I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. - John 15:5
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. - Mark 4:35
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalms 30:5b
...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14
...And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. - Genesis 1:2b
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. - Psalms 23:1-2
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Thank you for visiting ADAM2.ORG and your interest in our studies and resources. We are currently going through a growth
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About Us ▼
Adam2.org was established by our founder, Ken Livingston, in July 1999.
Having grown into an international organization consisting of thousands of members and visitors from over 50
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If you aren't sure what your state of life will be when this one is over, we encourage you to seriously
consider this while you have opportunity. Nothing in this life you will do will be as important!
Likely, you have made every preparation for your present life.
You owe it to your self to prepare for what comes next. It won't cost you a thing! Continue reading...►
Excerpts From Studies' Area ▼
Excerpt from: In His Presence.
"A self surrendered in the silence of His presence is a soul at peace in Him who reclaimed it! The earth and its burdens no
longer bind you and you are free to walk the stars, revel in His glory, bathed in His love. Time affects only the earthly,
but your spirit is free to soar the heavenlies -- and the hours pass quickly, while In His Presence!
To journey where no mortal may go: This Is Prayer!"
Excerpt from: Proofs of Growing In Grace. 1. Less temptation to focus on troubles or talk about them to others... 2. Less temptation to resent and retaliate when insulted or abused... 3. Joy under crosses, disappointment, and severe pain...
Each month a featured writing from different authors will be posted below as a main feature in our center section.
The nature of these writings will vary from devotional, to inspirational, topical and informative for the current
state of our Christian culture. You may access this full feature with the link below. ▼
Opportunities for Service ▼
Each day a host of members and visitors from around the world visit our site and use our online resources, all at no cost. We plan to continue doing so. As we have grown, so too have our needs. We would like to extend an invitation for you to become an integral part of our efforts in helping others. Read more... ►
For those who would like to contribute to our Online ministry, we welcome your donation. Some of you have been looking for a way to give towards an international effort in helping others. Your contribution will not only go a long way in meeting our current and future challenges in maintaining and improving our capacity to aid others, but will place you within His channel of blessing to you for having done so. Your bread upon the waters will not go unnoticed by Him (Hebrews 6:10). Read more... ►
Shocking Finding: Two-thirds (67%) of pre-teen parents claim to be Christian, but only 2% of all pre-teen parents actually possess a biblical worldview...
American Values Personal Survey
Poll: American Majority Wants Congress to Pass Pro-Life Protections
Downward Trend Who Say Same-Sex Relations Morally Acceptable
Satan, The Father Of Lies
Battle For America's Soul
Ligonier Ministries' Biennial Study of The State Of American Theology
Among the Shocking findings are -
1. "31% of adults say it is very important for their religious faith to influence every dimension of their life."
2. "49% accept reincarnation as a possibility after they die."
Just one question: If, if this is true then why do our politicians and those who do their bidding in the media possess the spirit of antichrist—an anti-Christian spirit that treats others with such hostility, disrespect and mean-spirited? Why is the state of our country so godless and in an advanced state of decay and decline?
Something is grossly immoral and amiss!
Consider this from 3 of our founding fathers:
Benjamin Franklin - Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.
Jedidiah Morse - Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government - and all blessings which flow from them - must fall with them.
John Adams - Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
This may help to answer some of your questions as to our current national state of affairs. The honest student of history knows this to be true. Also read:
In light of current world events, I was asked recently to comment on what seems to be an ever-growing darkness in so many areas of our lives today. This is a brief excerpt of those thoughts.
