YCCM PART 5 GOD OF THE LIVING CH 35 JESUS CHANGED EVERYTHING: GOD OF THE LIVING
YOU CAN'T CHANGE ME:Unraveling the Lie
PART 5 GOD OF THE LIVING
Chapter 35
JESUS CHANGED EVERYTHING: GOD OF THE LIVING
Narrator: Luke remained after everyone left the church, sitting in the same pew, in the same spot. Merle knew he needed time alone to think about his future and reflect on the past, so he left him there.
Luke was thinking about the eulogy Merle had preached at the memorial service. Merle's words were no doubt inspired by God and touched his heart in new and painful ways, cutting through the fog that clouded his thinking, opening up a pathway to clarity and resolution of the conflict which raged inside of him.
Javier's Eulogy
Bee and I had a son. No one could have asked for a better son. And on the day we were told he was killed in a war, in a far off land, it was as if three lives were taken with one bullet. We forgot how to live. We forgot how to breathe without feeling the pain and emptiness.
We had each other and that seemed like the only thing keeping us going, but, God was always there. And although, I didn't reach out to him, He kept reaching out to me.
I thought I could run from my calling, run away from the church and being a pastor. But, God was patient with me. He let us move to another state and another city and get into the business of marrying couples. And at the time, it was enough for me, but God wasn't through with me.
My son, Denny, didn't die so that Bee and I would stop living and being fruitful. God would use his life and death to affect many lives. You see, h-he's h-here in my h-heart. (Merle wiped a tear from his eye.) I give a part of him to every man I come into contact with at the shelter, everyone who comes into this church and everyone I meet.
Denny's life and death meant something to his fellow soldiers, to his country, to his family, and to His God. No life or death is meaningless. Like a pebble tossed into the water, it creates a rippling effect that only grows in size.
Increase, a property of God's Kingdom. God uses us to affect countless lives in countless ways.
We would like to believe that God only uses us to bring bright happy futures to others. The opposite is often too hard to accept or bear. Moses was used to harden Pharaohs heart and destroy him. Yet, wasn't this for good, also?
Accepting God's Will is accepting God's Wisdom and Omniscience. God is all-knowing. He is The Alpha and the Omega--The Beginning and The End. Therefore, He alone knows the future. Surely, just as He knows our heart, He knows everyone's beginning and end.
To orchestrate His Divine Will and Plan for His Children and mankind, He must allow those who stand in the way of that Holiness to be given unto Death and those whose lives must bring about truth and change, to be brought home to rest in Him; both being a catalyst, part of God's plan, and His way of turning that which was meant for evil into good.
At the shelter we work on the premise that, every case is a real person and every person is important to God. Every case is risky, because each person is at risk.
These men are FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES! And we must help them fight! Denny was a soldier, who went to war to protect and fight for those who were at risk of losing their freedom and their lives.
My Brothers and Sisters, let us not forget that there is another type of war going on that fuels all other wars! We, too, are soldiers, but soldiers of the Cross! Soldiers who must be equipped with the Armour of God, fighting for the Kingdom of God!
I prefer to think of Javier and Denny now, not as casualties of war, but as catalysts to spur me and others to loose the chains of BONDAGE that keep men and women enslaved to Darkness and the certainty and finality of DEATH. Their deaths spark debate, provoke thought, instill appreciation, rally causes, awaken awareness, demand attention and action! Their deaths give me and you a choice to choose life or death AND I CHOOSE LIFE IN THE BLOOD AND SANCTITY OF CHRIST JESUS!
YES! We grieve for Javier and those who have been lost! But if we die and allow others to die without knowing and accepting their God and Savior, who can give them abundant and eternal life, then, DEATH HAS DEFEATED US and their dying...is...in...vain.
We must move on and live out the life God has planned for us, accepting the Will of God; accepting that He knows what is best for us...because of His undying...unchanging...and unconditional love...
Narrator: Come Sunday morning, Luke knew it was wrong, but he didn't feel like going to church. In his heart, he just didn't feel like worshipping God. He was still grieving and not wanting to let go of the conflict inside of him.
Due to his expectations, having failed to save Javier, he felt like he had failed God. Moreover, because of the pain he felt, he also felt that God had failed him, too. Still, as a leader in the ministry, he knew he had to be accountable and be an example.
