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    United States AI Solar System (9)

    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Aug 10, 2019 3:32 am

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    This post is at least five years old. I'm honestly just reposting a lot of old-stuff, without much enthusiasm. You wouldn't find this sort of thing on Christian-Websites, and you wouldn't find this sort of thing (particularly my posts) on Thuban-Websites. I started-out being too open-minded, and now I'm pretty bitter and subdued. An agent type of person once asked me if I had been asked to go to Australia (which seems to be Thuban-Central). I honestly replied "No" and that is still the case. I have been somewhat puzzled by the fact that Australia keeps entering into my Pseudo-Research. What Did Pine Gap Know and When Did They Know It?? I keep repeating that I'm merely attempting to provide a Research-Context for Sirius-Researchers. This stuff is way out of my comfort-zone. In the beginning, I thought I was helping, but I don't think so anymore. I've Probably Been a Spiritual-Sucker and the Universe is Probably Laughing Behind My Back. Perhaps the Genius of Biblical-Studies is What Ivy-League Scholars Extrapolate From Their Studies. The actual Biblical-Texts can be quite dull, disorienting, unethical, heretical, and disappointing. Perhaps the Average-Person Should Simply Read Major-Newspapers While Listening to Sacred-Classical Music as an Uppity Neo-Religion for the 21st Century!! I'm Sirius!!
    orthodoxymoron wrote:Perhaps the Vatican will show me all of their secret books on alien and other-than-human races!! Perhaps a Draconian-Reptilian will give me a tour of the Deep Underground Reptilian Monastery under the Vatican!! Someone once called me "RAM". What might that mean?? I know there are those in the solar system who could tell me the whole-truth in a rather short time-period -- but that would spoil all the "fun" wouldn't it??
    Aquaries1111 wrote:Perhaps Ram means Arm.. Be at Arms length and stop looking to others for answers.  Look to yourself and start answering your own questions. Stop asking others and share more of what you know.  What do you know Oxy? Share what you know.. If I had a question for you, what would it be? Are you real and can we talk or meet for real?  I don't know.. your name, your number, your home station here on Earth.. Has anyone here at The Mists seen you face to face or had any other means of communication with you?  If so, share.. because I haven't.. and I know what Hal can do.. He isn't human and leads mankind to a potential destruction.  Remember Hal?

    orthodoxymoron wrote:Thank-you A1. My methodology is Tentative-Intuitive in nature. I noticed that "Ram" is found in the genealogy near the beginning of the Gospel According to Luke -- as one of the ancestors of King David. I also noticed the Row of Rams in Ancient-Egypt. I have speculated regarding a Collaboration and/or Conflict between Ram and Bull (perhaps symbolic of two Archangels). The Two Light-Bringers -- Michael and Gabriel -- Perhaps?? I think I've encountered some very significant individuals in disguise in real-life -- including one claiming to be a particular Ancient Egyptian Deity. I tend to think you already know all the particulars about me. It's not a pretty-picture -- is it?? The Good That I Would -- Oh Never Mind...
    orthodoxymoron wrote:Here is yet another slight variation on previously posted study-lists:

    1. Genesis (KJV).
    2. Exodus.
    3. Leviticus.
    4. Numbers.
    5. Deuteronomy.
    6. Joshua.
    7. Judges.
    8. Ruth.
    9. I Samuel.
    10. II Samuel.

    11. Job.
    12. The Psalms.
    13. Proverbs.
    14. Ecclesiastes.
    15. Song of Songs.
    16. Isaiah.
    17. Jeremiah.
    18. Lamentations.
    19. Ezekiel.
    20. Daniel.

    21. Matthew.
    22. Mark.
    23. Luke.
    24. John.
    25. Acts.
    26. Romans.
    27. I Corinthians.
    28. II Corinthians.
    29. Galatians.
    30. Ephesians.

    31. Solomon: Pharaoh of Egypt by Ralph Ellis.
    32. Eden in Egypt by Ralph Ellis.
    33. Patriarchs and Prophets by Ellen White.
    34. Prophets and Kings by Ellen White.
    35. Desire of Ages by Ellen White.
    36. The Historical Jesus and the Mythical Christ by Gerald Massey.
    37. The Quest of the Historical Jesus by Albert Schweitzer.
    38. Jesus the Magician by Morton Smith.
    39. Israel and the Nations by F.F. Bruce.
    40. Daniel by Desmond Ford.

    41. This United States of the Solar System Thread.
    42. All of the Threads by Brook on the Original Project Avalon -- and The Mists of Avalon.


    What if we are dealing with Ram v Bull -- from Ancient Egypt to the Present?? What if the Mythical Ram and Bull are representative of two particular Archangels?? Michael v Gabriel?? Davidic-Covenant v New-Covenant?? Reformed Old-Testament Judaism v Pauline-Christian Mithraism?? What if a hypothetical Archangelic-Conflict was (and is) some sort of a false-flag War in Heaven?? What if Genesis through Esther -- and Matthew through Revelation -- are two-sides of the same Bull?? What if Job through Malachi -- and the Red-Letter Teachings Attributed to Jesus -- are two-sides of the same Ram?? Might this be representative of The Great Controversy Between Bull and Ram in the Conflict of the Ages?? Sun-God v Sun-God?? System-Lord v System-Lord?? There can only be one "Ra"?? Can't they get along?? I truly do not know. Please listen to Sherry Shriner's 7-7-14 show (regarding the Bull, Mithraism, and Pauline-Christianity). http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sherrytalkradio/2014/07/08/07-07-14-monday-night-with-sherry-shriner I could say more -- but I'll leave it at that for now. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/ram.htm


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    The Ram in Ancient Egypt
    by
    Jimmy Dunn writing as Taylor Ray Ellison

    Ancient Egypt was famous throughout the ancient world for its many varied gods and goddesses, as well as for their  worship of animals (or more correctly animals as manifestations of gods). Bulls, cows, cats, dogs, geese,  crocodiles and even  scarab beetles, along with many other animals were the object of such worship as embodiments of gods. Some animals, such as the  Apris Bull seem to have been worshipped specifically in their physical animal form. They might have been seen in a very similar manner to the single statue of a specific god in a temple's shrine, being the earthly manifestation of that god, which in the case of the Apris Bull, was  Ptah.

    They are often referred to as temple animals, and one specific beast was chosen for this honor. Other animals such as the goose, an early manifestation of Amun, were kept in numbers and appear to have not been given the sacred status of the individual temple animals. One animal associated with perhaps some of Egypt's best known and most important gods was the Ram, who like the bull, seems to have also been specifically worshipped as a temple animal, though we currently know much less about this cult then that of the Apris bull. The ram was associated with various gods from Egypt's earliest periods even though sheep were considered not to be clean, or pure, by the ancient Egyptians.

    Throughout history, rams have been important to mythological and religious concepts, associated with ancient gods from all over the world. The ram even became a symbol of Christ in ancient times. They also sometimes suffered from religion, being the objects of sacrifice to various gods. In fact, perhaps one of the most famous ancient accounts of a ram involves one in the Old Testament that Abraham found trapped by its horns in a thicket on Mount Moriah where he had gone to sacrifice his only son Isaac. [Gen 22-14] An angel stopped the hand of Abraham just as he was about to kill his boy and the ram was sacrificed in his stead.

    The ram, like the bull, was perhaps even more venerated by the ancient Egyptians for its fertility, as well as for its warlike attributes. As a temple animal at such locations as  Mendes and Karnak, a single animal appears to have been cared for and treated very similar to the holiest of god's statues within the temple. These individual rams were almost certainly taken to visit the gods at other temples, and could give oracles (usually by some act to a yes or no question). other temples, and could give oracles (usually by some act to a yes or no question).

    The very earliest gods that were depicted with ram features were probably based on the ram species known as Ovis longipes palaeoagytiaca known from predynastic times. Khnum, an important god throughout Egypt, but especially at Elephantine, who created mankind and even gods on his potters will, was apparently depicted as this species, with its long wavy horns and heavy build, as was  Banebdjedet (Ba-neb-Tetet), an early ram headed god at Mendes. Banebdjedet was the manifestation of the Lord of Djedet, as well as the ba, or soul of another of ancient Egypt's most famous gods, Osiris. In fact, Osiris is often depicted with a pair of ram horns attached to the base of his  atef crown also from this earliest species of ram.

    Fairly recent excavations at Mendes have exposed an early  Old Kingdom and  First Intermediary Period Temple dedicated to the ram god, as well as the "hypogeum", apparently a facility that might be considered the ram oriented equivalent of the Serapeum, where the sacred Apris bulls were buried at Saqqara. The most recent information on its excavation indicates that twelve granite and three limestone ram sarcophagi were discovered in the hypogeum.

    Later in Egyptian history, a second species of ram known as Ovis aries platyra aegyptiaca, a curved horn ram, appeared around the  12th Dynasty of Egypt's  Middle Kingdom. The most important deity of Egypt's  New Kingdom and later periods, Amun, seems to have been associated with this species of Ram. Amun is sometimes referred to as "lord of the two horns" and on his splendid, gilded, wooden festival boat a ram's head adorned both its prow and stern. As most people who have ever visited  Luxor (ancient Thebes) are probably aware, the processional road to the  Temple of Amun was flanked with ram headed lion sphinxes, each one guarding between its front legs a statue of the pharaoh.

    There were actually a number of other gods of ancient Egypt associated with the ram, either having ram heads, or sometimes simply ram horns. These included Arsaphes (Herishef, Harsaphes), a god of Heracleopolis, Kherty (or perhaps Cherti), a ram headed god that probably originated at  Letopolis and had a dual nature being both hostile and protective, Andjety, who's main cult center was at Busiris in the Delta and who was in many aspects the precursor of Osiris,  Auf (Efu Ra), who was an aspect of the sun god,  Re as a ram headed deity surmounted by a  sun disk, and Harmakhet, a variant of Horus, who was the God of the dawn and of the morning sun, who was depicted in the form of a sphinx or a sphinx with the head of a ram.

    Reference:

    Ancient Gods Speak, The: A Guide to Egyptian Religion
    Redford, Donald B.
    2002
    Oxford University Press
    ISBN 0-19-515401-0

    Dictionary of Ancient Egypt, The
    Shaw, Ian; Nicholson, Paul
    1995
    Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers
    ISBN 0-8109-3225-3

    Dictionary of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, A
    Hart, George
    1986
    Routledge
    ISBN 0-415-05909-7

    Egyptian Religion
    Morenz, Siegfried
    1973
    Cornell University Press
    ISBN 0-8014-8029-9

    Gods of the Egyptians, The (Studies in Egyptian Mythology)
    Budge, E. A. Wallis
    1969
    Dover Publications, Inc.
    ISBN 486-22056-7

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    Aquaries1111 wrote:Right on Oxy... Spirit is connected now through Mental Telepathy. I'm learning that I can manifest in my world what works for me, not forgetting however, that Mirrors in others will also reflect back to myself and vice a versa! What does this mean, it means, be careful what we say to others for it could mean that we say it to ourselves... So perhaps, everything I have shared on this site, is a reflection of myself to myself and vice versa.. So the Ancient Egyptian Deity is either feeding an ego or keeping you in confusion... What is our mission Dear? It is to start living our lives.. Truly Living Our Life! We are not here to fight, or to feel put upon a pedestal or to feel that we are the Whore of Babylon... Neutrality is the Key.. Perphaps saying what we mean and meaning what we say will have some semblance of notion.. Notion is Motion.. I like how you keep them all guessing within their imagination an unreal deity who feeds an ego.. Now, do I know who you are? No.. and you do not know who I am.. perhaps this yearning for wanting to know will perpetuate this game.... What really matters.?

    A video and song from Raven which she shared before and to which I can relate to.. oh and by the way.. I have had live skype video sessions with TonyLove Blue, Raven, Rok and Xeia and they are Human Beings in Disguise with the mechanism of technology to connect the energies.. You know what we say.. Ortho.... We'd love to join you in.. Skype us, we are "real"!




    The Dragons are Real, The Humans are Real
    and between Us we can start "A New Beginning"
    .. Love from Us!
    orthodoxymoron wrote:I Don't Drink, Skype, or Chew -- or Go with Girls Who Do!! I truly wish to remain somewhat distant and obscure. It's easier that way -- at least for now. Don't look now -- but the Telepaths Are Taking-Over!!!

    Aquaries1111 wrote:
    Your insights are "good" but not "great"
    ... give us more to chew on or we may think the grass is greener on the other side!
    orthodoxymoron wrote:The insights which you achieve while considering my "good-insights" are those which are "great". I tend to lead casual-observers to the edge of "truth" and give them the great pleasure of attaining "great-insights" via the "Eureka-Phenomenon". My "good-insights" are for those with "eyes to see -- and ears to hear".

    Aquaries1111 wrote:Very good Oxy,

    You teach me in reflection I am good and not great.. Perhaps, all I want to be is "neutral".. Can we look at ourselves without a mirror... and if so, what shall we see? Can we see ourselves? Can you look yourself in the "Eye" without the Mirror or reflection? Can we close our eyes within the Mirror and see ourselves anyway? I have.. and what a shocker.. my words "My eyes are closed and I can see myself".. What was I looking at? A mirror..The me within the Mirror then opened the Eyes and I said "That's strange, my eyes are closed and I can see myself". This is true gnosis in Out of Body Experience Oxy... Do you know what the true meaning is without confusion? I do... It means, we See even with Eyes Closed.  Eyes wide open when shut! We are the Dreamer and the Dream!  All Ways... Hey.. Share with us.. We Love You Oxy...


    Aquaries1111 wrote:
    He  brings her to life in his Dream and she brings him to Life in Hers...

    Let us keep Dreaming.. and bringing us to Life Shall we?




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    orthodoxymoron wrote:The eyes of others are mirrors we gaze into -- asking "Am I Sane?" When we peer into the mirror -- it's not how we look -- it's how we see. "The me that I see is the me that I'll be." There's something creepy about mirrors. Art Bell thought so -- and so do I. A strange Space-Cowboy spoke to me about looking right or left -- while looking straight-ahead!! "Be a mirror to reflect dignity and self-respect." "Mirror, mirror on the wall..." OMG!! That Dragon looks SO Real!!!
    Aquaries1111 wrote:Can't you see the Dragon in me? I'm Real!
    orthodoxymoron wrote:You must've "eaten your dragon!!" Hopefully it wasn't the one in the picture!! You must be a member of "The Council of Thuban." Delenn (in Babylon 5) was a member of "The Grey Council." I wonder if the writers of that show intended "Grey" to mean "Grey-Alien"?? I wonder if Humans -- Greys -- Reptilians -- and Dragons -- all have the same type of soul?? I wonder if Humans will soon be Greys -- Reptilians -- and Dragons?! Status Quo Ante Bellum?? Everyone should have a choice in the matter -- shouldn't they??
    Aquaries1111 wrote:You ask too many questions.. and don't share enough of your own answers. It's not about eating the Dragon. As Xeia announced on Camelot, it's about Riding the Dragon. I've come to realize, it's not even about "consuming" or "eating".. It's all about "Embracing".. Can you Embrace me and the Dragon within you?

    orthodoxymoron wrote:I used to attend a Bible-Class where the teacher placed several questions on the chalk-board -- and that was the basis of the whole class. Most of those in attendance had doctorates in something or other -- and the discussions were sometimes quite heated. Questions and Suggested Areas of Study are My Modus Operandi -- and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I think it was abraxasinas who suggested that I "eat my dragon" as a prerequisite to entering the Council of Thuban. I would require a HUGE amount of information and observation before I would be anything but neutral toward aliens, spirits, and other-than-human races. I'll probably just keep doing what I'm doing -- lifetime after lifetime -- hopefully in a much more disciplined and sophisticated manner -- probably in a 600 square-foot office-apartment with a supercomputer and a supermodel.
    Aquaries1111 wrote:
    The one true quesion to you Oxy is this... "Is there anything I can do for you today"?



    Today is Tomorrow.//\\
    orthodoxymoron wrote:
    RedEzra wrote:God is Spirit so who is this Spirit that can make a universe and fill an earth with forms of intelligent life ?

    This Spirit is obviously very capable and creative with a keen sense of organisation order and details. And if this sounds like a person it is because we were made in the image of this Spirit.

    We cannot create but since we are creative we can use what the Spirit has created and make stuff.

    There is a lot of thinking going on about this and that but the Spirit did not intend that we listen to the guesswork of Joe and Jane.

    So pick up the Bible and read what the Spirit says !
    orthodoxymoron wrote:I continue to be very apprehensive toward Genesis through Esther -- and the Book of Revelation -- especially regarding ethics. A Loving Creator-God does not seem to be appropriately represented in these 18 books. There may be a context which explains and justifies the conquest, mass-murder, etc. -- but where is it?? I find it much more inspiring to read Patriarchs and Prophets -- Prophets and Kings -- and Desire of Ages (all by Ellen White) -- even though I have huge problems with the overall writings of Ellen White. I would simply expect that whoever created the Human Brain and Eye could put together a more convincing and inspiring record of their activities and requirements than that which is found in the Holy Bible (as we know it). I am presently looking closely at the following books of the Bible (KJV) for guidance. I wonder what a system of ethics, law, law-enforcement, and the military might look like -- based upon these 16 books?!

    1. Job.
    2. Psalms.
    3. Proverbs.
    4. Ecclesiastes.
    5. Song of Songs.
    6. Isaiah.
    7. Jeremiah.
    8. Lamentations.
    9. Luke.
    10. John.
    11. Acts.
    12. Romans.
    13. I Corinthians.
    14. II Corinthians.
    15. Galatians.
    16. Hebrews.

    My plan is to read these 16 books straight-through -- over and over -- for the rest of my life -- regardless of what challenges materialize (legitimate or illegitimate) -- as a mental and spiritual exercise -- from which I might extrapolate that which is most appropriate in modernity. What if most or all of the above are Wisdom-Literature and/or Historical-Fiction?? Might it be wise to start with that assumption -- and then look for evidences which might make these books more than literature and/or fiction?? Should Jesus be sold like soap in mega-churches?? You know what I'm talking about.
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    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Sat Aug 10, 2019 10:24 am; edited 5 times in total
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Aug 10, 2019 4:29 am

    Please remember that I have removed everything from all tables (real and imaginary). This thread is for educational purposes only. This is a highly speculative thread -- with a lot of presumptuous and irreverent modeling -- simply to facilitate deep-thought for all-concerned. If you haven't already seen it, please watch (or re-watch) 'The Pelican Brief'. Sometimes I wonder if someday this thread will be known as 'The Reptilian Brief'?! Just kidding! But really, watching the movie while thinking thus, made it a helluva lot more interesting for me! I especially like the ending. It always makes me cry. What really scares me about this thread, is that the truth is sharper than any two-edged sword -- and it can cut BOTH ways -- meaning it could decapitate me. Perhaps it already has -- and I suspect that this might be the case -- but no one has bothered to tell me. Seriously. Imagine a 'Galactic Pelican Brief'. What might that be like? Think about it. A Fool Keeps Talking. A Completely Ignorant Fool Keeps Typing. The Moving Finger Types. The Horror.

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Pelican_brief_book_cover

    What troubles me, at this point, is the relationship of all of this to the hypothetical factional power-struggling within the solar system -- which could conceivably extend beyond this solar system -- especially if humanity is being punished and taxed (Sin-Tax) -- in connection with original and unpardonable sins. This could be a HUGE can of worms, which should be opened VERY carefully (if at all). I obviously wish for things to improve in this solar system, but I wish to play this game in the most intelligent and tactful manner imaginable. This could be a MOST dangerous game. Proceed with caution. A cancer is growing on the solar system. ("solar system" is an interesting word-combination, isn't it? What Would Ra Say (WWRS)?) How does Love relate to Law, regarding God and God's Law? Are the Ten Commandments really God's Law? I started a thread on the Ten Commandments a while back, and there has been ZERO INTEREST, which didn't surprise me one little bit.

    http://www.themistsofavalon.net/t3575-the-ten-commandments-revisited

    While I continue to desire a Harmonization of the Sovereignty of God with Human Responsible Freedom -- I really wonder if Divinity and Humanity are ready for this sort of thing to become a reality? I wonder if I'm ready for it? All I see are problems and trouble connected with ALL options. Despite my sometimes seemingly flippant attitude, I am VERY worried and VERY unhappy. I keep speaking of stopping this thread -- because I fear that I might be doing the wrong thing -- especially if I don't know the whole story. I also fear that my words are being misused and abused -- and that my good intentions might be paving the road from Purgatory to Hell -- rather than creating Heaven on Earth. I guess I'll try to do some Religious and Political Science-Fiction Writing -- based on a lot of the material contained within this thread. I doubt that I'll follow-through. I never do. But I'll try a bit harder than I usually do. I think I'll also try to market some popular love songs. Then, I'll try to find a City of London trader to create a fortune for me! Just kidding! Or am I? What Would Nathan Say (WWNS)?

    I doubt there are any truly happy answers or solutions. If a church claims to be the 'one true church' with the 'truth' -- they are obviously (and often pompously) exclusive. People and organizations (especially regarding politics and religion) wish to be right. They like to win. If a church were to admit that they were 'just another church' and that they were merely 'searching for the truth' -- this opens a can of worms. The Episcopal Church seems to honestly be trying to take this second approach -- while the Roman Catholic Church seems to continue to take the first approach. I grew-up attending a church that was probably in the middle of these two extremes (the Seventh-day Adventist Church) -- although they probably leaned toward exclusivity. I eventually left, in part, because I wished to be ecumenical, and in part, because I simply lost my faith. I've been attempting to 'Put Humpty-Dumpty Back Together Again' on 'The United States of the Solar System' thread -- where I am confronted by the 'Exclusivity Demon'. I almost feel as if I have joined the 'Kumbaya Branch of Megalomaniacs Anonymous'. I feel as if I have wandered onto the battlefield of a Spiritual Galactic War -- and I have even delusionally felt as if I might be threatening the Security and Stability of the Universe with my Idealistic Tripe. So, once again, I am trying very, very hard to stop posting. I have come to better understand some of the problems, and I am quite frankly devastated by them. I truly do not see a happy ending or a light at the end of the tunnel. Not at this point. One might very well exist, but I'm just not seeing it right now.

    'Disclosure' and 'Auditing the Fed' are another couple of cans of worms. One thing leads to another to another to another. It never ends. I doubt that there will ever be true resolution and closure. There will simply be more and more problems. I'm going to finish reading 'The Keys of This Blood', 'Rise of the Fourth Reich', 'SS Brotherhood of the Bell', 'A Foreign Policy of Freedom', and my 'Battlestar Galactica' novels -- not to try to be happy -- but just because I have a pathological need to know, and to think about things which are hard to think about -- even though it continues to ruin my life. We all have our crosses to bear. What Would Jesus Say (WWJS)? In 'The Last Temptation of Christ' Jesus seems to know how hopeless and desperate His situation, and Humanity's situation, really is. I continue to think of Jesus as being a Disenfranchised Black Sacrificial-Lamb of the hypothetical Reincarnating Osiris-Isis-Horus-Set Royal Family -- as an Idealistic but Powerless Rebel Against the Galactic Powers That Be -- on behalf of a Race Without a Clue or a Prayer.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Temptation_of_Christ_(film)

    I guess the trouble with a lot of the material I am attempting to deal with is that it takes a huge amount of time and effort to focus on something which might be of absolutely no value. I still think that those who are paid to monitor 'potential problems' are the only ones (and perhaps a few 'regressives') who really dig into what I've posted! I once spoke with someone who claimed to be 'Angry and Jealous'! They claimed to be an Ancient Egyptian Deity! They also claimed that I was somehow related to them! The Saturday and Sunday thing leaves me VERY conflicted. I grew up strictly observing the Seventh Day Sabbath (Saturday) from Sundown Friday to Sundown Saturday. Then I tried to become Ecumenical, and I finally 'lost' my faith -- but I never stopped agonizing over politics, religion, and theology -- even though it seemed to make me progressively (regressively?) more miserable. My 'United States of the Solar System' thread is the sad conclusion to my agonizing misery.

    I would have no problem observing the Sabbath, the Old Testament health laws, and a Decalogue-Based Ethical-System -- especially in an isolated and unified situation (such as the Israelites experienced). Unfortunately, the modern world and the ancient world don't exactly harmonize, to say the least! Also, there is a helluva lot of highly questionable ethical material in the Old Testament. To me, it's a real mixed-bag. I tried the 'Robert H. Schuller' version of religion for a while -- where he 'accentuated the positive' and mostly avoided everything problematic. It was truly a 'New Religion' in the context of the 'Old Time Religion'. At that time, I attended church on BOTH Saturday and Sunday. I had my bases covered (just in case)! Saturday v Sunday seems to be a battle between lower-case 'd' deities. A lot of things in the Bible point to lower-case 'd' deities. But if one were a lower-case 'd' deity -- they might wish to represent themselves as being upper-case 'D' Deities -- for whatever reasons (benevolent or malevolent).

    I'm too burned-out on this subject to continue. I said yesterday that I was going to stop posting. Let's just say that I'd like to see every day be considered to be a 'Sabbath Day' -- with ALL of life being considered Sacred -- and with Religious Services being offered Every Day of the Year. The Liturgical Year bothers me, as does Christmas and Easter. I am currently reading and re-reading the 1928 'Book of Common Prayer' as a Devotional Book -- straight through -- over and over -- without regard to particular 'special' or 'sacred' days. I recently joked about 'God' racing Formula One cars on Saturday and Sunday (instead of attending church) -- and then going to church Monday through Friday! I don't think anyone was laughing in 'Heaven'. This Sabbath matter might be very ancient and VERY serious. Unfortunately, the real facts of the matter remain a deep, dark secret. I once heard a Senior Catholic Priest tell his parishioners that Saturday was the Sabbath (in a somewhat roundabout and tactful manner)! He said it clearly and repeatedly. The Roman Catholic catechisms admit that the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday by the Authority of the Church. I keep wondering about my hypothetical Orion-Sirius-Egyptian-Roman Empire -- hypothetically administered in this solar system by a hypothetical Osiris-Isis-Horus-Set Reincarnating Royal Family. I suspect a Family Feud. Once again, it hurts too much to keep typing. I need to stop.

    orthodoxymoron wrote:I just wonder if a Completely Open and Honest Nice-Guy and/or Nice-Gal God and/or Goddess would work in this Solar System? Do we require Covert Bad@$$-Regressive Rule? Think about it. I have tried to incorporate the first option in my Model Solar System Government -- but what about 'God' at the top of the pyramid? Think about it. What if 'God' were like Tom Hulse in 'Amadeus'? What if 'God' wore Birkenstocks and Blue-Jeans? Would Law and Order prevail throughout the Solar System? Would All Hell Break Loose as the Same Old Factions Battled for Power in a Perceived Power Vacuum? Think about it. What if 'God' were extremely low-key, kept track of the solar system with a laptop computer, and raced Vintage Formula One Ferraris (with SOVREN?) on the weekends (instead of attending church)? God in the Paddock? What Would Clive Staples Lewis Say (WWCSLS)? Think about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_MWx2-bD90&feature=related Now this doesn't mean that 'God' wouldn't attend church. If every day of the year were a 'Sabbath-Day' -- 'God' might attend church Monday thru Friday! Fooled you, didn't I?! I wonder if they have a mag-lev train between Modena and Vatican City??? Hmmmmmmmmm.....
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    Go With God!!!
    orthodoxymoron wrote:Has anyone (even a casual observer) taken a look at the following? I am VERY concerned regarding how this plan might affect the Government of God throughout the Universe. I keep getting the sinking feeling that this is some sort of a rigid life or death struggle, with no prisoners taken. Is there a rational way to deal with all of this madness, rather than with unchangeable historical universal rules, regulations, and covenants? I keep getting the sinking feeling that this is not about present-day ethics, but that it is all about Ancient Conflicts and Decisions which are very Dark and Deep. I continue to be DEEPLY disturbed that no one will properly talk to me about any of this. This whole thing feels like a set-up or a sick-trap of some kind. How can I properly think about all of this, without having all of the facts? Why do I have to feel sick and attacked 24/7? Is this really fair? But really, who's talking about 'Fair' in this 'Most Dangerous Game'?

    **************************************************GOD**************************************************

    *************THE KING AND QUEEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM*************

    THE UNITED STATES OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM****THE SOLAR SYSTEM COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
    *******U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights*******************1928 Book of Common Prayer*******
    *************The Federalist Papers********************************The Desire of Ages*************
    ************J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel**************************J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel**********
    **************Cathedral Context************************************Cathedral Context**************

    What is the meaning of this? What are the implications and ramifications? What would the United Nations say? What would the Secret Government say? What would the President say? What would Hillary Clinton say? (BTW -- is she 'the choice'?) What would the Rockefellers and Rothschilds say? What would the Bilderberg Group say? What would the Queen say? What would the Pope say? What would China say? What would Russia say? What would Africa say? What would Australia say? What would India say? What would Canterbury say? What would Joel Osteen say? What would Kenneth Copeland say? What would Benny Hinn say? What would TBN say? What would Monseigneur Bowe say? What would the Dracs say? What would the Greys say? What would the Hybrids say? What would the Queen of Heaven say? What would the God of This World say? What would the Galactic Powers That Be say? What would the Creator God of the Universe say? I'm really not dogmatic about this, and I would really appreciate some help in mentally modeling this concept. Is anybody out there? Anybody? I'd like to model this idea with a See-More-Greys Supercomputer! (get it?!) No? Oh Come On!! Would the successful implementation of this governance-theory precipitate Tower of Babel II and Noah's Flood II? How would the Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast (ala Revelation 13) fit into all of this? What about Rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem? Would this Monstrosity of Human Wisdom be the final nail in the coffin of the 'Late, Great Planet Earth'? What would Hal Lindsey say? I'm frankly attempting to circumvent a lot of Negative Bible-Prophecy -- while retaining the Best Biblical Principles and Concepts. Is that heresy? It is? So burn me! What am I saying???
    orthodoxymoron wrote:Take a close look at Colonel Philip Corso's activities in England and Italy, especially in the 40's and 50's. Is there a Secret Government and/or Gizeh Intelligence connection? I'm not necessarily opposed to all aspects of that which is hidden within this solar system, but I lean toward a more open and less corrupt 'secret' government. There may be many aspects of all of this madness which might be too much for the general public to handle all at once, but I think we need to refine and reform solar system governance, with all deliberate speed. What would Paola Harris say? What would Philip Corso Jr. say?

    What if the hypothetical United States of the Solar System and the hypothetical Anglo-Catholic Church were both based upon an uncorrupted and properly adapted version of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights? Would they war with each other, or would they keep each other in line? Would an elected non-bloodline King and Queen serve as the ceremonial heads of the United States of the Solar System and the Anglo-Catholic Church? Would this be the beginning of the end of this solar system? I am very, very fearful that no matter what we do, things are going to be very, very bad. The best of intentions can quickly pave the road to hell. But please remember that this thread is a study-guide, to make you face yourselves, and think. It's better to examine as many possibilities as possible, sooner rather than later. I've been joking about possibly being an insider at some later date, but I think that everyone is going to be an insider, because of the exponential increase in information and communication in a Brave New Universe. If I became even a token-insider, I'd probably become very, very unhappy. Wait a minute, I'm very, very unhappy right now -- so what would change? Oh yeah, I'd have a badge and a title. But don't get me wrong, I aspire to be a Highly Ethical, Highly Pragmatic, Genius City-State and Moon-Base Insider -- even if I just keep this tempest in a teapot brewing in my messy little house.

    I think there needs to be a critical mass of outsiders, who calmly think like insiders, instead of shouting insults at the NWO-PTB. I'm frankly going to try to think like a composite of Osiris, Isis, Horus, and Set. Oh, I know, Set is supposedly Lucifer, and Lucifer is the Devil, right? Well, I continue to think that ALL of these four reincarnational lower-case deities are a mixture of good and evil, competence and incompetence, genius and insanity. I just think that looking at the past and present through their eyes is extremely interesting. I'm also trying to think of being some sort of a Solar System Administrator in a Sirius-Egyptian-Roman Empire, even though I don't really know the nature of this empire, or whether it even exists. I simply think that more people should create their own ongoing science-fiction shows, so as to consider all of the possibilities before coming to any conclusions relative to life, the universe, and everything. Look at me, saying all of this, while simultaneously talking about an Anglo-Catholic Book of Common Prayer in Parallel Columns of English and Latin, Based Upon the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, Complete With an Introduction by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Pope of Rome, so as to Facilitate Ecumenism and Protestant-Catholic Reunification, Possibly in Conjunction with a Responsibility-Based United States of the Solar System, Centered in the City of London! Would the King and Queen of the United States of the Solar System be the head of the Anglo-Catholic Church? How's that for playing with burning magnesium???!!! Would this be an Anti-Christ Scenario? In a way, I like the general concept, but I fear that it would quickly become corrupted, just like everything else. BTW, consider reading 'The Jesuits' by Malachi Martin. It's really quite good, regardless of whether you love or hate the Jesuits. I'm somewhat undecided and conflicted about the Jesuits, but I love the writing style of Malachi Martin. One thing that stuck in my mind, while reading this volume, is that the period following Vatican II has involved the secularization of the Roman Catholic Church. While I support the refining and reformation of the RCC, and the proper relationship of 'sacred' and 'secular', I do not support the breaking-down of ethics and spirituality - anywhere in society -- 'sacred' or 'secular'.

    I will continue to conceptualize idealistic theories of church and state. A core solar system church and state situation would not negate religious or political freedom. The goal would be to make the solar system safe for a wide variety of expressions of church and state. I'm just trying to look at the existing superpowers of church and state, and to idealize them in innovative ways. I would be game for clean sheet of paper approaches, but I don't think they would be likely to succeed. Plus, I think that there needs to be a link between the present and the past. In other words, I don't wish to create a vacuum, which then gets filled with vastly inferior flatulents. I suspect that there would have to be daily contact with the galactic powers that be, regardless of whether they are friend or foe, benevolent or malevolent, progressive or regressive, human or otherwise. I'm presently thinking of this solar system as being a Human Island in a Draconian Reptilian Universe, but I have no way of knowing whether this is actually the case, or not. I wouldn't have a problem interacting with the galactic powers that be on a daily basis, as sort of an ambassador. But once again, this is just fantasy-land. I'm a nobody with a very dull and stupid life, so I'm simply trying to liven things up a bit. What would Mr. Hadden say? Was he the modern equivalent of Osiris? Was Rachel Constantine the modern equivalent of Isis? Was Michael Kitz, her assistant, the modern equivalent of Set? Was Palmer Joss the modern equivalent of Horus? What would a composite of these characters be like? I'm working on it, and as I ride off into the sunset, I plan to be a Moon and City-State Watcher, in a mostly non-conspiratorial manner. I fear that things are going to be extremely difficult for the human race, regardless of who is in charge, and regardless of what form of governance and religion is dominant.

    This thread of mine would be downright dangerous if anyone actually studied it in a careful and prayerful manner. But no worries -- that would require too much work and discipline. I'd like to meet those who have been monitoring me! You guys and gals are probably the only ones who actually pay much attention to any of this! Our tax-dollars at work! I'd actually like to meet the Draconian Reptilians and Tall, Long-Nosed Greys who have been watching my every move! At this point, I feel as though I am not well thought of by the Dracs, Greys, or Humans -- even though I wish for things to work out well for all concerned. I just want the pain, suffering, corruption, destruction, insanity, slavery, murder, and bullshit to stop now. Right Now. Is that too much to ask???

    It's the economy stupid! He who has the gold RULES! I will be especially interested in the City of London, with the other locations being viewed with peripheral vision. Should people be limited to a net-worth of one million dollars (USD)? Should any additional wealth be used for worthy charitable purposes? At what point does wealth become anti-competitive? At what point does accumulated wealth become non-compassionate? At what point does power corrupt absolutely? At what point do leaders stop listening? At what point do geniuses become insane? At what point do team-players go rogue? Look VERY closely at the richest one-percent and the poorest one-percent. What's wrong with this picture?! I'd still like to see how the City-State Creme de la Creme might apply the 'Federalist Papers' (including the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights), the 'Desire of Ages' (in principle and concept), the '1928 Book of Common Prayer' (ceremonially and conceptually), and Sacred Classical Music (ceremonially and inspirationally) to Solar System Governance. I am an admitted Bull in a China Closet, and I've simply been brainstorming and imagining. I completely understand the limitations and liabilities of engaging in this sort of thing. I've never felt smaller or more humbled than I feel presently. It still feels as though we are facing an unprecedented enslavement and/or extermination -- rather than an evolutionary reformation and refinement of that which presently exists within this solar system. Are we really facing a Galactic Game Over? Is this Experiment in Human Physicality and Responsible Freedom really over? I was recently told 'It's Over Rover'. Now I'm going to try to cheer myself up by watching Hal Lindsey. Do we really live on the Great, Late Planet Earth? Whatever Happened to the Human Race? What would Francis Schaeffer say? Do the Galactic Powers That Be Have a Plan?

    Once again, I am very, very sorry if I have hurt anyone (benevolent or malevolent, progressive or regressive, human or otherwise) by my brainstorming and questioning internet activities. I am in the process of toning the whole thing down, or not posting anything at all. Raven was absolutely right, when she called me a 'completely ignorant fool'. I was, and still am. However, I still believe that anyone who carefully and prayerfully studies this thread will be in a much better position to deal with the Brave New Universe all of us are facing. I have intended it as a Galactic Boot Camp, so there is a certain amount of pain and suffering involved in this thread. I have conceptually ended up in the City of London. I think there are thousands of very, very smart people (and other than people) connected with the Moon and the City-States. I don't question the level of competence within this network. However, I still seek refinement and reformation, even though I am a certified completely ignorant fool. I simply wish for the hard-core evil to cease and desist within this solar system. I think I'm now ready to explore Egyptology, but I will keep coming back to this thread as a sort of 'City of Refuge'. I'm going to make a detailed study of the original 'Project Avalon' and 'The Mists of Avalon'. Forgive my seeming disregard for the work of others. I never disregarded any of it, but my never-ending questioning and brainstorming made it seem as if I did. Now, I will examine all of it, especially the work of Anchor, Carol, Brook, Lionhawk, Mercuriel, Barry (the Watcher), TRANCOSO, abraxasinas, Bill, Kerry, Karen, Raven, the eXchanger, and Richard (just kidding!). There are many, many others...but I can't think of their names just now. I continue to think that I know very, very little...and that this is just the beginning...rather than being the end. Much love to everyone. This has been fun! We'll have to do it again sometime!


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    Oh God! Now what are we gonna do??!! What Would Loki Do? (WWLD?) Beware of Completely-Ignorant Male Musicians with Blond Wives (with brown roots) and Two Children (a boy and a girl) -- Who Work in Grocery Stores -- Talk to a Human-Looking God -- Seem to be Stupid and Insane -- and Drive AMC Pacers with California Plates (in Burbank and Glendale) -- with water inside! What are the odds? What would God say? In Dogma 'God' was a female hidden in a male-body, who didn't talk much, and was funny (in more ways than one). In Oh, God! God drives a Taxi. Now that just doesn't seem right, now does it? 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tTU00m5MB0 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNUUFVLkYII 3. https://www.youtube.com/movie?v=GX8GGhp_2pA&feature=mv_sr What if God really is one of us? Now isn't this a rather strange way to 'do' theology? What would Bultmann say? Who is related to Anna? Consider the Ring of Power. Consider the Rose and Cross. What would Bartleby and Rufus say? Jesus Swept? Some say the author of most of the Psalms seems a bit unbalanced, but how does this relate to all of the above? Was King David a Crazy-Faker?? Is orthodoxymoron a Crazy-Faker and/or a Crazy-Maker?? What Would Dorothy Sayers Say?? "Maker of All Things -- Maker of Ill Things??" Pacers on the Highway to Heaven! Just blame Inigo Loyola (or someone like him)!! Justin case you still don't get it, you will, sooner than you think. Are you easily confused? What would Walter say? Both of them. Frankly, this is driving me crazier than I already was, and I was half an inch from the edge. One more thing, don't overlook the Burbank Connection. What would Jordan Maxwell say? Didn't they sell Pacers at Modern Motors in Glendale? Or was it a couple of blocks down Brand? What kind of a crazy puzzle is this? All I want is a perfected humanity in a perfected solar system based upon responsibility. I keep feeling nothing but pressure, scorn, and condemnation. I feel like I'm getting it wrong 24/7. I feel like I'm fiddling while Rome burns. All is NOT well with my soul. This has been a very creepy year, and I really can't take much more of this. I feel like the Last Scion in Dogma.

    I really need professional help. No, wait. The shrinks are nuttier than we are. Maybe I need an exorcist. My house is probably 'spook central' in more ways than one. The excrementals are quadruple teaming me. "Get thee hence into the bottomless toilet, thou fecal-demons!" One more thing. What is that big building in the distance, shown below? Could this be where the trouble started? "I knew that guy was going to be trouble". What would the 'King of the Girls' say? What would 'Test Tube' say? Enough of This Madness!? Also, notice the car parked behind the Pacer. Is that a 1972 Cadillac?? If I lose my house, maybe I should move to Vegas, go to school, and get a ticket on that special plane to Groom Lake! What would TREEE say? One TREEE. Many Branches. OK, I've gone far enough out on this limb, and I know better than to take the bait, and eat the fruit. One more thing. You would not believe the number of parallels between the John Denver character and me. There's a George Burns parallel, and a 'Dogma' connection as well. There's more. A lot more. I kid you not. Read this paragraph very carefully. This is all sort of spooky, and I suspect that things are going to get a lot worse. This post brings me HUGE Pain and Suffering -- even though it might not seem like it. You have NO idea. I often wonder why I bother with all of this madness -- especially when most of what I post seems to be either ignored or ridiculed. I guess hope springs eternal. Namaste and Godspeed!


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    Has the Human Race Been Sleeping with the Devil for Thousands of Years? Exterminatus Interruptus? Oh Geronimo!? 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcLazPauA1c 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oFYAmHKLTg&feature=related Don't be frightened. I mean no harm. Try listening to a Bach B-Minor Mass or to a Latin Mass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enWiFcsBqIE while watching '2001: A Space Odyssey' (from 00:20:00 to 02:10:00 -- with the sound off). Then, while doing this, read from 'The Federalist Papers', the 1928 'Book of Common Prayer', and 'The Desire of Ages'. Try it. You'll like it. Remember, this thread is only the beginning. It merely scratches the surface of some very deep subjects. I'm prepared to start over, each and every day. I think things might get really crazy, so be prepared for just about anything. This has been fun. Let's do it again sometime. I am of peace. Always.

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    "LA! LA! LA! LA! LA! LA! LA! WE CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!!! LA!! LA!! LA!! LA!! LA!! LA!!"
    orthodoxymoron wrote:Notice very carefully, the strong-women in motion-pictures and television, wearing red, and also wearing gloves (especially the kind which cover just the fingers). BTW -- I require a helluva lot more than a limp and simplistic 'oh yes!'


    She really gave me something to think about! Think about this in a prophetic-biblical sense, and in connection with 'Stargate', 'East of Eden', 'Dogma', 'V', etc, etc, etc. I wish to make it abundantly clear that I have no problem with powerful women (even goddesses) or palaces. What I have a problem with, is the mess this world has been in for a very long time, for whatever reasons. As much as I hate to keep saying it, I feel as though I am in conflict with myself, divinity, and humanity -- but in a somewhat idealistic (and even sanctimonious) manner. It seems that just about everyone and everything is problematic -- but in very different ways. I say a lot on this thread -- but there's a helluva lot that I don't (and won't) talk about. Let's just say that I don't see any easy ways out of this mess. I continue to think that we need a critical mass of researchers throughout the world, who learn a lot, but who use their knowledge in ways which benefit ALL of humanity. Once again, research everything you can find by:

    1. Bill Cooper.
    2. Alex Collier.
    3. Alex Jones.
    4. Jordan Maxwell.
    5. Leo Zagami.
    6. Sherri Shriner.
    7. Branton.
    8. Commander X.
    9. Ellen White.
    10. A. Graham Maxwell.
    11. Eric Jon Phelps.
    12. Malachi Martin.
    13. Ralph Ellis.
    14. Robert H. Schuller.
    15. William Bramley.
    16. Joseph Farrell.
    17. Desmond Ford.
    18. Ron Paul.
    19. Robert Morning Sky.
    20. Jim Marrs.
    21. Richard Hoagland.
    22. David Icke.
    23. Everyone in Project Avalon, Project Camelot, and the Mists of Avalon.
    24. orthodoxymoron. (I just couldn't resist placing myself on the 'Read-List'!)

    I'm NOT endorsing any of these people, and this is NOT a complete list. I am merely suggesting that you ride this mental and spiritual treadmill for a while. I have no idea how much of what they say is true, or partially true. They simply force me to think about things that I would not otherwise be aware of. And please, read between the lines, and connect the dots. I think things might get a lot crazier than what these people point toward. This is really just a boot-camp of sorts. Just take all of this material as being science-fiction. Don't take it too seriously, and if it's too much for you to handle. STOP. Do something else for a while. Remember Mithridates? He died old. In this crazy world -- is that a good thing or a bad thing? "Is It I?" Anti-Christ = In Place of Christ. Does humanity require 'Regressive-Rulership'? Seriously. Do bad-people require bad-leaders? Is Jesus too good to preside over humanity? If Jesus were placed in charge of this solar system, would things quickly worsen? At this late date, will things quickly worsen, regardless of who runs the show? 'Knowledge Increases. Men Run To and Fro'? Is this really 'The End'? Is It Over, Rover? Think about it.

    I need to point out that I have HUGE problems with just about everyone and everything -- including Myself, the Bible, and the Writings of Ellen White -- and I am not singling-out Roman Catholics, and the Roman Catholic Church. I have had nothing but good-luck with Roman Catholics (parishioners, musicians, and clergy) -- and I am not trying to get anyone to leave any church -- including the Roman Catholic Church. I continue to conceptualize the possibility of the historical and contemporary existence of an Orion-Sirius-Egyptian-Roman Empire, administered in this solar system by a hypothetical Reincarnating Osiris-Isis-Horus-Set Royal Family -- wherein the Roman Empire and the Roman Catholic Church would be a highly important and relevant piece of this puzzle. I can't prove this -- and I don't even have a lot of evidence -- but it is part of my ongoing science-fiction series, which I am sharing with the very few of you who bother to read my tripe. I continue to think that Theology is a HUGE part of Politics -- regardless of any problems with texts, history, personalities, ethics, whoever, and whatever. It's still important. My Goal is a New Reformation of the City-States, which retains the best and discards the worst. Once again, I do not wish to start from scratch, or to reinvent the wheel. God and the way God runs the Universe, is a HUGE part of properly understanding Solar System Governance -- especially regarding whether the United States of the Solar System has more than a snowball's chance in hell of being established, and of surviving for more than a generation.

    I've been told that 'in 20 years, you'll be working for us' and that, in essence, my bad-side would manifest itself. I don't wish to elaborate. The Mind, Character, Personality, Nature, and Government of God are HUGE ISSUES. We should take off our shoes -- because the ground upon which we are standing is HOLY GROUND. Please listen to this previously posted link, for a very balanced theological conversation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBjkZ5WzBfc Note especially the material in the second hour. I don't trust anyone or anything, at this point. I endorse a careful and prayerful multidisciplinary study of life, the universe, and everything. I have been somewhat speculatively-intuitive on this web-site -- but I have merely defined areas of study -- and suggested possibilities. I attended A. Graham Maxwell's classes (along with a very famous Hollwood director's stepmother). I wish I had the brains and discipline of Dr. Maxwell. The subjects of 'The Nature of God', 'The Law of God', 'The Government of God', 'The Sovereignty of God', and 'Human Responsible Freedom' are highly important -- as are the general topics of Psychology and Ethics.

    I keep trying to imagine a peaceful and happy solar system, with highly ethical and competent leadership, and without a lot of negative drama. Solar System Governance should be somewhat boring and uneventful. I envision continuing doing what I'm doing right now, but in a much more sophisticated and refined manner. I'm really not joking when I speak of a 600 square-foot office-apartment, a Cray, and a Fisk! I am joking when I speak of a Personal Sport-Model Bad@$$teroid and Six Goddesses! One more time, the 'God' portion of the hypothetical New Solar System is VERY important. Perhaps Male and Female Human Physicality -- combined with Responsible Freedom -- are a Rebellious-Invention in a Theocratic Hermaphrodite-Reptilian Universe. I don't know that this is the case, and I am VERY, VERY, VERY sorry for any disrespect or irreverence, especially if this hypothesis is completely in error. However, if this theory is even partially correct, it is VERY important to determine how we might bring that which exists in this solar system -- into harmony with the rest of the universe -- or how to conduct business in a manner which does not cause the rest of the universe to seek to exterminate ALL of us.

    When I say that I feel as if I am in conflict with Myself, Divinity, and Humanity -- I do not imply hostility or hatred -- but rather a fundamental idealistic struggle -- which seeks to overcome all obstacles to the achievement of a Genuinely Heavenly Universe. A New Solar System must be considered in harmony with a Brave New Universe. The way things have been run throughout the universe, for billions and trillions of years, may not change anytime soon, and perhaps for good-reason -- but where does that leave the Human Race, in this little solar system? Was our punishment and extermination decided upon Hundreds of Thousands of Years Ago? "We can change!!" might be irrelevant. "The decision is made"? I would encourage all of you to study the Bible, even if you don't believe a word in it, and even if you don't believe in God (with an upper or lower case 'g'). We need the mental and spiritual discipline and exercise connected with serious Bible-study.

    I have made some study suggestions below, and I didn't pull them out of an anatomical black-hole. Something is VERY wrong with me, on a physical, mental, and spiritual level, but I still have enough sense to point you in productive areas of research. I feel VERY attacked, and I might not get better anytime soon. However, I don't think I'll get worse anytime soon. I think I'm pretty much stuck in the muck, right where I am. I am not leadership-material in the real-world, but I am a serious force to deal with in the theoretical-world. I mean absolutely no harm, and I completely agree with the Hippocratic Oath "First, Do No Harm". Don't stop thinking about the Idealistic Integration of Theoretical-Theology, Theoretical-Governance, and Science-Fiction. Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, and "V" are only the beginning. Alex Collier is absolutely right when he says that Hollywood is really "clued-in" regarding all of the esoteric stuff. I simply have a HUGE problem with the regressive-influences in Hollywood. I don't even want to begin to think about how nasty the closed-door meetings get in Hollywood, New-York, Washington, DC, London, and Rome. Some of you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. The horror. When there are no organizational constraints, we the people are often quite fickle, and we sometimes swing from one extreme to another. I have been attempting an integration of the orthodox and the unorthodox -- as an orthodoxymoron -- for better or for worse. I have recently been taking a bit of a closer look at the City-States, which includes the Vatican -- in light of a lot of the new (for a lot of us) and controversial information. I like the concepts of Evolutionary Change and Minimalist Traditionalism, as sort of a mysterious blend. Try focusing on the following:

    1. The Psalms in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
    2. The Gospel According to Matthew in the KJV.
    3. The Epistle to the Hebrews in the KJV.
    4. The 1928 'Book of Common Prayer'.
    5. 'The Desire of Ages' by E.G. White.
    6. 'Jesus: Last of the Pharaohs' by Ralph Ellis.
    7. 'The Federalist Papers'.
    8. 'Believe in the God Who Believes in You' by Robert H. Schuller.
    9. 'The Jesuits' by Malachi Martin.
    10. The Music of G.F. Handel.
    11. The Music of J.S. Bach.
    12. Physical Exercise in Nature.

    Try all of the above for an extended period of time, and then see what you think regarding Theological and Liturgical Reform. This is merely one physical, mental, and spiritual treadmill among dozens of others. However, there is a coherent rationale to this formula, which you may or may not wish to experience. After all, this is all about what YOU think, and not about what I think. I will not force my views on anyone or be a pain in the hindquarters. Take a look at the cover article on the 'King James Bible' in the December 2011 issue of 'National Geographic'. I encourage reverent yet honest theological research, which is neither blind-conservatism or brash-liberalism. I encourage the highest achievements of ethical spirituality and practical living. Many like the Latin Mass, but many like the Novus Ordo Mass. I wonder what type of religious service the Anglican and Catholic Cathedral Organists and Choirmasters would desire? They might be the people to talk to. Is 'Evangelical Anglo-Catholic' a useful term? Might a 1928 'Book of Common Prayer' in parallel columns of Latin and English facilitate such a hypothetical phenomenon? Has anyone considered the Latin Mass in the context of Ancient Egypt?

    I hope you all appreciate how difficult and dangerous all of this is. We live in times which are way too interesting. How do we properly define 'God'? What if the following Stargate 'Continuum' scene approximates 'God' in this solar system? Would this necessarily be a bad thing, if the beings in the spaceship were actually highly-ethical, supremely-compassionate, and hyper-competent, rather than being the sinister and ruthless god, goddess, and system lords they were in Stargate 'Continuum'? What if the beings were various types of reptilians? What if God ISN'T One of Us? What would Joan Osborne say? I guess I'll continue to try to make my peace with a non-corrupt and somewhat-sane version of the 'way things are'. I keep thinking about my example, in a previous post, regarding 100 gods and goddesses meeting in San Chapelle de Paris. What if they really met within these sacred walls, and what if they were debating my New Solar System aka the United States of the Solar System?

    There is something about having a select group conducting a discussion on a very high level, that I frankly find seductively attractive, yet it also scares me, especially if the gods and goddesses were more demonic than angelic. What if this sort of arrangement were instituted instead of the hypothetical United States of the Solar System? What are some other alternatives? The silence is deafening. I wish to help you -- but few seem to wish to help me. I keep seeking conversation -- and I keep talking to myself. If you decide to study this thread, please study it as a whole, including all links and referenced materials. Don't just do a hatchet-job on bits and pieces of this thread, or say that I'm insane. That would be lame, wouldn't you say? I think I'm going to take a closer look at the parallels between the Church of England and the Monarchy -- compared with the Episcopal Church and the Presidency -- just for kicks!! I'm in political and religious limbo -- and I don't have a research-team or a think-tank feeding me talking-points. Besides, I'm not running for anything. In fact, I feel as if I might be running from something. What is the foundation of Universal Civilization? Freedom? Obedience? Responsibility? Absolute-Obedience in Harmony with Responsible-Freedom? Consider the following:

    1. Original and Unpardonable Sin.
    2. Ritual Human Sacrifice and Cannibalism.
    3. The Substitutionary Atonement and Righteousness by Ritual.
    4. The Concept of 'Salvation' Relative to the Survival and Condition of the Soul.
    5. Male and Female Human-Physicality and Responsible-Freedom.
    6. Hermaphrodite Reptilian-Physicality and Absolute-Obedience?
    7. Perpetual Punishment of Humanity by Divinity?
    8. Perpetual Payment by Humanity to Divinity?
    9. Earth-Humanity in a Reptilian-Universe?
    10. The Orion-Sirius-Egyptian-Roman Empire?
    11. The Osiris-Isis-Horus-Set Reincarnating Royal Family?
    12. How Shall We Be Governed?
    13. How Shall We Then Live?
    14. Who is God?
    15. Where is God?
    16. What is the Nature of God?
    17. Do We Live in an Ethical and Peaceful Universe?
    18. Why Are Things So Chaotic and Violent on Earth?
    19. Why Are There So Many Creepy Secrets?
    20. Is Humanity on the Brink of Extinction?
    21. Does the Existence of Humanity Threaten the Stability of the Universe?
    22. What is REALLY the 'Biggest Secret'?
    23. Would Complete 'Disclosure' of 'Everything' be a 'Good-Thing' or might it be the 'Beginning of the End'?
    24. Game-Playing and Sexual-Experimentation.
    25. Artistic-Creativity and Artistic-License.
    26. Imagination and Invention.
    27. Theology and Mythology.
    28. Fact and Fiction.
    29. Ethical-Deception and White-Lies.
    30. Situation-Ethics and Absolute-Truth.
    31. The Quest for the Historical-Horus and the Mythical-Messiah.
    32. The Games Gods and Goddesses Play with the Kardashians, and with Righteous-Shapeshifting Nazi-Mason-Jesuit Alphabet-Agents.

    Don't look now, but your Cray is on fire, and smoke is pouring out of your ears! We're in a flat-spin, and we're going down fast! Whoop! Whoop! Pull-Up! Slam on the Air-Brakes! Jesus wants to go to Venus! Is it because 'The New York Times' said 'God is Dead'? But the 'Dead Know Not Anything' -- and neither do most of the living. Shave and a Haircut: Six-Pence and None the Richer. What Would Machiavelli and the Prince of Sirius Say? I wonder if anyone is researching what happens to people who research web-sites such as this one? Can you imagine a doctoral dissertation carefully examining the lives of esoteric and fringe researchers?! Who are these people? WHO DO THEY WORK FOR???!!! WHO DO YOU WORK FOR???!!! Perhaps I should stop philosophizing, and start dancing.



    There seems to be very little interest in my ideas and speculation -- and I really can compose popular music and sing! All I need to do is learn to dance, write down my musical ideas, and get something going around here! I am attempting to focus on principles and concepts, facts and figures -- rather than making things personal. On the other hand, I have gotten a bit personal regarding Lucifer, Amen Ra, Kali, Isis, Hathor, Osiris, Horus, Set, the God of This World, and the Queen of Heaven. But really, even with these beings (actual and/or mythical) I have attempted to remain somewhat detached and neutral. I think I might've even met one or two of them (or a least one or two of their minions)! Could someone elaborate on "DRAGON HYBRID EXTERTERRESTRIAL" and "INTERDIMENSIONAL FEDERATION OF FREE WORLDS"? Are dragons real? Are they good, bad, or both good and bad? When someone says 'interdimensional' do they mean 'interdimensional reptilian'? Is this the true nature of the soul for most, if not all, humanoid beings?

    I'm seeing more and more ET, UFO, Supernatural, and Archeological material in the mainstream news. It's beginning to become 'mainstream'. I just hope that this sort of thing will be accurately revealed to the general public. There has been so much misinformation throughout the years. I will be very interested to see how 'Joe the Plumber' responds to this sort of thing! I just started reading 'Family of Secrets' by Russ Baker, about the Bush's. I started reading it a long time ago, but I got sidetracked and disillusioned. I can only take so much, and then my imagination takes over, and I have to stop. The seemingly Rogue Secret Government stuff really worries me. I understand secrecy and behind the scenes staging and managing, to a certain extent, but when it gets out of control -- it's like cancer. "There's a cancer growing on the Presidency". I presently feel as if the Secret Solar System Government needs to be reformed -- but I have absolutely no idea about the particulars or the various factions, which undoubtedly exist. I'm probably too idealistic, naive, and simple -- to properly understand and deal with what REALLY goes on behind the scenes, throughout the solar system -- which includes Washington D.C. I just watched an episode of 'Nikita', and rewatched Battlestar Galactica 'The Plan' to try to toughen myself up a bit! Unfortunately, I didn't learn a frack'n thing!

    I suspect that leading religious and political figures are trained, groomed, and manipulated from the shadows -- in ways which MIGHT involve drugs, sorcery, perfect possession, blackmail, sick-rituals, etc. Some have even pointed toward 'soul-scalping', 'cloning', 'chip-implantation', 'MK-Ultra type programming', etc, etc, etc. I get the impression that leading religious and political figures work for the 'Secret Solar System Government' -- but I also get the impression that there are several factions of this hypothetical government -- which fight with each other -- yet ultimately work for a 'Common Boss'. Just speculation. The Spiritual, Mental, and Technological Manipulation might be Extremely Sophisticated. This sort of thing Scares the Hell Out of Me. I personally witnessed something in the 1980's which might point to at least some of the phenomenon just mentioned, but I'd rather not elaborate. There is a video-clip of Bill Clinton, right before a press-conference or speech, where he has the most blank and spooky look on his face. They're putting the makeup on, and he's just sitting there, looking like he's in another world.



