# verses

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Concerning the eating of food offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.


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But to us there is but one God, the Father. All things come from him and we live for him. And there is one Lord Jesus Christ. All things were made through him and we were made through him.


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Not all people know this. Some eat food offered to idols and their conscience being weak is defiled.


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But food will not recommend us to God. If we do not eat we are not worse. If we eat we are not better.


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If any man with knowledge sees you having a meal from an idols temple, will the conscience of the weak one be emboldened <i>encouraged</i> to eat food offered to idols?


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Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?


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If I am not an apostle to others, I most certainly am to you, for you are the seal <i>stamp proof</i> of my apostleship in the Lord.


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Do we have a right to lead a sister as a wife just like other apostles, and as brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?


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Does a soldier serve at his own expense? Does the one who plants a vineyard not eat of the fruit it produces? Who shepherds a flock and does not eat some of the milk from the flock?


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It is written in the Law of Moses: You should not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads <i>threshes</i> out the grain. Does God care only about oxen?


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Or did he say it for our benefit? This is written for our benefit without a doubt! He who plows should plow in hope. Likewise he who threshes in hope should be a partaker of his hope.


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If others are partakers of the right over you, should we also partake? Nevertheless we have not used this power! We suffer all things, lest we should hinder the good news of Christ.


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Do you not know that they who minister about holy things live off the things of the temple? And they who wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?


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Even so, has the Lord ordained that they who preach the good news should earn their living from the good news?


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But I have used none of these rights! Neither have I written these things, that it should be done to me. It would be better for me to die, than that any man should make my reason for boasting void.


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Though I preach the good news I do not brag about it. Preaching the good news is my duty <i>obligation</i> and I must do it! It would be terrible if I did not preach the good news!


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For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward. But if I do it against my will, I am just performing the trust of the good news committed to me.


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What is my reward then? When I preach the good news, I may offer the good news of Christ without charge. That is way I do not abuse my power in the good news.


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For, though I am free from all persons, yet I have made myself a servant to all, that I might gain more.


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To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews. To those under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain those under the Law.


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To those without Law I became like those without Law that I might gain them. I am not without law to God, but under the law to <i>toward of</i> Christ.


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To the weak I became as the weak, that I might gain the weak. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.


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Do you not know that they who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain the prize.


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Every man taking part in the contest is temperate in all things. They do it to obtain a corruptible crown but we do it to receive an incorruptible crown.


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But I discipline my body, and bring it into subjection, so that after I have preached to others I will not be disqualified.


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Brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant about how all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea.


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They all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them. That Rock was <i>represented symbolic of</i> Christ! (Exodus 7:6) (Numbers 20:11)


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Do not be idolaters like some of them. It is written: The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.


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Do not commit fornication like some of them committed. Twenty three thousand of them died in one day.


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These things happened for examples, and they are written for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages has come.


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No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. God is faithful and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your limits. He will make a way out, that you will be able to endure it.


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The cup of blessing we bless, is it not the sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread we break, is it not the sharing of the body of Christ?


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What do I mean? That the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything?


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But I say, that the things that the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God. I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.


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You cannot drink the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons. You cannot be partakers of the Jehovah's Table and of the table of demons. (Malachi 1:12)


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All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient <i>profitable</i> . All things are lawful for me, but all things do not build up <i>confirm strengthen</i> .


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If a nonbeliever invites you to a feast and you feel you must go eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience sake.


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But if any man says to you: »This is offered in sacrifice to idols,« do not eat for the sake of the one who said it and for conscience sake.


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Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: Yet why is my freedom judged by another man's conscience?


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For if I by grace am a partaker, why is evil spoken about me concerning that for which I give thanks?


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Do not stumble or offend <i>do not lead into sin</i> , neither to the Jews, nor to the nations, nor to the congregation of God.


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Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.


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Now I praise you, brothers, because you remember me in all things, and carefully follow the teachings <i>precepts doctrine</i> just as I delivered them to you.


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I would have you know, that the head <i>authority</i> of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.


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But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head. She is the same as if she had her head shaved.


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For if the woman were not covered, let her also be shaved. But if it is a shame for a woman to have her head shaved, let her be covered.


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For a man should not cover his head, for he is the image and glory of God. But the woman is the glory of the man.


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Now in this that I declare to you that I do not praise you. For you come together not for the better but for the worse.


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For first of all, when you come together in the congregation, I hear that there are divisions among you and I partly believe it.


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For there must be also heresies among you that they that are approved may be made manifest among you.


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For in eating every one goes ahead with out waiting for everybody else. One is hungry and another is drunk.


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Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the congregation of God, and shame them that have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I will not praise you!


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For I received from the Lord that which I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread.


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And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, »Take and eat. This represents <i>is</i> my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.«


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In the same manner, after supper, he took the cup, saying, »This cup represents <i>is</i> the new covenant of my blood. Drink this as often as you do it in remembrance of me.«


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For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till he comes.


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Whoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of <i>sinning against falsely representing</i> the body and blood of the Lord.


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For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning <i>not judging rightly</i> the Lord's body.


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But when we are judged, Jehovah disciplines us, that we should not be destroyed <i>condemned</i> with the world. (Proverbs 3:11)


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If any man is hungry let him eat at home. That way you come together without condemnation. I will give direction to care for other matters when I come.


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I want you to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed. And no person can say, »Jesus is the Lord,« except by the Holy Spirit.


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For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;


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To another the workings of miracles and to another prophesy. To another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.


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For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many and are one body, so also is Christ.


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For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or people of the nations, whether we are bond or free; we were all made to drink of one Spirit.


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If the foot should say: »Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;« is it therefore not of the body?


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If the ear should say: »Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body;« is it therefore not of the body?


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If the whole body were an eye, where is the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where is the smelling?


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And the eye cannot say to the hand, »I have no need of you:« nor again the head to the feet, »I have no need of you.«


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And those members of the body that we think to be less honorable, we offer these more honors. Our less acceptable parts have more abundant acceptability.


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For our acceptable parts have no need. But God has assembled the body together, having given more abundant honor to the part that was lacking.


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When one member suffers all the members suffer with it. When one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.


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God has appointed some in the congregation: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, abilities to direct, different tongues.


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Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and do not have love, I have become like loud sounding brass, or a clashing cymbal.


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If I have the gift of prophesy, and know all secrets and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.


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And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing.


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Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not jealous. Love does not brag and is not arrogant <i>proud</i> .


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Love does not act indecently. It is not selfish. It is not provoked and does not take into account a wrong suffered.


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Love never fails. Where there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away. Where there are tongues, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away.


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When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, and reason like a child. When I became an adult I did away with childish things.


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For now we see in a mirror dimly, and then we will see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.


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Pursue love, yet zealously desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy <i>proclaiming Gods Word</i> .


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For the person who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to men, but to God. No man understands him. He speaks secrets by the spirit.


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But the person who prophesies <i>proclaims Gods Word openly</i> speaks to men to build up, encourage and comfort.


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The person who speaks in an unknown tongue enlightens himself; but he who declares Gods Word enlightens the entire congregation!


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I would like it that you all speak with tongues, but I prefer that you prophesy. The person who announces <i>teaches preaches</i> Gods Word is greater than the person who speaks with tongues. The person who speaks with tongues should have an interpreter so the congregation may receive understanding and knowledge.


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Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?


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Inanimate objects that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?


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The same for you unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will speak into the air.


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Therefore if I do not know the meaning of what someone is saying I will be a foreigner to him that speaks. And he that speaks will be a foreigner to me too.


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As much as you are zealous for spiritual gifts, strive to build-up <i>increase</i> the enlightenment <i>understanding</i> of the congregation.


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For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding <i>mind</i> is unfruitful.


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What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding <i>Greek: nous: mind</i> also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding <i>mind</i> also.


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When you bless with the spirit, how will the audience of the unlearned say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he does not understand what you said?


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Yet in the congregation I would rather speak five words with my understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.


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Brothers, do not be like children in understanding. When it comes to evil be innocent children but in your thinking be mature adults.


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It is written in the law: »With men of other tongues and lips of foreigners I will speak to this people. Even then they will not listen to me,« said Jehovah.


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Therefore speaking in tongues is a sign not for believers, but for those who do not believe. Prophesying <i>proclaiming Gods Word</i> serves the believer and not the unbeliever.


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If therefore the whole congregation comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and the unlearned, or unbelievers, come there will they not say that you are out of your mind?


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The secrets of his heart are made known. So falling down on his face he will worship God, and report, »God is truly among you.«


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How is it then, brothers? When you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, and has an interpretation. Let all things be done to clarify and offer understanding!


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If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three. It should be orderly by plan and someone must interpret.


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But if there is no interpreter, let the speaker keep silence in the congregation and speak to himself and to God.


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Let women keep silent in the congregations. They are not permitted to speak. They must be in submission as it says in the law.


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When they want to learn something, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the congregation.


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If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.


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You will be saved through the good news if you hold fast to the word I preached to you. That way you will not believe in vain.


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First of all, I delivered to you what I also received, how Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.


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More than five hundred brothers saw him at the same time after that. Most of them remain to this day, but some have fallen asleep <i>in death</i> .


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I am the least of the apostles and do not deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the people of God.


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By the divine influence of God I am what I am. His grace was not given to me in vain for I labored more than all of them. Yet it was not I. It was the divine influence and favor of God in me.


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If we preached that Christ was raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?


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And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is worth nothing, and your faith is also without value.


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We are found to be false witnesses of God because we have testified that God raised Christ from the dead. If he did not raise him up from the dead then the dead are not raised up.


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Christ has risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who slept <i>in death</i> .


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Death came because of what one man did. The resurrection of the dead also comes because of what one man did.


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Everyone will be raised to life in the right order: Christ the first fruits and afterward those who belong to Christ at the time of his coming.


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In the end Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father. Christ will destroy every ruler and all authority and all power.


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For he <i>Christ</i> must rule as king until he <i>God</i> puts all enemies under his feet <i>his control</i> . (Psalm 2; 110) (Daniel 2:44) (Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:6)


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According to the Scriptures: God has placed all things under his control <i>subjection</i> . (Ephesians 1:22) But when he said all things are placed under him, it is with the exception of <i>God</i> . For <i>God</i> is the one who placed all things under him <i>Christ</i> . (1 Peter 3:22) (John 3:35)


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When all things shall be subdued under the Son, then the Son will also be subjected to God who put all things under him, that God may be all in all <i>ruler over everything</i> .


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What will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?


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If I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage was it to me if the dead do not rise? Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.


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Wake up to righteousness and do not sin. Some do not have knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.


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That which you sow, you sow not that body that will develop, but bare grain, it may be of wheat, or of some other grain:


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All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.


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There are also celestial <i>heavenly</i> bodies and terrestrial <i>earthly</i> bodies. The glory of the celestial is one thing and the glory of the terrestrial is another.


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There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars. For one star differs from another star in glory.


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It is sown a natural body and it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body.


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Thus it is written: »The first man Adam was made a living being.« The last Adam became a life giving spirit!


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How is it the first is not spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.


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As is the earthy so are those who are of the earth. And as is the heavenly, so are those who are of heaven.


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Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Corruption may not inherit incorruption.


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In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last reverberation of the trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.


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When this corruptible shall be clothed with <i>Greek: enduo: dressed, put on</i> incorruption, and this mortal shall be clothed with immortality, then the saying will come true: »Death is swallowed up in victory.«


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Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and unmovable. Always have plenty to do in the work of the Lord, for you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.


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Now concerning the collection for the holy ones, you should do the same as I told the congregations of Galatia.


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On one day of the week let every one of you set something aside, as God has prospered you, that there be no contributions collected when I come. <i>Greek: heis, number one</i>


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And it may be that I will stay there and winter with you, that you may send me on my journey where ever I go.


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For a great door that leads to activity is opened to me. Yet there are many people working against me.


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Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear, for he works the work of God, as I also do.


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Let no one despise him. But conduct him in peace that he may come to me, for I look for him with the brothers.


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Concerning our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you with the brothers but his will was not at all to come at this time. He will come when he has a convenient time.


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Be alert <i>be watchful</i> and stand fast <i>be vigilant persevere</i> in the faith, carry on as men <i>be courageous</i> , be strong. (Ps 31:24)


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I exhort you, brothers, you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the holy ones.


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I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus. For they have supplied what was lacking on your part.


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The congregations of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you in the Lord, with the congregation that is in their house.


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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the congregation of God at Corinth, with all the holy ones throughout Achaia:


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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.


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He comforts us in all our trouble, that we may be able to comfort those who also have trouble, through the comfort with which we are comforted from God.


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If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort. It works through patience and longsuffering and is the same sufferings that we also suffer.


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Our hope for you is steadfast; knowing that, as you are partakers of the sufferings, so you also partake of the comfort.


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We do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning our affliction that began in Asia. We were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life.


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Yes, we have had the sentence of death within ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.


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God delivered us out of so great a death, and will deliver us. We have set our hope on him. He will deliver us!


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This is our pride and testimony of conscience. In holiness and Godly sincerity we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you. It was not by fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God.


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For we write no other things to you, than what you read or even acknowledge, and I hope you will acknowledge to the end:


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as also you did acknowledge us in part, that we are your reason to be proud, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.


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To pass by you to Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and to be helped by you on my journey to Judea.


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When I planned this was I unfaithful? Or in other things do I perform according to the flesh. With me should there be a yes or a no?


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For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we, preached among you even by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yes and no, but in him is yes.


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I wrote this very thing that when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice. I have confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.


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For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears. Not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have more abundantly for you.


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But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part <i>that I press not too heavily</i> to you all.


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To the contrary you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excess sorrow.


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Whoever you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, for your sakes I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ,


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I had no relief for my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother: but leaving them, I went to Macedonia.


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Thanks to God, who always leads us in triumph <i>triumphal procession</i> in Christ. He makes known through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.


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For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God. We are an aroma for those who are saved and those who perish.


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To the one an aroma of death leading to death and to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?


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For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God; but sincere and from God. We speak in Christ in the sight of God.


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Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some do, letters of commendation to you or from you?


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It is known that you are a letter of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is not written on tablets of stone, but on tablets of flesh that are of the heart.


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He also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant. This is a covenant not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.


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The ministry of death was written and engraved on stones. Glory came with it so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly upon the face of Moses. And this glory was passing away.


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For if the ministry of condemnation has glory then the ministry of righteousness would exceed in glory.


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We are not like Moses, who put a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel should not look steadily on the end of that which was passing away:


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Their minds were blinded. Until this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It is not revealed to them that Christ voided it.


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We all, with unveiled face, behold as in a mirror the glory of God and are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, exactly as from Gods Spirit.


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We have renounced the hidden things of shame. And we do not walk in craftiness and deceit. We do not adulterate the word of God. But by the manifestation of the truth we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.


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The god of this age <i>world religious, social, political, and economic arrangement</i> has blinded the minds of unbelievers that the light of the good news of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine on them.


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We do not preach about ourselves, but about Christ Jesus as Lord. We are your servants for Jesus' sake.


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God said: Light will shine out of darkness. He shined in our hearts. He gave the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face <i>presence</i> (<i>person</i> of Jesus Christ.


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We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the power beyond what is normal may be from God, and not from ourselves.


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We are pressed <i>afflicted troubled</i> on every side, but not crushed. We are perplexed yet not to despair.


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We always carry in the body the death of Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.


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For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh.


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But having the same spirit <i>attitude</i> of faith, according to that which is written, I believe, and therefore I speak. We also believe, and therefore we also speak.


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We know that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will present us with you.


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All things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.


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Our light affliction is for the moment. It works more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory for us.


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We do not look at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporal <i>for a season</i> . But the things that are not seen are eternal.


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We know that if our earthly house <i>human body habitation of life</i> is destroyed; we have a building from God. It is an everlasting house in the heavens, not made with human hands.


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In this we sigh <i>in silent prayer</i> , longing to be clothed with our habitation that is from heaven.


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While in this tabernacle we groan and sigh with prayer. We are concerned that we would be clothed with what is mortal and be swallowed up <i>devoured</i> by this life.


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He that prepared us for this very purpose is God. He gave the Spirit to us as a guarantee <i>pledge security</i> .


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We are always confident for we know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.


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We are of good courage, I say, and are willing to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.


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We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether it is good or bad.


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We know what it means to respect the Lord so we persuade others. God knows us and I hope that you know us in your hearts <i>consciences</i> .


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We are not again commending ourselves to you. But we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us. That way you may have an answer for those who glory in appearance, and not in heart.


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For if we are beside ourselves <i>crazy insane</i> it is to God. If we are of sound mind, it is to you.


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He died for all that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for their sakes and rose again.


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From now on we know no man according to the flesh: even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him so no longer.


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If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things have passed away. Behold, they have become new.


