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Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians: Greatest Verses Of The Bible.

--Sermon by Dr. Bob Benchoff, 3/25/2004.

New Math Formulas Derived From The Bible!

ICCDBB Greatest Verses Of The Bible Series Of Sermons. For the Internet Church of Christ founded by Dr. Bob Benchoff: Main Site: click here (if an ad appears above: no affiliation unless otherwise stated).

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For the first part of the Old Testament, 5 books of law + some history, click here.


For the second part of the Old Testament, some history + prophets click here.


Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.



The Book of Galatians

Galatians Chapter 1

1 ¶ Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), (Note: "not from men" is a great truth of the exalting of Jesus {from God originally, then} from the world to God.). 2 and all the brethren that are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: (Note: Reference Revelation 3.14.). 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father: 5 to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. 6 ¶ I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel; 7 which is not another gospel only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema. 9 As we have said before, so say I now again, if any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema. 10 ¶ For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. 11 For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man. 12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and made havoc of it: 14 and I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace, 16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and tarried with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. 20 Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Then I came unto the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc; 24 and they glorified God in me.

Galatians Chapter 2

1 ¶ Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. 2 And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain. 3 But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man’s person)-they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me: 7 but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision 8 (for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles); 9 and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision; 10 only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do. 11 ¶ But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor. (Note: God gives the sinners the power over death, their power to conquer death is via faith on Jesus Christ, the first to conquer death. Each sinner controls the power personally when they choose hopeful repentance, and baptism.

Similarly, Christ has also given the same power to sinners to repent for the remission of sins, including the obsolescence of their old ways and their limitations and their firmament; with renewal and rebirth in Christ.). 19 For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. (Note: Such great conviction Paul has in faith in God to be able to say "I have been crucified with Christ".

Paul was born of a woman of the flesh; Paul grew-up over yonder; Paul learned his trade of tent making from goat hair; Paul was a person, just as you are a person; Paul was a person that became Christ, saying "it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me".

When you live in your home, you abide there. You don't just walk into a stranger's house uninvited and stay there, you go home. Paul went home.

Paul, formally known as Saul, of the capitol city of Tarsus of the Roman Empire, grew-up in the city of the great and famous University revered greater in reputation even than the universities of Athens and Alexandria, the only others that existed then.

Paul, a learned Jewish minister, teacher, and lawyer, became an important voice for Christianity.

His father was Roman, and Paul was a freeborn Jew. He was sent "to the great Jewish school of sacred learning at Jerusalem", where as a teen he advanced in study of law. Paul persecuted people, then saw a light that blinded him, and he heard a heavenly voice helping him toward repentance. Paul fasted and with Christian help saw and was baptized.

Paul began his Christian ministry and taught many in authority in Rome. Paul suffered much at their hands and was imprisoned in a place named Ghetto, the Jewish quarters in Rome, where he wrote his epistles to the Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and to Philemon.

Later, Paul was freed and he wrote other books of the Bible. Rome fell, and the Christians were blamed, particularly Paul. Reference Eastons Revised Bible Dictionary.). 21 I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought.

Galatians Chapter 3

1 ¶ O foolish Galatians, who did bewitch you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth crucified? 2 This only would I learn from you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now perfected in the flesh? 4 Did ye suffer so many things in vain? if it be indeed in vain. 5 He therefore that supplieth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 ¶ Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 7 Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying,In thee shall all the nations be blessed. 9 So then they that are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. 11 Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident: for, The righteous shall live by faith; 12 and the law is not of faith; but, He that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men: Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed, no one maketh it void, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (Note: "thy seed" ASV = "your offspring" RSV.). 17 Now this I say: A covenant confirmed beforehand by God, the law, which came four hundred and thirty years after, doth not disannul, so as to make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise: but God hath granted it to Abraham by promise. 19 ¶ What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made; and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one. (Note: Relativity describes a "mediator", Absolutivity describes "God".). 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law. 22 But the scriptures shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 So that the law is become our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Note: We learn faith by learning the law.

Knowing how the law puts together principles and processes, then when we encounter faith, we are able to follow what we have learned and so we put together faith.

That assembled faith is logic, and/or law. We then use that new logic as a stepping stone to reveal greater faith.). 25 But now that faith is come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ. (Note: Therefore we did "put on" the design for the seed and nurturing and maturing and great thinking of Adam [and/or any man] (reference Genesis 1.31), and Abraham, and Isaiah.

And we did therefore "put on" the great thinking of Einstein, and Newton, and Descartes, and future magnates.

And as we follow Christ we "put on" greater and greater thoughts, and no longer need be blind, yet know ahead according to the design of Christ; given to us of Christ for us to follow for the greater glorification of Christ our Lord and our example for all.). 28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.

Galatians Chapter 4

1 ¶ But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a bondservant though he is lord of all; 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed of the father. 3 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world: 4 but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (Note: This is just as we were "born" {even if test tube or other: born materially, of the body} so we are the same and no one of these same has an excuse from the law of God; except through Christ, being also of heaven: not as excusing yet of fulfilling and making the law of no consequence: not right or wrong, yet only right.

