17:1-7                                                            17:8-14

                        17:15-16                                                            17:18-27

                        18:1-15                                                            18:16-33

                                                                                                19

                                                                                                20

                        21:1-21                                                            21:22-34

                        22:1-14                                                            22:15-24

                                                                                                23

                                                                                                24:1-33

                        24:34-38                                                            24:39-41

                        24:42-49                                                            24:50-57

                        24:58-67                                                            25:1-18

                        25:19-34                                                            26

                                                                                                27

                                                                                                28:1-9

                        28:1-19a                                                            28:20-22

                                                                                                29:1-14

                        29:15-28                                                            30

                                                                                                31

                                                                                                32:1-21

                        32:22-31                                                            32:32

                                                                                                33

                                                                                                34

                                                                                                35

                                                                                                36

                        37:1-4                                                            37:5-11

                        37:12-28                                                            37:29-36

                                                                                                38

                                                                                                39

                                                                                                40

                                                                                                41

                                                                                                42

                                                                                                43

                                                                                                44

                        45:1-15                                                            45:16-28

                                                                                                46

                                                                                                47

                                                                                                48

                                                                                                49

                                                                                                50

 

EXODUS                                                                                      1:1-17

                        1:18-22                                                            2:1-10

                                                                                                2:11-25

                        3:1-15                                                            3:17-22

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                5

                                                                                                6

                                                                                                7

                                                                                                8

                                                                                                9

                                                                                                10

                                                                                                11

                        12:1-14                                                            12:16-51

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14:1-18

                        14:19-31                                                            15

                                                                                                16:1

                        16:2-15                                                            16:16-36

                        17:1-7 (2x)                                                            17:8-16

                                                                                                18

                                                                                                19

20                                                                                                       21

22

23

                                                                                                24:1-11

                        24:12-18                                                            25

                                                                                                26

                                                                                                27

                                                                                                28

                                                                                                29

                                                                                                30

                                                                                                31

                        32:1-14                                                            32:15-35

                                                                                                33:1-11

                        33:12-23                                                            34:1-28

                        34:29-35                                                            35

                                                                                                36

                                                                                                37

                                                                                                38

                                                                                                39

                                                                                                40

LEVITICUS                                                                                    1

                                                                                                2

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                5

                                                                                                6

                                                                                                7

                                                                                                8

                                                                                                9           

                                                                                                10

                                                                                                11

                                                                                                12

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14

                                                                                                15

                                                                                                16

                                                                                                17

                                                                                                18

                                                                                                19

                                                                                                20

                                                                                                21

                                                                                                22

                                                                                                23

                                                                                                24

                                                                                                25

                                                                                                26

                                                                                                27

 

NUMBERS                                                                                    1

                                                                                                2:1-3

                        2:4-8                                                                        2:9-34

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                5

6

7

8

9

10           

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

 

DEUTERONOMY                                                                        1

                                                                                                2

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                5

                                                                                                6

                                                                                                7

                                                                                                8

                                                                                                9

                                                                                                10

                                                                                                11

                                                                                                12

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14

                                                                                                15

                                                                                                16

                                                                                                17

                                                                                                18:1-14

                        18:15-20                                                            18:21-22

                                                                                                19

                                                                                                20

                                                                                                21

                                                                                                22

                                                                                                23

                                                                                                24

                                                                                                25

                        26:1-11                                                            26:12-19

                                                                                                27

                                                                                                28

                                                                                                29

                                                                                                30

                                                                                                31

                                                                                                32

                                                                                                33

                        34:1-12                                                           

 

JOSHUA                                                                                    1

                                                                                                2

                                                                                                3:1-6

                        3:7-17                                                            4

                                                                                                5:1-8

                        5:9-12                                                            5:13-15

                                                                                                6

                                                                                                7

                                                                                                8

                                                                                                9

                                                                                                10

                                                                                                11

                                                                                                12

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14

                                                                                                15

                                                                                                16

                                                                                                17

                                                                                                18

                                                                                                19

                                                                                                20

                                                                                                21

                                                                                                22

                                                                                                23

                        24:1-3a                                                            24:4-13

                        24:14-25                                                            24:26-33

 