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All things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ. He gave the ministry of reconciliation to us.


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God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ. He was not imputing their trespasses against them, for he had committed the word of reconciliation to us.


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We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ that you be reconciled to God.


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He made the one who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf. That way we might become the righteousness of God in him.


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Working together with him we plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain <i>to no purpose in emptiness</i> .


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For he said: At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation!


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Give no occasion for stumbling <i>offence</i> in anything that our ministry may not be blamed <i>discredited</i> .


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In everything we commend ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,


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in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,


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Also as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.


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O Corinthians, we have spoken openly to you, our <i>figurative</i> heart is wide open <i>enlarged</i> .


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Now in return for the same in like kind <i>I speak as to my children</i> , you also be open <i>open your hearts wide</i> !


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Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship does righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what communion does light have with darkness?


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And what agreement does a temple of God have with idols? We are the temple of the living God. God said: I will dwell in them, and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Leviticus 26:12) (Zechariah 8:8)


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Therefore come out from among them and be separate <i>set off severed from them excluded from them</i> , said Jehovah. Do not touch the unclean thing and I will receive you. (Isaiah 52:11) (Jeremiah 51:45)


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I will be a Father to you, and you will be to me sons and daughters, said Jehovah God the Almighty. (Hosea 1:10)


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Having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness with deep reverence for God.


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Open your hearts to us. We wronged no person. We wronged and corrupted no one. We took advantage of no person.


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I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die together and live together.


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Great is my confidence in you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in our entire affliction.


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When we came to Macedonia our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side, fighting on the outside and fears on the inside.


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This is not by his coming only, but also by the comfort he brought from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me so that I rejoiced yet more.


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For though I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it <i>for I see that that letter made you sorry, though but for a season</i> ,


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I now rejoice, not because you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance; for you were made sorry after a godly fashion, that you might not suffer loss by us.


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For godly sorrow works repentance leading to salvation. This is a repentance that brings no regret: but the sorrow of the world works death.


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This very thing that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it made in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, yes what vindication! You demonstrated yourself to innocent in the matter.


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Although I wrote to you, I did not write for the sake of the one who did wrong, nor for the one who suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be made manifest to you in the sight of God.


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Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. We enjoyed our comfort the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because all of you have refreshed his mental disposition.


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If in anything I have boasted about him to you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so our boasting also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.


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His affection is even greater for you as he remembers your obedience and how with reverence and trembling you received him.


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We make known to you brothers the grace of God that has been given to the congregations of Macedonia.


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Out of severe affliction they have an abundance of joy and their deep poverty abounds in the riches of their generosity.


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For according to their ability, I bear witness, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord.


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They were very urgent in their concern for this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the holy ones.


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This is not as we hoped. First they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.


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But as you have plenty of everything, in faith, and speech, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love for us, see that you have plenty of this undeserved kindness also.


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I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.


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For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.


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I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.


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But now complete the doing. There was the eager will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.


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For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have.


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but by equality: your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality:


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For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth to you of his own accord.


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And we have sent together with him the brother, whose praise in the good news has spread through all the congregations,


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and not only so, but who was also appointed by the congregations to travel with us in the matter of this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and to show our readiness.


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We send our brother with them, whom we have many times proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, by reason of the great confidence which he has in you.


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Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you or our brothers, they are the messengers of the congregations, and they are the glory of Christ.


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Show to them as representatives of the congregations the quality of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.


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I know you are ready and I boast about to the Macedonians. That Achaia has been prepared since last year. Your zeal stirred up many of them.


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But I have sent the brothers that our boasting about you may not be made void in this respect. Even as I said, you may be prepared:


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Lest by any means, if any from Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to speak of you, should be put to shame in this respect.


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I thought it necessary therefore to request the brothers to go before me to you, and prepare your generous gift before hand, that the same might be ready as a gift and not extortion.


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Let each man do according as he has purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.


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God is able to make all grace abound toward you. You have plenty of everything you need and should abound in every good work.


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The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.


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You will be made rich in everything. And you can be generous on every occasion. This will cause thanksgiving to God through us.


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This service not only takes care of the needs of the holy ones, but also abounds with many expressions of thanksgiving to God.


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The proof of this ministry is that they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the good news of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men.


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Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you.


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I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh.


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The weapons we use in our fight are not of the flesh but God's powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds. We destroy false arguments.


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We cast down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God. We bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.


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You look at the things that are before you. If any man trusts in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again within himself that, even as he is Christ's, so also are we.


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I should boast a great deal concerning the authority the Lord gave us to build you up, and not to tear you down, I would not be put to shame.


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For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong. But his bodily presence is weak and his speech of no account.


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Let a person like this take this into account: what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.


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For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves. But they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves. They are without understanding.


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But we will not boast beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the province that God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even to you.


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For we are not overstretching ourselves though we did not reach to you. We reached out to you with the good news of Christ.


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We did not boast beyond our assignment in other men's labors. Having hope that, as your faith grows, we shall be made great among you according to our territory for further abundance.


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Let us preach the good news to the parts beyond you. Let us not boast in someone elses territory in concerning things ready for our hand.


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It is not he that commends himself that is approved. It is the one whom Jehovah commends. (Proverbs 29:26)


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For I am zealous over you with a godly fervor <i>ardor zeal</i> ! For I promised you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.


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But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds will be lead away from the simplicity and the purity <i>cleanness</i> that is toward Christ.


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If someone comes and preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive, or a different good news, which you did not accept, you do well to put up with him.


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Though I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. We have in every way made this evident to you in all things.


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Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you the good news of God without charge?


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When I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man. For the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will continue to do the same.


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As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me from doing this boasting in the regions of Achaia.


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But what I do, I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that in whatever matter they boast, they may be found equal with me.


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It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.


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I say again, let no man think me foolish. If you do, yet receive me as foolish that I also may boast a little.


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You suffer, if a man brings you into bondage, if a man devours you, if a man takes advantage of you, if a man exalts himself, if a man strikes you on the face.


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I speak concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. If any are bold, I speak foolishly for I am also bold.


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Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool. I am more in labors more abundant, beaten beyond number, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.


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Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, I suffered shipwreck three times, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.


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In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brothers;


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In weariness and painfulness, in watching often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.


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Beside those things that are from the outside, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the congregations.


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I must brag, although it does not do any good. I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.


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I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago <i>whether in the body, I do not know; or whether out of the body, I do not know; God knows</i> , such a one caught up even to the third heaven.


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And I know such a man <i>whether in the body, or apart from the body, I do not know; God knows</i> ,


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how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to speak.


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If I ever wanted to brag, I would not be a fool. Instead, I would be telling the truth. But I am going to spare you so that no one may think more of me than what he sees or hears about me.


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I was given a painful physical ailment that will keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw. It acts as Satan's messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud.


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He told me: »My grace is sufficient for you for my strength is made perfect in weakness.« Most gladly therefore, I would rather glory in my infirmities <i>frailities</i> , that the power of Christ may rest upon me <i>cover me like a tent descend upon me abide with me</i> . (Isaiah 40:29-31)


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Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.


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I have become a fool in boasting. You have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended about you: for in nothing am I inferior to the most prominent apostles, though I am nothing.


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Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.


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What is it in which you were inferior to other congregations, except that I was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong.


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Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you. I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you. The children should not provide for the parents, but the parents for the children.


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I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus gain you? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same mental disposition? Did we not walk in the same steps?


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Do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for youre up building.


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I am afraid that I may come and find you different from what I want you to be, and that you may find me different from what you want me to be. I fear that there may be rivalry, jealousy, hot tempers, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly conduct.


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I am afraid that the next time I come my God will humiliate me in your presence, and I shall weep over many who sinned in the past and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication and loose conduct that they have practiced.


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This is now the third time that I am coming to visit you. The testimony of two or three witnesses must uphold an accusation. (Deuteronomy 19:15)


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I told you in advance as if I were present the second time. Being absent now I write to those who have sinned and to all others. If I come again I will not spare you.


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Though he was impaled through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. We are weak through him also, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.


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Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith. Prove your own selves. Do you not know this about yourselves that Jesus Christ is with you, unless you are disqualified?


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Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we may seem disqualified.


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Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power that the Lord gave me to enlightenment and not to destruction.


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Finally brothers, farewell: Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.


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The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the intimate sharing of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.


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From Paul, who is an apostle not from men nor through men but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.


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He <i>Jesus</i> gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us out of this present evil age. This is according to the will of our God and Father.


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I am amazed that you so quickly turned away from the One who called you by the grace of Christ. You turned to different good news.


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Yet this is not another good news. But there are some who trouble <i>agitate</i> you, and they would pervert the good news of Christ.


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If we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any message other than that which we preached to you, let him be accursed <i>condemned expelled</i> .


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We said before and now I say again, if any man preaches to you any message other than what you received, let him be accursed!


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Do I now seek the favor of men, or of God? Am I striving to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ.


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For I make known to you brothers that the good news that was preached by me is not according to man.


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I did not receive it from man. I was not taught it! It came to me through revelation from Jesus Christ.


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You heard about the way I lived as a Jew. How I persecuted the congregation of God beyond measure. In fact I tried to destroy it!


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I advanced as a Jew beyond many of my own age among my countrymen. I was more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.


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He revealed his Son to me that I might preach him among the nations. I do not confer with flesh and blood <i>human beings</i> .


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I did not go to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before I was. I went away to Arabia and again I returned to Damascus.


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I went in response to a revelation. I demonstrated to them the way I spread the good news among the people of the nations. I did this privately before them for they have a reputation. I am concerned that by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.


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This occurred because of the false brothers brought in secretly. They came to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus. This was so they might bring us into bondage.


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We did not yield to them for a moment or an hour! That way the truth of the good news <i>the whole body of Christian teachings</i> might continue with you.


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Those who were recognized as important people did not add a single thing to my message. What sort of people they were makes no difference to me. God does not play favorites <i>show partiality</i> .


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On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the good news to people who are not circumcised. Just as Peter had been entrusted with the good news to the people who are circumcised.


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The one who made Peter an apostle to the Jewish people <i>who are circumcised</i> also made me an apostle to the people of the nations <i>who are not circumcised</i> .


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When they saw the grace that was given to me, James, Cephas <i>Peter</i> and John, they who were known to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship. We were to go to the nations and they were to go to the people who are circumcised.


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He ate with the people of the nations until some men James sent arrived. When they arrived, he drew back and separated himself. He feared those who were of the circumcised people.


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The rest of the Jews were hypocrites with him, so much that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.


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I saw that they did not walk uprightly according to the truth of the good news. Therefore I said to Cephas, in front of them all: »If you, being a Jew, live as the nations do and not as the Jews, why do you compel the people of the nations to live like the Jews?«


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Yet we know that a man is not righteous by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. We believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be righteous by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law. The works of the law justify no one.


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We sought to be righteous in Christ. And we were found to be sinners. Is Christ a minister of sin? God forbid.


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I have been impaled with Christ. It is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. The life that I now live in the flesh <i>physical body</i> I live by faith. This is the faith that is in the Son of God. He loved me and gave himself up for me.


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I do not reject the grace <i>totally undeserved gift</i> of God: for if righteousness is <i>gained</i> through the law, then Christ died for nothing.


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O foolish Galatians, who fascinated <i>cast a spell over beguiled influenced</i> you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was openly presented impaled.


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I want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law, or by having faith in what you heard?


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Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now made perfect <i>mature</i> in the flesh?


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He that provides the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?


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The Scripture revealed ahead of time, that God justified the people of the nations by faith. He preached the good news beforehand to Abraham. He said: »In you will all the nations be blessed.«


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Those who are of the works of the Law are under a curse. For it is written, »Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, by obeying them.«


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Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written; »Cursed is everyone who is hung on a stake.«


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This way the blessing of Abraham might come upon the nations through Christ Jesus and we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.


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Brothers, I speak like a man speaks: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void, or adds to it.


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The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He did not say to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to your seed, which is Christ.


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Now this I say: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.


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If the inheritance is based on the Law, it is no longer based on a promise. However God granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.


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What then is the law? It was added <i>to cause awareness of sin</i> because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.


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Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid! If a law had been given which could impart life, righteousness would have been from the Law.


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But the Scriptures shut up <i>imprisoned pictured</i> all things <i>mankind</i> under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.


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The Law was our schoolmaster <i>Greek: paedagogue: a combination of schoolmaster, instructor, servant and guardian in charge of us</i> to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.


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There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one <i>united</i> in Christ Jesus. (John 17:21) (Ephesians 4:4-6)


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But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he does not differ from a bondservant, though he is owner of the estate.


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When we were children, we too were held in bondage. We were slaves to the arrangement of this world.


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However at that time, you did not know God. You were in bondage to things that are really not gods at all.


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Now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and poor fundamental things? Do you want to slave for them all over again?


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That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you did not despise or reject. You received me like an angel <i>messenger</i> of God, even like Christ Jesus.


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Where then is your positive attitude? I bear you witness, that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.


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They zealously <i>eagerly</i> seek you in no good way. They desire to shut you out, that you may seek them.


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It is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times, and not only when I am present with you.


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How is it that the son by the slave woman is born after the flesh; but the son by the freewoman is born through promise?


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This contains an allegory <i>symbolic drama</i> . These women symbolize two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar.


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Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia. She corresponds to the Jerusalem that now is. She is in bondage with her children.


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It is written, »Rejoice, barren woman who does not give birth. Break forth and cry, you who do not labor; for there are more children of the desolate than of the one who has the husband.«


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Just like then, the son who was conceived in a natural way according to the flesh persecuted the son conceived in a spiritual way. That is exactly what is happening now!


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What do the scriptures say? »Throw out the slave woman and her son. For the son of the slave woman must not share the inheritance with the son of the free woman.« (Genesis 21:10)


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Christ liberated us for freedom <i>moral liberty</i> . Stand fast therefore, and do not become entangled again in a yoke of bondage.


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Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision. He is under obligation to obey the whole Law.


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For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision means anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.


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I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view. And he that troubles you will bear his judgment, who ever he is.


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But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then has the stumbling block of the stake been done away?


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For you brothers, were called for freedom; only do not use your freedom for an occasion to the flesh. Serve one another through love!


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For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. These are in opposition to one another that you may not do the things that you would.


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Now the works of the flesh <i>sinful human nature</i> are apparent. They are: fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct,


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envies, drunkenness, revelries, and things like these. I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that those who practice such things would not inherit the kingdom of God.


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Brothers, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right. But you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too.


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So if any one of you thinks you are important when you really are not, you are only fooling yourself.


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Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others.


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He that sows to his own flesh will harvest corruption of the flesh. But he that sows to the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.


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So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.


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Those who desire to make a showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised. This is done so they may not be persecuted for the stake of Christ.


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For not even those who receive circumcision obey the Law. They desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.


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Never should I boast except in the stake <i>symbolic: self-denial and atonement</i> of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through this stake that the world has been impaled to me, and I to the world.


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The grace <i>Greek: charis, divine favor, loving-kindness</i> of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit <i>Greek: pneuma, mental outlook, attitude</i> , brothers. Amen.


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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the holy ones who are at Ephesus and the faithful in Christ Jesus:


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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places through Christ.


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He chose us through him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love.


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He predetermined <i>ordained</i> us to adoption, as sons to himself through Jesus Christ, according to the kind intention of his will.


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This is to the praise of the glory of his kindness, with which he freely honored us, the loved ones.


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In him we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.


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It was for an administration at the appointed time. This administration is to gather up all things in Christ, the things in heaven, and the things upon the earth. Yes in him!


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We were assigned as heirs predetermined according to his purpose. He works all things according to his direction and will.


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You have heard the word of the truth in Christ. It is the good news about your salvation. You also believed and were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.


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The Holy Spirit is a guarantee that we will receive our inheritance. This assures us that God will set us free to the praise of his glory.


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For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus that is among you, and the love you show all the holy ones.


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May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit <i>mental disposition</i> of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.


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Have the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know the hope of his calling, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the holy ones,


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and what the exceeding greatness of his power is toward us who believe, according to the operation of his mighty strength.


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He operated in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places.


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It is far above all governments and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.


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He <i>God</i> put all things in subjection under his feet, and made him head over all things to the congregation,


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You once walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the power <i>authority and jurisdiction</i> of the air, the spirit that is now active in the sons of disobedience.


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We all once lived in the lust of our flesh, indulging the desires <i>lusts</i> of the flesh and of the mind. We were by nature children of anger and violent passion, like everyone else.


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even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. For by grace <i>loving-kindness</i> you have been saved.


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So in the ages to come he, with Christ Jesus, might show the exceeding <i>surpassing exceptional</i> riches of his grace with kindness toward us.


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By grace <i>Greek: charis, divine favor, loving-kindness</i> you have been saved through faith. It is not from you. It is the gift from God!