For instance a company boss does something and calls it the new rule, to do things that way. Without the law, the boss yet did it that way. So whether in the law or not, the law was of no consequence to the boss at that time.

Or for instance, the boss tells you "Don't leave until you finish that job.", and you say "I already did it." The law has no hold on you. You did not break the law, you fulfilled it, and are in grace.). 5 that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 So that thou art no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. 8 ¶ Howbeit at that time, not knowing God, ye were in bondage to them that by nature are no gods: 9 but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and seasons, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain. (Note: Jesus Christ is in [us as we are Christians, if or as applicable]. Yet we can hardle expect to be in Jesus Christ if we sin: we must repent and follow Christ. Christ already suffered the burden for us, yet that doesn't mean we have to stop trying.). 12 ¶ I beseech you, brethren, become as I am, for I also am become as ye are. Ye did me no wrong: 13 but ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you the first time: 14 and that which was a temptation to you in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but ye received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth? 17 ¶ They zealously seek you in no good way; nay, they desire to shut you out, that ye may seek them. 18 But it is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times, and not only when I am present with you. 19 ¶ My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you- 20 but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about you. 21 ¶ Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman. 23 Howbeit the son by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the son by the freewoman is born through promise. 24 Which things contain an allegory: for these women are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar. 25 Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; Break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For more are the children of the desolate than of her that hath the husband. (Note: When a person has great love for people within their own family, that is good. Nonetheless, a person without a family who pours that great love of theirs into God, that is better.

Loving people is required, yet loving God first and foremost always is greater. For example, a person gets ready to read the Bible and pray, but instead they hear a needful baby cry and tend to it. The baby did not sin, and the tending is good. Nonetheless they were torn away from heavenly things for pressing worldly things.

You can "Rejoice" in love, yet rather "Rejoice" in God; do your duty, yet do "more" for God.

For instance, a boss might tell a sales clerk that they did not make enough sales today, nonetheless "Rejoice" in the fact that it is God that gives the increase.). 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman. 31 Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the freewoman.

Galatians Chapter 5

1 ¶ For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love. 7 Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion came not of him that calleth you. 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 10 I have confidence to you-ward in the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. 11 But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away. 12 I would that they that unsettle you would even go beyond circumcision. 13 ¶ For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, 21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. (Note: Many people have a hard time understanding what grace is; in this verse, here it is; these are great examples of the difference between law and grace.

Many people have trouble understanding how longsuffering and self-control fit into grace. Via process of elimination it is clear that these are not under the law. Yet more importantly, in God rejoice that you are counted worthy to be given longsuffering and self-control challenges and opportunities to overcome the flesh and rather to achieve things greater for others than you had imagined, for the greater glory of God. Let God help you. Repent.). 24 And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. 25 If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk. 26 Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians Chapter 6

1 ¶ Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Note: When you fall-in love with someone, you don't just wrongly take the person away with you, that's not love, it's self-centeredness. Rather, when you fall-in love with someone, you work hard to see how you might bring advantage to that person, from their perspective, and always from the perspective of God.

If someone needs taught, give them a fitting burden; give the burden of love and life more abundantly. Everything you do is of consequence and of great importance, to you, to God; {and also to others, even if they don't yet realize it}.

To remove a burden you can do something for them yourself. That is sometimes fitting. Greater is if you give them an added burden that comes to them as a solution to their problem that they can easily achieve.

Rather than people relying on you, show them how to rely on God.). 3 For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. 5 For each man shall bear his own burden. 6 But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. (Note: Prayer is the answer. You are not the boss of God, so respect that and respect God. As far as we need to be concerned [for this point], God does not have to answer to you nor do what you bid, nonetheless pray to let God know how you feel.

Thank God, and if you have a problem, share your concerns, and often you may find you understand a solution before you put it into words. Rely on God with trust and faith. Let God know what you would like if you were in heaven. When your thoughts are clear, then the mutual benefit increases. Rather benefit God.). 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. (Note: We understand that a seed so tiny that it is invisible to the unaided eye, can produce an elephant or a whale. The seed of a machine is it's specification.

A seed is the smallest unit or motif of a pattern. Seeds of the Holy "Spirit" are found in the Bible and produce far more and far greater throughout eternity.). 9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith. (Note: Per the law we have right and wrong. Via grace we have great and greater for God.). 11 ¶ See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus. (Note: For many, when a friend is seen hurt unjustly, justice on behalf of the friend becomes important.

Yet beyond the law, as Noted in verse 10 above, we can build according to grace. This is not said to build sin on sin, rather to build goodness on all the burdens and/or blessings God has created for us, as together we learn from mistakes and achieve, rather than settle; that together we reach greater glory for God, rather than conform to the world; that together with confidence in Christ we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, rather than hope to punish the accused.

Let us not only suffer with Christ as crucified in the flesh, yet let us take-on the sufferings of each and every person {the victim as well as the accuser, the patient as well as the doctor, faithful as well as the sinner} at all times as Christ has suffered in the Spirit.

