The state of being aggrieved about something is effectively universal. Here’s a list of a few of the grievances:

• If you’re an economic conservative, you see an unjust effort to redistribute wealth to those who don’t deserve it.
• If you’re an economic progressive, you see an unjust imbalance of privilege and power, and a system fixed to keep it that way and even increase it.
• If you’re a social conservative, you see increasingly pervasive sexual immorality in all media and culture, topped off with more unborn babies being murdered every day.
• If you’re a social progressive, you see a cruel narrow-mindedness and deep seated suspicion of the “other;” this is especially manifested in the genuine hostility toward people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT).
• If you’re a believer in American exceptionalism, it’s baffling beyond reason how so many people cannot see the need for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; although certainly not perfect, the USA is a net force for good in the world. WikiLeaks enrages you; these people just don’t get it about the damage they’re doing to this net force for good!
• If you’re one who believes that the net effect of American exceptionalism is not for good, WikiLeaks is an essential force in exposing unsavory acts and intentions; the emperor has been disrobed, and it’s not a pretty sight.
• If you’re part of the mainline political establishment, you’re annoyed by the fringe efforts to influence otherwise sound policy; these include Tea Partiers to the Republicans and Greens to the Democrats.
• If you’re a part of those non-mainline movements, you’re skeptical that anything will change with this perennial business as usual approach by those in power. To conservatives, that means big unions and entrenched liberals. To progressives, that means unmitigated influence of greedy moneyed interests; the faces change but the corruption remains undisturbed.
• If you’re a conservative, you don’t understand why people don’t see that the way to create jobs and get the economy moving again is to remove onerous tax burdens and regulations from businesses.
• If you’re a progressive, you don’t understand why people don’t see the feudal oppression of the worldwide corporate oligarchy.
• If you’re concerned that national security is in peril, the monitoring of all communications and scanning of people at airports are essential and reasonable measures.
• If you’re concerned that civil liberties are in peril, the surveillance society we’re becoming is an ominous development.
• (etc, etc.)

Are you depressed yet?

Is it possible that all these things are happening for a reason? Let me be quick to say that I don’t know. All the things mentioned above are real. The economic downturn is real. The wars are real. Abortion and hate toward LGBT people are real. WikiLeaks and the response to it are real. Terrorists and surveillance measures are real.

Is it possible that God is making things impossible for the middle class for a reason? Does he want us to morph from the consumerist society that we are to a cooperative society where money is not the sole means of wealth?

Those changes may indeed come about, mostly out of necessity. If wages and other income are insufficient to provide a living, then life will carry on by other means.

But that won’t change anything at the fundamental human level. Evil people will develop ways to game the cooperative system, just as they have the current financial one. There will still be deceit, stealing, and injustice. The reason is the state of the human heart.

Consider this passage from the Gospel of Matthew:

13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir,
did you not sow good seed in your field? from whence then has it
tares?

13:28 He said unto them, An enemy has done this. The servants said
unto him, Do you want then that we go and gather them up?

13:29 But he said, No; lest while you gather up the tares, you root up
also the wheat with them.

13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of
harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather you together first the
tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat
into my barn.

You know where this piece is going. Jesus is the sole answer to any and all evil, everywhere and anytime. And Jesus can enter the hearts of those corporate oligarchs just as much as he can those welfare fraudsters—there's some wheat among those tares. We’d best get to praying.

But let us address the "what" question first. In the Gospels, Jesus asked people not so much what they thought of him but who they thought he was. I used to wonder why that mattered; after all, whether something exists, or someone is who they are, is external to what anyone thinks in their human capacity. If something exists and I don't believe it to be so, then I'm simply wrong. But what we think is important, however, as what we think matters *insomuch as it affects us.* Jesus did not and does not need our approval, or even that we believe him; he, as our Creator, does not need the approval or belief of the created thing.

How does one know then what to think? I think that all the churn and concern on some atheist forums is just so much irrelevant noise. The reason can be summed up as in this passage of the Gospel of Matthew:

12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered,
saying, Master, we would see a sign from you.

12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous
generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it,
but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's
belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the
heart of the earth.

12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation,
and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas;
and, behold, one greater than Jonas is here.

12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this
generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost
parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, one
greater than Solomon is here.

Looking for a sign, translate that as proof, as a prerequisite of believing makes perfect sense when dealing with other humans. Humans require positive identification as part of establishing contracts with one another as proof of their agreements; the purpose of these is to use as testimony against the other in the case of default. Effectually, such proof is required as a counterbalance against the untrustworthiness of other humans; and righty so!

In that context, the proof that humans demand of Jesus is not possible. The limitation is not that of Jesus; it is human limitation that will never allow the human need for proof to be met. No debate with or among believers or atheists will ever be resolved to anyone's satisfaction. So such discussion is pointless for everyone.

Here's why. We as humans don't have the capacity for comprehending the "what" in this area. The reason is we cannot accommodate the "how much" dimension. It's not going to happen. Consider this other passage from the Gospel of Matthew:

9:16 No man puts a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that
which is put in to fill it up takes from the garment, and the tear is
made worse.

9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles
break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles perish: but they put new
wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

There are a number of analogies to illustrate this concept, and address the "how much" question. You don't put gasoline in a diesel engine, or diesel in a gasoline engine. You don't play a DVD in a CD-only player. You don't converse with someone who doesn't share a common language with you. In computer programing, you don't assign a floating point value to an integer variable. You get the idea; insert here the analogy that is most meaningful to *you.*

It's not only the type that prevents us from mentally grasping it; it's also the amount or degree. You don't tow a locomotive with a lawn mower, but that's exactly what those who "would see a sign" are demanding be done; and that it be done by they themselves! Pardon the cliché, but that will happen when pigs fly; which will be never, by design of the Almighty! If Jesus exchanged "the kingdom of heaven is like" for "the kingdom of heaven is," (pardon another cliché) our "heads would explode."

So what's the most practical thing for people of all persuasions to do. I say leave the subject alone. Do not concern yourself with what someone else thinks or feels inside. As long as they treat others fairly, that's as much as one can ask of another human; but we should indeed demand that much of ourselves and others. Consider how much more valuable time would be spent in schools if the curriculum were devoted to learning languages and practical sciences; that instead of making schools a doctrinal and ideological battleground.

And have a Merry Christmas. I can say that on my own blog; I'm a Christian. God bless.

First the easy one. In our world of media with special effects and general sensory overload, we have become jaded by these things and have no “head room” left for greater stimulation. With marketing techniques becoming increasingly intrusive, many of us have conditioned ourselves to be unimpressed with anything, for our own protection. Even a rainbow or scenic overlook fails to impress as it has done for generations past.

When one reads in the Bible or hears in church references to the glory of God, probably medieval paintings of angels with streaming rays of light from heaven come to mind. Though perhaps impressive to their contemporary viewers, such images are no competition for the advanced media productions of today.

This problem is easily overcome by applying our own contemporary knowledge of the universe, one that for us is measured in space and time by light years and scientific notation with large exponential values. Anyone not in awe when considering that has a weak grasp on reality.

Now for the hard part. The prayer of Jesus in the Gospel of John (Chapter 17), just before his arrest and crucifixion, refers to the glory of God the Father in a context that implies more than just displays to impress humans. I recommend especially Verse 10 and Verses 22 – 24. In these passages Jesus refers to the glory of the Father being extended to those whom the Father has given to Jesus, i.e. those later to be known as the Christians.

There is a much more profound substance to the glory of God than mere tricks to wow us. Were impressing humans Jesus’ methodology, there would have been no admonitions not to tell who he was and certainly he would have responded to demands for signs with something other than a reference to the sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:39). Going back to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, Jesus is about to deliberately deliver himself to be crucified but he speaks of glory and eternal life and that the time for both has come.