JUDGES                                                                                    1

                                                                                                2

                                                                                                3

                        4:1-7                                                                        4:8-24

                                                                                                5

                                                                                                6

                                                                                                7

                                                                                                8

                                                                                                9

                                                                                                10

                                                                                                11

                                                                                                12

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14

                                                                                                15

                                                                                                16

                                                                                                17

                                                                                                18

                                                                                                19

                                                                                                20

                                                                                                21

 

RUTH            1:1-18                                                            1:19-22

                                                                                                2

                        3:1-5                                                                        3:6-18

                                                                                                4:1-12

                        4:13-17

 

1 SAMUEL                                                                                     1:1-3

                        1:4-20                                                            1:21-28

                                                                                                2:1-17

                        2:18-20                                                            2:21-25

                        2:26

                        3:1-20                                                            3:21

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                5

                                                                                                6

                        7:1-11                                                            7:12-15

                        7:16                                                                        8

                                                                                                9

                                                                                                10

                                                                                                11

                                                                                                12

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14

                                                                                                15:1-33

                        15:34                                                                        15:35

                        16:1-13 (2X)                                               

                        17:1a                                                                        17:2-3

                        17:4-11                                                            17:12-18

                        17:19-23                                                            17:24-31

                        17:32-49                                                            17:49-58

                                                                                                18

                                                                                                19

                                                                                                20

                                                                                                21

                                                                                                22

                                                                                                23

                                                                                                24

                                                                                                25

                                                                                                26

                                                                                                27

                                                                                                28

                                                                                                29

                                                                                                30

                                                                                                31

 

2 SAMUEL 1:1                                                                        1:2-16

                     1:17-27                                                            2

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                        5:1-5                                                                        5:6-8

                        5:9-10                                                            5:11-25

                        6:1-5                                                                        6:6-12a

                        6:12b-19                                                            6:20-23

                        7:1-14                                                            7:15-29

                                                                                                8

                                                                                                9

                                                                                                10

                        11:1-15                                                            11:16-25

                        11:26-27                                               

                        12:1-13a                                                            13

                                                                                                14

                                                                                                15

                                                                                                16

                                                                                                17

                                                                                                18:1-4

                        18:5-9                                                            18:10-14

                        18:15                                                                        18:16-30

                        18:31-33                                                            19

                                                                                                20

                                                                                                21

                                                                                                22

23                                                                                                       24

 

1 KINGS

                                                                                                1

                                                                                                2:1-9

                        2:10-12                                                            2: 13-40

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                5

                                                                                                6

                                                                                                7

                        8:1-6                                                                        8:7-9

                        8:10-11                                                            8:12-21

                        8:22-30                                                            8:31-40

                        8:41-43                                                            8:44-66

                                                                                                9

                                                                                                10

                                                                                                11

                                                                                                12

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14

                                                                                                15

                                                                                                16

                                                                                                17:1-7

                        17:8-24                                                            18

                        19:1-15a                                                            19:15b-21

                                                                                                20

                        21:1-21a                                                            21:21b-29

                                                                                                22

                                                                                                23

                                                                                                24

                                                                                                25

 

2 KINGS

                                                                                                1

                        2:1-14                                                            2:15-25

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                        5:1-14 (2X)                                                            5:15-27

                                                                                                6

                                                                                                7

                                                                                                8

                                                                                                9

                                                                                                10

                                                                                                11

                                                                                                12

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14

                                                                                                15

                                                                                                16

                                                                                                17

                                                                                                18

                                                                                                19

                                                                                                20

                                                                                                21

                                                                                                22

 

1 CHRONICLES                                                    1-29 (not one verse)

2 CHRONICLES                                                                        1-34 (not one verse)

EZRA                                                                                                1-10 (not one verse)

 