If one has lived long enough, we remember days of our past when the events of the world did not encroach and embed itself into our lives with the alarming number, regularity and intensity it seems today. We enjoyed days, if not weeks or months, without waking to a new or ongoing crisis that captured our attention. Our activities were not overshadowed with the pall of today that seems never-ending, provoking such anxiety we see and hear throughout our society. We awoke in our mornings to the peaceful hopes and expectations of continuing to pursue our happiness in the course we were making for our lives, satisfaction that came from all levels and stages of our progress in life. Occasionally, if we had heard from someone during the day of a newsworthy event, we might find the time from our busy lives to tune in at the end of the day to the news to see firsthand additional details that aroused our attention. We might even discuss it with others for a short time before moving on to other more personal priorities—job success, family events, community involvement, church and recreational activities, etc. Those things that divide us today along so many lines were not exacerbated by politicians seeking votes, certainly not to the extent we were less civil to each other as today. For most of us, life had yet to become a "game" with clearly defined sides in vehement opposition to one another. Labels were something on a product we purchased. Many of us did recognize moral and legitimate social injustices and worked cooperatively toward ending those divisions that prevented the fulfillment of the dreams of our forefathers, dreams we share in becoming one within a nation that values the rights of individuals without abolishing those of others. Our desire was that all would be given the opportunity to achieve their God-given potential. We understood there was much work to be done, not only in our own personal lives, but within our society. We elected representatives to see to the matters of government that we could not ourselves. We trusted them for the greater priorities of our nation and not to intrude upon our liberties promised within our constitution, especially infringement upon our religious freedoms and conscience. Our constitution was a contract we all understood to mean the church was not the government nor the government the church, taking to itself matters of social, moral and religious duties that have long been the calling and mission of the church, proselytizing from it through programs to obtain votes to grow it in competition and final defeat of it, using taxes gained at the point of the gun in contrast to tithes and offerings freely given to the local church. How is the church expected to compete with that system? To this point, we have abrogated our place in our society today. Somewhere along the way we went astray. National security and greater injustices of our time gave way to more petty personal grievances and social programs, so much so that the rights of many are being taken away in lieu of the offended feelings of one—a lesser group over the majority. The good causes of many seem to have been coopted by the selfish desires of a few. It seems those whose rights are favored are those whose voices can be magnified the greatest while the majority are suppressed in fearful silence. Logic appears turned upon its head—reason and common sense discarded upon the heap of the unpopularity of truth. And its shadow grows.
The world seems to be in chaos with no visible sign of abatement. Dangers from within threaten to rip apart the fabric of our country while our enemies plot and execute their plans to destroy us. We rightfully ask: Where are our elected? There is no answer. They have abandoned us. The state grows while our churches continue to decline. Who will stop the darkness? Who will stop the assault of the state on the rights of the people and the ordained role of the churches? Can it be stopped? Two thousand years ago Jesus clearly taught His kingdom was not of this earth and issued a call to any who would hear: "Come unto me you who are heavy burdened..." Today, our government has coopted that call and the hands reach out by the millions each year, year after year, creating a dependency without dignity, degrading and diminishing the human spirit to an almost sub-human level. And we wonder why the baser instincts of the masses are rising like a tsunami that will soon sweep us upon the rubble of history as it has other nations before us. I understand the sentiment of the sensible heart as it looks upon today's world scene. It is understandable why such anxiety exists, especially if one allows the bombardment of the gloom of world events to permeate ones thinking via a twenty-four cycle of breaking news. It consumes our national conversation. We wring our hands as we helplessly watch beyond belief events spiral ever more chaotic.
The following is taken from the Book, Adam2: A Guide For The Walk Home, written by our founder.
It is A Commentary On The Gospel Of John, complete with a background look at the contemporary Jewish groups active in Jesus' day.
It includes a summary of each chapter, a redacted study of each disciple, a brief study of Gnosticism of the time, pertinent timelines,
and much more. Each chapter of study includes extensive Biblical references to the notes on the chapter.
A chronological excerpt of each section will be posted here at the beginning of each month. You can access free of charge at any time
a complete online digital version
for your further study. In addition, a link will be provided to purchase the book on CD to install on
your own computer for convenience of study and print. All we ask is that you observe the stated copyrights as with any book you buy over
the counter, limiting your print to only one hard copy for your own personal use. If further hard copies are necessary,
please contact us for an additional nominal fee. Thank you for your interest in this study. Our hope and prayer is that
through the work of the Holy Spirit as you study you will be blessed by it, and if so, recommend it to a friend.
We turn this month to the study of the Pharisees from the book: Adam2.