“Normal” humans do not think this way; that is the point. It is natural for humans to try to dominate one another, but that is not where life and happiness are in the Christian life (Mark 10:42-45). Leaders are servants, and happily so. That is what makes Christians “salty” to the rest of the world. Servant leadership is counter intuitive to the natural mind, but essential for every Christian to embrace in all faithfulness. One must be humble in order also to be bold; the two are inseparable as they are one in the same substance.

Here is the relevance of glorifying the name of Jesus in terms of “what’s in it for me:” The natural tendency to dominate others, to feel important in one’s own eyes, to control others for selfish objectives, and other sinful impulses are diminished by the glory of God. Glorifying Jesus shines light on the darkness of sinful motives and practices, immorality of all types from the very personal to the economic and cultural. The beauty of this is that in glorifying Jesus, we find a much more fulfilling reason for living. And that living is eternal, starting with the tangible here and now.

Let’s pray daily and fervently that the name of Jesus is glorified to all people.

Salient Points:

• 1:3 All things were made by him; and
  outside him was not any thing made that was made.
• 1:5 And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
• 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
• 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
  1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
• 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
• 1:18 No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.
• 1:32 And John bore record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
  1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost.
• 1:35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
  1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he says, Behold the Lamb of God!
• 1:46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip says unto him, Come and see.
• 1:49 Nathanael answered and says unto him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.
  1:50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto you, I saw you under the fig tree, you believe? you shall see greater things than these.
  1:51 And he says unto him, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
• 2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus says unto him, They have no wine.
• 2:4 Jesus says unto her, Woman, what have I to do with you? my hour is not yet come.
• 2:5 His mother says unto the servants, Whatsoever he says unto you, do it.
• 2:16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.
• 2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of your house has eaten me up.
• 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
• 2:21 But he spoke of the temple of his body.
• 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
  2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
• 3:13 And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
• 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
• 3:15 That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
• 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
• 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
• 3:18 He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
• 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
• 3:20 For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
• 3:21 But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
• 3:28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I [John the Baptist] am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
• 3:29 He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
• 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
• 3:31 He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: he that comes from heaven is above all.
• 3:32 And what he has seen and heard, that he testifies; and no man receives his testimony.
• 3:33 He that has received his testimony has set to his seal that God is true.
• 3:34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure [i.e. without limit or restriction] unto him.
• 3:35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.
• 3:36 He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.
• 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her [the woman at the well], If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says to you, Give me to drink; you would have asked of him, and he would have given you living water.
• 4:14 But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
• 4:21 Jesus says unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
• 4:23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.
  4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
• 4:25 The woman says unto him, I know that Messiah comes, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
  4:26 Jesus says unto her, I that speak unto you am he.
• 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
• 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
• 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father works until now, and I work.
• 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
• 5:21 For as the Father raises up the dead, and gives life to them; even so the Son gives life to whom he will.
• 5:23 That all men should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. He that honors not the Son honors not the Father which has sent him.
• 5:24 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
• 5:25 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
• 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father has given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me.
• 5:37 And the Father himself, which has sent me, has borne witness of me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
• 5:38 And you have not his word abiding in you: for whom he has sent, him you believe not.
• 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
• 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knows this man letters, having never learned?
• 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
• 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
• 7:18 He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory: but he that seeks his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
• 7:38 He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
  7:39 (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.)
• 7:45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have you not brought him?
  7:46 The officers answered, Never man spoke like this man.
• 8:12 Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
• 8:13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, You bear record of yourself; your record is not true.
• 8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know from where I came, and to where I go; but you cannot tell from where I come, and to where I go.
• 8:19 Then said they unto him, Where is your Father? Jesus answered, you neither know me, nor my Father: if you had known me, you should have known my Father also.
• 8:23 And he said unto them, You are from beneath; I am from above: you are of this world; I am not of this world.
• 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When you have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father has taught me, I speak these things.
  8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father has not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
• 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
• 8:34 Jesus answered them, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin.
• 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.
• 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, you would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
• 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
• 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?
• 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you,
  Before Abraham was, I am.
• 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
• 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
  10:15 As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
• 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
• 10:17 Therefore does my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
  10:18 No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
• 10:30 I and my Father are one.
• 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
  10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do you stone me?
• 10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone you not; but for blasphemy; and because you, being a man, make yourself God.
• 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, you are gods?
  10:36 Say you of him, whom the Father has sanctified, and sent into the world, You blaspheme; because I said, I am the Son of God?
• 10:38 But if I do, though you believe not me, believe the works: that you may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

=========================================================

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.

1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

1:3 All things were made by him; and outside him was not any thing
made that was made.

1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

1:5 And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it
not.

1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that
all men through him might believe.

1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

1:9 That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into
the world.

1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not.

1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor
of the will of man, but of God.

1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld
his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of
grace and truth.

1:15 John bore witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom
I spoke, He that comes after me is preferred before me: for he was
before me.

1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.

1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus
Christ.

1:18 No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is
in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there
stands one among you, whom you know not;

1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose
shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John
was baptizing.

1:29 The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and says, Behold
the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.

1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me comes a man which is
preferred before me: for he was before me.

1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to
Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

1:32 And John bore record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from
heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water,
the same said unto me, Upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending,
and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy
Ghost.

1:34 And I saw, and bore record that this is the Son of God.

1:35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he says, Behold the Lamb of
God!

1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and says unto them,
What do you seek? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being
interpreted, Master,) where do you dwell?

1:39 He says unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he
dwelled, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

1:40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

1:41 He first finds his own brother Simon, and says unto him, We have
found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said,
You are Simon the son of Jona: you shall be called Cephas, which is by
interpretation, A stone.

1:43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and finds
Philip, and says unto him, Follow me.

1:44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

1:45 Philip finds Nathanael, and says unto him, We have found him, of
whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth,
the son of Joseph.

1:46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of
Nazareth? Philip says unto him, Come and see.

1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and says of him, Behold an
Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

1:48 Nathanael says unto him, >From where know you me? Jesus answered
and said unto him, Before that Philip called you, when you were under
the fig tree, I saw you.

1:49 Nathanael answered and says unto him, Rabbi, you are the Son of
God; you are the King of Israel.

1:50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto you, I saw
you under the fig tree, you believe? you shall see greater things than
these.

1:51 And he says unto him, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you,
Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending
and descending upon the Son of man.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the
mother of Jesus was there:

2:2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus says unto him, They
have no wine.

2:4 Jesus says unto her, Woman, what have I to do with you? my hour is
not yet come.

2:5 His mother says unto the servants, Whatsoever he says unto you, do
it.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to
Jerusalem.

2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves,
and the changers of money sitting:

2:15 And when he had made a whip of small cords, he drove them all out
of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the
changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

2:16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make
not my Father's house a house of merchandise.

2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of
your house has eaten me up.

2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign do you show
unto us, seeing that you are doing these things?

2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in
three days I will raise it up.

2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in
building, and will you rear it up in three days?

2:21 But he spoke of the temple of his body.

2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples
remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the
scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day,
many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all
men,

2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what
was in man.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3:13 And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from
heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so
must the Son of man be lifted up:

3:15 That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have
eternal life.

3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.

3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but
that the world through him might be saved.

3:18 He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes
not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of
the only begotten Son of God.

3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world,
and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were
evil.

3:20 For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to
the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

3:21 But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be
made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

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3:25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and
the Jews about purifying.

3:26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was
with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore witness, behold, the same
baptizes, and all men come to him.

3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, unless it be
given him from heaven.

3:28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ,
but that I am sent before him.

3:29 He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the
bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of
the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

3:31 He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is
earthly, and speaks of the earth: he that comes from heaven is above
all.

3:32 And what he has seen and heard, that he testifies; and no man
receives his testimony.

3:33 He that has received his testimony has set to his seal that God
is true.

3:34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives
not the Spirit by measure unto him.

3:35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.

3:36 He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that
believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides
on him.

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4:5 Then comes he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near
to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

4:6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with
his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

4:7 There comes a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus says unto her,
Give me to drink.

4:8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy food.)