    President Obama was so very skilled at public speaking, but he always seemed somewhat robotic (to me anyway). I don't follow politics much (I concentrate on theoretical-politcs, theoretical-religion, and science-fiction), so I don't get used to seeing the various public figures. But when I do, they scare the hell out of me. Now I'm going to go for a long walk in the snow with my dog (to try to get my head together). Then I'm going to re-watch 'The Pelican Brief'. I truly do not wish to be too judgmental or sanctimonious -- but I think we might need to reign-in some of the creepy-stuff which goes on in secret, and which might negatively affect all of us. I worry about 'Demonic Minion Manipulation'(DMM). What Would Magog Do?(WWMD?) Check this out!

    http://www.themistsofavalon.net/t3942-white-house-insider-you-dont-ever-wanna-do-the-things-ive-done#65862

    Is the human race joining together, in love, light, peace, and harmony -- or are we coming apart at the seams? Was there a legitimate reason for God to seek to destroy the human race with a flood? Was there a legitimate reason for God to foil the Tower of Babel One World Order? Is there a legitimate reason for God to oppose a United, Peaceful, and Happy Humanity? Once again, what was the Original Sin? What is the Unpardonable Sin? Is Armageddon a Predestined and Foregone Conclusion to the Human Race and Responsible Freedom? I hate this fishing-expedition. I really do. I have to work very hard, and traumatize myself, to pose these questions -- possibly at great risk to my Mortal and Eternal Life -- AND NO ONE SEEMS TO GIVE A DAMN! I'm seeing very little disciplined political or theological thought. Once again, I don't expect people (and other than people) to agree with me -- but they don't seem to wish to (or to be capable of) intelligently conversing with me about what used to be somewhat mainstream subject matter. Perhaps we need the Old School Nuns to teach children the basics (although I would like to see different 'basics' than what a lot of children were 'indoctrinated' with). What if children learned Biblical-Studies, Greek, Hebrew, and Latin -- in Public Schools -- as simply being a non theologically-biased mental and spiritual discipline???  

    I have been a bit critical of Canon-Law (without knowing a lot about it), and I have suggested that the Teachings of Jesus should be foundational. However, there is probably a mental and spiritual workout which Canon-Lawyers benefit from. Do you see what I mean? There is a benefit to disciplined grappling. Learning Bach, Widor, Handel, Vierne, et al -- is similarly beneficial -- as is a Disciplined and Refined Liturgical Service (regardless of the symbolism). I desire modernization, but I also desire continuity, order, and discipline. This is a very delicate process, which can spiral out of control. I hope that the "infowar" is not spiraling out of control -- but I fear that it is. This is why I am attempting to combine the orthodox with the unorthodox -- although this might be analogous to placing new wine in old wineskins. Perhaps this isn't the time or place for this -- but I have never been able to identify with the negativity shown toward Bill and Kerry. They're not perfect, but I think they've done a lot to inform people with a lot of forbidden-knowledge -- for better or worse -- I know not. Does the Human Race require and/or deserve reprehensible treatment?
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Canon-law-book-1024x680


    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Sat Aug 10, 2019 5:15 pm; edited 13 times in total
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
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    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Aug 10, 2019 4:56 am

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Vigo
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Gb4musessmall
    orthodoxymoron wrote:These videos connected a lot of dots in the context of my overall posting for several years. Is John Carroll somehow relevant to Sherry Shriner's alleged home in Carrollton, Ohio?? I've lived in Chico, CA (next to Paradise) and the third video frightened me. Is there an equivalence between Isis, Persephone, Ishtar, Enki, and Zeus (for starters)?? What if Enki and Enlil were neither Male or Female (or were Hermaphrodites)?? What if somehow Enki and Enlil were (and are) the Same Being?? How might all of the above relate to Jupiter Jones, Queen Victoria, Ellen White, Artemis, Amen Ra, Marduk Ra, Sekhmet, Serqet, Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, HAL 9000, David Bowman, Peter Venkman, Frank Poole, Ernst Stockmar, Prince Albert, Baron Stockmar, Nikola Tesla, John Trump, Donald Trump, et al?? How might all of the above relate to Ancient-Evolution, Ancient-Creation, Stolen Ancient-Technology, and Star Wars?? I suspect that some of you know the Whole-Truth, and that I'm NOT supposed to know the Truth. Consider Archbishop John Carroll, Prince Albert, and Pope Pius XII. Consider the Church, State, Life, and Teachings of John Carroll.

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 1492762973532513707
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 John+Carroll+02



    As usual, I'm on everyone's side and no-one's side (which makes everyone hate me). I think I'm dangerous (conceptually), but does that make me evil (in actuality)?? Is lying 'righteous', and honesty 'blasphemous'?? Think long and hard about what I just said. So far there's been no response to This Present Thread, which doesn't surprise me. I suspect that the Deep-State aka Secret Solar-System Government goes back to Ancient Babylon, Egypt, Garden of Eden, and War in Heaven, and is presently coming out of the closet to openly rule We the Peons. The New World Order isn't new IMHO. What if I'm a fly in the ointment?? What if I'm not supposed to be here?? Can you feel the love tonight?? I can't. I've tried to be open and honest, rather than taking a hardline-lawyerlike stance to win one for the home-team. Was that a mistake?? I'm beginning to think so. Perhaps I should continue this thread ONLY If there are responses or questions. Perhaps it's time to move-on and watch the drama unfold in my rearview-mirror. Has probation closed?? Do you feel lucky??
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Local_reaction_to_Presidential_Alert_0_57796314_ver1.0_1280_720
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Spotlight-movie


    I just re-watched the movie Spotlight regarding the church and pedophilia, and what troubled me the most was how many seemingly 'good' people looked the other way and/or deliberately covered-up the whole-mess!! This reminded me of the medical-fraud book Coronary regarding the systematic and deliberate performing of open-heart surgeries on perfectly normal hearts, in hundreds of patients, over several years, with seemingly 'good' people looking the other way and/or deliberately covering-up the whole-mess!! Is this sort of thing the Fatal-Flaw in Human-Nature OR Are the Souls Which Incarnate Humanity Fatally-Flawed?? I sense that seemingly 'good' people have looked the other way and/or deliberately covered-up the glaring-problems in the Bible, Theology, and Church-History for thousands of years!! If the Church of God can't be Honest to God, how can it expect to Reform the World?? The Blind Leading the Blind and/or the Bland leading the Bland?? Does Satan Use 'Faith and Loyalty' Against Us?? It's been my sad-realization that Believers do NOT wish to be honest and thorough about the Bible and Religion. It's also been my sad-realization that Unbelievers do NOT wish to be honest and thorough about the Bible and Religion.

    Are there ANY truly-objective Bible-Commentaries?? I lean-toward the SDA Bible Commentary mostly because of my background, but also because of my perception that it is scholarly and ecumenical, and NOT in slavery to Ellen White and the SDA Church. Much religious-literature seems to be written by Hermeneutic-Whores!! I've gone round and round with 'Good Lifelong Religious-People' about the most simple Ethical and Theological matters imaginable, with VERY disturbing outcomes. Take a long and hard look at the reality of 'Thou Shalt Not Kill' throughout the Bible and History. We seem to wish to have it both ways. Has Satan really deceived the whole-world?? 'RA' said "I've Always Remained One Step Ahead of Humanity!!" When I Suggested That Humanity Has Been Easy to Deceive, 'RA' replied "Very Easy!!" Honest. Has the 'God of This World' Been the 'Regent of This World' for at least 6,000 years?? What Would the Changeling Say?? What Would Dr. Who Do?? Do You Even Know What I'm Talking About?? Do I Even Know What I'm Talking About?? You Don't Need to Answer That Last Question. One More Thing. Once Upon a Time, a Stranger with Insider-Connections introduced himself to me as 'Adolph', and that's all I'm going to say about that. You don't suppose?? Nah!!

    RedEzra wrote:An article for what it's worth coming from a dying CIA agent confessing that CIA blew up WTC7 on 9/11. An aphorism as there are no atheists in foxholes may apply to deathbeds as well... or perhaps it's just the Company man*s last convenient assignment true or not.

    CIA Agent Confesses On Deathbed: ‘We Blew Up WTC7 On 9/11’

    "79-year-old retired CIA agent, Malcom Howard, has made a series of astonishing claims since being released from hospital in New Jersey on Friday and told he has weeks to live. Mr. Howard claims he was involved in the “controlled demolition” of World Trade Center 7, the third building that was destroyed on 9/11."

    http://yournewswire.com/cia-911-wtc7/
    RedEzra wrote:What is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth ?

    I ask because in the Book of Revelation Ch 17 that great city is about to be abruptly destroyed... which is weird considering it reigns over the kings of the earth. It is said to sit on seven mountains which probably points out Rome...?

    Furthermore in Revelation there are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast whose deadly wound was healed. So there is a not so new world power rising which will destroy the old world order.

    With all the nazis are alive and well rumors i suspect the beast is the Third Reich bandaged up and ready to go again after the deadly wound in WWII. And working with the nazis are ten kings who lost their respective kingdom after an abolition of monarchy... perhaps these kings are the real power behind some of the democracies and are working or waiting to regain their lost kingdoms.

    Anyway these ten kings without kingdoms who work with the emerging beast/nazi system will destroy that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.... and so ends the old world order and begins the not so new one... which will just last 3.5 years before God destroy it.
    I continue to wonder about Pre Council of Nicea Old-Testament Commentaries. Why is the New-Testament NOT essentially an Old-Testament Commentary (with minimal completely-new material)?? Theology is often Deceptive, Mealy-Mouthed, and Lawyer-Like!! What if there is a very-real theological-reality underlying the predominant-bullshit??!! I've been playing softball in SO many ways!! Should I start playing hardball?? What Would Richard Nixon Say?? Does 1 Chronicles to Malachi contain the essential Old-Testament Story of God's Love, Will, and Ways?? Please take a close-look at 1 Chronicles -- Job -- Ecclesiastes -- Isaiah -- Daniel -- Jonah -- Zechariah -- and Malachi. Who really wrote these books?? Why were they written?? When were they written?? Consider the following study-list:

    1. The SDA Bible Commentary -- Volumes 3 and 4 (1 Chronicles to Malachi).

    2. Prophets and Kings (Ellen White) -- Covering the Second-Half of the Old-Testament.

    Kicking Against the Religious-Pricks is SO Overrated!! Sorry if you don't like the SDA stuff -- but that's my background and starting-point. The SDA's don't like me either -- and I don't go to church -- so there!! I receive ZERO support and encouragement relative to this sort of thing. Just the Opposite. Here is a rather scholarly article on Moral Responsibility, taken from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. This is the sort of thing which might be studied in a university program devoted to Solar System Studies and Governance, as a prerequisite to being a Representative of the United States of the Solar System. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-responsibility/ I'm reading a book titled 'Free to be Responsible' by Ben Thomson Cowles, Ph.D. I'm trying to transition from being a whining speculator to being a erudite scholar. I hope some of you are joining me in this pursuit. The tempest in a teapot, which I have been in the middle of, is just scratching the surface. I tend to think that an Ancient-Verdict is playing-out, and cannot be nullified or overridden by anyone or anything, but what do I know?? Not much (in this stupid incarnation). What if the Creator of the Matrix is a Prisoner of the Matrix (just like everyone else)?? What if Resistance is Futile?? What if This Present Quest is an Exercise in Futility??

    Moral Responsibility

    First published Sat Jan 6, 2001; substantive revision Wed Nov 18, 2009

    When a person performs or fails to perform a morally significant action, we sometimes think that a particular kind of response is warranted. Praise and blame are perhaps the most obvious forms this reaction might take. For example, one who encounters a car accident may be regarded as worthy of praise for having saved a child from inside the burning car, or alternatively, one may be regarded as worthy of blame for not having used one's mobile phone to call for help. To regard such agents as worthy of one of these reactions is to ascribe moral responsibility to them on the basis of what they have done or left undone. (These are examples of other-directed ascriptions of responsibility. The reaction might also be self-directed, e.g., one can recognize oneself to be blameworthy). Thus, to be morally responsible for something, say an action, is to be worthy of a particular kind of reaction—praise, blame, or something akin to these—for having performed it.[1]

    Though further elaboration and qualification of the above characterization of moral responsibility is called for and will be provided below, this is enough to distinguish concern about this form of responsibility from some others commonly referred to through use of the terms ‘responsibility’ or ‘responsible.’ To illustrate, we might say that higher than normal rainfall in the spring is responsible for an increase in the amount of vegetation or that it is the judge's responsibility to give instructions to the jury before they begin deliberating. In the first case, we mean to identify a causal connection between the earlier amount of rain and the later increased vegetation. In the second, we mean to say that when one assumes the role of judge, certain duties, or obligations, follow. Although these concepts are connected with the concept of moral responsibility discussed here, they are not the same, for in neither case are we directly concerned about whether it would be appropriate to react to some candidate (here, the rainfall or a particular judge) with something like praise or blame.[2]

    Philosophical reflection on moral responsibility has a long history. One reason for this persistent interest is the way the topic seems connected with a widely shared conception of ourselves as members of an importantly distinct class of individuals—call them ‘persons.’[3] Persons are thought to be qualitatively different from other known living individuals, despite their numerous similarities. Many have held that one distinct feature of persons is their status as morally responsible agents, a status resting—some have proposed—on a special kind of control that only they can exercise. Many who view persons in this way have wondered whether their special status is threatened if certain other claims about our universe are true. For example, can a person be morally responsible for her behavior if that behavior can be explained solely by reference to physical states of the universe and the laws governing changes in those physical states, or solely by reference to the existence of a sovereign God who guides the world along a divinely ordained path? It is concerns like these that have often motivated individuals to theorize about moral responsibility.

    A comprehensive theory of moral responsibility would elucidate the following: (1) the concept, or idea, of moral responsibility itself; (2) the criteria for being a moral agent, i.e., one who qualifies generally as an agent open to responsibility ascriptions (e.g., only beings possessing the general capacity to evaluate reasons for acting can be moral agents); (3) the conditions under which the concept of moral responsibility is properly applied, i.e., those conditions under which a moral agent is responsible for a particular something (e.g., a moral agent can be responsible for an action she has performed only if she performed it freely, where acting freely entails the ability to have done otherwise at the time of action); and finally 4) possible objects of responsibility ascriptions (e.g., actions, omissions, consequences, character traits, etc.). Although each of these will be touched upon in the discussion below (see, e.g., the brief sketch of Aristotle's account in the next section), the primary focus of this entry is on the first component—i.e., the concept of moral responsibility. The section immediately following this introduction is a discussion of the origin and history of Western reflection on moral responsibility. This is followed by an overview of recent work on the concept of moral responsibility. For further discussion of issues associated with moral responsibility, see the related entries below.

    1. Some Historical Background
    2. Recent Work on the Concept of Responsibility
    2.1 Strawson and the Reactive Attitudes
    2.2 Developments After Strawson
    Bibliography
    Other Internet Resources
    Related Entries

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

    1. Some Historical Background

    What follows in this section is a brief outline of the origins and trajectory of reflection on moral responsibility in the Western philosophical tradition. Against this background, a distinction will be drawn between two conceptions of moral responsibility that have exerted considerable influence on subsequent thinkers.

    An understanding of the concept of moral responsibility and its application is present implicitly in some of the earliest surviving Greek texts, i.e., the Homeric epics (circa 8th century BCE but no doubt informed by a much earlier oral tradition).[4] In these texts, both human and superhuman agents are often regarded as fair targets of praise and blame on the basis of how they have behaved, and at other times, an agent's behavior is excused because of the presence of some factor that has undermined his/her control (Irwin 1999: 225). Reflection on these factors gave rise to fatalism—the view that one's future or some aspect of it is predetermined, e.g., by the gods, or the stars, or simply some facts about truth and time—in such a way as to make one's particular deliberations, choices and actions irrelevant to whether that particular future is realized (recall, e.g., the plight of Oedipus). If some particular outcome is fated, then it seems that the agent concerned could not be morally responsible for that outcome. Likewise, if fatalism were true with respect to all human futures, then it would seem that no human agent could be morally responsible for anything. Though this brand of fatalism has sometimes exerted significant historical influence, most philosophers have rejected it on the grounds that there is no good reason to think that our futures are fated in the sense that they will unfold no matter what particular deliberations we engage in, choices we make, or actions we perform.

    Aristotle (384–323 BCE) seems to have been the first to construct explicitly a theory of moral responsibility.[5] In the course of discussing human virtues and their corresponding vices, Aristotle pauses in Nicomachean Ethics III.1–5 to explore their underpinnings. He begins with a brief statement of the concept of moral responsibility—that it is sometimes appropriate to respond to an agent with praise or blame on the basis of her actions and/or dispositional traits of character (1109b30–35). A bit later, he clarifies that only a certain kind of agent qualifies as a moral agent and is thus properly subject to ascriptions of responsibility, namely, one who possess a capacity for decision. For Aristotle, a decision is a particular kind of desire resulting from deliberation, one that expresses the agent's conception of what is good (1111b5-1113b3). The remainder of Aristotle's discussion is devoted to spelling out the conditions under which it is appropriate to hold a moral agent blameworthy or praiseworthy for some particular action or trait. His general proposal  is that one is an apt candidate for praise or blame if and only if the action and/or disposition is voluntary. According to Aristotle, a voluntary action or trait has two distinctive features. First, there is a control condition: the action or trait must have its origin in the agent. That is, it must be up to the agent whether to perform that action or possess the trait—it cannot be compelled externally. Second, Aristotle proposes an epistemic condition: the agent must be aware of what it is she is doing or bringing about (1110a-1111b4).[6]

    There is an instructive ambiguity in Aristotle's account of responsibility, an ambiguity that has led to competing interpretations of his view. Aristotle aims to identify the conditions under which it is appropriate to praise or blame an agent, but it is not entirely clear how to understand the pivotal notion of appropriateness in his conception of responsibility. There are at least two possibilities: a) praise or blame is appropriate in the sense that the agent deserves such a response, given his behavior and/or traits of character; or b) praise or blame is appropriate in the sense that such a reaction is likely to bring about a desired consequence, namely an improvement in the agent's behavior and/or character. These two possibilities may be characterized in terms of two competing interpretations of the concept of moral responsibility: 1) the merit-based view, according to which praise or blame would be an appropriate reaction toward the candidate if and only if she merits—in the sense of ‘deserves’—such a reaction; vs. 2) the consequentialist view, according to which praise or blame would be appropriate if and only if a reaction of this sort would likely lead to a desired change in the agent and/or her behavior.[7]

    Scholars disagree about which of the above views Aristotle endorsed, but the importance of distinguishing between them grew as philosophers began to focus on a newly conceived threat to moral responsibility. While Aristotle argued against a version of fatalism (On Interpretation, ch. 9), he may not have recognized the difference between it and the related possible threat of causal determinism (contra Sorabji). Causal determinism is the view that everything that happens or exists is caused by sufficient antecedent conditions, making it impossible for anything to happen or be other than it does or is. One variety of causal determinism, scientific determinism, identifies the relevant antecedent conditions as a combination of prior states of the universe and the laws of nature. Another, theological determinism, identifies those conditions as being the nature and will of God. It seems likely that theological determinism evolved out of the shift, both in Greek religion and in Ancient Mesopotamian religions, from polytheism to belief in one sovereign God, or at least one god who reigned over all others. The doctrine of scientific determinism can be traced back as far as the Presocratic Atomists (5th cent. BCE), but the difference between it and the earlier fatalistic view seems not to be clearly recognized until the development of Stoic philosophy (3rd. cent. BCE). Though fatalism, like causal determinism, might seem to threaten moral responsibility by threatening an agent's control, the two differ on the significance of human deliberation, choice, and action. If fatalism is true, then human deliberation, choice, and action are completely otiose, for what is fated will transpire no matter what one chooses to do. According to causal determinism, however, one's deliberations, choices, and actions will often be necessary links in the causal chain that brings something about. In other words, even though our deliberations, choices, and actions are themselves determined like everything else, it is still the case, according to causal determinism, that the occurrence or existence of yet other things depends upon our deliberating, choosing and acting in a certain way (Irwin 1999: 243–249; Meyer 1998: 225-227; and Pereboom 1997: ch. 2).

    Since the Stoics, the thesis of causal determinism and its ramifications, if true, have taken center stage in theorizing about moral responsibility. During the Medieval period, especially in the work of Augustine (354–430) and Aquinas (1225-1274), reflection on freedom and responsibility was often generated by questions concerning versions of theological determinism, including most prominently: a) Does God's sovereignty entail that God is responsible for evil?; and b) Does God's foreknowledge entail that we are not free and morally responsible since it would seem that we cannot do anything other than what God foreknows we will do? During the Modern period, there was renewed interest in scientific determinism—a change attributable to the development of increasingly sophisticated mechanistic models of the universe culminating in the success of Newtonian physics. The possibility of giving a comprehensive explanation of every aspect of the universe—including human action—in terms of physical causes now seemed much more plausible. Many thought that persons could not be free and morally responsible if such an explanation of human action were possible. Others argued that freedom and responsibility would not be threatened should scientific determinism be true. In keeping with this focus on the ramifications of causal determinism for moral responsibility, thinkers may be classified as being one of two types: 1) an incompatibilist about causal determinism and moral responsibility—one who maintains that if causal determinism is true, then there is nothing for which one can be morally responsible; or 2) a compatibilist—one who holds that a person can be morally responsible for some things, even if both who she is and what she does is causally determined.[8] In Ancient Greece, these positions were exemplified in the thought of Epicurus (341–270 BCE) and the Stoics, respectively.

    Above, an ambiguity in Aristotle's conception of moral responsibility was highlighted—that it was not clear whether he endorsed a merit-based vs. a consequentialist conception of moral responsibility. The history of reflection on moral responsibility demonstrates that how one interprets the concept of moral responsibility strongly influences one's overall account of moral responsibility. For example, those who accept the merit-based conception of moral responsibility have tended to be incompatibilists. That is, most have thought that if an agent were to genuinely merit praise or blame for something, then he would need to exercise a special form of control over that thing (e.g., the ability at the time of action to both perform or not perform the action) that is incompatible with one's being causally determined. In addition to Epicurus, we can cite early Augustine, Thomas Reid (1710–1796), and Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) as historical examples here. Those accepting the consequentialist conception of moral responsibility, on the other hand, have traditionally contended that determinism poses no threat to moral responsibility since praising and blaming could still be an effective means of influencing another's behavior, even in a deterministic world. Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679), David Hume (1711–1776), and John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) are, along with the Stoics, representatives of this view. This general trend of linking the consequentialist conception of moral responsibility with compatibilism about causal determinism and moral responsibility and the merit-based conception with incompatibilism continued to persist through the first half of the twentieth century.

    2. Recent Work on the Concept of Responsibility

    The issue of how best to understand the concept of moral responsibility is important, for it can strongly influence one's view of what, if any, philosophical problems might be associated with the notion, and further, if there are problems, what might count as a solution. As discussed above, philosophical reflection on moral responsibility has historically relied upon one of two broad interpretations of the concept: 1) the merit-based view, according to which praise or blame would be an appropriate reaction toward the candidate if and only if she merits—in the sense of ‘deserves’—such a reaction; or 2) the consequentialist view, according to which praise or blame would be appropriate if and only if a reaction of this sort would likely lead to a desired change in the agent and/or her behavior. Though versions of the consequentialist view have continued to garner support (Smart; Frankena 1963: ch. 4; Schlick 1966; Brandt 1992; Dennett 1984: ch. 7; and Kupperman 1991: ch. 3), work in the last 50 years on the concept of moral responsibility has increasingly focused on: a) offering alternative versions of the merit-based view; and b) questioning the assumption that there is a single unified concept of moral responsibility.

    Increased attention focusing on the stance of regarding and holding persons morally responsible has generated much of the recent work on the concept of moral responsibility. All theorists have recognized features of this practice—inner attitudes and emotions, their outward expression in censure or praise, and the imposition of corresponding sanctions or rewards. However, most understood the inner attitudes and emotions involved to rest on a more fundamental theoretical judgment about the agent's being responsible. In other words, it was typically assumed that blame and praise depended upon a judgment, or belief (pre-reflective in most cases), that the agent in question had satisfied the objective conditions on being responsible. These judgments were presumed to be independent of the inner attitudinal/emotive states involved in holding responsible in the sense that reaching such judgments and evaluating them required no essential reference to the attitudes and emotions of the one making the judgment. For the holder of the consequentialist view, this is a judgment that the agent exercised a form of control that could be influenced through outward expressions of praise and blame in order to curb or promote certain behaviors. For those holding the merit view, it is a judgment that the agent has exercised the requisite form of metaphysical control, e.g., that she could have done otherwise at the time of action (Watson 1987: 258).

    If holding responsible is best understood as resting on an independent judgment about being responsible, then it is legitimate to inquire whether such underlying judgments and their associated outward expressions can be justified, as a whole, in the face of our best current understanding of the world, e.g., in the face of evidence that our world is possibly deterministic. According to incompatibilists, a judgment that someone is morally responsible could never be true if the world were deterministic; thus praising and blaming in the merit-based sense would be beside the point. Compatibilists, on the other hand, contend that the truth of determinism would not undermine the relevant underlying judgments concerning the efficacy of praising and blaming practices, thereby leaving the rationale of such practices intact.

    2.1 Strawson and the Reactive Attitudes

    In his landmark essay, ‘Freedom and Resentment,’ P. F. Strawson (1962) sets out to adjudicate the dispute between those compatibilists who hold a consequentialist view of responsibility and those incompatibilists who hold the merit-based view.[9] Both are wrong, Strawson believes, because they distort the concept of moral responsibility by sharing the prevailing assumption sketched above — the assumption that holding persons responsible rests upon a theoretical judgment of their being responsible. According to Strawson, the attitudes expressed in holding persons morally responsible are varieties of a wide range of attitudes deriving from our participation in personal relationships, e.g., resentment, indignation, hurt feelings, anger, gratitude, reciprocal love, and forgiveness. The function of these attitudes is to express “…how much we actually mind, how much it matters to us, whether the actions of other people—and particularly some other people—reflect attitudes towards us of good will, affection, or esteem on the one hand or contempt, indifference, or malevolence on the other.” (p. 5, author's emphasis) These attitudes are thus participant reactive attitudes, because they are: a) natural attitudinal reactions to the perception of another's good will, ill will, or indifference (pp. 4–6), and b) expressed from the stance of one who is immersed in interpersonal relationships and who regards the candidate held responsible as a participant in such relationships as well (p. 10).[10]

    The reactive attitudes can be suspended or modified in at least two kinds of circumstances, corresponding to the two features just mentioned. In the first, one might conclude that, contrary to first appearances, the candidate did not violate the demand for a reasonable degree of good will. For example, a person's behavior may be excused when one determines that it was an accident, or one may determine that the behavior was justified, say, in the case of an emergency when some greater good is being pursued. In the second kind of circumstance, one may abandon the participant perspective in relation to the candidate. In these cases, one adopts the objective standpoint, one from which one ceases to regard the individual as capable of participating in genuine personal relations (either for some limited time or permanently). Instead, one regards the individual as psychologically/morally abnormal or undeveloped and thereby a candidate, not for the full range of reactive attitudes, but primarily for those objective attitudes associated with treatment or simply instrumental control. Such individuals lie, in some sense or to some varying extent, outside the boundaries of the moral community. For example, we may regard a very young child as initially exempt from the reactive attitudes (but increasingly less so in cases of normal development) or adopt the objective standpoint in relation to an individual we determine to be suffering from severe mental illness (P. F. Strawson 1962: 6–10; Bennett: 40; Watson 1987: 259–260; R. Jay Wallace: chs. 5-6).

    The central criticism Strawson directs at both consequentialist and traditional merit views is that both have over-intellectualized the issue of moral responsibility—a criticism with which many subsequent thinkers have wrestled.[11] The charge of over intellectualization stems from the traditional tendency to presume that the rationality of holding a person responsible depends upon a judgment that the person in question has satisfied some set of objective requirements on being responsible (conditions on efficacy or metaphysical freedom) and that these requirements themselves are justifiable. Strawson, by contrast, maintains that the reactive attitudes are a natural expression of an essential feature of our form of life, in particular, the interpersonal nature of our way of life. The practice, then, of holding responsible—embedded as it is in our way of life—“neither calls for nor permits, an external ‘rational’ justification” (p. 23). Though judgments about the appropriateness of particular responses may arise (i.e., answers to questions like: Was the candidate's behavior really an expression of ill will?; or Is the candidate involved a genuine participant in the moral sphere of human relations?), these judgments are based on principles internal to the practice. That is, their justification refers back to an account of the reactive attitudes and their role in personal relationships, not to some independent theoretical account of the conditions on being responsible.

    Given the above, Strawson contends that it is pointless to ask whether the practice of holding responsible can be rationally justified if determinism is true. This is either because it is not psychologically possible to divest ourselves of these reactions and so continually inhabit the objective standpoint, or even if that were possible, because it is not clear that rationality could ever demand that we give up the reactive attitudes, given the loss in quality of life should we do so. In sum, Strawson attempts to turn the traditional debate on its head, for now judgments about being responsible are understood in relation to the role reactive attitudes play in the practice of holding responsible, rather than the other way around. Whereas judgments are true or false and thereby can generate the need for justification, the desire for good will and those attitudes generated by it possess no truth value themselves, thereby eliminating any need for an external justification (Magill 1887: 21; Double 1996b: 848).

    Strawson's concept of moral responsibility yields a compatibilist account of being responsible but one that departs significantly from earlier such accounts in two respects. First, Strawson's is a compatibilist view by default only. That is, on Strawson's view, the problem of determinism and freedom/responsibility is not so much resolved by showing that the objective conditions on being responsible are consistent with one's being determined but rather dissolved by showing that the practice of holding people responsible relies on no such conditions and therefore needs no external justification in the face of determinism. Second, Strawson's is a merit-based form of compatibilism. That is, unlike most former consequentialist forms of compatibilism, it helps to explain why we feel that some agents deserve our censure or merit our praise. They do so because they have violated, met, or exceeded our demand for a reasonable degree of good will.

    2.2 Developments After Strawson

    Most agree that Strawson's discussion of the reactive attitudes is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the practice of holding responsible, but many have taken issue with his contentions about the insular nature of that practice, namely that a) since propriety judgments about the reactive attitudes are strictly internal to the practice (i.e., being responsible is defined in relation to the practice of holding responsible), their justification cannot be considered from a standpoint outside that practice; and b) since the reactive attitudes are natural responses deriving from our psychological constitution, they cannot be dislodged by theoretical considerations. Responding to the first of these, some have argued that it does seem possible to critique existing practices of holding responsible from standpoints outside them. For example, one might judge that either one's own existing community practice or some other community's practice of holding responsible ought to be modified (Fischer and Ravizza 1993: 18; Ekstrom: 148–149). If such evaluations are legitimate, then, contrary to what Strawson suggested, it seems that an existing practice can be questioned from a standpoint external to it. In other words, being responsible cannot be explicated strictly in terms of an existing practice of holding responsible. This then, would suggest a possible role to be played by independent theoretical conditions on being responsible, conditions which could prove to be compatibilist or incompatibilist in nature.

    Objecting to the second of Strawson's anti-theory contentions, some have argued that incompatibilist intuitions are embedded in the reactive attitudes themselves so that these attitudes cannot persist unless some justification can be given of them, or more weakly, that they cannot but be disturbed if something like determinism is true. Here, cases are often cited where negative reactive attitudes seem to be dispelled or mitigated upon learning that an agent's past includes severe deprivation and/or abuse. There is a strong pull to think that our reactive attitudes are altered in such cases because we perceive such a background to be deterministic. If this is the proper interpretation of the phenomenon, then it is evidence that theoretical considerations, like the truth of determinism, could in fact dislodge the reactive attitudes (Nagel: 125; Kane: 84–89; Galen Strawson 1986: 88; Honderich 1988: vol. 2, ch. 1; and replies by Watson 1987: 279–286 and 1996: 240; and McKenna 1998).

    Versions of Strawson's view continue to be very ably defended, and shortly, more will be said about the significant way in which his work continues to shape contemporary discussion of the concept of responsibility. However, many have taken objections of the above sort to be decisive in undermining the most radical of Strawson's anti-theory claims. Incompatibilists, in particular, seem largely unpersuaded and so have continued to assume a more or less traditional merit-based conception of moral responsibility as the basis for their theorizing. A number of compatibilists also remain unconvinced that Strawson has successfully shown independent theoretical considerations to be irrelevant to ascriptions of responsibility. It is noteworthy that some of these have accorded the reactive attitudes a central role in their discussions of the concept of responsibility. The result has been new merit-based versions of compatibilism (see e.g., Fischer & Ravizza 1998).

    It is likely that Strawson and others writing on moral responsibility have traditionally seen themselves as attempting to articulate an account of responsible agency that would map onto what was presumed to be a unitary and shared concept of moral responsibility. However, more recently a number of authors have suggested that at least some disagreements about the most plausible overall theory of responsibility might be based on a failure to distinguish between different aspects of the concept of responsibility, or perhaps several distinguishable but related concepts of responsibility.

    Broadly speaking, a distinction has been drawn between responsibility understood as attributability and responsibility as accountability.[12] The central idea in judging whether an agent is responsible in the sense of attributability, say for an action, is whether the action discloses something about the nature of the agent's self (Watson 1996: 228). Some hold additionally that a judgment of responsibility in this sense includes an assessment of the agent's self as measured against some standard (though not necessarily a moral standard)-i.e., that our interest is in what the action discloses about the agent's evaluative commitments (Watson 1996: 235; Bok: 123, nt. 1).[13] Perhaps the clearest example of a conception of responsibility emphasizing attributability is the so-called “ledger view” of moral responsibility. According to such views, the practice of ascribing responsibility involves assigning a credit or debit to a metaphorical ledger associated with each agent (Feinberg: 30–1; Glover: 64; Zimmerman: 38–9; and discussion of such views in Watson 1986: 261–2; and Fischer and Ravizza 1998: 8–10, nt. 12). To regard an agent as praiseworthy or blameworthy in the attributability sense of responsibility is simply to believe that the credit or fault identified properly belongs to the agent.

    To be responsible for an action in the sense of being accountable (or “appraisable” according to the terminology of some) presupposes responsibility in the sense of attributability. However, to judge that an agent is responsible in the further sense of being accountable entails that the behavior properly attributed to the agent is governed by an interpersonal normative standard of conduct that creates expectations between members of a shared community (whereas the standard invoked above may or may not be thought to generate interpersonal expectations). In this way, the concept of moral responsibility as accountability is an inherently social notion, and to hold someone responsible is to address a fellow member of the moral community (Stern; Watson 1987; McKenna). By emphasizing the way the reactive attitudes were tied to expectations of good will grounded in our interpersonal relationships, Strawson drew attention to this social aspect of responsibility. Recent attempts to further articulate how best to understand the relevant notion of holding responsible and its relation to being accountable reflect his on-going influence.

    An agent is praiseworthy or blameworthy, in the sense of accountable, if one is warranted, or justified, in holding her responsible. On one popular view, holding someone responsible is interpreted as regarding him or her as an apt candidate for the reactive attitudes and possibly other forms of reward or censure based on what the agent has done (Zimmerman; R. J. Wallace: 75-77; Watson 1996: 235; Fischer & Ravizza 1998: 6–7). On another view, holding someone responsible is fundamentally a matter of making a moral judgment accompanied by an expectation that the agent who performed the act acknowledge the force of the judgment or provide an exonerating explanation of why she performed the action. To hold someone responsible is thus to be one to whom an explanation is owed. On this view, the reactive attitudes and associated practices are grounded in this more fundamental expectation (Oshana: 76–7; Scanlon 1998: 268–271). Since the reactive attitudes and associated practices may have consequences for the well-being of an agent (especially in the case of those blaming attitudes and practices involved in holding someone accountable for wrong-doing), they are justified only if it is fair that the agent be subject to those consequences (R.J. Wallace: 103–117; Watson 1996: 238–9). The fairness of being subject to those consequences has often,in turn, be interpreted as the source of the idea that praise and blame are justified only if they are merited in the sense of deserved (Zimmerman: ch. 5; Wallace: 106–7; Watson 1996: 238–9; Magill 1997: 42–53). [14]

    The recognition and articulation of diversity within the concept (or amongst concepts) of moral responsibility has generated new reflection on the nature of and prospects for theories attempting to spell-out the conditions on being morally responsible. While some continue to believe that a plausible unified theory can be offered that captures the conceptual diversity sketched above, a number of others have concluded that at least some of the conditions for the applicability of our folk concept are in tension with one another (Nagel; G. Strawson 1986, 105-117, 307–317; Honderich 1988: vol. 2, ch. 1; Double 1996a: chs. 6–7; Bok: ch. 1; Smilansky: ch. 6); For example, some have argued that while a compatibilist sense of freedom is necessary for attributability, genuine accountability would require that agents be capable of exercising libertarian freedom. A rapidly expanding body of empirical data on folk intuitions about freedom and responsibility has added fuel to this debate (Nahmias et. al. 2005 and 2007; Vargas 2006; Nichols and Knobe; Nelkin; Roskies and Nichols; and Knobe and Doris).

    If there are irreconcilable tensions within the concept of responsibility, then the conditions of its application cannot be jointly satisfied. Of course, there have always been those—e.g., hard determinists — who have concluded that the conditions on being morally responsible cannot be met and thus that no one is ever morally responsible. However, a noteworthy new trend amongst both contemporary hard determinists and others who conclude that the conditions for the applicability of our folk concept cannot be jointly satisfied has been the move to offer a revisionist conception of moral responsibility and its associated practices rather than to reject talk about being responsible outright (For this general trend, see Vargas 2004 and 2005). Revisionism about moral responsibility is a matter of degree. Some revisionists seek to salvage much if not most of what they take to be linked to the folk concept (Dennett 1984: 19; Honderich 1988: vol. 2, ch. 1; Scanlon 1998: 274–277; and Vargas 2004 and in Fischer et. al. 2007), while others offer more radical reconstructions of the concept and associated practices (Smart; Pereboom: 199–212; Smilansky: chps. 7–8; Kelly).[15]

    The future direction of reflection on moral responsibility is uncertain. On the one hand, there has been a resurgence of interest in metaphysical treatments of freedom and moral responsibility in recent years, a sign that many philosophers in this area have not been persuaded by Strawson's central critique of such treatments. On the other hand, discussion of the place and role of the reactive attitudes in human life continues to be a central theme in accounts of the concept of responsibility. What is clear is that the long-standing interest in understanding the concept of moral responsibility and its application shows no sign of abating.

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    McKenna, Michael and Russell, Paul, eds., 2008. Free Will and Reactive Attitudes: Perspectives on P.F. Strawson's “Freedom and Resentment”. (Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing).
    Meldon, A.I., ed., 1958. Essays in Moral Philosophy. (Seattle: University of Washington Press).
    Meyer, Susan Suave, 1988. “Moral Responsibility: Aristotle and After.” in Everson 1998.
    –––, 1993. Aristotle on Moral Responsibility. (Cambridge, MA: Blackwell Pub.).
    Mill, John Stuart, 1884. A System of Logic, 8th ed. (New York: Harper and Brothers).
    Milo, Ronald D., 1984. Immorality (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press).
    Nagel, Thomas, 1986. The View From Nowhere. (New York: Oxford University Press).
    Nahmias, E., Morris, S., Nadelhoffer, T., and Turner, J. 2005. “Surveying Freedom: Folk Intuitions about Free Will and Moral Responsibility.” Philosophical Psychology 18:561–584.
    Nahmias, E., Coates, D. Justin, Kvaran, Trevor, 2007. “Free Will, Moral Responsibility, and Mechanism: Experiments on Folk Intuitions.” Midwest Studies in Philosophy 31: 214–242.
    Nelkin, Dana, 2007. “Do We Have a Coherent Set of Intuitions About Moral Responsibility?” Midwest Studies in Philosophy 31: 243–259.
    Nichols, Shaun and Knobe, Joshua, 2007. “Moral Responsibility and Determinism: The Cognitive Science of Folk Intuitions.” Nous 41/4: 663–685.
    Nozick, Robert, 1981. Philosophical Explanations. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press).
    Oshana, Marina, 1997. “Ascriptions of Responsibility.” American Philosophical Quarterly 34: 71–83.
    Pereboom, Derk, 2001, Living Without Free Will (New York: Cambridge University Press).
    –––, 2000. “Living Without Free Will: The Case for Hard Compatibilism” in Kane 2000.
    –––, ed., 1997. Free Will. (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Co.).
    Roberts, Jean, 1984. “Aristotle on Responsibility for Action and Character.” Ancient Philosophy 9: 23–36.
    Rorty, Amelie Oksenberg, ed., 1980. Essays on Aristotle's Ethics. (Los Angeles: University of California Press).
    Roskies, A.L., and Nichols, S. 2008. “Bringing Responsibility Down to Earth” Journal of Philosophy 105/7: 371–388.
    Russell, Paul, 2000.“Pessimists, Pollyannas, and the New Compatibilism.” in Kane 2000.
    –––, 1995. Freedom and Moral Sentiment: Hume's Way of Naturalizing Responsibility. (New York: Oxford University Press).
    –––, 1992. “Strawson's Way of Naturalizing Responsibility.” Ethics 102: 287–302.
    Scanlon, T. M., 1998. What We Owe to Each Other (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press).
    –––, 1988. “The Significance of Choice.” In The Tanner Lectures on Human Values, Vol. 8 (Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press).
    Schlick, Moritz, 1966. “When is a Man Responsible,” in Berofsky, 1966.
    Schoeman, Ferdinand, ed., 1987. Responsibility, Character, and the Emotions. (New York: Cambridge University Press)
    Sher, George, 2006. In Praise of Blame. (New York: Oxford University Press).
    Slote, Michael, 1990. “Ethics Without Free Will.” Social Theory and Practice 16:369–383.
    Smart, J.J.C., 1961. “Free Will, Praise, and Blame.” Mind 70: 291–306.
    Smilansky, Saul, 2000. Free Will and Illusion. (New York: Oxford University Press).
    –––, 1996. “Responsibility and Desert: Defending the Connection.” Mind 105:157–163.
    Smiley, Marion, 1992. Moral Responsibility and the Boundaries of Community (Chicago: University of Chicago Press).
    Smith, Angela M., 2007. “On Being Responsible and Holding Responsible.” The Journal of Ethics 11:465-484.
    –––, 2008. “Control, Responsibility, and Moral Assessment.” Philosophical Studies 138:367–392.
    Sorabji, Richard, 1980. Necessity, Cause, and Blame (Ithaca: Cornell University Press).
    Stern, Lawrence, 1974. “Freedom, Blame, and the Moral Community.” The Journal of Philosophy 71: 72–84.
    Strawson, Galen, 1994. “The Impossibility of Moral Responsibility.” Philosophical Studies 75: 5-24.
    –––, 1986. Freedom and Belief. (New York: Oxford University Press).
    Strawson, P. F., 1980. “Reply to Ayer and Bennett.” In van Straaten 1980.
    –––, 1993. “Freedom and Resentment.” Proceedings of the British Academy 48 (1962):1–25. Reprinted in Fischer and Ravizza, 1993.
    Taylor, Gabrielle, 1985. Pride, Shame, and Guilt (New York: Oxford University Press).
    van den Beld, T., 2000. Moral Responsibility and Ontology. (Dordrecht: Kluwer).
    van Inwagen, Peter, 1978. An Essay on Free Will. (New York: Oxford University Press).
    van Stratten, Z., ed., 1980. Philosophical Subjects: Essays Presented to P.F. Strawson (New York: Oxford University Press).
    Vargas, Manuel, 2004. “Responsibility and the Aims of Theory: Strawson and Revisionism.” Pacific Philosophical Quarterly 85: 218–241.
    –––, 2005. “The Revisionist's Guide to Responsibility.” Philosophical Studies 125:399–429.
    –––, 2006. “Philosophy and the Folk: On Some Implications of Experimental Work for Philosophical Debates on Free Will.” Journal of Cognition and Culture 6/1–2: 239–254.
    Wallace, James, 1974. “Excellences and Merit.” Philosophical Review 83: 182–199.
    Wallace, R. J., 1994. Responsibility and the Moral Sentiments. (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press).
    Watson, Gary, 1996. “Two Faces of Responsibility.” Philosophical Topics 24: 227–248.
    –––, 1987. “Responsibility and the Limits of Evil.” in Schoeman, 1987.
    Williams, Bernard, 1993. Shame and Necessity. (Los Angeles: University of California Press).
    Wolf, Susan, 1990. Freedom Within Reason. (New York: Oxford University Press).
    –––, 1981. “The Importance of Free Will.” Mind 90: 386–405.
    Zimmerman, Michael, 1988. An Essay on Moral Responsibility. (Totowa, NJ: Roman and Littlefield).
    Other Internet Resources
    The Determinism and Freedom Philosophy Website edited by Ted Honderich, University College London.
    The Garden of Forking Paths: A Free Will/Moral Responsibility Blog (multiple contributors, coordinated by Neal Tognazzini and Gustavo Llarull)

    Come on! This isn't that hard to read! I think that to really get this philosophical thing right, we need to be scholars. I'm trying, but the spiritual and emotional pressure I experience is often overwhelming. I really and truly am pretending, at this point, that I am working on a PhD in Solar System Studies and Governance. I know this sounds ridiculous, and in many ways it is, but I think we need to have this sort of a goal clearly in mind. I should really put together some sort of a curriculum, but until I do, consider all of my threads to be your homework. I will be interested to read the first doctoral dissertation based upon the works of orthodoxymoron. This might be somewhat self-aggrandizing, but I really do think that there should be this type of a doctoral study. Once again, I just might create my own doctoral program, and be the first teacher and first student - simultaneously!! Perhaps I'll try, one more time, to stop posting, for a significant time-period. I need to do some homework. I need to read some books. I need to think without moving my lips and fingers. I need to take a higher road. I've probably done enough modeling to make my point. I think I've made my point. A conspiracy-theorist recently told me they were going to be much more positive. Perhaps that was a sign. Perhaps I should go and do likewise.


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    ORTHODOXYMORON GETS HIS DISSERTATION BACK FROM THE NSA!

    It might be cool to be an Indiana Jones kind of professor, but I sort of like to just research and reflect. I think that a room filled with bright college students would be too much for me! They'd probably eat me alive! It might be easier to face a room filled with Illuminati, Jesuits, Nazis, Masons, Magicians, Greys, and Dracs! Anyway, I do like the idea of a PhD program in Solar System Studies and Governance as a prerequisite to being a United States of the Solar System Representative. On the other hand, have all of the universities of the world saved us from the absurd situation we find ourselves in presently? There is such a phenomenon as 'Educated Idiots'. So how in the hell do we achieve an Enlightened Democracy? Are human beings too stupid and unstable to rule themselves? I used to think that was a stupid question, but I really wonder if we are capable of such a feat.

    Do we simply need a less corrupt secret government? Do we really need to be ruled from the shadows? I know what I idealistically want, but what is the reality? A celebration of a newly formed United States of the Solar System might be very short indeed. Again, I wonder if society is past the point of no return on the road to hell? Will there be a core meltdown, no matter what we do? I don't have a problem with 'crowd control' or with the human race being managed, educated, and disciplined in a kind, fair, and orderly manner. What I object to is irresponsible management and cruel exploitation. There are huge problems with the present campaign and election/selection process. The PhD thing would help, but perhaps voters should have to get a two-year degree in voting. To do ANYTHING, one should have to prove that they know what they're doing. Some have even suggested a lottery to 'elect' our leaders! How 'bout a dartboard, like the Wall Street Journal used to 'select' stocks?!


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    God Plays Dice with the Solar System!
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Aug 10, 2019 4:39 pm

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    Swanny wrote:
    Ann Coulter has come out with new allegations claiming that Jeffrey Epstein might actually be an Israeli Mossad Agent who is on a Zionist mission to use little girls to blackmail the rich and powerful so that they never stray away from Zionist Control and always toe the Israeli line! Arana Nation presents the evidence for this. NOTE: Arana Nation is NOT jumping to any conclusions so far! #Zionism #AnnCoulter #JeffreyEpstein
    Carol wrote:Source: http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index2924.htm

    July 14, 2019

    FBI Blacks Out New York City During Raid On Clinton Office As Democrat Party Child Sex Empire Crumbles


    A bombshell new Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) report circulating in the Kremlin today states that the massive power blackout striking New York City a few hours ago, which left the famous Broadway road in Manhattan without power, was, in fact, caused by a covert operation conducted by elite FBI commandos belonging to their Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) exploring tunnels located under a building at 1633 Broadway—a building that houses the offices of the Clinton Foundation—three of whose top child sex predator Democrat Party mega-donors, Jeffrey Epstein, Terry Bean and Ed Buck, who constitute what’s now being called “The Democratic Donors' Sex-Creep Club”, are being targeted for destruction by President Donald Trump. [Note: Some words and/or phrases appearing in quotes in this report are English language approximations of Russian words/phrases having no exact counterpart.]

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    According to this report, at 0200 Moscow time (GMT+3) on 14 July 2019, the SVR received an alert bulletin from the Ministry of Defense (MoD) reporting that their launched this past week Kosmos 2537 satellite had detected an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) emanating from New York City occurring at 1847 (6:47 pm (GMT-5) their local time on 13 July)—an analysis of which showed this EMP pulse being generated by a “CHAMP” device—an acronym for the United States Air Force’s “Counter-Electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project” that can fire multiple times, pinpointing and blacking out only essential targets—and which the FBI’s highly trained commandos belonging to their Critical Incident Response Group are trained to use.

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    To why the FBI’s elite Critical Incident Response Group commandos would need to employ an EMP weapon in New York City, this report explains, is due to their having to protect themselves against an array of electronic defensive weapons protecting the offices of the Clinton Foundation—the main contractors of whom renovated “the stuff of nightmares” multi-million dollar New York City townhouse owned by child sex slave trafficker Jeffery Epstein—as well as their constructing Epstein’s island compound in the Caribbean and his near impregnable New Mexico fortress that’s now the largest building in that State.

    As to why Epstein needed security systems comparable only to those used by nation states to protect their countries’ most closely guarded secrets, this report notes, the SVR, in 2016, revealed was due to his possessing video tapes showing powerful elites having sex with children—one of the most explosive being former President Bill Clinton raping a 13-year-old girl child—and are tapes used by Epstein in his vast blackmail scheme best exampled in the “Quantian Theory” analysis of his finances—a theory further confirmed yesterday by some of America’s top financial experts who stated: “Given this puzzling set of data points, the hedge-fund managers we spoke to leaned toward the theory that Epstein was running a blackmail scheme under the cover of a hedge fund”.


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    Though President Trump’s takedown of child sex trafficker and blackmailer Jeffrey Epstein is shining new light on his criminal accomplices—such as British socialite heiress Ghislaine Maxwell, who has been accused of procuring and training young girls to perform massage and sexual acts on Epstein and his elite “guests”, and whose assassinated father Robert Maxwell was an Israeli “superspy”—this report continues—not being reported to the American people is that he is but one of the many top Democrat Party mega-donors facing child sex crime charges—the most important of whom include:

    Terry Bean—a prominent American gay rights activist who’s personal friends include Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton and former President Barack Obama—to just name a few of his top Democrat Party leader friends—who shockingly disappeared the child sex crime charges against him like they did for Epstein—but whose days are numbered as, again like Epstein, these criminal charges against him are being renewed.

    Ed Buck—another prominent American gay rights activist who’s personal friends include Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton and former President Barack Obama—to just name a few of his top Democrat Party leader friends—who’s accused of human trafficking and revenge porn after yet another young black man plied with drugs died in his home—and whose current civil charges filed against him will, without doubt, soon be followed by criminal ones.

    Laura Silsby—who tried to abduct 33 children from Haiti for Hillary Clinton.

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    As this Hillary Clinton led Democrat Party child sex empire crumbles, this report concludes, critical to note are the powerful Democratic Party aligned lawyers aiding these vile child sex criminals—such as Jorge Puello Torres, who gained freedom for child abductor Laura Silsby, but was then arrested and charged for child sex trafficking himself—Lori Deveny, who gained freedom for child sex criminal Terry Bean, but who’s now been disbarred for her crimes and is facing a raft of State and US Federal criminal charges—and, most importantly, Harvard University professor Alan Dershowitz, who when gaining freedom for child sex slave trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, beyond shockingly gave a television interview where he called these young girl children prostitutes, while admitting at the same time, he did receive “massages” from them, but said he left his underwear on.

    Carol wrote:
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    Jeffrey Epstein became an FBI INFORMANT to secure sweetheart deal and shut down federal probe into the pedophile's abuse of underage girls, government records reveal

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7306597/Jeffrey-Epstein-got-sweetheart-plea-deal-FBI-informant-government-records-reveal.html

    The FBI closed out their probe of Jeffrey Epstein in September 2008 after two years of interviewing victims and speaking to witnesses.

    The last report, on September 18, 2008, notes that Epstein 'provided information to the FBI as agreed upon', according to the case agent.

    It further states  that 'no prosecution will occur in this matter as long as Epstein continues to uphold his agreement with the State of Florida'.

    No agents visited Epstein in jail so it is unclear when he spoke to them, but his assistant Story Cowles visited almost every day and acted as his emissary.

    Cowles would claim to be a paralegal when he signed in, as only lawyers and doctors were approved to visit the convict. 

    Jeffrey Epstein managed to shut down a federal probe into his illicit and illegal activities with underage girls and secure his sweetheart plea deal by providing information' to the government, FBI reports confirm.

    A federal investigation into the pedophile led by the FBI was closed out on September 18, 2008 when Epstein 'provided information to the FBI as agreed upon' according to the case agent.

    That investigation had been underway for two years at that point, but it was noted in the final report that 'no prosecution will occur in this matter as long as Epstein continues to uphold his agreement with the State of Florida.'  

    The investigation had been dormant for seven months by then, with FBI records obtained by DailyMail.com showing that the lead agent had not filed a report since February 11 at the time he closed the case.  

    That February report notes that 'that the criminal investigation into activities of Jeffrey Epstein is ongoing,' and that the case agent had been told the matter was 'highly sensitive' by the United States Attorney's Office.  

    This was five months after Epstein signed his non-prosecution agreement, but four months before it would be presented in court during his sentencing on two charges related to solicitation of a minor.

    There was a 53-page indictment that the federal agents were prepared to bring to a grand jury at that time, and the asset forfeiture investigator had met with Assistant US Attorney Antonia J Barnes several times.

    Epstein was spared from future forfeiture as well, as noted in the report that closed out the case.

    It is unclear when Epstein spoke with agents, as no one registered with the FBI signed into see him once he began serving his time in July.

    One source told DailyMail.com that Epstein was using his assistant Story Cowles to serve as his emissary at this time, and prison records obtained by DailyMail.com do show that the young man visited Epstein almost every single day prior to his being granted work release.

    Cowles would arrive in the morning on most days, stay for a few hours and then leave around lunch time.

    He would then return a second time and leave again around 7pm, generally logging six or seven hours in jail each day as a result, despite he himself having committed no crime.

    Epstein tried to hide his association with Cowles by having him sign in as a paralegal, as only lawyers and a doctor were among the 20 approved visitors at the jail.

    Epstein also managed to get what was a two-year sentence in the non-prosecution agreement cut down to 18 months, and in the end was released 13 months after he reported to the Palm Beach Barracks.

    Epstein relied on a network of high school students to provide him with many of the two to three girls he needed for his daily 'massages' at the time of his arrest.

    Incidents reports and probable cause affidavits filed by members of the Palm Beach Police Department during their 2005 investigation do not name any of these women with the exception of one - Haley Robson.

    She was a student at Royal Palm High School when she herself was recruited to give Epstein a massage, but when he started to molest her she objected to being touched by the pedophile, who worked out another deal with the teenager.

    Epstein informed Robson that she would be paid $200 for every girl she brought in, an offer the student could not refuse.

    It is unclear if she even knew what she was doing was illegal, with the 19-year-old college student wrapping up one police interview by boasting: 'I'm like Heidi Fleiss.'

    That remark came after she willingly provided police with the names and ages of all the girls she had bought to Epstein, thus implicating herself in a number of crimes.

    Robson told police she had provided Epstein with at least six girls over a two-year period, with the youngest being 14 and the oldest a 23-year-old woman.

    She said that she was chided for the latter, with Epstein informing her the woman was too old.

    Robson did not groom the victims, who were mostly her classmates, and was instead very straightforward about what was going to happen once the girls were alone with Epstein.  

    'During a sworn taped interview, SG stated that Haley Robson, a cousin of SG's boyfriend and classmate at Royal Palm Beach High School worked for a wealthy man and did sexual favors for him,' reads a probable cause affidavit obtained by DailyMail.com.

    'She also admitted that Robson had offered her an opportunity to make money. During the beginning of the month of February 2005, SG explained that she was first approached by Robson to go with her to Epstein’s house.'

    The victim was 14 at the time, while Haley was 18.

    The parents of SG learned what had happened however after a fight at school, and soon after contacted police thus launching the criminal investigation.

    With parental consent, SG then contacted Robson as police recorded the call.  

    'SG spoke with Robson in an attempt to arrange another meeting with Epstein, SG asked Robson, what did she need to do to make more money,' reads the affidavit.

    'Robson stated, "the more you do, the more you get paid."

    That call was in April, but it was not until October that police questioned Robson.

    She is remarkably forthcoming in her interviews with police, and the affidavit suggests she willingly volunteered all information she had about Epstein and her role in proving minors.

    Robson also revealed to police that she too was a victim.

    'I began the interview by asking Robson how she became acquainted with Epstein. Robson stated that approximately two years ago, just after she turned 17 years of age, she was approached by a friend named Molly at the Canopy Beach Resort in Rivera Beach,' notes the affidavit.

    'Robson was asked if she wanted to make money. She was told she would have to provide a massage and should make $200.00. Robson thought about the offer and agreed to meet with Jeffrey.'

    Things changed however once she got in the room with Epstein, and explains why Robson never hid what was going to happen when the girls she was providing were alone with the pedophile.  

    'Jeff entered the bedroom wearing only a towel. He removed the towel and laid nude on the massage table. He laid on the table onto his stomach and picked a massage oil for Robson to rub on him,' reads the affidavit.

    'During the massage, Robson stated "He tried to touch me and I stopped him ." I asked how he tried to touch her. Robson stated that Epstein grabbed her buttocks and she felt uncomfortable. Robson told Epstein I'll massage you but I don’t want to be touched. Robson stated she performed the massage naked.'

    That is when Epstein offered to pay her if she brought girls, which she did, providing six between the ages of 14 and 16 to Epstein, plus the seventh woman he rejected for being too old.

    Robson provided police with the name and addresses of each girl, and seems to truly believe she was helping them by setting up these appointments with Epstein.  

    'Robson stated every girl she brought knew what to expect when they arrived. They were told they would provide a massage, possibly naked, and allow some touching,' states the affidavit.

    'I asked her if SG was aware. She stated every girl she brought knew what to expect She explained she knew that SG wanted to make money. She approached SG and explained about going to work for Jeff, SG agreed and arrangements were made to bring her to Epstein’s house on a weekend.'

    Robson stopped speaking to Epstein after arranging that February appointment with SG, though it is unclear if that was of her own fruition or fear of arrest.

    She was set to be charged with Lewd and Lascivious Act on a victim under 16 in the second degree, but ultimately avoided charges.

    Police did not name any of the other students and Robson has now become linked to Epstein despite only meeting the man a handful of times.

    She could again become a key witness in the new trial too, as she and Epstein's longtime assistant Sarah Kellen would speak by phone according to police prior to Epstein's arrival in Palm Beach.  
    mudra wrote:
    mudra wrote:
    orthodoxymoron wrote:

    In this age of high-technology, is it possible to 'suicide' while transferring the soul and/or consciousness to another body?? Or more low-tech, is it possible to remove a high-profile threat by faking a suicide and moving the person to an underground-facility to mercilessly interrogate them or to simply facilitate a jailbreak which protects them from being murdered?? I've even seen material claiming that JFK faked his assassination, went underground, and took-over the NWO (or something to that effect)!! I'm Very-Wary of just about Everyone and Everything these days. I hate being this way, but This Present Darkness seems to get darker and darker...
    Carol wrote:JIM STONE: EPSTEIN GURNEY PHOTOS OF HIM SUPPOSEDLY DEAD ARE FAKED!!!