I. MAJOR JEWISH GROUPS IN JESUS' DAY.
B. PHARISEES.
Pharisee in Hebrew is Perushim, and in Greek, Pharisaion, both meaning, separate, or Separates.
This idea developed from the strong desire and attempt to keep the Jew separate from the other peoples of the world,
by blood, religion, ceremony, and culture, eventually evolving into the Pharisees' own perception of themselves being
separate purists within their own Judean religion. Origins of this can be seen in the call of Abraham through the
repatriation of the post-exilic Jew in Ezra's day
(
Gen.12:1-2;
24:1-4;
Nu.25; Ezra 9-10). Out of this national culture developed several parties of prevailing schools of thought as to,
(1) how to interpret and practice the oracles of God handed down through their forefathers, and (2) what role and to what extent
their reduced Jewish state would play among other nations, especially under current Persian control. Though the origins of the
Pharisee can be seen prior to the Maccabeans who ruled Judea from 167-63 B.C., they did not develop until their time.
(See Appendix, Inter-Testament Timeline, p. 3; "Sanhedrin," Chapter 3, p. 77, and "Feast of Dedication," Chapter 10, p. 139.)
Gone was the monarchial rule of pre-Babylonian captivity that lasted several centuries during the Solomon Temple era
(See Appendix, Old Testament Timeline, p. 2). During the post-Babylonian period and Zerubbabel's temple time, law and
order evolved into the hands of men studied in the Mosaic law, usually priests, or the then emerging scribe such as Ezra,
a Levite. (See
Ezra 7:6,11-12,21;
Neh.8:1-13.)
From this cultural time evolved the Great Assembly, or Knesset Gedolah, composed primarily of anonymous scribes who
became the "supreme spiritual authority" in matters of law regulating Jewish life. Therefore, the shift of power from the
pre-Babylonian nobles and kings to the post-Babylonian High Priest and Council of Sages (as they were then called, eventually
called the Council of Seventy Elders or the sunedrion, or Sanhedrin—from the Greek suned, meaning council) was complete.
It is stated simply as a matter of fact by a modern Jewish historian that: "All these [post-exilic] developments called for
hundreds of new ordinances and enactments to regulate cultural and religious life...The members of the Great Assembly...faced
the task of providing fixed patterns of behavior in many spheres that had formerly been left to the discretion of the individual"
(Steinsaltz, p. 16). Their interpretations of Mosaic law evolved into oral law which was later catalogued and codified and rigidly
imposed and enforced. So strong was their desire to remain separate and in strict compliance to the letter of the teachings of the Mosaic law,
their stated philosophy was that it was "better to die than sin." A tragic tale exists of the only known nasi,
or president of this Council during this period, surrendering his own son for execution on sophistic charges because of their
insistence of strict adherence to the letter of their law (Steinsaltz, p. 22).
It is also said that in the beginning the Pharisees were men of great moral and religious character who placed themselves in
mortal danger for the cause of their party, but as time passed and the risk declined with growing popularity, its ranks swelled
with men of lower character, leading to the gross hypocrisy denounced by John the Baptist when he came upon the scene
(Davis, p. 630).
(
Mat.3:7)
After the Greeks came to power, unlike the emerging Sadducces, the Pharisees refused to become political, steadfastly
resisting the hellenization of their people. To prevent the Jews from adopting the Greek's cultural ways (hellenization),
they required strict adherence to the Mosaic laws and the rabbinical teachings and traditions of their fathers.
Scholars of Mosaic law evolved and their interpretations became binding, leading to almost if not all life's activities
becoming legally defined and ceremonially controlled. This resulted in their becoming highly legalistic in their daily living,
creating the yoke of burden upon the people of Israel that went beyond what the spirit of God's law intended. The central
question asked by them readily reveals how they evolved into their strict outward ceremonial life: Is it not better to be
a doer of God's Word than a hearer? Doing God's Law then became paramount. The condition of the heart became
secondary, and to most, totally irrelevant. What mattered most was the strict outward obedience to the Law.