NEHEMIAH                                                                                    1-7

                        8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10                                                8:4, 7, 11-16

 

ESTHER                                                                                    1-6

                        7:1-6, 9-10                                                            7:7, 8

                                                                                                8

                                                                                                9:1-19

                        9:20-22

                                                                                                10

 

JOB                        1:1                                                                        1:2-22

                        2:1-10                                                            2:11-13

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                5

                                                                                                6-22

                        23:1-9                                                            23:10-15

                        23:16, 17                                                            24

                                                                                                25

                                                                                                26

                                                                                                27

                                                                                                28

                                                                                                29-37

                        38:1-7                                                            38:8-33

                        38:34-41                                                            39

                                                                                                40

                                                                                                41

                        42:1-6                                                            42:7-9

                        42:10-17

 

PSALM

                        1

                        2 (3X)                                                                        3

                        4

                        5:1-8                                                                        5:9-12

                                                                                                6

                                                                                                7

8                                                                                                          9:1-8

9:9-20                                                            10

                                                                        11

                                                                        12

13

14 (3X)

15

16 (2X)

17:1-7, 15                                                            17:8-14

                                                                        18

19 (4X)

20                                                                                                       21

22:1-15, 23-31                                                22:16-22

23     (4X)

24    (3X)

25:1-10 (2X)

26

27                                                                                                       28

29(3X)

30 (3X)

31:1-5, 15, 16                                                31:6-14, 17-24

32 (2X)

33:1-12                                                            33:13-22

34                                                                                                       35

36:5-10                                                            36:1-4, 11, 12

                                                                        37

                                                                        38

                                                                        39

40:1-11                                                            40:12-17

41

42

43                                                                                                       44

45:1-2, 6-9, 10-17                                               

46                                                                                                       47-49

50:1-8, 22-23                                                50:9-21

51:1-12 (2X)

52                                                                                                       53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62:1-4

                        62:5-12

                        63:1-8                                                            63:9-11

                                                                                                64

                        65

                        66:1-20

                        67

                        68:1-10, 32-35                                                68:22-31

                                                                                                69

                                                                                                70

                        71:1-6 (2X)

                        72:1-7 (3X) 10-14, 18-19                                    73:8,9, 15-17, 20

                                                                                                74

                                                                                                75

                                                                                                76

                        77:1, 2, 11-20                                                77:3-10

                        78:1-7, 12-16                                                78:8-11, 17-72

                        79:1-9                                                            79:10-13

                        80 (3X)

                        81:1, 10-16                                                            81:2-9, 17-19

                                                                                                82

                                                                                                83

                        84

                        85 (2X)           

                        86:1-10, 16                                                             86:11-15

                                                                                                87

                                                                                                88

                        89:1-4, 19-26-37                                                89:5-18, 38-52

                        90:1-6, 13-17                                                90:7-12

                        91:1-6, 14-16                                                91:7-13

                        92:1-2, 9-15                                                            92:3-8

                                                                                                93

                                                                                                94

                        95

                                                                                                96

                        97

                        98

                        99 (2X)

                        100

                                                                                                101

                                                                                                102

                                                                                                103

                        104:1-9, 24-35 (3X)                                    104:10-23

                        105:1-6 (3X)-11, 16-26, 37-45                        104:12-15, 27-36

                        106:1-6, 19-23                                                106:7-18, 24-48

                        107:1-9, 17-22, 33-33, 43                        107:10-16, 23-32, 34-42

                                                                                                108

                                                                                                109

                                                                                                110

                        111 (2X)                                                            112

                                                                                                113

                        114

                                                                                                115

                        116:1-4, 12-19                                                116:5-11

                                                                        117

118:1-2, 14-24, 19-19 (3X)                        118:3-13                       

119:1-96

119:97-112, 137-144                                    119:113-136, 145-176

                                                                        120

121

122

123

124 (2X)

125

126 (3X)

127

                                                                                                128

                                                                                                129

                        130 (3X)