Let the problems other people have, be our problems, and let's work through these problems together. Suffer the little children to come to us. We are each uniuqe, yet we have many areas on which we can agree and build. We were all young once, and we can be respectful to at least some degree; together we can be clean, refreshed, and new; with shared insight, heightened awareness, and greater goals.). 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.


The Book of Ephesians

Ephesians Chapter 1

1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: (Note: Compare how it is written "the reverence of the Lord, that is wisdom, and, to avoid evil, is understanding.", Job 28.28.

So here we find Apostle Paul in great wisdom. From this wisdom, revealed to us [Christians, and those who would read and awaken to same] is {since we are in Christ, see Galatians 3.27 above} Christ has "blessed us" not only a little or in some few respects, yet "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places".

Having read the beattitudes, for instance, a Christian said, "I want to be pure, so I can see God.", as written in Matthew 5.8 "Blessed be the pure in heart: for they shall see God.". That was his ambition, yet from the wisdom Paul yields, Christians already have this gift, this power. We have many powers, we just don't recognize them due to our own sin in the body, including our lack of persistence in avoiding evil, and including our ignorance due to our laziness and lack of doing more for Christ of our own initiative.

We can move ahead by leaps and bounds, the door is open. Christ suffered to bring us, and we are there already, yet we refuse.

Someone for instance can receive a beautiful shirt, but they don't wear it because they don't want to ruin it, so they store it {in a bigger barn}. Years can pass and their mind wanders, then they find it again only they out-grew it. Shall the giver give them another shirt?

Paul wisely reveals that although blessings are offered to Christ, Christ already blessed us. We are needful, yet Christ already blessed us through his suffering; what more shall we demand of Christ?

Therefore dwell in wisdom. Advance and achieve for Christ, the source of all advancement and achievement. Refresh mentally, renew in strength, gain life and more abundantly, give generously as per our example, without any selfish hope of return, understand the wisdom of Christ. The following guideline for typical wisdom might help.

With loving concern as with the above, have you done all you could do to help?, yes. You can get on with the project and your life, with a clear conscience. Abiding with God, you have seen clearly, perhaps face to face.

In understanding the goodness and wisdom of the above process, we see that there is a little advancement and a check with God, before advancing again, see 1 Corinthians 8.1 Note, and 2 Nephi 28.30. With practice in the Word, we can move mountains as though it already happened.). 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: 7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him 10 unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say, 11 in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: 13 in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation, -in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory. 15 ¶ For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints, 16 cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; 18 having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might 20 which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians Chapter 2

1 ¶ And you did he make alive,when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins, 2 wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; 3 among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:- 4 ¶ but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Note: Here we see how we can work to please God. Rather than reserving your "mercy" for justice, remember "mercy" is of grace rather than under law, therefore it is more fitting that you use "mercy" lovingly and generously, before the need according to law.

God loved us first. Use love and "mercy" first, with all of your interfacing.

For example, if someone slights you and you have "mercy", that is "mercy" per law; yet if you meet someone and you have "mercy" first and without cause, that is "mercy" via grace. You are urged to go out of your way to find something nice and complementary to say about someone. Depending on the situation, upon meeting someone you might say for instance, "You certainly are blessed"...such as [..."with the heart of a lion."], if they are bold, or [..."with the heart of a lamb."], if they are not bold.

If they ask for you to explain, you have the opportunity to show the love of Christ, explaining Biblical symbolism, such as [lion] Daniel 6.16-23, and/or [lamb] 1 Corinthians 15.54 with John 1.36.). 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), 6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus: 7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus: (Note: People understand value, yet how many know of their own "exceeding riches"?

In Christ Jesus we come to know heavenly wisdom and heavenly authority. Some people imagine bankers are rich, yet the banking servants hold the money for others; and many banks fail, and many banks are robbed: whose then will those riches be?

Riches for one person is poverty to another. One person wants to be a bum on a beach, another wants to take over corporations, yet for others "riches" are the journey. Riches can be left over oil in a borrowed pot.

Yet we must ask ourselves: What does God want? What are "exceeding riches" in the opinion of God?

Humans are incomplete without God, see John 1.1 Note, therefore when God would "show" something to a human, that human having a choice might close their eyes and mind to what was shown. Therefore those humans who would choose the Holy Spirit of God {the chosen people of God}, rather than their selfish lusting after the flesh, God would find more valuable, see Genesis 6.3.

God = Jesus Christ / human, human = Jesus Christ / God, and hence Jesus Christ = God x human.

Keeping in mind that all goodness comes from God, if those "human" parts become chosen of God in agreement with God, then so much greater in the way of "exceeding riches" we find for Jesus Christ.). 8 for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not of works, that no man should glory. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. (Note: So here we find greater goodness of God, since when we "walk in them", we follow the safe path for the glory of Christ Jesus.). 11 ¶ Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; 12 that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. 14 ¶ For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, 15 having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; 16 and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh: 18 for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father. (Note: We "have", not had. God is living with us.