This attitude gave rise to their long public praying, excessive tithing, and all the other outward excesses
they themselves engaged in and demanded of others. For example, using in part
Ex.16:29 &
35:2-3,
prohibited work on the Sabbath is identified in seven general categories with thirty-nine subdivisions. Specific detail
is given pertaining to the day's activities, with even further specifications for today's modern Jew. For instance,
nothing on the Sabbath can be carried outside one's home other than the clothing worn on the person, not even a handkerchief
in one's hand. (Babies are exempted, thankfully.) Work is strictly forbidden and specifically identified down to the minutest
detail, e.g., the turning on or off of a light, picking up a writing tool, or today, opening an umbrella for shelter from
the rain or sun. Private written communication is forbidden to be read unless it was in open form prior to the commencement
of the Sabbath. If one desired to personally avoid these voluminous restrictions, they simply hired a Gentile to do what
they themselves could not, therefore, clearly keeping the letter of the law but violating its spirit (Trepp, pp. 70, 71).
(Maybe they had learned their lesson in captivity all too well.) Consequently, the spiritual aspect of Jewish religion was
all but extinct, except among a few, usually among the poorer class who still had hope for a spiritual messiah
(
Lk.2:25,38).
I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning
ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God...
Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness,
and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
- Exodus 16:12; Nu.14:22
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily,
I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
- Jn.6:26
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily,
I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
- Jn.6:32
Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
- Jn.6:34
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily,
I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
- Jn.6:53
Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this,
said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
- Jn.6:60
When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it,
he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
- Jn.6:61
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
- Jn.6:66
In the above Biblical examples both the Hebrews and the nominal disciples of Jesus were dependent upon their most
recent experiences with God for their continued loyalty to Him. Absent those miracles they all murmured and decided
they could no longer bear His leadership. They were addicted to their expectant experiences rather than dependent upon God.
They could not see past their human and emotional needs to be disciplined to walk by faith and not by sight. He would not
concede to their demands. He would not appeal to their emotions. He sought to elicit their obedience by faith, a faith beyond sight.
Short of that, He would force no one against their will to follow nor would He continue to entice them with His miracles (Lk.11:16).
His compassion knew no limits but He would not alter His teaching or rhetoric to placate their consciences to maintain their following.
His call was always prefaced with an IF—IF you will be my disciple, IF you would seek eternal life, etc (Mt.16:24; 19:21; Lk.14:26).
The amazing experience of the Exodus was not the experience of the parted Sea nor the manna that fell from Heaven.
It was not the miraculous flow of water from the rock of Meribah nor all the other miracles witnessed by the hundreds of
thousands of wandering Hebrews for thirty years. No. As marvelous and unforgettable as those experiences were by a people to
whom they were given there is one that towers over them all. It was the visible proof of the presence and movement of their God
seen in the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Without question, they knew they abided in the presence of their God. He
went before them by day and they pitched their tents around Him by night. Imagine! And yet it seems the Hebrews looked upon that fact
with such familiarity they looked past it, looking for the next experience that would give them their daily hope and encouragement.
From highs to great depths they repetitively fell—experience after experience, year after year. God's presence and His promises
alone were not sufficient to them. We know that because without those experiences they constantly wanted to turn back to Egypt.
In fact, at one point God wanted to completely destroy them and would had it not been for the intercession of Moses (Nu.14).
Their addiction to their experiences was greater than their dependence upon their God! Despite all the wonders they experienced
in Egypt before their departure, despite all the miracles they had witnessed to date, the Hebrews failed to grasp the vision of
Moses and at a minimum walk with him in his faith. Hence, they were condemned to their wilderness wanderings until all above
a certain age died out before their posterity were permitted to cross Jordan into the land of His promise (Nu.1:45). Even after
their children did cross Jordan, they would continue this disposition until after their captivity in Babylon and Ezra's
calling and ministry to them. One has to look only at the period of the Judges for clear evidence of this.