                        131

                        132:1-17

                        133 (2X)                                                            134

                                                                                                135

                                                                                                136

                        137:1-11

                        138:1-6                                                            138:7,8

                        139: 1-6 (3x) –12, 13-18, 23-24            139:19-23

                                                                                                140

                                                                                                141

                                                                                                142

                                                                                                143

                                                                                                144

                        145:1-5, 17-20                                                145:6-16, 21

                        146 (2x), 5-10                                               

                        147:1-11, 20c                                                147:12-20b

                        148 (4x)

                        149

                                                                                                150

 

PROVERBS

                        1:20-33                                                            1:1-19

                                                                                                2

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                CHAPTERS 5-21

                        22:1-2, 8,9, 21-23                                                22:3-7,10-19, 24-31

                                                                                                23

                                                                                                24

                                                                                                25-30

                                                                                                31:1-9

                        31:10-31

 

ECCLESIASTES                                                                        1-12 (not one verse)

 

SONG OF SOLOMON

                                                                                                1

                                                                                                2:1-7

                        2:8-13                                                            2:14-17

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                                                                                                5

                                                                                                6

                                                                                                7

                                                                                                8

 

ISAIAH

                        1:1, 10-20                                                            1:2-9, 21-31

                        2:1-5                                                                        2:6-22

                                                                                                3

                                                                                                4

                        5:1-7                                                                        5:8-30

                        6:1-13                                                            7:1-9

                        7:10-16                                                            7:17-25

                                                                                                8

                        9:1-4                                                                        9:5-21

                                                                                                10

                        11:1-10                                                            11:12-16

                        12

                                                                                                13

                                                                                                14

                                                                                                15

                                                                                                16

                                                                                                17

                                                                                                18

                                                                                                19

                                                                                                20-24

                                                                                                25:1-5

                        25:6-9

                                                                                                26                                               

                                                                                                27

                                                                                                28           

                                                                                                29-39

                        40:1-11, 21-31                                                40:12-20

                                                                                                41

                        42:1-9                                                            42:10-25

                        43:1-7, 16-25                                                43:8-15, 26-28

                                                                                                44

                                                                                                45

                                                                                                46

                                                                                                47

                                                                                                48

                        49:1-7                                                            49:8-26

                                                                                                50:1-3

                        50:4-9a                                                            50:9b-11

                                                                                                51

                                                                                                52

                                                                                                53

                                                                                                54

                        55:1-19

                                                                                                56

                                                                                                57

                                                                                                58

                                                                                                59

                        60:1-6 (2x)                                                            60:7-22

                                                                                                61:1-9

                        61:10-11

                        62: 1-5, 8-11                                                62: 6, 7, 12

                                                                                                63:1-6

                        63:7-9                                                            63:10-18

                        64:1-9                                                            64:10-12

                                                                                                65:1-16

                        65:17-25

                                                                                                66

 

JEREMIAH

                                                                                    1:1-3

1:4-10 (2x)                                                1:11-19

                                                            2:1-3

2:4-13

                                                            3

                                                            4:1-10

4:11-12                                                4:13-21

4:22-28                                                4:29-37

                                                            5

                                                            6

                                                            7

                                                            8:1-17

8:18-22

9:1                                                            9:2-26

                                                            10

                                                            11

                                                            12

                                                            13

                                                            14

                                                            15

                                                            16

                                                            17:1-5

17:5-10                                                17:11-27

18:1-11                                                18:12-23

                                                            19

                                                            20

                                                            21

                                                            22

23:1-6

                                                            24

                                                            25

                                                            26

                                                            27

                                                            28

29:1                                                            29:2-3

29:4-7

                                                            30

                                                            31:12-26

31:27-34                                                31:35-40

32:1-3a                                                32:4-5

32:6-15                                                32:16-26

                                                            33:1-13

33:14-16

                                                            34

35:1-10

                                                            36

                                                            37

                                                            38

                                                            39

                                                            40

                                                            41

                                                            42

                                                            43

                                                            44

                                                            45

                                                            46

                                                            47

                                                            48

                                                            49

                                                            50

                                                            51

                                                            52

 