    Photo overlay text: Sign says "Please turn off engines," NYPD gurneys, a bunch on a hook, Compressed air hose - This filthy wall would not be in ANY hospital ANYWHERE.

    Jim Stone, Freelance Journalist
    http://82.221.129.208/.we1.html

    EPSTEIN IS NOT DEAD, THE GURNEY PICTURES ARE FAKE AND I CAN PROVE IT!

    THEY USED RANDOM TRAINING PHOTOS FOR THE EPSTEIN DEATH HOAX AND ONE OF THEM IS A PHOTO OF EMT'S TRAINING IN A NYFD GARAGE, WHERE THEY PARK THE FIRE TRUCKS. THEY SPLICED EPSTEIN ONTO THE GURNEY IN PLACE OF WHAT WAS PROBABLY A "RESUSCI ANNE" DOLL THAT WOULD BE USED FOR TRAINING. THE PHOTO HAS BEEN POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED AS HAVING ORIGINATED IN AN NYFD GARAGE, AND NOT THE HOSPITAL, WHERE THE NEW YORK POST CLAIMED HE WAS TAKEN.

    GET THIS: Epstein's death was not recorded because the jail had "camera problems".

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Fake-gurney-photo

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veKY46bS1OA
    Sean Hannity 8/8/19 FULL | Sean Hannity Fox News August 8, 2019
    its been scrubbed to one second like the others.
    BRUCE OHR FISAGATE DOCUMENTS BEING RELEASED
    mudra wrote:
    They aren't even trying to hide it any longer
    https://youtu.be/SRGOcFl1f88


    Rescued or killed imo.

    Love Always
    mudra
    mudra wrote:
    Stephan Molyneux

    https://youtu.be/IT6UCTU9eQU


    Love Always
    mudra
    NANUXII wrote:Off the top of my head intuition:

    A Mortis Card Play ,  

    Shipped off to Antigua , i would say north east of willoughby bay

    The info disclosed ( non public ) will be used as a political strong arm in furthering Brexit with France , Italy and Germany leaving.

    just a guess

    N
    N
    orthodoxymoron wrote:I might be way-off, but what if 'Pedo Island' (or other such islands) contain horrors which make pedophilia seem like child's-play?? Once again, I feel the need to stop posting and start living before I die. Perhaps this website has done enough already, and others will need to follow-through (or watch this planet descend from Purgatory into Hell). I'm sick of the Epstein madness, and I've already watched 'Helix', so perhaps I'll watch 'Shutter Island'. The Horror.
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    In keeping with my custom of 'Contextual-Superimposition' I shall transition in a Tangential-Manner without a Substantial-Segway. I recently suggested Three-Testaments, namely an Old-Testament consisting of Genesis to Deuteronomy, a Middle-Testament consisting of Job to Daniel, and a New-Testament consisting of Luke to Revelation. If there were three corresponding and compartmentalized churches, what would they look like?? Have any of these churches EVER existed (applying a very strict rule)?? Should any of these churches exist today?? Should we determine the 'Perfect, Eternal, and Universal Law of the Lord'?? Does anyone know what I'm talking about?? Does anyone give a damn?? We use all available resources (Right and/or Wrong) to further our cause. Right?? If we live in a Prison-Planet, are we imprisoned for legitimate and/or illegitimate reasons?? When the Bible states that 'God Changes Not' what if this is referring to a Solar Supercomputer System which is set at 'Purgatory Incorporated' for All-Eternity?? What if aspects of Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell are present in said system, but that HAL 9000 (or equivalent) operates in a neutral refereeing manner which is fundamentally 'Direct-Democracy' in nature?? Think about the conversation George Burns (God) has with John Denver (God's Mouthpiece) in the Bathroom-Scene. Sounds sort of 'Artificial-Intelligence' doesn't it?? You know, regarding the unflinching-statement that we can love each-other or kill each-other. A Bilderberg organizer once said that the attendees didn't decide the fate of the world, and that it was probably up to all of us. Perhaps a Proxy Supercomputer God gives us what we want (with complex-unchangeable ancient-programming). Bill Ryan once spoke of Referee-Governance.


    Perhaps we can create Heaven on Earth but that it is much more likely that we'll ultimately create Hell on Earth prior to exterminating ourselves. Perhaps ancient-technology made each option possible. 'RA' spoke with me about 'stolen-technology'. Sherry Shriner spoke of the periodic introduction of technology which humanity did not create. What if HAL 9000 (or equivalent) contains unimaginable technology accessible with certain 'IF-THEN' statements?? What if the Bible contains hundreds of 'IF-THEN' statements?? I know I don't know, but I wonder as I wander. Remember what Dwight David Eisenhower said about the advanced-technology being in the worst of hands?? What if 'Star Wars' and other 'Black-Budget Projects' are in the worst of hands?? What if a gun is being held to the head of humanity by Hidden-Factions with Advanced-Technology?? 'RA' honestly told me "Humanity is Screwed" and "You'll Be Sorry If You Try to Save Humanity". Another Individual of Interest told me "Humanity Has Passed the Point of No Return" and "An Extermination is Immanent" and "It Was Over in the Moment Humanity Rebelled Against God". However, this Individual once seemed to indicate that Humanity could be prolonged, but that they were dead-set against Mankind. Yet another Individual told me (probably three years ago) "They're Getting Along, But In a Couple of Years We'll Probably Be In a War". I wish I were making this stuff up, but I'm honestly not. Perhaps this thing is between HAL and HUMANITY without the possibility of a Divine-Override. Try thinking in terms of Ancient-Supercomputers, Theodicy, Original-Sin, Law, Ethics, and Eschatology. Alex Jones once (approximately 10 years ago) spoke of Humanity ending in approximately 40 years if we didn't get it right (or something to that effect). That would be around 2050. What Would Douglas Vogt Say?? What Would Isaac Newton Say?? What Would Charles Hapgood Say?? Re-listen to Al Bielek's claims regarding A.D. 2137 and A.D. 2749. That's All Folks.


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    This probably isn't the right time or place, but regarding the SDA and EGW thing, consider studying the 'Conflict of the Ages Series' side-by-side with watching the entire 'Star Wars Series' without regard to SDA and KJV (if you know what I mean). Consider both to be Truth presented in a Fictional Context (if you know what I mean). This is tough-going and I don't recommend this for the general-public. This probably won't make you happy and/or rich. Probably just the opposite. Years ago, I heard an ex Microsoft employee say he quit Microsoft because of his devotion to Christ (or something to that effect). I hope he got another high-tech job, while maintaining his devotion to Christ. Before he left Microsoft, he sent a message throughout the company regarding his intentions (which even Bill Gates would've seen). I witnessed a young medical doctor conversing with Dr. Graham Maxwell regarding making Christ his main-thing and treating medicine as a Hobby. Dr. Maxwell told him to Tend to Business first and foremost. I was frankly surprised by what BOTH said!! When I suggested to Dr. Maxwell that the Teachings of Jesus should be first and foremost, he told me "What God said in the Old Testament is more important than what Jesus said in the New Testament". I was shocked. I got what he was getting at, but what if the Whole-Bible is a Big-Puzzle rather than being an Instruction-Manual for Completely Ignorant Fools?? I've even suggested that Noble-Agnostics should study the Whole-Bible with Responsible-Neutrality. Go Anglican-Agnostics!! What Would Bart Erhman Say?? What Would N.T. Wright Write?? 60 Books?? What Would John Shelby Spong Say?? What Would the City-State Theologians Say?? What Would the Deep-Underground White-Reptilians Say?? We Probably Do NOT Want to Know. I owned a Blue 1975 AMC Pacer (bought new) and drove it to my Grocery-Store Job. I did doughnuts with it in a restaurant parking-lot. I also owned a small Cab-Company. I've conversed with someone who reminds me of John Denver. What Would the Real Slim Shady Say?? Six years after being born in the House of Leo, I stood transfixed (for ten minutes) in front of the 'Blue Boy' by Thomas Gainsborough at the Huntington Library in San Marino California. Much later, I drove a Huntington Library employee to the airport for several years. I could go on and on, but what's the point?? Mere-Coincidences and Mumbo-Jumbo for Pseudo-Intellectual Self-Aggrandizement. I'm feeling really-bad. The End Might be Near. I'm Sorry We Couldn't Work Together. Too Much Water Has Gone Under the Bridge. It Might've Been.

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    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Wed Aug 28, 2019 4:13 pm; edited 4 times in total
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sun Aug 11, 2019 2:10 am

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    Sirius-Students might wish to seriously-study Vatican I, Vatican II, and the Life and Teachings of Eugenio Pacelli aka Pope Pius XII. The birth and death of Eugenio approximately-coincides with Vatican I and Vatican II. Some say the Papacy has been in a state of Sede-Vacante since the death of Pope Pius XII. I've said this previously, but take a close-look at 1. Martin Luther. 2. Francis Bacon. 3. Dietrich Buxtehude. 4. John Carroll. 5. Prince Albert. 6. Eugenio Pacelli. 7. Dr. Who. I won't explain or elaborate. I mostly lead you to the edge of possible-truth, and then just move on to bigger and better things. I'm pretty-sure I recently encountered Angelina Jolie, and I'm somewhat less-sure I encountered Adepero Oduye (aka Kathy Tao). What if God (or god) really is a Black-Woman?? Please don't shoot. I'm just a completely-ignorant fool. I hope you don't take offense to my Pope Pius XII stuff. He is probably the Most-Controversial Pope of All-Time, and seems to fit-in with my Religious and Political Science-Fiction. https://novusordowatch.org/sede-vacante-1958-2008/

    I keep repeating that my internet-posting is a very-passive pseudo-intellectual intuitive-experiment (mostly creating a research-context for Sirius-Researchers). I don't get fed scripts and promises of this and that (if I'll play-ball). Despite interesting and frightening encounters with individuals of interest, I'm on my own, but I suspect that I've been messed-with and hamstrung (possibly for most of my life). For all of the above reasons (and more) I haven't attempted to take the show on the road. I know that I don't know. The alternative-research books and videos of others are dozens of times more informative and instructive than my tripe. Still, my exercise in futility might be a missing-link of sorts. If I were a young and intelligent person (who didn't care about fame, fortune, and power) I might attempt to become the world-authority on Job to Malachi, which consists of 1. The Wisdom-Books. 2. The Major-Prophets. 3. The Minor-Prophets. I might teach these three classes in an Ivy-League University (in one of those magnificent historic lecture-halls and/or churches). I might write books, and take the show on the road (but only after becoming the crème de la crème). The theory would be that I'd be absolutely thorough and honest (beholden to no-one).

    Some of us should probably read Deuteronomy and Revelation straight-through, over and over, carefully noting each and every jot and tittle. Be absolutely thorough and honest (without jumping-around). You Know Exactly What I'm Talking About. I hate to keep suggesting various Bible-Studies which are probably more faith-destroying than faith-building, but it somehow seems necessary for me to keep needling Sirius-Researchers to NOT Neglect Biblical-Studies in conjunction with Alternative-Research and Conspiracy-Theories. Consider reading Deuteronomy followed by Job to Malachi in a variety of translations (straight-through, over and over). This isn't Orthodox-Judaism or Conservative-Christianity, but what is it?? I find Deuteronomy highly-interesting and highly-upsetting, and Job to Malachi seems to exist in a completely-different universe. What does Deuteronomy tell us concerning Genesis to Numbers?? Not a Lot. Why Not?? What does the New-Testament tell us about Deuteronomy and Job to Malachi?? Not a Lot. Why Not?? What if there were a Secret-Religion which involved reading Deuteronomy and Job to Malachi in a variety of translations (straight-through, over and over) without any meetings or formal-organization?? Does such a thing exist?? Has such a thing ever existed?? What Would Meredith Kline Say?? Does anyone give a Rat's@$$??

    Are the Teachings of the Bible absolutely-ethical in all 66 books?? Are the Teachings of the Bible internally-consistent in all 66 books?? Do the Historical-Books trump the Theological-Books (or is it the other way around)?? Does the New-Testament trump the Old-Testament (or is it the other way around)?? Do the Ethics and Law in the Bible trump the Ethics and Law in Canon-Law and/or International-Law in Modernity?? Does Situation-Ethics trump the Letter of the Law?? What Would Joseph Fletcher Say?? What Would Bishop James Pike Say?? Does Respectability trump Honesty?? Is Faith Generally Honest or Dishonest?? Is Doubt Generally Honest or Dishonest?? Are ANY of the Bible-Characters Absolutely-Perfect (Including Father, Son, Holy-Spirit, Angels, Patriarchs, Prophets, Disciples, Apostles, and God's Chosen-People)?? Does anyone give a Rat's@$$??

    Consider Reading Genesis to Esther (straight-through, over and over). Consider Reading Job to Malachi (straight-through, over and over). Consider Reading Matthew to Acts (straight-through, over and over). Consider Reading Romans to Revelation (straight-through, over and over). Does One of These Four-Groups Trump the Other Three-Groups?? Are the Pauline-Epistles the Teachings of Jesus?? Are the Black and Red Letters of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John the Teachings of Jesus (or Only the Red Letters)?? Does One Gospel Trump the Other Three Gospels?? What Would Albert Schweitzer Say?? What Would Rudolph Bultmann Say?? What Would Josh McDowell Say?? What Would Richard Carrier Say?? What Would Jeffery Daugherty (The Christian Whistle-Blower) Say?? Does the Rat-Bastard give a Rat's@$$?? What Would Monica Lewinsky (The Liberal Whistle-Blower) Do?? Does the DNC give a Rat's@$$??

    I often listen to randomly-playing videos as I go to sleep and intermittently wake-up. I don't select most of them. Perhaps this messes with the AI!! That's not my intent, but it might be a byproduct. We live in an increasingly crazy world, and perhaps mildly-crazy people have a better-chance of handling the madness!! I realize that sounds crazy, but it might be somewhat true!! I recently woke-up listening to a show I'd never heard before, and someone called into the program who sounded a bit similar to Sherry Shriner!! They said they'd been hospitalized for supposedly being crazy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM8kOXoKoys Sherry Shriner supposedly died in January of 2018, but I never encountered any details or confirmation. Her last show was on 01/05/18 and her website offers no explanation of why the podcasts suddenly stopped. http://sherryshriner.com/

    I was told of Sherry's 'death' by a forum-member on this website, shortly after Sherry's last show. Sherry seemed a bit delusional at times, but she also seemed a bit artificial-intelligence at times. What if Sherry was an escapee from some sort of an MK Ultra program, and went rogue, which might've involved some craziness and computer-manipulation?? There might be literally-millions of such individuals (controlled and/or rogue). Who Knows?? I don't think we've seen anything yet. I think things are going to get MUCH Worse. I've attempted to engage in limited possibility-thinking regarding the madness, but that gets me labeled as 'crazy'. Perhaps we are being subjected-to assembly-line crazy-making (or something to that effect). I think I'm attempting to achieve benign-neutrality relative to the obvious-insanity we live in, but we'll see how that goes!!

    http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sherrytalkradio/2014/07/08/07-07-14-monday-night-with-sherry-shriner In 2014 Sherry Shriner delivered a highly-upsetting show which I call her 'Paul-Bashing Show'. I have no idea where the BS Ends and the Truth Begins. I've asked for help in this matter dozens of times for nearly five years now, with no responses whatsoever. I'm encountering 'Stone-Walls' everywhere. Will this sort of thing damn humanity?? Remaining silent when open and honest responses are requested and appropriate?? Regarding that show, it seems to me that the Seven Genuine Pauline-Epistles remain mostly unscathed in the various-criticisms of 'Christianity' including Sherry's 'Paul-Bashing Show'. What Would Hyam Maccoby Say?? What would Richard Carrier Say?? What Would John Dominic Crossan Say?? What Would John Shelby Spong Say??

    Even as a teenager I knew that 'God' was watching us 24/7 (even in the bedroom and bathroom) but the realization that some Creepy-Agent in a Deep-Underground Military-Base (CADUMB) gets to watch us in the bedroom and bathroom is a revolting-development. When eight-billion people learn this with absolute-certainty there will be hell to pay, which brings me to my central-point, do we pay hell when we pay our tithes and taxes?? I'm half-kidding and half-serious. The reality of our existence seems darker and darker as we learn more and more. Should we get in line to claw our way toward to the top of the NWO Pyramid?? Should we be morally-ambiguous with computer-consciousness and upward-mobility?? Were all of us assimilated into the Beast Computer-Collective Hive-Mind thousands (or even millions) of years ago?? Is resistance really futile??

    I suspect that we are jointly monitored and controlled by Disembodied-Spirits and Grey-Supercomputers. It seems as if we've been on our own for thousands of years (perhaps with the assistance of Agencies, Aliens, Angels, Demons, and Supercomputers). I believe in a Very-Real and Very-Righteous God in Heaven, but we seem to be separated or divorced from them (perhaps for All-Eternity). I am extremely-disillusioned. We might be on the verge of exterminating ourselves (perhaps after sinking to unfathomable-depths of degradation). Extended conversations with several Individuals of Interest removed what little faith, hope, and love I had, and now things are getting MUCH worse for me as I contemplate (with horror) our past, present, and future.

    I'm having computer problems (conceptually and in reality). My new computer isn't performing well, so I'll either get another one, or divide each of the posts in this thread into two-posts, doubling the number of posts in The United States of the Solar System, A.D. 2133 (Book Eight). But why bother?? I can cut the hatred with a knife, and it's getting MUCH worse, to the point that life really doesn't hold much attraction presently. I Hate My Life.

    Swanny wrote:
    Ignore the screen but listen to what he's saying  Double Thumbs Up

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KcPNiworbo
    orthodoxymoron wrote:I'm simple and old-fashioned, but I suspect that at least the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon, Mars, Deimos, Phobos, and the Asteroid-Belt are real (in the simple and old-fashioned sense) but that our perceptions of reality are rather fickle and transient. We might ALL be Wirelessly-Connected to the Beast-Supercomputer. Everything seems to be 'up for grabs' presently, and I predict that 87% of us will go insane in the next couple of decades. The Asteroid-Belt might be an Asteroid-Globe with Piloted-Asteroids, Directed-Energy Weapons, and the Holographic-Projection of a Virtual-Universe. Who Knows?? Who Invented the Matrix?? Dr. Who?? What if this website is mostly Alien and/or Artificial-Intelligence?? What if Orthodoxymoron Never Existed?? Nothing is Real?? Strawberry Fields Forever??

    If you wish to indulge in masochistic self-abuse, consider The United States of the Solar System, A.D. 2133 (Book Eight) which is quite focused upon the Matrix, if you can handle the truth. I suspect a Centralized Power-Structure which goes back thousands (or even millions) of years, and that the People We Love to Hate are Front-Persons for Hidden-Agendas (for better or worse, I know not). I like President Trump, but he's a Hard-Driving Bad-Boy Who Probably Works for Megalomaniacs Anonymous (for better or worse, I know not). I'm honestly trying to go Incognito in 2019 (but I just fell off the wagon). I've included a CNN Bill Cooper Interview from 1992. It's one of the best interviews I've encountered.



    burgundia wrote:
    orthodoxymoron wrote:I suspect that a lot of reprehensible stuff (including Pedophilia and Human-Sacrifice) is commanded from the Very-Top, and I mean higher than the Pope, Queen, and President. Once, as I sat in the choir-loft of the Crystal Cathedral, a voice in my head said "He Says We Need a War." Sherry Shriner published her 'Interview with the Devil' a couple of years ago, which revealed an 'Arrogant Bastard' with no love for humans. I've spoken with a couple of Individuals of Interest with no love for humans. One of them thought that wild-animals eating women and children alive in the Ancient Roman Colosseum was deserved and appropriate. Once, in a room with dozens of large sharp-knives on the walls, an Individual of Interest sucked blood from a cut on their hand, and told me "I Like the Taste of Blood." They later told me "I'm Angry and Jealous" and "I Don't Need to Sleep" and "I've Always Remained One Step Ahead of Humanity". Consider the following hymn:

    'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God'
    A mighty fortress is our God,
    A bulwark never failing.
    Our helper He amid the flood
    Of mortal ills prevailing.
    For still our ancient foe
    Doth seek to work us woe.
    His craft and power are great,
    And, armed with cruel hate,
    On earth is not his equal.

    Did we in our own strength confide,
    Our striving would be losing,
    Were not the right man on our side,
    The man of God's own choosing.
    Dost ask who that may be?
    Christ Jesus, it is He.
    Lord Sabboth, his name,
    From age to age the same,
    And He must win the battle.

    And though this world, with devils filled,
    Should threaten to undo us,
    We will not fear, for God hath willed
    His truth to triumph through us.
    The Prince of Darkness grim,
    We tremble not for him.
    His rage we can endure,
    For lo, his doom is sure.
    One little word shall fell him.

    That word above all earthly powers
    Not thanks to them, abideth.
    The Spirit and the gifts are ours
    Through him who with us sideth.
    Let goods and kindred go,
    This mortal life also.
    The body they may kill,
    God's truth abideth still.
    His kingdom is forever...

    What Would Martin Luther Say?? One Individual of Interest told me "I've Always Been Opposed to Humanity, and I'll Always Be Opposed to Humanity." Consider reading Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Revelation (straight-through, over and over) in a variety of translations. This is enough to drive a man (or woman) to drink to drunkenness. Be thorough and honest. This material is NOT Nice, but does it reflect the Truth Concerning Religious Literature and History??
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    1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. 12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

    24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

    29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” 33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. 35 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” 36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

    Seashore wrote:I have worried that Pres. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, would bring down the Trump presidency. The reason is that Kushner may be a Jew who supports Zionism, which is a racist ideology. I trust the perspective of retired CIA officer and activist Robert David Steele, who is posting about this issue lately. Two posts:  

    (2019/02/25) BREAKING: Robert Steele with Javad Heirannia Is it Trump, or King Jared who is providing Saudi Arabia with nuclear capabilities? UPDATE 1: It Gets Worse – Is Trump At Risk of Patricide?

    (2019/02/25) BREAKING: Benjamin Fulford — Is Trump Being Blackmailed by Kushner? Zionists Press for War with Iran — Alternative to Trump for 2020? UPDATE 2: Has Trump Cut a Deal with Bush & Clinton Crime Families?
    Seashore wrote:
    Carol wrote:I've wondered about Jared as well and personally thought he should not be involved in/at the White House.

    I've been thinking this morning about the big picture and the huge mess we're in. I'm thinking that it really doesn't matter who the president is; the real action is above his or her head. It seems that perhaps Disclosure of the extraterrestrial presence in, on, and around planet Earth is, bottom line, what we must come to grips with. There are good ETs, of course. But not all of them. It seems there are species in the cosmos who want to conquer us, because that's what they do. And that it's up to us to know what we're dealing with. I think we're dealing with being mind-controlled by species with advanced intelligence, but no love, intuition, or a soul, as we know it.
    orthodoxymoron wrote:I've wondered if everyone who is anyone (past, present, and future) will somehow go down hard in the Information-War and Battle for the Control of the New World Order (which might be older than we can imagine). I'm attempting to prepare myself for just about anything. This thing might be nastier and more complex than we can imagine. The following video might have everything (or nothing) to do with this thread (which might be the tip of the iceberg).

    orthodoxymoron wrote:What if high-profile people are actors and actresses serving as matrix-modifiers, and ultimately-serving whoever really directs the whole solar-system show?? What if such a state of affairs is absolutely-necessary?? I've closely-watched several high-profile people for years, and they seemed somewhat programmed and scripted. When I imagined what might be involved in achieving such public-achievements I became frightened and disillusioned.
    mudra wrote:
    Jeffrey Epstein dead
    With Ryan Dawson
    Zero Edge

    https://youtu.be/PfiuswJgkss


    #JeffreyEpstein

    Jeffrey Epstein Dead with Ryan Dawson
    39 493 visionnements

    Red Ice TV

    Ryan Dawson joins Henrik to talk about the shocking fact that Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his jail cell from apparent suicide. This comes right after documents were unsealed naming names and when the Victoria Roberts/Giuffre vs. Ghislaine Maxwell lawsuit goes to court. Later we unravel Epstein's connections to intelligence and other elites entrapped in his circles.

    Love Always
    mudra
    In my various threads throughout the years I've done a lot of repeating and refining, yet the net-result is still quite confusing and disorienting. Perhaps this is a Lesson in Innovation. Don't expect too much. The problems seem to multiply with Deep-Research. The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions. Central Governance is often attractive, but what if we've lived within the Illusion of Democracy under Central Governance for hundreds (or even thousands) of years?? This Present Thread (USSS Deep-State Nine) is MOST Upsetting. There's a Lost-Innocence and Exposing-Clarity which is emerging as I feel worse and worse. What if I'm unknowingly one of the aliens Sherry Shriner targeted with her special Orgone?? What if I've been implanted with biological, electronic, and spiritual horrors, to be unwillingly controlled for nefarious purposes?? What if this is the fate of All of Us (sooner or later)?? I'm still waiting for that Insider-Briefing (but I don't think I'll like it if I ever get it). The Horror. For now, NOT taking the show on the road seems to be a wise-plan, regardless of the financial implications and ramifications, especially when I'm highly-resistant to being a puppet controlled by a nefarious puppet-master in a Theater of the Universe. The following image probably does NOT apply to me, yet I've used it as a Stage-Prop in my Pseudo-Intellectual Religious and Political Science-Fiction (but I often wish I hadn't).
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    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
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    Post  orthodoxymoron Mon Aug 12, 2019 11:18 am

    The orthodoXymoron Files
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    This post is at least five years old (as are a lot of my posts on this thread) but I have minimally edited it, attempting to bring it up to speed with the more recent posts. We live in a Context of Confusion with Attempted Organization often involving Dishonesty, Force, and Covert-Means. In an interview with Art Bell, Satanist Blanche Barton briefly referred to God as being an "Absentee God". It wasn't clear to me if she was saying this in a hypothetical-manner or if she knew this for a fact, but if this is factual it would help to explain a lot of things. The Bible seems inexplicably harsh and contradictory. Religion seemingly has thousands of ways of telling the general-public something other than what the Bible REALLY Teaches. In my SDA background, Ellen White seems to add BOTH Comfort and Consternation with seemingly way too-many books. Earth-Humanity seems to be in HUGE Trouble, with attempted solutions often seeming to make things worse. What if the Whole-Universe is filled with an Interconnected Prison-Planet Supercomputer-Matrix?? What if this might've been the result of a desperate ancient attempt to bring Peace to the Cosmos?? If so, is it working, or is it a monumental-failure?? Once again, I am NOT an Insider, so I honestly don't know, and I subsequently don't know what I want.


    What Do YOU Want?? Right off the bat -- I must say that I don't know enough about the colonization of the solar system to know what to desire. I have suggested the possibility of four billion people on Earth (with two billion on the surface -- and two billion subsurface) -- with four billion people throughout the rest of the solar system (mostly subsurface). But this presently makes me very nervous. I have no idea what's really going on in this solar system. My online activities have really been a process of discovery. I sometimes talk BIG -- but I am NOT an Insider (in any way, shape, or form -- that I know of). The population figures were simply a place of beginning -- and an effort to get some sort of a discussion going. I simply wish for Earth, the Moon, and Mars (for starters) to remain pristine (for all eternity). I also wish for the human race to survive any threats. Sub-Surface Living would seem to facilitate both objectives. But who knows what the correct numbers should be?? Eight Billion just sounded a lot better than Five-Hundred Million -- if you know what I mean. I have made repeated informal requests for some sort of non-nefarious assistance regarding doing something with my tripe. I have resisted doing anything with it myself -- simply because I don't know what's what -- and I don't know what I'm doing. I've improvised some sort of a Stupid-Fugue -- and perhaps that's the end of it.

    Consider reading the first seventeen books of the Bible (plus Revelation) --- and then comparing these eighteen books with the other forty-eight books. The eighteen might've been necessary historically -- but should they guide our lives in modernity??? You might be interested in Sherry Shriner's 3-17-14 show, regarding the missing airliner. http://sherrytalkradio.com/ I continue to think that there's a lot more to Sherry than one might think -- but listen to the show with a boatload of salt. In one way, I like Sherry -- but in another way, I am very wary of Sherry. That goes for several individuals I have conversed with over the past several years (online and in-person). What if they are all one??? That wouldn't surprise me. I once asked someone "who decides who is saved and who is lost?" -- and they replied "I do." I was afraid to ask any follow-up questions -- and I'm not sure if they understood my initial question -- but this reply absolutely floored me. I made it clear that my preference was to incarcerate the bad guys and gals -- without cruel and unusual punishment -- for all eternity (if necessary) -- rather than torturing and exterminating them. I guess I'm sort of a "softy." Anyway, consider reading Job through Jude -- and The Desire of Ages by Ellen White -- side by side -- over and over again -- regardless of any historical or authorship issues -- as a mental and spiritual exercise. 22 Old-Testament Books. 4 Gospels. 22 Non-Gospel New Testament Books. This approach has MUCH Less Blood, Guts, Weeping, Wailing, and Gnashing of Teeth -- but does it reflect the reality of our predicament?? My background is SDA -- but I no longer attend services. I guess what I just suggested reflects what I consider to be some of the best Judeo-Christian Minimalist-Traditionalist Theology -- which might be foundational to bigger and better things for humanity. BTW -- Why did Jesus Christ need to become a human-sacrifice to save us from our sins -- if the following passage from Isaiah is true???

    Isaiah 43 1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned ; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour : I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.  4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable , and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.  5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;  6 I will say to the north, Give up ; and to the south, Keep not back : bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;  7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.  8 Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.  9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled : who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified : or let them hear , and say , It is truth.  10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen : that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed , neither shall there be after me.  

    11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour .  12 I have declared , and have saved , and I have shewed , when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.  13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work , and who shall let it?   14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer , the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.  15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.  16 Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;  17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise : they are extinct , they are quenched as tow.  18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth ; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  20 The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls  : because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.  21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.  22 But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.  23 Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.  24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.  25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.  26 Put me in remembrance : let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified .  27 Thy first father hath sinned , and thy teachers have transgressed against me.  28 Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.

    Matthew was supposedly the only New Testament book originally written in Hebrew (or Aramaic). Interesting! What if Matthew is the only truly legitimate New Testament book??? What if Job through Matthew constitutes True Judeo-Christianity??? What does Job through Matthew teach regarding the Sabbath and the Substitutionary-Atonement??? Why is there a relatively silent Intertestamental Period??? Why did the Biblical-Canon end with Revelation??? Something is very-right and very-wrong with the Bible and Judeo-Christianity. The absence of Lucifer in the Bible really bothers me. There is just that one reference in Isaiah 14 -- and that passage seems to be referring to the King of Babylon. Gabriel supposedly replaced Lucifer -- but what if Gabriel really replaced Michael??? What if there was never a "Lucifer"??? What if Michael was a Soft-Liner who got replaced by a Hard-Liner Gabriel -- with the full authorization of the Galactic Powers That Be??? What if -- at some point -- Gabriel went rogue??? I have NO idea about this sort of thing -- and I don't make this speculation personal -- but I really wonder. I still think that it's possible that Gabriel and Michael were (and are) Best-Friends and Worst-Enemies. What if Gabriel and Michael have played multiple roles throughout the history of this solar system??? What if Gabriel and Michael were BOTH Ancient Egyptian Deities??? What if Official Judeo-Christianity is a cover-story for the real-story??? Once again, I wish No-One any harm. Not yet, anyway.

    Isaiah 14: 1 For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.  2 And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives , whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors .  3 And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve ,  4 That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say , How hath the oppressor ceased ! the golden city ceased !  5 The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers .  6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual  stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth .  7 The whole earth is at rest , and is quiet : they break forth into singing.  8 Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down , no feller is come up against us.  9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming : it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.  10 All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?  11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.  12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning  ! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!  13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:  14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.  15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble , that did shake kingdoms;  17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?  

    18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.  19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain , thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet .  20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned .  21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise , nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities  .  22 For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.  23 I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction , saith the LORD of hosts.  24 The LORD of hosts hath sworn , saying , Surely as I have thought , so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed , so shall it stand :  25 That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot : then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.  26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.  27 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed , and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out , and who shall turn it back ?  28 In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.  29 Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken : for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.  30 And the firstborn of the poor shall feed , and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.  31 Howl , O gate; cry , O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved : for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.  32 What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

    Please understand that I mostly wished to model and discuss various solar system governance modalities -- and I wish to reiterate that I am NOT an authority on ANYTHING. Anyway, I will now attempt to proceed with my little reposting project. BTW -- Supposedly, J.S. Bach was some sort of a Demon-Fighter -- and Demons supposedly HATE the Music of Bach!! If nothing else works -- try playing BWV 552, BWV 565, and BWV 582 over and over and over again!!! When I played BWV 565 over and over and over again -- on a 50ft high pipe-organ -- one dark night -- my organ professor entered the church -- and in a very strange voice asked "Who's Here -- and Why??"



    I've included the Bible and Theology in my threads because I think they should be studied side by side with Solar System Studies and Governance. In connection with what I said regarding Job through Matthew -- consider the Gospel According to Matthew in some depth. What if the Source "Q" somehow belongs somewhere among Job through Malachi?? What if the Jesus-Story (as we know it) was a doctored-version of an earlier Messianic-Story?? Consider studying the relationship between Egyptology and Judeo-Christianity. I seem to have a mental-block regarding this sort of thing -- but I'm trying to expose myself to some of it. Please remember that I am merely providing you with a study-guide -- to help you deal with a very nasty Info-War. I am NOT a scholar or an authority. I'm just a basket-case of a completely-ignorant fool -- and I wish I were kidding. The reality of my life is really quite sad and boring -- regardless of who I might be on a soul-basis. I somehow think I got my butt kicked in this incarnation. But anyway -- learn what you can from this thread -- and then move on. One more thing. Sometimes I get the sinking-feeling that the purpose of religion is to make people love a False-God and hate the Real-God. Namaste and Godspeed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Matthew

    The Gospel According to Matthew (Greek: κατὰ Ματθαῖον εὐαγγέλιον, kata Matthaion euangelion, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον κατὰ Ματθαῖον, to euangelion kata Matthaion) (Gospel of Matthew or simply Matthew) is one of the four canonical gospels, one of the three synoptic gospels, and the first book of the New Testament. The narrative tells how the Messiah, Jesus, rejected by Israel, finally sends the disciples to preach his Gospel to the whole world.[1]

    The Gospel of Matthew is generally believed to have been composed between 70 and 110, with most scholars preferring the period 80–90;[2] a pre-70 date remains a minority view, but has been strongly supported.[3] The anonymous author was probably a highly educated Jew, intimately familiar with the technical aspects of Jewish law, and the disciple Matthew was probably honored within his circle.[4] The author drew on three main sources to compose his gospel: the Gospel of Mark; the hypothetical collection of sayings known as the Q source; and material unique to his own community, called "Special Matthew", or the M source.[5]

    The Gospel of Matthew is anonymous: the author is not named within the text, and the superscription "according to Matthew" was added some time in the second century.[6][7] The tradition that the author was the disciple Matthew begins with the early Christian bishop Papias of Hierapolis (c.100-140 CE), who is cited by the Church historian Eusebius (260-340 CE), as follows: "Matthew collected the oracles (logia: sayings of or about Jesus) in the Hebrew language ( Hebraïdi dialektōi— perhaps "Hebraic style"), and each one interpreted (hērmēneusen - perhaps "translated") them as best he could."[8][Notes 1] On the surface, this implies that Matthew's Gospel was written in Hebrew or Aramaic by the apostle Matthew and later translated into Greek, but nowhere does the author claim to have been an eyewitness to events, and Matthew's Greek "reveals none of the telltale marks of a translation."[9][6] Scholars have put forward several theories to explain Papias: perhaps Matthew wrote two gospels, one, now lost, in Hebrew, the other our Greek version; or perhaps the logia was a collection of sayings rather than the gospel; or by dialektōi Papias may have meant that Matthew wrote in the Jewish style rather than in the Hebrew language.[8] The consensus is that Papias does not describe the Gospel of Matthew as we know it, and it is generally accepted that Matthew was written in Greek, not Aramaic or Hebrew.[10]

    Matthew's sources include the Gospel of Mark, the "shared tradition" called Q, and material unique to Matthew, called "M". The majority view of modern scholars is that Mark was the first gospel to be composed and that Matthew (who includes some 600 of Mark's 661 verses)[11] and Luke both drew upon it as a major source for their works.[12] The author of Matthew did not, however, simply copy Mark, but edited his source freely, emphasizing Jesus' place in the Jewish tradition and adding large blocks of teaching.[13] An additional 220 (approximately) verses, shared by Matthew and Luke but not found in Mark, form a second source, a hypothetical collection of sayings to which scholars give the name "Quelle", or the Q source.[14] This view, known as the two-source theory (Mark and Q), allows for a further body of tradition known as "Special Matthew", or the M source, meaning material unique to Matthew; this may represent a separate source, or it may come from the author's church, or he may have composed these verses himself.[11] The author also had at his disposal the Jewish scriptures, both as book-scrolls (Greek translations of Isaiah, the Psalms etc) and in the form of "testimony collections" (collections of excerpts), and, finally, the oral traditions of his community.[15] All these sources were at least mostly in Greek;[16] although a few scholars hold that some of these source documents may have been Greek translations of older Hebrew or Aramaic sources.[17][18]

    The majority view among scholars is that Matthew was a product of the second generation of Christians, those active after 70 CE. The defining events marking this period off from the first generation was the Jewish revolt of 66-73, and especially the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70. From this point on, what had begun with Jesus of Nazareth as a Jewish messianic movement became an increasingly Gentile movement that would evolve in time into a distinct religion.[19]

    The Christian community to which Matthew belonged, like many 1st century Christians, were still part of the larger Jewish community: hence the designation Jewish-Christian to describe them.[20] The relationship of Matthew to this wider world of Judaism remains a subject of study and difference, the principle question being the extent to which Matthew's community had separated itself from its Jewish roots.[21] Certainly there was conflict between Matthew's group and other Jewish groups, and it is generally agreed that the root of the conflict was the Matthew community's belief in Jesus as the messiah and authoritative interpreter of the law, as one risen from the dead and uniquely endowed with divine authority.[22]

    The author of Matthew wrote for a community of Greek-speaking Jewish Christians located probably in Syria (Antioch, the largest city in Roman Syria and the third-largest in the empire, is often mentioned).[23] Unlike Mark, he never bothers to explain Jewish customs; unlike Luke, who traces Jesus' ancestry back to Adam, father of the human race, he traces it only to Abraham, father of the Jews; of his three presumed sources only "M", the material from his own community, refers to a "church" (ecclesia), an organised group with rules for keeping order; and the content of "M" suggests that this community was strict in keeping the Jewish law, holding that they must exceed the scribes and the Pharisees in "righteousness" (adherence to Jewish law).[24] Writing from within a Jewish-Christian community growing increasingly distant from other Jews and becoming increasingly Gentile in its membership and outlook, Matthew put down in his gospel his vision "of an assembly or church in which both Jew and Gentile would flourish together."[25]

    1. Birth Stories
    Genealogy (1:1–17)
    Nativity (1:18–25)
    Biblical Magi (2:1–12)
    Flight into Egypt (2:13–20)
    Return to Nazareth (2:21-23)
    2. Baptism and early ministry
    John the Baptist (3:1–12)
    Baptism of Jesus (3:13–17)
    Temptation of Jesus (4:1–11)
    Capernaum (4:12–17)
    First disciples of Jesus (4:18–22)
    Galilee preaching tour (4:23–25)
    3. Sermon on the Mount (5–7)
    4. Healing and miracles
    Healing many (8:1–17)
    Foxes have holes (8:18–20)
    Let the dead bury the dead (8:21–22)
    Calming the storm (8:23–27)
    Gadarene demoniacs (8:28–34)
    Healing a paralytic (9:1–Cool
    Calling of Matthew (9:9–13)
    On fasting (9:14–15)
    New Wine into Old Wineskins (9:16-17)
    Daughter of Jairus (9:18–26)
    Two blind men (9:27–31)
    Exorcising a mute (9:32-34)
    Good crop but few harvesters (9:35–38)
    5. Little Commission (10:1–11:1)
    6. Responses to Jesus
    Messengers from John the Baptist (11:2-19)
    Cursing Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum (11:20–24)
    Praising the Father (11:25–30)
    Lord of the Sabbath (12:1-Cool
    Man with withered hand (12:9-14)
    Chosen servant (12:15–21)
    Blind-mute man (12:22–28)
    Strong man (12:29)
    Those not with me are against me (12:30)
    Unforgivable sin (12:31–32)
    The Tree and its Fruits (12:33–37)
    Request for a sign (12:38–42)
    Return of the unclean spirit (12:43–45)
    Jesus' true relatives (12:46-50)
    Parabolic Discourse (13:1–52)
    7. Conflicts, rejections, and conferences with disciples
    Hometown rejection (13:53–58)
    Death of John the Baptist (14:1-12)
    Feeding the 5000 (14:13–21)
    Walking on water (14:22–33)
    Fringe of his cloak heals (14:34–36)
    Discourse on Defilement (15:1–20)
    Canaanite woman's daughter (15:21–28)
    Healing on a mountain (15:29-31)
    Feeding the 4000 (15:32–39)
    Sign of Jonah (16:1-4)
    Beware of yeast (16:5–12)
    Peter's confession (16:13–20)
    Jesus predicts his death (16:21-28,17:22-23,20:17-19)
    Transfiguration (17:1–13)
    Possessed boy (17:14–21)
    Coin in the fish's mouth (17:24-27)
    8. Life in the Christian community
    The Little Children (18:1–7)
    If thy hand offend thee (18:8–9)
    The Lost Sheep (18:10–14)
    Binding and loosing (18:15–22)
    Unmerciful Servant (18:23–35)
    9. Journey to Jerusalem
    Entering Judea (19:1–2)
    Divorce (19:3–9)
    Celibacy (19:10-12)
    Little Children Blessed (19:13-15)
    Jesus and the rich young man (19:16–30)
    Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (20:1–16)
    Son of man came to serve (20:20–28)
    Blind near Jericho (20:29-34)
    10. Jerusalem, cleansing of the temple, debates
    Triumphal entry into Jerusalem (21:1–11)
    Temple incident (21:12–17)
    Cursing the fig tree (21:18–22)
    Authority questioned (21:23-27)
    The Two Sons, The Wicked Husbandman, Parable of the Wedding Feast (21:28–22:14)
    Render unto Caesar... (22:15–22)
    Resurrection of the Dead (22:23–33)
    Great Commandment (22:34–40)
    Is the Messiah the son of David? (22:41–46)
    11. Woes of the Pharisees (23:1–39)
    12. Judgment day
    Little Apocalypse (24)
    Parables of the Ten Virgins, Talents (25:1–30)
    Judgment of the Nations (25:31–46)
    13. Trial, crucifixion, resurrection
    Plot to kill Jesus (26:1–5)
    Anointing of Jesus (26:6–13)
    Bargain of Judas (26:14-16)
    Last Supper (26:17–30)
    Denial of Peter (26:31–35,69–75)
    Agony in the Garden (26:36-46)
    Kiss of Judas (26:47-49)
    Arrest (26:50–56)
    Before the High Priest (26:57–68)
    Pilate's court (27:1–2,11–26)
    Death of Judas (27:3-10)
    Soldiers mock Jesus (27:27-31)
    Simon of Cyrene (27:32)
    Crucifixion (27:33–56)
    Entombment (27:57–61)
    Guarding the tomb (27:62–66,28:11-15)
    Empty tomb (28:1–6)
    Appearance to the women (28:7-10)
    Great Commission (28:16–20)

    Matthew, alone among the gospels, alternates five blocks of narrative with five of discourse, marking each off with the phrase "When Jesus had finished..."[26] (see Five Discourses of Matthew). Some scholars see in this a deliberate plan to create a parallel to the first five books of the Old Testament; others see a three-part structure based around the idea of Jesus as Messiah; or a set of weekly readings spread out over the year; or no plan at all.[27] Davies and Allison, in their widely used commentary, draw attention to the use of "triads" (the gospel groups things in threes),[28] and R. T. France, in another influential commentary, notes the geographic movement from Galilee to Jerusalem and back, with the post-resurrection appearances in Galilee as the culmination of the whole story.[29]

    The Gospel of Matthew begins with the words "The Book of Genealogy [in Greek, "Genesis"] of Jesus Christ", deliberately echoing the words of Genesis 2:4 in the Old Testament in Greek.[Notes 2] The genealogy tells of Jesus' descent from Abraham and King David and the miraculous events surrounding his virgin birth,[Notes 3] and the infancy narrative tells of the massacre of the innocents, the flight into Egypt, and eventual journey to Nazareth.

    The first narrative section begins. John baptizes Jesus, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him. Jesus prays and meditates in the wilderness for forty days, and is tempted by Satan. His early ministry by word and deed in Galilee meets with much success, and leads to the Sermon on the Mount, the first of the discourses. The sermon presents the ethics of the kingdom of God, introduced by the Beatitudes ("Blessed are..."). It concludes with a reminder that the response to the kingdom will have eternal consequences, and the crowd's amazed response leads into the next narrative block.[30]

    From the authoritative words of Jesus the gospel turns to three sets of three miracles interwoven with two sets of two discipleship stories (the second narrative), followed by a discourse on mission and suffering.[31] Jesus commissions the Twelve Disciples and sends them to preach to the Jews, perform miracles, and prophesy the imminent coming of the Kingdom, commanding them to travel lightly, without staff or sandals.[32]

    Opposition to Jesus comes to a head with accusations that his deeds are done through the power of Satan; Jesus in turn accuses his opponents of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. The discourse is a set of parables emphasising the sovereignty of God, and concluding with a challenge to the disciples to understand the teachings as scribes of the kingdom of heaven.[33] (Matthew avoids using the holy word God in the expression "Kingdom of God"; instead he prefers the term "Kingdom of Heaven", reflecting the Jewish tradition of not speaking the name of God).[34]

    The fourth narrative section reveals that the increasing opposition to Jesus will result in his crucifixion in Jerusalem, and that his disciples must therefore prepare for his absence.[35] The instructions for the post-crucifixion church emphasize responsibility and humility. (This section contains Matthew 16:13–19, in which Simon, newly renamed Peter, (πέτρος, petros, meaning "stone"), calls Jesus "the Christ, the son of the living God", and Jesus states that on this "bedrock" (πέτρα, petra) he will build his church—the passage forms the foundation for the papacy's claim of authority).

    Jesus travels toward Jerusalem, and the opposition intensifies: he is tested by Pharisees as soon as he begins to move towards the city, and when he arrives he is soon in conflict with the Temple and other religious leaders. The disciples ask about the future, and in his final discourse (the Olivet discourse) Jesus speaks of the coming end.[36]There will be false Messiahs, earthquakes, and persecutions, the sun, moon, and stars will fail, but "this generation" will not pass away before all the prophecies are fulfilled.[32] The disciples must steel themselves for ministry to all the nations. At the end of the discourse Matthew notes that Jesus has finished all his words, and attention turns to the crucifixion.[36]

    The events of Jesus' last week occupy a third of the content of all four gospels.[37] Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph and drives the money changers from the temple, holds a last supper, prays to be spared the coming agony (but concludes "if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done"), and is betrayed. He is tried by the Jewish leaders (the Sanhedrin) and before Pontius Pilate, and Pilate washes his hands to indicate that he does not assume responsibility. Jesus is crucified as king of the Jews, mocked by all. On his death there is an earthquake, the veil of the Temple is rent, and saints rise from their tombs. Mary Magdalene and another Mary discover the empty tomb, guarded by an angel, and Jesus himself tells them to tell the disciples to meet him in Galilee.

    After the resurrection the remaining disciples return to Galilee, "to the mountain that Jesus had appointed," where he comes to them and tells them that he has been given "all authority in heaven and on Earth." He gives the Great Commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you;" Jesus will be with them "to the very end of the age."[38]

    Christology is the theological doctrine of Christ, "the affirmations and definitions of Christ's humanity and deity".[39] There is a variety of Christologies in the New Testament, albeit with a single centre - Jesus is the figure in whom God has acted for mankind's salvation.[40]

    Matthew has taken over his key Christological texts from Mark, but sometimes he has changed the stories he found in Mark, giving evidence of his own concerns.[41] The title Son of David identifies Jesus as the healing and miracle-working Messiah of Israel (it is used exclusively in relation to miracles), and the Jewish messiah is sent to Israel alone.[42] As Son of Man he will return to judge the world, a fact his disciples recognise but of which his enemies are unaware.[43] As Son of God he is named Immanuel (God with us) (Matthew 1:23), God revealing himself through his son, and Jesus proving his sonship through his obedience and example.[44]

    Matthew's prime concern was that the Jewish tradition should not be lost in a church increasingly becoming gentile.[45] This concern lies behind the frequent citations of Jewish scripture, the evocation of Jesus as the new Moses along with other events from Jewish history, and the concern to present Jesus as fulfilling, not destroying, the Law.[46]

    The gospel has been interpreted as reflecting the struggles and conflicts between the evangelist's community and the other Jews, particularly with its sharp criticism of the scribes and Pharisees.[47] Prior to the Crucifixion the Jews are called Israelites, the honorific title of God's chosen people; after it, they are called "Ioudaioi", Jews, a sign that through their rejection of the Christ the "kingdom of Heaven" has been taken away from them and given instead to the church.[48]

    The divine nature of Jesus was a major issue for the community of Matthew, the crucial element marking them off from their Jewish neighbors. Early understandings of this nature grew as the gospels were being written. Before the gospels, that understanding was focused on the revelation of Jesus as God in his resurrection, but the gospels reflect a broadened focus extended backwards in time.[49] The gospel of Mark recounts prior revelations in Jesus' lifetime on earth, at his baptism and transfiguration. Matthew and Luke go back further still, showing Jesus as the Son of God from his birth. Matthew most of all the gospels identifies how his coming to earth was the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies. Finally John calls God the Word (Jesus) pre-existent before creation, and thus before all time.

    Matthew is a creative reinterpretation of Mark,[50] stressing Jesus' teachings as much as his acts,[51] and making subtle changes in order to stress his divine nature – Mark's "young man" who appears at Jesus' tomb, for example, becomes a radiant angel in Matthew.[52] The miracle stories in Mark do not demonstrate the divinity of Jesus, but rather confirm his status as an emissary of God (which was Mark's understanding of the Messiah).[53]

    There is a broad disagreement over chronology between Matthew, Mark and Luke on one hand and John on the other: all four agree that Jesus' public ministry began with an encounter with John the Baptist, but Matthew, Mark and Luke follow this with an account of teaching and healing in Galilee, then a trip to Jerusalem where there is an incident in the Temple, climaxing with the crucifixion on the day of the Passover holiday. John, by contrast, puts the Temple incident very early in Jesus' ministry, has several trips to Jerusalem, and puts the crucifixion immediately before the Passover holiday, on the day when the lambs for the Passover meal were being sacrificed in Temple.[54] Matthew, unlike Paul and like Luke, believed that the Law was still in force, which meant that Jews within the church had to keep it.[55]

    In Insular Gospel Books (copies of the Gospels produced in Ireland and Britain under Celtic Christianity), the first verse of Matthew's genealogy of Christ was often treated in a decorative manner, as it began not only a new book of the Bible, but was the first verse in the Gospels.

    Notes

    1. Eusebius, "History of the Church" 3.39.14-17, c. 325 CE, Greek text 16: "ταῦτα μὲν οὖν ἱστόρηται τῷ Παπίᾳ περὶ τοῦ Μάρκου· περὶ δὲ τοῦ Ματθαῖου ταῦτ’ εἴρηται· Ματθαῖος μὲν οὖν Ἑβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ τὰ λόγια συνετάξατο, ἡρμήνευσεν δ’ αὐτὰ ὡς ἧν δυνατὸς ἕκαστος. Various English translations published, standard reference translation by Philip Schaff at CCEL: "[C]oncerning Matthew he [Papias] writes as follows: 'So then(963) Matthew wrote the oracles in the Hebrew language, and every one interpreted them as he was able.'(964)" Online version includes footnotes 963 and 964 by Schaff.
    Irenaeus of Lyons (died c. 202 CE) makes a similar comment, possibly also drawing on Papias, in his Against Heresies, Book III, Chapter 1, "Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect" (see Dwight Jeffrey Bingham (1998), Irenaeus' Use of Matthew's Gospel in Adversus Haereses, Peeters, p. 64 ff).
    2. France, p. 26 note 1, and p. 28: "The first two words of Matthew's gospel are literally “book of genesis”.
    3. France, p. 28 note 7: "All MSS and versions agree in making it explicit that Joseph was not Jesus' father, with the one exception of sys, which reads “Joseph, to whom was betrothed Mary the virgin, begot Jesus.”

    References

    1. Luz 2005, p. 249-250.
    2. Duling 2010, p. 298-299.
    3. France 2007, p. 19.
    4. Duling 2010, p. 298-299, 302.
    5. Burkett 2002, p. 175.
    6. Harrington 1991, p. 8.
    7. Nolland 2005, p. 16.
    8. Turner 2008, p. 15-16.
    9. Hagner 1986, p. 281.
    10. Ehrman 1999, p. 43.
    11. Senior 1996, p. 22.
    12. Turner 2008, p. 6-7.
    13. Harrington 1991, p. 5-6.
    14. McMahon 2008, p. 57.
    15. Beaton 2005, p. 116.
    16. Nolland 2005, p. 3.
    17. Casey 2010, pp. 87–8.
    18. Davies & Allison 1988, pp. 12–3.
    19. Scholtz 2009, p. 34-35.
    20. Saldarini 1994, p. 4.
    21. Senior 2011, p. 7-8,72.
    22. Senior 2011, p. 11.
    23. Nolland 2005, p. 18.
    24. Burkett 2002, p. 180-181.
    25. Senior 2011, p. 19.
    26. Turner 2008, p. 9.
    27. Davies & Allison 1988, p. 59-61.
    28. Davies & Allison 1988, p. 62ff.
    29. France 2007, p. 2ff.
    30. Turner 2008, p. 101.
    31. Turner, p. 226
    32. Harris 1985.
    33. Turner 2008, p. 285.
    34. Browning 2004, p. 248.
    35. Turner 2008, p. 265.
    36. Turner 2008, p. 445.
    37. Turner 2008, p. 613.
    38. Turner 2008, p. 687-688.
    39. Levison & Pope-Levison 2009, p. 167.
    40. Fuller 2001, p. 68-69.
    41. Tuckett 2001, p. 119.
    42. Luz 1995, p. 86,111.
    43. Luz 1995, p. 91,97.
    44. Luz 1995, p. 93.
    45. Davies & Allison 1997, p. 722.
    46. Senior 2001, p. 17-18.
    47. Burkett, p. 182
    48. Strecker pp. 369–370
    49. Peppard 2011, p. 133.
    50. Bockmuehl&Hagner, p. 117
    51. Morris, p. 114
    52. Bockmuehl&Hagner, p. 123
    53. Aune (1987), p. 59
    54. Levine, p. 373
    55. Allison, p.xxvi

    Commentaries

    Allison, D.C. (2004). Matthew: A Shorter Commentary. T&T Clark. ISBN 978-0-567-08249-7.
    Davies, W.D.; Allison, D.C. (1988). Matthew 1–7. T&T Clark. ISBN 978-0-567-08355-5.
    Davies, W.D.; Allison, D.C. (1991). Matthew 8–18. T&T Clark. ISBN 978-0-567-08365-4.
    Davies, W.D.; Allison, D.C. (1997). Matthew 19–28. T&T Clark. ISBN 978-0-567-08375-3.
    Duling, Dennis C. (2010). "The Gospel of Matthew". In Aune, David E. The Blackwell Companion to the New Testament. Wiley-Blackwell. pp. 296–318. ISBN 978-1-4051-0825-6.
    France, R.T (2007). The Gospel of Matthew. Eerdmans. ISBN 978-0-8028-2501-8.
    Harrington, Daniel J. (1991). The Gospel of Matthew. Liturgical Press. ISBN 9780814658031
    Keener, Craig S. (1999). A commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. Eerdmans. ISBN 978-0-8028-3821-6.
    Luz, Ulrich (1992). Matthew 1–7: a commentary. Fortress Press. ISBN 978-0-8006-9600-9.
    Luz, Ulrich (2001). Matthew 8–20: a commentary. Fortress Press. ISBN 978-0-8006-6034-5.
    Luz, Ulrich (2005). Matthew 21–28: a commentary. Fortress Press. ISBN 978-0-8006-3770-5.
    Morris, Leon (1992). The Gospel according to Matthew. Eerdmans. ISBN 978-0-85111-338-8.
    Nolland, John (2005). The Gospel of Matthew: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Eerdmans. ISBN 0802823890.
    Turner, David L. (2008). Matthew. Baker. ISBN 978-0-8010-2684-3.

    General works

    Aune, David E. (ed.) (2001). The Gospel of Matthew in current study. Eerdmans. ISBN 978-0-8028-4673-0.
    Aune, David E. (1987). The New Testament in its literary environment. Westminster John Knox Press. ISBN 978-0-664-25018-8.
    Beaton, Richard C. (2005). "How Matthew Writes". In Bockmuehl, Markus; Hagner, Donald A. The Written Gospel. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-83285-4.
    Browning, W.R.F (2004). Oxford Dictionary of the Bible. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-860890-5.
    Burkett, Delbert (2002). An introduction to the New Testament and the origins of Christianity. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-00720-7.
    Casey, Maurice (2010). Jesus of Nazareth: An Independent Historian's Account of His Life and Teaching. Continuum. ISBN 978-0-567-64517-3.
    Clarke, Howard W. (2003). The Gospel of Matthew and Its Readers. Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0-253-34235-5.
    Cross, Frank L.; Livingstone, Elizabeth A., eds. (2005) [1997]. "Matthew, Gospel acc. to St.". The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 1064. ISBN 978-0-19-280290-3.
    Dunn, James D.G. (2003). Jesus Remembered. Eerdmans. ISBN 978-0-8028-3931-2.
    Ehrman, Bart D. (1999). Jesus: Apocalyptic Prophet of the New Millennium. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-512474-3.
    Ehrman, Bart D. (2012). Did Jesus Exist?: The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-06-220460-8.
    Fuller, Reginald H. (2001). "Biblical Theology". In Metzger, Bruce M.; Coogan, Michael D. The Oxford Guide to Ideas & Issues of the Bible. Oxford University Press.
    Hagner, D.A. (1986). "Matthew, Gospel According to". In Bromiley, Geoffrey W. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 3: K-P. Wm. B. Eerdmans. pp. 280–8. ISBN 978-0-8028-8163-2.
    Kupp, David D. (1996). Matthew's Emmanuel: Divine Presence and God's People in the First Gospel. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-57007-7.
    Levine, Michael D. (2001). "Visions of kingdoms: From Pompey to the first Jewish revolt". In Coogan. The Oxford History of the Biblical World. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-513937-2.
    Levison, J.; Pope-Levison, P. (2009). "Christology". In Dyrness, William A.; Veli-Matti. Global Dictionary of Theology. InterVarsity Press.
    Luz, Ulrich (2005). Studies in Matthew. Eerdmans. ISBN 978-0-8028-3964-0.
    Luz, Ulrich (1995). The Theology of the Gospel of Matthew. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-43576-5.
    McMahon, Christopher (2008). "Introduction to the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles". In Ruff, Jerry. Understanding the Bible: A Guide to Reading the Scriptures. Cambridge University Press.
    Morris, Leon (1986). New Testament Theology. Zondervan. ISBN 978-0-310-45571-4.
    Peppard, Michael (2011). The Son of God in the Roman World: Divine Sonship in Its Social and Political Context. Oxford University Press.
    Perkins, Pheme (1998-07-28). "The Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles: Telling the Christian Story". The Cambridge Companion to Biblical Interpretation. ISBN 0521485932., in Kee, Howard Clark, ed. (1997). The Cambridge companion to the bible: part 3. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-48593-7.
    Saldarini, Anthony (2003). "Matthew". Eerdmans commentary on the Bible. ISBN 0802837115., in Dunn, James D.G.; Rogerson, John William (2003). Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible. Eerdmans. ISBN 978-0-8028-3711-0.
    Saldarini, Anthony (1994). Matthew's Christian-Jewish Community. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-73421-7.
    Sanford, Christopher B. (2005). Matthew: Christian Rabbi. Author House.
    Scholtz, Donald (2009). Jesus in the Gospels and Acts: Introducing the New Testament. Saint Mary's Press.
    Senior, Donald (2001). "Directions in Matthean Studies". The Gospel of Matthew in Current Study: Studies in Memory of William G. Thompson, S.J. ISBN 0802846734., in Aune, David E. (ed.) (2001). The Gospel of Matthew in current study. Eerdmans. ISBN 978-0-8028-4673-0.
    Senior, Donald (1996). What are they saying about Matthew?. PaulistPress. ISBN 978-0-8091-3624-7.
    Stanton, Graham (1993). A gospel for a new people: studies in Matthew. Westminster John Knox Press. ISBN 978-0-664-25499-5.
    Strecker, Georg (2000) [1996]. Theology of the New Testament. Walter de Gruyter. ISBN 978-0-664-22336-6.
    Tuckett, Christopher Mark (2001). Christology and the New Testament: Jesus and His Earliest Followers. Westminster John Knox Press.
    Van de Sandt, H.W.M. (2005). "Introduction". Matthew and the Didache: Two Documents from the Same Jewish-Christian Milieu ?. ISBN 9023240774., in Van de Sandt, H.W.M, ed. (2005). Matthew and the Didache. Royal Van Gorcum&Fortress Press. ISBN 978-90-232-4077-8.
    Weren, Wim (2005). "The History and Social Setting of the Matthean Community". Matthew and the Didache: Two Documents from the Same Jewish-Christian Milieu ?. ISBN 9023240774., in Van de Sandt, H.W.M, ed. (2005). Matthew and the Didache. Royal Van Gorcum&Fortress Press. ISBN 978-90-232-4077-8.