The experiences with Jesus and His followers were much along the same line. They would run to Him when they would see that
flash on the horizon upon His performance of a miracle, pushing, shoving, elbowing in to see and take for themselves any
overflow from the crowd, to desperately touch if possible in anonymity the hem of His garment. They followed Him as long
as they believed He might do another for their benefit, but when their faith would go no deeper in Him as Jesus
intended in the miracles, He would cease. He knew what was within the heart of each (Jn.2:24-25). Like their ancient kinsmen,
they too would turn away with much sorrow (Jn.6:66)—what tragedy, God among them, Immanuel, and they would walk
no more with Him! Addicted to the drug but no thought of the Physician who came to heal and save them!
The following is taken from the Book of New Testament Summaries.
Chapter
(Summer A.D.57?)
[Paul's response to Titus' good news from Corinth's reaction to his first letter.]
He begins with customary greetings, salutations, and commendations. He is greatly comforted in Christ amidst his
most recent severe persecution in Asia (Acts 19). His life has even been in danger, but he knows others are
comforted and strengthened in Christ's witness through his many afflictions, and he theirs (
Rom.12:15).
Their effectual prayers are greatly noticed. His words to them, though grievous, have not only been above board,
but straight from the heart in every way. Though he intended to come earlier but prevented, God is his witness
that he was sincere. His word can be trusted, just as Christ always fulfills His promises. His delay was in part
to allow them sufficient time to respond to his earlier rebuke that they not be sad when he arrived,
similarly causing him great sadness as well. He hopes their joy has since been restored and will be
shared when they finally meet. His previous instructions were to strengthen their faith in which they solely stand,
and not intended as rule over them. His authority, as theirs, is in none other than Christ who anointed and sealed him by His Spirit.
Their joy is interdependent: if one is sad, how can he make another glad. We ought always rejoice that it be for the
edifying of all, even in our afflictions and persecutions! Paul has written hoping that this time of correction,
discipline, and repentance might pass before he arrives. He is elated they have dealt with the errant one (I Cor.5),
but is now concerned they may go too far in their separation from him. Their forgiveness of the disciplined is absolutely
essential that Satan not gain advantage for further damage to their witness to Christ. He has been greatly concerned and
anxious in this matter, writing to them with his own tears, passing up opportunities of ministry in Troas where Titus was
to have met him with their report. Finally having found him in Macedonia (Philippi?), his spirit is relieved; in fact, their
news has caused a sweetness in his soul at this victory in Christ and the triumphing of His Truth, which he holds dear above all else.
[The theme of ministries contrasted or compared is expanded in Chapter 10. Apparently men of prominence, likely Jewish Christians,
were present in Corinth with letters of introduction from Jerusalem. Paul's authority was now being questioned by these influential
ones in the very Church he had established.]
Should he have to reintroduce himself as at the first when they were saved? He had no letter of introduction or authority from mortals then.
His power and authority has been, is, and always will be based solely in God who called him into the ministry of the New Covenant.
He was God's letter to them and now they to the world. They need no other! The old letter, to be taught others, was written in stone,
but the new, upon the hearts of the believers that all men might read wherever they are. The old condemned and brought death; the new makes
alive and free in Christ. The glory from the old could not be looked upon by the worshiper as he approached (Ex.34:29-35),
but now the veil has been removed (
Lk.24:35;
Heb.9 & 10.) and man may live in its presence, all radiating its light (
Mat.5:16),
as only Moses before (
Ex.33:11).
The veil has been universally removed for all men to look upon Him and live, yet Israel continues in blindness, unable to look within the
truth they read, even teach, which brings life and freedom, the Law continuing as their guide rather than the Spirit who has now clearly come.
He will teach all men, Jew or Gentile, who will open their ears and eyes to the truth reflected in His words. (Deu.18:15-19; Jn.16:7-15)
[Paul speaks to the core of Christian character that needs no vouchment by another, clearly visible by all, an open letter in the
light of God's gospel which he has been given to share with others.]
What are letters but a testimony of one to another's honesty? What need is there of them if we have the testimony (letter) of Christ.
A Christian's character is beyond reproach, above questioning, where no guile (deceit) can be ferreted. What need have I of letters then,
if I have Christ? (
Jn.1:47;
2:25)
If I have Christ, I have His Letter! What is His Letter, if it is not His Testimony?