4:9 Then says the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that you,
being a Jew, ask drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the
Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If you knew the gift of God,
and who it is that says to you, Give me to drink; you would have asked
of him, and he would have given you living water.

4:11 The woman says unto him, Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and
the well is deep: from where then have you that living water?

4:12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well,
and drank of it himself, and his children, and his cattle?

4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinks of this water
shall thirst again:

4:14 But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall
never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a
well of water springing up into everlasting life.

4:15 The woman says unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst
not, neither come to here to draw.

4:16 Jesus says unto her, Go, call your husband, and come to here.

4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto
her, You have well said, I have no husband:

4:18 For you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not
your husband: in that said you truly.

4:19 The woman says unto him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.

4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and you say, that in
Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

4:21 Jesus says unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when you
shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the
Father.

4:22 You worship you know not what: we know what we worship: for
salvation is of the Jews.

4:23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers shall
worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such
to worship him.

4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in
spirit and in truth.

4:25 The woman says unto him, I know that Messias comes, which is
called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

4:26 Jesus says unto her, I that speak unto you am he.

4:27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked
with the woman: yet no man said, What do you seek? or, Why do you talk
with her?

4:28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city,
and says to the men,

4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not
this the Christ?

4:30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

4:31 In the meanwhile his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

4:32 But he said unto them, I have food to eat that you know not of.

4:33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Has any man brought
him anything to eat?

4:34 Jesus says unto them, My food is to do the will of him that sent
me, and to finish his work.

4:35 Do you not say, There are yet four months, and then comes
harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the
fields; for they are white already to harvest.

4:36 And he that reaps receives wages, and scatters fruit unto life
eternal: that both he that sows and he that reaps may rejoice
together.

4:37 And herein is that saying true, One sows, and another reaps.

4:38 I sent you to reap that whereon you bestowed no labor: other men
labored, and you are entered into their labors.

4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the
saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

4:40 So when the Samaritans had come unto him, they asked him that he
would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

4:41 And many more believed because of his own word;

4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of your
saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed
the Christ, the Saviour of the world.


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5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the
sabbath day: it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.

5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me,
Take up your bed, and walk.

5:12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto you, Take
up your bed, and walk?

5:13 And he that was healed knew not who it was: for Jesus had
conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

5:14 Afterward Jesus finds him in the temple, and said unto him,
Behold, you are made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto
you.

5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had
made him whole.

5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay
him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father works until now, and I work.

5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not
only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father,
making himself equal with God.

5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Truthfully, truthfully, I
say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the
Father do: for what things soever he does, these also does the Son
likewise.

5:20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that
himself does: and he will show him greater works than these, that you
may marvel.

5:21 For as the Father raises up the dead, and gives life to them;
even so the Son gives life to whom he will.

5:22 For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment unto
the Son:

5:23 That all men should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father.
He that honors not the Son honors not the Father which has sent him.

5:24 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that hears my word,
and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not
come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

5:25 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and
now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they
that hear shall live.

5:26 For as the Father has life in himself; so has he given to the Son
to have life in himself;

5:27 And has given him authority to execute judgment also, because he
is the Son of man.

5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in which all that are
in the graves shall hear his voice,

5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the
resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the
resurrection of damnation.

5:30 I can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my
judgment is just; because I seek not my own will, but the will of the
Father which has sent me.

5:31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.

5:32 There is another that bears witness of me; and I know that the
witness which he witnesses of me is true.

5:33 You sent unto John, and he bore witness unto the truth.

5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say,
that you might be saved.

5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a
season to rejoice in his light.

5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which
the Father has given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear
witness of me, that the Father has sent me.

5:37 And the Father himself, which has sent me, has borne witness of
me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

5:38 And you have not his word abiding in you: for whom he has sent,
him you believe not.

5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal
life: and they are they which testify of me.


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7:14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple,
and taught.

7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knows this man letters,
having never learned?

7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his
that sent me.

7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine,
whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

7:18 He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory: but he that seeks
his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is
in him.


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7:31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ
comes, will he do more miracles than these which this man has done?

7:32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things
concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers
to take him.

7:33 Then said Jesus unto them, yet a little while am I with you, and
then I go unto him that sent me.

7:34 You shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, to
there you cannot come.

7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, To where will he go, that we
shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles,
and teach the Gentiles?

7:36 What manner of saying is this that he said, You shall seek me,
and shall not find me: and where I am, to there you cannot come?

7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and
cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

7:38 He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his
belly shall flow rivers of living water.

7:39 (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him
should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because Jesus
was not yet glorified.)

7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said,
Of a truth this is the Prophet.

7:41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come
out of Galilee?

7:42 Has not the scripture said, That Christ comes of the seed of
David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

7:43 So there was a division among the people because of him.

7:44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on
him.

7:45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and
they said unto them, Why have you not brought him?

7:46 The officers answered, Never man spoke like this man.



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8:12 Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the
world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have
the light of life.

8:13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, You bear record of
yourself; your record is not true.

8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of
myself, yet my record is true: for I know from where I came, and to
where I go; but you cannot tell from where I come, and to where I go.

8:15 You judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but
I and the Father that sent me.

8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is
true.

8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me
bears witness of me.

8:19 Then said they unto him, Where is your Father? Jesus answered,
you neither know me, nor my Father: if you had known me, you should
have known my Father also.

8:20 These words spoke Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the
temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and you shall seek
me, and shall die in your sins: to where I go, you cannot come.

8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he says, To
where I go, you cannot come.

8:23 And he said unto them, You are from beneath; I am from above: you
are of this world; I am not of this world.

8:24 I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins: for
if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins.

8:25 Then said they unto him, Who are you? And Jesus says unto them,
Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent
me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard
of him.

8:27 They understood not that he spoke to them of the Father.

8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When you have lifted up the Son of
man, then shall you know that I am he, and that I do nothing of
myself; but as my Father has taught me, I speak these things.

8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father has not left me alone;
for I do always those things that please him.

8:30 As he spoke these words, many believed on him.

8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you
continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed;

8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in
bondage to any man: how say you, You shall be made free?

8:34 Jesus answered them, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you,
Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin.

8:35 And the servant abides not in the house forever: but the Son
abides ever.

8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free
indeed.

8:37 I know that you are Abraham's seed; but you seek to kill me,
because my word has no place in you.

8:38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and you do that
which you have seen with your father.

8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus
says unto them, If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works
of Abraham.

8:40 But now you seek to kill me, a man that has told you the truth,
which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

8:41 You do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not
born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, you would love me:
for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but
he sent me.

8:43 Why do you not understand my speech? even because you cannot hear
my word.

8:44 You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father
you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in
the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he
speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

8:45 And because I tell you the truth, you believe me not.

8:46 Which of you convinces me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do
you not believe me?

8:47 He that is of God hears God's words: you therefore hear them not,
because you are not of God.

8:48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that
you are a Samaritan, and have a devil?

8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and
you do dishonor me.

8:50 And I seek not my own glory: there is one that seeks and judges.

8:51 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying,
he shall never see death.

8:52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that you have a devil.
Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and you say, If a man keep my
saying, he shall never taste of death.

8:53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the
prophets are dead: who do you think you are?

8:54 Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my
Father that honors me; of whom you say, that he is your God:

8:55 yet you have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say,
I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and
keep his saying.

8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and
was glad.

8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, You are not yet fifty years old, and
have you seen Abraham?

8:58 Jesus said unto them, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you,
Before Abraham was, I am.

8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself,
and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so
passed by.


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9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they
which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words,
and said unto him, Are we blind also?

9:41 Jesus said unto them, If you were blind, you should have no sin:
but now you say, We see; therefore your sin remains.

10:1 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that enters not by the
door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a
thief and a robber.

10:2 But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

10:3 To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he
calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.

10:4 And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and
the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for
they know not the voice of strangers.

10:6 This parable spoke Jesus unto them: but they understood not what
things they were which he spoke unto them.