LAMENTATIONS

                       

                        1:1-6

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4

                                                                                    5

 

EZEKIEL

 

                                                                                    1

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4

                                                                                    5

                                                                                    6

                                                                                    7

                                                                                    8

                                                                                    9

                                                                                    10

                                                                                    11

                                                                                    12

                                                                                    13

                                                                                    14

                                                                                    15

                                                                                    16

                                                                                    17

                                                                                    18

                                                                                    19

                                                                                    20

                                                                                    21

                                                                                    22

                                                                                    23

                                                                                    24

                                                                                    25

                                                                                    26

                                                                                    27

                                                                                    28

                                                                                    29

                                                                                    30

                                                                                    31

                                                                                    32

                                                                                    33

                                                                                    34:1-10

                        34:11-16                                                34:17-19

                        34:20-22

                                                                                    35

                                                                                    36

                        37:1-14                                                37:15-21

                                                                                    38

                                                                                    39

                                                                                    40

                                                                                    41

                                                                                    42

                                                                                    43

                                                                                    44

                                                                                    45

                                                                                    46

                                                                                    47

                                                                                    48

 

DANIEL                                                                        1-12 (NOT ONE VERSE)

 

HOSEA

 

                                                                                    1:1

                        1:2-10

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4

                                                                                    5

                                                                                    6

                                                                                    7

                                                                                    8

                                                                                    9

                                                                                    10

                        11:1-11

                                                                                    12

                                                                                    13

                                                                                    14

 

JOEL

 

                                                                                    1

                                                                                    2:1-20

                        2:21-32

                                                                                    3

 

AMOS

 

                                                                                    1

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4                                   

                                                                                    5

                                                                                    6

                                                                                    7:1-7

                        7:7-17

                        8:1-12

                                                                                    9

 

OBADIAH                                                                        (NOT ONE VERSE)

 

JONAH                                                                        1

                                                                                    2

                        3:1-5, 10                                                3:6-9

                                                                                    4

 

MICAH

                                                                                    1

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4

                                                                                    5

                        6:1-8                                                            6:9-16

                                                                                    7

 

NAHUM                                                                        1

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

 

HABAKKUK

 

                                                                                    1:1-3

                        1:4                                                            1:5-17

                        2:1-4                                                            2:5-20

                                                                                    3

 

ZEPHANIAH                                                            1

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3:1-13

                        3:14-20

 

HAGGAI

 

                                                                                    1:1-15a

                        1:15b

                        2:1-9                                                            2:10-23

 

ZECHARIAH

 

                                                                                    1

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4

                                                                                    5

                                                                                    6

                                                                                    7

                                                                                    8

                                                                                    9

                                                                                    10

                                                                                    11

                                                                                    12

                                                                                    13

                                                                                    14 (NOT ONE WORD)

 

MALACHI

 

                                                                                    1

                                                                                    2

                        3:1-4

                                                                                    4

 

MATTHEW

 

                                                                                    1:1-17

                        1:18-25

                        2:1-12 (3x) 13-23

                        3

                        4:1-11                                                4:24-25

                        5:1-12                                                5:13-48

                                                                                    6:1-24

                        6:25-33                                                6:34

                                                                                    7:1-21

                        7:21-37

                                                                                    8

                                                                                    9:1-8

                        9:9-13                                                9:14-17

                        9:18-26                                                9:27-34

                        9:35-38

                        10

                                                                                    11:1, 12-15, 20-24

                        11:2-11

                                                                                    12

                        13:1-9                                                13:10-17

                        13:18-25                                                13:31-35

                        13:36-52

                                                                                    14:1-12

                        14:13-33

                                                                                    15:1-9

                        15:20-28                                                15:29-39

                                                                                    16:1-12

16:13-28

                        17:1-9                                                17:10-27

                                                                                    18:1-14

                        18:15-35

                                                                                    19

                        20:1-16                                                20:17-34

                        21:1-11                                                21:12-22

                        21:23-46

                        22:1-22                                                22:23-33

                        22:34-46

                        23:1-12                                                23:13-39

                                                                                    24:1-35

                        24:36-44                                                24:45-50

                        25

                                                                                    26

                                                                                    27

                                                                                    28:1-15

                        28:16-20

 