Merle was excited about his sermon for the day. He had spent a lot of time reading and in prayer and meditation. He felt God had given him just the message that was needed at this time.
He hadn't been feeling well, so, Bee had told him to take it easy with his sermon. Merle gave her a long, romantic kiss, after which he retorted, "I'm an old man, but I ain't dead, yet." Feeling spry, He dug right into the message, enthusiastically, with a booming voice.
Merle: Good morning, Brothers and Sisters! Isn't it wonderful to serve the LIVING GOD?!
[The congregation responded with a loud burst of applause, amen and praise.]
Yet, as Jesus, the Word of God, described Him, He is "GOD OF THE LIVING! "
My friends, I'm going to ask you some important questions. I don't want you to try and answer them now- -just listen.
What is life?
Who is living?
Is everyone who does good, alive?
What does it mean to be dead in sin or born in sin?
Are we kicking against the goad when we hate and discriminate?
Tell me, do you really believe that Christ is The Truth, The Way and the Life? What does that mean?
Are all those living under religion lost?
Do those trapped in religion worship a different God?
What or who do they worship?
I want you to ponder these questions this week, study your Bible and your heart. Talk to God and see if you get the answers. But, perhaps, you're not ready for the answer to some of these questions.
(Merle paused and looked over the questioning faces of the congregation, then, went on.)
My Brothers and Sisters, Brethren,
The character of God should be within our heart. That is why God judges the hearts of men. The heart reveals that which you treasure and desire and also the god or idol that you worship.
God commanded us to have no other God than him. Yet, today, many still worship and pray to graven images or give more credence to tradition, rituals, religion, politics and the doctrine and ideology of man. But I ask you, can you pray to a stone and have Jehovah God in your heart? Can the stone be omnipresent, omnipotent--loving?
If you accept the stone as your god, or as a vehicle to your god, then, what does this reveal about your heart, your god, your world, your existence, purpose, reality and mortality? What is your value to the stone? To the Great, I Am, our value was the sacrifice of His Son's Life.
Where am I going with all of these questions?
I want you to make sure that you are one of the LIVING! I want you to understand those who are dead in God's eyes. How do we work with the living and do we accept God's Will for the dead?
Jesus told the Sadducee who came before him and who did not believe in the resurrection,
"He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. " Mark 12:27 King James Version
Are you ALIVE, having received eternal life through Jesus, my Brothers and Sisters, or are you DEAD IN SIN!
What can we do for the dead? Is there anything we can do? We can ASK! Even Jesus had to ask! Ask what?
God has a plan for the dead just as He has a plan for the living. Judas Iscariot was used to help fulfill prophecy and complete God's plan for the salvation of man.
We can ASK! Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven! Jesus resurrected the dead, but He prayed and asked for the WILL of God. And it was God's WILL that man should KNOW that RESURRECTION and NEW LIFE is given through Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
Jesus was flesh and blood, he did not want to suffer the agony of the cross, but He knew He had to accept the Will of God. At the Mount of Olives, in the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked God. We read in Luke 22: 39-44
39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.Jesus did not die in vain, but gave His life that man would be saved and given new life, because it was God's Will. What can we do for the dead? We can ask for the Will of God for their lives.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
We can sacrifice ourselves as disciples, dying to our flesh to live in Christ Jesus, with the Mind of Christ. We can spread the Truth to all and be an Example of the Way, that others may follow us into New Life and be saved from the fate of the Dead.
What can we do for the Dead? We can help create societies and laws to compel men to do good, although, many may not know why they do good, it may lead them to find out why.
But, the best and most loving kindness we can do for any man is to show them Jesus. For if they are Dead, perhaps, they haven't seen Him before. Perhaps, they've never had a friend like Jesus. And, in this, we know that our work, our prayers, our love for them will not be in vain.
Having come into contact with a Believer espousing and living the Word of God, the Dead are affected by the magnetic properties of God's Power. That Power is within us. The Word is alive within us and it will either DRAW OR REPEL!
There is no doubt that we will bring about change, for it is the Will of God and we are part of HIS plan, not ours, but, GOD'S PLAN! That is what we must HOLD ON TO! We are used to carry out God's Will and God's plan for His children. EACH ONE OF US IS IMPORTANT TO GOD! NONE ABOVE THE REST!