If you are in a room with two other people who ignore you and they talk about you as if you weren't there, you may likely think it rude. Yet often we find people talking with other people as if God is not there.

This is not to say you should appear illogical to others, do nothing to offend these little ones, 1 John 2.1.). 19 So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, 20 being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; 21 in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians Chapter 3

1 ¶ For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles, - 2 if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward; 3 how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, 4 whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; 5 which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things; 10 to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. 13 Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. 14 ¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; (Note: Here Saint Paul reverses metaphors from "put on", Galatians 3.27, to "inward".

Hence, Paul reveals that with baptism is unity, not merely as putting on a coat, nor merely as Christ dwelling in our hearts. Disciple Paul wants us to understand that Christians are more than just representatives of Christ, and also even more than family members.

From the start was the Word with God. The Word carried the law of God, and also the grace of God. In the Old Testament, God revealed these to us, and to our understanding capabilities {prior to having practised law} the successful followed that law. Yet the law does not perfect grace; yet good laws allow, permit, and/or enable grace.

To enable grace is the law and/or logic at it's best, yet must be accompanied with God and/or faith {in God} to achieve grace. Therefore, the law and logic are less about places to mentally dwell, and more about launch pads from which we can mentally achieve for God.

So then Christ dwelt with us for heavenly reasoning, and to invite us to be one, not only from some future marriage and forward, yet more importantly today, now. This request came about 2000 years ago {from this sermon date}, yet it also came from ancient days.

The invitation was there for people that were wholly respectful and devoted to God, the high priests. And even prior to the Old Testament the invitation was there from natural law that yet exists and continues. These are more than just hints and clues, as we know from hindsight that the Word of God was not interrupted, yet constant.

So at all times the natural entity including all rocks and plants and beasts and so on had this invitation is to serve humans, Genesis 1.28. Humans had the invitation to serve {the high priest / Old Testament; or to serve} God directly.

Even in natural lay terms we can see up the road a bit as to where we're going. Even a cold rock can feel surface heat before the future warmth of it's center is logically concluded according to normal and reasonable probability, lest for example someone throw the rock into an icebox and it split in half, cooling the center instead of warming.

Yet we have far more than probability available. The following has future specifics according to Biblical logic.

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (Note: Great is "love" in terms of power. Love enables charity, and love counteracts ill effects associated with dire hope and of little faith. Love serves God, and as such, when people work love, a family can be held together, and a business can be held together more than people generally want to admit.

Love can cause an adult to leave parents to find new love. And love can save a teen from running away in desperate infatuation. Love has power to overcome love: to perfect love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Apostle Paul was not an electrician, yet his words hold true, for instance, for electricians and others of other power systems. Electricians ground their system and build according to that, one type of ground for a house, another type of ground for a car {compare: just as an adult leaves parents, a car leaves the house}.

Using the process of elimination, if an electrician hated everyone, intentionally their system would possibly shock and damage. Yet electricians are known for reliable works: love.

The same applies to a nuclear bomb manufacturer, or an abortionist: love. Yet in these and other cases, many special aspects may apply, so expertise love is of great value. For instance, some people are against abortion, yet are willing to bomb a nation of pregnant mothers. Also, some people are against war, yet are willing to spill seed and allow unfertilized eggs.

Creatively brainstorming these great extremes help us and/or experts understand how to view the ranges of likely possibilities. Then, via loving and respecting God (see Ephesians 1.3 Note [steps] above) we advance and create applicable logical standards.

Hence we standardize as much as we can: we love as much as we can. We use love in our quest for God. We work to achieve a straight path for Christ. We do not work to achieve a wishy-washy path to Christ, advocating things and/or people contrary to Christ. The path must enable Christ and followers greater and greater liberty and freedom according to [follower] suitability evidenced according to reliability of works, and/or preferably honor [representative name and/or logic plan].

Advocacy has it's values, both in plan [when such variability and/or randomness is sought], and also to a lesser degree when too many exceptions exist and further standardization is hoped for the future.

We build our logic on love, and we build greatly. During the journey of working to build logic on love, we learn wisdom. That wisdom enables us to use faith properly.). 18 may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, (Note: Here we see dimensions: standardization.

God gives much to us, freely without measure. It is the glory of kings to reveal these mysteries: logical standardization. We learn a little, then we can give more: to others, for the greater glory of God.

For instance, someone learned how to build a house and to the glory of God shared that information {standardization}, so then someone had more time to invent a better plow and to the glory of God shared that information {greater standardization}, so then someone had more time to invent radio and to the glory of God shared that information {greater standardization}, and so on, all for the greater glory of God {see love discussion for previous verse Note}.

We can learn to give more, we can learn to love more. Standardization deals with things, yet standardization is not about things, per se. Standardization is about the logic of love, and how logical it is to love for [Godly] reliability. Standardization is about bringing and/or creating heaven on earth.