(3:3) What is His Testimony, if it is not His Spirit? (
Jn.15:26;
16:13;
I Jn.4:2)
What is His Spirit, if it is not Truth? (
Jn.15:26;
16:13)
What is His Truth, if it is not Freedom? (
Jn.8:32)
What is His Freedom, if it is not Righteousness? (
Rom.8:2-4;
Ps.71:16;
85:13;
119:144;
Prov.12:28;
21:20)
What is His Righteousness, if it is not God? (
Ps.33:4-5;
48:9;
50:5;
71:15;
97:2;
Mat.19:17)
And what is God, if not Love? (
I Jn.4:8)
Examine me then, and see if I have the Love of God in my heart, if so, then the Letter of Christ! Don't you see?
If I am in possession of one, I am in possession of all! And if I am lacking in one, I am lacking in all. Love then is the greater,
and by it we know He is in us. (
I Jn.3:16-17;
4:6-17) And Love suffers all. (
I Co.13:4-7)
Paul has successfully established his authority and identity in Christ by stating both his argument and giving evidence
in his own life of his love suffering for them. No one suffers as he has if the love of Christ does not dwell in him;
so do not be fooled by one's outward pomp, circumstance, and letters. A man's life and suffering is sufficient evidence
and defense of his own standing in Christ. (A widely known question comes to mind here: If you were arrested tomorrow
and charged with being a Christian, would there be enough evidence in your life to convict you? Letters could be destroyed
but the legacy of lost souls won to Christ could not be eradicated. What would be the nature of your evidence?
Certainly, all would have to concede in Paul's case it was lives and not letters, to which they did, thus easing
the schism that developed among them.) Certainly our suffering, though it may not be fully understood and appreciated
by some, will not go unnoticed and unrewarded by God (
Heb.6:10).
The rewards will far outweigh the small temporal price paid in suffering for His sake while doing His work.
(vs.17;
Jn.16:20-22)
Knowing our temporal bodies are His Earthly temple, when it has served its purpose on Earth, be assured its spirit will
immediately ascend to the Father. We have been given the assurance of this by His indwelling Spirit. And if the Spirit
who is rich above all Earthly measure, who Himself gives gifts to the recipient believer (
I Co.12:11),
is only the down payment of the riches to come, how great must those riches be! This is sufficient cause for our earnest
expectation to depart the present for the eternal. So, for goodness sake, labor while present that you may be accepted by Him,
both now and in the life to come. Glory only in the things eternal, and do not be overly impressed by those who make pomp of
their appearance; God will judge the hearts of all men. We seek the approval of no one but Him. And we have, through His atoning work,
been made ambassadors in His name. This is by what authority we work and speak.
[Paul continues his vindication of his Apostolic authority.]
Their continued questioning of his validity puts them in danger of bringing reproach upon their thriving ministry in Corinth.
God's grace, which was bestowed upon them at the first through Paul's original work, was not in vain, otherwise they would
still be in their sin and in need of another witness, this time of valid authority. But he has been that witness; therefore,
he needs no other or further recommendation to them. His open life of suffering is evidence of his love for both God and them.
His heart has been that conduit, enlarged, through which Christ's love could flow to them, and that not of insignificant quantity.
He is not their master to lord over them, but they, his children in the faith. His care is parental, desiring to see them grow into
the full stature of a man, becoming capable of discerning truth from illusion, false teachers from true prophets. He warns them to
beware of worthless men who may rank high in the eyes of other men, but worthless nonetheless for Christ. They are not to associate
with such, for their ways are subtle, contaminating them with their doctrine and practices. God's children are to remain sanctified unto Him.
Purity of body and spirit is the way of the one called and separated by and for God (
James 1:27).
Paul exhorts them to such a life of moral integrity and honesty, as he himself has lived before them. His soul has not
rested since sending Titus with his previous letter. But now that he has found Titus upon his return through Macedonia,
his heart is overcome with jubilation for their Godly response, which was the sole intent of his written words. Both his
and Titus' love for them is magnified by their humble submission to their direction in this matter. God has been glorified.