His love for us is unwavering, so much, that He allows us to choose life or death. We can choose to love and obey Him; for God says if you love me, you will obey me; or we can reject Him and be forever outside of His Light.
God says that He calls those who obey Him, friend and shares His wisdom with them. This says that God has a close relationship with those He calls friend. If your religion requires you to pray to or through another to get to your god, then what does this say about your value to your god? Does your god consider you worthy to be called' friend', or, instrumental as a vessel to be used?
Think about it for a moment. Do you have a 'personal' relationship with God, your Father? Are you his friend if he cannot share with you and communicate with you personally? Does His Spirit live within you?
We who worship the God of Abraham are quick to accuse others of worshipping false gods. But do we know the God we serve? Do we have a personal relationship with Him? Does He call us friend?
If we are not worshipping Him in Spirit and in Truth, are we trying to serve two masters? Then should we point a finger to accuse and condemn others?
Is it not our Father and Creator's desire that none should perish? Then, our Father, must have provided a way for none to perish!
And, perhaps, the only thing that separates us from our neighbor--our brother, is not their religion, but OUR OWN UNBELIEF IN GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND POWER!
Think about it. If we do indeed believe that God has made a Way through Christ Jesus, then shouldn't we all be traveling that Way? Yes? But, it says in
Matthew 7:14 King James Version (KJV)
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.Some may think the TRUTH to sound cruel and judgmental. However, they are not considering saving the soul of a man, but, rather, to spare the feelings and emotions of a man and perhaps, themselves. To those who reject the Truth, it always sounds cruel and judgmental.
So, everyone is not going to find the Way! But, God doesn't want anyone to perish, which means that we still must try to show everyone the Way! God wants them to know about the Way, so we must tell them and try to show them. So, we must tell them the TRUTH and they must accept the Truth, no matter how much it hurts! Did Jesus not bear our sin, pain, and sorrow, and suffer humility and pain upon the Cross? The Truth is meant to cut and circumcise the heart, compelling us to repent, and surrender our will to God.
Romans 2:25-29
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
We have been grafted into the Vine, who is Christ Jesus, the Son of God. So, must are hearts be circumcised by His Word, convicting us, humbling our hearts, so that we die to our flesh to accept the Truth.
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But, like Judas Iscariot and Simon, the Magician, people can accept the Truth and reject the Way, clinging to their old ways. If they chose to follow their old ways, they cannot stay on the straight and narrow path and enter into New Life. Yet, still they have been told of the Truth.
Yet, the Word of God says that it is better that they never knew the Truth, if they choose to remain in sin.2 Peter 2:20-22 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
There are consequences to rejecting the Word of God, because "In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was God."
We cannot straighten other roads or widen the gate for others because it is our will. God has SPOKEN. Let HIS Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven!
DO WE BELIEVE IN AND SERVE AN ALMIGHTY GOD? DO WE BELIEVE IN AND DESIRE TO HAVE AND GIVE GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL AND PERFECT LOVE?
God made a way and told us to point the direction. This requires us to change hearts and turn them in the right direction. God didn't say that it was going to be easy! God didn't say that it was going to be pleasant! He told us to do everything in LOVE for the glorification of God and His Kingdom!
So, then, we must stop putting limitations and prejudice guidelines upon HIS ALMIGHTY POWER and WILL and look at the limitations we have put upon ourselves and one another! The Power and Will of God is His to wield as He pleases, to whom He pleases, when He pleases.
Our condemnation of others, our judgment and limitations we set upon our neighbor can be a death sentence. Limiting the power of God, by judging and condemning our brother is not believing, neither is it worshipping in Spirit and in Truth, but shows that another has influence over us and we serve two masters.
Therefore, we do not surrender all in order to be used by God. Let us not forget that we have forgiveness and redemption, not because of our worthiness, but because of the worthiness of Christ Jesus. Amen
Do you know and accept that by claiming to be a follower of Jesus- -a Disciple, that He has commissioned you?! You have an assignment! You are commissioned to go out and change the world by changing the hearts of our neighbors and those who do not have a true relationship with our Father. But, how can you do this if there is condemnation in your heart? If you put limitations on who is worthy and try to bend the Will and Way of God?