Some people have wealth and can have cars, but wrongly prefer to dangerously ride horse drawn carriages on highways; some people have intelligence, but hate doctors and medicine; some read books, but despise the Internet. Whether perhaps relaxing on vacation, riding a horse, watching television, riding a bike, or going camping for a change may be good, but choosing a lifestyle of ignorance is an insult to God.

From the beginning, God commanded the standard of the church, that he might have a place to dwell in His tent in the midst of the people. The standards of God were/are very precise and very detailed and very ornate and beautiful. Standardization of beauty is part of the glory of God that you should do for God.). 19 and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God. (Note: Hence in Christ God Almighty, love = God / knowledge, knowledge = God / love, and God = love x knowledge = wisdom, see 2 Corinthians 4.18.). 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians Chapter 4

1 ¶ I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 ¶ with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. 7 But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Note: These gifts of the Spirit of God are given to those who love and follow Christ and are willing to do the Will of God.

Such is the equipment of the saints, according to RSV. This is true for all, and is true generally; yet special situations at times require your special attention.

Some people may seek a worldly vocation, such as to be a pastor or a teacher. Such is good and respectable; rather greater goodness is in doing the Will of God and accepting that responsibility personally.

For instance, the people of God may have a specific need in some community on Earth, such as a fair tax collector or a fair auto mechanic. And you may read some scriptures that clearly fit your circumstances, pointing you toward God that way. Evangelists are good, yet there are a lot of people that despise talking to the clergy. Tax collectors and auto mechanics are revered by many, many that do not go to church. So such are gifts too, according to your acceptance and perserverence.

Nonetheless, we must always strive to enjoy the higher gifts for the greater glory of God. See Ephesians 1.3 Note {shirt discussion} above.). 12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: 13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; 15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; 16 from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love. 17 ¶ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; 19 who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye did not so learn Christ; 21 if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: 22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; 23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. (Note: Christ is the head and leader, yet otherwise we to the remaining extent are Christ, heirs to the gifts the head finds for us, and respected of those sharing in the body of Christ, and revered by those who fear Christ.

Christ is a great protector of his body of children followers, just as a parent puts their own hand between their baby and an attacking creature. Christ puts his hand between Christians, and those that would destroy goodness, those who are ignorant {to God} and cunning {in their own ways}; see Proverbs 29.25. So we must not stray and we must be devoted to Christ.

New in Christ is greater and better than previously: If our income dwindles, Christ may dwindle our bills; if our car is stolen, Christ may let us use a jet and chauffeured deluxe limosines; if our apartment is a small hovel, Christ may let us live in a mansion such as Reverend Pat Robertson said happened to him {no affiliation with ICCDBB unless otherwise indicated}.

This is of great importance to people: that we maintain faith in Christ throughout adversity. Longsuffering comes to Christians to benefit Christians, that we might gain wisdom for accepting greater gifts for the greater glorification of Christ.

Otherwise, those lacking faith in Christ often find they lose what little they had. To "put on" Christ is contrary to selfish greed for gain, and is contrary to a selfish concern for a guarantee to have wealth, power, and prestige.

To "put on" Christ is not to seek poverty, pain, or suffering; although various worldly problems would naturally be encountered throughout life. To "put on" Christ is to do the right thing, to seek that goodly and holy portion, to honor God with all your ability, and to help others do the same for God.). 25 Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: (Note: Do not be angry, see verse 31 below, except be "angry" that Christ suffered due to our sinning, yet otherwise do not be angry if it causes you to sin: be angry about sin, see Exodus 32.19 and Matthew 21.12.

Quickness to anger is the sport of fools and worse, yet abominable to the wicked is immediate compassion for those in discomfort, as it is the journey of the wise, see Proverbs 29.19.). 27 neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need. 29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear. 30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians Chapter 5

1 ¶ Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell. (Note: Mentally dwell in love for Christ. Love Christians and others on behalf of Christ.). 3 ¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints; (Note: What is the gain if you love to hate, one cancels the other except love is not overcome. Hence one that loves to hate reduces their own power to love and build wisdom. Then they can hardly be a good soldier or representative for Christ, as God works through love.). 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks. (Note: Jokes are made at someone's expense. The Golden Rule tells us not to make fun of a person's name, their attributes, their activities, their hopes, or similar.

A joke can be a tool for learning, yet it is the learning that has the greater value. Yet jokes are known for often being taken the wrong way, doing more harm than good: just ask a teacher, such as a driving instructor.

Using jokes to help people learn is often worse than no attempt at all, because the joke teller is often smarter {or prepared in advance} than the listener(s), and often assumes they will get the right message. Nonetheless, God is not about the unexpected, such is the domain of sinners.

Don't dwell in misery. On the surface jokes seem great, yet let's have a serious look. Mathematically, a joke can be compared to a circle, instead of apparent advancement, following a joke path leads us back to where we started, or it doesn't reach that point and leads us to regression. Contrarywise, joy is linear, coming from advancement(s).