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For we are his workmanship created with Christ Jesus for good works. God prepared these works in advance that we should walk in them.


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Remember that you were once people of the nations in the flesh. You are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision, in the flesh, made by human hands.


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You were separate from Christ at that time, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel. You were strangers from the covenants of the promise. You had no hope and were without God in the world.


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For he is our peace, who made both <i>Jews and Gentiles</i> one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition.


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Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity <i>ill will</i> , which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That <i>way</i> he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.


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So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity <i>antagonism hostility</i> .


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So then you are no longer strangers and aliens. You are fellow citizens with the holy ones and of the household of God.


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You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus is the chief corner stone.


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It was not made known to other generations of the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.


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The Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the good news.


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I was made a minister, according to the gift of Gods grace that was given me according to the working of his power.


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To me, the very least of all the holy ones, was given grace <i>loving divine influence</i> to preach to the people of the nations the untraceable riches of Christ.


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To make all men see what is the administration of the secret which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things.


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It is the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the congregation and the rules and authorities in the heavenly places.


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This is according to the eternal purpose <i>determination design arrangement</i> that He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.


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That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man.


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May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith to the end that you will be rooted and grounded in love.


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And may you know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. May you be filled with all the fullness of God.


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Now to him that is able to do far more abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.


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I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, invite you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called.


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Therefore it says: »When he ascended on high, he led captives, and gave gifts to men <i>anthropos: human beings</i> .«


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He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)


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He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers.


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This is for the perfecting <i>equipping preparing</i> of the holy ones, for the work of ministering, for the building up of the body of Christ:


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until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown <i>mature</i> man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.


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We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error.


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The entire body is properly framed and fitted together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in due measure of each individual part. It makes the body increase by building itself in love.


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This I say therefore, and testify <i>affirm</i> in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the nations also walk, in the vanity <i>futility depravity</i> of their mind <i>thinking</i> .


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They are darkened <i>blinded obscured</i> in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart.


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They are past feeling. They have given themselves over to loose conduct, to work all uncleanness with greediness <i>a lust for more</i> .


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You put away your former way <i>course behavior conversation</i> of life, the old self that was corrupt with the lusts of deceit.


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Put on the new man, that in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.


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Put away falsehood. Speak truth each one of you with his neighbor: for we are members <i>belonging to together with</i> of one another.


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He that steals must steal no more. Let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to someone in need.


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Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth. Speak what is good for understanding as the need may be, that it may give grace <i>divine favor</i> to those who hear.


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Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in which <i>Greek: en hos in which Greek: hos, he ho whereby which</i> you were sealed to the day of release by ransom.


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Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and screaming, and abusive speech, be put away <i>removed expiated</i> from you, along with all malice.


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You should be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also forgave you through <i>by means of</i> Christ.


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Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us. He was an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling odor.


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Fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among holy ones.


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Nor should there be filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting but rather giving of thanks.


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For you know this with certainty, that no fornicator, no unclean person, no covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.


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Let no one deceive you with empty words. It is because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.


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You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk <i>live be occupied</i> as children of light


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Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead reprove <i>expose convict</i> them.


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But all things become visible when the light exposes them, for everything that becomes visible is light.


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Speak to one another in psalms and praise and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to Jehovah.


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For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the congregation, he being the savior of the body.


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The congregation is subject to Christ. Likewise let the wives also be to their husbands in everything.


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So he will be able to present the congregation to himself as a glorious congregation, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing. It should be holy and without blemish.


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In this way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his own wife loves himself.


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No man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ also does the congregation.


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For this reason a man will leave his father and mother, and will stick <i>adhere cleave be joined</i> to his wife. The two will become one flesh.


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Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of God.


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Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart, as to Christ.


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This should not be in the way of eye service, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from a complete heart;


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You know that whatever good thing each person does, the same shall he receive again from God, whether he be slave or free.


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You masters, do the same things to them. Do not threaten! You know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven. There is no favoritism with him.


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Put on the full armor <i>every implement</i> of God, that you may be able to stand against the cunning <i>inventive clever</i> methods of the devil.


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Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places.


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For that reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, having done everything, to stand firm.


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Also take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.


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With prayer and supplication pray at all times in the Spirit. Watch with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones.


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Pray on my behalf, that ability to speak may be given to me, to make known with boldness the secret of the good news.


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That you also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things.


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I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.


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Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an incorruptible <i>sincere principled unending</i> love.


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Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in union with Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and ministerial servants:


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I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.


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It is right for me to feel this way on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart. Both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the good news you are all partakers with me of grace.


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This way you may approve <i>test</i> the things that are excellent <i>of more value</i> . May you be sincere and without offense <i>blameless</i> to others till the day of Christ.


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Be filled with the fruits of righteousness through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. (John 15:5) (Galatians 5:22-23)


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I would have you know, brothers that the things that happened to me turned out for the greater progress of the good news.


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Most of the brothers trust in the Lord and boldly speak the word of God without fear because of my bonds.


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The latter ones do it out of love, knowing that I am set <i>appointed placed here</i> for the defense of the good news.


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But the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition without pure motives, thinking to cause me great suffering and distress in my imprisonment.


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What then? That in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed! For that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice!


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For I know that this will turn out to my redemption through your prayer and the provision of the spirit <i>vital principles mind</i> of Jesus Christ.


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I will not be put to shame according to my earnest expectation and hope. With all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in me, whether by life or by death.


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I am hard pressed between the two. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ for it is far better.


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Having this confidence, I know that I will remain. Yes, I will remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.


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Let your manner of life be worthy of the good news about Christ. Whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your conduct, that you stand fast in one spirit <i>common purpose mental disposition vital principle</i> , with one mind striving together for the faith of the good news.


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Do not be frightened by opponents. This is evidence of destruction for them and salvation for you from God.


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It has been granted to you in behalf of Christ. Not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf.


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If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender affection <i>tender mercy</i> and compassions,


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make my joy full by being of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, and of one purpose.


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Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others more important than you.


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He existed in the form <i>shape and nature</i> of God but did not try to be equal with God. He did not even consider it!


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He emptied <i>humbled</i> himself by taking the form of a servant. He was made in the likeness of men.


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He obtained the appearance as a man, humbled himself, and became obedient even to death, yes, death on the stake.


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For this reason God highly exalted him, and gave to him the name that is above every name, <i>Relative authority given by Jehovah God, the Father to His Son</i> (Philipians 2:11)


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that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,


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My beloved, you have always obeyed, not just in my presence, but now much more in my absence. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.


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That way you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. You are seen as lights in the world.


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Hold fast to the word of life so I may rejoice in the day of Christ. That way I will not have labored in vain.


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I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly that I may be encouraged when I know your circumstances.


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But you know of his proven worth. It was like a son with his father that he served with me to further the good news.


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I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.


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Indeed he was sick and near to death. But God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.


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I have sent him quickly, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.


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because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.


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Finally my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not a bother, but for you it is a safeguard.


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Beware of the dogs <i>impure men false teachers</i> ! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation of the body.


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We are those with true circumcision who worship by the Spirit of God. We glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh.


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I might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks to have confidence in the flesh, I have more!


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I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;


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as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.


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I count all things to be loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. I suffered the loss of all things. Yet I count them as refuse <i>garbage dung</i> that I may gain Christ.


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I want to be united with him. I no longer want a righteousness of my own that is gained by obeying the law. The righteousness from God is by faith in Christ.


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I want to know him and the power of his resurrection. I want to know the fellowship of his sufferings and become conformed to his death.


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Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect. But I press on, that I may obtain that for which Christ Jesus also obtained.


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Brothers, I could not yet have obtained it. But one thing I do, I forget the things that are behind, and stretch forward to the things that are ahead.


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Let those of us who are mature have this attitude. If you have a different attitude God will show you how to think.


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Their end is destruction. Their god is their belly. Their glory is in their shame. They set their mind on earthly things.


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Christ will, through his power, bring everything under his authority. He will change our humble bodies and make them like his glorified <i>glorious</i> body <i>literally and figuratively: body of his glory</i> . He is able to subject all things to himself.


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Therefore, my beloved brothers I long to see you. You are my joy and crown. In this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.


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Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the good news, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.


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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.


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The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


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Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.


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The things that you have learned, received, heard and saw in me; do these things and the God of peace will be with you.


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I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me. You did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.


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I know how to be poor. I also know how to live with abundance. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to have abundance and to suffer need.


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You also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the good news, when I departed from Macedonia, no other congregation shared their money with me. Only you shared with me.


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I have all things, and prosper: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you. It is an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.


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The grace <i>Greek: charis: divine influence</i> of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit <i>Greek: pneuma: mental disposition</i> .


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to the holy ones and faithful brothers in Christ that live in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.


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This is because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You heard about this hope from the word of truth, the good news.


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It came to you even as it did. Everywhere in the entire world it bears fruit and it increases in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace <i>loving-kindness</i> of God in truth.


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You learned about Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf.


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Since the day we heard about you, we have not ceased to pray and make request for you. We pray for you to be filled with the <i>intimate accurate</i> knowledge <i>discernment recognition</i> of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Philippians 1:9) (John 17:3)


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Walk worthily of God, fully pleasing him. Bear fruit in every good work, and increase in the knowledge <i>Greek: epignosis: full discernment, recognition</i> of God.


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God will strengthen you with all power, according to the might of his glory, to all patience and longsuffering with joy.


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He rescued us from the power of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love <i>the Son he dearly loves</i> .


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He is the image <i>likeness representation</i> of the invisible God. He is the firstborn <i>Greek: prototokos: childbirth, offspring</i> of all creation.


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All things in the heavens and upon the earth where created through him. The things visible and invisible were created through him. Whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.


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He is the head of the body, the congregation. He is the beginning <i>commencement</i> , the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence <i>first place</i> .


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And all things are reconciled through him. He made peace through the blood of his atonement <i>of the stake</i> . He reconciles all things, whether things upon the earth, or things in heaven.


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But he <i>Christ</i> reconciled you in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and without accusation before Him <i>God</i> .


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Provided that you continue in the faith, grounded <i>on the foundation</i> and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the good news you heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven. For this I,Paul, was made a minister.


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I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. I do my share in behalf of his body, the congregation, to provide what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ.


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God gave me this stewardship to perform for your good. He has made me a servant of the congregation. It is for the task of fully proclaiming the word of God.


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It is the secret he hid through all past ages from all human beings but has now revealed to his holy ones.


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It was Gods will to make known his secret to the people of the nations, this rich and glorious secret that he has for people. The secret is that Christ is in union with you, which means that you will share in his glory.


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We preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one to God as a mature individual in union with Christ.


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Let me tell you how hard I worked for you, for the people in Laodicea, and for all others who do not personally know me.


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I do this that they may be filled with courage and be united <i>knit</i> together in love. I have the full assurance that only true understanding brings. In this way they will accurately know Gods secret, which is Christ himself.


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I tell you this: Do not let anyone deceive you with false arguments, no matter how good they seem to be.


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Even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit <i>mental disposition</i> . I am glad when I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ.


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Keep your roots deep in him! Build your lives on him. Become stronger in your faith, as you were taught, and be filled with thanksgiving.


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See to it that no one enslaves you by means of philosophy and worthless deceit of human wisdom according to tradition of men. It is according to the elementary principles of the world, and not from Christ.


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The fullness of divine nature lives in Christs bodily form. <i>Greek: theotes: essence and nature of God Only the Son of God could have divine attributes, the inherited qualities from the Father</i>


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You are made full <i>complete perfect mature</i> in him. He is the head over all government and authority.


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You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ.


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You have been buried with him in baptism. You were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.


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You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.


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He blotted out the bond written in ordinances. It was against us and was contrary to us. He has taken it out of the way. He nailed it to the stake.


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Let no man judge you in food or in drink or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day.


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Let no man rob you of your prize by a self-abasement and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things that he has seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,


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not holding fast to the head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, grows with the growth from God.


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If you died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances:


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These have, indeed, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body. But these are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.


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If you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.


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When Christ, who is our life, will be made known, then you will also be made known with him in glory.


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Make your members that are upon the earth dead with regard to fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness <i>greed</i> , which is idolatry.


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Now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech out of your mouth.


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You put on the new self that is being renewed to a true knowledge <i>full discernment</i> according to the image of the one who created him.


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There is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all and in all.


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As Gods chosen, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness <i>humility</i> , meekness <i>mildness</i> , and long-suffering <i>patience</i> .


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Tolerate <i>endure suffer put up with</i> one another, and forgive each other. If any man has a complaint against anyone, forgive them, even as God forgave you.


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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. You were called in one body for this purpose. You be thankful.


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Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom. Teach and admonish one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs. Sing with gratitude in your hearts to God.


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Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.


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Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, respecting God.


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For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong that he has done. There is no partiality.


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Masters, give your servants that which is just and equal. You know that you also have a Master in heaven.


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Pray also for us that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the secret of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned.


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Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.


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Tychicus will make known all my affairs to you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.


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I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our situation, and that he may comfort your hearts.


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He will be with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things that are done here.


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Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas <i>about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, receive him</i> ,


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and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers for the kingdom of God, men that have been comfort <i>encouragement consolation</i> to me.


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Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.


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I testify for him, that he has worked hard for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.


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When this letter has been read among you, make sure it is read also in the congregation of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.


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Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the congregation of the Thessalonians united with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.


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We continually remember your work of faith, labor of love, and patience, and your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.


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We preached the good news to you, not in words only but with power from Holy Spirit and with conviction of its truth. You know how we lived when we were with you. It was for your own good.


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You imitated the Lord and us, even though you suffered much affliction. Yet you received the word with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.


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For not only did the message about God go out from you throughout Macedonia and Achaia, but the news about your faith in God has gone everywhere. There is nothing that we need to say.


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All those people speak about how you received us when we visited you, and how you turned away from idols to God, to serve the true and living God,


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and to wait for his Son to come from heaven, his Son Jesus, whom he raised from death and who rescues us from Gods anger <i>indignation</i> that is to come.


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After we suffered and were mistreated in Philippi, we had the boldness <i>confidence</i> in our God to speak the good news of God to you amid much opposition.


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We always speak, as God wants us to. He has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives <i>examines our hearts</i> .


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You know very well that we did not come to you with flattering talk <i>praise for selfish gain</i> . We did not use words to cover up greed <i>insatiable desire for wealth</i> . God is our witness!


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We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you.


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Having much affection for you, we were well pleased to impart the good news of God to you and also to share our lives with you. You have become very dear to us.


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You may remember, brothers, our labor and hardship. We worked day and night that we would not burden any of you when we preached the good news of God to you.


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You and God are witnesses, how devoutly and righteously, without blame, we behaved toward you who believe!


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You know how we dealt with each one of you. It was like a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging and showing you.


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For this purpose we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe.


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You brothers became imitators of the congregations of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus. You also suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews.


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They killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They did not please God and are contrary to all men.


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They hindered us from speaking to the nations so that they may be saved. The result was that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost.


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But we have been taken away from you for a short while. We have been taken away in person, not in spirit. We are all the more eager with great desire to see you.


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Who is our hope, or joy, or crown of exultation? Is it not you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus, at his coming?


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So we sent Timothy, our brother and Gods fellow worker in the good news of Christ. He came to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith.


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We do not want anyone to be discouraged by these troubles. You know we were bound to suffer persecution.


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When we were with you, we told you that we would suffer tribulation and affliction. It happened, as you know.


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For this cause, when I could no longer bear it, I inquired about your faith. I feared that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.


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Timothy came from you to us, and brought us good news about your faith and love. We want you to have good memories of us always, and that you desire to see us just as we also desire to see you.


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Night and day we pray exceedingly that we might see you in person, and might perfect <i>restore repair</i> that which is lacking in your faith.


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And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.


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May he resolutely strengthen your hearts without blame in holiness before God, our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his holy ones.


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Furthermore, we encourage you, brothers, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you ought to walk, and to please God, so you would abound more and more.


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This is the will of God, for your sanctification <i>holiness purification</i> , that you should abstain from fornication.


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Let no man defraud his brother in any matter. Jehovah is the avenger of this. We also have warned you and testified.


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Indeed, you do it toward all the brothers in all Macedonia: but we encourage you to increase more and more.


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Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and mind your own business, and work with your hands, as we command you.


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I do not want you to be ignorant brothers, concerning those who are asleep <i>in death</i> . You do not need to sorrow like others who have no hope.


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We tell you this by Gods Word, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede those who are asleep.


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For the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ will rise first.


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We that are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so will we ever be with the Lord.


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For you know perfectly that the »Day of Jehovah« will come like a thief in the night. (Zephaniah 1:14)


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When they say, »Peace and security!« then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come to a pregnant woman. They will not escape.