It is not God's Power that fails, or, is prejudice, limited, or bound. It is our heart that has failed to free the hearts of men by exemplifying the indiscriminate and eternal love and character of Jehovah God!
Like spoiled children, many people receive blessings and gifts from God and refuse to share them with others. They have confused God's Grace and Mercy and providing for His Children with receiving His favor. David received favor from God because his heart, his obedience and love for God proved him worthy.
Do you have God's favor? And, if you do, what makes you worthy, not only of God's blessings, but of having His favor?
Many people are wealthy, famous, powerful, or have high status, or station in life, but they do not have God's favor. God showed us this through Saul, a King, who was put into power as a lesson to a rebellious and ungrateful people. Saul was blessed by God to be King of Israel, but because of his disobedience and hardened heart, his kingdom was given to one whom God favored.
While the people were putting limitations on God, doubting His power, doubting His Divine Will, doubting His very existence, God was waiting to see what the people would do. He had warned them about what would happen if they were given a king. He told them how kings can abuse their power. We must remember that not every man that God allows to rise to power, not every leader, not every president, has God's favor, but can be a lesson for the people to turn back to God, when they have believed that they can limit the power and love of God.
As we witness in today's world, it is indicative for those who are religious to put limitations on God's power in order to gain power for themselves! And in doing so practice discrimination, oppression, persecution, terror and killing, in the name of religion, disguised as the Will of God.
Saul, who became Paul thought he could limit the power of God and persecuted the Believers in Christ. Jesus met him on the road as Light! Paul was stopped dead in his tracks! He could go no further because of the Power and Light before him that left him in darkness, before God allowed the scales to be removed from his eyes to give him NEW SIGHT!
IN TIMES LIKE THESE, WHEN WE and OUR COUNTRY ARE SURROUNDED BY DARKNESS, GOD IS THE ONLY POWER WE MUST BELIEVE AND TRUST IN! We must not put our faith in political parties or religious factions to deliver us from evil!
Paul a devout Jew, one of the elite, became a BELIEVER and bondservant of Christ. Yet, before then, as one of the elite, Pharisee, he was certain and convinced he knew and served God as it SHOULD BE, the way which had been ESTABLISHED by man.
Now, ESTABLISHED RELIGIONS AND RELIGIOUS PEOPLE believe they can decide who is serving a false god. Yet, JESUS appeared to Paul as a LIGHT, a Beacon, The TRUTH, The WAY and The LIFE. God appeared to Moses as a BURNING BUSH.
Exodus 13:21
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
He appeared to Jacob and wrestled with him as an Angel. How has God appeared to YOU?!
When Moses asked God what He should be called, He said, "I AM." He could be who, what, where He wanted. Man cannot put limitations or boundaries upon Him.
Those who walk in sin and darkness are the walking dead, but they do not appear to the eye to be so. Yet, the Great Jehovah God says that they are DEAD. JESUS said they are DEAD. Can we call upon the eyes of man as a witness? The eye would say, "Certainly, they appear to be alive! How are they dead?"
We cannot look to the eyes and heart of the carnal world to give us Truth or save us, for it worships another master, the prince of darkness and the father of lies. Today, amidst all the turmoil in our nation and the world, God is sending us a message, asking, "Why are we looking for Truth from the world, now?" It has never been there. The Truth was sent to you and like Paul, you had no use for Him! You crucified Him!"
Must God continue to remind us that Judaism, as a RELIGION could not and cannot SAVE man. Christianity, as a RELIGION cannot SAVE man. Islam, as a RELIGION cannot SAVE man. Neither can any other religion; for only the LIGHT can lead us out of Darkness. God showed man the LIGHT and man sought to capture it for his own use, but the LIGHT could not be altered because it is TRUTH!
We must stop putting limitations on how God works and trying to change it for our own benefit! Within most religions can be found godly principles. God has shined the Light upon His people around the world, but how did men interpret it at the time? Holiness and righteousness is not a ritual or ideology! It is the Living CHARACTER OF GOD THAT TRANSFORMS AND INFORMS. It is a state of mind and being that connects us and unites us with God in Spirit and in Truth!
Paul had been persecuting Christians for years, but, when God was ready, in His time, He sent His Son to let Paul know and understand that he was living in darkness.