MARK

 

                        1

                        2:1-12                                                2:13-28

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4:1-25

                        4:26-41

                                                                                    5:1-20

                        5:21-43

                        6:1-34                                                6:35-56

                        7:1-8                                                            7:9-13

                        7:14-15                                                7:16-20

                        7:21-23                                                7:24-37

                                                                                    8:1-26

                        8:27-38

                                                                                    9:1

                        9:2-9                                                            9:10-20

                        9:30-50

                                                                                    10:1

                        10:2-23                                                10:24-34

                        10:35-52

                        11:1-11

                                                                                    12:1-27

                        12:28-34                                                12:35-37

                        12:38-44

                        13:1-18                                                13:19-37

                                                                                    14

                                                                                    15

                                                                                    16

                                                                       

LUKE

 

                                                                                    1:1-39

                        1:39-55                                                1:56-67

                        1:68-79                                                1:80

                                                                                    2:1-21

                        2:22-52

                        3:1-18                                                3:19-21

                        3:21-22                                                3:23-38

                        4:1-30                                                4:31-44

                        5:1-11                                                5:12-39

                                                                                    6:1-17

                        6:17-38                                                6:39-49

                                                                                    7:1-17

                        7:11-17                                                7:18-35

                        7:36-50

                        8:1-3                                                            8:4-25

                        8:26-39                                                8:40-56

                                                                                    9:1-27

                        9:28-43                                                9:44-50

                        9:51-62

                        10:1-11, 16-20, 25-42                        10:12-15, 21-24

                        11:1-13                                                11:14-54

                                                                                    12:1-12

                        12:13-21                                                12:22-31

                        12:32-40                                                12:41-48

                        12:49-56                                                12:57-59

                        13:1-17, 31-35                                    13:18-30

                        14:1, 7-14, 25-33                                    14:2-6, 15-24, 34, 35

                        15:1-10, 11b-32

                        16:1-13                                                16:14-18

                        16:19-31

                                                                                    17:1-5, 20-37

                        17:5-19

                        18:1-14                                                18:15-43

                        19:1-10                                                19:11-48

                                                                                    20:1-26

                        20:27-38

                                                                                    21:1-5, 20-24, 37-47

                        21:5-19, 25-36                                    22:1-13

                        22:14-71

                        23

                                                                                    24:1-12

                        24:13-48                                                24:49-53

 

JOHN

                                                                                    1:1-5

                        1:6-8                                                           

1:9-28

                        1:29-51

                        2:1-11, 13-22                                    2:12

                        3:1-21                                                3:22-36

                                                                                    4:1-4

                        4:5-42                                                4:43-54

                                                                                    5

                        6:1-21, 24-35, 51-69                                    6:22-23, 36-40

                                                                                    7

                                                                                    8

                        9:1-41                                                9:42-59

                        10:1-18, 22-30                                    10:19-21, 31-42

                        11:1-44                                                11:45-5

                        12:1-8, 20-33                                    12:9-19, 34-50

                                                                                    13:1-30

                        13:31-35                                                13:36-38

                        14:1-21, 23-29                                    14:22, 30-31

                        15:1-17, 26-27                                    15:18-25

                                                                                    16:1-4a

                        16:4b            -15                                                16:16-33

17                                                                                     18: 1-32

18:33-37                                                18:38-40

                                                            19

20:1-18 (3x), 19-31 (4x)                        20:31-42

21:1-19                                                21:20-25

 

ACTS

 