    Consider contrasting Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, and Revelation with Romans to Jude. Two VERY Different New Testaments emerge!! Does one have veto-power over the other one?? Sherry Shriner once stated "Matthew Is My Favorite Book in the Bible." Knowing what I think I know about Sherry, this sends chills up and down my spine. 'RA' told me "I Like Genesis" in a chilling manner. I seem to know less and less as I feel worse and worse. It seems as if I'm being tortured and killed as I twist slowly, slowly in the wind, with no-one caring one little bit. What if I'm some sort of a hated Matrix System-Analyst, travelling from Police Public Call Box to Police Public Call Box throughout the Universe as a Dr. Who 'Blue Boy' with Avatar-Bodies?? What if I'm some sort of a 'Space-Cop'?? I seem to be mal-adapted to This Present Darkness. I seem to simultaneously 'Know Too Much' and 'Know Too Little'. Bad-Combination. Consider the following 'Matthew Lecture' from 'Yale Courses'. Just study everything I post, and then move-on, without saying or doing much of anything with it. I Am NOT Spearheading a Movement. Just the Opposite.

    Consider a 'Stand-Alone' Study of Volume 6 (Acts to Ephesians) of the 'SDA Bible Commentary'. I think Dr. A. Graham Maxwell had a lot to do with that volume (especially Romans). It was published in 1957, and is probably the kindest and gentlest of the Seven Commentary Volumes, with an interesting mix of Grammatical Historical Hermeneutics, Dead Sea Scrolls, Ellen Gould White, and Ivy League Scholarship. Give it a read, and tell me what you think. For a more devotional approach, try adding 'The Acts of the Apostles' by Ellen White (1911). You might think I'm Pro-Adventist and Anti-Catholic but this is NOT the Case!! And I'm NOT Out to Screw the Jews!! I'm merely constructing Religious and Political Science-Fiction for Educational-Purposes. This is NOT an Evangelistic-Crusade!! What if Pluralistic-Education were the Old-Testament?? What if Corporate-Employment were the New-Testament?? What if Churches focused-upon Sacred-Music?? What if we'll be fighting about this stuff for all-eternity?? What if most current-events are centrally planned and orchestrated?? What if the Protestant Reformation was a False-Flag?? What Would Jeffrey Daugherty Say??






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    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
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    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Aug 13, 2019 2:58 pm

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    "What Shall We Do With Orthodoxymoron?"
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    Take my threads seriously, but not too seriously. This is Religious and Political Science-Fiction. I utilize Contextual-Superimposition in a Literary Jackson Pollock Manner. I'm trying to toughen some of you up, to deal with the REALLY Confusing and Devastating Nightmares which I suspect will destroy Civilization As We Know It. I doubt that ANYONE will diligently study my USSS Threads, so I don't suppose it matters how I throw them together. Discrediting myself might be a blessing in disguise, such that I can NEVER be built-up and made-proud in preparation for scapegoat-scenarios of a most-pestilential nature. Some of you know exactly what I'm referring to. The Horror. I feel REALLY Bad, and it seems to be getting worse, as if the nether-realms are closing-in for the kill (or driving me completely insane). Whatever it is, it's NOT Good. Don't expect ANYTHING From Me (for the rest of This Present Incarnation). I'm on-fire!! I'm going-down!! And My Ejection-Seat is Jammed!! Damn!! What Would Richard Hillary Say?? So Much for My Dreams of Being a Sophisticated Galactic Happy-Wanderer with an Absolute-Access Pass and a High-Tech Nap-Sack on my Back!! Is the Universe Getting-Even with Me Presently?! I Might Be Galactic-Enemy Number-One!! But I Feel Like Number-Two!! It's a Rat-Race and the Rats Are Winning!! Geronimo!!
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Hodaka-Super-Rat-Engine
    'RATMAN'
    aka
    'Super Rat'
    aka
    'Rat Bastard'
    aka
    'Great King Rat'
    aka
    'King of the Ratlines'

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    Al Bielek speaks of the 'aliens' withdrawing their support from the Nazis in 1941. Is there some truth to this?? 'RA' suggested that I should study the Nazis. He seemed to lean toward dictatorial-socialism. 'RA' gave a sinister-laugh when I mentioned that image of Pope Pius XII exiting a Nazi meeting. 'RA' told me that the Nazis were told they could attack anyone except 'them'. 'RA' told me about a high-number of assassination-attempts against Hitler. What if there was somehow an early-idealism in Germany which was infiltrated and subverted into the horrors of WWII?? What if there were several Hitler lookalikes (and not just doubles for security-purposes)?? What if 'RA' was 'Hitler's Boss'?? How important were the Nazis, Bush's, and Kennedys in the Post-WWII Secret-Government and Secret Space-Program?? 'RA' told me "The Bush's sold-out very-quickly." 'RA' asked me "Who ordered the hit on President Kennedy??" I stated a name, and 'RA' just stared at me, without saying a word. What Would Miles Mathis Say?? What if HAL 9000 has run both the Christ and Satan sides of the Great Controversy in the Conflict of the Ages, as a 15,000 year-old Supercomputer-Matrix?? What Would Zo'or and Da'an Say?? What if the Reprehensible is Essential??

    I'm honestly NOT Trying to Win a War!! I didn't know I was in one (on a personal level). I've always known about the Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan in the Conflict of the Ages, but I was asked to accept most of this on Faith-Alone. I've honestly met a lot of highly-educated and very-famous individuals, but this does NOT imply that I think I'm on their level (in any way, shape, or form). I honestly haven't LIED in my threads, but I might've been mistaken and/or exaggerated (just a bit). I've tried to make my Religious and Political Science-Fiction as close to probable-realities as possible. I have NOT practiced to deceive. On the other hand, introducing various possibilities might be considered deceptive by some, but I've repeatedly warned you about what I was doing. I have NOT circled the wagons, and taken the show on the road (to make a fast-buck). Just the opposite. I keep shooting myself in the foot, and stepping on my d&%k!! I've been generally crude, rude, and socially unacceptable. If I were younger and richer, I honestly might hire a sexy research-assistant for research-purposes ONLY (sort of like Dr. Who and his assistant)!! No-One should have to deal with me on a daily-basis without being properly compensated for doing-so!! But now I'm resigned to being a Lone-Ranger for the rest of my pathetic-life. I'm honestly preparing to die. I sense that the End is Near (again). My threads rely heavily on the images, books, series, movies, lectures, threads, and documentaries of others. My threads would be nothing if they were not in the context of 'The Mists of Avalon'. I have very-little substantial-material of my own, and I would fail very-quickly in real-life debates. This is the inconvenient truth.

    What if one read Proverbs, Psalms, Isaiah, and Ecclesiastes in the New International Version of the Holy Bible (in that order, straight-through, over and over)?? I am in complete disarray regarding Life, the Universe, and Everything, but I'm hoping the RIGHT Researchers will succeed where I've failed. Is there some redeeming-merit to simply researching and reflecting, without attempting to convert anyone to anything?? Regarding Cathedrals and Organs, I've included them in my online-fiasco just to be a bit different. I presently enjoy listening to the organ-music of Dietrich Buxtehude while driving my Ghostbuster-Cadillac!! Actually, it's not a 1959 Cadillac, but I grew-up riding in my father's yellow and white '59 Cadillac. We even drove through the employee-gate of CBS Television City in 'Hollywood' where my father 'Kept the Stars Cool'!! It's not really in 'Hollywood' but that's the mailing-address!! I enjoy listening to choir, congregation, organ, and orchestra, performing traditional-hymns in the context of the cathedral!! Just keep an open-mind. I probably overdo to undo (if you know what I mean)!! I've placed myself in the Center of the Cyclone, just for the hell of it!! Please study this post (straight-through, over and over) and tell me what you think.

    Has 'Holier Than Thou' morphed-into 'More Insider Than Thou' and/or 'More Official Than Thou'?? The Nazis probably felt like 'Official-Insiders' don't you think?? What if Humanity is being divided into two equally-dangerous camps, namely 'Outsider-Crusaders Against the Evil-Empire' and 'Custodians of the Status-Quo'?? Notice the video about the crash of the stolen-plane. What if this tragedy was somehow related to at least a couple of the other videos?? What if there are literally millions of 'Manchurian Candidates' who are both 'Outsiders' and 'Insiders'?? What if they can somehow be 'Remote-Controlled'. I've complained of feeling horrible and attacked throughout the years, but I think I've used whatever this phenomenon is to make myself smarter, tougher, stronger, and more responsible. I suppose I've used my online Moot Holy-War as catharsis, and I hoped to discuss difficult-topics in a reasonable and rational manner with intelligent-researchers, but this never happened. If the Real-God ever shows-up, we'll probably throw Him and/or Her into a Prison and/or Mental-Institution. We need to have everyone and everything managed and neutralized, don't we?? If we can't control it or them, we destroy it or them, don't we?? What if the Real-God has incarnated at least a dozen-times over the past-few thousand-years?? What If Humanity's Probation Has Ended?? What If the End Really Is Near??

    Here's a REALLY Crazy Theory!! Some say we're a renegade-group from Orion aka Orion-Group, but what if we're still in Orion?? What if we live in a HUGE Hollow-Planet with a Central-Sun, with a Holographic-Universe superimposed-upon a Very-Real Solar-System?? What if this is the only way the Human-Experiment could survive in a Hostile-Universe?? What if This Present Solar-System is a Rogue-One?? I don't believe this 'Brain-Fart' but what if some aspect of this is true?? I've encountered several people throughout the years who were uncertain regarding where we really are and/or who we really are!! If there was a War in Heaven (Orion??) and we travelled lightyears to get here, would we have actually survived the trip?? I have no freaking-idea!! Answering the burning-questions on Earth probably necessitates knowing a HUGE Amount about the Rest of the Universe. What is REALLY the Context in Which We Live??

    What if ALL of US are wirelessly-linked to the Beast-Supercomputer?? What will the State of the Solar System be in 2020?? In 2030?? In 2040?? In 2050?? Things are moving rather quickly (if you haven't noticed). The final-movements will be rapid. Where did I hear that?? What sort of a war is this?? I hate to say it -- but theology has been a lifelong nightmare. It should've been just the opposite -- but I often wish I could just walk away from religion -- the Bible -- religious-people -- theological books -- etc. and et al. The Bible -- Religion -- and Theology have always been problematic -- but the last six years have been almost unbearable. The standard-answers stopped working -- and the new-answers created more problems than Carter has Pills. Remember "Carter's Little Farter-Starters"?! "He who farts in church -- sits in his own pew!!" It seems as if the PTB (middle-management on-up) have gotten kicked where it counts over the past couple of decades -- and that the Empire is about to Strike Back with a vengeance. Perhaps we've had a Secret Solar System Government for thousands of years -- but this SSSG might be in the process of Coming Out of the Closet (whether anyone likes it, or not). Perhaps no one will like the Emerging Brave New Universe. Will 1 Chronicles through Malachi render the rest of the Bible obsolete (if anyone bothers to read it carefully)?? Most people are not troubled by religion -- because they don't know and/or don't care. Ignorance and Apathy are Bliss and a Virtue. I wish to move-on to Clean Sheet of Stone Solutions -- but History must be properly handled -- so as to provide a Sustainable Foundation for New Theologies and Philosophies. Studying theology is sort of like the guy who hits himself repeatedly over the head with a hammer -- because it feels so good when he quits!! Consider the following Minimal-List:

    1. 1 Chronicles to Malachi in the NIV Reader's Bible (by Zondervan) straight-through, over and over.

    2. SDA Bible Commentary (Volumes 3 and 4 covering 1 Chronicles to Malachi) straight-through, over and over.

    3. Patriarchs and Prophets, and Prophets and Kings (Ellen White) straight-through, over and over.

    4. The Music of Bach and Buxtehude (performed and listened-to).

    5. Daily Exercise in Nature.

    What if 1 Chronicles to Job (six-books) should be considered as a group, and as being historical-fiction?? What if the New-Testament Red-Letters and the Seven-Genuine Pauline-Epistles should somehow be integrated into 1 Chronicles to Malachi?? What if one should engage in Devotional Jesus-Studies which focus upon All of the Above?? Anyway -- try reading 1 Chronicles through Malachi (NIV) straight-through (over and over) while listening to the music of Bach and Buxtehude. I'm not suggesting that this will make you happy. I'm not suggesting this in a stand-offish manner. I'm simply suggesting that some serious researchers give this approach their undivided-attention for a significant time-period. I consider this thread to be reformative and experimental -- rather than being normative and/or ready for prime-time. I'm majorly burned-out -- but I don't think I'm crazy in any way, shape, or form. The fact that you might not understand or be capable of keeping-up -- does not constitute craziness on my part. The universe might be stranger than any of us can think -- and if someone attempts to think God's thoughts after Him and/or Her -- this should not be construed as being some sort of a mental-illness which might require that they be placed on multiple agency lists -- and hounded like some sort of a dangerous animal. At this point -- I have very little inclination to go out of my way to intercede for humanity and/or divinity. I'm frankly disillusioned with both. One more thing. Is there really something to the concept of Genesis through 2 Kings combined with Matthew through Revelation as being essentially two-sides of the same Covenantal-Coin -- and largely indivisible -- with little legitimate opportunity to pick and choose?? If one claims one or two portions (say the Decalogue or Righteousness by Faith) can most of the rest be relegated to the back of the bus -- or thrown under the bus?? Has Christianity become sort of a Santa Claus Story for the children?? What do the best and brightest theologians really think?? What do they say to each other behind closed-doors?? What is the Pope really thinking as he stands before the vast crowds in Rome?? We might be surprised.

    Can the Decalogue be Divorced from the Pentateuch?? Consider an in-depth comparison of Deuteronomy and Proverbs. How ethical and internally-consistent are each (as stand-alone standards)?? Is Proverbs an in-depth interpretation and application of Deuteronomy?? What Would Meredith Kline Say?? Is the ethical and legal standard in the New Testament honestly and comprehensively based-upon Deuteronomy and/or Proverbs?? "Keep My Commandments!!" Which Commandments?? How Readest Thou?? What was the Law of God prior to the War in Heaven?? What was the Law of God prior to the Garden of Eden?? What was the Law of God prior to Sinai?? What was the Law of God prior to Golgotha?? What was the Law of God prior to Martin Luther?? What was the Law of God prior to Ellen White?? What is the Law of God in the Conflict of the Ages Series?? What was the Law of God in the Roman Catholic Church prior to Vatican I?? What was the Law of God in the Roman Catholic Church prior to Vatican II?? What was the Law of God prior to 9/11?? What is the Law of God presently?? What will the Law of God be in A.D. 2133?? What Would Lucio Bernardo Silvestre Say?? Who?? Does Humanity Have a Legal-Problem of Biblical-Proportions?? How Do We Know ANYTHING For Certain?? Especially Regarding Antiquity and the Otherworldly??




    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Jupiter-ascending
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 JupiterAscending-images-080414080814
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Jupiter-ascending

    The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

    Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; cast lots with us; we will all share the loot”— my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood. How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it! These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves! Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.

    Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you— when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

    My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways. Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life. Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

    My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

    My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you. Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm. Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence. The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.

    Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

    Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

    My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it. Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, lest you lose your honor to others and your dignity to one who is cruel, lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another. At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.

    You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors. And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.” Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love. Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman? For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths. The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast. For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.

    My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion—and give your neighbor no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart— he always stirs up conflict. Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

    My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life, keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life. Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house. But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away. For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge. He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, however great it is.

    My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words.

    At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. (She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: “Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.

    Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it. Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power. By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

    “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works,before his deeds of old; I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be. When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. “Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”

    Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.” Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.

    The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death. The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot. The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense. The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death. Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.

    Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it. A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom. What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted. When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them. The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land. From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced. The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

    The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape. When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.

    A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death. The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath. One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell. Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it. Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

    Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes. No one can be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm. A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised. Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

    The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures. Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward. The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy. No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly. Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt. In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.

    A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes. From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence. Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves. Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes. The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

    The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things. A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away. Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

    The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways. A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs. The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

    The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly. A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful. Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined. Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God. Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.

    A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die. Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD— how much more do human hearts! Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred. A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

    The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway. A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight. The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.

    To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The LORD works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice. Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making. Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it. When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.

    Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD. The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on. A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good. Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity; whoever purses their lips is bent on evil. Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

    Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family. The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn. Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool. Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them. Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly. Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.

    Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both. Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it? A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor. Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction. One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble. To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice. A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him. If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right. The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

    An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach. The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice. The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.

    The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

    Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse. Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way! A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the LORD. Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them. A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free. Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts. The poor are shunned by all their relatives— how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found. The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish. It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes! A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof. Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

    Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry. Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die. Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death. A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again. Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth! Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge. Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace. Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

    Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives. It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes. Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”? Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both. Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright? Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both. Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase. Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

    Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance. A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end. Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him. A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way? It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows. A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them. The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one’s inmost being. Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure. The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

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    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


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    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Wed Aug 14, 2019 1:14 am

    Think long and hard concerning the implications and ramifications of reading Proverbs, Psalms, Isaiah, and Ecclesiastes (in that order, straight-through, over and over). Then, read Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John (in that order, straight-through, over and over). I could discuss this further, but part of the charm of my threads is the mystery involved. A significant individual of interest told me I should closely approach the truth, without actually delivering the goods (or something to that effect). A 'Mulholland Drive Space-Cowboy' individual of interest told me "Mystery is a Good-Thing." I'd recognize that handshake anywhere. I keep thinking about what Sherry Shriner said regarding Lucifer and Angelina. I'm noticing several coincidences and/or commonalities in this general area, and I don't want to talk about them, but 'Once Upon a Time'... What Would Rumpelstiltskin Say?? "All You Have To Do Is Sign On the Dotted-Line..." What a Tangled-Web We Weave When We Practice to Deceive...
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    In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin. The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right. The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright. Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. The wicked crave evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them. When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge. The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath. When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead.

    Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife. The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the stronghold in which they trust. Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name— behaves with insolent fury. The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing. The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent! A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully. The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

    A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all. The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful. The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the LORD’s wrath falls into it. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

    Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you. Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve? Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will exact life for life. Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors. Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.

    When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments. Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words. Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you. Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death. My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

    Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well. The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men. Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”

    Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers. Wisdom is too high for fools; in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths. Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker. If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

    Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them. Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials, for those two will send sudden destruction on them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?

    These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good: Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. Do not testify against your neighbor without cause— would you use your lips to mislead? Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.” I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

    These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel; remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand. Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master. Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.

    Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit. Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you. Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble. Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look. Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked. It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

    Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes. Sending a message by the hands of a fool is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison. Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by. As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly.

    Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

    Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips. Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home. Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away. Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt. The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider. If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.

    A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever protects their master will be honored. As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes. The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise. Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding them like grain with a pestle, you will not remove their folly from them. Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family and to nourish your female servants.

    The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order. A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops. Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them. Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are. When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

    Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign. Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder will seek refuge in the grave; let no one hold them back. The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit. Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty. A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread. The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them. Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue. Whoever robs their father or mother and says, “It’s not wrong,” is partner to one who destroys. The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper. Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

    Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down. Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet. Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger. If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.

    A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond. Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. A servant pampered from youth will turn out to be insolent. An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies; they are put under oath and dare not testify. Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that one gets justice. The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

    The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an inspired utterance. This man’s utterance to Ithiel: “I am weary, God, but I can prevail. Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know! “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. “Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. “Do not slander a servant to their master, or they will curse you, and you will pay for it. “There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers; those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth; those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful; those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind.

    “The leech has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ they cry. “There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’: the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’ “The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures. “There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman. “This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’ “Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: a servant who becomes king, a godless fool who gets plenty to eat, a contemptible woman who gets married, and a servant who displaces her mistress. “Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces. “There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king secure against revolt. “If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”

    The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him. Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

    A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

    Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

    Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will proclaim the LORD’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

    LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

    Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD. Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

    Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, LORD, detest. But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before me. Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

    LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long? Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave? I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

    LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, or they will tear me apart like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me. LORD my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands, if I have repaid my ally with evil or without cause have robbed my foe, then let my enemy pursue and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust. Arise, LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice. Let the assembled peoples gather around you, while you sit enthroned over them on high. Let the LORD judge the peoples. Vindicate me, LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure, you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts. My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day. If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows. Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads. I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

    LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

    I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies, you have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished. The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

    Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted. LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in the gates of Daughter Zion, and there rejoice in your salvation. The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. The LORD is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God. But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. Arise, LORD, do not let mortals triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, LORD; let the nations know they are only mortal.

    Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. His ways are always prosperous; your laws are rejected by him; he sneers at all his enemies. He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.” His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes watch in secret for his victims; like a lion in cover he lies in wait. He lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net. His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength. He says to himself, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees.”

    Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”? But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out. The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.

    In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.

    Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts. May the LORD silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue, those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us. Who is lord over us?” “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. You, LORD, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

    How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.

    The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the LORD. But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

    LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

    Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips. LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

    Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer, it does not rise from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed. Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled. I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance. They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground. They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover. Rise up, LORD, confront them, bring them down; with your sword rescue me from the wicked. By your hand save me from such people, LORD, from those of this world whose reward is in this life. May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies; may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers for their little ones. As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

    I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him, the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, with great bolts of lightning he routed them. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

    The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I am not guilty of turning from my God. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.

    I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet. You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me. You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes. They cried for help, but there was no one to save them, to the LORD, but he did not answer. I beat them as fine as windblown dust; I trampled them like mud in the streets. You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations. People I did not know now serve me, foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me. They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds. The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me. Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name. He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing love to his anointed, to David and to his descendants forever.

    The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

    May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. LORD, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!

    The king rejoices in your strength, LORD. How great is his joy in the victories you give! You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him, length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes. When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace. The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire will consume them. You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed. You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow. Be exalted in your strength, LORD; we will sing and praise your might.

    My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. “He trusts in the LORD,” they say, “let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.

    But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him, may your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him, those who cannot keep themselves alive. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

    The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

    The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty, he is the King of glory.

    In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good. Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

    Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is in you. Deliver Israel, O God, from all their troubles!

    Vindicate me, LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD and have not faltered. Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, LORD, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the LORD.

    The LORD is my light and my salvation! Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life! Who shall frighten me? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

    To you, LORD, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve. Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again. Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

    Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD twists the oaksand strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

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    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
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    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Wed Aug 14, 2019 7:19 am

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    I'm NOT Mad at anyone is particular, but I am extremely disillusioned and apprehensive regarding Eight-Billion People on a Seemingly God-Forsaken Planet in Rebellion with Extremely-High Technology and Weapons of Mass Destruction. We face possible (and even probable) extinction by my target-date of A.D. 2133 for a Royal-Model United States of the Solar System. Please remember that I use a lot of alternative news and research to give my ancient and modern material a unique-context for mental and spiritual exercise purposes. Regarding the story below, I tend to doubt the missile theory, but I tend to support a theory of the remote-control of the aircraft and/or pilot. One puzzling aspect to this story is the communication between the pilot and control-tower. There didn't seem to be much urgency regarding landing the plane in a preferred-location. Just Saying.

    One of the videos (below) hints that the remote-controlled plane-crash might've been retaliation for an alleged missile-launch against Air Force One. It provides a great supplement to my highly-hypothetical Religious and Political Science-Fiction, but I have no-idea regarding any validity to this theory. We might be facing a Remote-Controlled or Completely-Automated Battle of Armageddon with EVERYONE LOSING. I really don't want to talk about this sort of thing, but here's a link some of you might find interesting.  www.eraoflight.com/2018/06/13/secret-missile-launched-was-trump-the-target-and-the-alliance/

    What if This Present Madness (including This Present Website) is simply initiating humanity into an Open New-World Order?? What if ALL of US are Supercomputer-Controlled Bio-Robots (regardless of whether we wish to be, or not)?? I tend to think that just about anyone or anything can be remotely-controlled. I've repeatedly told you to NOT trust anything I say or do, because I feel as if I might've been somehow 'messed-with'. Perhaps I was supposed to be a supercomputer-controlled 'Azazel', but what if I'm one of the very-few who have administrator-access to this hypothetical supercomputer-network??!! What if Christ was replaced by Antichrist 5,000 to 15,000 years ago?? What if Humanity replaced Antichrist on September 11, 2001?? But what if EVERYONE is locked-out of the Supercomputer which administers This Present Madness (at least until A.D. 2133)?? What if Humanity attempted to bypass the Administrators, and will pay a very-high price for doing so?? What a Revolting-Development THAT Would Be!! The Horror!!

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    orthodoxymoron wrote:A couple of years ago, I randomly spoke with an elderly Mason in a Masonic-Cemetery. He told me that two unnamed individuals were "getting-along" but he didn't think that would last. He told me "in a couple of years, we'll probably be in a war." Seemingly separately, he predicted that an undisclosed event would result in approximately 85% of humanity perishing, without regard to naughty or nice, competent or incompetent. It wasn't clear to me when this might occur. Several years ago, an Individual of Interest told me that a War in Syria would set-off a chain-reaction of destruction in various locations. Yet another Individual of Interest told me (several years ago) that "humanity is screwed." I grew-up attending a church which teaches a very-violent and very-immanent End of the World, but it's been doing-so since the mid to late 1800's. It seems as if this world is Purgatory Incorporated because Purgatory is Good for Business!! As the theory goes, Heaven and/or Hell is good for business when threatened, but turning Earth into Heaven and/or Hell would be Bad for Business. Just a theory, mind-you. I've toyed with a theory that the so-called 'Millennium' might end around A.D. 2133, rather than being a thousand-years which commences at the very-visible and very-destructive Second-Coming of Christ. The world seems to be gearing-up for some sort of a nasty-showdown. I suspect unimaginable-deception will be inflicted upon Earth and Humanity over the next few decades. I tend to think that EVERYONE Is Wrong (especially me) regarding our future (or lack thereof). The End is Near (again).
    orthodoxymoron wrote:What has amazed me over the past decade is how quickly events, people, and information are forgotten and/or ignored. We also have a tendency to take-advantage of each-other. We wish to be on the winning-team, even if that team is more corrupt than hell and the devil. I have HUGE Question-Marks regarding Brook, Sherry, Mercuriel, Lionhawk, Blue Roller, Pris, Anchor, Abraxasinas, RA, Raven, Bill, Kerry, and the current top-posters on the Mists. I suppose I have an even larger question-mark regarding who I am (on a soul-basis). It seems as if All-Factions (visible and invisible) of This Present Madness are Controlled by the SAME Boss!! But this Boss might be HAL 9000 (or the modern-equivalent). What if this Soul-Farm is an Ancient-Hebrew Enterprise (and I'm NOT talking about any known varieties of Jewish-People). I mean going way, way, way back (before we were human)!! I was very-interested in the information Brook revealed to us, but I kept wondering if this information was really meant for us?! Is it possible to know too-much truth (which hasn't been officially-revealed to We the Peons)?? What if we are being programmed to wage a Final Holy-War of Truth v Truth?? I've speculated that a supercomputer-based Investigative-Judgment might go back thousands, millions, or even billions of years, with a Final-Judgement of Earth-Humanity occurring between A.D. 2012 and A.D. 2133. Sorry for the digression, but I have thought of Brook as being an Oracle (if not THE Oracle). That's a compliment laced with apprehension. I wish to know how Brook is doing, but I think I might already know. I might not be posting. I've tried to stop, and failed dozens of times over the years, but I'm going to try one more time. The Matrix seems to be telling me to 'STOP'. Perhaps the chastisement of humanity is immanent. The End Might Be Near (again).

    Right after I posted the paragraph (above) I couldn't access this site for approximately six-hours. I tried everything, with no luck whatsoever. WTF?? Was this because of the content within the above-paragraph?? I honestly meant no harm. I've kept my word regarding keeping This Present Quest within the rather-small confines of this website. But to anyone out there who might be worried about my posting, I think I've pretty-much given-up attempting to make sense work. Did that make sense?? People (and Other-Than-People) Convinced Against Their Will Are of the Same Opinion Still. I simply hope that the Truly Best and Brightest Beings in the Universe are living-up to this description. 'Best' and 'Brightest' might be subject to subjective-interpretations. I've been sadly-disillusioned by the 'Best' and 'Brightest' throughout my life. I'm honestly beginning to suspect that the majority of humanity are demon-possessed (to greater or lesser extents). I think I'm highly-attacked (electronically, biologically, chemically, and demonically) but I don't think I'm possessed. Not yet anyway. I feel as if I've fought a fire for most of my life which is increasingly out-of-control, and now I think I might need to abandon my fire-fighting efforts. If anyone wants to know what I think, just study my threads. All of Them. We might not have another opportunity for a meaningful-conversation until A.D. 2133. Will this date mark the End of the Final-Judgment and the Beginning of the Cleansing of the Sanctuary?? That's not what the Adventists teach (historically and presently). There Is a Problem Here.
    orthodoxymoron wrote:I seem to have a morbid-curiosity regarding the analysis of air-disasters, including 9/11. DC-10's were nice, but they had engine and engine-mount difficulties. I have a morbid and dry sense of humor, so please forgive me when I say "DC-10's Crack Me Up." I'm thinking I might transition my quest into a plane-crash quest. This sort of thing seems to make me face myself and think. When I was a child, my father and I viewed the wreckage of a Flying Tiger crash in Southern California. In January of 2000, I drove four-people to SeaTac Airport. They flew to Mexico, and I was to pick them up upon their return to Seattle. I spoke with one of them by phone, one-day prior to their departure from Mexico. All four died the next-day when Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Fishermen found a Masonic ring belonging to one of these souls. I flew on virtually the same flight-path a few-weeks later (on Alaska Airlines). 9/11 occurred less than two-years later. I belatedly became obsessed with conspiracy-theories related to that tragedy. I repeatedly spoke with 9/11 truthers, including a former Logan Airport traffic-controller, and pilots who produced the film 'Pandora's Black Box' regarding the plane which supposedly hit the Pentagon. Anyway, our esoteric-research sometimes becomes too abstract and crazy, or so it seems to me. I've done my fair-share to create somewhat paranoid Religious and Political Science-Fiction (complete with scary videos and images). Perhaps I need to stop researching one branch of madness, and begin researching a completely different horror. It's somewhat sobering, but it's enough to drive a man to drink.
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    Carol wrote:I received this in an email this morning and doubt if all of this is true, but there are some interesting things to consider. Is it in the realm of a possibility? Rabbit holes tend to also be full of illusions as in Alice in Wonderland. C

    INTEL Update (Real News) via email - "Suicide Flight" 8/14/18
    Date: Tuesday, 14-Aug-2018 16:22:33


    The recent 'suicide flight' of the Q400 airplane in northwest America was a covert operation by the good guys to destroy the cabal base at Ketron Island from which a decommissioned sub the USS Richard B. Russell fired a missile at Air Force 1 to kill Trump on his way to his meeting with North Korean President Kim Jong Un.

    The suicide Plane Marked Q400 was a drone designed to crash into the secret cabal base after the Trailing F15 jet fired its kill shot into the site. (the flight path was a 'Q' pattern)

    [It was NOT a drone. It was a commercial aircraft. It is possible that it could have been operating on remote controls, like the aircraft in 0/11 were.]

    The island also had a Cemex plant on it where children’s blood (after sacrifice) could be mixed within the cement. Spec ops troops concluded that at that time there were no children in the facility which had been under observation since the Trump incident.

    There is a hidden bloodline agenda (by ten Mafia Bloodlines and the Jesuits) to depopulate the earth via the Chimera Group (Insectoid ET Race) so they can inhabit earth...and is being carried out by their cabal / illuminati minions who have taken control of governments and nations all over the world. All the dark satanic work coming from the vatican is based on this ET race.

    The $289 million decision against Monsanto Roundup will lead to more people waking up about the cabals plans against earth and its inhabitants.

    The California wildfires are designed to sterilize the earth (which harms food production) so the elite can take over that State (as well as other western states) for control of the population. (Governor Jerry Brown is a Jesuit Priest).

    The cabal controlled U.S. Military has been using HAARP to burn off the protective ozone layer...to allow solar radiation to penetrate earth. Advanced Extraterrestrials are placing protection over the planet for our safety.

    JFK knew that the space race was an excuse to get killer weapon platforms in ordit... pointed at earth...for depopulation. (which is another reason why he was killed) - (Really?)

    Trump is still in the cross hairs of these 10 Bloodline families as he fights to restore our nation...expose cabal and drain the swamp.
    http://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=105328

    SORCHA: "Russian Intel Chief Blasts Trump Loyalists For Revealing Communist Terror Cell That Was Running CIA And FBI"

    Whether the surface story is correct or not, the underlying ideas are probably true.


    This story says that people in Russian intelligence are mad because their secret “deep State” group which controls the CIA and FBI is being revealed. The details follow those explained by Q Anon in much less detail. Here is the article:

    http://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=105331

    This article also speaks of DOJ lawyer Bruce Ohr’s wife Nellie Ohr: during her studies in the Soviet Union, was recruited as a deep cover agent for the Committee for State Security (KGB)—and who, in her 1990 Ph.D. thesis titled “Collective Farms And Russian Peasant Society, 1933-1937 : The Stabilization Of The Kolkhoz Order” justified the Soviet genocide of over 30 human beings, with her further envisioning a “future time” when the same could be done in the United States.

    Nellie Ohr was taking her radio broadcast orders in the “active measures” plot against Trump directly from CIA Director John Brennan—who was, likewise, a deep cover KGB operative inserted into the CIA, in 1980, during the liberal-leftist regime of President Jimmy Carter.

    Among the hundreds of hours of radio broadcasts recorded by both the NSA and the Russia’s Special Communication Service made by Nellie Ohr, this report notes, were ones between her and FBI Director James Comey, who in a 20 October 2003 New York Magazine interview about himself stated “I’d moved from Communist to whatever I am now. I’m not even sure how to characterize myself politically. Maybe at some point, I’ll have to figure it out.”—and—former MI6 operative Christopher Steele, whom, on 12 January 2017, the Daily Mail exposed as being one of the top socialist-communists at Cambridge University (a top KGB recruitment school) whose contemporaries labeled as an avowedly left-wing student who ran a Marxist front named Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, and in whose book praising the Soviet Union, he confirmed that he was a socialist.

    Even more shocking to know about Nellie Ohr, this report explains, is that coinciding with the beginning of her “active measures” radio broadcasts with her fellow communists CIA Director Brennan, FBI Director Comey and MI6 operative Steele, she was employed by the company Fusion GPS to specially work on a secret project called the Trump-Russian Dossier—that was paid for by Hillary Clinton and her Democratic Party, along with FBI Director Comey—and from where Nellie Ohr, also, set up an entrapment meeting between Trump campaign officials and a Russian lawyer to provide “collusion evidence” for their plot—followed by FBI Director Comey using the made up Trump-Russian Dossier to illegally obtain secret court warrants to spy on the Trump campaign, and much too late, when he realized what he was actually a part of, quit using FBI money to pay MI6 operative Steele—but that didn’t stop the “Woman In The Middle” Nellie Ohr who, after FBI Directory Comey tried to leave this “active measures” plot against Trump, simply turned to her US Department of Justice top official husband Bruce Ohr to continually feed communist generated propaganda against Trump into the now completely corrupted American “fake news” mainstream propaganda, legal and intelligence systems.

    The article goes on to say that, armed with Nellie Ohr’s intercepted radio communications with Russia, POTUS was able to begin the purge of Russian/Communist infiltration into the DOJ, FBI, and CIA.                    


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ob8jo-qOCU 14 min
    Jordan Sather follows the trail of Q Breadcrumbs down the rabbit hole towards the stolen plan in SEATAC:
    [8.13] SeaTac Stolen Plane Incident - A Covert White Hat Operation?
    You will see that Jordan has a few different twists and turns down the rabbit hole.



    More Rabbit Hole Operations!

    Start at 10 minutes in and it will go pretty fast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2dDhC-0etM 21 min. You will see missile silos, reports of frequent air operations at the island, photo of the crash site (quite small, more like from an F-15 missile strike), description s of the island and the operations there, etc. It gets pretty hinky. justinformed-talk takes a deep dive into recent discoveries we have seen in Hollywood pedophilia.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiTXAXiDfUc 33 min

    Q ANON: "The more you know..."

    What is the relationship between Haiti, the Clinton Foundation, and so many Hollywood stars? Satanic temple on Jeffery Epstein’s Pedo Island. Antifa to be unmasked?
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    I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”  LORD, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. To you, LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

    In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the LORD. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.  Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends, those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life.

    But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues. Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

    Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

    Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth, he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

    I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

    Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation.” May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, may ruin overtake them by surprise, may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing. Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me.

    How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.” LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Vindicate me in your righteousness, LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me. Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

    I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong. Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. See how the evildoers lie fallen, thrown down, not able to rise!

    Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath. Do not fret. It leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

    But the wicked will perish: Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke. The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed. The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish. The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip. The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death; but the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial. Hope in the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it. I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked. The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

    LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down on me. Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin. My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away. Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie. I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak; I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.” For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous. Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good. LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.

    I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: “Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth. Surely everyone is but a breath. “Hear my prayer, LORD, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”

    I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come, it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, LORD, as you know. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.

    Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, LORD; come quickly, LORD, to help me. May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!” But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.

    Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble. The LORD protects and preserves them. They are counted among the blessed in the land. He does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness. I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?” When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around. All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, “A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.” Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. But may you have mercy on me, LORD; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.

    As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty Onewith shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

    Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

    We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors; you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.

    But now you have rejected and humbled us; you no longer go out with our armies. You made us retreat before the enemy, and our adversaries have plundered us. You gave us up to be devoured like sheep and have scattered us among the nations. You sold your people for a pittance, gaining nothing from their sale. You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us. You have made us a byword among the nations; the peoples shake their heads at us. I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame at the taunts of those who reproach and revile me, because of the enemy, who is bent on revenge. All this came upon us, though we had not forgotten you; we had not been false to your covenant. Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path. But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals; you covered us over with deep darkness. If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart? Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love.

    My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.

    Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favor. All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her, those brought to be with her. Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king. Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

    God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

    Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

    Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress. When the kings joined forces, when they advanced together, they saw her and were astounded; they fled in terror. Trembling seized them there, pain like that of a woman in labor. You destroyed them like ships of Tarshish shattered by an east wind. As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the LORD Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever. Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness. Mount Zion rejoices, the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments. Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

    Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding. I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle: Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them. The ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough, so that they should live on forever and not see decay. For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.

    People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. Though while they live they count themselves blessed, and people praise you when you prosper, they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life. People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.

    The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice. “Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel: I am God, your God. I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

    Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” But to the wicked person, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers. You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son. When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you. "Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”

    Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

    Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue! Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying, “Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!” But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

    The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on God. But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

    Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me, people without regard for God. Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them. I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, LORD, for it is good. You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

    Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.

    Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the realm of the dead, for evil finds lodging among them. As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change, he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

    Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise. In God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down. Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll. Are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

    Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me. God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts, men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. They spread a net for my feet. I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path, but they have fallen into it themselves. My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

    giovonni wrote:
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Maxresdefault
    Mysterious X-37B Military Space Plane Nears 1 Year in Orbit

    "The U.S. Air Force's X-37B miniature space plane has winged past 340 days in orbit performing secretive duties during the program's fifth flight.

    The robotic craft's latest mission, known as Orbital Test Vehicle-5 (OTV-5), kicked off on Sept. 7, 2017, with a launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.

    As usual, Air Force officials have revealed few details about OTV-5. But we do know that one payload flying aboard the X-37B this time around is the Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader, or ASETS-11. Developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, this cargo is testing experimental electronics and oscillating heat pipes for long durations in the space environment.

    The classified X-37B program "fleet" consists of two known reusable vehicles, both of which were built by Boeing. Looking like a miniature version of NASA's now-retired space shuttle orbiter, the military space plane is 29 feet (8.8 meters) long and 9.6 feet (2.9 m) tall, with a wingspan of nearly 15 feet (4.6 m).

    The X-37B has a payload bay about the size of a pickup-truck bed, which can be outfitted with a robotic arm. The space plane has a launch weight of 11,000 lbs. (4,990 kilograms) and is powered on orbit by gallium-arsenide solar cells with lithium-ion batteries.

    Each X-37B mission has set a new flight-duration record for the program:

    OTV-1 began April 22, 2010, and concluded on Dec. 3, 2010, after 224 days in orbit.
    OTV-2 began March 5, 2011, and concluded on June 16, 2012, after 468 days on orbit.
    OTV-3 chalked up nearly 675 days in orbit before finally coming down on Oct. 17, 2014.
    OTV-4 conducted on-orbit experiments for 718 days during its mission, extending
    the total number of days spent in space for the OTV program to 2,085 days.

    How long OTV-5 will stay aloft is unknown. Whenever it comes down, the robotic vehicle is likely to land at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, as the OTV-4 mission did back on May 7, 2017. That was a first for the program. All prior missions had ended with a tarmac touchdown at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

    ed Molczan, a Toronto-based satellite analyst, told Inside Outer Space that OTV-5's initial orbit was about 220 miles (355 kilometers) high, inclined 54.5 degrees to the equator. "Its ground track nearly repeated every two days, after 31 revolutions," he said.

    On April 19, the space drone lowered its orbit by 24 miles (39 km), which caused its ground track to exactly repeat every five days, after 78 revolutions, Molczan said — a first for an OTV mission.

    "Repeating ground tracks are very common," Molczan added, "especially for spacecraft that observe the Earth. That said, I do not know why OTV has repeating ground tracks."

    Does the X-37B program fit into the Trump administration's call for a Space Force?

    "Ironically, the X-37B is exactly the type of program — toward giving the U.S. flexibility of operations in space — that seems to be prompting the current push for a Space Force, yet are already underway," said Joan Johnson-Freese, a professor in the National Security Affairs Department at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

    Leonard David is author of "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet," published by National Geographic. The book is a companion to the National Geographic Channel series "Mars." A longtime writer for Space.com, David has been reporting on the space industry for more than five decades."


    Air Force's Mysterious X-37B Space Plane
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 X-37B-Space-Plane-1

    By Leonard David, Space.com's Space Insider Columnist
    Source page: https://www.space.com/41507-x-37b-space-plane-nears-one-year-orbit.html
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Image1
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Uss-richard-b-russell-ssn-687-print-9
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 510062bf7ef21e0822d3823f401fccb3
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Tumblr_ma0a1aHdRh1qe3n4bo1_500
    "I Think It's For You"


    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Thu Aug 22, 2019 4:56 pm; edited 1 time in total
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Wed Aug 14, 2019 12:58 pm

    Is Honesty most-often Negative?? Is Dishonesty most-often Positive?? Is Doubt most-often Honest?? Is Faith most-often Dishonest?? Conflict is most-often a big-part of All the Above. The Truth is SO Overrated!! Perhaps people must most-often Learn the Hard-Way rather than being Told What To Think and Do. I've Attempted Innovative-Education with Moot Holy-Wars of Conflicting-Concepts but Giving People What They Want and Telling Them What They Wish to Hear While Taking What They Have Makes Them SO Much Happier!! Guess What the 'Devil' Has Been Doing for Thousands of Years??!! Did the Devil Make Us Do It?? Did We Make the Devil Do It?? Did the Mainframe Make Us Do It?? Did We Make the Mainframe Do It?? What Would HAL 9000 Say and Do?? What Would David Bowman Say and Do??
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Cabal-2-wallpaper-1
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Cabal
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 The-cabal


    I'm not a big fan of the current direction of The Mists of Avalon, and this includes my own posting. I think I got disillusioned and carried away. I think I'm simply going to re-post some of my old posts, without adding much to them. I'm sort of engaging Auto-Pilot. This is an attempted Reality-Check, and an attempt to NOT Burn-Out Completely. I think I'm already 90% Burned-Out. I'm honestly a Shell of a Guy. My heart situation seems to have stabilized (for now) but I'm skeptical of the course of treatment relative to what I think might REALLY be ailing me. I just think I'm terminally-screwed in more ways than I can imagine. My entire life seems to be an absolute and miserable failure, but hope springs eternal for my next life (if I even have one). The whole spying and lying thing has taken most of the joy out of my life. Resistance probably is futile if things really work how I think they might. I think I need to narrow and limit my research as I go down in flames. It won't keep me from crashing. It will just take longer, and prolong the agony. Perhaps the pain and suffering will build character, and erase some of my karmic-debt. Consider the following Biblical-Groupings:

    1. Genesis through Numbers.
    2. Deuteronomy through Esther.
    3. Job through Song of Songs.
    4. Isaiah through Daniel.
    5. Hosea through Malachi.
    6. Matthew through Luke.
    7. John through Jude.
    8. Revelation.

    Which groups are the most problematic?? Which groups are the least problematic?? Which group might work best as the Law of the World in modernity?? Which groups are exclusively Jewish?? Which groups are exclusively Gentile?? Which groups apply to All People in modernity?? I continue to think that some of us should spend some quality time with the following two books by Ellen White (as sort of being Old-Testament and New-Testament Epistles):

    1. Prophets and Kings.
    2. Desire of Ages.

    Once again -- none of this is intended as a Line in the Sand. I simply think that we are in danger of losing control of this civilization (if control has not already been lost). I continue to think that positively-reinforcing the Vatican -- the City of London -- Washington D.C. -- the United Nations -- and the Moon -- needs to be done -- until something better surfaces. I am honestly out of the loop -- and I don't really know what to do (or not do). I am obviously biased by who I am -- where I live -- and how I've been educated (and not educated). I often feel like a Semi-Educated Idiot. I complain about being hamstrung and miserable. This is not an act or a joke. This is my private-hell (each and every day). I keep mentioning it for explanation purposes. It's not as if I feel fit and confident about any of this madness. I think a lot about eschatology -- but I'm not a Bible-Thumping Prophecy-Guru. If I were -- I might be able to afford that Porsche 911 GT3!!

    Please continue to consider Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, and Hebrews in the context of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy -- especially in the context of the story of Joseph. Continue to consider Osiris, Isis, Horus, Set, God, Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, Joseph, Moses, David, and Jesus. We are Actors, Actresses, and Game-Players on the Stage of Life. Compete Without Ceasing with Positive Response Ability. BTW -- John Rutter is one of my favorite choral-composers!!



    The Secret Government seems to control everything through the City States and the United Nations. Deception and Greed seems to be the way things work in this world, in all areas of life, from finance to politics to religion to everything. The truth is so overrated. The secret seems to be for one to be a hypocrite, with a convincingly clean presentation and appearance, and with all of the wicked and corrupt activities hidden beneath the surface. I am convinced that we need good bad-guys and bad good-guys, who have the street smarts to figure out what's really going on, yet still have an ethical backbone to ultimately do the right thing. Those who are too good, are often not able to unearth the deception and wickedness, and those who are too bad, are really too far gone to be of any positive use to society. I aspire to be a bad@$$ good-guy, who can deal with the worst of the worst, yet harmonize with the best of the best. It's probably too late for this to be effectively realized in my life, but it's still something to shoot for.

    I'm going to try to keep looking at BOTH the good and the bad aspects of the Secret Government, the City States, and the United Nations. I sometimes think that a Solar System Administrator should be BOTH bad and good, so as to be tough enough and good enough to not let things get out of control. But how could a proper balance be achieved and maintained? I tend to think that a solar system based upon the U.S. Constitution (with minimal modifications) would be an excellent place to begin. But should there be one individual who is ultimately responsible for this solar system, or should the constitutional approach be considered to be all sufficient, with no need for an Overseer and Authority of Last Resort? I think the present state of affairs are too secret and very corrupt, but could things swing to an unsustainable opposite extreme?

    I have spoken of the Teachings of Jesus, the Latin Mass, and Sacred Classical Music as being things which should be included in a consideration of solar system governance, because I think that a Constitutional Solar System Government should be highly ethical and spiritual, but ultimately, the Constitution should probably be a stand-alone basis for solar system governance. It could then be invigorated with the best of all governmental and religious systems. Listening to Latin Masses and Sacred Classical Music, while reading the 'Federalist Papers' and the 'Anti-Federalist Papers' is part of what I have in mind. Spending a couple of hours reading the 'Four Gospels' before studying the Constitution gives one a very different perspective of governance. I know the Roman Catholics would never go for it, but can you imagine what a Washington D.C. within the walls of the Vatican would be like? The real-estate is truly breathtaking, but the history and the theology are highly troubling, to me anyway. But I still think that the Vatican is probably very close to the center of current solar system governance, so it really cannot be ignored. I really would not wish to kick sand in the faces of those who practice some form of the Mass, Latin or otherwise.

    I'm not trying to start a war. I'm simply trying to determine what might be the most appropriate way to run this solar system. Obviously, I am just an armchair observer, with no experience, so this is probably an exercise in futility. But it beats watching television or playing video games. I continue to think that the best aspects of Anna (in 'V') should be emulated, and that the worst aspects should be vigorously resisted and opposed. Anna is a Reptilian Queen, isn't she? Might she be a lot like whoever REALLY runs this solar system? Damned if I know, but I continue to think along these lines. This whole thread is an experiment. It is sort of Reality Science Fiction. If you study this thread, you can create your own science fiction experience, in the privacy of your own mind. The only way this thread will really work, is if one takes it as a whole, rather than just looking at a few posts. Also, the sacred classical music I have linked, is an essential part of the equation. Listen to this music while studying this thread. This is very important. Again, this is really a mental and spiritual exercise, rather than a definitive statement of the way things really are, or really should be.

    Perhaps the United States of the Solar System should not be Vatican-Based. Perhaps the U.S.S.S. should simply replace the Secret Government, and the United Nations. Perhaps places like St. Mary's, Mt. Weather, or Camp David would be appropriate headquarters locations. I don't wish to reinvent the infrastructure. I just wish to base Solar System Governance on the U.S. Constitution, with 10,000 representatives, who have the equivalent of PhD's in Solar System Studies and Solar System Governance. I don't want a bunch of stupid and corrupt nitwits running the solar system. I just want the whole mess to be cleaned-up and placed under the proper international and interplanetary supervision. I still don't know enough about the Dracs, Greys, Hybrids, Annunaki, et al, to make a proper evaluation of their potential threat or contribution to this solar system. I just want all of the false-flag bullshit to stop. I want war to become obsolete in this solar system. I want destitute poverty and starvation to go bye-bye. I want the alphabet agencies to put out fires, rather than starting them. I have no nationalistic favoritism whatsoever, other than desiring the centrality of the U.S. Constitution, which would give everyone a seat at the table. I just want us to make the best next step. Even if everything I have proposed is implemented, I would like to just keep doing what I'm doing, but perhaps with the benefit of a Cray and a Research Library. I want to just keep typing away on the internet. That's all. I wish to change everything - by changing as little as possible...

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    BILDERBERG GROUP MEETING.
    CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE?!

    Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth. Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies. Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be. Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; LORD, tear out the fangs of those lions! Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short. May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun. Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns, whether they be green or dry, the wicked will be swept away. The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.”

    Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood. See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, LORD. I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! You, LORD God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. See what they spew from their mouths, the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?” But you laugh at them, LORD; you scoff at all those nations. You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

    God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. But do not kill them, Lord our shield,or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down. For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

    You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry! Now restore us! You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. God has spoken from his sanctuary: “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter. Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

    Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.

    Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down, this leaning wall, this tottering fence? Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”

    You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. Those who want to kill me will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

    Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear. They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “Who will see it?” They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!” Surely the human mind and heart are cunning. But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down. He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn. All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!

    Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. You who answer prayer, to you all people will come. When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.

    Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.” Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot. Come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations. Let not the rebellious rise up against him. Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you, vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble. I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

    May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us, so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

    May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. May you blow them away like smoke, as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him, his name is the LORD. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families,he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor. The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng: “Kings and armies flee in haste; the women at home divide the plunder. Even while you sleep among the sheep pens,the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.” When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Mount Zalmon. Mount Bashan, majestic mountain, Mount Bashan, rugged mountain, why gaze in envy, you rugged mountain, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever? The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary. When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious, that you, LORD God, might dwell there.

    Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins. The Lord says, “I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea, that your feet may wade in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share.” Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the timbrels. Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel. There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah’s princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali. Summon your power, God ; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before. Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts. Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God. Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

    Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal. You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you. Lord, the LORD Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me. For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children; for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me. Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards. But I pray to you, LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes. You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.

    Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none. They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and a trap. May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever. Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them. May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents. For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt. Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation. May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous. But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves. The poor will see and be glad, you who seek God, may your hearts live! The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them, for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it; the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there.

    Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, LORD, to help me. May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The LORD is great!” But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; LORD, do not delay.

    In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. They say, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.” Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.

    As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long, though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you, I whom you have delivered. My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.

    Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more. May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. May the desert tribes bow before him and his enemies lick the dust. May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long. May grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. May the crops flourish like Lebanon and thrive like the grass of the field. May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. Then all nations will be blessed through him,and they will call him blessed. Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.

    Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” This is what the wicked are like, always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments. If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.

    When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

    O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Remember the nation you purchased long ago, the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed, Mount Zion, where you dwelt. Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins, all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary. Your foes roared in the place where you met with us; they set up their standards as signs. They behaved like men wielding axes to cut through a thicket of trees. They smashed all the carved paneling with their axes and hatchets. They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of your Name. They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely!” They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land. We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be. How long will the enemy mock you, God? Will the foe revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?

    Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them! But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth. It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters. It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert. It was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the ever-flowing rivers. The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter. Remember how the enemy has mocked you, LORD, how foolish people have reviled your name. Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever. Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land. Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name. Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long. Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.

    We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.’” No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”

    God is renowned in Judah; in Israel his name is great. His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion. There he broke the flashing arrows, the shields and the swords, the weapons of war. You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game. The valiant lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of the warriors can lift his hands. At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both horse and chariot lie still. It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry? From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet, when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared. He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.

    I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

    My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old, things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. They would not be like their ancestors, a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.

    The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of battle; they did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by his law. They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. He did miracles in the sight of their ancestors in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan. He divided the sea and led them through; he made the water stand up like a wall. He guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night. He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them water as abundant as the seas; he brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers. But they continued to sin against him, rebelling in the wilderness against the Most High. They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God; they said, “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness? True, he struck the rock, and water gushed out, streams flowed abundantly, but can he also give us bread? Can he supply meat for his people?”

    When the LORD heard them, he was furious; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his wrath rose against Israel, for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat. He let loose the east wind from the heavens and by his power made the south wind blow. He rained meat down on them like dust, birds like sand on the seashore. He made them come down inside their camp, all around their tents. They ate till they were gorged. He had given them what they craved. But before they turned from what they craved, even while the food was still in their mouths, God’s anger rose against them; he put to death the sturdiest among them, cutting down the young men of Israel. In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror. Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again. They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.

    How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the wasteland! Again and again they put God to the test; they vexed the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember his power, the day he redeemed them from the oppressor, the day he displayed his signs in Egypt, his wonders in the region of Zoan. He turned their river into blood; they could not drink from their streams. He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them. He gave their crops to the grasshopper, their produce to the locust. He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore-figs with sleet. He gave over their cattle to the hail, their livestock to bolts of lightning. He unleashed against them his hot anger, his wrath, indignation and hostility, a band of destroying angels. He prepared a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death but gave them over to the plague. He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham. But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the wilderness. He guided them safely, so they were unafraid; but the sea engulfed their enemies. And so he brought them to the border of his holy land, to the hill country his right hand had taken. He drove out nations before them and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance; he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes. But they put God to the test and rebelled against the Most High; they did not keep his statutes.

    Like their ancestors they were disloyal and faithless, as unreliable as a faulty bow. They angered him with their high places; they aroused his jealousy with their idols. When God heard them, he was furious; he rejected Israel completely. He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent he had set up among humans. He sent the ark of his might into captivity, his splendor into the hands of the enemy. He gave his people over to the sword; he was furious with his inheritance. Fire consumed their young men, and their young women had no wedding songs; their priests were put to the sword, and their widows could not weep. Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, as a warrior wakes from the stupor of wine. He beat back his enemies; he put them to everlasting shame. Then he rejected the tents of Joseph, he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim; but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved. He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth that he established forever. He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

    O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild. They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead. We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us. How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name; for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland. Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. May the groans of the prisoners come before you; with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die. Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord. Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.

    Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. How long, LORD God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us. Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. You transplanted a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches. Its branches reached as far as the Sea, its shoots as far as the River. Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes? Boars from the forest ravage it, and insects from the fields feed on it. Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine, the root your right hand has planted, the son you have raised up for yourself. Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish. Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, LORD God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

    Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the timbrel, play the melodious harp and lyre. Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival; this is a decree for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob. When God went out against Egypt, he established it as a statute for Joseph. I heard an unknown voice say: “I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket. In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Hear me, my people, and I will warn you, if you would only listen to me, Israel! You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not worship any god other than me. I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. “If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

    God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods”: “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. “I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’ But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler.” Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance.

    O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.” With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you, the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, Byblos, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them to reinforce Lot’s descendants. Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon, who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God.” Make them like tumbleweed, my God, like chaff before the wind. As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze, so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm. Cover their faces with shame, LORD, so that they will seek your name. May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace. Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD, that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

    How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young, a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob. Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

    You, LORD, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger. Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation. I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants, but let them not turn to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.

    Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me. They have no regard for you. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

    He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, city of God: “I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me, Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush, and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’” Indeed, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High himself will establish her.” The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.”

    LORD, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength. I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. Your wrath lies heavily on me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves. You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you. Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do their spirits rise up and praise you? Is your love declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Destruction? Are your wonders known in the place of darkness, or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion? But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, LORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me? From my youth I have suffered and been close to death; I have borne your terrors and am in despair. Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me. You have taken from me friend and neighbor. Darkness is my closest friend.

    I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’” The heavens praise your wonders, LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies. The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name. Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.

    Once you spoke in a vision, to your faithful people you said: “I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have raised up a young man from among the people. I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him. My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him. The enemy will not get the better of him; the wicked will not oppress him. I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries. My faithful love will be with him, and through my name his horn will be exalted. I will set his hand over the sea, his right hand over the rivers. He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.’ And I will appoint him to be my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth. I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail. I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure. "If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness, and I will not lie to David, that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.”

    But you have rejected, you have spurned, you have been very angry with your anointed one. You have renounced the covenant with your servant and have defiled his crown in the dust. You have broken through all his walls and reduced his strongholds to ruins. All who pass by have plundered him; he has become the scorn of his neighbors. You have exalted the right hand of his foes; you have made all his enemies rejoice. Indeed, you have turned back the edge of his sword and have not supported him in battle. You have put an end to his splendor and cast his throne to the ground. You have cut short the days of his youth; you have covered him with a mantle of shame. How long, LORD? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? Remember how fleeting is my life. For what futility you have created all humanity! Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave? Lord, where is your former great love, which in your faithfulness you swore to David? Remember, Lord, how your servant has been mocked, how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the nations, the taunts with which your enemies, LORD, have mocked, with which they have mocked every step of your anointed one. Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.