One of the highest forms of jokes approaches the natural body in constitution, that is, spiral and/or helical. As it seems to advance in one direction {from one perspective as if circularly repeating}, it actually advances in another, linearly. Hence in such a case, if continued it becomes less about joking and more about joy.

Great {opinion based on renown pertinence aspect here} comedian Bob Hope, for instance, spoke of waves of laughter {concentric isomorphism due to complex layering and/or building on stratum, mentally unraveled by the listener through time: as each layer was unraveled there was a wave of laughter}, such as due to complex joking, as with one joke applying to various levels of understanding, Relatively similar to the helical discussion; or rather the same given the Absolute waveform viewpoint. Similar to the advancing helix, the joking subsides as joy conquers.

As comedians work to emulate joy, there is hope {No pun was intended, but I'm glad it is there, that you may see my sin and my incompleteness, and so be less concerned with following me and rather wisely choose to follow the all knowing pure source of wisdom Christ Jesus our Lord.}. Rather, let there be joy.

Joy = hope x joke, hope = joy / joke, and joke = joy / hope.

Jokes without hope are not the fulfillment of joy; yet with hope, jokes can serve a goodly purpose. Yet you are cautioned, knowing your audience is not always sufficient. Loving wisdom is needed.

Joy deals with deeply important matters, and that which is sacred. Jokes are secular, of the body of the world.

Joking often ignores the fact that people in the audience have unique personal situations and problems, often yielding a joke value reversal. Jokes often hinge on just one point {and similar to a door, may hinge on several hinges}, and issues have two or more sides. Yet joy is more about overcoming many concerns, more similar to the so-called "thread of life". A joke can leave a person feeling empty, whereas joy is more likely to give direction.

Jokes are about a surprize or unusual comparison or coincidence; yet when you follow God, then you are no longer a follower of signs.

Do clear signs follow you, or do people think you're just joking. Respect is earned, and lack of respect can weigh heavily on one's soul.

Many jokes are a direct affront to God and the chosen people of God. Often, laughter is good medicine, and good for the soul. Yet proper laughter should and is found in praise and joy for God. This is no joke, this is about your life and your God. Driving a car, for instance, requires constant attention, yet of greater value is your life in or out of a car.

With driving, upon reaching a destination, there is typically joy with that success. With far greater successes with God you can be filled with the joy that is in Christ, as Disciple Paul is, as shown in his writing of Ephesians.

Bullies routinely use jokes to hurt the feelings of children. Such is the worldly nature of joking. Would you choose to be counted among those who hurt little children?

Joking and being angry are mental states bearing much in common. The time and place for these is generally few and far between. Those who dwell in joking and anger generally dwell in states of confusion or often at least in tempting oneself and/or another to follow the imbicility motif of immaturish pathology, see 4.27 above.). 5 For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them; 8 For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord; 11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them; 12 for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of. 13 But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee. 15 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; 19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 ¶ subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ. 22 Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; 26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, 27 that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself: 29 for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church; 30 because we are members of his body. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church. 33 Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she fear her husband.

Ephesians Chapter 6

1 ¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), (Note: We are to obey {see verse 1 above and verse 5 below} our parents even if unto death, and the more immature we are, the more vital this is, that the "promise" might be fulfilled.

Therefore, with regard to the parents, if we are a child that must be paddled for disobeyance, and/or if we are an infant that must be hurt to stop us from biting a teat, and/or if we are an unborn that must be prevented from bodily continuance according to the higher rationale of the parents, then we must be obedient to same, and thank God that we, selfish for our own body sinners, were allotted as much.

Parents, love your children and those of yours in development. Persevere to not kill your teens, your toddlers, nor your unborn, nor your seed; nonetheless, do what is right before the throne of God, as though always there present.

Parents, do not abort, unless in your wisdom such would uphold abomination. And if so, do so, that you may be held responsible for God and yet blameless before the throne of God. That the life in you remains and is not lost, given to unreasonable concerns.

The fetus is a blessing, except in some cases the fetus is an attack not only against the mother, yet also against the family and community and path of God {together we stand united}.

There are many situations which can be standardized, but many remain not yet standardized and these would likely cause the most misery. In such cases, remember the opinion of the Godly parents is more important than the opinions of others.

Other opinions should normally be sought, nonetheless, it is the mother, with the father, that should hold sway.

Use logic, and where logic has no hold, do your best and have faith in God. If God did not give you callosity, praise God for this extra opportunity to understand the loving wisdom of God, and the better worth than that of worldly concerns.

Parents, do no harm, yet {whether according to law, yet rather} according to grace be wise to offer sin offerings, and wave offerings, and guilt offerings, and freewill offerings and more before the Lord and/or before the Priests of the Lord. Instruct your children in righteousness, yet rather set a good example for them, as you represent the Lord in their eyes.

Go and do what is right, that your children may "honor" you for God.). 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. 5 Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men: (Note: Your motivation should be for the Lord.). 8 knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (Note: "bond" ASV = "slave" RSV.