10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Truthfully, truthfully, I say
unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the
sheep did not hear them.

10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10:10 The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to
destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have
it more abundantly.

10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the
sheep.

10:12 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the
sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees:
and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.

10:13 The hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and cares not for
the sheep.

10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

10:15 As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay
down my life for the sheep.

10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I
must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold,
and one shepherd.

10:17 Therefore does my Father love me, because I lay down my life,
that I might take it again.

10:18 No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have
power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This
commandment have I received of my Father.

10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these
sayings.

10:20 And many of them said, He has a devil, and is mad; why hear you
him?

10:21 Others said, These are not the words of him that has a devil.
Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

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10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long
do you make us to doubt? If you be the Christ, tell us plainly.

10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and you believed not: the works
that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

10:26 But you believe not, because you are not of my sheep, as I said
unto you.

10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man
is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

10:30 I and my Father are one.

10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my
Father; for which of those works do you stone me?

10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone you not;
but for blasphemy; and because you, being a man, make yourself God.

10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, you
are gods?

10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the
scripture cannot be broken;

10:36 Say you of him, whom the Father has sanctified, and sent into
the world, You blaspheme; because I said, I am the Son of God?

10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

10:38 But if I do, though you believe not me, believe the works: that
you may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

10:39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of
their hand,


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14:8 Philip says unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it suffices
us.

14:9 Jesus says unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet
Have You not known me, Philip? he that has seen me has seen the
Father; and how say you then, Show us the Father?

14:10 Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father
that dwells in me, he does the works.

14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or
else believe me for the very works' sake.


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THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1
Public Domain

Salient Points:

• 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.
• 6:39 And this is the Father's will which has sent me, that of all which he [the Father] has given me [Jesus] I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
• 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that has heard, and has learned of the Father, comes unto me.
• 6:47 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that believes on me has everlasting life.
• 6:48 I am that bread of life.
• 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
• 6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
• 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
• 6:54 Whoso eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, has eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
• 6:55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
• 6:56 He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I in him.
• 6:57 As the living Father has sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eats me, even he shall live by me.
• 6:63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
• 10:1 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
  10:2 But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
• 13:4 He [Jesus] rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
  13:5 After that he pours water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.
• 13:6 Then comes he to Simon Peter: and Peter says unto him, Lord, do you wash my feet?
  13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do you know not now; but you shall know hereafter.
  13:8 Peter says unto him, You shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash you not, you have no part with me.
  13:9 Simon Peter says unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
• 13:10 Jesus says to him, He that is washed needs not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and you are clean, but not all.
  13:11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, You are not all clean.
• 13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know you what I have done to you?
  13:13 You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am.
  13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet.
  13:15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
  13:16 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
• 13:17 If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.
• 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
  15:2 Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
• 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine; no more can you, unless you abide in me.
• 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.
• 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
• 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.
• 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples.
• 15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue you in my love.
• 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; just as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
• 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
• 15:12 This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.
  15:13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
  15:14 You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.
• 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
• 15:16 You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
• 15:17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

=========================================================

6:37 All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and him that comes
to me I will in no way cast out.

6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will
of him that sent me.

6:39 And this is the Father's will which has sent me, that of all
which he has given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up
again at the last day.

6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which
sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I
will raise him up at the last day.

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6:44 No man can come to me, unless the Father which has sent me draw
him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of
God. Every man therefore that has heard, and has learned of the
Father, comes unto me.

6:46 Not that any man has seen the Father, save he which is of God, he
has seen the Father.

6:47 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that believes on me
has everlasting life.

6:48 I am that bread of life.

6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

6:50 This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may
eat of it, and not die.

6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat
of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give
is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this
man give us his flesh to eat?

6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto
you, Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood,
you have no life in you.

6:54 Whoso eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, has eternal life; and I
will raise him up at the last day.

6:55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

6:56 He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I
in him.

6:57 As the living Father has sent me, and I live by the Father: so he
that eats me, even he shall live by me.

6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your
fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eats of this bread shall
live forever.

6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said,
This is a hard saying; who can hear it?

6:61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he
said unto them, Does this offend you?

6:62 What and if you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was
before?

6:63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from
the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray
him.

6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto
me, unless it were given unto him of my Father.

6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no
more with him.

6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will you also go away?

6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?
you have the words of eternal life.

6:69 And we believe and are sure that you are that Christ, the Son of
the living God.

6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you
is a devil?

6:71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that
should betray him, being one of the twelve.

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9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they
which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

9:40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words,
and said unto him, Are we blind also?

9:41 Jesus said unto them, If you were blind, you should have no sin:
but now you say, We see; therefore your sin remains.

10:1 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that enters not by the
door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a
thief and a robber.

10:2 But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

10:3 To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he
calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.

10:4 And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and
the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for
they know not the voice of strangers.

10:6 This parable spoke Jesus unto them: but they understood not what
things they were which he spoke unto them.

10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Truthfully, truthfully, I say
unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the
sheep did not hear them.

10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10:10 The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to
destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have
it more abundantly.

10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the
sheep.

10:12 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the
sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees:
and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.

10:13 The hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and cares not for
the sheep.

10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

10:15 As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay
down my life for the sheep.

10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I
must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold,
and one shepherd.

10:17 Therefore does my Father love me, because I lay down my life,
that I might take it again.

10:18 No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have
power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This
commandment have I received of my Father.

10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these
sayings.

10:20 And many of them said, He has a devil, and is mad; why hear you
him?

10:21 Others said, These are not the words of him that has a devil.
Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?


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13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his
hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

13:4 He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a
towel, and girded himself.

13:5 After that he pours water into a basin, and began to wash the
disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was
girded.

13:6 Then comes he to Simon Peter: and Peter says unto him, Lord, do
you wash my feet?

13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do you know not now; but
you shall know hereafter.

13:8 Peter says unto him, You shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered
him, If I wash you not, you have no part with me.

13:9 Simon Peter says unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my
hands and my head.

13:10 Jesus says to him, He that is washed needs not save to wash his
feet, but is clean every whit: and you are clean, but not all.

13:11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, You are
not all clean.

13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments,
and was set down again, he said unto them, Know you what I have done
to you?

13:13 You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am.

13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also
ought to wash one another's feet.

13:15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have
done to you.

13:16 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, The servant is not
greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that
sent him.

13:17 If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.


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15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

15:2 Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every
branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more
fruit.

15:3 Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, unless it abide in the vine; no more can you, unless you abide
in me.

15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I
in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do
nothing.

15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is
withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they
are burned.

15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what
you will, and it shall be done unto you.

15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall
you be my disciples.

15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue you in
my love.

15:10 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; just as
I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in
you, and that your joy might be full.

15:12 This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have
loved you.

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

15:14 You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.

15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not
what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that
I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

15:16 You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you,
that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should
remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may
give it you.

15:17 These things I command you, that you love one another.


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THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1
Public Domain

Salient Points:

.

=========================================================

11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice,
Lazarus, come forth.

11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with
graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus says
unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the
things which Jesus did, believed on him.

11:46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them
what things Jesus had done.

11:47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and
said, What do we? for this man does many miracles.

11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the
Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same
year, said unto them, You know nothing at all,

11:50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should
die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

11:51 And this spoke he not of himself: but being high priest that
year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather
together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put
him to death.

11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went
from there unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called
Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

11:55 And the Jews' passover was close at hand: and many went out of
the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

11:56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spoke among themselves, as they
stood in the temple, What think you, that he will not come to the
feast?

11:57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a
commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should show it,
that they might take him.

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12:12 On the next day many people that had come to the feast, when
they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and
cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the name
of the Lord.

12:14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is
written,

12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, your King comes, sitting on
an ass's colt.

12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when
Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were
written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

12:17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus
out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bore record.

12:18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that
he had done this miracle.

12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive you how
you prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship
at the feast:

12:21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of
Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

12:22 Philip comes and tells Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell
Jesus.