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You are all the children <i>sons</i> of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night, not of darkness.


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Let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love; and the hope of salvation as a helmet.


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For God has not appointed us to experience his wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.


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He died for us, that, whether we are awake in this life or sleep in death, we should live together with him.


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We ask you, brothers, to appreciate those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you.


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We ask you brothers to warn the unruly and comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all men.


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See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone. But follow that which is good, both among you, and to all men.


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May the very God of peace completely sanctify you <i>make you holy</i> . I pray to God that your entire spiritual being, your mind and body, is preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the people of the congregation in Thessalonica, who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:


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Our friends, we should thank God at all times for you. It is right for us to do so, because your faith is growing so much and the love each of you has for the other abounds toward each other.


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That is why we boast <i>rejoice have glory</i> about you in the congregations of God. We boast <i>rejoice have glory</i> about the way you continue to endure and believe through all the persecutions and sufferings you experience.


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All of this proves that Gods judgment is just, and as a result, you will become worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.


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It is a righteous thing for God to repay with affliction <i>great suffering and distress</i> those who afflict you.


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You who are afflicted rest with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire.


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They will render vengeance to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the good news of our Lord Jesus.


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They will suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the Lord and from the glory of his might.


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He will then come to be glorified in his holy ones, and to be marveled at by all those who believed, because our testimony to you was believed.


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We pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and every work of faith with power.


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May the name of our Lord Jesus be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.


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Now we ask you, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to him,


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do not get upset right away or alarmed when someone claims that we said through some spirit, conversation, or letter that the »Day of Jehovah« has already come. (Isaiah 13:6) (Zephaniah 1:14) (2 Peter 3:10)


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Do not let anyone deceive you about this in any way. That day will not come unless apostasy <i>a falling away from truth</i> takes place first, and the man of lawlessness <i>sin</i> , the man of destruction, is revealed. (2 Timothy 4:3)


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He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god and object of worship. As a result, he seats himself in the sanctuary of God and declares <i>promotes</i> himself to be like God. (Ezekiel 28:2)


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There is something that keeps this from happening now, and you know what it is. At the proper time, then, the wicked one will appear.


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The secret of evil <i>lawlessness</i> is even now at work. But there is one who restrains the evil till he is taken out of the way.


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Then the evil <i>lawless</i> one will be revealed. The Lord Jesus will put him to death with the breath of his mouth, and destroy him by the manifestation <i>brightness advent revelation</i> of his coming. <i>Greek: parousia: presence, return, being near</i>


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The evil <i>lawless</i> one will come with the power of Satan and perform all kinds of false signs and wonders.


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He will use every kind of wicked deceit on those who will perish. They will perish because they did not welcome and love the truth so as to be saved.


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So God dispatches the power of deceit <i>error</i> to work in them so that they are allowed to believe what is false.


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We always have to thank God for you, brothers. Jehovah loves you and we thank God that in the beginning he chose you to be saved through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.


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It was for this he called you through our good news. This is so you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the precepts <i>Greek: paradosis: traditions of doctrines, teachings handed down</i> you were taught by word of mouth or by letter from us.


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Now may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and good hope by grace,


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Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of God will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you.


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We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.


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May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience <i>steadfastness</i> of Christ.


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Our friends, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who walk disorderly and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them.


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We did not eat anyones food without paying for it. Instead, we worked hard and struggled night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you.


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We say this because we hear that there are people among you who are lazy and who do nothing except meddle in other peoples business.


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In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living.


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If anyone does not obey our word in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.


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I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a mark in every letter; this is the way I write.


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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope,


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to Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.


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As I urged you to stay at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that you might command certain men not to teach strange doctrines.


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They should not pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These myths <i>false stories fabrications</i> and genealogies stimulate questions and speculation. They do not enhance the administration of God that is by faith.


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They want to be teachers of the Law even though they do not know what they are talking about. They do not understand what they say or what they confidently affirm.


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Knowing this, that Law is not made for a righteous person. It is for the lawless and unruly, the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, and for manslayers.


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It is for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and everything else that is contrary to the sound teaching.


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Sound teaching <i>doctrine</i> is according to the good news of the glory of the blessed <i>happy</i> God. This was committed to my trust.


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I thank him that enabled me and counted me faithful, appointing me to his service, Christ Jesus our Lord.


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I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and a violent aggressor. I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.


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Faithful is the saying, and worthy of acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.


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For this I obtained mercy, which in me as the foremost sinner Jesus Christ might show his long-suffering. This is for an example to those who should later believe in him for eternal life.


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Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.


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I entrust this command to you, Timothy, my son. It is in accordance with the prophecies that were previously made. They do apply to you, and with them you may fight the good fight.


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Keep the faith and maintain a good conscience! Some have rejected these things and have suffered shipwreck to their faith.


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Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander. I handed them over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.


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They should be made for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.


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It is Gods desire that all men have salvation and come to the full <i>precise accurate correct</i> knowledge <i>Greek: epignosis: recognition, discernment</i> of the truth.


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Because of this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle. What I say is true, not false, and I am a teacher of the nations in the true faith.


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Likewise I want women to be adorned in modest clothing, with modesty and soundness of mind; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly clothes;


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She will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.


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The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;


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He should not be a new believer, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.


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He must have a good reputation with those outside the congregation, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil.


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Ministerial servants should likewise be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain.


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For they that have served well as servants gain to themselves a good standing and great confidence <i>boldness of speech</i> in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.


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though if I am delayed, so that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the household of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.


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The secret of godliness is great and it is without controversy. He <i>Jesus Christ</i> was manifested <i>revealed</i> in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, and seen by angels. He preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, and received up in glory.


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The Spirit explicitly says that some will fall away from the faith <i>truth</i> in later times. Spirits and doctrines of demons will seduce them,


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They will forbid marrying, <i>and command</i> to abstain from food, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.


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For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving.


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If you tell the brothers about these things, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed until now.


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Bodily exercise is profitable for a little. However, godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of the life that is to come.


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This is why we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.


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Let no man look down on your youth. Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and chasteness.


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Do not neglect the spiritual gift in you. It was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.


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Be diligent and think about these things. Give yourself wholly to them. That way your progress may be apparent to all.


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Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue in these things. When you do this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.


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Do not rebuke <i>censure criticize</i> an elder, but appeal to him as a father, the younger men as brothers.


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But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show righteousness towards their own family, and to repay their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.


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Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in supplications and prayers day and night.


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If any do not provide for his own, and specially his own household, he denies the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.


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having a good reputation for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the holy ones, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.


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Refuse younger widows: for when their sexual impulses come between them and Christ, they desire to marry.


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They also learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but gossipers and busybodies, speaking things that they should not.


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I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling.


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If any woman that believes has dependant widows, she must assist them and not let the congregation be burdened. Then it can assist those who are actually widows.


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Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.


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For the scripture said: »You must not muzzle the bull while he is threshing. The workman is worthy of his wages.«


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I charge you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these <i>principles</i> without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.


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Do not lay your hands hastily on any man, neither be a partaker of other men's sins: keep yourself pure.


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Do not drink water any longer, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your many infirmities.


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In like manner some good works are known publicly, and other works will be known, for they cannot be kept hidden.


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Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the teachings will not be blasphemed.


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Do not despise your believing masters, because they are brothers. Serve them, because they who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.


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If any man teaches a different doctrine, and does not consent to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine that is according to godliness,


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he is proud, knows nothing, has a morbid interest in questions and disputes about words, which leads to envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,


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frictions between men corrupted in mind and lacking in truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.


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Those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts. These draw men into ruin and destruction.


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For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some by longing for it have been led away from the faith. They have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


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But you, O man of God, run from these things. Pursue <i>set your heart on</i> righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.


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Fight the good fight of the faith! Lay hold on everlasting life! You were called and confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.


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I charge you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession:


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Keep the commandment without spot and without reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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The blessed and only Potentate <i>Sovereign Authority</i> will make him appear in his own appointed time. For he is the King of kings and Lord of lords.


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Only God has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light. No man has seen him, nor can see him. To him be honor and power forever. Amen.


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Command those who are rich in this present system not to be high-minded <i>arrogant</i> , not to have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.


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They should do good works and be rich in good works, that they are ready to distribute, willing to communicate.


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They store up for them a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life that is life indeed.


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O Timothy, guard that which is committed to you. Turn away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from opposition and from false »knowledge.«


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Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,


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to Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.


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I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my forefathers did, that without ceasing, I remember you in my prayers, day and night.


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I am mindful of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.


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For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God that is in you because of the laying on of my hands.


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Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me his prisoner. Join me in suffering for the good news according to the power of God.


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God has saved us and called us with a holy calling. This is not according to our works, but according to his purpose and grace that was granted us in Christ Jesus, from all eternity.


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The appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus revealed this. Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the good news.


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It is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to keep safe until that day what he has entrusted to me.


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Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow. Remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus.


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Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us. Keep <i>guard obey preserve</i> the good things that have been entrusted to you.


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The Lord grants mercy to the house of Onesiphorus: for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains.


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May the Lord grant him to find the mercy of God in that day, and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, you know very well.


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You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace <i>loving-kindness</i> that is in Christ Jesus.


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What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.


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No soldier entangles himself in the affairs of this life. That way, he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.


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If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.


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Remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. He is a descendant of David, according to my good news.


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For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.


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Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to argue about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.


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Be diligent to be presented approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.


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These men have gone astray from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.


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The foundation of God stands firm having this seal: »Jehovah knows those who belong to him,« and: »Everyone who names the name of Jehovah is to abstain from wickedness.«


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Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.


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If anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.


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Flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord with a clean heart.


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But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing they produce quarrels <i>controversy fighting</i> .


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The Lords servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind <i>gentle</i> to all, able to teach, and patient when wronged.


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He should instruct those who oppose using meekness. Perhaps God will give them repentance that they may know the truth.


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They should come to their senses out of the snare of the Devil. He has taken them captive and they do his will.


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For men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous <i>lovers of money</i> , arrogant, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful <i>ungrateful</i> , unholy,


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Among them are those who creep into houses and lead captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away with various lusts.


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And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth. Men corrupted in mind, rejected concerning the faith,


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they will make no progress; for their foolishness will be evident to all men, as theirs also came to be.


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and also persecutions and sufferings. The things that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured. Out of them the Lord delivered me.


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Continue in the things you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.


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From childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to make you wise to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus.


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God inspired all Scripture! It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. <i>Greek: theopneustos: God-breathed</i>


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I solemnly charge you in the sight <i>presence</i> of God, and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:


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preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.


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For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine. Having their ears tickled, they will accumulate teachers who follow after their own lusts.


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Be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist <i>preacher of the good news</i> , and fulfill your ministry.


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I am already being offered <i>poured out as an offering</i> , and the time of my departure has come.


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The crown of righteousness is laid up for me. The Lord, the righteous judge, will give it to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing <i>manifestation</i> .


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For Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.


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But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the people of the nations might hear. I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion <i>Satan the Devil great danger</i> (1 Peter 5:8) (Psalm 22:21) (1 Thessalonians 2:18).


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The Lord will deliver me from every evil work. He will save me to his heavenly kingdom. To him is the glory forever and ever. Amen.


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Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.


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Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's chosen ones, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness.


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In his own time he made his word known through the message that was entrusted to me according to the commandment of God our Savior.


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To Titus, my true child sharing a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.


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I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you should correct the things that were defective, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave you orders.


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A blameless man will be the husband of one wife. He will have children that believe and who are not accused of violence and disobedience.


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The overseer must be blameless as God's steward. He must not be self-willed, not prone to anger, not a brawler, and not violent <i>quarrelsome pugnacious</i> , not greedy of dishonest gain.


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holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to reprove <i>refute rebuke</i> those who contradict.


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There are many unruly <i>rebellious</i> men, vain talkers, and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision.


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They must be stopped. Their mouths must be shut up, for they subvert entire households. They teach things that should not be taught, for the sake of dishonest gain.


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One of them, a prophet of their own, said: »Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.«


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To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure. Both their mind and their conscience are defiled.


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They profess that they know God; but deny him by their works! They are detestable, disobedient, and not approved for any good work.


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Aged women likewise should be reverent in behavior and teachers of that which is good. They should not be slanderers nor enslaved to too much wine.


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to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God will not be <i>defamed</i> dishonored.


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Have sound speech that cannot be condemned so the man opposing us may be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.


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Servants should to be in subjection to their masters <i>overseers employers</i> . They should please them in all things and not talk back.


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They should not steal from them, but should show good fidelity that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.


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instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present age <i>world period of time</i> .


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Look for the blessed hope and appearance of the glory of the great God. And look for our Savior, Jesus Christ.


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He <i>Jesus Christ</i> gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify a people for himself, who are special people, zealous for good works.


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Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready to do every good work,


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For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.


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not by works done in righteousness, which we did, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration <i>restoration spiritual rebirth</i> and renewing <i>renovation</i> of the Holy Spirit.


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Being justified by his grace <i>loving kindness</i> , we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.


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Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.


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You should avoid foolish arguing and dissentions, questioning; and genealogies, and arguing about law, for they are unprofitable and vain.


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A divisive and dissentious man should be admonished, and after two times have nothing to do with that man.


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When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, give diligence to come to me at Nicopolis where I will winter.


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and to Apphia, our sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the congregation in your house:


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I hear about your love, and about the faith you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the holy ones.


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May the fellowship of your faith operate in the knowledge of every good thing that is in you for Jesus Christ.


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For I have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed through you, brother.


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I would have kept him with me, that in your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the good news.


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Without your agreement I would do nothing. Your goodness should not be out of necessity, but of free will.


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He is no longer a servant. He is more than a servant. He is a beloved brother, especially to me, but also to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.


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I Paul write with my own hand. I will repay. I do not say that you owe your own self <i>life</i> to me.


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He has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, through whom he made the ages <i>Greek: aion: ages of time, perpetuity, worlds, generations, human entities</i> .


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Gods Son is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his being. He sustains all things by his powerful word. After Jesus purged our sins, he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.


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To which of the angels did God ever say at any time: »You are my son; this day I have begotten you« ? And again: »I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son« ?


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And again: when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says: »Let all the angels of God pay him homage.«


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Of the angels he says: »He makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.« (Psalm 104:4)


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But he says to the Son: »God is your throne forever and ever. <i>Your throne, Oh God-like one, is forever.</i> : A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. (Psalm 45:6, 7)


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»You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than your companions.«


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And, You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands. (Psalm 102:25)


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»Just as a coat you fold them up, and they will be changed: but you are the same, and your years will never run out.«


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To which of the angels did he say at any time: »Sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool« ? (Psalm 110:1)


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If the word spoken through angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward <i>penalty</i> .


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How shall we escape, if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first presented by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard him.


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God also testified about it with signs, wonders, and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit given according to his will.


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But a certain witness has given proof, saying: »What is man, that you are mindful of him? Or what is the son of man that you take care of him?


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»You made him a little lower than the angels for a little while. <i>Greek: brachus, short time</i> (Psalm 8:4, 5) You crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of your hands.


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»You put all things in subjection under his feet.« You subjected all things to him and left nothing that is not subject to him. Now we do not see yet all things in subjection to him.


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We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honor for suffering death. By the grace of God he tasted death for every man.


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It was appropriate that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, should bring many sons to glory, to make the Chief Agent of their salvation perfect through suffering.


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Both he who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all from one. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them »brothers«.


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He says: »I will declare your name to my brothers; in the middle of the congregation I will sing praises to you.«


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And again: »I will put my trust in him.« And again: »Behold, the children that Jehovah has given me.« (Isaiah 8:18)


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Since the »children« are partakers of flesh and blood, he also took part of the same things, that through death he might destroy him that had the power to cause death, <i>Satan</i> the Devil.


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This means that he had to become like his »brothers« in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, in order to offer a propitiatory sacrifice <i>pay atonement to make reconciliation</i> for the sins of the people.


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Holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus.


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He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses. This is because the builder of the house has more honor than the house.


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Indeed Moses was faithful in His house, as a ministering servant, for a testimony of the things to be spoken afterwards.


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Christ was faithful as a Son over Gods house. We are His house if we hold on to our courage <i>confidence</i> and rejoice <i>speak boldly</i> about our hope until the end.


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»do not harden your hearts and be stubborn like those who tested me in the day of temptation in the wilderness.


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»Your forefathers examined <i>inspected scrutinized</i> me by proving <i>testing</i> me. And they saw my works for forty years.


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»I was disgusted <i>angry</i> with this generation, and said: They always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known my ways.


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Be careful, brothers and sisters, that none of you develop a wicked heart lacking faith and turning away <i>departing</i> from the living God.


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Encourage yourselves each day, as long as it is called »Today,« that none of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.