                                                                                    1:1-5

                        1:6-17                                                1:18-20

                        1:21-26

                        2:1-32, 36-47                                    2:33-35

                                                                                    3:1-11

                        3:12-19                                                3:20-26

                                                                                    4:1-4, 13-31

                        4:5-12, 32-35                                    4:36-37

                                                                                    5:1-26

                        5:27-32                                                5:33-42

                        6:1-15

                                                                                    7:1-54

                        7:55-60

                                                                                    8:1-13

                        8:14-17                                                8:18-25

                        8:26-40

                        9:1-20                                                9:21-35

                        9:36-43

                                                                                    10:1-33

                        10:34-43 (4X)                                    10:44-48

                        11:1-18                                                10:19-30

                                                                                    12

                                                                                    13

                                                                                    14

                                                                                    15

                                                                                    16:1-8

                        16:9-40                                                17:1-21

                        17:22-31                                                17:32-34

                                                                                    18

                        19:1-7                                                19:8-41

                                                                                    20

                                                                                    21

                                                                                    22

                                                                                    23

                                                                                    24

                                                                                    25

                                                                                    26

                                                                                    27

                                                                                    28

 

ROMANS

 

                        1:1-8, 16-17                                                1:9-15, 18-32

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3:1-21a

                        3:22b-31

                        4:1-5, 13-25                                                4:6-12

                        5:1-19                                                5:20, 21

6                                                                                        7:1-14

7:15-25

8

9:1-5                                                            9:6-33

                                                            10:1-8a

10:8b-15                                                10:16-21

11:1-2a, 29-32                                    11:2b-28,33-36

12:1-21                                               

                                                            13:1-7, 15-23, 31-35

13:8-14, 24-30, 36-43                       

14:1-12                                                14:13-23

                                                            15:1-3

15:4-13                                                15:14-33

                                                            16:1-24

16:25-27

 

 

1 CORINTHIANS           

 

                        1:1-25                                                1:26-31

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4:1-2

                        4:3-6                                                            4:7-16

                                                                                    5

                                                                                    6:1-11

                        6:12-20

                                                                                    7:1-28

                        7:29-31                                                7:32-42

                        8

                                                                                    9:1-15

                        9:16-27

                        10:1-13                                                10:14-33

                                                                                    11

                        12:1-31a

                        13

                                                                                    14

                        15:1-26, 35-38, 42-50                        15:27-34

                                                                                    16

 

2 CORINTHIANS

 

                                                                                    1:1-17

                        1:18-22

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3:1-11

                        3:12-18

                        4:1-2                                                            4:3-18

                                                                                    5:1-5

                        5:6-21

                        6:1-13                                                6:14-18

                                                                                    7

                                                                                    8:1-6

                        8:7-15                                                8:16-24

                                                                                    9

                                                                                    10

                                                                                    11

                        12:2-10                                                12:1, 11-21

                                                                                    13:1-10

                        13:11-13

                                   

 

 

GALATIANS

 

                                                                                    1:1-10

                        1:11-24

                                                                                    2:1-14

                        2:15-21

                                                                                    3:1-22

                        3:22-29

                                                                                    4:1-3

                        4:4-7                                                            4:5-31

                        5:1                                                            5:2-12

                        5:13-25                                                5:26

                        6:1-16                                                6:17-18

 

 

EPHESIANS

 

                                                                                    1:1,2

                        1:3-23

                        2

                        3:1-12 (2x)                                                3:13

                        3:14-21

                        4:1-16                                                4:17-24

                        4:25-32

                        5:1, 2                                                            5:3-7

                        5:8-20                                                5:21-33

                                                                                    6:1-9

                        6:10-20                                                6:21-24

 

 

PHILIPPIANS

 

                                                                                    1:1,2

                        1:3-11                                                1:12-20

                        1:21-30

                        2:1-13                                                2:4-30

                                                                                    3:1-4a

                        3:4b-14, 17                                                3:15, 16, 18-21

                        4:1-9                                                            4:10-23

 

COLOSSIANS

 