12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son
of man should be glorified.

12:24 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, Unless a corn of wheat
fall int the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings
forth much fruit.

12:25 He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life
in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there
shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father
honor.

12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me
from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

12:28 Father, glorify your name. Then came there a voice from heaven,
saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it
thundered: others said, An angel spoke to him.

12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but
for your sakes.

12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this
world be cast out.

12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto
me.

12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that
Christ abides forever: and how say you, The Son of man must be lifted
up? who is this Son of man?

12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, yet a little while is the light with
you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for
he that walks in darkness knows not to where he goes.

12:36 While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the
children of light. These things spoke Jesus, and departed, and did
hide himself from them.

12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they
believed not on him:

12:38 That the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which
he spoke, Lord, who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm
of the Lord been revealed?

12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again,

12:40 He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they
should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and
be converted, and I should heal them.

12:41 These things said Isaiah, when he saw his glory, and spoke of
him.

12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him;
but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they
should be put out of the synagogue:

12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believes on me, believes not on
me, but on him that sent me.

12:45 And he that sees me sees him that sent me.

12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes on me
should not abide in darkness.

12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not:
for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

12:48 He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that
judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in
the last day.

12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me,
he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever
I speak therefore, just as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his
hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father,
having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the
end.

13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart
of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the
scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with me has lifted up
his heel against me.

13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass,
you may believe that I am he.

13:20 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that receives
whomsoever I send receives me; and he that receives me receives him
that sent me.

13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and
testified, and said, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, that one
of you shall betray me.

13:22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he
spoke.

13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom
Jesus loved.

13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it
should be of whom he spoke.

13:25 He then lying on Jesus' breast says unto him, Lord, who is it?

13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I
have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas
Iscariot, the son of Simon.

13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto
him, That you are doing, do quickly.

13:28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spoke this unto
him.

13:29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus
had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the
feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

13:30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was
night.

13:31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of
man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

13:32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in
himself, and shall immediately glorify him.

13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall
seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Where I go, you cannot come; so
now I say to you.

13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as
I have loved you, that you also love one another.

13:35 By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you
have love one to another.

13:36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, to where do you go? Jesus
answered him, Where I go, you cannot follow me now; but you shall
follow me afterwards.

13:37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will
lay down my life for your sake.

13:38 Jesus answered him, Will you lay down your life for my sake?
Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, The cock shall not crow, till
you have denied me three times.

14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also
in me.

14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I
would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

14:4 And to where I go you know, and the way you know.

14:5 Thomas says unto him, Lord, we know not to where you go; and how
can we know the way?

14:6 Jesus says unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no
man comes unto the Father, but by me.

14:7 If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: and
from now on you know him, and have seen him.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14:28 You have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again
unto you. If you loved me, you would rejoice, because I said, I go
unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is
come to pass, you might believe.

14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this
world comes, and has nothing in me.

14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the
Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16:16 A little while, and you shall not see me: and again, a little
while, and you shall see me, because I go to the Father.

16:17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this
that he says unto us, A little while, and you shall not see me: and
again, a little while, and you shall see me: and, Because I go to the
Father?

16:18 They said therefore, What is this that he says, A little while?
we cannot tell what he says.

16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto
them, Do you inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while,
and you shall not see me: and again, a little while, and you shall see
me?

16:20 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, That you shall weep and
lament, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be sorrowful, but
your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

16:21 A woman when she is in travail has sorrow, because her hour is
come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembers no
more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

16:22 And you now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and
your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man takes from you.

16:23 And in that day you shall ask me nothing. Truthfully,
truthfully, I say unto you, Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my
name, he will give it you.

16:24 Hitherto have you asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall
receive, that your joy may be full.

16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time
comes, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall
show you plainly of the Father.

16:26 At that day you shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you,
that I will pray the Father for you:

16:27 For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and
have believed that I came out from God.

16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again,
I leave the world, and go to the Father.

16:29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speak you plainly, and
speak no proverb.

16:30 Now are we sure that you know all things, and need not that any
man should ask you: by this we believe that you came forth from God.

16:31 Jesus answered them, Do you now believe?

16:32 Behold, the hour comes, yes, is now come, that you shall be
scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I
am not alone, because the Father is with me.

16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have
peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;
I have overcome the world.


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18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his
disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he
entered, and his disciples.

18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus
frequently resorted to there with his disciples.

18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the
chief priests and Pharisees, comes to there with lanterns and torches
and weapons.

18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him,
went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek you?

18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus says unto them, I am
he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went
backward, and fell to the ground.

18:7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek you? And they said, Jesus of
Nazareth.

18:8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore you
seek me, let these go their way:

18:9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Of those who
you gave me have I lost none.

18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high
priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was
Malchus.

18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up your sword into the sheath:
the cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink it?

18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took
Jesus, and bound him,

18:13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to
Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was
expedient that one man should die for the people.

18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple:
that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus
into the palace of the high priest.

18:16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then went out that other
disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spoke unto her
that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

18:17 Then says the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Are not you
also one of this man's disciples? He says, I am not.

18:18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire
of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood
with them, and warmed himself.

18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his
doctrine.

18:20 Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I ever taught
in the synagogue, and in the temple, to where the Jews always resort;
and in secret have I said nothing.

18:21 Why do you ask me? ask those who heard me, what I have said unto
them: behold, they know what I said.

18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by
struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Do you answer the high
priest so?

18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the
evil: but if well, why do you smite me?

18:24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore
unto him, Are not you also one of his disciples? He denied it, and
said, I am not.

18:26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose
ear Peter cut off, says, Did not I see you in the garden with him?

18:27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crowed.


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[ all about Pilate ]

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18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and
it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall,
lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

18:29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring
you against this man?

18:30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we
would not have delivered him up unto you.

18:31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take you him, and judge him
according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not
lawful for us to put any man to death:

18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke,
signifying what death he should die.

18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called
Jesus, and said unto him, Are you the King of the Jews?

18:34 Jesus answered him, Say you this thing of yourself, or did
others tell it you of me?

18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief
priests have delivered you unto me: what have you done?

18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom
were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be
delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from here.

18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Are you a king then? Jesus
answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for
this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the
truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice.

18:38 Pilate says unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this,
he went out again unto the Jews, and says unto them, I find in him no
fault at all.

18:39 But you have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the
passover: will you therefore that I release unto you the King of the
Jews?

18:40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas.
Now Barabbas was a robber.

19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and whipped him.

19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his
head, and they put on him a purple robe,

19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their
hands.

19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and says unto them, Behold, I
bring him forth to you, that you may know that I find no fault in him.

19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the
purple robe. And Pilate says unto them, Behold the man!

19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried
out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate says unto them, Take you
him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.

19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to
die, because he made himself the Son of God.

19:8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;

19:9 And went again into the judgment hall, and says unto Jesus, >From
where are you? But Jesus gave him no answer.

19:10 Then says Pilate unto him, You do not speak unto me? do you not
know that I have power to crucify you, and have power to release you?

19:11 Jesus answered, You could have no power at all against me,
unless it were given you from above: therefore he that delivered me
unto you has the greater sin.

19:12 And from then on, Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews
cried out, saying, If you let this man go, you are not Caesar's
friend: whosoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.

19:13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth,
and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the
Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth
hour: and he says unto the Jews, Behold your King!

19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him.
Pilate says unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests
answered, We have no king but Caesar.

19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And
they took Jesus, and led him away.

19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the
place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

19:18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side
one, and Jesus in the midst.

19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the
writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus
was crucified was close to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and
Greek, and Latin.

19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not,
The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

19:22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his
garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his
coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not tear it, but
cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be
fulfilled, which says, They parted my clothing among them, and for my
vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his
mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing
by, whom he loved, he says unto his mother, Woman, behold your son!

19:27 Then says he to the disciple, Behold your mother! And from that
hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished,
that the scripture might be fulfilled, says, I thirst.