Jesus had to let Paul know he was kicking against the goad, the authority of God. Paul's efforts to exterminate Christians, the followers of Jesus was in vain. It wasn't going to stop God's plans for man's deliverance and the glorification of His Son.
GOD OF THE LIVING! My friends, are you amongst the living, today? Is God your God?
What is life?
Who is living?
Is everyone who does good, alive?
What does it mean to be dead in sin or born in sin?
Are we kicking against the goad when we hate and discriminate?
Tell me, do you really believe that Christ is The Truth, The Way and the Life? What does that mean?
Are all those living under religion lost?
Do those trapped in religion worship a different God?
What or who do they worship?
Many will not understand this message today and that's okay. It is more of a question for you to seek answers to and that's what I want you to do. ASK GOD! And, if you find that you are dead in sin, ASK GOD TO SAVE YOU...a poor sinner. Just ask Him children.
I'm going to post these questions and make copies that will be readily available around the church and with teachers and counselors. We will discuss them later in small groups in our classes. But, before you come to us for answers, I want you to ask God. Do not be discouraged if you are not ready for the answer, God is not through with you, yet. If God's Holy Spirit is within you, you are Whole, yet, God is maturing you spiritually, in His time. He wants you to learn more about life, the world, people, yourself, Jesus, and Him.
I want you to ponder these questions this week, study your Bible and your heart. Talk to God and see if He gives you the answers. Are you His friend? Is it that He expects something from you, or, that He wants you to truly Love and Obey Him?
These are questions each and every one of us must find answers to in our own heart first. We must allow God to examine our heart and honestly ask ourselves, "Are we kicking against the goad and God's plans, because of the darkness within our own heart? Do we really love our neighbor as we love ourselves? Do we really love the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? If we can't love our neighbor, as He commanded, then what god do we worship and serve?!
Are we serving Him or waiting to be served by Him? Are we worshipping in Spirit and in Truth? Have we really been reborn through His Spirit and our minds renewed to be like Christ?"
Those of the world can do good, but know not why. They give more credit to their religion than they do GOD. Therefore, their corrupted mind tells them they must be right and their religion must be the right religion.
Many do good and are thought to be good because of their works. But, is doing good the same as producing good fruit? This is how Satan so craftily misleads people, disguising darkness as Light. Corrupt men will do good deeds to win the support and admiration of others, as they use them for their own purpose of evil and corruption.
To produce good fruit, one must be attached to The Vine. This is the deciding factor between faith and works! Fruit can be bitter and grown in vain, as can works. Faith must be the fertile ground to produce good fruit and that faith comes by the Author and Finisher of our Faith, Christ Jesus, The Life-giving Vine. Without Him, we are simply producing kindle (wood) for the fire.
Under man's laws, Paul thought he was doing the right thing and doing good works; that is, doing good by persecuting and killing Christians. He could not see God's hand working, since he lacked a relationship and friendship with God. He thought his works were supported by deep faith and belief in His God. But, what god was he worshipping? What was in his heart? What did he treasure most? --His status and his religion? Hatred and persecution? Where was God in Paul's works?
Before Jesus came, did anyone consider these things, or, that they had allowed religion, tradition, and rituals, to separate them from their God? Anything foreign, unknown, or not understood, threatened to bring in false doctrine and threaten their beliefs. And so, it threatened Saul, who became Paul. It had to be cast out, cut off, banned and eliminated. What kind of faith did he have that was so fragile and vulnerable? Was it based on TRUTH?
If religion is more prolific than a relationship with God; If religion is more appealing than a relationship with God; If those in religion are seen as more prosperous, joyous, faithful, etc., than true Believers; If religion is seen as having more authority and power, than the Word of God, then we as BELIEVERS have to step up and be bold to proclaim the TRUE GOSPEL, awaken the sleeping and bring in the lost!
My friends, if you don't have answers to these questions, then it is time for you to find out if you are dead or alive, for God is God of the Living. Let us pray..........
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SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror
Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the following questions.
DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.
QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to:
https://fsasw.blogspot.com
https://fssw-followers.weebly.com
- Try to answer the questions throughout Merle's sermon. Discuss them with a mature Believer and/or in small groups.
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SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Luke 22 King James Version (KJV)
1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
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2 Peter 2 King James Version (KJV)
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
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