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For we have become companions <i>partners</i> with Christ if indeed we hold the beginning of our firm trust to the end.


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Scripture says: »Today if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Do not be stubborn like those who rebelled.«


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With whom was he disgusted for forty years? He was disgusted and angry with those who sinned and died in the desert.


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While the promise of entering his rest remains, let us fear that one of you might come up short and not enter.


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Indeed, we have had good news presented to us. They also had it. But the word that was heard did not benefit them because they were not united in faith by what was heard.


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We who believe enter into the rest. As God said: »I swore in my anger: They shall not enter into my rest.« Yet Gods works were completed from the foundation of the world.


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It remains for some to enter into it. Those who first received the good news did not enter in because they did not obey and lacked faith.


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He determines a certain day by saying through David: »Today,« after so long a time; just as it was said before, »Today, if you will listen to his voice, do not harden your hearts.« (Psalm 95:7)


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Let us do our utmost to enter into that rest. Let no one fall into the same pattern of disobedience by not obeying the word.


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The Word of God is alive and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Ephesians 6:17) It separates the physical person from the spiritual person, of both joints and marrow. And it can discern <i>judge</i> the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (John 12:48)


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Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. All things are uncovered and laid bare before him. We must account to him. (Romans 2:16; Romans 14:12)


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We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, so let us hold fast our confession.


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We do not have a high priest who is not able to sympathize with our infirmities <i>weaknesses</i> . He was tested in all things like ourselves. Yet he was without sin!


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Let us approach the throne of grace <i>loving-kindness</i> with confidence, that we may receive mercy, and find grace for help in time of need.


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Every high priest taken from among men is appointed in behalf of men in things relating to God. He may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.


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He is able to exercise compassion towards the ignorant and those going astray, since he is also subject to weakness.


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Also Christ did not glorify himself to be made a high priest. It was God who said to him: »You are my Son; I today have become your father.«


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In the days of his life on earth, when he <i>Christ</i> offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears to the one who was able to save him out of death, and was heard because of his godly reverence. (Galatians 1:1) (Psalm 69:13)


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Being made perfect, he became the source <i>cause channel conduit pathway facilitator</i> of eternal salvation to all who obey him. (Psalm 3:8)


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We have many things to say about him and it is hard to explain it to you, for you are dull of hearing <i>slow to learn</i> .


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At this time you should be teachers. But you need someone to teach you again from the beginning the elementary truths from the Word of God. You need milk, not solid food.


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But solid food belongs to mature people. It belongs to those who by reason of use have their senses trained to know the difference between good and evil.


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Therefore leaving the elementary truths of the doctrine of Christ let us move on to maturity. Let us not lay again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.


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We should not repeat the basic teachings about baptisms, and of the laying on of hands <i>setting apart for holy tasks</i> , and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.


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Those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,


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if they shall fall away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance. This is because they personally impale the Son of God again, and expose him to public shame.


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The earth that drinks in the rain that comes upon it, and brings forth vegetation for those by whom it was cultivated, receives blessing from God.


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That which bears thorns and briars is rejected, and is near to being cursed. It ends up being burned.


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Even though we speak this way, beloved, we are convinced that you will have better things, things that belong to salvation.


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For God is not unrighteous <i>unjust</i> to forget your work and the love you showed for his name. You ministered to the holy ones and continue to minister.


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We desire that every one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope down to the end.


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We desire that you are not lazy, but follow those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.


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When God made a promise to Abraham, he could swear by no one greater then himself, so he swore by himself.


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Men swear by someone greater then themselves: and an oath for confirmation to them puts an end to the problem.


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When God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he confirmed it with an oath.


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God did this to offer encouragement so we may rely on the hope offered to us. We have taken refuge in that hope and it is impossible for God to lie. These two things can never be changed.


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We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of life. It is a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain.


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That is where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.


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Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.


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Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything to him. He was first of all, by translation of his name, »King of Righteousness,« and then he was also ruler of Salem, which means, »King of Peace.«


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He was without father or mother or genealogy, and neither had beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God, he continues as a priest forever.


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The descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the Law to take tithes from the people. This is from their brothers, for these are descended from Abraham.


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But this man does not have their genealogy. He received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.


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In this instance mortal men receive tithes, in the other by the one of whom it is testified that he lives.


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One might even say that Levi, the priest who takes the tenth from the people, gave his tenth through Abraham.


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If perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the Law, what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, instead of one named after the order of Aaron?


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The one about whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.


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It is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.


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He would become such, not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.


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The Law could not make anything perfect. A better hope has been provided through which we can draw near to God.


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He became a priest with an oath when God said to him: »Jehovah has sworn and he will feel no regret, you are a priest forever.« (Psalm 110:4)


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He is able to save completely those who approach God through him, because he is always alive to intercede for them.


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Such a high priest as this was suitable for us. He is holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and higher than the heavens.


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He does not have a day-by-day need as the high priests do, first to offer up sacrifices for his own sins, then for those of the people. He sacrificed for sin once for all when he offered up himself.


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The Law appoints men as high priests who have weakness. But the oath that came after the Law appointed the Son who is perfect forever.


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Here is a summary of the things we are discussing: We have this kind of high priest. He sat down at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in heaven.


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Every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices. It is necessary to have something to offer.


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If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law.


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The work they do as priests is only a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven. It is the same as it was with Moses. When he was about to build the sacred tent, God told him: »Be sure to make everything according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain.«


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Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry. The covenant that he arranged between God and his people is a better one, because it is based on promises of better things.


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If there had been nothing wrong with the first covenant, there would not have been a need for a second one.


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God finds fault with his people and said to them: »The time is coming, says Jehovah, when I will draw up a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. (Jeremiah 31:31)


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»It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. They were not faithful to the covenant I made with them, and so I paid no attention to them.


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»This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, said Jehovah: I will put my teachings <i>laws</i> in their mind, I will write them upon their hearts <i>deep thought understanding</i> . I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Jeremiah 31:32)


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»They will not teach a neighbor or brother saying: »Know Jehovah.« All will know me from the little one among them to the great among them. (Hosea 2:20)


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By calling this covenant »new,« he has made the first one old <i>obsolete</i> . That which grows old and aged will soon disappear.


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A tabernacle was set up. The first room was called »the Holy Place.« It contained the lamp stand and table and the consecrated bread.


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It had a golden incense burner. The Ark of the Covenant was completely covered with gold. It contained the golden pot that had the manna, and the rod of Aaron that had sprouted, and the tables of the covenant.


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The cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy seat were above the Ark. Now is not the time to speak in detail.


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Only the high priest enters the inner room. Once a year he entered with blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people.


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The Holy Spirit revealed that the way into the Most Holy Place was not open while the tent was still in use.


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This is a symbol that points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshipers heart perfect,


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since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time comes to change them for something better.


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Christ came as the high priest of the good things that are now here. He also went into a much better tent that is not made by humans and does not belong to this creation.


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He went once and forever into the Most Holy Place having eternal salvation. It is not with the blood of goats and young bulls, but with his blood.


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The blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes from the burning of a young cow, sprinkled on the unclean made them outwardly clean.


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The blood of Christ did even more. Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself without blemish to God and cleansed your conscience from dead works. Now we can serve <i>worship</i> the living God.


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For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant. A death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant. Those called may receive the promise of everlasting inheritance.


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A will is in force after a person dies. Otherwise it is not in effect at all while the one who provided it lives.


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When Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,


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Almost all things are by the Law purified with blood. There is no forgiveness unless blood is poured out.


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It was necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these. But the heavenly things should be cleansed with better sacrifices than these.


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Christ has not entered into the Holy Place made with human hands. This is a copy of the true one. He has entered into heaven to appear before the presence of God for us.


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Neither should he offer himself as the high priest enters into the Holy Place every year with blood of others.


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Otherwise he would have to suffer often from the founding of the world. He has presented himself once at the end of the age to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.


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So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. He will appear the second time without sin to those who look to him for their salvation.


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The Law is a shadow of the good things to come. It is not the actual things. The continual yearly sacrifices can never make those who worship perfect.


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If it could, it would cease to be offered. Once the worshipers were cleansed they would have no awareness of sin anymore.


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When Christ came into the world he said: »Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but you have prepared a body for me.


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»Then I said: I have come in the scroll of the book. It is written about me, to do your will, O God.«


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Then he said: »You did not want nor did you approve of sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin;« which are offered by the Law.


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He also said: »I come to do your will, O God.« He takes away the first in order to establish the second.


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Every priest stands daily, serving and offering time after time the same sacrifices. Yet they can never take away sins.


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But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,


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»This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says Jehovah; I will put my laws in their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. (Jeremiah 31:33)


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let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.


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Not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and even more, as you see the day approaching.


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If we continue to <i>practice deliberately persist in</i> sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins.


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But there remains a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fiery indignation, which will devour Gods enemies.


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What about those who despise the Son of God? Those who treat as a cheap thing the blood of Gods covenant that purified them from sin? Those who insult the Spirit of grace? Think how much worse the punishment they deserve will be!


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We know who said: »Vengeance is mine; I will repay« ; and who also said, »Jehovah will judge his people.« (Deuteronomy 32:35)


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Remember the former days in which, after being enlightened, you endured great struggle with afflictions.


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You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated. Other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way.


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You shared the sufferings of prisoners. When all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly. This is because you knew that you possessed something much better, which would last forever.


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»My righteous people will live by faith. If any of them turn back, I will not be pleased with them.«


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By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God. The visible has been made out of things that were not visible.


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By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. Through this he was commended as righteous. God testified about his gifts. Thus through faith he still speaks even though he is dead.


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By faith Enoch was moved <i>transferred removed</i> so that he would not see death. He was not found, because God had moved him away. Before he was moved away he saw that he had pleased God well. (Genesis 5:24)


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Without faith it is impossible to please God. He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.


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By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith.


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By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going.


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By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise.


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By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised.


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This was to come from one man and him as good as dead. There were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as uncountable as the sand by the seashore.


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These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.


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If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they came, they would have had opportunity to return.


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They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them!


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By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. He that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only-begotten son!


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Abraham reasoned that God is able to raise him from the dead. So he figured he would receive him back.


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By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. He worshipped while leaning upon the top of his staff.


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By faith Joseph, when his end was near, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel. Then he gave orders concerning his bones.


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By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents. They saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the kings edict.


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He chose to share the bad treatment with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.


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He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He looked intently <i>respectfully</i> for the payment of the reward.


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By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king. He endured, by seeing him who is invisible.


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By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.


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By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. The Egyptians tried and were drowned.


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By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace.


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What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,


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who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,


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quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies.


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Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection:


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They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented.


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The world was not worthy of them! They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.


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A great cloud of witnesses surround us. Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that easily entangles us. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.


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Look to <i>consider without distractions</i> Jesus, the Leader <i>Predecessor</i> and Finisher <i>Perfecter</i> of our faith. He despised the shame. He endured the stake for the joy that was set before him. Then he sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.


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Consider him who endured such contrary talk by sinners against him. You should not get tired and give up in your mind <i>heart</i> .


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You have forgotten the exhortation that reasons with you as to sons: »My son, do not despise <i>regard lightly</i> discipline from Jehovah and do not lose heart when he corrects you. (Proverbs 3:11, 12)


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God deals with you like children. Endure discipline <i>instruction training</i> . Who is the child whom a father does not discipline?


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Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh that corrected us, and we gave them respect. Shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?


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They disciplined us for a few days for their own pleasure. He disciplines for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.


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Now no discipline for the present seems to be joyous. In fact it seems grievous! Nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained.


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Make straight paths for your feet. Let that which is lame be turned out of the way, but rather let it be healed.


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See that no one misses the grace of God; that no bitter root spring up to cause trouble and defile many.


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Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive <i>inherit</i> his fathers blessing. He was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done. He was in tears when he looked for it.


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You have not come to a mountain that can be touched, to Mount Sinai with its blazing fire, the darkness and the gloom, the storm.


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You have not come to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of a voice. When the people heard the voice, they begged not to hear another word.


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The sight was so terrible <i>formidable fearful</i> that Moses said: »I am full of fear and trembling.«


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You have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads <i>thousands of thousands</i> of angels,


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to the general assembly and congregation of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just <i>righteous holy</i> men made perfect <i>mature having all needed qualities</i> .


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You have come to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks in a better way than the blood of Abel.


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Be careful, then, and do not refuse to hear him who speaks. Those who refused to hear the one who gave the divine message on earth did not escape. How much less shall we escape then, if we turn away from the one who speaks from heaven!


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His voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised: »I will once more shake not only the earth but also heaven.«


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The words »once more« plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain.


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Let us be thankful, because we will receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship <i>serve intensely adore</i> God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe.


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Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering, as though you were suffering as they are.


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Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled: for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.


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You should be free from the love of money. Be content with what you have, for he has said: »I will not leave you. I will not forsake you.«


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So that with good confidence <i>courage</i> we say: »Jehovah is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do to me?« (Psalm 56:11)


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Remember those who are taking the lead among you, men that spoke the Word of God to you. Consider their behavior and imitate their faith.


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Do not be carried away by varied <i>different</i> and strange teachings. It is good that the heart is established by grace and not by food. Those who are occupied by them are not benefited.


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For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy Place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp.


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Let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God through him <i>Jesus</i> , that is, the fruit of lips that make confession <i>give thanks and offer praise</i> to his name.


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Do not forget <i>neglect</i> to do good and to communicate <i>fellowship share</i> , for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.


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Obey those who lead you. Submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your lives and must account for this. Obey them that their work may be a joy and not a burden; that would be without gain for you.


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Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience. And we wish to live honorably in all things.


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Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus,


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make you perfect <i>mature</i> in every good thing. May you do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.


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This letter is from James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Greetings to the twelve tribes that are scattered.


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If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God. He gives to all generously and without reproach and it will be given to him.


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However he must ask in faith, not doubting: for he who doubts is like a surging wave of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.


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But the rich must be glad when God humbles them. This is because they will wither like wildflowers and pass away.


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The sun rises with scorching heat and withers the grass. The flower falls off and its beauty perishes. So also the rich man will fade away in his pursuits.


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The man who endures under trial is blessed. For when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.


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Let no man say when he is tempted: "God tempts me." God cannot be tempted with evil, and he tempts <i>entices tests trys</i> no one.


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Each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his evil desire <i>lust</i> . He is enticed <i>allured</i> .


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Then evil desires, when conceived, give birth to sin: and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.


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Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. It comes down from the Father of lights <i>truth and spiritual purity</i> , with whom there is no variation. He does not change like shifting shadows.


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Using his own will, he gave us birth through the word of truth. This way we would be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.


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You know this, my beloved brothers. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.


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Therefore get rid of all filthiness and wickedness. Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save you.


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For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror.


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But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continues, being not a hearer who forgets but a doer who works, this man will be blessed in what he does.


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If any man thinks he is religious, while he does not control his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain <i>worthless useless</i> .


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Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for the fatherless persons and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.


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My brothers, keep the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. Do not favor one person over the other.


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A man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes and a poor man in shabby clothes comes into your synagogue.


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You pay special attention to the one wearing the fine clothes, and say: "Sit here in a good place." Then you say to the poor man: "Stand there," or "Sit under my footstool."


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Listen, my dearly beloved brothers! Did God choose poor people in the world to be rich in faith and to receive the kingdom he promised to those who love him?


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When you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.


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For he who said: "Do not commit adultery," also said: "Do not murder" <i>Greek: phoneuo: kill, slay, murder</i> . Now if you do not commit adultery, but you commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.


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What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith but he does not have works? Can that faith save him?


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and one of you says to them: "Go in peace, be warmed and filled;" and yet you do not give them food and clothing, what good is it?


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A man will say: "You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."


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Are you willing to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is useless <i>barren lifeless</i> ?


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The scripture was fulfilled which says: "Abraham believed Jehovah and it was reckoned <i>imputed considered credited</i> to him for righteousness." He was called »Jehovahs friend" (Genesis 15:6) ( Isaiah 41:8).


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You see that a man is justified <i>declared and pronounced righteous</i> by works, and not by faith alone.


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Rahab the harlot was justified by her works. When she received the messengers she sent them out another way.


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Many of you should not be teachers, my brothers. You know that we will receive a heavier <i>stricter</i> judgment.


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We all stumble in many things. If any do not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to restrain <i>control</i> the whole body.


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Look at ships. They are large and are driven by rough winds. Yet a very small rudder can control them, wherever the captain wills.


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The tongue also is a little member. It boasts great things. Consider how great a forest fire a small fire kindles!


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The tongue is like fire, the place of iniquity among our members. It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of our life. It is set ablaze like the ever-burning fires in the Valley of Hinnom <i>Greek: Gehenna: symbolic of total destruction</i> .