A selfish person could hardly ask for anything more, for example, for each dollar spent, a dollar is received. That's not just 10% off the asking price of something, it's not 25% off the price, it's much greater, it's 100% savings!). 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him. (Note: Since "there is no respect of persons with him", do not seek to be as the "person" you were, seek to be as your "Master". Be weak in your self and strong in the Lord.). 10 ¶ Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Note: Many people miss this great point about "armor".

Compare how a business can have great income yet little profit due to [sinful] overhead. If you are going to spend money, spend it according to verse 8 above.

If you are going to personally do something, invest your time and talents wisely, for God.). 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Note: To see the "sword" in action, see John 18.6.). 18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, 19 ¶ And on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible.


The Book of Philippians

Philippians Chapter 1

1 ¶ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Note: Compare how a person travels to various businesses for their boss, and their boss tells them "As a publishing company we produce one of the greatest publications of all time, so as you continue to travel for our company and meet with businesses and groups, you can use your talents and inform them."

That doesn't sound difficult; in fact some might interpret the command as a suggestion. God wants us to spread the Holy Word, yet moreover, God wants us to be thrilled to do it.

Imagine: the opportunity to do something for God. Now that's really something!

Many people feel limited, that Christianity is too confining with not enough action and specific pertinence. They don't just want to talk about Christ, they want to do stuff for Christ. They want to use all their skills and all the tools and resources available for Christ, including real tools, such as lazers, cranes, and helicopters.

Yet if they follow the instructions of the "boss", cited here, they will find that of the available skills and tools and resources that they might choose to use, the selection determinations are largely up to themselves. They can personally select parameters important to themself for God.

For instance, helicopters transport corporate officials that have people use cranes and forklifts to move large steel rollers; and the rollers would be used roll ink onto paper, but the ink would smear, so lazers are used to cut tiny nearly invisible cups in the rollers to keep the ink from smearing as they print Bibles and/or other publications.

God grants us many choices in life. Let's not let our choices be excuses.). 3 ¶ I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 ¶ even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. 9 ¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; (Note: What's greater than "more and more"? Yes.

Loving Christ, and loving more "knowledge and all discernment" for Christ is no less than glorious, and while we are to seek glory for Christ rather than for ourselves {remembering not to leave the other undone, to provide for those God gave us, our family and those in our care and responsibility}, Christ is seeking to glorify God with the vibrancy of saved souls full of energy of the Word of life, the Holy Spirit.). 10 so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ; 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Note: Through the grace of God we receive "the fruits of righteousness". Grace includes righteousness, yet righteousness does not necessarily include grace {just as faith covers logic, 2 Corinthians 5.17 Note}, and you can build grace according to following and learning the logical pattern of righteousness, for [salvation for] the greater glory of God, reference similar discussion [of faith] in 2 Corinthians 7.10 Note.

Grace = God / Righteousness. Righteousness = God / Grace. God = Grace x Righteousness.

So through our suffering under the learning of righteousness, we can gain knowledge, yet rather relying on Christ who suffered for us we gain same plus love with grace: so we rather not simply gain knowledge, we rather gain wisdom. Plus instead of suffering ourselves, we count the suffering Christ did, for ourselves; plus we abide with Christ and as such we look to suffer for Christ acccordingly, if need be such, and yet that burden is light.

We see how people faithful to Christ, such as Disciple Paul, suffered at the hands of others. Yet look at the big picture, the eternal picture, and look at how much help Paul provided to future generations. Not every person of every future generation has to go through the same thing, the same suffering Paul suffered; because Paul built on that love which is eternal.

Yes there will be similar cases as important reminders. Yet against suffering we find real, true, and absolute progress being made in Christ.). 12 ¶ Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; 13 so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest; 14 and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel; 17 but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. 18 What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (Note: Here Disciple Paul is not merely stating belief, he is stating fact: "I know".

In the business world of competition, when one company knows a better process or something their competition doesn't know, that is power they might use to leverage further power. The adage is, "Knowledge is power.", and Apostle Paul knows something of great value, that {not his competition yet} others don't know.

For faithful Paul, all are brothers in Christ, and Paul shares with all. But from the viewpoint of persecutors, Paul is competition against which they vie for recognition and honor.

If presented with logic from Paul, because it is from Paul they dispute the logic, and fool themselves into disbelief, mathematically according to their selfish greed. They choose selfishness and become stuck in a cycle of stupidity, having learned and then think backwards to glorify their own conceit.

We too are guilty of same, lest we remain faithful to Christ. Then we can do as Paul and prophesy and say "I know", not according to our own logic, yet in the wisdom of Christ.

Such goodly wisdom is of the future: to know the future; at least in part. And it is to know what others don't know, at least in part. And it is to know more than those who would think only of themselves.). 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. 21 ¶ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Note: We must look beyond the negative sign to find the positive sign.

Before and after planet earth is good God. That is a positive sign of positive reasoning. Therefore, it logically follows that after we all die {-}, there remains goodness {+}.