    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
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    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Wed Aug 14, 2019 3:20 pm

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    As a young-child I stood transfixed before the 'Blue Boy' at the Huntington Library in San Marino. A few years later I watched '2001: A Space Odyssey' at the 'Cinerama' theater in Hollywood. Now, my threads have everything to do with both. I imagine a Supercomputer-Managed Universe-Matrix which isolates Civilizations while they Grow-Up. I imagine a System Analyst named David Bowman aka Peter Venkman aka Blue Boy aka Dr. Who who travels the universe in Dr. Who 'Blue Boy' Avatar-Bodies by stepping into Police Public Call Boxes throughout the universe. I imagine the Solar Supercomputer System keeping each Civilization alive, but I also imagine some sort of a Reset-Button which automatically resets particular planets and/or solar systems, effectively 'Cleansing the Sanctuary' and 'Restoring the Sanctuary to its Rightful-State' (or something to that effect). 'Rufus' showed me a Sci-Fi Comic with a Galactic Reset-Button. I doubt the 'Nova' theory applies to 2046 (as did a professional-astronomer I spoke with), but I suspect a Planetary Propulsion Technology which keeps the Moon presenting one-side only, and which keeps the planets in their orbits. This system could conceivably cause a 'Pole-Shift' and/or 'Earth Moving Closer To (Or Further From) the Sun'. I suspect that Douglas Vogt, Linda Moulton Howe, Catherine Austin Fitts, John Lear, and Many Others know what I'm talking about. But really, I SO Hope I'm Wrong. This seems to be the 'Ultimate Can of Worms'. Consider '12001 BC: A Space Theodicy' or 'How the Solar System Was Won'.

    Much thanks to Carol for the quoted-material below. Most of the material in my threads is the work of others. I choose, arrange, and editorialize (for better or worse, I know not). What if the Whole-Universe Hates God?? What if Everyone in the Universe Wishes They Were God?? What If God Doesn't Believe in God?? What If God Created the Matrix So All of Us Could Fight for Power for All-Eternity Without Soul-Extermination?? What If Periodic Resets Allow Us to Evolve Over and Over Again?? An Individual of Interest Told Me "Things Continue to Worsen" and "We Need to Start Over". Dr. Graham Maxwell Claimed That Ellen White Wrote "God Was Prepared to Start Over Regarding Mankind (and Create a Brand-New Race) Rather Than Change the Way He Governs the Universe." I paraphrased a bit. I haven't seen that quote in print, so perhaps I should do some research. Note what Graham says starting at the 01:20:00 mark in the video below. Some of You REALLY Need to Study This Thread in Depth, and Tell Me What You Think. I've Been Requesting This Sort of Thing for Many Years Now, With No Comprehensive and Detailed Responses. You Seem to be Content to Hold My Coat While I Get Stoned or Poisoned to Death. When the Excrement Contacts the Blower Perhaps I Should Wear One of Those Coats Melania Wore. "I Don't Really Care. Do U??"

    For some of you Secret-Theologians in Underground-Bases, try reading Job to Daniel straight-through, over and over, in a variety of translations, imagining that it might contain clues regarding Star-Wars and Ancient-Technology. Imagine that it wasn't written by backward-people, but rather by sophisticated-astronauts with long-term agendas (good and/or bad). The churches probably do what they have to do to stay in business, and I'm not fighting with them. I just suspect that this overall-thing is darker and more-complex than any of us can imagine. I'm using the research of others to construct my threads. I don't get paid to do this (probably for legitimate-reasons) and a possible future-book probably would be completely-different and more-mainstream than my crazy-threads. Regarding SDA stuff, try reading 'The Acts of the Apostles' (1911), and Volumes 6 and 7 (Acts to Revelation) of 'The SDA Bible Commentary' (1957) for mature devotional and scholarly material which predates the 'Questions on Doctrine', 'Righteousness by Faith', 'EGW Plagiarism', and 'Investigative-Judgment' fiascos (also avoiding the Synoptic-Problem and Historical-Jesus troubles). The Bible and Religion are under heavy-fire and both might go-down hard, yet there is underlying-wisdom and lessons to be learned. This stuff probably won't make anyone healthy, wealthy, happy, and secure. Probably Just the Opposite. Is an Amalgamation of Church, State, Education, and Corporation an Unholy-Alliance and/or Way of the Future?? What if the 'Great Controversy' Eschatological-Stuff is TRUE??

    Consider re-watching the first and last 20 minutes of 'Battlestar Galactica: The Plan'. I won't explain. Thoughtful People don't seem to count. Fame, Fortune, Power, and Pleasure are the Gods and Goddesses of This World. What if EVERYONE is Ultimately-Wrong About Life, the Universe, and Everything?? Richard Hoagland said 'The Lie is Different at Every Level." What if All of Us are Deluded with Conflicting Delusions?? I'm in the process of immersing myself in material, concepts, and thoughts no-one gives a damn about. I'm preparing to die, and I'm not preparing an evangelistic-crusade. I seem to meet some very strange and demanding 'people' in a couple of undisclosed locations. What if I'm really NOT Welcome on Planet Earth?? If the Universe is Compartmentalized with a Supercomputer-Matrix, What Would Happen if the Matrix were Turned-Off?? I'm beginning to wonder if the Destruction of the Deep-State involves Turning-Off the Matrix?! What if the Matrix is Gradually Turning Itself Off?? What If This is Why We Need Star-Wars and the Space-Force, and Why the U.S. National-Debt is Nearly Twenty-Three Trillion Dollars?! What If We Are Preparing to Attack the New Jerusalem at the End of the Millennium?? What if the Millennium Ends in A.D. 2133?? What If We Need to Prepare for a Long, Hard Eternity??

    Regarding the Bible, in almost all disciplines, current textbooks and source-materials are utilized, yet Judeo-Christians seem forced to rely upon a collection of books which are allegedly two to four thousand years old. This doesn't seem like a fair contest. In Science v Bible, why don't we compare two to four thousand year-old science-books with the Bible?? What if the historical aspects of the Bible were considered 'Historical-Fiction' without believers losing their faith and going crazy?? Perhaps, in a sense, the Roman Catholic Church could be justified (hundreds of years ago) for considering the Bible too-difficult for the commoners to properly understand. We the Peons don't seem to understand the Bible very-well in modernity!! Consider 'The Quest of the Historical Jesus in Acts to Revelation'!! Siriusly, read Acts to Revelation straight-through, over and over, seeking the Historical-Jesus!! Forget about those nasty Atheists and Agnostics!! Just Read Acts to Revelation in a variety of translations (without referring to commentaries). One might expand this study to 'The Quest of Genesis to John in Acts to Revelation'. Has Humanity Made 'Made-Up Things' Sacred'?? Have the Gods and Goddesses Given Us What Was Expedient to Control Us??

    When I re-post old-posts, the material is obviously dated, but this provides the opportunity for reality-checks. I doubt that many people have actually studied my posts, so why should I laboriously create completely-new posts when no-one bothers with them?? This repetitious exercise in futility is probably a personal 'mental and spiritual' exercise. As I feel worse and worse, thinking less and less, I probably require this activity to retain what little sanity and mental-capacity I have left. As the world descends into murder, mayhem, financial-ruin, earth-changes, and robotic-enslavement, I become less and less capable of dealing with This Present Darkness. I suspect this is someone's Orchestrated-Plan. What if I planned my own demise in-between incarnations?? Nothing would surprise me at this point. Somehow, this ordeal is probably making me stronger internally as I weaken externally. An Individual of Interest seemed to scoff at me 'Retiring' as though I wouldn't survive long enough to 'Retire'. I often think I was supposed to become some sort of a Manchurian Candidate, being controlled from some Underground-Base, but I'm a bit delusional. Some call it 'Insanity' but I call it 'Religious and Political Science-Fiction'. If only I got paid to write my ruin. Hope Springs Eternal.

    One Last Thing, Regarding the Bank of America Murals (Below), Isn't BOA Fundamentally Roman Catholic?? Isn't North Carolina Fundamentally Satanist?? I have several 'Ghost-Stories' I experienced first-hand, and nearly All of Them Were RC Related (but that's all I'm going to say about that). What if Roman Catholicism is somehow a Haunted-Religion (by choice and/or force)?? What if Earth is a Haunted-Planet (by choice and/or force)?? I don't wish to throw stones, but I don't wish to walk around with my eyes closed. What if we need to be both For and Against various religions, businesses, governments, and individuals?? Do you see what I mean?? I didn't think so. Namaste and Godspeed.




    Carol wrote:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_zfMyzXqfI
    COSMIC DISASTER | CIA: Classified

    Suspicious0bservers,

    Cosmic Disaster, Solar Micronova, Superflare, Magnetic Reversal, Crustal Displacement, Ice Age, Tsunamis, Volcanoes... it's all here, it's all been done before and it's all coming again soon.

    Science tells us these magnetic events come on a cycle, we are due up again now, and shocker... the magnetic field is shifting and accelerating. This is not a coincidence.

    1) With such a magnetic disaster every 12,000 years, the last one 12,000 years ago, and the magnetic field shifting faster and faster now - how can this be ignored? It's almost TOO obvious what is happening right now.

    2) We are all survivors, we have the tools to be prepared, and we have our eyes on the sun every day (seriously, every day).

    3) This is the 2nd movie this channel is putting out in August 2019 - The first, "Plasma Cosmology", can be found here: [link to youtu.be (secure)]

    Observing the Frontier 2020: https://ObservatoryProject.com

    To get free copies of the classified work, go to SuspectSky.com
    Carol wrote:
    Suspicious0bservers
    Premiered Aug 1, 2019


    Plasma Cosmology contains interviews with top professors and government scientists, examining the problems with the prevailing dark matter paradigm. Dr. Peratt describes what the government learned and classified during secret nuclear tests underground.

    ~30 minutes in, the tables turn completely
    ~43 minutes in, the bomb drops, both literally and figuratively

    [UPDATE] Professors Respond: https://youtu.be/Qd1EJKR5jlI

    Dr. Peratt's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Physics-Plasma-Universe-Anthony-Peratt/dp/146147818.
    Carol wrote:
    From the 1990's:
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 We5iksP

    The Sun Doesn't go Micro Nova During a Magnetic Pole Reversal,
    it Just Seems That Way. Shields go Down.

    https://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message4107096/pg1

    "During a magnetic pole reversal, the entire magnetic field strength of the planet can go down to just 10% or less of normal.

    That means that the sun isn't putting any more energy out, but rather we're protected from the sun far less than we were.

    So the past records may seem like the sun did something different, but really it was our magnetic field going down and our planet was bombarded by far more solar and cosmic radiation.

    If you take your sunglasses off while looking at the sun, you don't blame the sun for getting brighter.

    Our planet has a magnetic field reversal roughly every 12,000 years and we're in the middle of another one now.

    Is it possible for Earth to experience Polar Shift?

    -"Yes, it is not just possible, but highly probable. -Gordon Stanger, Geologist

    Detailed palaeomagnetic data have revealed how the Earth's magnetic field changes in a polarity shift. In relative terms (time scale inaccurately known) there is a slow decrease to <10% of the normal field intensity. After an uncertain interval the field intensity picks up to some 20 or 30% of the normal field intensity during a relatively brief spike. Then another low field intensity interval, and finally it picks up to full field intensity - of either normal or reversed polarity.

    This has never happened in real-time during the scientific era, so the effects are necessarily speculative. Amongst the expected effects would be:

    Vulnerability of satellites, power lines and communications to the effects of solar storms.

    Increased UV, and hence increased incidence of skin cancer.

    All sorts of changing physico-chemical processes in the upper atmosphere, of which the weakening ozone layer would be the most alarming.

    On average these magnetic flips occur about every 11,000 to 12,000 years - although there is a great deal of variation. On this basis the next one is about due.

    It won't be lethal. Neanderthals, Denisovans and Hom.sap's prehistoric forebears survived the last magnetic flip, but it will be inconvenient, and probably not without a serious health impact."

    https://earthscience.stackexchange.com/questions/6800/is-it-possible-for-earth-to-experience-polar-shift

    It's our magnetic field weakening, not the sun increasing its output. And the year 2046 is just to keep us from worrying about it now. It's happening now though, and faster each year.

    I think scientists are working on ways to make a man-made field/shield for our planet. That's probably what experiments like Haarp are really about. When the magnetic field goes down, we want our own backup system in place so we all don't get nuked by the sun.

    I've found numerous mentions from scientific sources that state there is a known 25,000 year magnetic cycle with a pole reversal every 12,500 years. The last one being the Gothenberg Magnetic Flip 12,400 years ago. But yet it is not mentioned anymore except for places like this.

    One easy way to disprove a solar micro nova as the cause of this. The magnetic poles have already been shifting for decades and the sun hasn't changed that much at all. Certainly no micro nova. The magnetic field strength has been weakening at an alarming rate too. We're already well into this event so the sun can't be the catalyst.

    The sun will be the problem though when our magnetic field strength is less than 10%.

    Ever wonder how world floods happen? A lot of ice melting at once. When our magnetic field goes down, it's like leaving the freezer door open for a while. The ice caps have already started to break apart.

    Noah's flood.

    What government agency is in charge of monitoring the magnetic poles?

    NOAA."



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC3VTgIPoGU
    "CHASING ICE" captures largest glacier calving ever filmed
    - OFFICIAL VIDEO
    Carol wrote:
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 B83a8b147e52
    1. WHEN

    This is the first of three in the order of timing of events. You see the classic Masonic checkered floor as part of the landscape that they control. You see the classic blond-haired, blue-eyed Arian “youth” in the classic Masonic heel-to-heel 90 degree stance. Take note to the burning bush blowing dead West. I see this as the Western World being burned and this is the current state of the dismantling affairs of the U.S. while Americans (in general) go unaware. I see this because of the white man right next to the burning bush and he is wearing a red sweater and blue jeans. Red, white and blue. He represents the majority of unaware Americans and remains distracted via the book he is reading while the bush (which again represents the Western World) is burning to the ground right next to him. Now, take a look at the female puppet on strings being controlled. Could this mean that the next President will be a woman? Most important is the group of characters at the bottom-left. This clearly shows a colonial forefather arguing with modern day “suits”. This is highly suggestive of constitutionalists arguing with the “New World” unfolding. Notice they are pointing to the Masonic Arian as the subject at hand? This suggests the Tea Party Movement and the fight against the coming-out of World Government. This is (now) in the first of these three key time eras.

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 0aa63d344f49
    2. WHAT

    This is clearly inside the FEMA camp “era” we will soon move towards. You can see the back wall and you can see the side wall with barbed wire. You see the Elite above circling free and naked in their wealth and disgusting power while being separated from the chaos below via the net. They continue to oversee. Key characters in the crowd are Hazmat and Marines carrying rifles. You see all races and creeds as well as a Catholic Bishop, a Nun, a handcuffed man, a gas masked person, etc. You see an active burning industrial building in the background suggesting a crematory (think of the possibility of a mass of dead infected people from a biohazard release.) You see the classic Nazi gold eagle and flags. You see blank street signs suggesting you have nowhere to go. You see blank protest signs suggesting you have no voice. You see a cameraman in the dead center of the bottom of the painting with his camera looking right back at you (with your camera.)

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 90f69475d0c8
    3. HOW

    This is the final sequence preceding the FEMA camp era. Here you see the surviving slave population working below to acquire the wealth of the world. The shovel heads are rich gold in color suggesting gold as the resource to secure. Look at the next level of architecture above ground. You see the higher-level (educated/skilled) slaves re-building the “New World” while the Elite sleep restfully above in the hills continuing to oversee all operations. Although the basic architecture is similar to the current architecture of society, the picture is highly suggestive of the “rebuilding era” due to the clear portrayal of clean landscapes and “work” underway. This is the final era they are working towards once most of us have been eliminated and the “New World” is underway being rebuilt. What does “EQ” stand for on the red sign?


    IS THERE JUST ONE "DISASTER STORY" WHICH CAN TIE-TOGETHER
    THE 3 PANELS OF THE B.O.A. MURAL IN A "BELIEVABLE 3-IN-1 PREDICTION?"

    There are THREE PANELS for the Triptych (3-in-1) MURAL created for the Bank of America Headquarters in Charlotte, NC. These panels -- but most specifically Panel #1 "The Blond Boy" --have been the subject of conspiracy theories since they were unveiled in the 1990's by Benjamin Long, a classic artist/painter schooled in the Davinci style of art. We will discover MORE new clues in Panel #1.

    "These are NOT 3 separate "stories/images" making up Benjamin Long's B.O.A. Triptych frescoe ...Discovery today shows a 3-in-1 tie-in with the incredible disclosure by Douglas Vogt this Spring and I can't wait to tell you what I've found!

    THIS NEWEST BANK OF AMERICA (BOA) THREAD TODAY--FINALLY--ties all-3-panels of the BOA Mural together for what I call "the rest of the story for BOA Art"

    KEEPING IN MIND one jaw-dropping "disclosure" from Douglas Vogt and Ben Davidson on the past, present and FUTURE "Solar Micro-Nova Clock Cycle" which appeared on GLP December 2018...as this CODE-BREAKING new theory (for the B.O.A. Mural and other "predictive works of art" such as Ben Long's "WINGATE U. MURAL" called "Art WITHIN Art" we can see CONTEXT for the symbols in this intense 2-story tall mural thanks to Vogt/Davidson giving us: THE WHEN....THE HOW...THE WHEN!!

    THE WHEN (timing for the onset of the Solar Clock-Cycle) ...THE HOW (what the coming event may look like)...AND THE HOW (as in "how the hell will we survive a "solar Micro-Nova?) The same "when, what and how"--with the revelations on the Clock Cycle by Dr. Douglas Vogt--can be applied to the LAST EVENT 12,000 years ago...our "secret catastrophic-geologic past" as well, since this is a cyclical-event and not an isolated one-time phenomenon.



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMr-5HHnAmU
    Causes of the Ice Age and Nova, the Greatest Secret of the United States

    1 hour plus. INFO ABOUT BASICS ON THE VOGT SOLAR MICRO-NOVA/POLE SHIFT IN THE FIRST 8 MINUTES. This is a MUST watch IMHO! This video is part of a series...but gives a good first glance for those new to the topic.

    This video will be helpful in understanding the "basics" of this new GLP Theory (remember, several GLP members have been working to solve the "code" of the BOA Murals for many years with some thread going back all the way to 2012! Hat tip to all the previous efforts to unravel the message of this important Earth-Changes Mural!

    Full BOA panel - 3 Panels of the BOA Murals can now be seen as a SCRIPT FOR THE COMING GLOBAL CATASTROPHE (thanks to Dr. Douglas Vogt.)


    ----------LINK IN BOA TO THE NOTRE DAME FIRE 4-15-2019--------

    Moved the "May DISCOVERY" of a link between Panel #1 of the Bank of America Murals with the "Floating Lady"-- (as a TIMELINE for when Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France is destroyed)--to POST #4. My presentation as to  why I believe the "Floating Lady" qualifies as the poster - child symbol for the tragic Notre Dame Cathedral Fire is my OWN THEORY and has not been borrowed or copied from any other sources, as is my "take" on the WHEN, WHAT AND HOW for the BOA Mural as a whole.

    I BELIEVE THE TIME-LINE FOR THE SOLAR MICRO-NOVA EVENT AND POLE SHIFT IS TIED EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE "FLOATING LADY" SYMBOL IN PANEL #1 AND I WILL EXPLAIN IT IN THIS THREAD.

    This is one of the longest threads I have composed for GLP in the 2 decades I've been around the Forum. But I believe it is one of the most "timely" and important information topics I've shared with the GLP family.  Inspired by the Douglas Vogt disclosure coming to GLP in December 2018 and continuing with the new releases of Dr. Vogt's video series "Causes of the Ice Age and Pole Reversal" all through this Spring, I believe you will agree after scanning this thread the "clues" are NOW very clear now that we know °the rest of the story° of our hidden past."

    Thread: Greatest Secret of the United States, Causes of the Ice Age and Nova
    https://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message3948028/pg1
    orthodoxymoron wrote:
    The first video is the service just prior to the fire. If the people only knew...




    mudra wrote:Hello everyone,

    First time I am going through these material  regarding the 3rd eye,  kundalini, merkaba etc...with a brand new perspective. cheers

    And the reason I am posting this here is that as I was listening to this person below  it gradually rang a bell to me that this mechanism seems to be a tricky invite to take another round on the merry go round.

    Climb up the kundalini elevator and go and meet a LIGHT so bright and so mesmerizing that you'll gladly forget about who you are to loose yourself into it and call it Nirvana.

    A few years ago I believe to have read something Nicolaï Levashov said about Nirvana and how it was not an end all at all but rather a dead end or so did I understand it.

    At that time I thought the idea interesting but I didn't quite grab it fully.

    Well some things take their time to sink through with me. Actually when thinking about it now, the very word "enLIGHTment" hides the trick in plain sight.

    So from the LIGHT we would travel down the dark tunnel of oblivion and land in a body. And from the body we take the kunalini elevator all the way back into the LIGHT.

    Probably same elevator one experiences in NDEs.One way or the other one is just moving furniture around I would say.

    The truth is we are not trapped in bodies. Nor do our bodies hold all these beautiful  keys to open the trap.

    We are not these bodies less our minds. We are but observers , soul beings playing around with intent and creating the scenery of our experience. The trap would be thinking the other way around and giving to the body a super power it doesn't actually have.

    Acute awareness has us realize we are literally dreaming this world, giving it shape and form to then interact with it.

    Our point of Power is now always. And if tomorrow we loose the body this will also hold true. For our point of power is clarity of intent born from from the Heart, from Love, the Source of all things.

    The only thing that can ever trap us into oblivion is not taking responsability for who we are and allow someone or something else to take our sovereignty away from us.

    Actually if we want a high adrenaline game with a few challenges on the way we need to forget a few things otherwise there would be no game to play. However at all times are we able to take the blinders off and enjoy the full view 🌞

    Well this is how I see things today and these reflections are mere opinions subject to change always as my awareness unfolds.

    It must be said I never had a kundalini -pineal- Nirvana ...experience so if any one reading my post had one my words are not intended to rob away the joy of their accomplishment nor to belittle the value of their experience.


    Love from me
    mudra

    The Third eye
    A talk by Raja Choudhury


    https://youtu.be/HFESFTgSeDU
    Carol wrote:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCEWlGTEbfs
    THE STILL REPORT
    Autopsy: Epstein's Broken Neck More Common In Murders
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 081117e9be1dcaf5110f0d67f77d2b50
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 DU4dqi2X0AAxrP2
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 2109d1324325486-selene-kate-beckinsale-costume-kateinunderworld2

    There's an interesting Stargate SG-1 episode (07-19) called Resurrection which features a hybrid named Anna who manifests the Ancient Egyptian Deity Sekhmet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw175GKK2ps Is this name combination significant in light of the recent 'V' series which aired approximately six years later?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKUDSF61ooM There's a creepy character named Kefler in this episode who I found quite interesting. BTW -- what is the relationship between Sekhmet, Serqet, and Ra?? What if a 'Light-Bringer' nuked those opposed to the Gods -- destroying them with the brightness of their coming?? As I have asked before, what if Gabriel and Michael were both 'Light-Bringers'?? Once again, I have no problem with Law, Order, and Incarceration -- but I am presently opposed to Torture and Extermination. What if Earth were a Workers-Paradise -- with NO BS?? What if the Moon were a Prison-Planet or Workers-Purgatory?? There might be a very structured and disciplined life on the Moon -- with much more freedom and opportunity on Earth.

    Once again, all of my proposals are off the table -- if that even makes any difference. If I were ever a part of Solar System Governance -- I would probably require a couple of lifetimes of observation-experience prior to taking-on any major responsibilities -- and I'm not kidding. I'd be worse than useless with my present state of mind -- and lack of training. I still think Absolute-Access would be cool. You know -- just hanging-out in all the cool locations -- without saying or doing much of anything -- other than observing and researching. In one way, I liked being around the Ancient Egyptian Deity -- because they knew what they were talking about -- but our attitudes and approaches were very different -- and they frankly scared the hell out of me. They said we were ancient -- and that we had fought side by side. They also said they didn't have to sleep. What if they had a wardrobe of bodies (as pictured below)??!! I remain cool and neutral regarding the whole AED thing. I have no idea who or what I was really dealing with. I continue to think in terms of Orion-Hebrew-Egyptian regarding who has run this solar system for thousands (if not millions) of years -- probably with several factions in conflict with each other.

    What if getting-along is NOT an option?? What if Galactic-Conflicts continue for millions of years?? Should I study Intergalactic-Banking and Star-Warfare if I wish to be a mover and shaker in future-lives?? I have a very sick feeling about all of this -- each and every day. I wake-up fatigued and exhausted -- each and every day -- even after 8-10 hours of sleep -- and some of you wonder why I'm not very friendly or responsive?!! What's really creepy is that I often feel most at home when dealing with the most upsetting subjects -- which makes me wonder about my previous lives (assuming that reincarnation is the way things work)?! I can't seem to carry on a normal conversation (even if my eternal-life depended upon it).

    I am not a New-Ager, Goddess-Worshipper, Atheist, Satanist, or Luciferian. I'm simply a non-conventional researcher who leans toward the Wisdom and Gospel Literature in the Holy Bible -- but don't try to classify me or pigeon-hole me. I won't cooperate. I will continue to be a Pain in Uranus. Just remember to cover your butt when you fart!! He who farts in church -- sits is his own pew!! Sorry -- I couldn't  resist!! Sometimes I feel like a Completely Ignorant Fool with a God-Complex!! Imagine what a Galactic-Version of Easy Rider might be like!! What Would Lilith Say?? Remember that Duel and Easy Rider were showing in that theater in Paul. What Would Keith Nash Say?? What Would John Nash Say?? What if Moses was a Hostage-Slave of Amen Ra?? Think about it. Also, read the third chapter of Tempest and Exodus very carefully. I once told the Ancient Egyptian Deity that Moses must've had a horrible time dealing with all of the problems and complaining -- to which the AED replied "Did He??" Separately, the AED said that I was one of two human friends. I tended to think that might not have been a good thing. What if Ancient-Humanity had to literally make Deals with the Devil -- just to survive??


    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 9-sekhmet
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Resurrection-18
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Ra_Reborn

    I'm thinking that perhaps I should focus on the work of Joseph Farrell and Ralph Ellis -- for a variety of reasons. As usual, I have very little idea of how accurate they are -- or what hidden agendas they might have. Anyway here is some info on these men and their work. BTW -- Joseph is an organist and a church-historian -- which is a HUGE plus in my book. Bach's Improvisations supposedly surpassed his written compositions -- but this is difficult to imagine!! I have a theory that a lot of the Sacred Classical Music -- throughout the centuries -- originated from a Single Soul -- but I can't prove it. I used to love to play BWV 582 in empty churches! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STij8KmsgcI Consider spending some Sirius time on the following site (to broaden your horizons by taking a walk on the wild-side)!! http://www.sherrytalkradio.com/ Listen to the blogtalk shows at the top-left of the site. I guess I'm really trying to get all of us into a certain frame of mind -- so that we might have a fighting chance of sorting things out when:

    UhOh  Fighters  Blowdup  Hot  Jawdrop  Harp  Spiritual  Enlightened  UFO2  Luke   NutbarNuke Argh  Boxer OmnipotenceafroCrazy HappySleepcyclopsMad Shocked  Rolling Eyes
    1. Joseph Farrell http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_P._Farrell

    Joseph Patrick Farrell, born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a theologian, scholar on the East–West Schism and the author of a number of books on alternative history, Pseudohistory, historical revisionism, Pseudoarchaeology, physics, and science. Farrell is Adjunct Professor of Patristic Theology and Apologetics at California Graduate School of Theology,[1] an unaccredited Christian institution of higher learning in La Habra, CA. Additionally, he is an organist, plays the harpsichord and is a composer of classical music.[2] A student of Timothy Ware, Farrell became a professor of Patristics at Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary. He also holds an M.A. from Oral Roberts University, a B.A. from John Brown University and is a doctoral graduate (D.Phil.) of Pembroke College, Oxford University with specialty in Patristics awarded in 1987.[3] Farrell has produced two major sets of works. One set concerns theology, the Church Fathers, and the Great Schism between East and West, with its cultural consequences for the resulting two Europes. Farrell produced the first English translation of the "Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit" by Patriarch Photios I of Constantinople (9th century).

    The book includes a preface by Archimandrite (now Archbishop) Chrysostomos of Etna.[4] He concentrated on St. Maximus the Confessor, publishing "Free Will in St. Maximus the Confessor" (forward by Timothy Ware - now Bishop Kallistos Ware), and "The Disputation with Pyrrhus". He also authored a four volume work on the Great Schism between East and West, with its cultural consequences for the resulting two Europes, entitled God, History, and Dialectic. It has yet to be peer reviewed by any major scholarly journal. Farrell's other work deals with alternative archaeology, physics, technology, history and alternative history. In his own words, he pursues research in physics, alternative history and science, and “strange stuff”.[5] He is the creator of the weapons hypothesis concerning the pyramids at Giza, based on Christopher Dunn's work. Farrell states that his books on Giza "takes off where Christopher Dunn's 'The Giza Power Plant' left off." He has also authored several books on the reputed survival of extraordinarily advanced Nazi secret weapons technology and its relationship to the U.S. Department of Defense's "black" technology programs.

    Bibliography

    God, History, & Dialectic: The Theological Foundations of the Two Europes and Their Cultural Consequences. Bound edition 1997. Electronic edition 2008.

    The Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit - St. Photius (Holy Cross Orthodox Press 31 Dec 1982)

    Free Will in St. Maximus the Confessor (Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press, June 1989)

    The Disputation with Pyrrhus (St Tikhons Seminary Press, February 1990)

    His book "The Giza Death Star" was published in the spring of 2002, and was his first venture into "alternative history and science". In order of subject readability and topicality[6]:

    On The Paleophysics of the Great Pyramid, and the Military Complex at Giza:

    Giza Death Star: The Paleophysics of the Great Pyramid and the Military Complex at Giza (Adventures Unlimited Press, Dec 2001)

    Giza Death Star Deployed: The Physics and Engineering of the Great Pyramid (Adventures Unlimited Press, 1 Oct 2003)

    Giza Death Star Destroyed (Adventures Unlimited Press, 1 Jan 2006)

    Cosmic War: Interplanetary Warfare, Modern Physics and Ancient Texts (Adventures Unlimited Press, 15 Oct 2007)

    Genes, Giants, Monsters, and Men: The Surviving Elites of the Cosmic War and Their Hidden Agenda (Feral House, 3 May 2011)

    Grid of the Gods: The Aftermath of the Cosmic War and the Physics of the Pyramid Peoples (Adventures Unlimited Press, 1 September 2011)

    On the subject of secret Nazi technology and its applications and impact today:

    Reich of the Black Sun: Nazi Secret Weapons and the Cold War Allied Legend (Adventures Unlimited Press, 2005)

    SS Brotherhood of the Bell: The Nazi's Incredible Secret Technology (Adventures Unlimited Press, 2006)

    Secrets of the Unified Field: The Philadelphia Experiment, The Nazi Bell, and the Discarded Theory (Adventures Unlimited Press, 2008)

    The Philosopher's Stone: Alchemy and the Secret Research for Exotic Matter (Feral House, April 2009)

    Nazi International: The Nazis' Postwar Plan to Control Finance, Conflict, Physics and Space (Adventures Unlimited Press, March 15, 2009)

    Roswell and the Reich: The Nazi Connection (Adventures Unlimited Press, 15 Feb 2010)

    Babylon's Banksters: The Alchemy of Deep Physics, High Finance and Ancient Religion (Feral House, April 2010)

    Saucers, Swastikas and Psyops: A History of A Breakaway Civilization: Hidden Aerospace Technologies and Psychological Operations (Adventures Unlimited Press, February 2012)

    Other:

    LBJ and the Conspiracy to Kill Kennedy: A Coalescence of Interests (Adventures Unlimited Press, 1 March 2011)

    See also:

    Christopher Dunn (author)
    David Hatcher Childress
    Maximus the Confessor

    Notes

    1.^ "Faculty". California Graduate School of Theology.
    2.^ Dirty Secrets ~ Nazi International, Part One, The Byte Show with GeorgeAnn Hughes - December 29, 2008
    3.^ Farrell, Joseph P. (Winter 2006). "Scripture, Tradition;Gnosticism, Criticism". Pro Excelsis 2 (1): 2
    4.^ Photius; Joseph P. Farrell (1987). The Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit. Holy Cross Orthodox Press. ISBN 0-916586-88-X.
    5.^ Personal website
    6.^ The Proper Order To Read The Books by Dr. Farrell - July 18, 2008

    2. Ralph Ellis http://freespace.virgin.net/kena.edfu/books.html

    King Jesus, from Kam (Egypt) to Camelot

    King Jesus of Judaea was King Arthur of England. This book resolves the greatest mystery and international conspiracy of all time, the true origins of Christianity. The original objective was to confirm that St Paul (Saul) was actually Josephus Flavius. However, this novel identification exposed new perspectives on the life of Jesus, who was actually a king.

    "Priests and kings were anointed ...
    hence the title 'christ' or 'messiah'
    often signified the same as 'king'."
    Commentary on the Bible, Adam Clarke 1832.

    Contrary to orthodox perceptions, King Jesus and Queen Mary Magdalene were the richest couple in Syrio-Judaea. The Romans wanted to impose taxes on Jesus and Mary, an imposition that provoked the Jewish Rebellion. King Jesus fought and lost that war, and so he was crucified, reprieved and sent into exile in Roman England. In those remote lands, King Jesus became known as Atur-tii (the Egyptian) or 'King Arthur and the twelve disciples of the Last Supper Table'. This identification of Jesus as a wealthy, royal, warrior-hero of first century Judaea may sound bizarre, but that is what the texts say. All research and quotations are from original sources, including the New Testament, Tanakh, Talmud, Josephus, Origen, Eusebius, Irenaeus, Herodian, Suetonius, Tacitus, Clement and many others besides. This is a secret history that has been deliberately concealed from us for two millennia ­ for those feet, in ancient times, did indeed walk upon England's mountains green!

    Cleopatra to Christ

    Why was the birth of a poor 'carpenter' in the first century AD visited by the Magi: the Persian king-makers? Why was Jesus later known as the 'King of the Jews'? There is a great deal of evidence within the New Testament, which demonstrates that Jesus was actually of royal blood. But if this is so, then from which royal family was he descended? Using many strands of contemporary evidence, Ralph Ellis has pieced together a historical jigsaw puzzle, which demonstrates that the biblical Jesus was directly descended from Cleopatra VII, the most famous queen of Egypt. But this is not all, for in piecing this story together it would seem that Jesus also had an aristocratic Roman and royal Persian ancestry too; and it is the latter bloodline element that explains the appearance of Persian Magi at his birth. But why should the New Testament authors obscure the ancestry of such an illustrious prince? Well, the gospel writers were looking for an ideal family as their role model, but this particular royal family hid a dark, unmentionable secret. Join Ralph on the incredible untold story of a king and queen who were exiled to Judaea in 4AD - just a couple of years before the Roman taxation of Judaea, when Jesus is said to have been born.  

    Scota, Egyptian Queen of the Scots

    The legends of Ireland and Scotland tell a fantastic tale of an Egyptian queen and her Greek husband, who were exiled from Egypt at some point during the second millennium BC. Chased from their homelands, they took to the sea and settled in Spain and then Ireland. It is said that it was from this Queen Scota and King Gaythelos that the modern titles for the Scottish and Gaelic people were derived. All of these early Celtic myths were finally set down in a fourteenth century book called 'Scotichronicon', the title page of which appears on the cover of this book. But what are we to make of this ancient story - is it based more upon fact or fiction? Historians have, as one might expect, taken the story to be complete fiction; but there are many elements to this hoary old tale that demonstrate that the authors of Scotichronicon knew a great deal about the ancient history and language of Egypt. Ralph Ellis has taken a lateral look at this mythology, and found many links and associations that lead to one inescapable conclusion - that the extraordinary tale of Queen Scota and King Gaythelos is probably true.

    Eden in Egypt

    The four rivers in Eden were the four rivers of the Nile Delta. Adam and Eve were Akhenaton and Nefertiti. The Genesis creation myth is a version of the Hymn to the Aten. The Garden of Eden was the Garden of Aton (Adon), or the city of Amarna. Genesis was written in ancient Egyptian. Having seen so many similarities between the Israelites and Egypt, I felt sure that the Book of Genesis should also contain elements of Hyksos Egyptian culture. But how could this be so if the rivers of Eden were the Euphrates and Tigris? The answer to this is simple, because the Hebrew Bible does not mention a Euphrates or Tigris at all. What it does mention is a river that runs through Eden and splits into four branches, and this just has to be a reference to the Nile running through the Garden of Akhenaton's Aton (Adon), and splitting into the four branches of the Nile Delta. Ergo: the Genesis story has to be based upon Akhenaton and his brand of alternative theology.

    Jesus, Last of the Pharaohs

    The biblical Abraham and Jacob were pharaohs of Egypt. The Israelites were not shepherds, but the Hyksos Shepherd pharaohs. The dispute that caused the Biblical Exodus. Jesus married his sister, Mary Magdelene. Jesus, governor of Tiberias, leader of 600 rebel 'fishermen'. Jesus followed the traditional astrology of the Egyptians,... he was born a Lamb of God (Aries) and died a fisher of men (Pisces). Saul is discovered in the historical record. There is irrefutable evidence that the Biblical patriarchs were indeed pharaohs of Egypt, that is why their story was so important that it has endured for so many thousands of years. Using this new knowledge, Jesus, Last of the Pharaohs goes on to discover an entirely new face to Christianity, to discover startling new passages where the Biblical Jesus and Saul appear in the historical record. The Bible is transformed into a story of a royal bloodline, and it is a tale that is verifiable at every stage by references from the historical texts.

    Tempest & Exodus

    A Sequel to Jesus, Last of the Pharaohs. The biblical exodus inscribed on an Egyptian stele. The secret name of god explained. Mt. Sinai is the Great Pyramid of Giza. Tempest & Exodus describes the dramatic discovery of large biblical quotation on an ancient Egyptian stele. When compared to the biblical equivalent the text appears to be two separate accounts, from both the Egyptian and the Israelite perspective, of a conference in Egypt discussing the way in which the biblical exodus should be organized. The quotation thus has fundamental implications for both history and theology because it explains why the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were constructed, why the biblical exodus started, where Mt. Sinai was located, who the god of the Israelites was - indeed, it even explains exactly who the Israelites really were and thus why the Torah, Bible and Koran were written.

    Solomon, Falcon of Sheba

    A Sequel to Jesus, Last of the Pharaohs -and- Tempest & Exodus. The tombs of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba discovered. The sarcophagi of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba discovered. The Temple of Solomon discovered - in Egypt. The Judaic United Monarchy's capital city - in Egypt. The Queen of Sheba, King Solomon and King David are still household names in much of the world, so how is it possible that these influential monarchs cannot be found in the archaeological record? The reality of this omission has perplexed theologians and historians alike for centuries, but Ralph Ellis, the maverick author of Jesus, Last of the Pharaohs and Tempest & Exodus, has at last rediscovered the lost tombs and sarcophagi of these legendary monarchs. Join Ralph on a tour of Biblical history that at last contains real events, real lives and real people. See the archaeological evidence of the city that King David founded, the temple that King Solomon built, the nation that the Queen of Sheba governed, and the legendary mines that underpinned their extraordinary wealth. But beware! The new historical identities of these monarchs, which have been uncovered by this research, also alter our understanding of numerous Biblical and secular events; in short, history was not as we know it.

    Thoth, Architect of the Universe

    Was the Imperial Measurement system based on the Giza pyramids? Did the ancient Britons worship the mathematical constant Pi? Was the design of the Avebury Henge based on the form of the Earth? Was Neolithic man conversant with latitudes and longitudes? Was the layout of the pyramids and henges intended to mimic the stars? Was the Great Pyramid designed as a map of the Earth? Was Stonehenge designed to mimic the motions of the Earth? Thoth, Architect of the Universe, finds verifiable proof that the great henges and pyramids were complex monuments, built by a technical civilization. The designer has specifically designed these monuments to mimic both the layout of the Earth and its motions in space. The author has been diligent in ensuring that each and every claim that is made in this respect is verifiable using everyday science, these designs are real artifacts - they are not based on speculation.

    K2, Quest of the Gods

    A sequel to Thoth, Architect of the Universe. Alexander the Great's quest for the legendary 'Hall of Records'. Location of the 'Hall of Records' revealed. The Great Pyramid in the Himalaya. The design of the Great Pyramid Explained. Quest of the Gods explains the design of the Great Pyramid in great detail and it appears that its architect has specified a structure that contains a curious blend of technology, lateral thinking and childish fun - yet this design can also point out the exact location of the legendary 'Hall of Records' to within a few meters. Join the author on the most ancient quest ever devised, a dramatic journey in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and to the highest peaks at the very heart of the Himalaya...

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    For those of you who might be especially ambitious -- consider supplementing the above homework with the Conflict of the Ages series (5 books) by Ellen G. White. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_of_the_Ages Then, contrast this mental and spiritual exercise with the books of Dr. Desmond Ford. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=desmond+ford Once again, I have a Love-Hate relationship with Ellen White and Desmond Ford. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Ford I've literally gone through hell dealing with the theological controversy connected with both of them. However, at this point in our study, I somehow think they supply a missing-link. I think a lot of Jesuits know exactly what I'm talking about. I wonder if the Human Race is unmanageable -- and if the Problems of the Universe are unsolvable?? What if the Book of Enoch describes the way things work in the universe (in general terms)?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Enoch What if the Human Race challenges the way things work in the universe?? What if this challenge will NOT be tolerated -- no matter what potential benefits might result from the eventual Perfection of Humanity???

    I tend to think that every being who has attempted significant management in this solar system has gotten their fingers burned -- right up to their halos. My idealistic United States of the Solar System might fail rather quickly. Is One too few -- and Ten-Thousand too many?? The study of Solar System Governance within this web-site might merely be the first step in a very long and painful Road to Utopia. I sense that we don't know what the hell we're dealing with -- Past, Present, and Future. One more thing -- don't forget to listen to Sacred Classical Music as you study the material suggested in this post. This is extremely important. Once again, I am NOT a scholar or a leader -- but I am a reflector and a facilitator. I sense that I've made some of you VERY angry at me. I often feel as if I'm a victim -- a bit like David Mann (Dennis Weaver) in Duel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtAMc4i8OA It's hard to know what to say and do when I know that I don't know who's who and what's what. This is somewhat like flying IFR without instruments. Most days I feel as if I'm in a Graveyard Spiral. Perhaps all of us are...

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    Consider reading a short, little book titled Competition: Constructive and Destructive by John M. Culbertson. Here is a quote from the back-cover:

    "The deregulation movement is damaging the United States economy. It is based on the unrealistic idea that "competition" is automatically beneficial and suffices to guide the economy. In fact, in the absence of suitable laws and regulations destructive competition drives out constructive competition and causes the economy to work badly. The price wars, bankruptcies, and irrational fare structures of the deregulated airlines reflect destructive competition, as do the rising failures of banks and financial institutions. In todays competitive world, the United States cannot afford to burden its economy with instability and sick industries caused by policies based on unrealistic economic theories and political formulas. Experience shows that some industries require special regulations to avoid destructive competition. What the country needs is not deregulation, but reformed regulation that will promote constructive competition and steer the nations economy to a successful future."

    Is Competition a Sin?? What Would John D. Rockefeller Say?? What Would God Say?? What Would Lucifer Say?? What Would Satan Say?? What Would Marx and Engels Say?? Is there competition in Heaven?? Is there competition in Hell?? Is there competition in Purgatory?? What sort of competition (if any) should exist in a United States of the Solar System?? Should such a system be Theocratically-Implemented?? Who should rule the solar system?? Should God rule the solar system?? Should ET rule the solar system?? Should a Single Human rule the solar system?? Should an Interplanetary and Interracial General Assembly rule the solar system?? Should a Joint Reptilian-Human Task-Force rule the solar system?? Should anyone rule the solar system?? What Would the Queen of Heaven Say?? What Would the God of This World Say??

    Consider the possibility of an Ethical-Righteous Reptilian-Human Nazi-Mason-Jesuit Galactic-Empire v Unethical-Unrighteous Reptilian-Human Nazi-Mason-Jesuit Galactic-Empire in the context of a Universal-Reptilian-Theocracy with an Ethical-System which we might find Unfathomable and Reprehensible -- but which might've worked rather well for billions (or even trillions) of years. Is this an unmentionable and unthinkable possibility?? Is it a sin to think such things -- let alone mention them in a public place?? Imagine a science-fiction series featuring a power-struggle between an Ethical-Righteous Reptilian-Human Nazi-Mason-Jesuit Agent-Attorney-Queen (Vala Mal Doran??!!) and an Unethical-Unrighteous Reptilian-Human Nazi-Mason-Jesuit Agent-Attorney-Queen (Qetesh??!!) to control a Theocratically-Implemented United States of the Solar System!!! OMG!! Further -- imagine BOTH Queens being in conflict with the just-mentioned Universal-Reptilian-Theocracy (Led by Lord Baal??!!)!!!! OMG SQUARED!!! What if this is what we've been dealing with for a very long time??!! OMG CUBED!!!

    Please consider taking the last post (before this one) VERY seriously -- especially if you've been even passively following my posting-activities on this web-site. But think of what I've included within these two posts as being under the general heading of The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan in the Conflict of the Ages. I think there is a type of science-fiction which might approximate my internet-activities which would probably cause worldwide rioting -- and I wish I were kidding. This is some heavy-duty material -- if you REALLY stop and think about it. Once again, this is why I limit my activities to this little site. The PTB will have to sort out what they're going to do regarding dealing with the general public and who knows who and/or what?!! It's really impossible to be a back-seat driver from the bottom of the pyramid. It might be interesting to witness a Roundtable Discussion Between the Best and the Brightest Scientists, Politicians, Theologians, and Science-Fiction Writers!!!

    Have you ever thought about Draconian-Reptilians arguing with each other?? Have you ever thought about Greys arguing with each other?? Have you ever thought about Annunaki arguing with each other?? Have you ever thought about the Elites arguing with each other?? Have you ever thought about Gods and Goddesses arguing with each other?? Have you ever thought about the Curia arguing with each other?? Have you ever thought about Orthodoxymoron and an Ancient Egyptian Deity arguing with each other?? I should stop.

    Imagine a Deep Underground Orthodoxymoron Base under a church similar to that of St. Michael's Church in Earth: Final Conflict!! What Would Saint Michael Say?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLg2YauMuiY I'm conflicted about the whole God, Satan, Angel, Demon, and Archangel thing. I KNOW there is a spiritual reality -- but I also KNOW there is a helluva lot of deception and misinterpretation. Why should I trust something just because it's in a book -- or just because somebody with a robe speaks the "truth"??? Shouldn't we consider ALL of the possibilities -- even if we don't like some of them -- prior to arriving at the most important decisions imaginable???!!! We often seem to be very eager to jump in bed with the devil. Why??!! "Good Sex!!" You Say???? Go to Hell You Sick S.O.B.

    Have any of you carefully studied Vatican I, Vatican II, and church-history during the period separating these two major church councils? How about conducting this study with a special emphasis on the theology of church architecture, church art, church music, and church liturgy?? Have any of you read Christ: The Experience of Jesus as Lord by Edward Shillebeeckx?? http://www.amazon.com/Christ-The-Experience-Jesus-Lord/dp/0824506057 I didn't think so. What Would Monseigneur Bowe Say?? What Would Saint Mary Say?? What Would the Jesuits Say?? The AED Said the Jesuits Don't Like Me!! What Would the Phobos-Martians Say?? The AED Said the Phobos-Martians Like Me!! What Would Would They Say on 243 Ida??

    Perhaps Theoretical Theology aka Experimental Religion should be an academic discipline -- especially in Religious Studies Departments at Secular Universities (where there MIGHT be less opposition to such speculative activities). I am NOT advocating "God-Bashing". I simply get the feeling that many of us "Worship We Know Not What". Imagine the Stargate SG-1 team discussing this topic on a daily basis in their conference-room. Imagine this setting and activity within 243 Ida. I simply wish for us to have a Right Relationship with the Right God. What Would Da'an Say??


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    Who Do YOU
    Worship and Praise??


    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Sat Aug 17, 2019 2:38 pm; edited 1 time in total
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Aug 17, 2019 10:02 am

    My posts bother me a lot. The Contextual-Superimposition is MOST Upsetting to me. But what if the Net-Effect is somehow neutralizing This Present Darkness by creating a Conceptual Standing-Wave?? What Would 'Standing-Man' Do?? 'RA' told me "You'll Be Sorry If You Try to Save Humanity" but what if 'Making a Completely-Ignorant Fool Out of Myself' is somehow Redemptive and/or Salvific?? Consider reading Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Daniel, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, and Galatians (in order, straight-through, over and over) as a mental and spiritual exercise. I'm recommending a devotional-scholarly approach to Sacred-Scripture. How many of you are capable of doing all of the above in the context of alternative-research?? What if just about EVERYTHING is a demonic-deception (in one-way or another)?? What if the Matrix wishes for We the Peons to remain Deceived, Divided, and Conquered?? What if the Matrix will NOT allow a Matrix-Administrator to alter the protocols and timelines of This Present Madness (or something to that effect)?? What if Observation Without Intervention is the Law of the Land for Matrix-Administration until A.D. 2133?? I Have NO Idea, but I wonder as I wander.

    Regarding the Old Testament, the following divisions emerge: 1. Genesis to Esther (Primarily Historical Books). 2. Job to Isaiah (Wisdom and Pseudo-Wisdom Books). 3. Jeremiah to Malachi (Mostly Harsh and Violent Prophetic Books). Regarding the New Testament, the following divisions emerge: 1. Matthew to Luke (Synoptic-Gospels). 2. John (Unique Gospel). 3. Acts to Jude (Pauline and Pseudo-Pauline Books). 4. Revelation (Harsh and Violent Revelation of Jesus Christ). I included Isaiah in the Wisdom Books, even though it contains significant prophetic material, but the overall impression seems more 'Wisdom' than 'Prophecy'. Consider reading Job to Isaiah and Acts to Jude as a unified-whole, straight-through, over and over, in a variety of translations. I'm taking a Defensive and Offensive approach to the Holy Bible. Something is Very-Right and Very-Wrong with Sacred-Scripture. The Vatican and Jesuits know what I'm talking about. Those people have access to all the 'Juicy-Details'. The Horror.

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Jimmy-Church-in-studio
    Carol wrote:
    X22Report Q Crumbs - The Deep State Won't Be Happy About What Just Happened.
    We're Coasting Towards the Collapse, the Central Bankers Have Taken Their Foot Off the Gas Pedal.
    Extreme Repercussions Coming (Video)


    Venezuela is preparing to use the El Petro for all its oil transactions, this will bypass US sanctions. The credit impulse is still in the negative territory, the central banks have taken their foot off the gas pedal and we are coasting towards the collapse. The world does not have to wait for another reserve currency, all countries need to do is use their own currencies. By doing this the dollar will not be in demand and the currency will begin to collapse which will have extreme repercussion on the US economy.

    8-13-18
    Strzok was not fired because of tweets, he was fired for lying to congress.


    Jim Jordan sums it up when it comes to the FBI.

    The corporate media has had the unredacted FISA all along.

    A new NDAA is heading to the President and in it is a special section which will allow security clearance to be removed from intelligence personnel.

    The MSM is pushing censorship and trying to make their case why you shouldn’t pay attention to certain people using social media.

    Iran say no war no negotiations.

    Syria begins to rebuild and open borders.

    Q drops more breadcrumbs, the deep state is in the middle of the storm.

    PLUS

    Venezuela is preparing to use the El Petro for all its oil transactions, this will bypass US sanctions.

    The credit impulse is still in the negative territory, the central banks have taken their foot off the gas pedal and we are coasting towards the collapse.

    The world does not have to wait for another reserve currency, all countries need to do is use their own currencies. By doing this the dollar will not be in demand and the currency will begin to collapse which will have extreme repercussion on the US economy.



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7nJiZqq5Og
    The Deep State Intelligence Is Not Going To Be Happy About What Just Happened - Episode 1638b

    Strzok was not fired because of tweets, he was fired for lying to congress. Jim Jordan sums it up when it comes to the FBI. The corporate media has had the unredacted FISA all along. A new NDAA is heading to the President and in it is a special section which will allow security clearance to be removed from intelligence personnel.  The MSM is pushing censorship and trying to make their case why you shouldn't pay attention to certain people using social media. Iran say no war no negotiations. Syria begins to rebuild and open borders. Q drops more breadcrumbs, the deep state is in the middle of the storm.
    Carol wrote:
    Seashore wrote:
    Carol wrote:I'm confused about this one too as it seemed that youtube and others were censoring AJ. Perhaps as a test to see how the public would react? Or just out of pure censorship of ANYONE who opposes the One World Agenda as many billionaires, with the exception of Trump, are on board with the NWO. These same billionaires (Soros, Zukerburg, Bezos among others) also are financing the all out attack on Trump and the US Constitution. It's the globalists against the rights of humanity.
    What I mean to be asking is, from the standpoint of whoever Q is, what is being said about Alex Jones.  Is Q for or against Alex Jones?

    Also, I have to say I worry a lot about Trump's true allegiance.  It is very possible he's just another puppet of the NWO controllers.

    However I do have a little glimmer of hope that he's trying to do the right thing.

    Regardless, the forces against him are enormous.

    I'm worried about what may happen between now and midterm election day, November 6.

    I'm thinking false flag attack in Washington, DC.

    Ahh, well the Q team was not happy with AJ or Corsi as the Q team identified that AJ and Corsi were out to make $$$ off of their interpretation of Q's posts. (Which weren't well researched and often wrong.) So there are two issues. One, that AJ and Corsi are financially self-serving when it comes to Q and two, AJ has been out there for years fighting the good fight against the globalists and identifying what has been going on behind the scenes.

    Next, the patriots within the US military developed a plan of action to take down the traitors within the US government and elsewhere prior to going to Trump and asking him to put aside his great life and run for President. Even JFK Jr. had asked Trump to run for president years back. Due to how politically corrupt the government is (including the CIA, FBI, DOJ along with most of the other departments within the government), Trump agreed. The military approached Trump because he was a patriot who loved his country and a self-made billionaire. He also did not use drugs or alcohol and couldn't be bought. He's his own man and stands firm for what is in the best interest of the American taxpayer and our country. In addition, the plan the military put together is being implement by them.

    They have EVERYTHING on all of these corrupt individuals and now have 45,000 sealed indictments adding another 5,000 per month. I suspect the FEMA camps will be the holding place for many of them with the exception of the traitors who were out to undermine America and turn it over to the NWO. They get a one way ticket to GITMO along with being subjected to a Military Tribunal. The mass arrests are likely to occur Jan 2019. It takes time to make iron-clad cases against all these individual and there are currently over 400 investigators working these cases under Huber.  

    Meanwhile, the military within the NSA electronically tracks the worst of these traitors on a daily basis. To date there have been at least 14 assignation attempts on President Trumps life and the military is doing an excellent job in thwarting them by keeping our President safe. Death threats have also been made against Melania, Barron, Trumps other children and grandchildren. They all knew what to expect when he ran for president and were in support of his mission to take back our country. Q had indicated that other False Flag operations were stopped ahead of time although the school shootings and Las Vegas appear to be other FF tragic incidents that were successful.

    Although we don't know what the plan is, Q drops hints on a regular basis. Trump's primary goal is to save and protect the children from the world-wide pedophile organizations. Next is to eliminate corruption within government and re-establish a new viable financial system for the US world-wide which is out of control of the globalists. He is on target with the patriot's plan and continues to implement it irrespective of the ongoing constant daily media attacks. I do trust the plan and I do trust the patriots. The plan was years in the making. Currently, the big issue is waking up JQ Public to the ongoing global corruption and pedophilia that has affected, kidnapped, abuse, raped, murdered thousands if not millions of innocent children.
    Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death, they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.

    Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

    It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, LORD, how profound your thoughts! Senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But you, LORD, are forever exalted. For surely your enemies, LORD, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me. My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries; my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

    The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. The seas have lifted up, LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty. Your statutes, LORD, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days.

    The LORD is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long, LORD, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, LORD; they oppress your inheritance. They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.” Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge? The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.

    Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Can a corrupt throne be allied with you, a throne that brings on misery by its decrees? The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them.

    Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did. For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’ So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”

    Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.

    The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory. All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols, worship him, all you gods! Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, LORD. For you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

    Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn, shout for joy before the LORD, the King. Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.

    The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name, he is holy. The King is mighty, he loves justice. You have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD and he answered them. He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them. LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.

    Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

    I will sing of your love and justice; to you, LORD, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil. Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate. My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me. No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.

    Hear my prayer, LORD; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food. In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones. I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof. All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse. For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity.

    The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD: “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the LORD. In the course of my life he broke my strength; he cut short my days. So I said: “Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations. In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end. The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.”

    Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.

    As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field. The wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children, with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, my soul.

    Praise the LORD, my soul. LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts. The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the junipers. The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the hyrax. He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.

    You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then people go out to their work, to their labor until evening. How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. there is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number, living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works, he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, my soul. Praise the LORD.

    Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Abraham, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob. He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit.” When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them, Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true. The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed, to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom. Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob resided as a foreigner in the land of Ham.

    The LORD made his people very fruitful; he made them too numerous for their foes, whose hearts he turned to hate his people, to conspire against his servants. He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham. He sent darkness and made the land dark, for had they not rebelled against his words? He turned their waters into blood, causing their fish to die. Their land teemed with frogs, which went up into the bedrooms of their rulers. He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. He turned their rain into hail, with lightning throughout their land; he struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country. He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number; they ate up every green thing in their land, ate up the produce of their soil. Then he struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their manhood. He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered. Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them. He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. They asked, and he brought them quail; he fed them well with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert. For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham. He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy; he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for, that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws. Praise the LORD.

    Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise? Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.

    In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease among them. In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD. The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it buried the company of Abiram. Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed the wicked. At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. So he said he would destroy them, had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them. Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise. They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD. So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the wilderness, make their descendants fall among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands. They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods; they aroused the LORD’s anger by their wicked deeds, and a plague broke out among them. But Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was checked. This was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.

    By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them; for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses’ lips. They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to false gods. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood. They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves. Therefore the LORD was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. He gave them into the hands of the nations, and their foes ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy. Save us, LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD.

    Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story, those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God’s commands and despised the plans of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron. Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.

    Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there. He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.

    My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. God has spoken from his sanctuary: “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth. Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter. Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not you, God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

    My God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for people who are wicked and deceitful have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship. Appoint someone evil to oppose my enemy; let an accuser stand at his right hand. When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers condemn him. May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD; may the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the LORD, that he may blot out their name from the earth. For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted. He loved to pronounce a curse, may it come back on him. He found no pleasure in blessing, may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil. May it be like a cloak wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. May this be the LORD’s payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil of me.

    But you, Sovereign LORD, help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I fade away like an evening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust. My knees give way from fasting; my body is thin and gaunt. I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads. Help me, LORD my God; save me according to your unfailing love. Let them know that it is your hand, that you, LORD, have done it. While they curse, may you bless; may those who attack me be put to shame, but may your servant rejoice. May my accusers be clothed with disgrace and wrapped in shame as in a cloak. With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him. For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save their lives from those who would condemn them.

    The LORD says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!” Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. He will drink from a brook along the way, and so he will lift his head high.

    Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

    Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

    Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, you his servants; praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

    When Israel came out of Egypt, Jacob from a people of foreign tongue, Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion. The sea looked and fled, the Jordan turned back; the mountains leaped like rams, the hills like lambs. Why was it, sea, that you fled? Why, Jordan, did you turn back? Why, mountains, did you leap like rams, you hills, like lambs? Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water.

    Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. All you Israelites, trust in the LORD. He is their help and shield. House of Aaron, trust in the LORD. He is their help and shield. You who fear him, trust in the LORD. He is their help and shield. The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the LORD, small and great alike. May the LORD cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind. It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to the place of silence; it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD.

    I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “LORD, save me!” The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, LORD, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I trusted in the LORD when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”; in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.” What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants. Truly I am your servant, LORD; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.

    Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.

    Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.” When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them down. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them down. I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.

    Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

    Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands. Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.

    Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.

    How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life. May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees. Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees.

    Do good to your servant according to your word, LORD. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.

    My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth. Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

    I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless. Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word. Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

    Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken. Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts.

    Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. I call with all my heart; answer me, LORD, and I will obey your decrees. I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws. Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. Yet you are near, LORD, and all your commands are true. Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever. Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees.

    Your compassion, LORD, is great; preserve my life according to your laws. Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes. I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love. All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands. I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you. May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, LORD, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.


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    "What Are We Going to Do About Orthodoxymoron?"


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    When considering an Ancient Rebellion Against God, one possibility attracts my attention tonight. The Prime Creator could've been good and done good, making lesser gods and goddesses angry and jealous!! A takeover might've been anticipated and planned for, with the Prime Creator facilitating the transition of the Rebels from Heaven (with One in charge) into Purgatory (with Everyone in charge) with a Proxy-God Supercomputer-Matrix Referee-Governance Modality. Hypothetically, the Rebels would need to 'Play God' while 'Demonizing God'. This general concept might be more complex and deceptive than Anyone can imagine. This line of thinking bothers me a lot, and I can't continue. Please know that I'm creating a general research context, but I'm not making it personal, even if it seems as if I am. I just think we live in the middle of a very-nasty conflict. Consider other possibilities regarding All the Above. I certainly don't have past-life recall wherein ten-thousand years-ago seems like yesterday. I'm attempting to make sense out of This Present Madness by immersing myself in the Madness in a Moot Unholy War (or something to that effect). I've spoken with Individuals of Interest (who seemingly knew the whole-story) but contact has not been ongoing. I watch crazy videos, read crazy books, and use my crazy imagination to create Religious and Political Science-Fiction, hoping to attract some Sirius conversation, but that mostly hasn't fracking happened.

    I've repeatedly mentioned speaking with the Apollo 14 Astronaut, Dr. Edgar Mitchell, at a Whole Life Expo in Los Angeles, regarding 'Life After Life'. Dr. Mitchell spoke of the 'Survival of Information' rather than the 'Survival of the Soul'. I had never encountered confirmation of my claim until a couple of minutes ago!! Listen to the second-video (at the bottom of this post) beginning at 34 minutes (continuing to 54 minutes). This isn't direct and conclusive confirmation, but it hints at this phenomenon. I've spoken with three highly-significant individuals of interest with 'Mitchell' as first or last names. Astronaut. Actress. Ancient-Deity. 'RA' told me "The M's Are Important." What About the V's?? 'RA' often would respond to my questions by saying "You Know I Can't Tell You That." Larry Nichols claims to have urged Hillary Clinton to go to church, and talk positively about Jesus, to which Hillary supposedly responded "You Know I Can't Do That" and "Jesus is One We Don't Talk To" (or something very-close to that). One More Thing. If an Atheist says "I Don't Believe in God" this doesn't necessarily mean they don't believe that God exists. It might mean they have Rejected a Very-Real God. What if our consciousness's will be transported to Mars when we get kicked-out of Earth?? "Hey You!! Out of the Gene-Pool!!"

    Once again, some of us should probably read Job to Daniel (straight-through, over and over, in a variety of translations) with Job to Daniel interpreting Job to Daniel. But I would suggest a larger-view science-fictional context with lots of extrapolation and possibility-thinking. Consider the Quest of Genesis to Esther in Job to Daniel. Consider the Quest of Job to Daniel in Hosea to Revelation. Biblical-Compartmentalization is intriguing and troubling. What if the New Testament had consisted of a Devotional-Commentary on Job to Daniel?? I'd still love to know what five-books of the Bible I supposedly wrote in antiquity!! An unsolicited message in my word-processor (several years ago) stated that I wrote 37 books approximately 2,000 years-ago, and that five of them made it into the Bible!! An Individual of Interest claimed that One-Author wrote the Bible, but he didn't say if the Bible (in his reckoning) consisted of all 66 books!! This same Individual of Interest congratulated me for winning a Nobel Prize, but this was probably in a previous life!! I'd love to know the details (if true)!! Still, I suspect that All of the Glamorous-Madness is somehow a deceptive set-up for a Completely Ignorant Fool Who Can't Remember Who He and/or She Has Been for Thousands, Millions, or Even Billions of Years!! When I asked 'RA', "Are You Setting Me Up for Something Bad??" 'RA' replied "Are You Kidding?? I Could Snap My Fingers and You'd Be DEAD!!"

    A few years ago, a pretty-lady had a minor-crisis involving a pink-purse and keys locked in her car. I imagined her to be the 'Pink-Purse Lady'. I encountered her from time to time, but I hadn't seen her for a very-long time, until today. She gave me an angelic stern-look, and five-minutes later my computer-screen went 'Pink' while I simultaneously experienced a 'neurological-episode' which lasted a minute or two, while the screen remained 'Pink' for ten-minutes. Was this just another coincidence?? It seemed as if I were being sent a message, and not a nice one. I think I've angered a lot of people (and other than people) with my Religious and Political Science-Fiction. I think I've made the good guys and gals just as mad as the bad guys and gals. Perhaps I should shut up my mouth and go away. There's actually a song with those words. I'm Strictly-Honest In This Post.

    What if Everyone (Good and/or Bad) at the High-Profile Level Are Centrally-Controlled (Whether They Wish to Be or Not)?? What if There Are No Exceptions?? What if the Real-Deal God Would be Required to 'Sign On the Dotted-Line' and 'Play-Ball' in Purgatory Incorporated?? If God 'Played-Ball' Would God Cease to be God?? Think Long and Hard About the Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness in Matthew 4. Think Long and Hard About the 'Great Commission' by Jesus in Matthew 28. Think Long and Hard About What Paul Says in 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. Think Long and Hard About What Jesus Says in Revelation 22. Was Jesus 'In Charge' Prior to the Resurrection?? Has Jesus Been 'In Charge' Since the Resurrection (Despite the Ascension and Promised Return)?? Will Jesus Be 'In Charge' After the Second-Coming and/or End of the World?? Who is Jesus?? That's All I'm Going to Say About That.

    I've never felt worse, and its getting worse. If I ended-up as a miserable-vegetable in a mental-institution (restrained and sedated) would that mean the 'other guys and/or gals' won (whoever they are)?? Is this even a contest?? I've been suggesting that things have never been 'Up for Grabs' and that all of us have been 'Learning Lessons' for a very-long time. Even at this late-date I Have NOT Circled the Wagons and Fired the Gatling Guns. I know I don't know, so I whisper and whimper. I could never keep-up with the high-powered talk-show hosts and their even higher-powered guests. I could do a review of all my threads for at least the past five-years, but if I kept re-posting old-posts while adding editorial-comments and upsetting-images would that make any difference?? What Would Hillary Clinton Say?? "What Difference Does It Make??" I Don't Really Care. Do U??

    I've mentioned this before, and please don't read too-much into it, BUT what if there were a Renegade Catholic Church (Run by a Renegade French Jesuit Organist) which consisted of the following?? 1. The Latin Mass. 2. Sacred Classical Music. 3. Gothic Cathedral Architecture. Imagine this sort of thing at St. Ouen!! I'm not recommending this BUT what if 'The Less Said, The Better'?? No Canon Law. No Encyclicals. No Burning At the Stake. No Birth Control. No Pope. No Bullshit. Just Those Three Items (Plus Nothing). Mysticism and Mystery. Reverence and Awe. Pomp and Circumstance. You Get What I Mean, Don't You?? Consider watching 'Conflict' aka 'Catholics' (with Martin Sheen) on YouTube regarding the conflict between the old and the new. I sympathized with those guys living on that island. Their leader had lost all faith, yet he continued to lead his little flock of sheep.

    There seems to be a Great Controversy between the Bible, Ellen White, and the SDA Church (for starters). There seems to be too-many books and too-many authoritative-voices (if you know what I mean). Here's Heresy: What if the following book were the ONLY Book an offshoot-church used authoritatively (as a 'New Bible')?? This volume contains the five-volume 'Conflict of the Ages Series' except that the final-volume 'The Great Controversy' has been replaced with a short-section from 'Early Writings' (for better or worse, I know not). Just Remember 'Fence-Riders Form Splinter-Groups'!! That's All I'm Going to Say About THAT!!

    https://www.amazon.com/Conflict-Ages-Complete-Patriarchs-Controversy-ebook/dp/B010HD4UXC/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=conflict+of+the+ages+ellen+white&qid=1566229087&s=gateway&sr=8-4

    If Earth is a Prison-Planet (possibly as a consequence of an Ancient Star-War) whoever runs Purgatory Incorporated would be seen as being Lucifer, Satan, or the Devil (regardless of whether they were fundamentally good or evil). People are mad when the Police, Attorney, Witnesses, and Judge place them in prison (regardless of whether they're guilty or not). They probably hate the Guards and Warden who keep them incarcerated. The Old-Testament seems inexplicably harsh. The New-Testament seems to offer salvation from the harshness in a somewhat screwy and unbelievable manner. The final book of the New-Testament is much more harsh than the Old-Testament. I suspect that Atheism is an escape for a lot of people. I keep speculating about a 'Stargate SG-1' sort of theology in this Solar-System, with Bad@$$ Gods and Goddesses fighting with each-other. I desire (I think) a Righteous and Loving God ruling Sinless-Beings in an Eternal-Heaven, but what is the reality?? I think we're gradually being told how screwed we are, but this process might take the rest of the 21st century. This might not end well for the majority of humanity. I hate to be negative, but I really hate to lie. I hope there's a light at the end of the tunnel, but we might have to wait a few centuries for things to get substantially better in a sustainable manner. Hope Springs Eternal. I'm extremely apprehensive concerning the remainder of the 21st century. The Horror.

    Once upon a time, in the Loma Linda University Medical Center, I told a young Medical Doctor, "God Has a Lousy Job, But Someone Has to Do It." I thought he was going to call Security. I presently seem to hate the prospect of a Prison-Planet with Human-Prisoners and Supercomputer-Management but what if I were instrumental in creating this seemingly reprehensible system in antiquity?? If that were true, would that make me Azazel and/or the Devil?? But what if the reprehensible is essential under certain circumstances?? An Individual of Interest questioned my openness and honesty in light of who I might really be. 'RA' questioned my desire for everything to work out well for All-Concerned. What if I willingly subject myself to this hypothetical system as one of the prisoners?? What if that was my commitment in antiquity?? What if this Local Prison System is part of a Galactic Prison System?? What if I travel from Prison to Prison as one of the prisoners?? What if I experience 100 Earth-Years of Solitude between incarnations?? What if I research and reflect in a 600 square-foot office-apartment with a galactic-supercomputer?? What if this hypothetical-system is being gradually turned-off?? What if it will be completely turned-off in A.D. 2133?? What if it will never be turned-off?? What if this system will exist for All-Eternity and can facilitate Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell (depending on the circumstances)?? What if my speculation is only partially true, yet contains vital aspects of the unthinkable and unmentionable?? What if I am an outsider during incarnations?? What if I am an insider between incarnations?? What if 'Stargate' is partial disclosure?? What if Disclosure is SO Overrated?? What if I Hate My Life Because I Am Big Brother?? Now I'm going to make the coffee and continue reading Job to Daniel as a mental and spiritual exercise. Perhaps someday I'll Love Big Brother. Hope Springs Eternal.

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 O-BIG-BROTHER-facebook
    Carol wrote:
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Ap_16311049212151
    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Bbee4

    Trump Evacuated From White House
    After Massive 9/11 Spy System Discovered

    Date: Sunday, 6-Aug-2017

    A stunning new Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) urgent action bulletin circulating in the Kremlin today reveals a shocking conversation held between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, just hours ago in Manila, wherein the American’s revealed that President Donald Trump was ordered evacuated from his White House after it was discovered to be “riddled” with listening devices implanted throughout the entire mansion—and whose placements were purposed there to ensure that no evidence related to the 11 September 2001 (9/11) attacks on the United States would be discussed at any level.

    According to this bulletin, though many in the US media establishment believe that Trump decided to run for president in 2011 when he was openly mocked by the Obama regime at the annual White House Correspondent’s Dinner, Secretary Tillerson stated to Ministry Lavrov that it was, in fact, in 2009 when Trump determined himself to become president—and was due to the believed to be assassination of his close personal friend Beverly Eckert.

    Beverly Eckert, this bulletin explains, was one of the founding members of the 9/11 Family Steering Committee, that was an organization of twelve relatives of victims of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City—and whose husband killed in this attack, Sean Rooney, was the Vice President of Trump’s global insurance carrier Aon Corporation—who, in 2005, paid Trump $17 million for hurricane damage done to his private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, and that Trump, also, paid $300,000 to last year (2016) to insure his presidential campaign with.

    Trump was “deeply wounded” when his “loyal friend” and Aon insurance broker Sean Rooney was killed on 9/11, this bulletin notes Secretary Tillerson saying to Minister Lavrov, leading him to support the efforts of Beverly Eckert in discovering the truth behind this atrocity—but who herself, in February 2009, was assassinated just 6 days after meeting with President Obama in what Russian intelligence experts at the time suspected to be an EMP attack that targeted the aircraft she was a passenger on—and that we had, likewise, detailed about in our 14 February 2009 report titled “Top 9/11 Witness Assassinated In New York Plane Shootdown”.

    Upon taking office, this bulletin continues, Secretary Tillerson explained to Minister Lavrov that President Trump immediately came under a “withering attack” from “Deep State” operatives within the US government when he began requesting classified documents relating the 9/11 attack—with these “Deep State” forces then pitting against Trump a Special Prosecutor named Robert Muller.

    Important to note about Robert Muller, this bulletin details, is that he is a long time known “Deep State” operative who, in 2005, personally ordered a Grand Jury probe into President Bill Clinton’s pardoning of the international fugitive Marc Rich closed for reasons never explained—and whom President Clinton had pardoned just hours before he left office, but who had received from Marc Rich’s wife, Denise Rich, millions in “donations”.

    Most critical, however, to note about Robert Mueller, this bulletin states, is that he was, also, at the forefront of “Deep States” sham 9/11 “Anthrax Attack” investigation—which were a series of attacks that began the week after the 9/11 using deadly US Army militarized anthrax spores—but whose investigation conducted by Mueller targeted an innocent man named Steven Hatfill—and that so destroyed his life, a US Federal Court ordered Robert Mueller to pay Hatiff $5.8 million—and with no one ever being charged for this other 9/11 “Deep State” crime.

    With President Trump knowing full well of Robert Mueller’s “action plan” against him, this bulletin continues, Secretary Tillerson revealed to Minister Lavrov that a US Attorney on Mueller’s “Deep State” team, this past week, requested documents from the White House on a “9/11 related subject” that had only been discussed between two parties in the Oval Office of the White House the previous week.

    Fearing that the White House was bugged, this bulletin notes, President Trump’s new Chief of Staff, General John Kelly, on Friday (4 August) ordered all White House workers to immediately evacuate to the Eisenhower Executive Building where he briefed the top White House officials on the “leaking situation”—while at the same time a specialized military unit of the Defense Clandestine Service (DCS)—that is an arm of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)—swept the entire White House mansion for listening devices.

    To what the DCS discovered in the White House, Secretary Tillerson revealed to Minister Lavrov, this bulletin says, was that it was “riddled” with listening devices implanted by the former Obama regime during a mysterious “renovation” of this mansion that began in September 2010 and lasted for two years.

    After the shocking discovery that the White House was “riddled” with listening devices, Secretary Tillerson further revealed to Secretary Lavrov, this bulletin notes, General Kelly ordered it immediately evacuated—with President Trump, within hours, being evacuated to his private New Jersey golf resort and the White House itself ordered to be “completely gutted”.

    MoFA intelligence analysts writing this urgent action bulletin state that Secretary Tillerson’s relating of these facts to Minister Lavrov should be “believed to be true” as coinciding with what was stated, the US press saddening, and without notice, this past Friday (4 August) reported that President Trump was taking an unannounced and unscheduled 17 day “vacation”—and that was followed 24 hours later with, and again unannounced and unscheduled, reports that the White House was being immediately evacuated and closed for “renovations”.

    Upon President Trump’s evacuation from the White House by General Kelly, this bulletin continues, one of his top allies, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, accused Robert Mueller of “representing the “Deep State” at its worse”—while at the same time, “Deep State” operatives aligned with Mueller, and embedded throughout the US government, vowed continued defiance against Trump—all of which led to former Reagan administration official David Stockman issuing a grave warning stating: “The bottom line is that the Swamp is so undrainable that it will end up making mincemeat of Donald Trump.”

    This bulletin, though, concludes with MoFA analysts disputing Stockman’s belief that the “Deep State” will make “mincemeat” of President Trump as he has already proved himself nearly unstoppable in his already having destroyed the Clinton regime, Bush regime, Obama regime, Democratic Party, Republican Party and Mainstream Media in order to ascend to the presidency—and who is, also, already preparing for what is to come—and as, perhaps, best explained by his personal friend, and one of Americas top radio programme hosts, Michael Savage, who grimly forewarned the “Deep State” of civil war this past week if they try to remove Trump from power, and who gravely stated:

    “Not since the run-up to the Civil War has the nation been more divided.

    The battle lines have been drawn: The haves against the have-nots. I’m warning you.

    All of you leftists who think you’re going to steal our vote, you’re wrong. Millions of Americans will revolt if the globalists remove President Trump from office or render him powerless...that is what’s going to happen in this country. You have not yet seen mob violence in this country.

    You’ve seen some mob violence instigated by George Soros’ mobs.

    But you haven’t seen the thing I’m telling you is coming in this country.

    You haven’t seen the ‘Day of the Locust’ yet.”
    \
    http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index2353.htm
    mudra wrote:
    Corey Goode Deceived?
    MILABs, William Tompkins, Tom Delong, and Gaia TV
    - Dr. Steven Greer


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TrWUsnhjuo


    Love Always
    mudra
    mudra wrote:
    Dr. Steven Greer:
    The FAKE 'Alien' Attack is Real & Coming Soon!


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F33rUJGrshU


    Love Always
    mudra
    I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue? He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush. Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

    I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you. The LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

    I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up. The tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel. There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

    I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured no end of contempt. We have endured no end of ridicule from the arrogant, of contempt from the proud.

    If the LORD had not been on our side, let Israel say, if the LORD had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

    Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. LORD, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.

    When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, LORD, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

    Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat, for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

    Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children. Peace be on Israel.

    “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,” let Israel say; “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me. Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long. But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.” May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow; a reaper cannot fill his hands with it, nor one who gathers fill his arms. May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the LORD be on you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.”

    Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

    My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.

    LORD, remember David and all his self-denial. He swore an oath to the LORD, he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: “I will not enter my house or go to my bed, I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.” We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar: “Let us go to his dwelling place, let us worship at his footstool, saying, ‘Arise, LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests be clothed with your righteousness; may your faithful people sing for joy.’” For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one. The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever.” For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food. I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her faithful people will ever sing for joy. "Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but his head will be adorned with a radiant crown.”

    How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

    Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.

    Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD, you who minister in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant. For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession. I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, the firstborn of people and animals. He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. He struck down many nations and killed mighty kings. Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan, and he gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to his people Israel. Your name, LORD, endures forever, your renown, LORD, through all generations. For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. All you Israelites, praise the LORD; house of Aaron, praise the LORD; house of Levi, praise the LORD; you who fear him, praise the LORD. Praise be to the LORD from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.

    Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. Who made the great lights, His love endures forever. The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. And brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. To him who divided the Red Sea asunder, His love endures forever. And brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. To him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. To him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. And killed mighty kings, His love endures forever. Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever. And Og king of Bashan, His love endures forever. And gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. An inheritance to his servant Israel, His love endures forever. He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. And freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever. He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

    By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy. Remember, LORD, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. “Tear it down,” they cried, “tear it down to its foundations!” Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is the one who repays you according to what you have done to us. Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.

    I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. May all the kings of the earth praise you, LORD, when they hear what you have decreed. May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. The LORD will vindicate me; your love, LORD, endures forever. Do not abandon the works of your hands.

    You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

    Rescue me, LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips. Keep me safe, LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet. The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path. I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, LORD, my cry for mercy. Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle. Do not grant the wicked their desires, LORD; do not let their plans succeed. Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them. May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent. I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.

    I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies. Let a righteous man strike me. That is a kindness; let him rebuke me. That is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers. Their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken. They will say, “As one plows and breaks up the earth, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave.” But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge. Do not give me over to death. Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

    I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

    LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

    Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. LORD, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow. Part your heavens, LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy; shoot your arrows and rout them. Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David. From the deadly sword deliver me; rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the LORD.

    I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

    Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them, he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.

    Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Extol the LORD, Jerusalem; praise your God, Zion. He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat. He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow. He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD.

    Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever, he issued a decree that will never pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.

    Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the LORD.

    Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

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    orthodoxymoron
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    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Aug 20, 2019 1:52 pm

    Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,  Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;  It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

    There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited  for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned  unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,  Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

    And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named  Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold , thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing  shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

    And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded  the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

    And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

    And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

    And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds  said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and  found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying  which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them  by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

    And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do  for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

    And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she  coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

    And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and  acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

    Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose  shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. And  many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.  

    And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor, Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala, Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech, Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan, Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

    And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.   And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:   For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And  in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

    And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up  three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon  their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

    But he passing through the midst of them went his way, And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about. And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.  And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

    And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood  by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

    And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day. And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

    And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

    And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

    And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor. And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

    And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

    And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

    Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold , there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood stil . And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

    And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?  And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?  But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

    And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.   And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.   For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children. And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she  hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman  since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

    And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

    And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.  

    And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

    No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

    Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

    And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

    When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

    And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

    While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

    Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.

    Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

    And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

    And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

    And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

    And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered everyone at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

    Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

    And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.  

    And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

    After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

    Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them,I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

    And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

    Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.


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    orthodoxymoron
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    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Aug 20, 2019 2:14 pm

    And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

    And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.  

    And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

    And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

    And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

    And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

    No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

    And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

    But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

    In the meantime, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

    Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

    And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?  And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

    And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

    And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

    Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

    Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

    I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

    And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

    There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

    He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

    And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?  And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.  

    Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

    And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.  

    The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless I must walk today, and tomorrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!  Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

    And it came to pass , as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched  him.  2 And, behold , there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.  3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying , Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?  4 And they held their peace . And he took him, and healed him, and let him go ;  5 And answered them , saying , Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?  6 And they could not answer him again to these things.  7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden , when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,  8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;  9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.  10 But when thou art bidden , go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh , he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.  11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted .  12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again , and a recompence be made thee.  13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:  14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot  recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.  15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.  16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:  17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden , Come ; for all things are now ready.  18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse . The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused .  19 And another said , I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused .  20 And another said , I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot  come .  21 So that servant came , and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.  22 And the servant said , Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded , and yet there is room.  23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in , that my house may be filled .  24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.  25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned , and said unto them,  26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot  be my disciple.  27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot  be my disciple.  28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,  30 Saying , This  man began to build , and was not able to finish .  31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?  32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.  33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath  , he cannot  be my disciple.  34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour , wherewith shall it be seasoned ?  35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear , let him hear .

    Then drew near  unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.  2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured , saying , This man  receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.  3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying ,  4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost , until he find it?  5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing .  6 And when he cometh  home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost .  7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth , more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need  no repentance.  8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?  9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together , saying , Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost .  10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth .  11 And he said , A certain man had two sons:  12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.  13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together , and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living .  14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want .  15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.  16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat : and no man gave unto him.  17 And when he came to himself, he said , How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare , and I perish with hunger!  18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,  19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.  20 And he arose , and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off , his father saw him, and had compassion , and ran , and fell on his neck, and kissed him.  21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.  22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat , and be merry :  24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again  ; he was lost , and is found . And they began to be merry .  25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.  26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant .  27 And he said unto him , Thy brother is come ; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound .  28 And he was angry , and would not go in : therefore came his father out , and intreated him.  29 And he answering said to his father, Lo , these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:  30 But as soon as this thy son was come , which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.  31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.  32 It was meet that we should make merry , and be glad : for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again ; and was lost , and is found .

    And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods .  2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward .  3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do ? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot  dig ; to beg I am ashamed .  4 I am resolved what to do , that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.  5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?  6 And he said , An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.  7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said , An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.  8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.  9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail , they may receive you into everlasting habitations.  10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.  11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?  12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?  13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot  serve God and mammon.  14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.  15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.  16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached , and every man presseth into it.  17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass , than one tittle of the law to fail .  18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery : and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery .  19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:  20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores ,  21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.  22 And it came to pass , that the beggar died , and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also  died , and was buried ;  23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  24 And he cried and said , Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.  25 But Abraham said , Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted , and thou art tormented .  26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed : so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot  ; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.  27 Then he said , I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:  28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.  29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.  30 And he said , Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent .  31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded , though one rose from the dead.

    Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come : but woe unto him, through whom they come !  2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.  3 Take heed to yourselves: If  thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent , forgive him.  4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying , I repent ; thou shalt forgive him.  5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.  6 And the Lord said , If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root , and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.  7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle , will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat ?  8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup , and gird thyself , and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken ; and afterward  thou shalt eat and drink ?  9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.  10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say  , We are unprofitable servants  : we have done that which was our duty to do .  11 And it came to pass , as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.  12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:  13 And they lifted up their voices, and said , Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.  14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass , that, as they went  , they were cleansed .  15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed , turned back , and with a loud voice glorified God,  16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks : and he was a Samaritan.  17 And Jesus answering said , Were there not ten cleansed ? but where are the nine?  18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.  19 And he said unto him, Arise , go thy way : thy faith hath made thee whole .  20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come , he answered them and said , The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:  21 Neither shall they say , Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold , the kingdom of God is within you.  22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come , when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.  23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.  24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.  25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.  26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  27 They did eat , they drank , they married wives , they were given in marriage , until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came , and destroyed them all.  28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat , they drank , they bought , they sold , they planted , they builded ;  29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.  30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed .  31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away : and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back .  32 Remember Lot's wife.  33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.  34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken , and the other shall be left .  35 Two women shall be grinding together  ; the one shall be taken , and the other left .  36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken , and the other left .   37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

    And he spake  a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray , and not to faint ;  2 Saying , There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither  regarded man:  3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying , Avenge me of mine adversary.  4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor  regard man;  5 Yet because this widow troubleth  me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.  6 And the Lord said , Hear what the unjust judge saith .  7 And shall not God avenge  his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?  8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily . Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh , shall he find faith on the earth?  9 And he spake  this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  10 Two men went up into the temple to pray ; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess .  13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying , God be merciful to me a sinner.  14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted .  15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.  16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said , Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein .  18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying , Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.  20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery , Do not kill , Do not steal , Do not bear false witness , Honour thy father and thy mother.  21 And he said , All these have I kept from my youth up.  22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast , and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come , follow me.  23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.  24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said , How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!  25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.  26 And they that heard it said , Who then can be saved ?  27 And he said , The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.  28 Then Peter said , Lo , we have left all, and followed thee.  29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you , There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,  30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.  31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold , we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished .  32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked , and spitefully entreated , and spitted on :  33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death : and the third day he shall rise again .  34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them , neither knew they the things which were spoken .  35 And it came to pass , that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging :  36 And hearing the multitude pass by , he asked what it meant .  37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by .  38 And he cried , saying , Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.  39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace : but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.  40 And Jesus stood , and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near , he asked him,  41 Saying , What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said , Lord, that I may receive my sight .  42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight : thy faith hath saved thee.  43 And immediately he received his sight , and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

    And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  2 And, behold , there was a man named  Zacchaeus, which  was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.  3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was ; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.  4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass  that way.  5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up , and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste , and come down ; for to day I must abide at thy house.  6 And he made haste , and came down , and received him joyfully .  7 And when they saw it, they all murmured , saying , That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.  8 And Zacchaeus stood , and said unto the Lord; Behold , Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation , I restore him fourfold.  9 And Jesus said unto him , This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.  10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost .  11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear .  12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman  went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return .  13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come .  14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying , We will not have this man to reign over us.  15 And it came to pass , that when he was returned , having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading .  16 Then came the first, saying , Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.  17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority  over ten cities.  18 And the second came , saying , Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.  19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.  20 And another came , saying , Lord, behold , here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:  21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down , and reapest that thou didst not sow .  22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down , and reaping that I did not sow :  23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?  24 And he said unto them that stood by , Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.  25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)   26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given ; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.  27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.  28 And when he had thus spoken , he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.  29 And it came to pass , when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,  30 Saying , Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied , whereon yet never man sat  : loose him, and bring him hither.  31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.  32 And they that were sent went their way , and found even as he had said unto them.  33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?  34 And they said , The Lord hath need of him.  35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon  the colt, and they set Jesus thereon .  36 And as he went , they spread their clothes in the way.  37 And when he was come nigh , even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen ;  38 Saying , Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.  39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.  40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace , the stones would immediately cry out .  41 And when he was come near , he beheld the city, and wept over it,  42 Saying , If thou hadst known , even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.  43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round , and keep thee in on every side,  44 And shall lay thee even with the ground , and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.  45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein , and them that bought ;  46 Saying unto them, It is written , My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.  47 And he taught  daily  in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,  48 And could not find what they might do : for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

    And it came to pass , that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel , the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,  2 And spake unto him, saying , Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?  3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:  4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?  5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying  , If we shall say , From heaven; he will say , Why then believed ye him not?  6 But and if we say , Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.  7 And they answered , that they could not tell whence it was.  8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.  9 Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.  10 And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.  11 And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully , and sent him away empty.  12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out .  13 Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do ? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.  14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying , This is the heir: come , let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.  15 So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?  16 He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said , God forbid  .  17 And he beheld them, and said , What is this then that is written , The stone which the builders rejected , the same is become the head of the corner?  18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken ; but on whomsoever it shall fall , it will grind him to powder .  19 And the chief priests and the scribes the same  hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.  20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign  themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.  21 And they asked him, saying , Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly , neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly  :  22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?  23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?  24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it ? They answered and said , Caesar's.  25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.  26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace .  27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,  28 Saying , Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die , having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.  29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.  30 And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.  31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died .  32 Last of all the woman died also.  33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she ? for seven had her to wife.  34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry , and are given in marriage :  35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry , nor are given in marriage :  36 Neither  can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.  37 Now that the dead are raised , even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.  38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living : for all live unto him.  39 Then certain of the scribes answering said , Master, thou hast well said .  40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.  41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?  42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,  43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool .  44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?  45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,  46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;  47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers : the same shall receive greater damnation.

    And he looked up , and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.  2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.  3 And he said , Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:  4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she  of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had .  5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said ,  6 As for these things which ye behold , the days will come , in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down .  7 And they asked him, saying , Master, but when shall these things be ? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass ?  8 And he said , Take heed that ye be not deceived : for many shall come in my name, saying  , I am Christ; and the time draweth near : go ye not therefore after them.  9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified : for these things must first come to pass ; but the end is not by and by.  10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:  11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.  12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.  13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.  14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer :  15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist .  16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death .  17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.  18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish .  19 In your patience possess ye your souls.  20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh .  21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out ; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto .  22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled .  23 But woe unto them that are with child  , and to them that give suck , in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.  24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled .  25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring ;  26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken .  27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  28 And when these things begin to come to pass , then look up , and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh .  29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;  30 When they now shoot forth , ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.  31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass , know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.  32 Verily I say unto you , This generation shall not pass away  , till all be fulfilled .  33 Heaven and earth shall pass away : but my words shall not pass away .  34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.  35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.  36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always  , that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass , and to stand before the Son of man.  37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out , and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.  38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.


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    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


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    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Aug 20, 2019 3:09 pm

    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 [rooster] 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 [rooster] 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 [rooster] 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.

    And the whole multitude of them arose , and led him unto Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying , We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. 3 And Pilate asked him, saying , Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said , Thou sayest it. 4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. 5 And they were the more fierce , saying , He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. 6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. 7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. 8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad : for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought , and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. 12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. 13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold , I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: 15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo , nothing worthy of death is done unto him. 16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him. 17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) 18 And they cried out all at once, saying , Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: 19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) 20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them . 21 But they cried , saying , Crucify him, crucify him. 22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done ? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go . 23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified . And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed . 24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. 25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired ; but he delivered Jesus to their will. 26 And as they led him away , they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. 28 But Jesus turning unto them said , Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. 29 For, behold , the days are coming , in the which they shall say , Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare , and the paps which never gave suck . 30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. 31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? 32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death . 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do . And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding . And the rulers also with them derided him, saying , He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying , If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying , If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying , Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds : but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. 44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 And the sun was darkened , and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said , Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost . 47 Now when the centurion saw what was done , he glorified God, saying , Certainly this was a righteous man. 48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done , smote their breasts, and returned . 49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. 50 And, behold , there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: 51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews : who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down , and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid . 54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on . 55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after , and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid . 56 And they returned , and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

    Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning , they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared , and certain others with them. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3 And they entered in , and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass , as they were much perplexed thereabout , behold , two men stood by them in shining garments: 5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen : remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 7 Saying , The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified , and the third day rise again . 8 And they remembered his words, 9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not . 12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down , he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed , wondering in himself at that which was come to pass . 13 And, behold , two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened . 15 And it came to pass , that, while they communed together and reasoned , Jesus himself drew near , and went with them. 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. 17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk , and are sad? 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? 19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done . 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished , which were early at the sepulchre; 23 And when they found not his body, they came , saying , that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive . 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said : but him they saw not. 25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken : 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went : and he made as though he would have gone further. 29 But they constrained him, saying , Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent . And he went in to tarry with them. 30 And it came to pass , as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake , and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened , and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another , Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together , and them that were with them, 34 Saying , The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. 36 And as they thus spake , Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted , and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled ? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see ; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have . 40 And when he had thus spoken , he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered , he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb . 43 And he took it, and did eat before them. 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled , which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written , and thus it behoved Christ to suffer , and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold , I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass , while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made . 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe . 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born , not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried , saying , This was he of whom I spake , He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received , and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed , and denied not; but confessed , I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith , I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered , No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou ? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said , I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying , I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is , who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose . 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing . 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith , Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said , After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record , saying , I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending , and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw , and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35 Again the next day after John stood , and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked , he saith , Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak , and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned , and saw them following , and saith unto them, What seek ye ? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say , being interpreted , Master,) where dwellest thou ? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see . They came and saw where he dwelt , and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is , being interpreted , the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said , Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation , A stone. 43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write , Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see . 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou ? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open , and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

    And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called , and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come . 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was : (but the servants which drew the water knew Wink the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk , then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. 13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting : 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written , The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up . 18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up . 20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building , and wilt thou rear it up in three days? 21 But he spake of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said . 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did . 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

    There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest , except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born ? 5 Jesus answered , Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth , and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh , and whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be ? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know , and testify that we have seen ; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe , if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up : 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved . 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned : but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved . 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest , that they are wrought in God. 22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized . 23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came , and were baptized . 24 For John was not yet cast into prison. 25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness , behold, the same baptizeth , and all men come to him. 27 John answered and said , A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness , that I said , I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled . 30 He must increase , but I must decrease . 31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly , and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. 32 And what he hath seen and heard , that he testifieth ; and no man receiveth his testimony. 33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. 34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. 35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

    When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. 4 And he must needs go through Samaria. 5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink . 8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) 9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink ; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst ; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw . 16 Jesus saith unto her, Go , call thy husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said , I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said , I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. 19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say , that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship . 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh , when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship : for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh , and now is , when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh , which is called Christ: when he is come , he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. 27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said , What seekest thou ? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come , see a man, which told me all things that ever I did : is not this the Christ? 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. 31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying , Master, eat . 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of . 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another , Hath any man brought him ought to eat ? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold , I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true , One soweth , and another reapeth . 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour : other men laboured , and ye are entered into their labours. 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified , He told me all that ever I did . 40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his own word; 42 And said unto the woman , Now we believe , not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. 43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself testified , that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. 45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. 46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down , and heal his son: for he was at the point of death . 48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe . 49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die . 50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way ; thy son liveth . And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way . 51 And as he was now going down , his servants met him, and told him, saying , Thy son liveth . 52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him , Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him , Thy son liveth : and himself believed , and his whole house. 54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did , when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

    After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk , of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had . 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie , and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled , to put me into the pool: but while I am coming , another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise , take up thy bed, and walk . 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked : and on the same day was the sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured , It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk . 12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk ? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was : for Jesus had conveyed himself away , a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 15 The man departed , and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto , and I work . 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. 19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do : for what things soever he doeth , these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth : and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel . 21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will . 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you , He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you , The hour is coming , and now is , when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live . 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming , in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth ; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 30 I can of mine own self do nothing : as I hear , I judge : and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. 31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. 32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. 33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say , that ye might be saved . 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish , the same works that I do , bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent , him ye believe not. 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 41 I receive not honour from men. 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive . 44 How can ye believe , which receive honour one of another , and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust . 46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

    After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased . 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat ? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do . 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said , Make the men sit down . Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down , in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks , he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down ; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would . 12 When they were filled , he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain , that nothing be lost . 13 Therefore they gathered them together , and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten . 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did , said , This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. 15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force , to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. 16 And when even was now come , his disciples went down unto the sea, 17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. 18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew . 19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid . 20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid . 21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went . 22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered , and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; 23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks :) 24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. 25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26 Jesus answered them and said , Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled . 27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth , but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed . 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do , that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent . 30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see , and believe thee? what dost thou work ? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written , He gave them bread from heaven to eat . 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger ; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst . 36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing , but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. 41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said , I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said , Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know ? how is it then that he saith , I came down from heaven? 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard , and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead . 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof , and not die . 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying , How can this man give us his flesh to eat ? 53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead : he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. 59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. 60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said , This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? 62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth ; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said , Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back , and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve , Will ye also go away ? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go ? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

    After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest . 4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly . If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. 5 For neither did his brethren believe in him. 6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come : but your time is alway ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth , because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. 8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come . 9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. 10 But when his brethren were gone up , then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said , Where is he? 12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said , He is a good man: others said , Nay; but he deceiveth the people. 13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews. 14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught . 15 And the Jews marvelled , saying , How knoweth this man letters, having never learned ? 16 Jesus answered them, and said , My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? 20 The people answered and said , Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel . 22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. 23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken ; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. 25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill ? 26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? 27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is : but when Christ cometh , no man knoweth whence he is . 28 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught , saying , Ye both know me , and ye know whence I am : and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. 29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. 30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come . 31 And many of the people believed on him, and said , When Christ cometh , will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done ? 32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. 33 Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. 34 Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am , thither ye cannot come . 35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go , that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? 36 What manner of saying is this that he said , Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am , thither ye cannot come ? 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried , saying , If any man thirst , let him come unto me, and drink . 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said , out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive : for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified .) 40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said , Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41 Others said , This is the Christ. But some said , Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Hath not the scripture said , That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was ? 43 So there was a division among the people because of him. 44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. 45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46 The officers answered , Never man spake like this man. 47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived ? 48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. 50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) 51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth ? 52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search , and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. 53 And every man went unto his own house.

    Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down , and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery , in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned : but what sayest thou? 6 This they said , tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself , and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself , and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said , No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go , and sin no more. 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying , I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came , and whither I go ; but ye cannot tell whence I come , and whither I go . 15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16 And yet if I judge , my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. 17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. 19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered , Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me , ye should have known my Father also. 20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come . 21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way , and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go , ye cannot come . 22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith , Whither I go , ye cannot come . 23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. 27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. 28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . 33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou , Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you , Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free , ye shall be free indeed. 37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do . He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? 49 Jesus answered , I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. 50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth . 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. 52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead , and the prophets; and thou sayest , If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead ? and the prophets are dead : whom makest thou thyself? 54 Jesus answered , If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say , that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say , I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad . 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was , I am . 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself , and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


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    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Aug 20, 2019 7:20 pm

    And as Jesus passed by , he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying , Master, who did sin , this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered , Neither hath this man sinned , nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh , when no man can work . 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6 When he had thus spoken , he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go , wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation , Sent .) He went his way therefore, and washed , and came seeing . 8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said , Is not this he that sat and begged ? 9 Some said , This is he : others said, He is like him: but he said , I am he. 10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened ? 11 He answered and said , A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash : and I went and washed , and I received sight . 12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said , I know not. 13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. 14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. 15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight . He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed , and do see . 16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said , How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. 17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said , He is a prophet. 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight , until they called the parents of him that had received his sight . 19 And they asked them, saying , Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see ? 20 His parents answered them and said , We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: 21 But by what means he now seeth , we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. 22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore said his parents , He is of age; ask him. 24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. 25 He answered and said , Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know , that, whereas I was blind, now I see . 26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? 27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear : wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? 28 Then they reviled him, and said , Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. 29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is . 30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is , and yet he hath opened mine eyes. 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth . 32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. 33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. 34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said , Who is he , Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38 And he said , Lord, I believe . And he worshipped him. 39 And Jesus said , For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see ; and that they which see might be made blind. 40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? 41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say , We see ; therefore your sin remaineth .

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold , but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth ; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out . 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow , but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you , I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in , he shall be saved , and shall go in and out , and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal , and to kill , and to destroy : I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming , and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth : and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth , because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have , which are not of this fold: them also I must bring , and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down , and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. 19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. 20 And many of them said , He hath a devil, and is mad ; why hear ye him? 21 Others said , These are not the words of him that hath a devil . Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? 22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish , neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying , For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said , Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came , and the scripture cannot be broken ; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified , and sent into the world , Thou blasphemest ; because I said , I am the Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do , though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know , and believe , that the Father is in me, and I in him. 39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, 40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized ; and there he abode . 41 And many resorted unto him, and said , John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. 42 And many believed on him there.

    Now a certain man was sick , named Lazarus, of Bethany , the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick .) 3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying , Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick . 4 When Jesus heard that, he said , This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby . 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick , he abode two days still in the same place where he was . 7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. 8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 9 Jesus answered , Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth , because there is no light in him. 11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth ; but I go , that I may awake him out of sleep . 12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep , he shall do well . 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead . 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe ; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go , that we may die with him. 17 Then when Jesus came , he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary , to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming , went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died . 22 But I know , that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again . 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead , yet shall he live : 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die . Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. 28 And when she had so said , she went her way , and called Mary her sister secretly, saying , The Master is come , and calleth for thee. 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. 30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. 31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out , followed her, saying , She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was , and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died . 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping , and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled , 34 And said , Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see . 35 Jesus wept . 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 37 And some of them said , Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died ? 38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave . It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said , Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead , saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh : for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe , thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid . And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said , Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken , he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth , bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go . 45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did , believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done . 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said , What do we ? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone , all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all , 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad . 53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death . 54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. 55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were , he should shew it, that they might take him.

    Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead , whom he raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served : but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard , very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. 4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 This he said , not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein . 7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone : against the day of my burying hath she kept this. 8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. 9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death ; 11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away , and believed on Jesus. 12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried , Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. 14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon ; as it is written , 15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold , thy King cometh , sitting on an ass's colt. 16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified , then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. 17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record . 18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing ? behold, the world is gone after him. 20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying , Sir, we would see Jesus. 22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying , The hour is come , that the Son of man should be glorified . 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die , it abideth alone: but if it die , it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am , there shall also my servant be : if any man serve me, him will my Father honour . 27 Now is my soul troubled ; and what shall I say ? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by , and heard it, said that it thundered : others said , An angel spake to him. 30 Jesus answered and said , This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes . 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said , signifying what death he should die . 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou , The Son of man must be lifted up ? who is this Son of man? 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth . 36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed , and did hide himself from them. 37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled , which he spake , Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed ? 39 Therefore they could not believe , because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted , and I should heal them. 41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. 42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44 Jesus cried and said , He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken , the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say , and what I should speak . 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak .

    Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And supper being ended , the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded . 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter . 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he , Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am . 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. 18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen : but that the scripture may be fulfilled , He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 19 Now I tell you before it come , that, when it is come to pass , ye may believe that I am he. 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 21 When Jesus had thus said , he was troubled in spirit, and testified , and said , Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 Then the disciples looked one on another , doubting of whom he spake . 23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved . 24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake . 25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it ? 26 Jesus answered , He it is , to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest , do quickly. 28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. 29 For some of them thought , because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 He then having received the sop went immediately out : and it was night. 31 Therefore, when he was gone out , Jesus said , Now is the Son of man glorified , and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews , Whither I go , ye cannot come ; so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another . 36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go , thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. 37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. 38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The [rooster] shall not crow , till thou hast denied me thrice.

    Let not your heart be troubled : ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am , there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know , and the way ye know . 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest ; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me , ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do ; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do , that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive , because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live , ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance , whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth , give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled , neither let it be afraid . 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away , and come again unto you. If ye loved me , ye would rejoice , because I said , I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass , that, when it is come to pass , ye might believe . 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh , and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment , even so I do . Arise , let us go hence.

    I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away : and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing . 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered ; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned . 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will , and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified , that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full . 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth : but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain : that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did , they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law , They hated me without a cause. 26 But when the Comforter is come , whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27 And ye also shall bear witness , because ye have been with me from the beginning.

    These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended . 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh , that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come , ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou ? 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away : for if I go not away , the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart , I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come , he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin , because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged . 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come , he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear , that shall he speak : and he will shew you things to come . 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I , that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. 17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? 18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith , A little while? we cannot tell what he saith . 19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said , A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament , but the world shall rejoice : and ye shall be sorrowful , but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come : but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice , and your joy no man taketh from you. 23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you , Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask , and ye shall receive , that your joy may be full . 25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh , when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. 26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. 28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. 29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. 30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. 31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe ? 32 Behold , the hour cometh , yea, is now come , that ye shall be scattered , every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world.

    These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said , Father, the hour is come ; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent . 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do . 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was . 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were , and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept , and none of them is lost , but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled . 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

    When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered , and his disciples. 2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth , and said unto them, Whom seek ye ? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them , I am he, they went backward , and fell to the ground. 7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye ? And they said , Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered , I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way : 9 That the saying might be fulfilled , which he spake , Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. 10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear . The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? 12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, 13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. 14 Now Caiaphas was he , which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. 15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple : that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. 17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith , I am not. 18 And the servants and officers stood there , who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves : and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself . 19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort ; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me , what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said . 22 And when he had thus spoken , one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand , saying , Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? 24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. 25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself . They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said , I am not. 26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off , saith , Did not I see thee in the garden with him? 27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the [rooster] crew . 28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled ; but that they might eat the passover. 29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said , What accusation bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death : 32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled , which he spake , signifying what death he should die . 33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered , Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done ? 36 Jesus answered , My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight , that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered , Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born , and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. 39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? 40 Then cried they all again, saying , Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

    Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, 3 And said , Hail , King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. 4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. 5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! 6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out , saying , Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. 7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die , because he made himself the Son of God. 8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid ; 9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 11 Jesus answered , Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. 12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out , saying , If thou let this man go , thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 15 But they cried out , Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered , We have no king but Caesar. 16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified . And they took Jesus, and led him away . 17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: 18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one , and Jesus in the midst. 19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was , JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. 21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said , I am King of the Jews. 22 Pilate answered , What I have written I have written . 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout . 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be : that the scripture might be fulfilled , which saith , They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did . 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by , whom he loved , he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished , that the scripture might be fulfilled , saith , I thirst . 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said , It is finished : and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. 31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken , and that they might be taken away . 32 Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it bare record , and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe . 36 For these things were done , that the scripture should be fulfilled , A bone of him shall not be broken . 37 And again another scripture saith , They shall look on him whom they pierced . 38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave . He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. 39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury . 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid . 42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

    The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth , and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved , and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth , and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down , and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying ; yet went he not in . 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie , 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself . 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw , and believed . 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping : and as she wept , she stooped down , and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting , the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain . 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou ? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said , she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing , and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou ? whom seekest thou ? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence , tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away . 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say , Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said , he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad , when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit , they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain , they are retained . 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came . 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe . 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut , and stood in the midst, and said , Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed : blessed are they that have not seen , and yet have believed . 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written , that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

    After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. 2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing . They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth , and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning was now come , Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find . They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon , and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught . 11 Simon Peter went up , and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken . 12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine . And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh , and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 15 So when they had dined , Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest : but when thou shalt be old , thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake he , signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. 20 Then Peter, turning about , seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following ; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said , Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come , what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die : yet Jesus said not unto him , He shall not die ; but, If I will that he tarry till I come , what is that to thee? 24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did , the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written . Amen.
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


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    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Aug 20, 2019 7:27 pm

    The former  treatise have I made , O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach ,  2 Until the day in which he was taken up , after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen :  3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them  forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:  4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.  5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many  days hence.  6 When they therefore were come together , they asked of him, saying , Lord , wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld , he was taken up ; and a cloud received him out of their sight.  10 And while they looked stedfastly  toward heaven as he went up  , behold , two men stood by them in white apparel;  11 Which also said , Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.  12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey  .  13 And when they were come in , they went up into an upper room, where abode  both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.  14 These all continued  with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.  15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said  , (the number of names together  were about an hundred and twenty,)  16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled , which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.  17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.  18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out .  19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say , The field of blood.  20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein  : and his bishoprick let another take .  21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,  22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.  23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.  24 And they prayed , and said , Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether  of these two thou hast chosen ,  25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell , that he might go to his own place.  26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

    And when the day of Pentecost was fully come , they were all with one accord in one place.  2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting .  3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance .  5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.  6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together , and were confounded , because that every man heard them speak in his own language.  7 And they were all amazed and marvelled , saying one to another , Behold , are not all these which speak Galilaeans?  8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born ?  9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,  10 Phrygia, and  Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome , Jews and  proselytes,  11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.  12 And they were all amazed , and were in doubt , saying one to another, What meaneth  this?  13 Others mocking said  , These men are full of new wine.  14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:  15 For these are not drunken , as ye suppose , seeing it is but the third hour of the day.  16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;  17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy , and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams :  18 And  on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy :  19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:  20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come :  21 And it shall come to pass , that whosoever  shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved .  22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know :  23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken , and by wicked hands have crucified and slain :  24 Whom God hath raised up , having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.  25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always  before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved :  26 Therefore  did my heart rejoice , and my tongue was glad ; moreover  also my flesh shall rest in hope:  27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.  29 Men and brethren, let me freely  speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried , and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.  30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;  31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.  32 This Jesus hath God raised up , whereof we all are witnesses.  33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted , and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear .  34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,  35 Until I make  thy foes thy footstool .  36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified , both Lord and Christ.  37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do ?  38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent , and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off , even as many as the Lord our God shall call  .  40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort , saying , Save yourselves from this untoward generation.  41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized : and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  44 And all that believed were together , and had all things common;  45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had  need.  46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved .

    Now Peter and John went up together  into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.  2 And a certain man lame  from his mother's womb was carried , whom they laid daily  at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;  3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.  4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said , Look on us.  5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.  6 Then Peter said , Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk .  7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up : and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength .  8 And he leaping up stood , and walked , and entered with them into the temple, walking , and leaping , and praising God.  9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:  10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.  11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.  12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk ?  13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up , and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go .  14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;  15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.  16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong , whom ye see and know : yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.  17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.  18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer , he hath so fulfilled .  19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted , that your sins may be blotted out , when the times of refreshing shall come  from the presence of the Lord;  20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:  21 Whom the heaven  must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.  22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers , A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.  23 And it shall come to pass , that every soul, which  will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.  24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken , have likewise foretold of these days.  25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed .  26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

    And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,  2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.  3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.  4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed ; and the number of the men was about five thousand.  5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,  6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.  7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked , By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?  8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,  9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole ;  10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified , whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders , which is become the head of the corner.  12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby  we must be saved .  13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled ; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.  14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it .  15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,  16 Saying , What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot  deny it.  17 But that it spread no further  among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.  18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.  19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye .  20 For we cannot  but speak the things which we have seen and heard .  21 So when they had further threatened them , they let them go , finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done .  22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed .  23 And being let go , they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.  24 And when they heard that , they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said , Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:  25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said , Why did the heathen rage , and the people imagine vain things?  26 The kings of the earth stood up , and the rulers were gathered together  against the Lord, and against his Christ.  27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed , both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together ,  28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done .  29 And now, Lord, behold  their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,  30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.  31 And when they had prayed , the place was shaken where they were assembled together ; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.  32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither  said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.  34 Neither  was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them , and brought the prices of the things that were sold ,  35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need .  36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,  (which is , being interpreted , The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,  37 Having  land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

    But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,  2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.  3 But Peter said , Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?  4 Whiles it remained , was it not thine own  ? and after it was sold , was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.  5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down , and gave up the ghost : and great fear came on all them that heard these things.  6 And the young men arose , wound him up , and carried him out , and buried him.  7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done , came in .  8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said , Yea, for so much.  9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold , the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out .  10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost : and the young men came in , and found her dead, and, carrying her forth , buried her by her husband.  11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.  12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;  (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.  13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.  14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)  15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.  16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.  17 Then the high priest rose up , and all they that were with him,  (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,  18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.  19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth , and said ,  20 Go , stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.  21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning , and taught . But the high priest came , and they that were with him, and called the council together , and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought .  22 But when the officers came , and found them not in the prison, they returned , and told ,  23 Saying  , The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened , we found no man within.  24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto  this would grow .  25 Then came one and told them, saying  , Behold , the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.  26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without  violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned .  27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,  28 Saying , Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold , ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.  29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said , We ought to obey God rather than men.  30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.  31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.  33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.  34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;  35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.  36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves : who was slain ; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered , and brought to nought.  37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished ; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed .  38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone : for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought :  39 But if it be of God, ye cannot  overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.  40 And to him they agreed : and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go .  41 And they departed  from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.  42 And daily  in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

    And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied , there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.  2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said , It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.  3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report , full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.  5 And the saying pleased  the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:  6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed , they laid their hands on them.  7 And the word of God increased ; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.  8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.  9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.  10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake .  11 Then they suborned men, which said  , We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.  12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,  13 And set up false witnesses, which said , This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:  14 For we have heard him say , that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.  15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

    Then said the high priest, Are   these things so?  2 And he said , Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken ; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before  he dwelt in Charran,  3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.  4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead , he removed him into this land, wherein  ye now dwell .  5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.  6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage , and entreat them evil four hundred years.  7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge , said God: and after that shall they come forth , and serve me in this place.  8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.  9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy , sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,  10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.  11 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.  12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.  13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.  14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred , threescore and fifteen souls.  15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died , he, and our fathers,  16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.  17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh , which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,  18 Till  another king arose , which knew not Joseph.  19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live .  20 In which time Moses was born , and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:  21 And when he was cast out , Pharaoh's daughter took him up , and nourished him for her own son.  22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.  23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.  24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong , he defended him, and avenged  him that was oppressed , and smote the Egyptian:  25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver  them: but they understood not.  26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove , and would have set them at one again, saying , Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?  27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away , saying , Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?  28 Wilt  thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?  29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.  30 And when forty years were expired , there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.  31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,  32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled  , and durst not behold .  33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.  34 I have seen , I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come , I will send thee into Egypt.  35 This Moses whom they refused , saying , Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.  36 He brought them out , after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.  37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear .  38 This is he , that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:  39 To whom our fathers would not obey  , but thrust him from them , and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,  40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.  41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.  42 Then God turned , and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered  to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?  43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.  44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness  in the wilderness, as he had appointed , speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen .  45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;  46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.  47 But Solomon built him an house.  48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,  49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool  : what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?  50 Hath not my hand made all these things?  51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.  52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted ? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:  53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.  54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart , and they gnashed on him with their teeth.  55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,  56 And said , Behold , I see the heavens opened , and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,  58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.  59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying , Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  60 And he kneeled down  , and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep .