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Every kind of beast and bird, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind.


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We bless Jehovah, the Father, with it. (Psalm 34:1) Then we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God.


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Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water yield sweet.


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Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his works are from meekness because of wisdom.


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If you have bitter jealousy <i>envy</i> and greedy ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and lie against the truth.


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But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable <i>yielding</i> , full of mercy and good fruits, without discord <i>partiality</i> , without hypocrisy.


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What causes wars and fighting among you? Is the cause of fighting your sensual lusts for pleasure that battle within you?


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You lust, and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain! You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask.


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You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly <i>with bad motives</i> that you may spend it on your pleasures.


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Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity <i>hatred hostility</i> toward God? Whoever would be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.


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Or do you think the scripture speaks to no purpose? Does the attitude of the heart <i>mental disposition</i> that he induced to live in us cause us to envy?


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But he gives more grace. The scripture said, "God resists the proud, but gives grace <i>loving-kindness</i> to the humble."


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Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded <i>uncertain doubter skeptic</i> .


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Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.


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Brothers, do not speak against each other. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.


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Only one is the lawgiver and judge, even he who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you that you judge your neighbor?


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Come now, you that say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and make profit."


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You do not know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? For you are a vapor <i>puff of air</i> that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.


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Your gold and your silver are rusted. Their corrosion will be for a testimony against you, and will eat your flesh like fire. You stored up your treasure in the last days.


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Behold, the wages of the laborers who harvested your fields, which are held back by you, cry out: and the cries of them that reaped have entered into the ears of Jehovah of Hosts.


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You lived in luxury on the earth, and take your pleasure; you nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter.


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Be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and late rains.


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Do not complain <i>utter a deep sigh</i> against one another, that you not be judged. Behold, the judge is standing at the door.


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Brothers, accept the example of suffering and patience by the prophets who spoke in the name of God.


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As you know, those who have endured are called blessed. You have heard of the patience <i>perseverance endurance</i> of Job, and have seen the outcome Jehovah provided, how he was very tender with his affection and mercy. (Psalm 103:8)


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Above all things, my brothers do not swear by heaven, or by earth, or by any other oath. Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No. That way you will not fall under judgment.


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Is any among you sick? Let him call the elders of the congregation. Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of God.


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The prayer of faith will save the sick person. God will raise him up; and if he committed sins, it will be forgiven him.


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Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man helps much.


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Elijah was a man of like passions with us. He prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.


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let him know, that he who turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save a person from death, and cover a multitude of sins.


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Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are temporary residents scattered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.


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You who are chosen and foreknown by God the Father. You have been sanctified by the Spirit to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood. Grace and peace be greatly increased to you.


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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy he gave us a new birth to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.


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You are born to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does not fade away and is reserved in heaven for you.


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You are protected by Gods power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.


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The proof of your faith is more precious than gold that perishes. Though it is tested by fire, it may be found in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.


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You love him without seeing him. Though you do not see him, you believe in him. Full of glory, you rejoice greatly with indescribable joy.


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Concerning this salvation the prophets inquired and searched diligently! They prophesied about the grace that should come to you:


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searching what time or what manner of time the spirit of Christ that was in them did point to, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them.


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God revealed to the prophets that the things they spoke were not for their own benefit but for yours. The Holy Spirit was sent from heaven to make known to you what the prophets spoke. Those who spread the good news to you did this. These are things even the angels want to look into.


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Brace up your minds. Remain sober, and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.


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Live as children of obedience. Do not fashion yourself according to your former lusts, for you were ignorant at that time.


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If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each mans work, pass the time you spend here in reverence.


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Know that you were redeemed from your futile way of life inherited from your fathers. <i>The redemption</i> was not with corruptible things like silver or gold,


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Jesus was known before the foundation of the world. He was made known at the end times for your sake.


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Through him you believe in God. God raised him from the dead, and gave him glory so that your faith and hope are in God.


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You have purified your hearts by obeying the truth. You have genuine affection for the brothers and sisters. So always love one another intensely <i>extremely deeply</i> from the heart.


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You have been given a new birth, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and endures.


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All people are like grass. All their glory is like the blossom of a flower. The grass withers and the flower drops off.


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Like newborn infants, long for the spiritual milk that is without deception to help you grow to salvation.


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You also as living stones are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.


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The scriptures say: »I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, chosen and precious (Isaiah 28:16). He who believes in him will not be disappointed <i>shamed</i> .«


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This precious value is for those who believe. But for the unbeliever: »The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone.«


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It is a stone that people stumble over, and a large rock that people find offensive. They stumble because they are disobedient to the word. To this end they were appointed.


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You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for Gods own possession, that you may show the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.


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In time past you were no people, but now you are the people of God. You had not then received, but now have received mercy <i>compassion divine kindness</i> .


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Beloved, I request that you as aliens and strangers abstain from fleshly lust <i>desires</i> , which causes conflict in you.


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Maintain fine behavior among the nations. That way when they speak badly about you, they may see your good works and glorify God in the day of visitation <i>inspection</i> .


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It is Gods will that you do the right things and that this will silence the ignorance of foolish men.


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Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle master but also to the hard to please.


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For this is to your credit to suffer wrongfully and endure grief because of your conscience toward God.


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What value is there when you sin, and are buffeted for it, you take it patiently? But if, when you do well and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.


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For this you were called because Christ also suffered for you. He left you an example <i>a copy for imitation a model</i> that you should follow in his steps.


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When he was reviled <i>insulted</i> , he did not revile in return. When he suffered he did not threaten, but committed himself to him that judges righteously.


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He bore our sins in his body upon the stake, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed because of his wounds <i>stripes</i> .


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In like manner, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands. Even if your husband does not obey Gods word, he may be won without a word by observing the way you live.


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Your appearance should not come from the outward adornment, things like braiding the hair, and wearing jewels of gold, or wearing fine apparel.


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Let your appearance be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit. This is of great value in the sight of God.


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The holy women of old, who hoped in God, adorned themselves this way, being submissive to their own husbands.


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Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him lord. You are her children now, if you do what is right and are not fearful.


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In the same way, you husbands live with your wives in an understanding way. Honor the woman as the weaker vessel. For you are joint-heirs of the grace of life. May your prayers not be hindered <i>cut-off blocked</i> .


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Do not repay evil for evil, or insult for insult. Do just the opposite. For you were called to inherit a blessing.


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Whoever would love life and see good days should keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.


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The eyes of Jehovah <i>God</i> are upon the righteous. His ears hear their prayers. But the face <i>person</i> of Jehovah is against those who do evil.


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Even if you suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. Do not fear! Do not be troubled <i>distressed intimidated</i> !


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Sanctify the Christ as Lord <i>kurios: master</i> in your hearts. Always be ready to answer every man who asks you a reason for your hope, yet with meekness <i>mildness</i> and respect!


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Keep a good conscience. When you are spoken against, those who revile your good manner of life in Christ may be put to shame.


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It is better to suffer for doing what is right, if suffering is Gods will, than to suffer for doing evil <i>wrong sin</i> .


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Because Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.


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They were disobedient while the ark was being built. Yet God waited patiently in the days of Noah. But few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.


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This was a symbol pointing to baptism, which now saves you. It is not the washing off of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God for a good conscience. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


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He is in heaven at the right hand of God, ruling over all angels and heavenly authorities and powers.


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Since Christ suffered physically for us, you too must strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking that he had. Whoever suffers physically has ceased from sin.


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From now on you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by Gods will and not by human desires <i>lusts</i> .


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You have spent enough time in the past doing what unbelievers like to do. Your lives were spent in indecency, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and the disgusting worship of idols <i>false gods</i> .


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They think it strange that you do not run with them in wild and reckless living and they speak evil about you.


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The good news was preached for this purpose even to the dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but may live according to God in the spirit.


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The end of all things is near. Be of sound mind and judgment. Also be sober for the purpose of prayer.


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According to the gift you have received, minister among yourselves, as good stewards of the increased grace <i>divine influence love</i> of God.


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If any man speaks, speak as it were utterances of God. If any man ministers, minister with the strength which God supplies! May God be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. The glory and dominion belong to God forever and ever. Amen.


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Beloved ones do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, for it comes upon you like a test, as though some strange thing were happening to you.


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As much as you are partakers of Christs sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.


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If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.


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Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other peoples business.


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For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God. If it begins with us first what will it be like in the end for those who do not obey the good news of God?


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Let them also that suffer according to the will of God commend themselves in well doing to a faithful Creator.


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I exhort the elders among you. I too am an older man and a witness of the sufferings of Christ. I am also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed.


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Shepherd the flock of God in your care. Exercise the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God. Do not do it for dishonest gain, but eagerly.


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Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the older men. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and serve one another. God resists the proud, but gives loving kindness to the humble.


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Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walks about, seeking whom he may devour <i>consume</i> .


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Stand firm in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brothers in the world.


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After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will perfect, establish, and strengthen you.


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By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast.


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Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God, and of our Savior Jesus Christ:


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His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. This is through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue <i>excellence</i> .


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He offered us his precious and exceedingly great promises. Through these you may become partakers of the divine nature. You will escape from the corruption that is in the lust-filled world.


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Yes, for this very reason you do your part with all diligence. Supply virtue to your faith. Add knowledge to your virtue.


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Include self-control with your knowledge. Supply patience to your self-control. Your patience should be helped by godliness.


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For if these things are yours and abound in you they will keep you from being inactive or unfruitful regarding the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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For he who lacks these qualities is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.


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Brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election <i>choosing</i> sure. If you do <i>practice exercise apply</i> these things, you will never stumble!


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For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly <i>abundantly</i> supplied to you.


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I will always be ready to remind you of these things. Even though you know them, and are established in the truth that is present with you.


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I know that putting off my earthly dwelling is imminent, even as our Lord Jesus Christ indicated to me.


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We did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.


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He received honor and glory from God the Father when he heard the voice from the Majestic Glory: »This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.«


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We have the word of prophecy made sure <i>steadfast firm</i> ! You do well that you pay attention <i>to Gods Word</i> as you would to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the daystar rises, in your hearts.


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There arose false prophets among the people. There will be false teachers among you! They will privately bring in destructive heresies <i>contrary doctrines</i> , denying even the Master who bought them. They bring swift destruction on themselves.


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Many will follow their lascivious <i>filthy sensual</i> deeds. The way of the truth will be maligned.


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They speak evil words about you because of their extreme greed. They will exploit you with false evil words. Their judgment from long ago is not idle. Their destruction will not delay.


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God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to captivity in pits of darkness reserved for judgment!


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He did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly!


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He turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, and made them an example to those who are ungodly.


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Jehovah knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to preserve the unrighteous for the Day of Judgment. (Psalm 34:19) (Matthew 25:46)


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This is primarily for those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble at glorious ones but speak abusively.


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Angels, though greater in might and power, do not bring an accusation of abusive judgment against them before Jehovah.


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But these are creatures without reason. They were born mere animals to be taken and destroyed! They speak abusively in matters of which they are ignorant. They suffer destruction in their own course of destruction.


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They suffer wrong as their reward for wrongdoing. They are men that count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions while they feast with you.


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They have eyes full of adultery that cannot cease from sin! They entice unsteady persons. Their hearts are full of covetousness. They are children of cursing.


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They went astray, forsaking the right way. They followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrongdoing.


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He was rebuked for his own transgression. A beast of burden spoke with a man's voice and restrained <i>hindered</i> the madness of the prophet.


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These are springs without water, and mists driven by a storm, for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved.


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For, uttering arrogant words of vanity, they entice in the desires <i>lusts</i> of the flesh, by sensuality <i>lasciviousness</i> , those who are just escaping from the ones who live in error.


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They promise them freedom, while they are bondservants of corruption. A man is brought into bondage by one and enslaved by another.


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After they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled and overcome; the last state is worse with them than the first.


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For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.


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It happened to them according to the true proverb: »The dog returns to his own vomit, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire.«


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You should remember the words that were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.


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Know this first, that in the last days, mockers will come with mockery, walking after their own lusts,


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Saying, »Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep <i>in death</i> , all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.«


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For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth compacted out of water and amidst water, by the word of God,


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According to the same word, the heavens that now are, and the earth, are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men.


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Do not forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (Psalm 90:1, 4)


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Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness. He is longsuffering <i>patient</i> toward you. He does not wish that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.


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The day of Jehovah will come as a thief. The heavens will pass away with a great noise. The elements shall be dissolved with intense heat. And the earth and the works in it will be burned up <i>destroyed</i> . (Joel 2:31) (Zephaniah 1:14)


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Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved <i>destroyed</i> , what manner of persons should you be in all holy living and godliness?


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Look for and earnestly desire the coming presence of the »Day of Jehovah.« (Zephaniah 1:14) The heavens being on fire will be dissolved <i>destroyed</i> , and the elements will melt with intense heat!


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We look for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. This is according to his promise.


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Seeing that you anticipate these things, be diligent that you may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight.


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Consider the patience of our Lord as salvation. Just as our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you.


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He spoke about these things in his letters. Some things are hard to understand. The untaught and unstable distort them as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.


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You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, avoid being carried away with the error of the wicked and falling from your own steadfastness.


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Grow in the unmerited favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.


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We have heard that which was from the beginning. We have also seen it with our own eyes. We looked at it and touched it with our hands. It is the Word of life.


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The life was made known and we have seen and testify about it. We declare the life to you. It is the eternal life, which was with the Father and was shown to us.


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We declare to you what we have seen and heard. This way you may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ!


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This is the message we heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.


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If we say we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not live <i>practice</i> the truth.


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If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.


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If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


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My little children, I write you these things that you may not sin. If any man sin, we have an Advocate <i>intercessor comforter helper</i> with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous!


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He is the propitiation <i>Greek: hilasmos: atonement, compensation</i> for our sins. Not for ours only, but also for the whole world.


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Whoever obeys his Word; the love of God is made perfect <i>complete mature</i> in him. By this we know that we are in union with him.


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Beloved, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment you had from the beginning. This old commandment is the word that you heard.


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Then again, I do write a new commandment to you. This is true in him and in you. The darkness is passing away, and the true light already shines.


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He who loves his brother lives in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling <i>offence</i> in him.


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But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he goes because the darkness has blinded his eyes.


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I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, little children, because you know the Father.


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I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.


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Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.


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The entire world, the desire of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of material wealth, is not from the Father, but is from the world.


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The world and its desires <i>lusts</i> are passing away; but he who does the will of God lives forever.


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Little children, it is the last hour! You heard that the antichrist is coming. Even now many antichrists have come. That is how we know that it is the last hour.


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They went out from us, but they were not of us. If they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us. But they went out that it made it plain that they all are not of us.


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I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.


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Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, even he who denies the Father and the Son.


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As for you, let that live in you, which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning lives in you, you will also live in the Son, and in the Father.


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The anointing <i>special endowment of Holy Spirit</i> you received from Him is a part of you <i>is with you</i> and you do not need anyone <i>any human</i> to teach you. His anointing taught you concerning all things. It is no lie. It is truth, just as you were taught you live through him.


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Now, my little children dwell <i>Greek: meno: stay, dwell, be present</i> with him. If he shall be made known we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming <i>presence being near</i> .


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If you know that he is righteous you know that every one who practices righteousness is born of him.


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Observe the love the Father gave to us that we should be called the children of God. That is what we are! For this reason the world does not know us. This is because it did not know him.


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Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be. We know that when he is revealed we will be like him. We will see him just as he is.


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My little children let no man deceive you! He who practices righteousness is righteous, even as he <i>Christ</i> is righteous.


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He who sins is of the devil. For the devil sinned from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was made known <i>manifested</i> , that he might destroy the works of the devil.


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Whoever is born of God does not practice sin! His seed abides in him and he cannot sin because he has been born of God.


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In this the children of God and the children of the devil are revealed. Whoever does not practice righteousness is not from God. He who does not love his brother is not from God.


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We should not be like Cain who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he murder him? It was because his works were evil, and his brother's were righteous.


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We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love abides in death.


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Whoever hates his brother is a murderer! You know that no murderer has everlasting life remaining in him.


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By this we know love, because he <i>Jesus</i> gave his life for us. We ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.


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Whoever has this world's goods and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his compassion from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?


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Whatever we ask we receive from Him because we obey His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.


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This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another. He gave us this commandment!


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The one who obeys God's commandments lives in God, and God lives in <i>with</i> Him. We know that He lives in <i>with</i> us by the Spirit He gave us.


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Beloved, do not believe every spirit. Test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This is because many false prophets have gone out into the world.


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Here is how you know the Spirit of God, every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ came in the flesh is from God.


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Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that you heard was coming and now it is already in the world.


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You are of God, my little children. You have overcome them because he that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.


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We are from God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the vital principle <i>spirit</i> of truth, and the principle <i>spirit</i> of deception <i>error</i> .