[Paul now turns his attention to the offering being collected in Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece for the saints in Jerusalem.]
Liberality in giving, as Christ so liberally gave, is encouraged that none go lacking and equality might be obtained.
As each one is helped, they in turn are to reach a hand behind to lift another, all working hand in hand as one body,
fitly joined together, that no disparity exist among them. Christ's Church is one; indeed, it is His body. If one suffers,
they all suffer. If one abounds, they all should abound. Titus' personal care for them is commended. Others not named are
honored in their readiness and assistance. Let all that is done in these administrative matters be done with full accounting
that not so much as a suspicion be leveled against the ministry anywhere. Paul is confident now in their corrected zeal,
and is certain they will want to demonstrate their love for the brethren in this opportunity for giving.
Listen to this young German Christian artist create, in the moment, the composition he later entitiled, "Prayer". (We love his T-shirt. Take a close look. Expand and freeze frame.)
WEF Official Calls for AI to Re-Write the Bible 'Correctly'
"In a few years, there might be religions that are actually correct … just think about a religion whose holy book is written by an AI. That could be a reality in a few years," states WEF advisor Yuval Noah Harari, "a homosexual, Israeli author and historian who holds mostly to atheistic beliefs in spirituality," - Charismamag.com.
Transgender Lutheran pastor on the Bible's clear line of male & female: "It's hard to relate it to modern-day times b/c it wasn't written for 2024. It was written for then. When we read in the scripture that God created man and woman, yes, and god created everyone else, as well." pic.twitter.com/rFIKhlv7OW
To the cast down and disheartened, stop and remember the joy of the beginning of your new birth. Remember, there is no battle you face that He has not already fought and overcome. The victory is yours. Embrace it.
Featured Sermon
The Scarlet Thread Through The Bible - 12/31/1995
Leviticus 17:11: For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
When Praying, Do Not Look Upon It As A 'Badge Of Honor' To Be Worn Publicly For All Others To See Such 'Great Spiritual Depths' You Have Achieved. Read More
Such praying is shallow, often mechanical and repititious, and such our Saviour warned to avoid. People who pray often in public,
often love to be heard praying in public. It is the shy one whose heart is humble whose words are heard by the Master's ear. May your
service ever to Him in prayer be so private that no one else sees you standing there. To be recognized only by Him and not give
reason for another to diminish your position in prayer by pointing to your place in praise in comparison to others.
THIS IS PRAYER!
To Lose Self In The Sight Of All Others When Entering His
Presence, Especially When Speaking On Their Behalf.
AND SO PRAY:
"Lord, may it ever be your head my words seek to turn, that it
be for your praise and not another's my soul yearns."
Blessed is the fact that Christians can rejoice even in the deepest distress; although trouble may surround them, they still sing; and, like many birds, they sing best in their cages. The waves may roll over them, but their souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God's countenance; they have a buoyancy about them which keeps their head always above the water, and helps them to sing amid the tempest, 'God is with me still.'... Read More
To whom shall the glory be given? Oh! to Jesus--it is all by Jesus. Trouble does not necessarily bring consolation with it to the believer, but the presence of the Son of God in the fiery furnace with him fills his heart with joy. He is sick and suffering, but Jesus visits him and makes his bed for him. He is dying, and the cold chilly waters of Jordan are gathering about him up to the neck, but Jesus puts His arms around him, and cries, 'Fear not, beloved; to die is to be blessed; the waters of death have their fountain-head in heaven; they are not bitter, they are sweet as nectar, for they flow from the throne of God.'
As the departing saint wades through the stream, and the billows gather around him, and heart and flesh fail him, the same voice sounds in his ears, 'Fear not; I am with thee; be not dismayed; I am thy God.' As he nears the borders of the infinite unknown, and is almost affrighted to enter the realm of shades, Jesus says, 'Fear not, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.' Thus strengthened and consoled, the believer is not afraid to die; nay, he is even willing to depart, for since he has seen Jesus as the morning star, he longs to gaze upon Him as the sun in his strength. Truly, the presence of Jesus is all the heaven we desire. He is at once
'The glory of our brightest days;
The comfort of our nights.'