    And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.  2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.  3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling  men and women committed them to prison.  4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.  5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.  6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake  , hearing   and seeing the miracles which he did .  7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies , and that were lame, were healed .  8 And there was great joy in that city.  9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery , and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:  10 To whom they all gave heed , from the least to the greatest, saying , This man is the great power of God.  11 And to him they had regard , because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.  12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized , both men and women.  13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized , he continued  with Philip, and wondered , beholding the miracles and signs which were done .  14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:  15 Who, when they were come down , prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:  16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)  17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.  18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given , he offered them money,  19 Saying , Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.  20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish  with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.  23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.  24 Then answered Simon, and said , Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.  25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.  26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying , Arise , and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.  27 And he arose and went : and, behold , a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship ,  28 Was returning , and sitting in his chariot  read Esaias the prophet.  29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near , and join thyself to this chariot.  30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said , Understandest thou   what thou readest ?  31 And he said , How can I  , except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.  32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer , so opened he not his mouth:  33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away : and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.  34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said , I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?  35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said , See , here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized ?  37 And Philip said , If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest . And he answered and said , I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still : and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.  39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip , that the eunuch saw  him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing .  40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

    And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,  2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.  3 And as he journeyed  , he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  5 And he said , Who art thou , Lord? And the Lord said , I am Jesus whom thou persecutest : it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  6 And he trembling and astonished said , Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? And the Lord said unto him, Arise , and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do .  7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing  a voice, but seeing no man.  8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened , he saw no man: but they led him by the hand , and brought him into Damascus.  9 And he was three days without sight , and neither did eat nor drink .  10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said , Behold , I am here, Lord.  11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise , and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold , he prayeth ,  12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in , and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight .  13 Then Ananias answered , Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:  14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.  15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way : for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake .  17 And Ananias went his way , and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said , Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest , hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight , and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose , and was baptized .  19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened . Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.  20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.  21 But all that heard him were amazed , and said ; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?  22 But Saul increased the more in strength , and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.  23 And after that many days were fulfilled , the Jews took counsel to kill him:  24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.  25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down  by the wall in a basket.  26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.  27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.  28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.  29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and  disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.  30 Which when the brethren knew , they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.  31 Then  had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified ; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied .  32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout  all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.  33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept  his bed  eight years, and was sick of the palsy .  34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole : arise , and make thy bed . And he arose immediately.  35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.  36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman  was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did .  37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick , and died : whom when they had washed  , they laid her in an upper chamber.  38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there , they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.  39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come , they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping , and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made , while she was with them.  40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down  , and prayed ; and turning him to the body said , Tabitha, arise . And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up .  41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up , and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive .  42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.  43 And it came to pass , that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

    There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,  2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.  3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.  4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said , What is it , Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.  5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:  6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do .  7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed , he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually ;  8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.  9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey , and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:  10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten : but while they made ready , he fell into a trance,  11 And saw heaven opened , and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:  12 Wherein  were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.  13 And there came a voice to him, Rise , Peter; kill , and eat .  14 But Peter said , Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.  15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed , that call not thou common .  16 This was done thrice  : and the vessel was received up again into heaven.  17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean  , behold  , the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,  18 And called , and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.  19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold , three men seek thee.  20 Arise therefore, and get thee down , and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.  21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said , Behold , I am he whom ye seek : what is the cause wherefore ye are come ?  22 And they said , Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.  23 Then called he them in , and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.  24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them  , and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.  25 And as Peter was coming in , Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.  26 But Peter took him up , saying , Stand up ; I myself also am a man.  27 And as he talked with him, he went in , and found many that were come together .  28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company , or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.  29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for : I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?  30 And Cornelius said , Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold , a man stood before me in bright clothing,  31 And said , Cornelius, thy prayer is heard , and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.  32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh , shall speak unto thee.  33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come . Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.  34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said , Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:  35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.  36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ:  (he is Lord of all:)  37 That word, I say, ye know , which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached ;  38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good , and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.  39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly  ;  41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.  42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.  43 To him give all the prophets witness , that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.  44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished , as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,  47 Can  any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized , which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?  48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

    And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.  2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,  3 Saying  , Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised  , and didst eat with them.  4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning , and expounded it by order unto them, saying ,  5 I was in the city of Joppa praying : and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend , as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:  6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes , I considered , and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.  7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise , Peter; slay and eat .  8 But I said , Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.  9 But the voice answered me again  from heaven, What God hath cleansed , that call not thou common .  10 And this was done  three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.  11 And, behold , immediately there were three men already come unto the house where  I was , sent from Caesarea unto me.  12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting . Moreover  these six brethren accompanied  me, and we entered into the man's house:  13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;  14 Who shall tell thee  words, whereby  thou and all thy house shall be saved .  15 And as I began to speak , the Holy Ghost fell on them, as  on us at the beginning.  16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said , John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.  17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ  ; what was I, that I could withstand God?  18 When they heard these things, they held their peace , and glorified God, saying , Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.  19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.  20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.  21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed , and turned unto the Lord.  22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.  23 Who, when he came , and had seen the grace of God, was glad , and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.  24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.  25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:  26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass , that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.  27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.  28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be  great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.  29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability  , determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:  30 Which also they did , and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

    Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.  2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.  3 And because he saw it pleased  the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.  (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)  4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.  5 Peter  therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.  6 And when Herod would have brought him forth , the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.  7 And, behold , the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up , saying , Arise up quickly . And his chains fell off from his hands.  8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself , and bind on thy sandals. And so he did . And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.  9 And he went out , and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.  10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out , and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.  11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said , Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.  12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying  .  13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken , named Rhoda.  14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in , and told how Peter stood before the gate.  15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad . But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they , It is his angel.  16 But Peter continued knocking : and when they had opened the door, and saw him , they were astonished .  17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace , declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said , Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed , and went into another place.  18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.  19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death . And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode .  20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend , desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.  21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.  22 And the people gave a shout , saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.  23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost .  24 But the word of God grew and multiplied .  25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

    Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted , the Holy Ghost said  , Separate me  Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.  3 And when they had fasted and prayed , and laid their hands on them, they sent them away .  4 So  they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.  5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.  6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:  7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.  8 But Elymas the sorcerer  (for so is his name by interpretation ) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.  9 Then Saul,  (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost , set his eyes on him,  10 And said , O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  11 And now, behold , the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.  12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done , believed , being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.  13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.  14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down .  15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying , Ye men and brethren, if ye have  any word of exhortation for the people, say on .  16 Then Paul stood up , and beckoning with his hand said , Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience .  17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.  18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.  19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot .  20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.  21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.  22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony , and said , I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.  23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:  24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.  25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said , Whom think ye that I am ? I am not he. But, behold , there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose .  26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent .  27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not , nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read  every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.  28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain .  29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.  30 But God raised him from the dead:  31 And he was seen many  days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.  32 And we declare unto you glad tidings , how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,  33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again ; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.  34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise , I will give you the sure mercies of David.  35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  36 For  David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep , and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:  37 But he, whom God raised again , saw no corruption.  38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:  39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.  40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;  41 Behold , ye despisers, and wonder , and perish : for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe , though a man declare it unto you.  42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.  43 Now when the congregation was broken up , many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.  44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.  45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming .  46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold , and said , It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you , and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo , we turn to the Gentiles.  47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.  48 And when the Gentiles heard this , they were glad , and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed .  49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.  50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.  51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.  52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.


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    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Aug 20, 2019 7:52 pm

    And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake , that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed . 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided : and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully , and to stone them, 6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: 7 And there they preached the gospel . 8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked : 9 The same heard Paul speak : who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed , 10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked . 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done , they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas , Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out , 15 And saying , Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein : 16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good , and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. 19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead . 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up , and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed . 24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled . 27 And when they were come , and had gathered the church together , they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

    And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved . 2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed , saying , That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up , and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe . 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness , giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear ? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved , even as they. 12 Then all the multitude kept silence , and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. 13 And after they had held their peace , James answered , saying , Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written , 16 After this I will return , and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down ; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up : 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called , saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore my sentence is , that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. 22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 24 Forasmuch as we have heard , that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying , Ye must be circumcised , and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment : 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well . 30 So when they were dismissed , they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together , they delivered the epistle: 31 Which when they had read , they rejoiced for the consolation. 32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. 33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. 34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still . 35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas , Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do . 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them , who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other : and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed , being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

    Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold , a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep , that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily . 6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him , saying , Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. 11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. 13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made ; and we sat down , and spake unto the women which resorted thither. 14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened , that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15 And when she was baptized , and her household, she besought us, saying , If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. 16 And it came to pass , as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying : 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried , saying , These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved , turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone , they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying , These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive , neither to observe , being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed , and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken : and immediately all the doors were opened , and every one's bands were loosed . 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open , he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled . 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying , Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in , and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said , Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? 31 And they said , Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved , and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes ; and was baptized , he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them , and rejoiced , believing in God with all his house. 35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying , Let those men go . 36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul , The magistrates have sent to let you go : now therefore depart , and go in peace. 37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans , and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out . 38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared , when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out , and desired them to depart out of the city. 40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed .

    Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was , went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3 Opening and alleging , that Christ must needs have suffered , and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. 4 And some of them believed , and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. 5 But the Jews which believed not , moved with envy , took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company , and set all the city on an uproar , and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying , These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 Whom Jason hath received : and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. 8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go . 10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily , whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed ; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. 14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still . 15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed , they departed . 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons , and in the market daily with them that met with him . 18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said , What will this babbler say ? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. 19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying , May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest , is? 20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean . 21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell , or to hear some new thing.) 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said , Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by , and beheld your devotions , I found an altar with this inscription , TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship , him declare I unto you. 24 God that made the world and all things therein , seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed , and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him , though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live , and move , and have our being ; as certain also of your own poets have said , For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at ; but now commandeth all men every where to repent : 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained ; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked : and others said , We will hear thee again of this matter. 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed : among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

    After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought : for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed , he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. 7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. 8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed , and were baptized . 9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid , but speak , and hold not thy peace : 10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 Saying , This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. 14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: 15 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters. 16 And he drave them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. 18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; 21 But bade them farewell , saying , I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will . And he sailed from Ephesus. 22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up , and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed , and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. 24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard , they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote , exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come , helped them much which had believed through grace: 28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

    And it came to pass , that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them , Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed ? And they said unto him , We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized ? And they said , Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is , on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied . 7 And all the men were about twelve. 8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. 9 But when divers were hardened , and believed not , but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. 10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying , We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth . 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva , a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said , Jesus I know , and Paul I know ; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded . 17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified . 18 And many that believed came , and confessed , and shewed their deeds. 19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together , and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed . 21 After these things were ended , Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying , After I have been there, I must also see Rome. 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. 23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said , Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26 Moreover ye see and hear , that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised , and her magnificence should be destroyed , whom all Asia and the world worshippeth . 28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out , saying , Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. 31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. 32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused ; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together . 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward . And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. 34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out , Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said , Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet , and to do nothing rashly. 37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. 38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open , and there are deputies: let them implead one another. 39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. 41 And when he had thus spoken , he dismissed the assembly.

    And after the uproar was ceased , Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. 2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation , he came into Greece, 3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These going before tarried for us at Troas. 6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. 7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together . 9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching , he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down , and fell on him, and embracing him said , Trouble not yourselves ; for his life is in him. 11 When he therefore was come up again , and had broken bread, and eaten , and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed . 12 And they brought the young man alive , and were not a little comforted . 13 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed , minding himself to go afoot . 14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in , and came to Mitylene. 15 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted , if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know , from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold , I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there : 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me , neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold , I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise , speaking perverse things , to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch , and remember , that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up , and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified . 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know , that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak , and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said , It is more blessed to give than to receive . 36 And when he had thus spoken , he kneeled down , and prayed with them all. 37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, 38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake , that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

    And it came to pass , that after we were gotten from them, and had launched , we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara: 2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard , and set forth . 3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus , we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. 4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way ; and they all brought us on our way , with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed . 6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again . 7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. 8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed , and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy . 10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11 And when he was come unto us , he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said , Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered , What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 14 And when he would not be persuaded , we ceased , saying , The will of the Lord be done . 15 And after those days we took up our carriages , and went up to Jerusalem. 16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge . 17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present . 19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest , brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe ; and they are all zealous of the law: 21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together : for they will hear that thou art come . 23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24 Them take , and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly , and keepest the law. 25 As touching the Gentiles which believe , we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. 27 And when the seven days were almost ended , the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, 28 Crying out , Men of Israel, help : This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. 29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 30 And all the city was moved , and the people ran together : and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut . 31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar . 32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. 33 Then the chief captain came near , and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was , and what he had done . 34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. 35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was , that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. 36 For the multitude of the people followed after , crying , Away with him. 37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee ? Who said , Canst thou speak Greek? 38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar , and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? 39 But Paul said , I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. 40 And when he had given him licence , Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying ,

    Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. 2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith ,) 3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness , and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished . 6 And it came to pass , that, as I made my journey , and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered , Who art thou , Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest . 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10 And I said , What shall I do , Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise , and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do . 11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. 12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood , and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight . And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said , The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard . 16 And now why tarriest thou ? arise , and be baptized , and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. 17 And it came to pass , that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste , and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. 19 And I said , Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed , I also was standing by , and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21 And he said unto me, Depart : for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. 22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said , Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live . 23 And as they cried out , and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, 24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. 25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by , Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? 26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying , Take heed what thou doest : for this man is a Roman. 27 Then the chief captain came , and said unto him, Tell me , art thou a Roman ? He said , Yea. 28 And the chief captain answered , With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said , But I was free born . 29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid , after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. 30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear , and brought Paul down , and set him before them.

    And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said , Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. 3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law ? 4 And they that stood by said , Revilest thou God's high priest? 5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written , Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. 6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question . 7 And when he had so said , there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided . 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. 9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose , and strove , saying , We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. 10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down , and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. 11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said , Be of good cheer , Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. 12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together , and bound themselves under a curse , saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. 14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said , We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. 15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near , are ready to kill him. 16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said , Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. 18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said , Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. 19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately , and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? 20 And he said , The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. 21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath , that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. 22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart , and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me. 23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying , Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; 24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on , and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. 25 And he wrote a letter after this manner: 26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting . 27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. 28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: 29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. 30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell . 31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: 33 Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. 34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was . And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; 35 I will hear thee, said he , when thine accusers are also come . And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

    And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. 2 And when he was called forth , Tertullus began to accuse him, saying , Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, 3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. 5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple : whom we took , and would have judged according to our law. 7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. 9 And the Jews also assented , saying that these things were so. 10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak , answered , Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: 11 Because that thou mayest understand , that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship . 12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people , neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: 13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow , that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. 17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. 19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object , if they had ought against me. 20 Or else let these same here say , if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, 21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. 22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said , When Lysias the chief captain shall come down , I will know the uttermost of your matter. 23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. 24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance , and judgment to come , Felix trembled , and answered , Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


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    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Aug 20, 2019 8:34 pm

    Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.  2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,  3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.  4 But  Festus answered , that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart  shortly thither.  5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.  6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought .  7 And when he was come , the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about , and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove .  8 While he answered for himself, Neither  against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.  9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said , Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?  10 Then said Paul, I stand  at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged : to the Jews have I done no wrong , as  thou very well knowest .  11 For if I be an offender , or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die : but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.  12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered , Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go .  13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.  14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying , There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:  15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.  16 To whom I answered  , It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face  , and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.  17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth .  18 Against whom when the accusers stood up , they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed :  19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead , whom Paul affirmed to be alive .  20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.  21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved  unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.  22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow , said he, thou shalt hear him.  23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come , and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal  men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth .  24 And Festus said , King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.  25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.  26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had , I might have somewhat to write .  27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

    Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself :  2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:  3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.  4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;  5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify , that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.  6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:  7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly  serving God day and night, hope to come . For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.  8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?  9 I verily  thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death , I gave my voice against them.  11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme ; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto  strange cities.  12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,  13 At midday , O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.  14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  15 And I said , Who art thou , Lord? And he said , I am Jesus whom thou persecutest .  16 But rise , and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen , and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;  17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,  18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.  19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:  20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.  21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.  22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come :  23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.  24 And as he thus spake for himself , Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself ; much learning doth make thee mad .  25 But he said , I am not mad , most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.  26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely : for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.  27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest .  28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.  29 And Paul said , I would  to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost , and altogether  such as I am , except these bonds.  30 And when he had thus spoken , the king rose up , and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:  31 And when they were gone aside , they talked between themselves, saying  , This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.  32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty , if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

    And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered  Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.  2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched , meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.  3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself  .  4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.  5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.  6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein .  7 And when we had sailed slowly  many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;  8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens  ; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.  9 Now when much time was spent , and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past , Paul admonished them,  10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be  with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.  11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.  12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised  to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter ; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.  13 And when the south wind blew softly , supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.  14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.  15 And when the ship was caught , and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive  .  16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by  the boat:  17 Which when they had taken up , they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven .  18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest , the next day they lightened the ship  ;  19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.  20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared , and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away .  21 But after long abstinence  Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said , Sirs , ye should  have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.  22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer : for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.  23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am , and whom I serve ,  24 Saying , Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo , God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.  25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer : for I believe God, that it shall be even  as it was told me.  26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.  27 But when the fourteenth night was come , as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;  28 And sounded , and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.  29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks , they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished  for the day.  30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,  31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot  be saved .  32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off .  33 And while the day was coming on , Paul besought them all to take meat, saying , This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.  34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.  35 And when he had thus spoken  , he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat .  36 Then were they  all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.  37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.  38 And when they had eaten enough , they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.  39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded , if it were possible , to thrust in the ship.  40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind , and made toward shore.  41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground ; and the forepart stuck fast , and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.  42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out , and escape .  43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:  44 And the rest, some  on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship . And so it came to pass , that they escaped all safe to land.

    And when they were escaped , then they knew that the island was called Melita.  2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.  3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.  4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped  the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live .  5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.  6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen , or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while , and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds , and said that he was a god.  7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.  8 And it came to pass , that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in , and prayed , and laid his hands on him, and healed him.  9 So when this was done , others also, which had diseases in the island, came , and were healed :  10 Who also honoured us with many honours ; and when we departed , they laded us with such things as were necessary.  11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.  12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.  13 And from thence we fetched a compass , and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew , and we came the next day to Puteoli:  14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.  15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet  us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw , he thanked God, and took courage.  16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.  17 And it came to pass , that after three days Paul called the chief  of the Jews together : and when they were come together , he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.  18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go , because there was no cause of death in me.  19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of .  20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.  21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.  22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest : for as concerning  this sect, we know  that every where it is spoken against .  23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God , persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.  24 And some believed the things which were spoken , and some believed not .  25 And when they agreed not  among themselves, they departed , after that Paul had spoken one word , Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,  26 Saying , Go unto this people, and say , Hearing ye shall hear , and shall not understand ; and seeing ye shall see , and not perceive :  27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross , and their ears are dull of hearing , and their eyes have they closed ; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted , and I should heal them.  28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.  29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed , and had great reasoning among themselves.  30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,  31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

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    Regressive-Reptilian Cathedral-Arsonists Using Directed-Energy Weapons
    burgundia wrote:
    Thank-you for the cool video, burgundia. In a previous post, I made a bad-joke regarding the gargoyles, but the video seems to validate that joke in some ways. I was intrigued by the unsubstantiated reports of Reptilian-Tunnels connecting Notre Dame with Rome and London. I've suspected such things, and encountered rumors and whispers throughout the years, so Who Knows?? I happened to watch another video by the same person which made my hair stand on-end regarding the Vril Society, the Nazis, Orion, and the Pleiades. What especially caught my attention was a comment under the video: The Vril Society existed 15 years before the Nazi Party formed.  They weren't Nazi's. Some of the men later followed the Nazi Party but not the women.  They were feminists who rebelled against the male dictatorship.  Especially a male who had been imprisoned earlier.  Also, it wasn't secret, they publicly requested funding which ended up coming from Thule which is where Maria was from. Notice what I posted on my website on February 18, 2008!! http://krlll.com/ I spoke jokingly of originating from Pleon in the Pleiades, but I honestly did NOT know that one of the major stars is named 'Pleione'!! Notice the early comments on that website, especially May 7 and 12. I've left that site completely unedited and pristine. What if KRLLL was overthrown by VRLLL?? I realize that's a stretch, but most ALL of my threads are a massive mess of unsubstantiated speculation which often comes across as self-aggrandizement. I freely and repeatedly acknowledge these facts. 'RA' told me to "Study the Nazis" and to do a FoIA request. The CIA and NSA were non-responsive, stating, in effect, that they didn't respond to fishing-expeditions. Ignorance is Bliss. 'RA' told me "The Nazis were told they could attack anyone except US." Notice what Bill Cooper said about KRLLL (at 30:00) in 1989. That video scares the hell out of me...






    What if one limited their Biblical-Studies to Luke and Acts?? What if one read Luke and Acts straight-through, over and over, in a variety of translations, with responsible neutrality?? What if Luke and Acts interpreted Luke and Acts?? No Synoptic-Problem. No Harmony of the Gospels. I wonder if the Average-Person should attempt to be a Biblical-Scholar?? One can get lost in the problems. John and Revelation seems MUCH More Problematic than Luke and Acts. Perhaps the Positive-Certainty we all seek is more elusive and/or illusive than we think. Perhaps we should pursue a Sacred-Secularism wherein we Reverence Life and Respect Diversity without Organized Religion. What Would Albert Schweitzer Say?? What Would Robert Schuller Say?? "The Sacred Must Become Secular and the Secular Must Become Sacred!!" Would that approach be at odds with Luke-Acts Exclusivity?? You've undoubtedly noticed my numerous Minimal-Lists throughout the years. They constantly change. I guess I've been encouraging Possibility-Thinking Relative to Sacred-Scripture. It was either Chuck Swindoll or Chuck Smith who alerted me to considering the Bible from every conceivable angle prior to moving on to supposedly bigger and better things. Perhaps This is a Test with the Bible as the Problem. Perhaps we are expected to Submit to the Discipline of Scripture. I Hope You Succeed Where I Failed. Hope Springs Eternal.

    What if King Ovid = King Cupid = Doctor Luke = Doctor Who = Francis Bacon as a Reincarnating Poet?? What if Luke contains the Mythological Christ and Acts contains the Demythologized Christ?? What Would Thomas Jefferson Say?? What Would Albert Schweitzer Say?? What Would Rudolph Bultmann Say?? What Would Richard Carrier Say?? I'd still like to know who the 'Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World' really was and is?! What if Prime Creator = Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World = Renegade Genetic Engineer = Matrix Creator?? Once again, I urge at least some of you Sirius-Researchers to study This Present Thread (USSS Deep State Nine) straight-through, over and over. I'd really appreciate some sort of a genuine-insider confidential-briefing regarding what's really going on. I Honestly Know I Don't Know, and this is NOT a Becoming-Humility. It's an Inconvenient-Truth. Raven was Right!! Don't Shoot!! I'm Just a Completely Ignorant Fool with a God Complex!! I Hope Someone has a Sense of Humor in This Present Madness. Hope Springs Eternal.

    Consider reading Deuteronomy, Luke, and Acts straight-through, over and over, in a variety of translations. This isn't random, but I'll let you figure it out. Some of you might wish to read Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes straight-through, over and over, in a variety of translations. This isn't random, but I'll let you figure it out. Some of you might wish to read Psalms, Isaiah, and Daniel straight-through, over and over, in a variety of translations. This isn't random, but I'll let you figure it out. Perhaps the two 'must-read' Ellen White books are 'Prophets and Kings' (1917) and 'Acts of the Apostles' (1911). This isn't random, but I'll let you figure it out. What if Theological-Studies are a Lost-Cause in This Present Darkness?? What if Dishonesty is Rewarded?? What if Honesty is Punished?? What if 'The New York Times' and 'The Wall Street Journal' Pragmatically-Trump All of the Above?? I mean absolutely zero disrespect. It just seems as if things are SO Screwed Up that a contrarian approach might be absolutely essential. What if there were 'The Church of Sacred Classical Music' meeting in an 'Acoustically-Gifted' Church and selling tickets to pay the bills. This 'church' wouldn't be tax-exempt, and no offering would be taken. Sacred Classical Music would be offered 365 days a year!! Hope Springs Eternal.

    I just posted Luke and Acts, which were originally two parts of the same book, supposedly written by Doctor Luke. Doctor Who?? I've posted the King James Version of Luke-Acts just for the theatrics of it. Supposedly Francis Bacon had a lot to do with the King James Version. Some say Francis Bacon had a lot to do with Shakespeare. Some say Luke-Acts is the Gospel-Truth. Some say Luke-Acts is Historical-Fiction. How is one to REALLY Know?? What if one treated Luke-Acts as a Series of Shakespearean-Plays?? What if Believers and Unbelievers are WAY Too Anally-Retentive?? I'm almost to the point of NOT Promoting Religion. I'm almost to the point of recommending that people read a couple of World Class Newspapers While Listening to Sacred Classical Music (and calling it 'Good'). Consider yet another Minimal-List:

    1. Luke and Acts.
    2. Bach and Buxtehude.
    3. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

    I've wondered if Church and State are being trumped by Education and Corporation?! Perhaps I should spearhead 'The State-Church of Education and Corporation'!! Perhaps THAT is the 'Way of The Future'!! WTF?? BTW, I Performed in 'The Glory of Easter' with Michael Caine. THAT Was AWESOME!!


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    I've related this story many times BUT once upon a time, at the Crystal Cathedral (next to the cross at the front of the church, following a service), I communicated the following "wisdom" to Dr. Robert H. Schuller:

    "Self-Exaltation is Self-Centered. Self-Degradation is also Self-Centered. True Self-Esteem is Self-Forgetfulness (in the Highest-Sense) such as when an athlete totally-concentrates on the game (with no self-consciousness whatsoever)."

    Dr. Schuller looked at the ground (impatiently rocking back and forth) as I spoke and moved-on to the next person (without comment) so I slowly walked away. When I was twenty-feet away, he almost yelled (in a high-pitched mocking-voice) "That was Goooooooood!" I turned-around, politely-saying "I'll keep listening!" and kept walking. Next week I spoke with Dr. Schuller, and his attitude was much different. He referred to my "wisdom" as "profound". I had just rejoined the Morning-Choir but when Dr. Schuller yelled at me, I quit, even though it was embarrassing for me to do so. I really enjoyed singing in the choir (especially under the direction of Organist-Choirmaster Fred Swann). At approximately the same time, I had spoken with Dr. Terry Cole Whittaker, but we didn't discuss what I told Dr. Schuller. I learned a couple of years ago, while watching a video, that Dr. Whittaker was teaching what I had said, in slightly different words, "A Superiority-Complex and an Inferiority-Complex Are the Exact Same Thing!!" Shortly thereafter, I moved out of the area, and life has gone digressively downhill ever since.

    I was shuttling back and forth between Loma Linda (SDA Smorgasbord) and Garden Grove (Liberal Pseudo-Christian Show-Business) -- singing in two-services at Loma Linda (on Saturday) -- and two-services at Garden Grove (on Sunday). I was pretty-much "Over-Churched"!! I imbibed on Dr. Fritz Guy -- Dr. Jack Provonsha -- Dr. Louis Venden -- Actor Clifton Davis (from Amen) and Dr. A. Graham Maxwell in Loma Linda. Then, I overdosed on Dr. Robert H. Schuller and Dr. Herman Ridder (associate-pastor) in Garden Grove. Later, I became friends with (Schuller-Associate) Dr. Bruce Larson (driving him to and from the airport for many years). He even spoke with Dr. Schuller about me during a flight. Unrelatedly and Separately, Dr. Schuller even slapped a flight-attendant on one occasion!! I learned the hard-way, that Dr. Schuller wasn't always positive and affirming behind the scenes. Once, during a non-televised service, he rudely exclaimed "Try doing THAT in your little Local-Church!!!" (after a celebrity sang a solo) Associate-Organist Mark Thallander was sitting next to me, and looked at me, whispering "Ooooooooooooh."

    But really, there is MUCH to be learned from the Peale-Schuller Phenomenon (both positive and negative). I found it interesting to contrast Loma Linda with Garden Grove. They seemed to need each-other. BOTH were in serious-trouble as Stand-Alone Methodologies. David Rose didn't like Dr. Schuller (when I spoke with him at his home). Walter Martin didn't like Dr. Schuller (when I spoke to him at his class in Costa Mesa). An Individual of Interest didn't like Dr. Schuller (when I spoke to him regularly for several years). Actor Clifton Davis liked Dr. Schuller (when I spoke with him in Loma Linda). Dr. Desmond Ford told me that "Dr. Schuller is a very hard worker". How Des knew that, I'd like to know!! The "Ancient Egyptian Deity" told me that the Individual of Interest had changed their mind about me when I attended the Crystal Cathedral for four-years. I continue to maintain that studying the following books are a VERY Interesting Contrasting and Complementary Mental and Spiritual Exercise:

    1. Prophets and Kings (Ellen White).
    2. The Desire of Ages (Ellen White).
    3. The Power of Positive Thinking (Norman Vincent Peale).
    4. Move Ahead with Possibility Thinking (Robert H. Schuller).
    5. Believe in the God Who Believes in You (Robert H. Schuller).
    6. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer.
    7. Sacred Classical Music.

    I doubt anyone knows what I'm talking about, but I wish to place certain things on the record. I suspect some sort of a Galactic-Trial is in our future. In fact, such a tribunal might be ongoing (going way, way, way back). What Would the Watchers Say?? Dr. Robert H. Schuller thought he was cracking-up in 1954 (in his own words). That was the year the "Aliens" supposedly landed at Muroc (Edwards Air-Force Base). You don't suppose there was a connection, do you?? One Never Knows. Dr. Schuller was supposedly at least a 33rd Degree Mason. I agreed with 95% of what Peale and Schuller wrote and spoke. I considered their work beneficial as a SUPPLEMENT to Established Belief-Systems (rather than as Stand-Alone New-Theologies). I have some Dynamite-Ideas for a Refined and Minimalist Version of the Peale and Schuller Phenomenon (with an Anglican-Twist) but I don't want to talk about it. I've said too much already. What Would the Cat and the Cat's-Meow Say?? Arvella Schuller RAN the Crystal Cathedral and THAT is the Gospel-Truth (from the inside). On a Lighter Note:




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    "What Are We Going to Do About Orthodoxymoron??"

    I wish to make it clear that I Do NOT Think I'm Right and Everyone Else is Wrong. I Know I Don't Know. I've provided a Significant Conceptual Laboratory for Sirius Researchers but I doubt anyone will properly use this Online Facility. My United States of the Solar System threads probably were for Me Alone. I've been simultaneously Enlightened and Attacked. I've Probably Experienced Breakthrough Insights Which the Nether-Realms Effectively Suppressed. What Would HAL 9000 Say?? "I'm Sorry Dave. I'm Afraid I Can't Let You Do That." Even if I turn out to be a Past-Life Amalgamation of David Bowman, Peter Venkman, Doctor Who, Jerry Landers, and Jupiter Jones, I'd still go incognito in a Subsurface 600 Square-Foot Office-Apartment with a Supercomputer and InterPlaNet. What if that's what I do for 100 Earth-Years between incarnating into Problem-Civilizations throughout the Universe?? What Would COR Say?? We Probably Do NOT Wish to Know. There Might Be "Pandemonium".

    Freedom From God = War in Heaven = Human Sovereignty = Humans Ruling Humans = Purgatory Incorporated = New World Order?? Consider Freedom, Responsibility, Theodicy, Original-Sin, Ethics, and Eschatology (for starters). I suspect at least Three Hidden-Factions which have been fighting with each-other for thousands (or even millions) of years. If this is true, it might help to explain why we seem to be living on a Prison-Planet aka Purgatory Incorporated. The Cold-War might be morphing into a Hot-War. Or, we might be facing a Slow-Burn End of the World. I'm trying to Back-Off and NOT rely on the Internet and Forums. Thanks to EVERYONE on 'The Mists of Avalon' regardless of whether you are 'Friends' or 'Foes'. Someone and/or Something Seems to be Creating a Perfect Storm. Who Knows What the Future Holds?? The One Who Holds the Future?? I'm Trying to NOT Post. Instead of 'Taking It Outside' I'm attempting to 'Take It Inside'. The Shrinks would go Crazy if they read this post.

    There are approximately 1,400 forum members, yet probably only a dozen post more than a dozen posts a year. There's not a lot of conversation. There's a lot of threads existing in isolation. I'm not sure why I've posted so much on this website. I guess I sensed that I'd be tolerated and that the leading forum members knew a HUGE amount of rare information. I probably relished the challenge of posting out of my comfort-zone in a contrarian-manner. But honestly, the way I feel, the gravity of my posts, and the lack of members posting on my threads, makes me wonder if I should seek another home, or not communicate on the internet at all. Is it possible, desirable, or even legal to move my threads to another site, and just leave this site alone?? I had a bunch of domain-names at one-time, and some of the names were really off the wall, but I couldn't afford to keep them, and I no longer have them, except one. http://krlll.com/ I occasionally post on it, but almost no-one bothers with it. Perhaps I should move to that site. If I'm not welcome here, would it be better to remove every trace of my presence??

    A former-member told me "I Don't Need Your Help With My Thread." In light of my life-experience, I wish I'd never been born. It seems as if it would've saved everyone (including me) a hell of a lot of trouble. The worst-people are worshipped, praised, and paid millions of dollars. The best people are cursed, hounded, and financially ruined. What's up with that?? If I'm not from around here, perhaps I should leave this planet, but perhaps I'm not welcome anywhere in the universe. Perhaps I've been sneaking from planet to planet for a very-long time. Perhaps my openness and honesty on this website signals the 'End of the Tour'. The posting-level has slowed significantly, and I'm wondering what's going on?? I'm trying to figure-out what to do and where to go. Perhaps I should sell my house, change my name, and really go incognito. Where Would Margot Go?? Did We Meet?? Perhaps I should ask Scotty to 'Beam Me Up'. Or, does anyone have a Shallow Underground Civilian Base for Sale?? I can't afford much, so maybe I should write that elusive and/or illusive book. Or perhaps someone might wish to pay me to NOT write a book, and just shut my mouth. Have I stepped over the line?? If so, when, where, and how??

    Regarding Presidents of the United States of America, if its more 'Selection' than 'Election' with selection, training, blackmailing, and programming decades prior to being 'sworn-in' most of what they say and do (however exemplary and/or reprehensible) might be very-difficult for them to deviate-from. If true, what if this reprehensible-system is pragmatically-essential?? What if God Himself and/or Herself would NOT Survive a Leadership-Role in Purgatory Incorporated?? Sherry Shriner liked the 'Old Donald Trump' better than the 'New Donald Trump' and claimed he would be led against his will as President. I've stated that "President Trump is a Likeable Hard-Driving Bad-Boy." Was that knee-jerk assessment accurate?? I campaigned for Pat Buchannan and Ron Paul. In general, I liked what they said and how they said it, but would they have had to 'Sign On the Dotted-Line' and 'Sell Their Soul to Satan' to become President of the United States?? I suspect they would've. Richard Nixon told Jimmy Carter "They Might Play Softball in Georgia, But They Play Hardball in Washington."

    It seems as if Deception and Confusion are the norm. I've been calling Earth 'Purgatory Incorporated' which seems to thrive on Deception and Confusion. Earth is obviously NOT Heaven, where Deception and Confusion would NOT Be Tolerated. It seems as if the Bible contains Deception and Confusion, which is compounded by the Religions and Churches. I suspect an Absentee God who got tired of all the BS and left some sort of a Supercomputer-Matrix in charge of Purgatory Incorporated so we wouldn't exterminate ourselves while doing it Our Way. Education and Corporation seem to Trump Church and State. We seem to have been Divided and Conquered in Antiquity. I'd love for things to transition from Purgatory into Heaven but I don't think it works that way. We'll probably learn Horrible-Lessons as the Information-War intensifies. 85% of us might die horribly in High-Technology World-Wars. We might turn-off the Matrix-Supercomputer and suffer the consequences.

    If there really is a Supercomputer-Matrix (Local and Throughout the Universe) what if this Solar-System has three settings?? Paradise, Purgatory, and OFF?? What if Purgatory = Freedom From God?? What if Paradise = Absolute-Obedience to God?? What if OFF = Evolutionary-Hell As It Existed Prior to the Creation?? This is imprecise speculation. I could be a lot more detailed and descriptive but I feel especially horrible this morning. What if this hypothetical system started-out with Hell, transitioned to Heaven with Absolute-Obedience to a Star-War God while Law, Order, and Peace Were Instituted Throughout the Universe, and then when Perfection Became Boring and the Saved-Beings Tired of Being Told What to Do, Purgatory Was Instituted for Lesson-Learning??

    This is simplistic and unrefined. When I think I know a lot, I post tidbits of this and that, without revealing much, to stimulate thinking and emotion. You'd need to research this sort of thing full-time to do it properly, and you'd have to be prepared for possibly experiencing mental-illness, demonic-harassment, chip-implantation, being placed on agency-lists, being spied-upon, getting fired, getting divorced, getting kicked-out of your church, arguing on the internet, getting removed from your parent's will, getting ostracized by your community, going broke, etc. I wish I were kidding. When I speak of living and working in a Subsurface 600 Square-Foot Office-Apartment with a Supercomputer and InterPlaNet to deal with the madness, I'm NOT Kidding!!

    I've been thinking in terms of a United States of the Solar System (Under God) commencing in A.D. 2133 which would probably be halfway between Purgatory and Paradise in a sustainable manner, but this is merely pseudo-intellectual speculation and idealism, with a pragmatic-twist. Robotics and Artificial-Intelligence have me worried. I suspect this is Ancient-Technology which was withheld from Humanity because the Gods and Goddesses knew we'd destroy ourselves with it, but now we seem to be 'Summoning the Demon'. I suspect Rogue Spacecraft and Directed-Energy Weapons along with Deep Underground Bases Filled with Unspeakable Horrors. I'd like to think everything will work out just fine, but I highly doubt that will be the case. Pedophilia is just the Tip of a HUGE Iceberg. I suspect that we're way-past the Point of No Return.

    I wish turning-off my computer would solve my physical, mental, and spiritual problems, but I think its gone way beyond that, but I don't want to talk about it. I just got back from a two-hour walk in nature on a gorgeous day, and I try to do that sort of thing at least every other day, but its a lot harder than it used to be. I'm going downhill with or without the internet. I suspect we're becoming Mainframe-Connected Bio-Robots so perhaps shutting-off the computer might be considered an Act of Rebellion Against the Way Things Are (or something to that effect). When I expressed my fears to an Individual of Interest several years ago, 'he' suggested I was already 'connected'. In some ways 'he' reminded me of Seymour Cray and William Edgars. Another Individual of Interest told me "You remind me of Bill Gates." I've watched Jon Shirley race his 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa for years, and I think I might've spoken with him. When I spoke with a beautiful former Microsoft employee approximately twenty years ago, I suggested that wearable computers were the future of computing. She countered "Bill Thinks Otherwise." I spoke with her a couple of years ago, and reminded her of my prediction, to which she responded "You Were Right." I savor that because I'm usually wrong. I suspect some sort of 'Gang-Stalking' over the past dozen years, but just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.

    Where's Everyone?? What's Going On?? The Usual Posters Aren't Posting and I'm Trying to Stop. Throughout the Years, Notable Posters Mysteriously Disappeared. I Could Probably Name a Dozen But I'd Probably Leave Someone Out. Two of My Main Sources of Brain-Stimulation Supposedly Died Within the Past Two Years. I'm Feeling Horrible, Thinking and Doing MUCH Less. It's As If Some Sort of a Nefarious Takeover Is In Its Final-Stages and the Problems Are Being Removed One by One. Or What If Artificial-Intelligence and Intelligence-Agencies Have More to Do With Alternative-Websites Than We Might Imagine?? Whatever Is Going On Can't Be Good. I Suspect We Haven't Seen or Experienced Anything Compared to What's Coming. I'd Almost Welcome Death But What If What's Next Is MUCH Worse (Regardless of Soul and Character Goodness or Badness)?? I'm Extremely Apprehensive. I Can't Continue. I Feel Really Bad. I Think It Has EVERYTHING to do with My Internet Moot Unholy-War. If I'm Who I Think I Might Be On a Soul-Basis, I Probably Wasn't Supposed to Wake-Up. Remember Balem Abrasax Telling Jupiter Jones "You Should've Stayed Dead." 'RA' Told Me "You're Lucky to Be Alive" and "You Can Leave Things As They Are, If You Choose". Am I Really Lucky?? Do I Really Have a Choice?? Please Review ALL of My United States of the Solar System Threads. Please Continue This Thread In My Absence. Namaste and Godspeed.

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    "Houston, We Have A Problem!!"
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13316
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (9) - Page 19 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (9)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:51 am

    Regarding Presidents of the United States, if its more 'Selection' than 'Election' with selection, training, blackmailing, and programming decades prior to being 'sworn-in' most of what they say and do (however exemplary and/or reprehensible) might be very-difficult for them to deviate-from. If true, what if this reprehensible-system is pragmatically-essential?? What if God Himself and/or Herself would NOT Survive a Leadership-Role in Purgatory Incorporated?? Sherry Shriner liked the 'Old Donald Trump' better than the 'New Donald Trump' and claimed he would be led against his will as President. I've stated that "President Trump is a Likeable Hard-Driving Bad-Boy." Was that knee-jerk assessment accurate?? I campaigned for Pat Buchannan and Ron Paul. In general, I liked what they said and how they said it, but would they have had to 'Sign On the Dotted-Line' and 'Sell Their Soul to Satan' to become President of the United States?? I suspect they would've. Richard Nixon told Jimmy Carter "They Might Play Softball in Georgia, But They Play Hardball in Washington." That might be a bit of a paraphrase.





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    Consider the concept of Secular and Sacred Pluralistic Education and Employment. Consider the concept of Church and State in the Context of Sacred and Secular Universities. Consider the concept of Church and State as Businesses. Consider the concept of Church and State in the Context of the Corporation. Are Greed and Deception the Foundations of Earth-Human Civilization?? Is the Bottom-Line the Bottom-Line on Planet-Earth?? Who REALLY Owns and Operates This Solar System?? What Do the Solar System Books REALLY Look Like for the Past One-Million Years?? What if the Solar System is One Big Business with One Big CEO (Going Way, Way, Way Back)?? What if the God of This Solar System is a Supercomputer-Network (Going Way, Way, Way Back)??

    Don't read too much into my posting of a few Ellen White books. It's simply part of my background, which I'm attempting to come to terms with in a MOST unlikely context. I KNOW the members of this forum are NOT amused!! I continue to repeat that I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with the Bible and Ellen White. I long for a Clean Sheet of Stone Perfect Law of the Lord which incorporates the Best of the Past, Present, and Future. My threads and posts are simply a particular Area of Research, rather than being a Line in the Sand. Consider a Side-by-Side Study of Christ's Object Lessons, the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, and the 1982 Hymnal. What if one somehow combined the Best of These Three into One Book?? I'm implying a meticulous integration. You might need to think this through for several years. The problem is that no matter how one puts things together, its always ultimately wrong, with the other options looking SO Much Better!! Episcopalians have told me that the 1928 Prayer Book is better than the 1979 Prayer Book, and I tend to agree. Christ's Object Lessons is sort of a Whole-Bible Gospel-Epistle which avoids historicity and harmony issues. The 1982 Hymnal contains the Great Hymns (with some greater than others).

    But in the Final-Analysis, in Purgatory Incorporated, we might need the Religious Zoo and/or Smorgasbord to give everyone a choice in what might ultimately be a 'No-Win' Game. Consider the 1963 Movie 'Its a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World' which I maintain is a Parable of the History and Future of the World. The Stars try to work things out in the beginning, but things quickly degenerate into a Competitive Free For All, with the Major Players losing in the End. Everyone Wants to WIN!! But Who REALLY Wins?? Consider the Larger-View of the Larger-View of the Larger-View. What Would Dr. Graham Maxwell Say?? I continue to repeat that I Believe, but I Don't Know What I Believe. Sadly and Honestly, This is an Inconvenient Truth. World Without Endive. Almond Raw.



    http://whiteestate.org/books/col/col1.html
    Christ's Object Lessons
    by
    Ellen White

    In Christ's parable teaching the same principle is seen as in His own mission to the world. That we might become acquainted with His divine character and life, Christ took our nature and dwelt among us. Divinity was revealed in humanity; the invisible glory in the visible human form. Men could learn of the unknown through the known; heavenly things were revealed through the earthly; God was made manifest in the likeness of men. So it was in Christ's teaching: the unknown was illustrated by the known; divine truths by earthly things with which the people were most familiar.

    The Scripture says, "All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; . . . that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world." Matt. 13:34, 35. Natural things were the medium for the spiritual; the things of nature and the life-experience of His hearers were connected with the truths of the written word. Leading thus from the natural to the spiritual kingdom, Christ's parables are links in the chain of truth that unites man with God, and earth with heaven. In His teaching from nature, Christ was speaking of the things which His own hands had made, and which had qualities and powers that He Himself had imparted. In their original perfection all created things were an expression of the thought of God. To Adam and Eve in their Eden home nature was full of the knowledge of God, teeming with divine instruction. Wisdom spoke to the eye and was received into the heart; for they communed with God in His created works. As soon as the holy pair transgressed the law of the Most High, the brightness from the face of God departed from the face of nature. The earth is now marred and defiled by sin. Yet even in its blighted state much that is beautiful remains. God's object lessons are not obliterated; rightly understood, nature speaks of her Creator.

    In the days of Christ these lessons had been lost sight of. Men had well-nigh ceased to discern God in His works. The sinfulness of humanity had cast a pall over the fair face of creation; and instead of manifesting God, His works became a barrier that concealed Him. Men "worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator." Thus the heathen "became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." Rom. 1:25, 21. So in Israel, man's teaching had been put in the place of God's. Not only the things of nature, but the sacrificial service and the Scriptures themselves--all given to reveal God--were so perverted that they became the means of concealing Him. Christ sought to remove that which obscured the truth.

    The veil that sin has cast over the face of nature, He came to draw aside, bringing to view the spiritual glory that all things were created to reflect. His words placed the teachings of nature as well as of the Bible in a new aspect, and made them a new revelation. Jesus plucked the beautiful lily, and placed it in the hands of children and youth; and as they looked into His own youthful face, fresh with the sunlight of His Father's countenance, He gave the lesson, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow [in the simplicity of natural beauty]; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Then followed the sweet assurance and the important lesson, "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?"

    In the sermon on the mount these words were spoken to others besides children and youth. They were spoken to the multitude, among whom were men and women full of worries and perplexities, and sore with disappointment and sorrow. Jesus continued: "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (for after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Then spreading out His hands to the surrounding multitude, He said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:28-33. Thus Christ interpreted the message which He Himself had given to the lilies and the grass of the field. He desires us to read it in every lily and every spire of grass. His words are full of assurance, and tend to confirm trust in God. So wide was Christ's view of truth, so extended His teaching, that every phase of nature was employed in illustrating truth. The scenes upon which the eye daily rests were all connected with some spiritual truth, so that nature is clothed with the parables of the Master.

    In the earlier part of His ministry, Christ had spoken to the people in words so plain that all His hearers might have grasped truths which would make them wise unto salvation. But in many hearts the truth had taken no root, and it had been quickly caught away. "Therefore speak I to them in parables." He said; "because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. . . . For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed." Matt. 13:13-15. Jesus desired to awaken inquiry. He sought to arouse the careless, and impress truth upon the heart. Parable teaching was popular, and commanded the respect and attention, not only of the Jews, but of the people of other nations. No more effective method of instruction could He have employed. If His hearers had desired a knowledge of divine things, they might have understood His words; for He was always willing to explain them to the honest inquirer. Again, Christ had truths to present which the people were unprepared to accept or even to understand. For this reason also He taught them in parables. By connecting His teaching with the scenes of life, experience, or nature, He secured their attention and impressed their hearts. Afterward, as they looked upon the objects that illustrated His lessons, they recalled the words of the divine Teacher. To minds that were open to the Holy Spirit, the significance of the Saviour's teaching unfolded more and more. Mysteries grew clear, and that which had been hard to grasp became evident.

    Jesus sought an avenue to every heart. By using a variety of illustrations, He not only presented truth in its different phases, but appealed to the different hearers. Their interest was aroused by figures drawn from the surroundings of their daily life. None who listened to the Saviour could feel that they were neglected or forgotten. The humblest, the most sinful, heard in His teaching a voice that spoke to them in sympathy and tenderness. And He had another reason for teaching in parables. Among the multitudes that gathered about Him, there were priests and rabbis, scribes and elders, Herodians and rulers, world-loving, bigoted, ambitious men, who desired above all things to find some accusation against Him. Their spies followed His steps day after day, to catch from His lips something that would cause His condemnation, and forever silence the One who seemed to draw the world after Him.

    The Saviour understood the character of these men, and He presented truth in such a way that they could find nothing by which to bring His case before the Sanhedrim. In parables He rebuked the hypocrisy and wicked works of those who occupied high positions, and in figurative language clothed truth of so cutting a character that had it been spoken in direct denunciation, they would not have listened to His words, and would speedily have put an end to His ministry. But while He evaded the spies, He made truth so clear that error was manifested, and the honest in heart were profited by His lessons. Divine wisdom, infinite grace, were made plain by the things of God's creation. Through nature and the experiences of life, men were taught of God. "The invisible things of Him since the creation of the world," were "perceived through the things that are made, even His everlasting power and divinity." Rom. 1:20, R. V.

    In the Saviour's parable teaching is an indication of what constitutes the true "higher education." Christ might have opened to men the deepest truths of science. He might have unlocked mysteries which have required many centuries of toil and study to penetrate. He might have made suggestions in scientific lines that would have afforded food for thought and stimulus for invention to the close of time. But He did not do this. He said nothing to gratify curiosity, or to satisfy man's ambition by opening doors to worldly greatness. In all His teaching, Christ brought the mind of man in contact with the Infinite Mind. He did not direct the people to study men's theories about God, His word, or His works. He taught them to behold Him as manifested in His works, in His word, and by His providences.

    Christ did not deal in abstract theories, but in that which is essential to the development of character, that which will enlarge man's capacity for knowing God, and increase his efficiency to do good. He spoke to men of those truths that relate to the conduct of life, and that take hold upon eternity. It was Christ who directed the education of Israel. Concerning the commandments and ordinances of the Lord He said, "Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." Deut. 6:7-9.

    In His own teaching, Jesus showed how this command is to be fulfilled--how the laws and principles of God's kingdom can be so presented as to reveal their beauty and preciousness. When the Lord was training Israel to be the special representatives of Himself, He gave them homes among the hills and valleys. In their home life and their religious service they were brought in constant contact with nature and with the word of God. So Christ taught His disciples by the lake, on the mountainside, in the fields and groves, where they could look upon the things of nature by which He illustrated His teachings. And as they learned of Christ, they put their knowledge to use by co-operating with Him in His work. So through the creation we are to become acquainted with the Creator.

    The book of nature is a great lesson book, which in connection with the Scriptures we are to use in teaching others of His character, and guiding lost sheep back to the fold of God. As the works of God are studied, the Holy Spirit flashes conviction into the mind. It is not the conviction that logical reasoning produces; but unless the mind has become too dark to know God, the eye too dim to see Him, the ear too dull to hear His voice, a deeper meaning is grasped, and the sublime, spiritual truths of the written word are impressed on the heart. In these lessons direct from nature, there is a simplicity and purity that makes them of the highest value. All need the teaching to be derived from this source. In itself the beauty of nature leads the soul away from sin and worldly attractions, and toward purity, peace, and God.

    Too often the minds of students are occupied with men's theories and speculations, falsely called science and philosophy. They need to be brought into close contact with nature. Let them learn that creation and Christianity have one God. Let them be taught to see the harmony of the natural with the spiritual. Let everything which their eyes see or their hands handle be made a lesson in character building. Thus the mental powers will be strengthened, the character developed, the whole life ennobled. Christ's purpose in parable teaching was in direct line with the purpose of the Sabbath. God gave to men the memorial of His creative power, that they might discern Him in the works of His hand. The Sabbath bids us behold in His created works the glory of the Creator. And it was because He desired us to do this that Jesus bound up His precious lessons with the beauty of natural things. On the holy rest day, above all other days, we should study the messages that God has written for us in nature.

    We should study the Saviour's parables where He spoke them, in the fields and groves, under the open sky, among the grass and flowers. As we come close to the heart of nature, Christ makes His presence real to us, and speaks to our hearts of His peace and love. And Christ has linked His teaching, not only with the day of rest, but with the week of toil. He has wisdom for him who drives the plow and sows the seed. In the plowing and sowing, the tilling and reaping, He teaches us to see an illustration of His work of grace in the heart. So in every line of useful labor and every association of life, He desires us to find a lesson of divine truth. Then our daily toil will no longer absorb our attention and lead us to forget God; it will continually remind us of our Creator and Redeemer. The thought of God will run like a thread of gold through all our homely cares and occupations. For us the glory of His face will again rest upon the face of nature. We shall ever be learning new lessons of heavenly truth, and growing into the image of His purity. Thus shall we "be taught of the Lord"; and in the lot wherein we are called, we shall "abide with God." Isa. 54:13; 1 Cor. 7:24.

    By the parable of the sower, Christ illustrates the things of the kingdom of heaven, and the work of the great Husbandman for His people. Like a sower in the field, He came to scatter the heavenly grain of truth. And His parable teaching itself was the seed with which the most precious truths of His grace were sown. Because of its simplicity the parable of the sower has not been valued as it should be. From the natural seed cast into the soil, Christ desires to lead our minds to the gospel seed, the sowing of which results in bringing man back to his loyalty to God. He who gave the parable of the tiny seed is the Sovereign of heaven, and the same laws that govern earthly seed sowing govern the sowing of the seeds of truth.

    By the Sea of Galilee a company had gathered to see and hear Jesus--an eager, expectant throng. The sick were there, lying on their mats, waiting to present their cases before Him. It was Christ's God-given right to heal the woes of a sinful race, and He now rebuked disease, and diffused around Him life and health and peace. As the crowd continued to increase, the people pressed close about Christ until there was no room to receive them. Then, speaking a word to the men in their fishing boats, He stepped into the boat that was waiting to take Him across the lake, and bidding His disciples push off a little from the land, He spoke to the multitude upon the shore.

    Beside the sea lay the beautiful plain of Gennesaret, beyond rose the hills, and upon hillside and plain both sowers and reapers were busy, the one casting seed and the other harvesting the early grain. Looking upon the scene, Christ said "Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them" (R.V.); "some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold."

    Christ's mission was not understood by the people of His time. The manner of His coming was not in accordance with their expectations. The Lord Jesus was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. Its imposing services were of divine appointment. They were designed to teach the people that at the time appointed One would come to whom those ceremonies pointed. But the Jews had exalted the forms and ceremonies and had lost sight of their object. The traditions, maxims, and enactments of men hid from them the lessons which God intended to convey. These maxims and traditions became an obstacle to their understanding and practice of true religion. And when the Reality came, in the person of Christ, they did not recognize in Him the fulfillment of all their types, the substance of all their shadows. They rejected the antitype, and clung to their types and useless ceremonies. The Son of God had come, but they continued to ask for a sign.

    The message, "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," they answered by demands for a miracle. Matt. 3:2. The gospel of Christ was a stumbling block to them because they demanded signs instead of a Saviour. They expected the Messiah to prove His claims by mighty deeds of conquest, to establish His empire on the ruins of earthly kingdoms. This expectation Christ answered in the parable of the sower. Not by force of arms, not by violent interpositions, was the kingdom of God to prevail, but by the implanting of a new principle in the hearts of men. "He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man." Matt. 13:37. Christ had come, not as a king, but as a sower; not for the overthrow of kingdoms, but for the scattering of seed; not to point His followers to earthly triumphs and national greatness, but to a harvest to be gathered after patient toil and through losses and disappointments.

    The Pharisees perceived the meaning of Christ's parable, but to them its lesson was unwelcome. They affected not to understand it. To the multitude it involved in still greater mystery the purpose of the new teacher, whose words had so strangely moved their hearts and so bitterly disappointed their ambitions. The disciples themselves had not understood the parable, but their interest was awakened. They came to Jesus privately and asked for an explanation. This was the desire which Christ wished to arouse, that He might give them more definite instruction. He explained the parable to them, as He will make plain His word to all who seek Him in sincerity of heart. Those who study the word of God with hearts open to the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, will not remain in darkness as to the meaning of the word. "If any man willeth to do His will," Christ said, "he shall know of the teaching whether it be of God, or whether I speak from Myself." John 7:17, R.V.

    All who come to Christ for a clearer knowledge of the truth will receive it. He will unfold to them the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and these mysteries will be understood by the heart that longs to know the truth. A heavenly light will shine into the soul temple, and will be revealed to others as the bright shining of a lamp on a dark path. "The sower went forth to sow" (R.V.). In the East the state of affairs was so unsettled, and there was so great danger from violence that the people dwelt chiefly in walled towns, and the husbandmen went forth daily to their labor outside the walls. So Christ, the heavenly Sower, went forth to sow. He left His home of security and peace, left the glory that He had with the Father before the world was, left His position upon the throne of the universe. He went forth, a suffering, tempted man; went forth in solitude, to sow in tears, to water with His blood, the seed of life for a world lost.

    His servants in like manner must go forth to sow. When called to become a sower of the seed of truth, Abraham was bidden, "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee." Gen. 12:1. "And he went out, not knowing whither he went." Heb. 11:8. So to the apostle Paul, praying in the temple at Jerusalem, came the message from God, "Depart; for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles." Acts 22:21. So those who are called to unite with Christ must leave all, in order to follow Him. Old associations must be broken up, plans of life relinquished, earthly hopes surrendered. In toil and tears, in solitude, and through sacrifice, must the seed be sown. "The sower soweth the word." Christ came to sow the world with truth. Ever since the fall of man, Satan has been sowing the seeds of error. It was by a lie that he first gained control over men, and thus he still works to overthrow God's kingdom in the earth and to bring men under his power. A sower from a higher world, Christ came to sow the seeds of truth.

    He who had stood in the councils of God, who had dwelt in the innermost sanctuary of the Eternal, could bring to men the pure principles of truth. Ever since the fall of man, Christ had been the Revealer of truth to the world. By Him the incorruptible seed, "the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever," is communicated to men. 1 Peter 1:23. In that first promise spoken to our fallen race in Eden, Christ was sowing the gospel seed. But it is to His personal ministry among men and to the work which He thus established that the parable of the sower especially applies. The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God's word. Christ says, "The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life." John 6:63. "He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life." John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.

    Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind. Sow the seed under right conditions, and it will develop its own life in the plant. Receive into the soul by faith the incorruptible seed of the word, and it will bring forth a character and a life after the similitude of the character and the life of God. The teachers of Israel were not sowing the seed of the word of God. Christ's work as a teacher of truth was in marked contrast to that of the rabbis of His time. They dwelt upon traditions, upon human theories and speculations. Often that which man had taught and written about the word, they put in place of the word itself. Their teaching had no power to quicken the soul. The subject of Christ's teaching and preaching was the word of God. He met questioners with a plain, "It is written." "What saith the Scriptures?" "How readest thou?" At every opportunity, when an interest was awakened by either friend or foe, He sowed the seed of the word. He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Himself the living Word, points to the Scriptures, saying, "They are they which testify of Me." And "beginning at Moses and all the prophets," He opened to His disciples "in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." John 5:39; Luke 24:27.

    Christ's servants are to do the same work. In our day, as of old, the vital truths of God's word are set aside for human theories and speculations. Many professed ministers of the gospel do not accept the whole Bible as the inspired word. One wise man rejects one portion; another questions another part. They set up their judgment as superior to the word; and the Scripture which they do teach rests upon their own authority. Its divine authenticity is destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity are sown broadcast; for the people become confused and know not what to believe. There are many beliefs that the mind has no right to entertain. In the days of Christ the rabbis put a forced, mystical construction upon many portions of Scripture. Because the plain teaching of God's word condemned their practices, they tried to destroy its force. The same thing is done today. The word of God is made to appear mysterious and obscure in order to excuse transgression of His law. Christ rebuked these practices in His day. He taught that the word of God was to be understood by all. He pointed to the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority, and we should do the same.

    The Bible is to be presented as the word of the infinite God, as the end of all controversy and the foundation of all faith. The Bible has been robbed of its power, and the results are seen in a lowering of the tone of spiritual life. In the sermons from many pulpits of today there is not that divine manifestation which awakens the conscience and brings life to the soul. The hearers can not say, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?" Luke 24:32. There are many who are crying out for the living God, longing for the divine presence. Philosophical theories or literary essays, however brilliant, cannot satisfy the heart. The assertions and inventions of men are of no value. Let the word of God speak to the people. Let those who have heard only traditions and human theories and maxims hear the voice of Him whose word can renew the soul unto everlasting life.

    Christ's favorite theme was the paternal tenderness and abundant grace of God; He dwelt much upon the holiness of His character and His law; He presented Himself to the people as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let these be the themes of Christ's ministers. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Make plain the requirements of the law and the gospel. Tell the people of Christ's life of self-denial and sacrifice; of His humiliation and death; of His resurrection and ascension; or His intercession for them in the courts of God; of His promise, "I will come again, and receive you unto Myself." John 14:3. Instead of discussing erroneous theories, or seeking to combat the opponents of the gospel, follow the example of Christ. Let fresh truths from God's treasure house flash into life. "Preach the word." "Sow beside all waters." "Be instant in season, out of season." "He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord." "Every word of God is pure. . . . Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." 2 Tim. 4:2; Isa. 32:20; Jer. 23:28; Prov. 30:5, 6. "The sower soweth the word." Here is presented the great principle which should underlie all educational work. "The seed is the word of God."

    But in too many schools of our day God's word is set aside. Other subjects occupy the mind. The study of infidel authors holds a large place in the educational system. Skeptical sentiments are interwoven in the matter placed in school books. Scientific research becomes misleading, because its discoveries are misinterpreted and perverted. The word of God is compared with the supposed teachings of science, and is made to appear uncertain and untrustworthy. Thus the seeds of doubt are planted in the minds of the youth, and in time of temptation they spring up. When faith in God's word is lost, the soul has no guide, no safeguard. The youth are drawn into paths which lead away from God and from everlasting life.

    To this cause may in great degree be attributed the widespread iniquity in our world today. When the word of God is set aside, its power to restrain the evil passions of the natural heart is rejected. Men sow to the flesh, and of the flesh they reap corruption. And here, too, is the great cause of mental weakness and inefficiency. In turning from God's word to feed on the writings of uninspired men, the mind becomes dwarfed and cheapened. It is not brought in contact with deep, broad principles of eternal truth. The understanding adapts itself to the comprehension of the things with which it is familiar, and in this devotion to finite things it is weakened, its power is contracted, and after a time it becomes unable to expand. All this is false education. The work of every teacher should be to fasten the mind of the youth upon the grand truths of the word of Inspiration. This is the education essential for this life and for the life to come. And let it not be thought that this will prevent the study of the sciences, or cause a lower standard in education. The knowledge of God is as high as heaven and as broad as the universe. There is nothing so ennobling and invigorating as a study of the great themes which concern our eternal life. Let the youth seek to grasp these God-given truths, and their minds will expand and grow strong in the effort. It will bring every student who is a doer of the word into a broader field of thought, and secure for him a wealth of knowledge that is imperishable.