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Beloved let us love one another, for love is from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.


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The love of God was made known through us. God sent his only-begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.


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In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation <i>atonement sacrificial payment</i> for our sins.


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No one has seen God at any time! If we love one another, God lives with us, and his love is perfected <i>accomplished matured</i> through us.


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We know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love! He who continues with love lives with God and God lives with him.


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This is love made perfect through us, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment. Just as he is, we are, amid <i>exposed to</i> this world.


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There is no fear in love. Perfect <i>mature</i> love throws out <i>expels</i> fear because fear involves restraint <i>punishment</i> . He who fears is not made perfect <i>mature complete</i> through love.


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If a man says, I love God, yet he hates his brother, he is a liar! He who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.


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Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. Whoever loves him that causes the birth also loves him that is born.


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For this is the love of God, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.


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Everything born from God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world, even our faith.


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Who is the one who conquers <i>overcomes prevails over</i> the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?


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This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ. He did not come with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. The Spirit gives witness because it is the truth.


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The Spirit, the water, and the blood, and the three are in agreement <i>accord concurrence harmony</i> . <i>Latin Vulgate: Spiritus et aqua et sanguis et tres unum: Spirit, water, and blood are united.</i>


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If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. The witness of God is this, that he gave witness concerning his Son.


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He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in him. He who does not believe God made him a liar because he does not believe the testimony God gives concerning his Son.


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I wrote these things so you who believe in the name of the Son of God may know you have everlasting life.


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This is the confidence that we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.


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If we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions <i>requests</i> that we have asked of him.


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If any man see his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he will ask, and God will give him life for them that sin not leading to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I do not say that he should make request concerning this.


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We know that no one who is born of God practices sin. He who was born from God watches over himself, and the evil one does not touch him.


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We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the <i>power of the under control of the</i> evil one.


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We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding. We know him that is true for we are in him who is true, <i>and</i> in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and everlasting life.


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The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all who know the truth.


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In truth and love, God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father send you grace, mercy and peace.


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I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father.


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Now I ask you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.


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This is love that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment that you heard from the beginning. You should walk in it.


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For many deceivers have gone into the world. They do not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.


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Watch yourselves that you do not lose the things that we worked to produce. You may receive a full reward.


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Whoever pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ, does not have God! He who dwells in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.


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Do not receive anyone into your house who comes to you and does not bring this teaching. Give him no greeting!


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I have many things to write you. I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.


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The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love. That righteous man that dwelled among them was tormented by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.


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For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and witnessed about the truth that is in you and that you walk in truth.


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They testify about your love seen by the congregation. You do well to send them forward on their journey worthily of God.


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I wrote something to the congregation. But Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, did not receive us.


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If I come, I will remind you of what he does. He unjustly accuses us with wicked words and is never satisfied. He does not allow the brothers to greet one another and he throws them out of the congregation.


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Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is from God. He who does evil has not seen God.


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Demetrius has the witness of all men, and of the truth itself. Yes, we also testify and you know our witness is true.


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I hope to see you shortly. We shall speak face to face. Peace to you! The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.


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Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:


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Beloved, I diligently wrote you about our common salvation. I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the holy ones.


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Certain men crept in unnoticed. They were appointed long ago for this condemnation. These ungodly men turned the grace of our God into loose conduct. They deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.


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I want to remind you though you once knew this, that Jehovah <i>God</i> , having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.


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Angels who did not keep their position left their proper habitation. He has kept them in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.


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Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them are an example for they, in like manner with these surrendered to fornication and went after flesh for unnatural use. They received justice by ever burning fire.


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In like manner these men also in their dreams defile the flesh, reject authority and speak evil of glorious ones.


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Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil disputed about the body of Moses. He did not speak evil judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: »Jehovah rebukes you.« (Zechariah 3:2)


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These men speak abusively about things they do not know. What they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, they corrupt themselves.


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Woe to them! They went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in the rebellious talk of Korah.


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These men are hidden rocks in your love feasts when they feast <i>entertain</i> with you. They are shepherds that without fear feed themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by winds. They are autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots.


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They are wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame. They are wandering stars, for which the black darkness has been reserved forever.


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Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these, saying: »Behold, Jehovah came with many thousands of his holy ones.


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»They execute judgment upon all. They convict all the ungodly of all their wicked behavior, deeds that they have committed in an irreverent way, and of all the hard things those detestable sinners have spoken against him.«


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These murmur, complain, and walk after their lusts, they speak arrogantly, flattering people to gain advantage.


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They said to you: In the last time there will be mockers <i>scoffers</i> , walking after their own ungodly lusts.


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Stay in the love of God! Look <i>wait</i> for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for everlasting life.


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Save some, snatch them out of the fire. Have mercy on some with alarm. Hate even the garment defiled <i>polluted</i> by the flesh.


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Now to him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish with exceeding joy.


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To the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. There is glory, majesty, dominion, and power, before all time, now, and for evermore, amen.


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THE REVELATION GOD GAVE TO JESUS CHRIST, so that he could tell his servants the things that must soon take place. Christ then sent his angel to communicate the symbolic message to his servant John.


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Happy is he who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and obey the things written in it: for the time is near.


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John, to the seven congregations in Asia: May you have grace and peace from him who is, and who was, and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before his throne;


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And from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness, and the firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and released us from our sins by his blood.


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He made us to be a kingdom of kings and priests to his God and Father. To him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.


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Behold, he comes with the clouds. Every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn over him. So it will be, Amen.


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"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end," says Jehovah God, "the one who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty <i>all ruling universal sovereign</i> .« (Isaiah 48:12)


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I, John, your brother and companion in tribulation and kingdom and perseverance <i>patience</i> of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, because of the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.


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I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day when I heard a strong voice behind me. It sounded like a trumpet.


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It said: "Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven congregations in Asia: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."


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There was someone like the Son of man in the midst of the seven lamp stands. He was clothed with a garment that reached down to the feet, and girded at the chest with a golden girdle.


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


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In his right hand he held seven stars. A sharp two-edged sword came out of his mouth. His appearance was like the shinning sun in full strength.


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When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet. He laid his right hand on me and said: "Do not fear. I am the first and the last:


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"I am alive! I was dead and, behold, I am alive forever, Amen. I have the keys of death and the grave.


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"This is the secret of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven congregations. The seven lamp stands that you saw are the seven congregations."


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"To the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands, says:


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"'I know your works, and your labor, and your patience. I also know how you cannot tolerate those who are evil. You tested those who say they are apostles. They are not apostles. You found them to be liars.


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"'Think how far you have fallen! Turn from your sins <i>repent</i> and do what you did at first. If you do not turn from your sins, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place.


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"'Yet you have this in your favor: you hate the deeds of the sect of Nicolaus just as I hate their deeds.


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"'He who can hear should listen to what the Spirit says to the congregations! To him who overcomes I will give the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the <i>Paradise</i> Garden of God.'


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"To the angel of the congregation in Smyrna write: This is the message from the one who is the 'First and the Last', who died and came to life again.


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"'I know your troubles. I know that you are poor, but you are rich! I know the evil things said against you by those who claim to be Jews but are not. Their synagogue belongs to Satan!


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"'Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil <i>false accuser Devil</i> is about to throw you into prison, that you may be tested. You will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful even if you must die, and I will give you the crown of life.


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"'He who can hear should listen to what the Spirit says to the congregations. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.'


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"To the angel of the congregation in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword:


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"'I know where you live and where the throne of Satan is. You cling to my name and have not denied my faith, even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness. He was killed among you, where Satan dwells.


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"'I have a few things against you: you have people there who hold to the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to present a snare to the sons of Israel, to eat of idol sacrifices and commit fornication.


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"'Turn away from your sins! If you do not repent I will come to you soon. And I will fight against those people with the sword that comes out of my mouth.


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"'He who can hear should listen to what the Spirit says to the congregations! To those who overcome in victory I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give each of them a white stone on which is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.'


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"To the angel of the congregation in Thyatira write: This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes blaze like fire, whose feet shine like polished brass.


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"'I know your works. I know your love, your faithfulness, your service, and your patience. I know that you are doing more now than you did at first.


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"'But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads my servants astray so that they commit immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.


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"'Watch this! I am going to throw her into a sickbed. Those who commit sexual sins with her will also suffer much trouble, unless they repent and turn away from what she is doing.


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"'I will kill her children with deadly plague. Then all the congregations will know that I am the one who searches hearts and minds. I will reward each of you for what you have done.


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"'But to the rest of you in Thyatira, all who do not hold on to Jezebel's teaching, who have not learned what are called the "deep things of Satan," I will not burden you with anything else.


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"'To the person who conquers and continues to do my works to the end, I will give power <i>authority</i> over the nations.


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"'He will rule them with a rod of iron and break them to pieces like clay vessels: even as I received from my Father.


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"To the angel of the congregation in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars says these things: 'I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, and you are <i>really</i> dead.


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"'Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain that are at the point of death: for I have not found your works perfect <i>completed</i> before God.


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"'Remember what you received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If you do not stay awake, I will come to you like a thief. You will not know the hour when I will come to you.


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"'You have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled <i>defiled</i> their garments. They will walk with me in white: for they are worthy.


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"'He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments. I will not blot out his name from the book of life. In fact I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.


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"To the angel of the congregation in Philadelphia write: He says these things. He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no man shuts, and shuts and no man opens.


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"'I know your works <i>deeds acts</i> . Pay attention, I set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.


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"'I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews, and are not, for they lie; I will make them come and bow down before your feet. They will know that I have loved you.


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"'Because you have kept the word of my patience <i>endurance</i> , I also will keep you from the hour of testing. This will come upon the whole world to test <i>scrutinize discipline examine</i> those who dwell on the earth.


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"'I will make the one who overcomes, a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will not go out from it anymore. I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is the New Jerusalem. This city comes down out of heaven from my God. I will write my new name on him.


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"'To the angel of the congregation in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of Gods creation says this:


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"'You say, "I am rich and have become wealthy and have need of nothing." You do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.


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"'I counsel you to buy gold from me, gold purified by fire, so that you may be rich; and white clothing, so that you may be clothed. In this way the shame of your nakedness will not appear. And anoint your eyes with eye salve, so that you may see.


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"'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with me.


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"'To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.


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After this I saw a door opened in heaven: and the first voice that I heard was talking to me like a trumpet. It said: "Come up here and I will show you things from the future."


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Immediately I was in the spirit. In front of me was a throne in heaven and someone sat on the throne.


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He who sat there had the appearance of jasper and sardius stones. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne.


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Around the throne were twenty-four elders sitting on thrones. They were dressed in white with crowns of gold on their heads.


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Lightnings and thunders and voices came from the throne. There were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne. These are the seven Spirits of God.


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A sea of crystal like glass was in front of the throne. In the center around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.


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The first living creature was like a lion. The second living creature was like a young bull. The third living creature had a face like a man. And the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.


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Each of the four living creatures has six wings. They are full of eyes around and within. "Never resting day or night, they say: Holy, holy, holy, Jehovah God the Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come."


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When these living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,


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The twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne. They worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:


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"You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and because of your will they are and were created."


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I saw a book in the right hand of him who sat on the throne. It had writing on the inside and on the back and was sealed with seven seals.


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And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming with a loud voice: "Who is worthy to open the book, and to remove the seals?"


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One of the elders said to me: "Do not weep; the Lion of the tribe of Judah of the Root of David has succeeded in opening the book and removing the seven seals."


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I saw a Lamb that looked as though it had been slain, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders. The lamb had seven horns and seven eyes. These are the seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth.


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When he took the book the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Every one of them had harps, and golden bowls full of incense. These are the prayers of the holy ones.


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They sing a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.


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I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders. The number of them was ten thousand <i>myriads</i> times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.


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They said with a loud voice: "The Lamb that was slaughtered is worthy to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."


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I heard every creature in heaven and on earth. I also heard those under the earth, in the sea, and all that are in them. They said: "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be to him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever."


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I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals. And I heard one of the living creatures speak with a voice like thunder. He said: "Come!"


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Another horse that was red went out: and power was given to him who sat on it to take peace from the earth. He was given a great sword so that men could kill one another.


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When he opened the third seal I heard the third beast say: "Come!" I saw a black horse; and he who sat on him had a pair of scales in his hand.


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I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures say: "A measure <i>quart: U.S. dry</i> . of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see that you do not hurt the oil and the wine."


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I looked, and there was a pale horse. The name of the one who sat on him was Death. The grave followed him. Power was given to them over a fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with pestilence, and with the beasts of the earth.


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When the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the persons who were slaughtered because of the word of God, and for the witness they gave.


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They cried with a loud voice, saying: "How long, O Lord, holy and true, before you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"


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Each of them was given a white robe. They were told that they should rest for a little while. <i>They were to wait</i> until the <i>number</i> of their fellow servants and their brothers, who would be killed, as they were, should be fulfilled.


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When he opened the sixth seal I saw a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth of hair and the moon became like blood.


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The stars of the sky fell to the earth, even as a fig tree drops her unripe figs when she is shaken by a mighty wind.


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The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled together. Every mountain and island was moved from their places.


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The kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the military commanders, and the mighty men, and every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains.


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They said to the mountains and rocks: "Fall on us, and hide us from the presence of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:


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After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth. They were holding back the four winds of the earth so the wind would not blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree.


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I saw another angel ascending from the east. He had the seal of the living God. He cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea.


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He said: "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads."


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I heard the number of those who were sealed. There were sealed a hundred and forty-four thousand from all the tribes of the children of Israel.


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Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.


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Of the tribe of Asher were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Naphtali were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasseh were sealed twelve thousand.


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Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.


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Of the tribe of Zebulun were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.


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After this I saw a great crowd that no man could number. It was from all nations, and tribes, and people, and tongues. It stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes. They had palm branches in their hands.


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They cried with a loud voice, saying: "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."


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All the angels stood around the throne, and the elders and the four living creatures. They fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God.


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They said: "Amen! Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen."


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I said to him: "Sir, you know." He said to me: "These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.


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"Because of this they are before the throne of God. They serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over <i>dwell among</i> them.


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"They will hunger no more, nor thirst any more; neither shall the sunlight beat down on them, nor any heat.


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"The Lamb who is in the middle of the throne will feed them and lead them to living fountains of water. God will wipe away all tears from their eyes."


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Another angel, with a golden incense vessel, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense so he could offer it with the prayers of all the holy ones upon the golden altar before the throne.


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The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the holy ones, ascended up, out of the angel's hand, before God.


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The angel took the incense vessel, and filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth. There were voices, and thundering and lightning, and an earthquake.


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The first angel blew his trumpet. Hail and fire mixed with blood came down upon the earth. A third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.


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The second angel blew his trumpet. Something like a great mountain burning with fire was hurled into the sea. A third of the sea became blood.


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The third angel blew his trumpet. A great star burning like a lamp fell from heaven. It fell upon a third of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters.


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The star is called Wormwood <i>Calamity Bitterness</i> : and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.


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The fourth angel blew his trumpet. A third of the sun was struck. A third of the moon, and a third of the stars were darkened. The illumination of both day and night was cut by one third.


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Then I saw and heard an angel flying in midheaven. He said with a loud voice: "Woe, woe, woe to those dwelling on earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!"


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The fifth angel blew his trumpet. I saw a star fall from heaven to the earth. The key of the bottomless pit was given to him.


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He opened the bottomless pit. Smoke came out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace. The smoke from the pit darkened the sun and the air.


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Out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth. Power was given to them like the scorpions of the earth have power.


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They were commanded not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God in their foreheads.


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The locusts were not to kill them, but should torment them for five months: and their torment was the torment of a scorpion, when it strikes a man.


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Men will seek death in those days and will not find it. They will desire to die and death will elude them.


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The appearance of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. They wore gold crowns on their heads and their faces were like the faces of men.


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They had breastplates like iron. The sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots with many horses running to battle.


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Their tails were like scorpions' tails, for there were stings in their tails. They had power to hurt men five months.


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The angel of the bottomless pit was their king. His name in the Hebrew language is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.


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It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.


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And the four angels were released. They were prepared for this very hour, and day, and month, and year, to kill a third of mankind.


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I saw the horses and riders in the vision. Their breastplates were bright red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions. Their mouths issued fire, smoke, and brimstone.


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A third of mankind was killed by these plagues of fire and smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.


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The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails: for their tails were like serpents that had heads, and with them they inflict harm.


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The rest of the men who were not killed by these plagues did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshipping demons, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.


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Neither did they repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.


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I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven. He was clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was upon his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.


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He held a little book that lay open in his hand. He placed his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the earth.


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And he cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.


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When the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven say to me: "Seal up those things that the seven thunders spoke. Do not write them."