19:29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a
sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is
finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the
bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that
sabbath day was a high day,) asked Pilate that their legs might be
broken, and that they might be taken away.

19:32 Then came the soldiers, and broke the legs of the first, and of
the other which was crucified with him.

19:33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already,
they broke not his legs:

19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and
immediately came there out blood and water.

19:35 And he that saw it bore record, and his record is true: and he
knows that he says true, that you might believe.

19:36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be
fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

19:37 And again another scripture says, They shall look on him whom
they pierced.

19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus,
but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take
away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore,
and took the body of Jesus.

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THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1
Public Domain

Salient Points:

● 3:5 Unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
● 3:8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell from where it comes, and to where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
● 3:30 He [Jesus] must increase, but I [John the Baptist] must decrease.
● 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
● 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent.
● 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.
● 13:8 Jesus answered [Peter], If I wash you not, you have no part with me.
▪ 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet.
▪ 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
▪ 13:16 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
▪ 13:17 If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.
● 14:12 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
● 14:13 And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
● 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.
● 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.
● 14:19 … because I live, you shall live also.
● 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
● 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
● 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
▪ he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
▪ 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
▪ 16:15 All things that the Father has are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.
● 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
● 17:11 … Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one, as we are.
● 17:13 And now come I [Jesus] to you [the Father]; and these things I speak in the world, that they [Christians] might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
▪ 17:15 I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil.
▪ 17:16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
▪ 17:17 Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.
▪ 17:18 As you have sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
▪ 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.
● 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and says unto them, Peace be unto you.
▪ 20:20 And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
▪ 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father has sent me, even so send I you.
▪ 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and says unto them, Receive you the Holy Ghost:
▪ 20:23 Whose soever sins you remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins you retain, they are retained.
● 21:22 Jesus says unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you? follow you me.

=========================================================

3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you are doing, unless God be with him.
3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, Unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
3:4 Nicodemus says unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
3:5 Jesus answered, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, Unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
3:7 Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.
3:8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell from where it comes, and to where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Are you a master of Israel, and know not these things?
3:11 Truthfully, Truthfully, I say unto you, We speak what we do know, and testify what we have seen; and you receive not our witness.
3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and you believe not, how shall you believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

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3:25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
3:26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to him.
3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, unless it be given him from heaven.
3:28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
3:29 He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
3:31 He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: he that comes from heaven is above all.
3:32 And what he has seen and heard, that he testifies; and no man receives his testimony.
3:33 He that has received his testimony has set to his seal that God is true.
3:34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto him.
3:35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.
3:36 He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him.

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4:23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.
4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

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6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, You seek me, not because you saw the miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
6:27 Labor not for the food which perishes, but for that food which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him has God the Father sealed.
6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent.

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6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
6:33 For the bread of God is he which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world.
6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.

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9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
9:25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I do not know: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
9:26 Then said they to him again, What did he to you? how opened he your eyes?
9:27 He answered them, I have told you already, and you did not hear: why would you hear it again? will you also be his disciples?
9:28 Then they reviled him, and said, You are his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
9:29 We know that God spoke unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from from where he is.
9:30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvelous thing, that you know not from from where he is, and yet he has opened mine eyes.
9:31 Now we know that God hears not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and does his will, him he hears.
9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
9:33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
9:34 They answered and said unto him, You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us? And they cast him out.
9:35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Do you believe on the Son of God?
9:36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
9:37 And Jesus said unto him, You have both seen him, and it is he that talks with you.
9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

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13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
13:4 He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
13:5 After that he pours water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.
13:6 Then comes he to Simon Peter: and Peter says unto him, Lord, do you wash my feet?
13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do you know not now; but you shall know hereafter.
13:8 Peter says unto him, You shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash you not, you have no part with me.
13:9 Simon Peter says unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
13:10 Jesus says to him, He that is washed needs not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and you are clean, but not all.
13:11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, You are not all clean.
13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know you what I have done to you?
13:13 You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am.
13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet.
13:15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
13:16 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
13:17 If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.

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14:12 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
14:13 And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14:14 If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.
14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;
14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.
14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
14:19 yet a little while, and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.
14:20 At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
14:21 He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
14:22 Judas says unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself unto us, and not unto the world?
14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
14:24 He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

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17:1 These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you:
17:2 As you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him.
17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
17:4 I have glorified you on the earth: I have finished the work which you gave me to do.
17:5 And now, O Father, glorify you me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world was.
17:6 I have manifested your name unto the men which you gave me out of the world: your they were, and you gave them me; and they have kept your word.
17:7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever you have given me are of you.
17:8 For I have given unto them the words which you gave me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from you, and they have believed that you did send me.
17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom you have given me; for they are yours.
17:10 And all mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I am glorified in them.
17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one, as we are.
17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name: those that you gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
17:13 And now come I to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
17:14 I have given them your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
17:15 I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil.
17:16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
17:17 Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.
17:18 As you have sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
17:21 That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me.
17:22 And the glory which you gave me I have given them; that they may be one, just as we are one:
17:23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them, as you have loved me.

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21:20 Then Peter, turning about, sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrays you?
21:21 Peter seeing him says to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
21:22 Jesus says unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you? follow you me.
21:23 Then went this saying abroad among the brothers, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you?
21:24 This is the disciple which testifies of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

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THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1
Public Domain

Well and good that the person recovered from their illness. However, the one who told me about it was mocking the person praying because the illness and subsequent recovery was a normal course of events in that place and situation. The point therefore was that the prayers were irrelevant.

Not so fast, oh mocking one. The error was on the part of the one praying for their lack of awareness of the situation; their prayers and subsequent praise to God were quite appropriate in the context of their flawed human understanding. Human error is no basis for mocking God, for God is not mocked with impunity. [ Galatians 6:1-10 ]

Our temporal concerns are certainly worthy of prayer, as long as we acknowledge that it is God's agenda and not ours that is our purpose in being. Mature Christian prayer is about the Kingdom, and that is the calling of our prayer effort. [ Luke 10:2 ]

Daily we must do our work for our Lord, Jesus; and that work includes prayer as much as any physical or mental effort we apply in service to the Kingdom. [ John 6:29 ]

There was a time when I viewed with disbelief and disdain the idea that prayer changes things. My tangible experience has since dispelled that human error from my life.

=========================================================

Galatians 6:1-10
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;
considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

006:002 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of
Christ.

006:003 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is
nothing, he deceiveth himself.

006:004 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have
rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

006:005 For every man shall bear his own burden.

006:006 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that
teacheth in all good things.

006:007 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap.

006:008 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap
corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life everlasting.

006:009 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we
shall reap, if we faint not.

006:010 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Luke 10:2
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but
the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

John 6:29
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God,
that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

THE KING JAMES BIBLE - PUBLIC DOMAIN

On the surface, Jesus' teaching on this subject seems almost counterintuitive. Jesus seems to be telling us to throw in our lot with the Man (http://www.urbandictionary.com), and do his bidding regardless as to whether the Man deserves it. Never mind that the Man is "a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered," an accusation that the Man himself in Jesus' parable does not dispute.

What clarifies the matter is that ultimately we are serving God in our work, regardless as to the worthiness of the Man. When we are "obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ," we are not approving the Man's wrongdoing. Instead, we are demonstrating to the Man how he ought to be treating us.

We may rest assured that God will judge the Man more righteously and thoroughly than we ever could hope to do ourselves.

And let us even more also render to the righteous Son of Man, in whom there is no injustice, His due.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 5:41-48; 22:15-22; and 25:15-30 and Ephesians 6:5-9
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Gospel According To Matthew

5:41 And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two.

5:42 Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you
turn you not away.

5:43 You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your
neighbor, and hate your enemy.

5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use
you, and persecute you;

5:45 That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:
for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends
rain on the just and on the unjust.

5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? do not
even the publicans the same?

5:47 And if you salute your brothers only, what do you more than
others? do not even the publicans so?