The twentieth century has brought forth unparalleled challenges to
the historic Christian faith. During this century, Christianity's relevance and ultimate validity have been questioned as never before.
This assault on the central truth claims of Christianity has come from two distinct fronts: atheistic secular humanism and the growing
climate of religious pluralism... Read More
While secularism constitutes a significant threat, the issue of religious pluralism poses an even greater challenge. The technological advances of our
century have resulted in a truly global society. America in particular is a nation of diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. Our nation is
founded upon the principle of toleration, particularly in the area of religion. We are guaranteed the right of free exercise of religion. This principle
of equal toleration of religion is so strong, in fact, that the worst name one can be called today is an "intolerant religionist." What has happened,
however, is that our idea of democracy has been applied to ultimate truth. Equal toleration of religion has been taken to mean that each religion is
equally valid (i.e., all religions lead to God). This is a fatal non sequitur...
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin,
when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
The question is asked: When tempted, where is the line that distinguishes between sin and none sin? If one does not feel drawn
towards a temptation (have a desire towards), where then is the need for resistance?... Read More
If two are faced with the identical wrong and the first easily, without thought (enticement), turns away and the second is enticed but after some
internal conflict, whether great or small, renews his strength and then turns away, who has the victory? The first can boast of his own strength and say,
"Because I was strong, I was not tempted in the least!" But the second is thankful of heart in that his strength came not from within, else he knows he
would have given in; but it came from without—from a source other than himself. The first is proud, the second humble. For he knows God, not he himself,
was his strength and redeemer...(I Peter 5:5-6)
The consequences of the magnitude of such a broad scale world-wide implementation of a "new church model" cannot be ignored. It must be examined by the serious Bible student and Christian! It must be looked at in light of Bible prophecy. We must heed the warnings of both Jesus' own words when He walked the earth and those inspired by the Holy Spirit written later for our advantage in alertness of end-time events and trends. Not to do so would be perilous. So, I have prayerfully written 5 articles on this demonic phenonemonen with hopes they will help you to understand how serious this modern attack is on the true church of Christ - Articles on the Modern Church.
The End-Time Deception
Sometimes in life the choice between two paths seems almost indistinguishable. It may not be one of your doing but there it is anyway.
You may wonder how it came about but wonder as you may it's not going away.
You may think because it is not too distinguishable it is of little consequence so your choice is not really going to impact you in the short-term—and you hope in the long term.
The day has come we are faced with such a choice. It is not one of our doing but we all have to make it.
But before you do, I ask this one simple question for serious consideration: If you consented to wear the government's and businesses' mask today will you wear their mark tomorrow?
For that day surely is coming—sooner than you think. They know the more we go along with the false and illegal choices forced upon us the easier in time it becomes.
They've done their studies. It has all been war-gamed out by them. Look it up.
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I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. - John 15:5
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. - Mark 4:35
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalms 30:5b
...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14
...And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. - Genesis 1:2b
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. - Psalms 23:1-2
Those things that divide us today along so many lines were not exacerbated by politicians seeking votes, certainly not to the extent we were less civil to each other as today. For most of us, life had yet to become a "game" with clearly defined sides in vehement opposition to one another. Labels were something on a product we purchased. Many of us did recognize moral and legitimate social injustices and worked cooperatively toward ending those divisions that prevented the fulfillment of the dreams of our forefathers, dreams we share in becoming one within a nation that values the rights of individuals without abolishing those of others. 
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Two thousand years ago Jesus clearly taught His kingdom was not of this earth and issued a call to any who would hear: "Come unto me you who are heavy burdened..." Today, our government has coopted that call and the hands reach out by the millions each year, year after year, creating a dependency without dignity, degrading and diminishing the human spirit to an almost sub-human level. And we wonder why the baser instincts of the masses are rising like a tsunami that will soon sweep us upon the rubble of history as it has other nations before us. 
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Thy God
Psalm 33:21
The Challenge of Religious Pluralism
Is Enticement Sin?