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And he swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that are in it, and the earth, and the things that are in it, and the sea, and the things there, that there would be no more delay.


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But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he will sound his trumpet, the secret of God is finished, just as he declared to his servants the prophets.


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The voice I heard from heaven spoke to me again, and said: "Go take the little book that is open in the hand of the angel who stands upon the sea and upon the earth."


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I went to the angel, and said to him: "Give me the little book." He said to me: "Take it, and eat it up! It will be sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will make your belly bitter."


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So I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it. It was in my mouth sweet as honey and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.


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There was given me a reed like a measuring rod: and the angel stood, saying: "Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship there.


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"Do not measure the court outside the temple for it is given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months.


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"I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."


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These <i>witnesses</i> are the two olive trees, and the two lamp stands standing before the God of the earth.


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If any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devours their enemies. If any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.


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These <i>two witnesses</i> have power to shut the sky so that it will not rain in the days of their prophecy. They have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.


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When they finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them and conquer them, and kill them.


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Their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was impaled.


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The people and tribes and tongues and nations will see their dead bodies three and a half days, and will look at them and refuse to bury them.


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The inhabitants of the earth will celebrate and rejoice over them. They will rejoice and send gifts to one another. This is because these two prophets tormented those who lived on the earth.


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After three and a half days the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet. Great fear fell upon all who saw them.


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They heard a great voice from heaven say: "Come up here." So they ascended up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies beheld them.


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In that same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand men were slain in the earthquake, and the survivors were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.


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The seventh angel blew his trumpet. There were great voices in heaven, saying: "The kingdom of the world has become our Gods, and his Christ will rule as king forever and ever."


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The twenty-four elders, who sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshiped God,


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Saying: "We give you thanks, Jehovah God the Almighty, the one who is and who was, because you have taken your great power, and begun to rule as king. (Exodus 6:3) (Amos 4:13)


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"The nations were angry. Your wrath <i>indignation</i> has come! It is time to judge the dead, to reward your servants the prophets, the holy ones, and those who reverence your name the small and the great. Time to destroy <i>exterminate eradicate</i> those who destroy the earth."


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The temple of God was opened in heaven. There was seen in his temple the ark of his covenant. And there were lightnings and voices and thunder and an earthquake and great hail.


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A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head was a crown with twelve stars.


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Another sign appeared in heaven. It was a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.


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His tail swept a third of the stars of heaven, and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered. He was ready to devour her child as soon as it was born.


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She gave birth to a male-child, who was to rule all nations with a rod <i>scepter</i> of iron. Her child was caught up to God and to his throne.


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The woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God. There they feed her a thousand two hundred and sixty days.


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The great dragon was thrown down, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was hurled down to the earth, and his angels with him.


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I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now has come the salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power <i>authority</i> of his Christ: for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accused them before our God day and night.


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They conquered <i>overcame</i> him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives when faced with death.


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Therefore rejoice <i>be glad</i> , you heavens, and you that dwell in them. But woe to the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having fierce anger, because he knows that he has only a short time."


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When the dragon saw that he was thrown to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male-child.


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Two wings of a great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time <i>one thousand two hundred and sixty days</i> , out of the serpent's reach.


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The serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.


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But the earth rescued the woman, and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed up the flood that the dragon spewed out of his mouth.


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The dragon was furious with the woman and waged war with the remnant of her seed. These are the ones who obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.


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The dragon stood on the shore by the sea. I saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns. His horns had ten crowns on them. Blasphemous names were on his heads.


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The beast I saw looked like a leopard. His feet were like the feet of a bear. His mouth was like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority.


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One of his heads appeared to have had a fatal wound. His fatal wound had healed, and the entire world followed the beast with admiration.


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Men worshiped the dragon that gave power to the beast. They worshiped the beast, saying: "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"


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A mouth speaking great things and blasphemies was given to the beast. And authority to act was given to him to continue forty-two months.


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He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, to slander his name, and his dwelling place, and those who live in heaven.


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It was granted to him to wage war with the holy ones, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all tribes, and tongues, and nations.


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All the citizens of earth will worship him, all whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life who was slain from the foundation of the world.


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He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity. He who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. This requires the patience and the faith of the holy ones.


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Then I saw another wild beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb and he spoke like a dragon.


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He exercises all the authority of the first beast that came ahead of him. The second beast causes the earth and those who live there to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.


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He performed great signs, so that he made fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.


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And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles he had power to do in the sight of the beast. He says to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast that had the wound by a sword and yet lives.


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He had power to give breath to the image of the beast and to make that image of the beast speak. He caused many to be killed, those who would not worship the image of the beast.


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And he forces all persons, the great and the small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.


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This requires wisdom. Let him that has understanding calculate the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.


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A Lamb stood on Mount Zion, and with him one hundred forty-four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.


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I heard a sound from heaven, as the sound of many waters. It was as the sound of a great thunder: and I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.


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They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders. No man can learn that song but the hundred and forty-four thousand, who were redeemed from the earth.


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These are they who were not defiled with women. They are virgins. These are they who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed <i>bought</i> from among mankind. They are the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.


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Then I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven. He had everlasting good news to preach to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.


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He spoke in a loud voice: "Respect God, and give him glory! The hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."


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Another angel followed, saying: "Babylon the great has fallen. She has fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."


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The third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,


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"the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of his indignation. He will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.


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"The smoke of their torment will ascend forever and ever. They who worship the beast and his image and receive the mark of his name have no rest day or night.


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"This requires patience and endurance for the holy ones, those who obey the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."


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Then I heard a voice from heaven say: "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in union with the Lord from this time forward: Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works follow them."


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I saw a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.


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Another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud: "Thrust in your sickle, and reap! The time has come for you to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe."


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And yet another angel came out from the altar. He had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle. He said: "Thrust in your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe."


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The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the anger of God.


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The winepress was trampled outside the city. Blood came out of the winepress as high up as the horse bridles for a distance of one hundred and eighty miles.


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I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues. God uses them to finish expressing his anger.


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I saw what looked like a sea of glass mingled with fire. Those who were victorious over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having harps <i>written Word</i> of God.


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They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are your works, Jehovah God, the Almighty; just and true are your ways, you King of the ages <i>Eternal King King of the nations King of the holy ones</i> . (Deuteronomy 31:30; 32:4) (Exodus 6:3)


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"Who will not reverence you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, for only you are holy. All nations will come and worship you. Your righteous judgments are clearly apparent."


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The seven angels with the seven plagues came out of the temple. They were clothed in pure white linen, with their chests girded with golden girdles.


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One of the four beasts gave the seven angels bowls full of the anger of God who lives forever and ever.


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The temple was filled with smoke from the glory and power of God. No man was able to enter into the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.


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I heard a loud voice from the temple say to the seven angels: Go your way, and pour out the bowls of the anger of God on the earth.


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The first poured out his bowl on the earth. A painful and grievous sore appeared on the men who had the mark of the beast, and upon those who worshiped his image.


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Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea. It became like the blood of a dead man, and every living being died in the sea.


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Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and fountains of waters and they became blood.


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I heard the angel of the waters say: "You are righteous, Jehovah, who are, and was, the Holy One, because you have judged these things. (Exodus 3:14)


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"They have shed the blood of the holy ones and prophets. You give them blood to drink for they deserve it."


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I heard another say: "Even so, Jehovah God the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments." (Deuteronomy 32:4) (Psalm 145:17) (Exodus 6:3)


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The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun. Authority was given to him to scorch men with fire.


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Men were scorched with great heat. They blasphemed the name of God, who has power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.


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Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast; and his kingdom became full of darkness. And they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.


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The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates. Its water was dried up so that the way might be prepared for the kings from the east.


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I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.


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They are demonic spirits, working signs, which go to the kings of the earth, of the whole world. They gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.


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"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his outer garment, that he does not walk naked and they see his shame."


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Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came out of the temple of heaven. It said: "It is done!"


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There were voices, and thunders, and lightnings. There was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.


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The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. God remembered Babylon the Great. He gave her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his anger <i>wrath</i> .


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There fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent <i>45 to 100 pounds</i> . Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for the plague was exceeding great.


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One of the seven angels who had one of the seven bowls spoke to me. He said: "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,


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"with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."


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So he carried me away in spirit to the wilderness. I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast. The beast was full of names of blasphemy. It had seven heads and ten horns.


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The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet. She was adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She had a golden cup in her hand. It was full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.


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A name was written on her forehead, a mystery, "Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the abominations of the earth."


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I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the holy ones, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her I wondered greatly.


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The angel said: "Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.


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"The beast that you saw was, and is not. It will ascend out of the pit and go into destruction. They who dwell on the earth will wonder, those whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.


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"Here is where the mind that has wisdom comes in. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.


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"There are seven kings: five have fallen, and one is, and the other has not yet come. When he comes he must remain a short while.


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"The beast that was, and is not, he is the eighth king, and is from the seven, and goes into destruction.


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"The ten horns that you saw are ten kings. They have not yet received a kingdom. But they receive power <i>authority influence</i> as kings for one hour with the beast.


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"They are united in one purpose <i>single-minded</i> , and they will give their power and authority to the beast.


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"They will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome <i>conquer</i> them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. Those who are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."


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He says to me: "The waters that you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, and crowds, and nations, and languages.


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"The ten horns that you saw on the beast will hate the harlot, and will make her desolate and naked. They will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.


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"For God put in their hearts the desire to carry out his purpose, and to agree, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.


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After these things I saw another angel come down from heaven. He had great authority. The earth was illuminated with his glory.


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He cried out with a strong voice: "Babylon the Great has fallen, she has fallen! She has become the habitation of demons, and a haunt for every unclean spirit. She is a prison for every unclean and hateful bird.


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"All nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication <i>immorality</i> . The kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are very rich through the abundance of her luxury."


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I heard another voice from heaven, say: "Come out of her, my people, that you do not partake of her sins, and that you do not receive her plagues!


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"Render to her even as she rendered to you. Pay back double to her, double according to her works: in the cup that she has filled, fill double for her!


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"To the extent she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to that extent give her much torment and sorrow. She says in her heart: 'I sit a queen, and am no widow, and I shall see no sorrow.'


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"Therefore her plagues <i>literal and figurative</i> will overtake her in one day, death and mourning and famine; and she will be utterly burned with fire, for mighty is Jehovah God who judges her. (Jeremiah 50:34; 51:58)


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"The kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived sensuously with her, will weep and lament over her, when they see the smoke of her burning.


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"They will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, and say: 'Woe, woe to the great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.'


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"The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her. For no man buys their merchandise any more.


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"The merchandise of gold and silver and precious stones, and of pearls, fine linen, purple and silk, scarlet, and everything in scented wood, all manner of ivory and all manner of most precious wood, of brass and iron and marble,


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"cinnamon, odors and ointments, frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour, wheat, beasts, and sheep and horses, chariots and slaves and humans


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"The fruits that you desired have departed from you. All things that were dainty and wonderful have departed from you. You will find them no more at all.


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"The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, will stand far off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing.


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"They will say: 'Woe, woe to the great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!


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"'In one hour these great riches came to nothing.' Every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood far off,


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"They threw dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying: 'Woe, woe to the great city. All that had ships in the sea became rich by her wealth. In one hour she was made desolate.'


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"Rejoice over her, you heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God pronounced judgment for you against her."


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A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and hurled it into the sea. He said: "With violence the great city Babylon will be thrown down, and it will not be found any longer.


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"The sound of harp players, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, will not be heard anymore in you. No craftsman will be found in you. The sound of a millstone will not be heard in you anymore.


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"There will no longer be the light of a candle in you. The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride will be heard no more at all in you. Your merchants were the great men of the earth; for by your spiritistic practice all nations were deceived.


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"The blood of prophets, and of holy ones, and of all who were slain upon the earth was found in her."


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After these things I heard a great voice of many people in heaven, saying: "Praise Jehovah! Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power belong to our God. (Psalm 150:6)


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"True and righteous are his judgments: for he has judged the great harlot, who corrupted the earth with her fornication. And has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand."


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The twenty-four elders and the four beasts fell down and worshiped God, who sat on the throne, saying: "Amen! Praise Jehovah!" (Psalm 117:1)


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Then a voice came from the throne. It said: "Praise our God, all you his servants, and you who reverence him, both small and great."


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And I heard as it were the voice of a large number of people, and as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of mighty thunder, saying: "Praise Jehovah! For Jehovah our God, the Almighty, reigns. (Psalm 106:48)


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"Let us be glad, rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife made herself ready.


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"It was granted to her that she dress in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the holy ones."


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He said to me: "Write: Blessed are they who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb." He said to me: "These are the true sayings of God."


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I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me: »Do not do that. I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers. You have the witness from Jesus: worship God! For the witness from Jesus is the spirit <i>mind-set</i> of prophecy.«


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I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse; and he who sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.


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His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns <i>diadems</i> . He had a name written that no man knew, but himself.


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Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron. He treads the winepress of the fierceness and anger of Almighty God.


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Then I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried with a loud voice to all the fowls that fly in midheaven: "Come and gather yourselves together to the supper of the great God;


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"that you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of military commanders, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great."


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I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse, and against his army.


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The beast was captured, and with him the false prophet that performed signs before him, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast, and those who worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with sulfur.


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The rest were killed with the sword that came from the mouth of the one who sat on the horse. All the birds were filled with their flesh.


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I saw an angel come down from heaven. He had the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.


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He seized the dragon, the old serpent that is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.


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He hurled him into the bottomless pit, and shut it and sealed it over him. He could not deceive the nations anymore till the thousand years ended. After that he must be let loose for a little while.


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I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I also saw the people who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image. They had not received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands. They lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.


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<i>The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were finished. Not found in older manuscripts.</i> This is the first resurrection.


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Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them. They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall rule as kings with him for the thousand years.


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Satan will go out to deceive the nations that are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle. The number of these is as the sand of the sea <i>too great to count</i> .


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They advanced over the broad plain of the earth, and encircled the camp of the holy ones, and the beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven and devoured <i>consumed</i> them.


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The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are, and will be tormented day and night forever.


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I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it. From before him the earth and heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.


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I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God. The books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged according to the things written in the books, according to their works.


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The sea gave up the dead in it. Death and the grave delivered up the dead in them. Every man was judged according to his works.


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Whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled <i>thrust thrown</i> into the lake of fire.


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I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. There was no more sea.


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Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.


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Then I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying: "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men. He will dwell with them and they will be his people! God will be with them, and be their God.


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"God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death. There will be no more sorrow nor crying. There will be no more pain! The former things have passed away."


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He who sat on the throne said: "Behold, I make all things new. Then he told me to write: for these words are faithful and true."


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And he said to me: "It is done! I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him who thirsts from the fountain of the water of life freely.


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"But the fearful and unbelieving, abominable and murderers, fornicators and those practicing spiritism, idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur: which is the second death."


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One of the seven angels came to me. He had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues. He said: "Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife."


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He carried me away in spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy city Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.


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She had the glory of God. Her light was like a very precious stone, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.


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The city had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on each gate, the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:


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On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.


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The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.


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And the city lies foursquare. The length is as large as the width. He measured the city with the reed, fourteen hundred miles. The length and the width and the height of it are equal.


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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, chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;


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the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, hyacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.


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The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each individual gate was one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, as transparent glass.


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The city did not need the sun or the moon to shine on it. For the glory of God and of the Lamb was its light.


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Nothing impure will ever enter it. The shameful and deceitful will not enter. Only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life will enter.


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He showed me a pure river of water of life. It was clear as crystal and flowed out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.


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This was in the middle of the street of the city. The tree of life was on each side of the river. It produced twelve kinds of fruit and yielded the fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.


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There will be no curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city. His servants will serve him.


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There will be no night there. They need no lamp, neither light of the sun, for Jehovah God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.


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Then he said to me: "These sayings are faithful and true. Jehovah the God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show his servants the things that must shortly be done.


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I John saw these things and heard them. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.


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He said to me: »Do not do that, for I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and of those who obey the words of this book: worship God.«


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And he says to me: "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near at hand.


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"He who is unjust, let him be unjust still. And he who is filthy, let him be filthy still. And he who is righteous, let him be righteous still. And he who is holy, let him be holy still.


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"'Blessed are those who obey his commandments. They have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates of the city.


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"'Outside are the dogs <i>impure men</i> and those who practice spiritism, and fornicators, and murderers, and idolaters, and everyone who tells lies.'


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"'I Jesus have sent my angel to tell you about these things in the congregations. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.'"


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The Spirit and the bride say: "Come" And let him who hears say: "Come." And let him who is thirsty come. And whoever will, let him drink the water of life freely.


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I testify to every man who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book.


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If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things that are written in this book.