5:48 Be you therefore perfect, just as your Father which is in heaven
is perfect.

...

22:15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might
entangle him in his talk.

22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians,
saying, Master, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God in
truth, neither care you for any man: for you regard not the person of
men.

22:17 Tell us therefore, What think you? Is it lawful to give tribute
unto Caesar, or not?

22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt you
me, you hypocrites?

22:19 Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a denarius.

22:20 And he says unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then says he unto them, Render
therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the
things that are God's.

22:22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him,
and went their way.

...

25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to
another one; to every man according to his own ability; and
immediately took his journey.

25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with
the same, and made them other five talents.

25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

25:18 But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid
his lord's money.

25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants comes, and reckons
with them.

25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other
five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered unto me five talents:
behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, you good and faithful
servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you
ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord.

25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, you
delivered unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents
beside them.

25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant;
you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over
many things: enter you into the joy of your lord.

25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I
knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and
gathering where you have not scattered:

25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth: lo,
there you have that which is yours.

25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, You wicked and slothful
servant, you knew that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I
have not scattered:

25:27 You ought therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and
then at my coming I should have received my own with interest.

25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which
has ten talents.

25:29 For unto every one that has shall be given, and he shall have
abundance: but from him that has not shall be taken away even that
which he has.

25:30 And cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there
shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

...

The Letter Of Paul The Apostle To The Ephesians

6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to
the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as
unto Christ;

6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of
Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does, the same shall he
receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

6:9 And, you masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing
threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is
there respect of persons with him.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible text is from THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1, Public Domain
available at http://www.loveallpeople.org/kjvpage.html

John 3:16 is widely quoted, and rightly so. Shine the light of John 8:58, and John 3:16 is illuminated to reveal its infinite and eternal meaning. The question put to Jesus, "who do you think you are?" is natural from a human perspective. Jesus' answer is from a divine perspective, of which the natural is only a subset ("what is man that thou art mindful of him?").

We will never answer questions in the divine domain with any resource from the natural domain. The human eye can see neither ultraviolet nor infrared light; and too much of either can cause loss of physical sight for visible light. Similarly, no man can see God and live, as He is "the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen, nor can see;" so God became one of us so we could not only see Him, but also be with Him.

One way to imagine the eternal aspect is to recall times when you have first entered a large room with a lot of people talking, such as an auditorium before an event started. You were hearing dozens of conversations that were perfectly intelligible to the individual participants, but just jumbled sound to your perception. As a human, you would have to move close to each group of people talking to pick up what they were saying; and then you would have to know the language in which they were speaking. To hear all of the conversations, you would have to approach each group in the same way and then you would be able to hear only one or two of them at a time, missing the information exchanged in all the other conversations.

Imagine further each of those discreet conversations as occurring at separate points in time, removed perhaps by 100 years from each other. Suppose you had a super brain that could process all the conversations, the emotions behind them, the perspectives of the speakers and listeners, and what was understood and misunderstood by each person. And you were understanding everything said, including the subtleties and nuances. I submit that this great brain power is as infinitely insignificant compared to God's understanding as our normal human abilities.

In his classic book Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis wrote about how God viewed the "present" of 1940 as the same "present" of 1920 (which was in the past at that time) and as the same "present" of 1960 (which was in the future at that time). That was very helpful to me in appreciating God's rule over eternity.

A practical application of this for us is when we petition God for something clearly within His will, such as revealing Himself to a loved one, we can be assured that He has answered our prayer "immediately." From our perspective God's answer might be done in the past or in the future, and for that reason we might never see His response to our prayers. But we can know with certainty that He has answered in His immediate time.

With that we can take comfort in the only living God, "who so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John 8:50 - 8:59
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8:50 And I seek not my own glory: there is one that seeks and judges.

8:51 Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying,
he shall never see death.

8:52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that you have a devil.
Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and you say, If a man keep my
saying, he shall never taste of death.

8:53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the
prophets are dead: who do you think you are?

8:54 Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my
Father that honors me; of whom you say, that he is your God:

8:55 yet you have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say,
I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and
keep his saying.

8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and
was glad.

8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, You are not yet fifty years old, and
have you seen Abraham?

8:58 Jesus said unto them, Truthfully, truthfully, I say unto you,
Before Abraham was, I am.

8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself,
and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so
passed by.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible text is from THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1, Public Domain
available at http://www.loveallpeople.org/kjvpage.html

Just as the United States is not an isolated island in the world economy, neither is each of us as an individual. When any of us purchases something from any vendor, other than a local farmers' market, chances are very high that another country was involved in the manufacture and delivery of the product. Chances are good also that some of the tools for the farmers' market were from somewhere in the global economy.

Greed is frequently identified as one of the root causes of our current financial troubles. It is patently obvious that greed, by both great and small, is a contributing factor. But if all one is doing is trying to make a "decent" living, and there is no living that is separate from the global economy full of greed, then we are all tied to this greedy economy whether we like it or not. "O wretched man that I am!" complains the Apostle Paul referring to the conflicting laws of God and the flesh operating within him, "who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Paul promptly identifies Jesus Christ as the answer to this dilemma, but that does not diminish the greatness of the dilemma; it only highlights the omnipotence of God against it.

This dilemma is not new, as evidenced by at least two accounts in Acts. The first involves a slave girl and the second an artisans' guild.

In the passage from Acts 16 it is clear that the slave girl was not normal. In effect her masters were using her condition for their own financial gain, disregarding the girl's welfare; she was not just a "normal" servant carrying water and waiting tables. The income derived from this girl's abnormal condition was great, and likely was over and above most other legitimate lines of business. Note the slave masters' clever mis-application of the law to wreak their revenge on Paul (the Roman citizen) and Silas; their true complaint had nothing to do with Jewish customs and practices.

A whole "industry" is impacted in Acts 19. I can have some economic sympathy (but no other type) with the craftsmen. Imagine every auto-related company collapsing in one day in Detroit; that would be like running from a hot sauna and jumping into a lake of freezing water. But the basis of the craftsmen's livelihood in Ephesus was a sinful thing, clearly in conflict with God's will. How does a whole trade and craft re-orient itself from a sinful basis? Think hard before you answer; the cult of Diana had long been established and was ingrained in Ephesian culture.

Read these passages in Acts closely and it is obvious the central issue of contention in both cases is whether the profits gained are from appropriate sources. Among the many lessons to be drawn from this is that social justice (not necessarily socialism) must be integral to our economic livelihood.

There is no other way to get there than to trust and heed daily from the heart the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May God prosper you with His abundant blessings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Acts 16:16-24 and Acts 19:23-30
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[ At Philippi ]

16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel
possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her
masters much gain by soothsaying:

16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are
the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of
salvation.

16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and
said to the spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come
out of her. And he came out the same hour.

16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone,
they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto
the rulers,

16:20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being
Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

16:21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive,
neither to observe, being Romans.

16:22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the
magistrates tore off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them
into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely:

16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner
prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[ At Ephesus ]

19:23 ... there arose no small stir about that way.

19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made
silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

19:25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and
said, Sirs, you know that by this craft we have our wealth.

19:26 Moreover you see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost
throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away much
people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

19:27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at
nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be
despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and
the world worships.

19:28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and
cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught
Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel,
they rushed with one accord into the theater.

19:30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the
disciples did not permit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible text is from THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1, Public Domain
available at http://www.loveallpeople.org/kjvpage.html

The title is 7 Steps toward Filling Up Your Spiritual Tank, which is very helpful; especially when you're impossibly busy with life's demands.

There is much to infer from this; Paul is no easy read. As noted in 2nd Peter, "our beloved brother Paul ... in all his letters ... which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."

The Pauline passage is from the often abused Romans 13 part of Christian scripture, from which the misbehavior of governments and other temporal authorities is justified as being sanctioned by God. Fortunately, this error has been authoritatively refuted; but unfortunately, many have yet to receive the message. But that is a different topic for a different day.