                        1

                                                                                    2:1-5

                        2:6-19                                                2:20-23

                        3:1-17                                                3:18-25

                                                                                    4

 

1 THESSALONIANS

 

                        1

                        2:1-13                                                2:14-19

                                                                                    3:1-8

                        3:9-13

                                                                                    4:1-12

                        4:13-18

                        5:1-11, 16-24                                    5:16-24

 

 

2 THESSALONIANS

 

                        1:1-4, 11-12                                                1:5-10

                        2:1-5, 13-17                                                2:6-12

                                                                                    3:1-5

                        3:6-13                                                3:14-17

 

 

1 TIMOTHY

 

                                                                                    1:1-11

                        1:12-17                                                1:18-20           

                        2:1-7 (2x)                                                2:8-15

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4

                                                                                    5

                                                                                    6:1-5

                        6:6-19                                                6:20, 21

 

 

2 TIMOTHY

 

                        1:1-14                                                1:15-18

                                                                                    2:1-7

                        2:8-15                                                2:16-26

                                                                                    3:1-13

                        3:14-17

                        4:1-8, 16-18                                                4:9-15, 19-22

 

 

TITUS

 

                                                                                    1

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

 

 

PHILEMON

 

                        1-21

 

 

HEBREWS

                       

                        1:1-4                                                            1:5-14

                                                                                    2:1-4

                        2:5-18

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4:1-11

                        4:12-16

                        5:1-10                                                5:11-14

                                                                                    6

                                                                                    7:1-22

                        7:23-28

                                                                                    8

                                                                                    9:1-10

                        9:11-14, 24-28                                    9:15-23

                                                                                    10:1-4

                        10:5-25                                                10:26-39

                        11:1-3, 8-16, 29-40                        11:4-7, 17-28

                        12:1, 2, 18-29                                    12:3-17

                        13:1-8, 15, 16                                    13:7-14, 17-25

 

 

JAMES

 

                                                                                    1:1-16

                        1:17-27

                        2:1-17                                                2:18-26

                        3

                        4:1-3, 7-8a                                                4:4-6, 8b-17

                                                                                    5:1-6

                        5:7-10, 13-20

 

 

1 PETER

 

                                                                                    1:1, 2

                        1:3-9, 17-23                                                1:10-16, 24, 25

                                                                                    2:1

                        2:2-10, 19-25                                    2:11-18

                                                                                    3:1-12

                        3:13-22                                                3: 23-25

                                                                                    4:1-11

                        4:12-14                                                4:15-19

                                                                                    5:1-5

                        5:6-11                                                5:12-14

 

 

2 PETER

 

                                                                                    1:1-15

                        1:16-21

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3:1-7

                        3:8-15a                                                3:15b-18

 

 

1 JOHN

 

                        1

                        2:1-12                                                2:13-29

                        3:1-7, 16-24                                                3:8-15

                                                                                    4:1-6

                        4:7-21

                        5:1-6, 9-13                                                5:7-8, 14-21

 

2 JOHN           

 

                                                                                    1-13

 

 

3 JOHN

 

                                                                                    1-14

 

 

 

JUDE

 

                                                                                    1-25

 

 

REVELATION

 

                                                                                    1:1-3

                        1:4-18                                                1:19, 20

                                                                                    2

                                                                                    3

                                                                                    4

                                                                                    5:1-10

                        5:11-14

                                                                                    6

                                                                                    7:1-8

                        7:9-17

                                                                                    8

                                                                                    9

                                                                                    10

                                                                                    11

                                                                                    12

                                                                                    13

                                                                                    14

                                                                                    15

                                                                                    16

                                                                                    17

                                                                                    18

                                                                                    19

                                                                                    20

 

                        21:1-6 (2x) 10, 12-14, 16-17, 21-37

 

                                                                                    21:7-9, 11, 15, 18-19

 

                        22:1-5                                                22:6-21

                                                                                   

 

         “The word of God is alive and powerful.” Hebrews 4:12