Among those that died to this world of sin, is non-sinful Christ Jesus our Lord. Since Christ only does goodness, then death is not negative. The worst it could be {for a Christian} is to approach zero.

A Christian whose body is about to die to this world, can appropriately feel good about the whole thing.

In counterpoint, one choosing selfishness with carelessness for others, would find as much: chaos, confusion, disrespect, and so on {just as Christ found among His prosecutors}, perhaps the greatest burden being the self imposed and self constructed barrier that becomes a permanent structure, barring one from goodness that is Christ, see John 17.12.

So we see that Christ Jesus is that Holy One of whom Disciple John spoke, as we {other than Jesus} people respect people according to sin of the flesh, while Jesus Christ rightly {and from non-Christian worldly perspective: selfishly}respects only one authority, God the same as Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and with those of his spiritual body who are his Christian followers united in the end time.

So Jesus Christ does not respect people yet does respect the unity of the station of the living Bride for God.

Therefore Christ performed that non-sin evil {from the non-Christian worldly perspective, since God created all, the evil and the good, yet holding regard for Hebrews 5.14} of visiting the world in the flesh, not to become stained of sin nor to take evil into heaven, rather to save the world from sin through his own good living example.

Hell and evil are in the eyes of the non-Christians, according to the law; and even according to their own doings. Hell has no hold on Christ, the creator of all. And Christ enables grace for those who would follow.

So in language easily understood in the world, Christ left heaven to help those in need, led a good life, passed through perdition, then returned to heaven, reference Psalm 23.4.

So Christ accomplished the perdition work, starting from Mary and Joseph and ending with fulfillment at the cross. The flesh of Jesus Christ was hurt by persecutors, yet sinless Jesus was not hurt by the first death: of the flesh.). 22 But if to live in the flesh, -if this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not. 23 But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: 24 yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith; 26 that your glorying may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again. (Note: Praise the Lord.). 27 ¶ Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel; 28 and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God; 29 because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf: 30 having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Philippians Chapter 2

1 ¶ If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, 2 make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; 4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 ¶ So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. (Note: Some people fall back from the presence of God, John 18.6, and some act as dead, Matthew 28.4. Yet living Christians, and also those Christians who passed through death to life, Matthew 27.52, can stand before the throne of God "for it is God who worketh in" Christians "for his good pleasure.".). 14 ¶ Do all things without murmurings and questionings: 15 that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, 16 holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain. 17 Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all: 18 and in the same manner do ye also joy, and rejoice with me. 19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state. 21 For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel. 23 Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me: 24 but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly. 25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need; 26 since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick: 27 for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor: 30 because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Philippians Chapter 3

1 ¶ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision: 3 for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh: 4 ¶ though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. 7 Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, (Note: Understanding that the minimum of things counted in this verse is one {united}, "I", then we have the following:

Things = Wisdom / Loss. Loss = Wisdom / Things. Wisdom = Loss x Things.

So this is accountability every business purchasing agent should already know.

Some knowledgeable agents may merely see this as meaning reinvestment scenario. Yet those saavy in wisdom will see it's greater worth in charity, since reinvestment comparatively is Gain = Wisdom x Things, or more accurately stated Absolutely, Gain = Knowledge x Things.

Gain is about selfish reinvestment, save one. Whereas on the other hand, loss is about charity and life with Christ.). 9 ¶ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; 11 if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 ¶ Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: 16 only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk. 17 ¶ Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

Philippians Chapter 4

1 ¶ Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Note: Great advice.). 9 The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 ¶ But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. 12 I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. 13 I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. 14 Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction. 15 And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; 16 for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. 17 Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account. 18 But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 ¶ Now unto our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren that are with me salute you. 22 All the saints salute you, especially they that are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.


The Book of Colossians

Colossians Chapter 1

1 ¶ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ that are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. 3 ¶ We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have toward all the saints, 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world bearing fruit and increasing, as it doth in you also, since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. 9 ¶ For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 ¶ giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; 14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins: 15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16 for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him; 17 and he is before all things, and in him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell; 20 and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens. 21 And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, 22 yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: 23 if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister. 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church; 25 whereof I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God, 26 even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints, 27 to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ; 29 whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Colossians Chapter 2

1 ¶ For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, even Christ, 3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. 4 ¶ This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ: 9 for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, 10 and in him ye are made full, who is the head of all principality and power: 11 in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; 12 having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 ¶ And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, I say, did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses; 14 having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; 15 having despoiled the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 ¶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day: 17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s. 18 Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he hath seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increasing with the increase of God. 20 If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances, 21 Handle not, nor taste, nor touch 22 (all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Colossians Chapter 3

1 ¶ If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. 5 ¶ Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6 for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: 7 wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; 8 ¶ but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: 9 lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 ¶ Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. 17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 ¶ Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: 23 whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; 24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians Chapter 4

1 ¶ Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. 2 ¶ Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; 3 withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 ¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one. 7 ¶ All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord: 8 whom I have sent you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts; 9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that are done here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him), 11 and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men that have been a comfort unto me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas salute you. 15 Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in their house. 16 And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. 18 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

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