Now let's get to the point of Verse 8. In a practical temporal sense, there is no way anyone can avoid owing something to someone. The only difference between the rich and poor is that the rich are able to pay what they owe. So in that sense just debts are not disputed or challenged here.

One's motivation is central to the point. What is in your heart matters more than the act of giving. To give out of obligation, that is to pay off a debt owed, is not by definition an act of love; it is an act of obligation, forced from the giver. There is far too much of that around already, so demanding more of "owing" only exacerbates human suffering.

But removing the debt is not the solution; it only makes way for the solution. The solution is to love one another. The only way we can truly love is to first receive love. The impure motivation, debt, must be supplanted by the pure motivation, love. Absent debt, we need another source of motivation to live. That is not an easy task, and working hard is unfruitful if the work is done in error.

The solution is counterintuitive to human instinct. We must do as Jesus did and Paul describes: to empty ourselves and find our lives in serving others. Our temporal stations in life are irrelevant to this; the greater our worldly authority, the greater service is required of us. The main lesson in this is to experience Who is our source of love and to Whom we are accountable in our temporal stations.

Therein is debt free life with love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Romans 13:8-14
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves
another has fulfilled the law.

13:9 For this, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You
shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not
covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly
comprehended in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as
yourself.

13:10 Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the
fulfilling of the law.

13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake
out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore
cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and
drunkenness, not in lewdness and wantonness, not in strife and
envying.

13:14 But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for
the flesh, to fulfill the lusts of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible text is from THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1, Public Domain
available at http://www.loveallpeople.org/kjvpage.html

Long since then I have done my own share of fretting about the world and also the problems that naturally are a part of being human, in violation of my earlier advice to my elders. That is easy to confess as there is no one who has lived at all who has not felt besieged by problems. Anyone who has not is like someone who on a cold winter day looks outside from a warm house and reasons that he does not need a coat to go outside; then he steps outside and quickly realizes that a coat is desirable if not essential.

"Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done" comes to mind; as God shares in our humanity, which He himself created. So there really are things that humans have reason to fret about, if all we have is limited to our own mortality.

In the passage below, Jesus has us sort out the significant from the trivial. Each of our lives in relationship with God is infinitely worth valuing over temporal things such as even the basics of bodily survival like food and protection from the elements. Being dressed as well as Solomon, or even being as wise as Solomon, is not the focus of our existence.

The purpose God has for us is to seek His kingdom, which is not of this world. But He rules this world also, and we rightfully can be content with that, as finding His heavenly kingdom covers our earthly needs. The key to that assurance is God-given faith that allows us to say to Him in our heart "nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done."

Let us proceed then to seek first "the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Luke 12:22-31
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take
no thought for your life, what you shall eat; neither for the body,
what you shall put on.

12:23 The life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which
neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them: how much more
are you better than the fowls?

12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one
cubit?

12:26 If you then be not able to do that thing which is least, why
take you thought for the rest?

12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not;
and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed
like one of these.

12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field,
and the next day is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe
you, O you of little faith?

12:29 And seek not you what you shall eat, or what you shall drink,
neither be of doubtful mind.

12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and
your Father knows that you have need of these things.

12:31 But rather seek you the kingdom of God; and all these things
shall be added unto you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible text is from THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1, Public Domain
available at http://www.loveallpeople.org/kjvpage.html

It's easy to miss the obvious. I've experienced fellow travelers walk right past me in an airport and not know I was there, even though I was out in full public view seated in the same waiting area. They later told me they wondered if I'd missed the plane, and they were looking to join me.

If it's that easy to miss seeing a human you are routinely familiar with, I wonder sometimes how often we miss seeing Jesus directly in front of us in Spirit. Who really is that person at the next table? In the car in your blind spot? Seated across and the next row over on the bus, train, or plane?

The Emmaus passage of scripture is special in many ways. It reminds us that God's will is not ours. His is infinitely and eternally better; much to our betterment, even though we don't know it at the time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Luke 24:25-32
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Background:
24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called
Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and
reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

24:16 But their eyes were held back that they should not know him.]

...

24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe
all that the prophets have spoken:

24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter
into his glory?

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

24:28 And they drew close unto the village, to where they went: and he
made as though he would have gone further.

24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is
toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with
them.

24:30 And it came to pass, as he sat at food with them, he took bread,
and blessed it, and broke, and gave to them.

24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished
out of their sight.

24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us,
while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the
scriptures?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible text is from THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1, Public Domain
available at http://www.loveallpeople.org/kjvpage.html

Now let's look at the hearts of a Christian congregation. Someone considered unworthy who comes to true repentance and joins the church, might be welcomed with a certain reluctance. God answers prayers of evangelism and new members flock in; they are sure to change the status quo, to the displeasure of those who enjoyed their former positions of influence.

If all of that is unholy, then what is the solution? Acknowledging the unholiness in one's heart allows God the relationship He intended for us all. Worldly status, even in an ecclesiastical or other hierarchy, is meaningless before God. Only faith in Jesus and a holy relationship with Him will allow us to share our common God-given humanity with each other; that is the only solution.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11:1 I say then, Has God cast away his people? God forbid.
For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe
of Benjamin.

11:2 God has not cast away his people which he foreknew. ...

...

11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

11:30 For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now
obtained mercy through their unbelief:

11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your
mercy they also may obtain mercy.

11:32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might
have mercy upon all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible text is from THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1, Public Domain
available at http://www.loveallpeople.org/kjvpage.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Luke 12:2-12
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither
hid, that shall not be known.

12:3 Therefore whatsoever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard
in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in closets
shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill
the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

12:5 But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, which
after he has killed has power to cast into hell; yes, I say unto you,
Fear him.

12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coin, and not one of
them is forgotten before God?

12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not
therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows.

12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him
shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

12:9 But he that denies me before men shall be denied before the
angels of God.

12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it
shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemes against the Holy
Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto
magistrates, and powers, take you no thought how or what thing you
shall answer, or what you shall say:

12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you
ought to say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible text is from THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1, Public Domain
available at http://www.loveallpeople.org/kjvpage.html

What we say and do to other people, we also are doing so to Jesus. Let's treat our Lord right at every turn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 25:31-46
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy
angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall
separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from
the goats:

25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on
the left.

25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world:

25:35 For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you
gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in:

25:36 Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was
in prison, and you came unto me.

25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we
see you hungry, and fed you? or thirsty, and gave you drink?

25:38 When did we see you a stranger, and took you in? or naked, and
clothed you?

25:39 Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and came unto you?

25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Truthfully I say
unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these
my brothers, you have done it unto me.

25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from
me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his
angels:

25:42 For I was hungry, and you gave me no food: I was thirsty, and
you gave me no drink:

25:43 I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you clothed
me not: sick, and in prison, and you visited me not.

25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we you
hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison,
and did not minister unto you?

25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Truthfully I say unto you,
Inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it
not to me.

25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the
righteous into life eternal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible text is from THE KING JAMES BIBLE CLARIFIED NEW TESTAMENT, Version 1.1, Public Domain
available at http://www.loveallpeople.org/kjvpage.html

There is no "Christian nation" anymore. The idioms and familiar expressions based on Biblical allusions are used less every day; partly because so many in the general public have no idea what they mean.

Why then do people continue to become Christians, some in the face of brutal persecution? The answer I think is that "it just works." The reason is that a Christian's life is that of intimacy with God. No one can escape that only Jesus can provide that; no other religion or spiritual practice claims anything close to it.

Humans in our weakness may wilt under various pressures and influences to recant, but the Truth that is God our Creator remains unchanged and looks after those who love Jesus in any circumstances.

Though I have by no measure reached the perfection God meant for me, I know there is no better life for a mortal human than the total fulfillment of being in God's will. So let me share my thoughts with you, and pray that God Himself will speak to you directly and lead you into His will for you.