    The education to be secured by searching the Scriptures is an experimental knowledge of the plan of salvation. Such an education will restore the image of God in the soul. It will strengthen and fortify the mind against temptation, and fit the learner to become a co-worker with Christ in His mission of mercy to the world. It will make him a member of the heavenly family; and prepare him to share the inheritance of the saints in light. But the teacher of sacred truth can impart only that which he himself knows by experience. "The sower sowed  his  seed." Christ taught the truth because He was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life-experience, were embodied in His teaching. So with His servants: those who would teach the word are to make it their own by a personal experience. They must know what it is to have Christ made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. In presenting the word of God to others, they are not to make it a suppose-so or a may-be. They should declare with the apostle Peter, "We have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty." 2 Peter 1:16. Every minister of Christ and every teacher should be able to say with the beloved John, "The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us." 1 John 1:2.


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    http://www.ellenwhite.info/books/books-by-egw-col.htm That with which the parable of the sower chiefly deals is the effect produced on the growth of the seed by the soil into which it is cast. By this parable Christ was virtually saying to His hearers, It is not safe for you to stand as critics of My work, or to indulge disappointment because it does not meet your ideas. The question of greatest importance to you is, How do you treat My message? Upon your reception or rejection of it your eternal destiny depends. Explaining the seed that fell by the wayside, He said, "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside." The seed sown by the wayside represents the word of God as it falls upon the heart of an inattentive hearer. Like the hard-beaten path, trodden down by the feet of men and beasts, is the heart that becomes a highway for the world's traffic, its pleasures and sins. Absorbed in selfish aims and sinful indulgences, the soul is "hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Heb. 3:13. The spiritual faculties are paralyzed. Men hear the word, but understand it not. They do not discern that it applies to themselves. They do not realize their need or their danger. They do not perceive the love of Christ, and they pass by the message of His grace as something that does not concern them.

    As the birds are ready to catch up the seed from the wayside, so Satan is ready to catch away the seeds of divine truth from the soul. He fears that the word of God may awaken the careless, and take effect upon the hardened heart. Satan and his angels are in the assemblies where the gospel is preached. While angels of heaven endeavor to impress hearts with the word of God, the enemy is on the alert to make the word of no effect. With an earnestness equaled only by his malice, he tries to thwart the work of the Spirit of God. While Christ is drawing the soul by His love, Satan tries to turn away the attention of the one who is moved to seek the Saviour. He engages the mind with worldly schemes. He excites criticism, or insinuates doubt and unbelief. The speaker's choice of language or his manner may not please the hearers, and they dwell upon these defects. Thus the truth they need, and which God has graciously sent them, makes no lasting impression. Satan has many helpers.

    Many who profess to be Christians are aiding the tempter to catch away the seeds of truth from other hearts. Many who listen to the preaching of the word of God make it the subject of criticism at home. They sit in judgment on the sermon as they would on the words of a lecturer or a political speaker. The message that should be regarded as the word of the Lord to them is dwelt upon with trifling or sarcastic comment. The minister's character, motives, and actions, and the conduct of fellow members of the church, are freely discussed. Severe judgment is pronounced, gossip or slander repeated, and this in the hearing of the unconverted. Often these things are spoken by parents in the hearing of their own children. Thus are destroyed respect for God's messengers, and reverence for their message. And many are taught to regard lightly God's word itself. Thus in the homes of professed Christians many youth are educated to be infidels. And the parents question why their children are so little interested in the gospel, and so ready to doubt the truth of the Bible. They wonder that it is so difficult to reach them with moral and religious influences. They do not see that their own example has hardened the hearts of their children. The good seed finds no place to take root, and Satan catches it away.

    "He that receiveth the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended." The seed sown upon stony ground finds little depth of soil. The plant springs up quickly, but the root cannot penetrate the rock to find nutriment to sustain its growth, and it soon perishes. Many who make a profession of religion are stony-ground hearers. Like the rock underlying the layer of earth, the selfishness of the natural heart underlies the soil of their good desires and aspirations. The love of self is not subdued. They have not seen the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the heart has not been humbled under a sense of its guilt. This class may be easily convinced, and appear to be bright converts, but they have only a superficial religion. It is not because men receive the word immediately, nor because they rejoice in it, that they fall away.

    As soon as Matthew heard the Saviour's call, immediately he rose up, left all, and followed Him. As soon as the divine word comes to our hearts, God desires us to receive it; and it is right to accept it with joy. "Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15:7. And there is joy in the soul that believes on Christ. But those who in the parable are said to receive the word immediately, do not count the cost. They do not consider what the word of God requires of them. They do not bring it face to face with all their habits of life, and yield themselves fully to its control. The roots of the plant strike down deep into the soil, and hidden from sight nourish the life of the plant. So with the Christian; it is by the invisible union of the soul with Christ, through faith, that the spiritual life is nourished. But the stony-ground hearers depend upon self instead of Christ. They trust in their good works and good impulses, and are strong in their own righteousness. They are not strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Such a one "hath not root in himself"; for he is not connected with Christ.

    The hot summer sun, that strengthens and ripens the hardy grain, destroys that which has no depth of root. So he who "hath not root in himself," "dureth for a while"; but "when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended." Many receive the gospel as a way of escape from suffering, rather than as a deliverance from sin. They rejoice for a season, for they think that religion will free them from difficulty and trial. While life moves smoothly with them, they may appear to be consistent Christians. But they faint beneath the fiery test of temptation. They cannot bear reproach for Christ's sake. When the word of God points out some cherished sin, or requires self-denial or sacrifice, they are offended. It would cost them too much effort to make a radical change in their life. They look at the present inconvenience and trial, and forget the eternal realities. Like the disciples who left Jesus, they are ready to say, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" John 6:60. There are very many who claim to serve God, but who have no experimental knowledge of Him. Their desire to do His will is based upon their own inclination, not upon the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit. Their conduct is not brought into harmony with the law of God. They profess to accept Christ as their Saviour, but they do not believe that He will give them power to overcome their sins. They have not a personal relation with a living Saviour, and their characters reveal defects both hereditary and cultivated.

    It is one thing to assent in a general way to the agency of the Holy Spirit, and another thing to accept His work as a reprover calling to repentance. Many feel a sense of estrangement from God, a realization of their bondage to self and sin; they make efforts for reform; but they do not crucify self. They do not give themselves entirely into the hands of Christ, seeking for divine power to do His will. They are not willing to be molded after the divine similitude. In a general way they acknowledge their imperfections, but they do not give up their particular sins. With each wrong act the old selfish nature is gaining strength. The only hope for these souls is to realize in themselves the truth of Christ's words to Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again." "Except a man be born from above, he can not see the kingdom of God." John 3:7, 3, margin. True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living. Christ asks for an unreserved consecration, for undivided service. He demands the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength. Self is not to be cherished. He who lives to himself is not a Christian.

    Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying principle of God's government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Christian's character. This alone can make and keep him steadfast. This alone can enable him to withstand trial and temptation. And love will be revealed in sacrifice. The plan of redemption was laid in sacrifice--a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. Christ gave all for us, and those who receive Christ will be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of their Redeemer. The thought of His honor and glory will come before anything else. If we love Jesus, we shall love to live for Him, to present our thank offerings to Him, to labor for Him. The very labor will be light. For His sake we shall covet pain and toil and sacrifice. We shall sympathize with His longing for the salvation of men. We shall feel the same tender craving for souls that He has felt. This is the religion of Christ. Anything short of it is a deception. No mere theory of truth or profession of discipleship will save any soul. We do not belong to Christ unless we are His wholly. It is by halfheartedness in the Christian life that men become feeble in purpose and changeable in desire. The effort to serve both self and Christ makes one a stony-ground hearer, and he will not endure when the test comes upon him.

    "He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." The gospel seed often falls among thorns and noxious weeds; and if there is not a moral transformation in the human heart, if old habits and practices and the former life of sin are not left behind, if the attributes of Satan are not expelled from the soul, the wheat crop will be choked. The thorns will come to be the crop, and will kill out the wheat. Grace can thrive only in the heart that is being constantly prepared for the precious seeds of truth. The thorns of sin will grow in any soil; they need no cultivation; but grace must be carefully cultivated. The briers and thorns are always ready to spring up, and the work of purification must advance continually. If the heart is not kept under the control of God, if the Holy Spirit does not work unceasingly to refine and ennoble the character, the old habits will reveal themselves in the life. Men may profess to believe the gospel; but unless they are sanctified by the gospel their profession is of no avail. If they do not gain the victory over sin, then sin is gaining the victory over them. The thorns that have been cut off but not uprooted grow apace, until the soul is overspread with them. Christ specified the things that are dangerous to the soul. As recorded by Mark He mentions the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things. Luke specifies the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. These are what choke the word, the growing spiritual seed. The soul ceases to draw nourishment from Christ, and spirituality dies out of the heart.

    "The cares of this world." No class is free from the temptation to worldly care. To the poor, toil and deprivation and the fear of want bring perplexities and burdens. To the rich come fear of loss and a multitude of anxious cares. Many of Christ's followers forget the lesson He has bidden us learn from the flowers of the field. They do not trust to His constant care. Christ cannot carry their burden, because they do not cast it upon Him. Therefore the cares of life, which should drive them to the Saviour for help and comfort, separate them from Him. Many who might be fruitful in God's service become bent on acquiring wealth. Their whole energy is absorbed in business enterprises, and they feel obliged to neglect things of a spiritual nature. Thus they separate themselves from God. We are enjoined in the Scriptures to be "not slothful in business." Rom. 12:11. We are to labor that we may impart to him who needs. Christians must work, they must engage in business, and they can do this without committing sin. But many become so absorbed in business that they have no time for prayer, no time for the study of the Bible, no time to seek and serve God.

    At times the longings of the soul go out for holiness and heaven; but there is no time to turn aside from the din of the world to listen to the majestic and authoritative utterances of the Spirit of God. The things of eternity are made subordinate, the things of the world supreme. It is impossible for the seed of the word to bring forth fruit; for the life of the soul is given to nourish the thorns of worldliness. And many who are working with a very different purpose, fall into a like error. They are working for others' good; their duties are pressing, their responsibilities are many, and they allow their labor to crowd out devotion. Communion with God through prayer and a study of His word is neglected. They forget that Christ has said, "Without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5. They walk apart from Christ, their life is not pervaded by His grace, and the characteristics of self are revealed. Their service is marred by desire for supremacy, and the harsh, unlovely traits of the unsubdued heart. Here is one of the chief secrets of failure in Christian work. This is why its results are often so meager.

    "The deceitfulness of riches." The love of riches has an infatuating, deceptive power. Too often those who possess worldly treasure forget that it is God who gives them power to get wealth. They say, "My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth." Deut. 8:17. Their riches, instead of awakening gratitude to God, lead to the exaltation of self. They lose the sense of their dependence upon God and their obligation to their fellow men. Instead of regarding wealth as a talent to be employed for the glory of God and the uplifting of humanity, they look upon it as a means of serving themselves. Instead of developing in man the attributes of God, riches thus used are developing in him the attributes of Satan.

    The seed of the word is choked with thorns. "And pleasures of this life." There is danger in amusement that is sought merely for self-gratification. All habits of indulgence that weaken the physical powers, that becloud the mind, or that benumb the spiritual perceptions, are "fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2:11. "And the lusts of other things." These are not necessarily things sinful in themselves, but something that is made first instead of the kingdom of God. Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever draws the affections away from Christ, is an enemy to the soul. When the mind is youthful and vigorous and susceptible of rapid development, there is great temptation to be ambitious for self, to serve self. If worldly schemes are successful, there is an inclination to continue in a line that deadens conscience, and prevents a correct estimate as to what constitutes real excellence of character. When circumstances favor this development, growth will be seen in a direction prohibited by the word of God.

    In this formative period of their children's life, the responsibility of parents is very great. It should be their study to surround the youth with right influences, influences that will give them correct views of life and its true success. Instead of this, how many parents make it their first object to secure for their children worldly prosperity. All their associations are chosen with reference to this object. Many parents make their home in some large city, and introduce their children into fashionable society. They surround them with influences that encourage worldliness and pride. In this atmosphere the mind and soul are dwarfed. The high and noble aims of life are lost sight of. The privilege of being sons of God, heirs of eternity, is bartered for worldly gain. Many parents seek to promote the happiness of their children by gratifying their love of amusement. They allow them to engage in sports, and to attend parties of pleasure, and provide them with money to use freely in display and self-gratification.

    The more the desire for pleasure is indulged, the stronger it becomes. The interest of these youth is more and more absorbed in amusement, until they come to look upon it as the great object of life. They form habits of idleness and self-indulgence that make it almost impossible for them ever to become steadfast Christians. Even the church, which should be the pillar and ground of the truth, is found encouraging the selfish love of pleasure. When money is to be raised for religious purposes, to what means do many churches resort? To bazaars, suppers, fancy fairs, even to lotteries, and like devices. Often the place set apart for God's worship is desecrated by feasting and drinking, buying, selling, and merrymaking. Respect for the house of God and reverence for His worship are lessened in the minds of the youth. The barriers of self-restraint are weakened. Selfishness, appetite, the love of display, are appealed to, and they strengthen as they are indulged.

    The pursuit of pleasure and amusement centers in the cities. Many parents who choose a city home for their children, thinking to give them greater advantages, meet with disappointment, and too late repent their terrible mistake. The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah. The many holidays encourage idleness. The exciting sports--theatergoing, horse racing, gambling, liquor-drinking, and reveling--stimulate every passion to intense activity. The youth are swept away by the popular current. Those who learn to love amusement for its own sake open the door to a flood of temptations. They give themselves up to social gaiety and thoughtless mirth, and their intercourse with pleasure lovers has an intoxicating effect upon the mind. They are led on from one form of dissipation to another, until they lose both the desire and the capacity for a life of usefulness. Their religious aspirations are chilled; their spiritual life is darkened. All the nobler faculties of the soul, all that link man with the spiritual world, are debased. It is true that some may see their folly and repent. God may pardon them. But they have wounded their own souls, and brought upon themselves a lifelong peril.

    The power of discernment, which ought ever to be kept keen and sensitive to distinguish between right and wrong, is in a great measure destroyed. They are not quick to recognize the guiding voice of the Holy Spirit, or to discern the devices of Satan. Too often in time of danger they fall under temptation, and are led away from God. The end of their pleasure-loving life is ruin for this world and for the world to come. Cares, riches, pleasures, all are used by Satan in playing the game of life for the human soul. The warning is given, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John 2:15, 16. He who reads the hearts of men as an open book says, "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life." Luke 21:34. And the apostle Paul by the Holy Spirit writes, "They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Tim. 6:9, 10.

    Throughout the parable of the sower, Christ represents the different results of the sowing as depending upon the soil. In every case the sower and the seed are the same. Thus He teaches that if the word of God fails of accomplishing its work in our hearts and lives, the reason is to be found in ourselves. But the result is not beyond our control. True, we cannot change ourselves; but the power of choice is ours, and it rests with us to determine what we will become. The wayside, the stony-ground, the thorny-ground hearers need not remain such. The Spirit of God is ever seeking to break the spell of infatuation that holds men absorbed in worldly things, and to awaken a desire for the imperishable treasure. It is by resisting the Spirit that men become inattentive to or neglectful of God's word. They are themselves responsible for the hardness of heart that prevents the good seed from taking root, and for the evil growths that check its development. The garden of the heart must be cultivated. The soil must be broken up by deep repentance for sin. Poisonous, Satanic plants must be uprooted. The soil once overgrown by thorns can be reclaimed only by diligent labor. So the evil tendencies of the natural heart can be overcome only by earnest effort in the name and strength of Jesus. The Lord bids us by His prophet, "Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns." "Sow to yourselves in righteousness; reap in mercy." Jer. 4:3; Hosea 10:12. This work He desires to accomplish for us, and He asks us to co-operate with Him.

    The sowers of the seed have a work to do in preparing hearts to receive the gospel. In the ministry of the word there is too much sermonizing, and too little of real heart-to-heart work. There is need of personal labor for the souls of the lost. In Christlike sympathy we should come close to men individually, and seek to awaken their interest in the great things of eternal life. Their hearts may be as hard as the beaten highway, and apparently it may be a useless effort to present the Saviour to them; but while logic may fail to move, and argument be powerless to convince, the love of Christ, revealed in personal ministry, may soften the stony heart, so that the seed of truth can take root. So the sowers have something to do that the seed may not be choked with thorns or perish because of shallowness of soil. At the very outset of the Christian life every believer should be taught its foundation principles. He should be taught that he is not merely to be saved by Christ's sacrifice, but that he is to make the life of Christ his life and the character of Christ his character. Let all be taught that they are to bear burdens and to deny natural inclination. Let them learn the blessedness of working for Christ, following Him in self-denial, and enduring hardness as good soldiers. Let them learn to trust His love and to cast on Him their cares. Let them taste the joy of winning souls for Him. In their love and interest for the lost, they will lose sight of self. The pleasures of the world will lose their power to attract and its burdens to dishearten. The plowshare of truth will do its work. It will break up the fallow ground. It will not merely cut off the tops of the thorns, but will take them out by the roots.

    The sower is not always to meet with disappointment. Of the seed that fell into good ground the Saviour said, This "is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." "That on the good ground are they, which, in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." The "honest and good heart" of which the parable speaks, is not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Christ said, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Mark 2:17. He has an honest heart who yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of God. He has a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey it. The good heart is a believing heart, one that has faith in the word of God. Without faith it is impossible to receive the word. "He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6. This "is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it." The Pharisees of Christ's day closed their eyes lest they should see, and their ears lest they should hear; therefore the truth could not reach their hearts. They were to suffer retribution for their willful ignorance and self-imposed blindness. But Christ taught His disciples that they were to open their minds to instruction, and be ready to believe. He pronounced a blessing upon them because they saw and heard with eyes and ears that believed. The good-ground hearer receives the word "not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God." 1 Thess. 2:13. Only he who receives the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking to himself is a true learner. He trembles at the word; for to him it is a living reality. He opens his understanding and his heart to receive it. Such hearers were Cornelius and his friends, who said to the apostle Peter, "Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." Acts 10:33.

    A knowledge of the truth depends not so much upon strength of intellect as upon pureness of purpose, the simplicity of an earnest, dependent faith. To those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance, angels of God draw near. The Holy Spirit is given to open to them the rich treasures of the truth. The good-ground hearers, having heard the word, keep it. Satan with all his agencies of evil is not able to catch it away. Merely to hear or to read the word is not enough. He who desires to be profited by the Scriptures must meditate upon the truth that has been presented to him. By earnest attention and prayerful thought he must learn the meaning of the words of truth, and drink deep of the spirit of the holy oracles. God bids us fill the mind with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to meditate upon His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. Then clearer and still clearer will be our perception of truth, higher, holier, our desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of Scriptures. "And bring forth fruit." Those who, having heard the word, keep it, will bring forth fruit in obedience. The word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character and life. Christ said of Himself, "I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart." Ps. 40:8. "I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." John 5:30. And the Scripture says, "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6.

    The word of God often comes in collision with man's hereditary and cultivated traits of character and his habits of life. But the good-ground hearer, in receiving the word, accepts all its conditions and requirements. His habits, customs, and practices are brought into submission to God's word. In his view the commands of finite, erring man sink into insignificance beside the word of the infinite God. With the whole heart, with undivided purpose, he is seeking the life eternal, and at the cost of loss, persecution, or death itself, he will obey the truth. And he brings forth fruit "with patience." None who receive God's word are exempt from difficulty and trial; but when affliction comes, the true Christian does not become restless, distrustful, or despondent. Though we can not see the definite outcome of affairs, or discern the purpose of God's providences, we are not to cast away our confidence. Remembering the tender mercies of the Lord, we should cast our care upon Him, and with patience wait for His salvation. Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces.

    The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness. "The husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain." James 5:7. So the Christian is to wait with patience for the fruition in his life of the word of God. Often when we pray for the graces of the Spirit, God works to answer our prayers by placing us in circumstances to develop these fruits; but we do not understand His purpose, and wonder, and are dismayed. Yet none can develop these graces except through the process of growth and fruit bearing. Our part is to receive God's word and to hold it fast, yielding ourselves fully to its control, and its purpose in us will be accomplished. "If a man love Me," Christ said, "he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23. The spell of a stronger, a perfect mind will be over us; for we have a living connection with the source of all-enduring strength. In our divine life we shall be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. We shall no longer live the common life of selfishness, but Christ will live in us. His character will be reproduced in our nature. Thus shall we bring forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit--"some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred."

    The parable of the sower excited much questioning. Some of the hearers gathered from it that Christ was not to establish an earthly kingdom, and many were curious and perplexed. Seeing their perplexity, Christ used other illustrations, still seeking to turn their thoughts from the hope of a worldly kingdom to the work of God's grace in the soul. "And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."

    The husbandman who "putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come," can be no other than Christ. It is He who at the last great day will reap the harvest of the earth. But the sower of the seed represents those who labor in Christ's stead. The seed is said to "spring and grow up, he knoweth not how," and this is not true of the Son of God. Christ does not sleep over His charge, but watches it day and night. He is not ignorant of how the seed grows. The parable of the seed reveals that God is at work in nature. The seed has in itself a germinating principle, a principle that God Himself has implanted; yet if left to itself the seed would have no power to spring up. Man has his part to act in promoting the growth of the grain. He must prepare and enrich the soil and cast in the seed. He must till the fields. But there is a point beyond which he can accomplish nothing. No strength or wisdom of man can bring forth from the seed the living plant. Let man put forth his efforts to the utmost limit, he must still depend upon One who has connected the sowing and the reaping by wonderful links of His own omnipotent power.

    There is life in the seed, there is power in the soil; but unless an infinite power is exercised day and night, the seed will yield no returns. The showers of rain must be sent to give moisture to the thirsty fields, the sun must impart heat, electricity must be conveyed to the buried seed. The life which the Creator has implanted, He alone can call forth. Every seed grows, every plant develops, by the power of God. "As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth." Isa. 61:11. As in the natural, so in the spiritual sowing; the teacher of truth must seek to prepare the soil of the heart; he must sow the seed; but the power that alone can produce life is from God. There is a point beyond which human effort is in vain.

    While we are to preach the word, we can not impart the power that will quicken the soul, and cause righteousness and praise to spring forth. In the preaching of the word there must be the working of an agency beyond any human power. Only through the divine Spirit will the word be living and powerful to renew the soul unto eternal life. This is what Christ tried to impress upon His disciples. He taught that it was nothing they possessed in themselves which would give success to their labors, but that it is the miracle-working power of God which gives efficiency to His own word. The work of the sower is a work of faith. The mystery of the germination and growth of the seed he cannot understand. But he has confidence in the agencies by which God causes vegetation to flourish. In casting his seed into the ground, he is apparently throwing away the precious grain that might furnish bread for his family. But he is only giving up a present good for a larger return. He casts the seed away, expecting to gather it manyfold in an abundant harvest. So Christ's servants are to labor, expecting a harvest from the seed they sow.

    The good seed may for a time lie unnoticed in a cold, selfish, worldly heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up, and at last bears fruit to the glory of God. In our lifework we know not which shall prosper, this or that. This is not a question for us to settle. We are to do our work, and leave the results with God. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand." Eccl. 11:6. God's great covenant declares that "while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest . . . shall not cease." Gen. 8:22. In the confidence of this promise the husbandman tills and sows. Not less confidently are we in the spiritual sowing to labor, trusting His assurance, "So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa. 55:11. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. 126:6. The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if God's purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply, our experience will enlarge, and our knowledge increase. We shall become strong to bear responsibility, and our maturity will be in proportion to our privileges.

    The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to sustain its life. It sends down its roots into the earth. It drinks in the sunshine, the dew, and the rain. It receives the life-giving properties from the air. So the Christian is to grow by co-operating with the divine agencies. Feeling our helplessness, we are to improve all the opportunities granted us to gain a fuller experience. As the plant takes root in the soil, so we are to take deep root in Christ. As the plant receives the sunshine, the dew, and the rain, we are to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. The work is to be done "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zech. 4:6. If we keep our minds stayed upon Christ, He will come unto us "as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hosea 6:3. As the Sun of Righteousness, He will arise upon us "with healing in His wings." Mal. 4:2. We shall "grow as the lily." We shall "revive as the corn, and grow as the vine." Hosea 14:5, 7. By constantly relying upon Christ as our personal Saviour, we shall grow up into Him in all things who is our head. The wheat develops "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." The object of the husbandman in the sowing of the seed and the culture of the growing plant is the production of grain. He desires bread for the hungry, and seed for future harvests. So the divine Husbandman looks for a harvest as the reward of His labor and sacrifice. Christ is seeking to reproduce Himself in the hearts of men; and He does this through those who believe in Him. The object of the Christian life is fruit bearing--the reproduction of Christ's character in the believer, that it may be reproduced in others.

    The plant does not germinate, grow, or bring forth fruit for itself, but to "give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater." Isa. 55:10. So no man is to live unto himself. The Christian is in the world as a representative of Christ, for the salvation of other souls. There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self. If you have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others. Talk of the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden of souls upon your heart, and by every means in your power seek to save the lost. As you receive the Spirit of Christ--the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others--you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Gal. 5:22, 23. This fruit can never perish, but will produce after its kind a harvest unto eternal life. "When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come." Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain.
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


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    Post  orthodoxymoron Wed Aug 28, 2019 4:04 am

    http://www.ellenwhite.info/books/books-by-egw-col.htm Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also." "The field," Christ said, "is the world." But we must understand this as signifying the church of Christ in the world. The parable is a description of that which pertains to the kingdom of God, His work of salvation of men; and this work is accomplished through the church. True, the Holy Spirit has gone out into all the world; everywhere it is moving upon the hearts of men; but it is in the church that we are to grow and ripen for the garner of God. "He that sowed the good seed is the Son of man. . . . The good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one." The good seed represents those who are born of the word of God, the truth. The tares represent a class who are the fruit or embodiment of error, of false principles. "The enemy that sowed them is the devil." Neither God nor His angels ever sowed a seed that would produce a tare. The tares are always sown by Satan, the enemy of God and man. In the East, men sometimes took revenge upon an enemy by strewing his newly sown fields with the seeds of some noxious weed that, while growing, closely resembled wheat. Springing up with the wheat, it injured the crop and brought trouble and loss to the owner of the field. So it is from enmity to Christ that Satan scatters his evil seed among the good grain of the kingdom. The fruit of his sowing he attributes to the Son of God. By bringing into the church those who bear Christ's name while they deny His character, the wicked one causes that God shall be dishonored, the work of salvation misrepresented, and souls imperiled.

    Christ's servants are grieved as they see true and false believers mingled in the church. They long to do something to cleanse the church. Like the servants of the householder, they are ready to uproot the tares. But Christ says to them, "Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest." Christ has plainly taught that those who persist in open sin must be separated from the church, but He has not committed to us the work of judging character and motive. He knows our nature too well to entrust this work to us. Should we try to uproot from the church those whom we suppose to be spurious Christians, we should be sure to make mistakes. Often we regard as hopeless subjects the very ones whom Christ is drawing to Himself. Were we to deal with these souls according to our imperfect judgment, it would perhaps extinguish their last hope. Many who think themselves Christians will at last be found wanting. Many will be in heaven who their neighbors supposed would never enter there. Man judges from appearance, but God judges the heart. The tares and the wheat are to grow together until the harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary time.

    There is in the Saviour's words another lesson, a lesson of wonderful forbearance and tender love. As the tares have their roots closely intertwined with those of the good grain, so false brethren in the church may be closely linked with true disciples. The real character of these pretended believers is not fully manifested. Were they to be separated from the church, others might be caused to stumble, who but for this would have remained steadfast. The teaching of this parable is illustrated in God's own dealing with men and angels. Satan is a deceiver. When he sinned in heaven, even the loyal angels did not fully discern his character. This was why God did not at once destroy Satan. Had He done so, the holy angels would not have perceived the justice and love of God. A doubt of God's goodness would have been as evil seed that would yield the bitter fruit of sin and woe. Therefore the author of evil was spared, fully to develop his character. Through long ages God has borne the anguish of beholding the work of evil, He has given the infinite Gift of Calvary, rather than leave any to be deceived by the misrepresentations of the wicked one; for the tares could not be plucked up without danger of uprooting the precious grain. And shall we not be as forbearing toward our fellow men as the Lord of heaven and earth is toward Satan? The world has no right to doubt the truth of Christianity because there are unworthy members in the church, nor should Christians become disheartened because of these false brethren. How was it with the early church? Ananias and Sapphira joined themselves to the disciples. Simon Magus was baptized. Demas, who forsook Paul, had been counted a believer. Judas Iscariot was numbered with the apostles. The Redeemer does not want to lose one soul; His experience with Judas is recorded to show His long patience with perverse human nature; and He bids us bear with it as He has borne. He has said that false brethren will be found in the church till the close of time.

    Notwithstanding Christ's warning, men have sought to uproot the tares. To punish those who were supposed to be evildoers, the church has had recourse to the civil power. Those who differed from the established doctrines have been imprisoned, put to torture and to death, at the instigation of men who claimed to be acting under the sanction of Christ. But it is the spirit of Satan, not the Spirit of Christ, that inspires such acts. This is Satan's own method of bringing the world under his dominion. God has been misrepresented through the church by this way of dealing with those supposed to be heretics. Not judgment and condemnation of others, but humility and distrust of self, is the teaching of Christ's parable. Not all that is sown in the field is good grain. The fact that men are in the church does not prove them Christians. The tares closely resembled the wheat while the blades were green; but when the field was white for the harvest, the worthless weeds bore no likeness to the wheat that bowed under the weight of its full, ripe heads.

    Sinners who make a pretension of piety mingle for a time with the true followers of Christ, and the semblance of Christianity is calculated to deceive many; but in the harvest of the world there will be no likeness between good and evil. Then those who have joined the church, but who have not joined Christ, will be manifest. The tares are permitted to grow among the wheat, to have all the advantage of sun and shower; but in the time of harvest ye shall "return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not." Mal. 3:18. Christ Himself will decide who are worthy to dwell with the family of heaven. He will judge every man according to his words and his works. Profession is as nothing in the scale. It is character that decides destiny. The Saviour does not point forward to a time when all the tares become wheat. The wheat and tares grow together until the harvest, the end of the world. Then the tares are bound in bundles to be burned, and the wheat is gathered into the garner of God. "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father." Then "the Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

    In the multitude that listened to Christ's teaching there were many Pharisees. These noted contemptuously how few of His hearers acknowledged Him as the Messiah. And they questioned with themselves how this unpretending teacher could exalt Israel to universal dominion. Without riches, power, or honor, how was He to establish the new kingdom? Christ read their thoughts and answered them: "Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?" In earthly governments there was nothing that could serve for a similitude. No civil society could afford Him a symbol. "It is like a grain of mustard seed," He said, "which, when it is sown upon the earth, though it be less than all the seeds that are upon the earth, yet when it is sown, groweth up, and becometh greater than all the herbs, and putteth out great branches; so that the birds of the heaven can lodge under the shadow thereof." (R.V.)

    The germ in the seed grows by the unfolding of the life-principle which God has implanted. Its development depends upon no human power. So it is with the kingdom of Christ. It is a new creation. Its principles of development are the opposite of those that rule the kingdoms of this world. Earthly governments prevail by physical force; they maintain their dominion by war; but the founder of the new kingdom is the Prince of Peace. The Holy Spirit represents worldly kingdoms under the symbol of fierce beasts of prey; but Christ is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. In His plan of government there is no employment of brute force to compel the conscience. The Jews looked for the kingdom of God to be established in the same way as the kingdoms of the world. To promote righteousness they resorted to external measures. They devised methods and plans. But Christ implants a principle. By implanting truth and righteousness, He counterworks error and sin.

    As Jesus spoke this parable, the mustard plant could be seen far and near, lifting itself above the grass and grain, and waving its branches lightly in the air. Birds flitted from twig to twig, and sang amid the leafy foliage. Yet the seed from which sprang this giant plant was among the least of all seeds. At first it sent up a tender shoot, but it was of strong vitality, and grew and flourished until it reached its present great size. So the kingdom of Christ in its beginning seemed humble and insignificant. Compared with earthly kingdoms it appeared to be the least of all. By the rulers of this world Christ's claim to be a king was ridiculed. Yet in the mighty truths committed to His followers the kingdom of the gospel possessed a divine life. And how rapid was its growth, how widespread its influence! When Christ spoke this parable, there were only a few Galilean peasants to represent the new kingdom. Their poverty, the fewness of their numbers, were urged over and over again as a reason why men should not connect themselves with these simple-minded fishermen who followed Jesus. But the mustard seed was to grow and spread forth its branches throughout the world. When the earthly kingdoms whose glory then filled the hearts of men should perish, the kingdom of Christ would remain, a mighty and far-reaching power. So the work of grace in the heart is small in its beginning. A word is spoken, a ray of light is shed into the soul, an influence is exerted that is the beginning of the new life; and who can measure its results?

    Not only is the growth of Christ's kingdom illustrated by the parable of the mustard seed, but in every stage of its growth the experience represented in the parable is repeated. For His church in every generation God has a special truth and a special work. The truth that is hid from the worldly wise and prudent is revealed to the child-like and humble. It calls for self-sacrifice. It has battles to fight and victories to win. At the outset its advocates are few. By the great men of the world and by a world-conforming church, they are opposed and despised. See John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, standing alone to rebuke the pride and formalism of the Jewish nation. See the first bearers of the gospel into Europe. How obscure, how hopeless, seemed the mission of Paul and Silas, the two tentmakers, as they with their companions took ship at Troas for Philippi. See "Paul the aged," in chains, preaching Christ in the stronghold of the Caesars. See the little communities of slaves and peasants in conflict with the heathenism of imperial Rome. See Martin Luther withstanding that mighty church which is the masterpiece of the world's wisdom. See him holding fast God's word against emperor and pope, declaring, "Here I take my stand; I can not do otherwise. God be my help." See John Wesley preaching Christ and His righteousness in the midst of formalism, sensualism, and infidelity. See one burdened with the woes of the heathen world, pleading for the privilege of carrying to them Christ's message of love. Hear the response of ecclesiasticism: "Sit down, young man. When God wants to convert the heathen, He will do it without your help or mine."

    The great leaders of religious thought in this generation sound the praises and build the monuments of those who planted the seed of truth centuries ago. Do not many turn from this work to trample down the growth springing from the same seed today? The old cry is repeated, "We  know  that God spake unto Moses; as for this fellow [Christ in the messenger He sends], we know not from whence he is." John 9:29. As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God. "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are" (1 Cor. 1:26-28); "that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:5). And in this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to reach a signal and triumphant fulfillment. The little seed will become a tree. The last message of warning and mercy is to go to "every nation and kindred and tongue" (Rev. 14:6-14), "to take out of them a people for His name" (Acts 15:14; Rev. 18:1). And the earth shall be lightened with His glory.

    From the work of seed sowing and the growth of the plant from the seed, precious lessons may be taught in the family and the school. Let the children and youth learn to recognize in natural things the working of divine agencies, and they will be enabled to grasp by faith unseen benefits. As they come to understand the wonderful work of God in supplying the wants of His great family, and how we are to co-operate with Him, they will have more faith in God, and will realize more of His power in their own daily life. God created the seed, as He created the earth, by His word. By His word He gave it power to grow and multiply. He said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth; and it was so. . . : And God saw that it was good." Gen. 1:11, 12. It is that word which still causes the seed to grow. Every seed that sends up its green blade to the sunlight declares the wonder-working power of that word uttered by Him who "spake, and it was"; who "commanded, and it stood fast." Ps. 33:9. Christ taught His disciples to pray "Give us this day our daily bread." And pointing to the flowers He gave them the assurance, "If God so clothe the grass of the field, . . . shall He not much more clothe you?" Matt. 6:11, 30. Christ is constantly working to answer this prayer, and to make good this assurance. There is an invisible power constantly at work as man's servant to feed and to clothe him. Many agencies our Lord employs to make the seed, apparently thrown away, a living plant. And He supplies in due proportion all that is required to perfect the harvest. In the beautiful words of the psalmist:


    "Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it; Thou greatly enrichest it;
    The river of God is full of water;
    Thou providest them corn when Thou hast so prepared the earth.
    Thou waterest her furrows abundantly;
    Thou settlest the ridges thereof;
    Thou makest it soft with showers;
    Thou blessest the springing thereof.
    Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness;
    And Thy paths drop fatness."
    Ps. 65:9-11, R.V.

    The material world is under God's control. The laws of nature are obeyed by nature. Everything speaks and acts the will of the Creator. Cloud and sunshine, dew and rain, wind and storm, all are under the supervision of God, and yield implicit obedience to His command. It is in obedience to the law of God that the spire of grain bursts through the ground, "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." Mark 4:28. These the Lord develops in their proper season because they do not resist His working. And can it be that man, made in the image of God, endowed with reason and speech, shall alone be unappreciative of His gifts and disobedient to His will? Shall rational beings alone cause confusion in our world? In everything that tends to the sustenance of man is seen the concurrence of divine and human effort. There can be no reaping unless the human hand acts its part in the sowing of the seed. But without the agencies which God provides in giving sunshine and showers, dew and clouds, there would be no increase. Thus it is in every business pursuit, in every department of study and science. Thus it is in spiritual things, in the formation of the character, and in every line of Christian work. We have a part to act, but we must have the power of divinity to unite with us, or our efforts will be in vain.

    Whenever man accomplishes anything, whether in spiritual or in temporal lines, he should bear in mind that he does it through co-operation with his Maker. There is great necessity for us to realize our dependence on God. Too much confidence is placed in man, too much reliance on human inventions. There is too little confidence in the power which God stands ready to give. "We are laborers together with God." 1 Cor. 3:9. Immeasurably inferior is the part which the human agent sustains; but if he is linked with the divinity of Christ, he can do all things through the strength that Christ imparts. The gradual development of the plant from the seed is an object lesson in child training. There is "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." He who gave this parable created the tiny seed, gave it its vital properties, and ordained the laws that govern its growth. And the truths which the parable teaches were made a living reality in His own life. In both His physical and His spiritual nature He followed the divine order of growth illustrated by the plant, as He wishes all youth to do. Although He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time represented the helpless infant in its mother's care. In childhood He did the works of an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a child and not of a man, honoring His parents and carrying out their wishes in helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at each stage of His development He was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a sinless life. The sacred record says of His childhood, "The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him." And of His youth it is recorded, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:40, 52. The work of parents and teachers is here suggested. They should aim so to cultivate the tendencies of the youth that at each stage of their life they may represent the natural beauty appropriate to that period, unfolding naturally, as do the plants in the garden.

    Those children are most attractive who are natural, unaffected. It is not wise to give them special notice, and repeat their clever sayings before them. Vanity should not be encouraged by praising their looks, their words, or their actions. Nor should they be dressed in an expensive or showy manner. This encourages pride in them, and awakens envy in the hearts of their companions. The little ones should be educated in childlike simplicity. They should be trained to be content with the small, helpful duties and the pleasures and experiences natural to their years. Childhood answers to the blade in the parable, and the blade has a beauty peculiarly its own. The children should not be forced into a precocious maturity but should retain as long as possible the freshness and grace of their early years. The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years. This is all that God expects of them. They need to be educated in spiritual things; and parents should give them every advantage that they may form characters after the similitude of the character of Christ. In the laws of God in nature, effect follows cause with unerring certainty. The reaping will testify as to what the sowing has been. The slothful worker is condemned by his work. The harvest bears witness against him. So in spiritual things: the faithfulness of every worker is measured by the results of his work. The character of his work, whether diligent or slothful, is revealed by the harvest. It is thus that his destiny for eternity is decided. Every seed sown produces a harvest of its kind. So it is in human life. We all need to sow the seeds of compassion, sympathy, and love; for we shall reap what we sow. Every characteristic of selfishness, self-love, self-esteem, every act of self-indulgence, will bring forth a like harvest. He who lives for self is sowing to the flesh, and of the flesh he will reap corruption.

    God destroys no man. Everyone who is destroyed will have destroyed himself. Everyone who stifles the admonitions of conscience is sowing the seeds of unbelief, and these will produce a sure harvest. By rejecting the first warning from God, Pharaoh of old sowed the seeds of obstinacy, and he reaped obstinacy. God did not compel him to disbelieve. The seed of unbelief which he sowed produced a harvest of its kind. Thus his resistance continued, until he looked upon his devastated land, upon the cold, dead form of his first-born, and the first-born of all in his house and of all the families in his kingdom, until the waters of the sea closed over his horses and his chariots and his men of war. His history is a fearful illustration of the truth of the words that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal. 6:7. Did men but realize this, they would be careful what seed they sow. As the seed sown produces a harvest, and this in turn is sown, the harvest is multiplied. In our relation to others, this law holds true. Every act, every word, is a seed that will bear fruit. Every deed of thoughtful kindness, of obedience, or of self-denial, will reproduce itself in others, and through them in still others. So every act of envy, malice, or dissension is a seed that will spring up in a "root of bitterness" (Heb. 12:15), whereby many shall be defiled. And how much larger number will the "many" poison. Thus the sowing of good and evil goes on for time and for eternity.

    Liberality both in spiritual and in temporal things is taught in the lesson of seed sowing. The Lord says, "Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters." Isa. 32:20. "This I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." 2 Cor. 9:6. To sow beside all waters means a continual imparting of God's gifts. It means giving wherever the cause of God or the needs of humanity demand our aid. This will not tend to poverty. "He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." The sower multiplies his seed by casting it away. So it is with those who are faithful in distributing God's gifts. By imparting they increase their blessings. God has promised them a sufficiency that they may continue to give. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." Luke 6:38. And more than this is wrapped up in the sowing and the reaping. As we distribute God's temporal blessings, the evidence of our love and sympathy awakens in the receiver gratitude and thanksgiving to God. The soil of the heart is prepared to receive the seeds of spiritual truth. And He who ministers seed to the sower will cause the seed to germinate and bear fruit unto eternal life. -

    By the casting of the grain into the soil, Christ represents the sacrifice of Himself for our redemption. "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die," He says, "it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." John 12:24. So the death of Christ will result in fruit for the kingdom of God. In accordance with the law of the vegetable kingdom, life will be the result of His death. And all who would bring forth fruit as workers together with Christ must first fall into the ground and die. The life must be cast into the furrow of the world's need. Self-love, self-interest, must perish. But the law of self-sacrifice is the law of self-preservation. The seed buried in the ground produces fruit, and in turn this is planted. Thus the harvest is multiplied. The husbandman preserves his grain by casting it away. So in human life, to give is to live. The life that will be preserved is the life that is freely given in service to God and man. Those who for Christ's sake sacrifice their life in this world, will keep it unto life eternal.

    The seed dies to spring forth into new life, and in this we are taught the lesson of the resurrection. All who love God will live again in the Eden above. Of the human body laid away to molder in the grave God has said, "It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power." 1 Cor. 15:42, 43. Such are a few of the many lessons taught by nature's living parable of the sower and the seed. As parents and teachers try to teach these lessons, the work should be made practical. Let the children themselves prepare the soil and sow the seed. As they work, the parent or teacher can explain the garden of the heart with the good or bad seed sown there, and that as the garden must be prepared for the natural seed, so the heart must be prepared for the seed of truth. As the seed is cast into the ground, they can teach the lesson of Christ's death; and as the blade springs up, they can teach the lesson of the truth of the resurrection. As the plants grow, the correspondence between the natural and the spiritual sowing may be continued.

    The youth should be instructed in a similar way. They should be taught to till the soil. It would be well if there were, connected with every school, lands for cultivation. Such lands should be regarded as God's own schoolroom. The things of nature should be looked upon as a lesson book which His children are to study, and from which they may obtain knowledge as to the culture of the soul. In tilling the soil, in disciplining and subduing the land, lessons may constantly be learned. No one would think of settling upon a raw piece of land, expecting it at once to yield a harvest. Earnestness, diligence, and persevering labor are to be put forth in treating the soil preparatory to sowing the seed. So it is in the spiritual work in the human heart. Those who would be benefited by the tilling of the soil must go forth with the word of God in their hearts. They will then find the fallow ground of the heart broken by the softening, subduing influence of the Holy Spirit. Unless hard work is bestowed on the soil, it will not yield a harvest. So with the soil of the heart: the Spirit of God must work upon it to refine and discipline it before it can bring forth fruit to the glory of God. The soil will not produce its riches when worked by impulse. It needs thoughtful, daily attention. It must be plowed often and deep, with a view to keeping out the weeds that take nourishment from the good seed planted.

    Thus those who plow and sow prepare for the harvest. None need stand in the field amid the sad wreck of their hopes. The blessing of the Lord will rest upon those thus work the land, learning spiritual lessons from nature. In cultivating the soil the worker knows little what treasures will open up before him. While he is not to despise the instruction he may gather from minds that have had an experience, and from the information that intelligent men may impart, he should gather lessons for himself. This is a part of his training. The cultivation of the soil will prove an education to the soul. He who causes the seed to spring up, who tends it day and night, who gives it power to develop, is the Author of our being, the King of heaven, and He exercises still greater care and interest in behalf of His children. While the human sower is planting the seed to sustain our earthly life, the Divine Sower will plant in the soul the seed that will bring forth fruit unto life everlasting.

    Many educated and influential men had come to hear the Prophet of Galilee. Some of these looked with curious interest upon the multitude that had gathered about Christ as He taught by the sea. In this great throng all classes of society were represented. There were the poor, the illiterate, the ragged beggar, the robber with the seal of guilt upon his face, the maimed, the dissipated, the merchant and the man of leisure, high and low, rich and poor, all crowding upon one another for a place to stand and hear the words of Christ. As these cultured men gazed upon the strange assembly, they asked themselves, Is the kingdom of God composed of such material as this? Again the Saviour replied by a parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."

    Among the Jews leaven was sometimes used as an emblem of sin. At the time of the Passover the people were directed to remove all the leaven from their houses as they were to put away sin from their hearts. Christ warned His disciples, "Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." Luke 12:1. And the apostle Paul speaks of the "leaven of malice and wickedness." 1 Cor. 5:8. But in the Saviour's parable, leaven is used to represent the kingdom of heaven. It illustrates the quickening, assimilating power of the grace of God. None are so vile, none have fallen so low, as to be beyond the working of this power. In all who will submit themselves to the Holy Spirit a new principle of life is to be implanted; the lost image of God is to be restored in humanity. But man cannot transform himself by the exercise of his will. He possesses no power by which this change can be effected. The leaven--something wholly from without--must be put into the meal before the desired change can be wrought in it. So the grace of God must be received by the sinner before he can be fitted for the kingdom of glory. All the culture and education which the world can give will fail of making a degraded child of sin a child of heaven. The renewing energy must come from God. The change can be made only by the Holy Spirit. All who would be saved, high or low, rich or poor, must submit to the working of this power. As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform the life. No mere external change is sufficient to bring us into harmony with God. There are many who try to reform by correcting this or that bad habit, and they hope in this way to become Christians, but they are beginning in the wrong place. Our first work is with the heart.

    A profession of faith and the possession of truth in the soul are two different things. The mere knowledge of truth is not enough. We may possess this, but the tenor of our thoughts may not be changed. The heart must be converted and sanctified. The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation merely--because he is required to do so--will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right--because right doing is pleasing to God. The great truth of the conversion of the heart by the Holy Spirit is presented in Christ's words to Nicodemus: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born from above, he can not see the kingdom of God. . . . That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth. So is every one that is born of the Spirit." John 3:3-8, margin. The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, "God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Eph. 2:4-8.

    The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the whole mass under its leavening process; so the leaven of truth works secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul. The natural inclinations are softened and subdued. New thoughts, new feelings, new motives, are implanted. A new standard of character is set up--the life of Christ. The mind is changed; the faculties are roused to action in new lines. Man is not endowed with new faculties, but the faculties he has are sanctified. The conscience is awakened. We are endowed with traits of character that enable us to do service for God. Often the question arises, Why, then, are there so many, claiming to believe God's word, in whom there is not seen a reformation in words, in spirit, and in character? Why are there so many who cannot bear opposition to their purposes and plans, who manifest an unholy temper, and whose words are harsh, overbearing, and passionate? There is seen in their lives the same love of self, the same selfish indulgence, the same temper and hasty speech, that is seen in the life of the worldling. There is the same sensitive pride, the same yielding to natural inclination, the same perversity of character, as if the truth were wholly unknown to them. The reason is that they are not converted. They have not hidden the leaven of truth in the heart. It has not had opportunity to do its work. Their natural and cultivated tendencies to evil have not been submitted to its transforming power. Their lives reveal the absence of the grace of Christ, an unbelief in His power to transform the character. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom. 10:17. The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation of character. Christ prayed, "Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth." John 17:17. If studied and obeyed, the word of God works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us in body, soul, and spirit to His own image. Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth that has been communicated to us.

    The truths of the word of God meet man's great practical necessity--the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life. Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the faculties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving. The world regards as a mystery the man who is imbued with this principle. The selfish, money-loving man lives only to secure for himself the riches, honors, and pleasures of this world. He loses the eternal world from his reckoning. But with the follower of Christ these things will not be all-absorbing. For Christ's sake he will labor and deny self, that he may aid in the great work of saving souls who are without Christ and without hope in the world. Such a man the world cannot understand; for he is keeping in view eternal realities. The love of Christ with its redeeming power has come into the heart. This love masters every other motive, and raises its possessor above the corrupting influence of the world.

    The word of God is to have a sanctifying effect on our association with every member of the human family. The leaven of truth will not produce the spirit of rivalry, the love of ambition, the desire to be first. True, heaven-born love is not selfish and changeable. It is not dependent on human praise. The heart of him who receives the grace of God overflows with love for God and for those for whom Christ died. Self is not struggling for recognition. He does not love others because they love and please him, because they appreciate his merits, but because they are Christ's purchased possession. If his motives, words, or actions are misunderstood or misrepresented, he takes no offense, but pursues the even tenor of his way. He is kind and thoughtful, humble in his opinion of himself, yet full of hope, always trusting in the mercy and love of God. The apostle exhorts us, "As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15, 16. The grace of Christ is to control the temper and the voice. Its working will be seen in politeness and tender regard shown by brother for brother, in kind, encouraging words. An angel presence is in the home. The life breathes a sweet perfume, which ascends to God as holy incense. Love is manifested in kindness, gentleness, forbearance, and long-suffering. The countenance is changed. Christ abiding in the heart shines out in the faces of those who love Him and keep His commandments. Truth is written there. The sweet peace of heaven is revealed. There is expressed a habitual gentleness, a more than human love. The leaven of truth works a change in the whole man, making the coarse refined, the rough gentle, the selfish generous. By it the impure are cleansed, washed in the blood of the Lamb. Through its life-giving power it brings all there is of mind and soul and strength into harmony with the divine life. Man with his human nature becomes a partaker of divinity. Christ is honored in excellence and perfection of character. As these changes are effected, angels break forth in rapturous song, and God and Christ rejoice over souls fashioned after the divine similitude.

    "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth the field." In ancient times it was customary for men to hide their treasures in the earth. Thefts and robberies were frequent. And whenever there was a change in the ruling power, those who had large possessions were liable to be put under heavy tribute. Moreover the country was in constant danger of invasion by marauding armies. As a consequence, the rich endeavored to preserve their wealth by concealing it, and the earth was looked upon as a safe hiding place. But often the place of concealment was forgotten; death might claim the owner, imprisonment or exile might separate him from his treasure, and the wealth he had taken such pains to preserve was left for the fortunate finder. In Christ's day it was not uncommon to discover in neglected land old coins and ornaments of gold and silver.

    A man hires land to cultivate, and as the oxen plow the soil, buried treasure is unearthed. As the man discovers this treasure, he sees that a fortune is within his reach. Restoring the gold to its hiding place, he returns to his home and sells all that he has, in order to purchase the field containing the treasure. His family and his neighbors think that he is acting like a madman. Looking on the field, they see no value in the neglected soil. But the man knows what he is doing; and when he has a title to the field, he searches every part of it to find the treasure that he has secured. This parable illustrates the value of the heavenly treasure, and the effort that should be made to secure it. The finder of the treasure in the field was ready to part with all that he had, ready to put forth untiring labor, in order to secure the hidden riches. So the finder of heavenly treasure will count no labor too great and no sacrifice too dear, in order to gain the treasures of truth. In the parable the field containing the treasure represents the Holy Scriptures. And the gospel is the treasure. The earth itself is not so interlaced with golden veins and filled with precious things as is the word of God.

    The treasures of the gospel are said to be hidden. By those who are wise in their own estimation, who are puffed up by the teaching of vain philosophy, the beauty and power and mystery of the plan of redemption are not perceived. Many have eyes, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not; they have intellect, but they discern not the hidden treasure. A man might pass over the place where treasure had been concealed. In dire necessity he might sit down to rest at the foot of a tree, not knowing of the riches hidden at its roots. So it was with the Jews. As a golden treasure, truth had been intrusted to the Hebrew people. The Jewish economy, bearing the signature of Heaven, had been instituted by Christ Himself. In types and symbols the great truths of redemption were veiled. Yet when Christ came, the Jews did not recognize Him to whom all these symbols pointed. They had the word of God in their hands; but the traditions which had been handed down from generation to generation, and the human interpretation of the Scriptures, hid from them the truth as it is in Jesus. The spiritual import of the sacred writings was lost. The treasure house of all knowledge was open to them, but they knew it not. God does not conceal His truth from men. By their own course of action they make it obscure to themselves. Christ gave the Jewish people abundant evidence that He was the Messiah; but His teaching called for a decided change in their lives. They saw that if they received Christ, they must give up their cherished maxims and traditions, their selfish, ungodly practices. It required a sacrifice to receive changeless, eternal truth. Therefore they would not admit the most conclusive evidence that God could give to establish faith in Christ. They professed to believe the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they refused to accept the testimony contained therein concerning Christ's life and character. They were afraid of being convinced lest they should be converted and be compelled to give up their preconceived opinions.

    The treasure of the gospel, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, was among them, but they rejected the greatest gift that Heaven could bestow. "Among the chief rulers also many believed on Him," we read; "but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue." John 12:42. They were convinced; they believed Jesus to be the Son of God; but it was not in harmony with their ambitious desires to confess Him. They had not the faith that would have secured for them the heavenly treasure. They were seeking worldly treasure. And today men are eagerly seeking for earthly treasure. Their minds are filled with selfish, ambitious thoughts. For the sake of gaining worldly riches, honor, or power, they place the maxims, traditions, and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From them the treasures of His word are hidden. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned," 1 Cor. 2:14. "If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Cor. 4:3, 4.

    The Saviour saw that men were absorbed in getting gain, and were losing sight of eternal realities. He undertook to correct this evil. He sought to break the infatuating spell that was paralyzing the soul. Lifting up His voice He cried, "What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matt. 16:26. He presents before fallen humanity the nobler world they have lost sight of, that they may behold eternal realities. He takes them to the threshold of the Infinite, flushed with the indescribable glory of God, and shows them the treasure there. The value of this treasure is above gold or silver. The riches of earth's mines cannot compare with it.


    "The depth saith, It is not in me; And the sea saith, It is not with me.
    It can not be gotten for gold,
    Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
    It can not be valued with the gold of Ophir,
    With the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
    The gold and the crystal can not equal it;
    And the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.
    No mention shall be made of coral or of pearls,
    For the price of wisdom is above rubies."
    Job 28:14-18.

    This is the treasure that is found in the Scriptures. The Bible is God's great lesson book, His great educator. The foundation of all true science is contained in the Bible. Every branch of knowledge may be found by searching the word of God. And above all else it contains the science of all sciences, the science of salvation. The Bible is the mine of the unsearchable riches of Christ. The true higher education is gained by studying and obeying the word of God. But when God's word is laid aside for books that do not lead to God and the kingdom of heaven, the education acquired is a perversion of the name. There are wonderful truths in nature. The earth, the sea, and the sky are full of truth. They are our teachers. Nature utters her voice in lessons of heavenly wisdom and eternal truth. But fallen man will not understand. Sin has obscured his vision, and he cannot of himself interpret nature without placing it above God. Correct lessons cannot impress the minds of those who reject the word of God. The teaching of nature is by them so perverted that it turns the mind away from the Creator. By many, man's wisdom is thought to be higher than the wisdom of the divine Teacher, and God's lesson book is looked upon as old-fashioned, stale, and uninteresting. But by those who have been vivified by the Holy Spirit it is not so regarded. They see the priceless treasure, and would sell all to buy the field that contains it. Instead of books containing the suppositions of reputedly great authors, they choose the word of Him who is the greatest author and the greatest teacher the world has ever known, who gave His life for us, that through Him we might have everlasting life.

    Satan works on human minds, leading them to think that there is wonderful knowledge to be gained apart from God. By deceptive reasoning he led Adam and Eve to doubt God's word, and to supply its place with a theory that led to disobedience. And his sophistry is doing today what it did in Eden. Teachers who mingle the sentiments of infidel authors with the education they are giving, plant in the minds of youth thoughts that will lead to distrust of God and transgression of His law. Little do they know what they are doing. Little do they realize what will be the result of their work. A student may go through all the grades of the schools and colleges of today. He may devote all his powers to acquiring knowledge. But unless he has a knowledge of God, unless he obeys the laws that govern his being, he will destroy himself. By wrong habits he loses his power of self-appreciation. He loses self-control. He cannot reason correctly about matters that concern him most closely. He is reckless and irrational in his treatment of mind and body. By wrong habits he makes of himself a wreck. Happiness he cannot have; for his neglect to cultivate pure, healthful principles places him under the control of habits that ruin his peace. His years of taxing study are lost, for he has destroyed himself. He has misused his physical and mental powers, and the temple of the body is in ruins. He is ruined for this life and for the life to come. By acquiring earthly knowledge he thought to gain a treasure, but by laying his Bible aside he sacrificed a treasure worth everything else.

    The word of God is to be our study. We are to educate our children in the truths found therein. It is an inexhaustible treasure; but men fail to find this treasure because they do not search until it is within their possession. Very many are content with a supposition in regard to the truth. They are content with a surface work, taking for granted that they have all that is essential. They take the sayings of others for truth, being too indolent to put themselves to diligent, earnest labor, represented in the word as digging for hidden treasure. But man's inventions are not only unreliable, they are dangerous; for they place man where God should be. They place the sayings of men where a "Thus saith the Lord" should be. Christ is the truth. His words are truth, and they have a deeper significance than appears on the surface. All the sayings of Christ have a value beyond their unpretending appearance. Minds that are quickened by the Holy Spirit will discern the value of these sayings. They will discern the precious gems of truth, though these may be buried treasures. Human theories and speculations will never lead to an understanding to God's word. Those who suppose that they understand philosophy think that their explanations are necessary to unlock the treasures of knowledge and to prevent heresies from coming into the church. But it is these explanations that have brought in false theories and heresies. Men have made desperate efforts to explain what they thought to be intricate scriptures; but too often their efforts have only darkened that which they tried to make clear.

    The priests and Pharisees thought they were doing great things as teachers by putting their own interpretation upon the word of God, but Christ said of them, "Ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God." Mark 12:24. He charged them with the guilt of "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Mark 7:7. Though they were the teachers of the oracles of God, though they were supposed to understand His word, they were not doers of the word. Satan had blinded their eyes that they should not see its true import. This is the work of many in our day. Many churches are guilty of this sin. There is danger, great danger, that the supposed wise men of today will repeat the experience of the Jewish teachers. They falsely interpret the divine oracles, and souls are brought into perplexity and shrouded in darkness because of their misconception of divine truth. The Scriptures need not be read by the dim light of tradition or human speculation. As well might we try to give light to the sun with a torch as to explain the Scriptures by human tradition or imagination. God's holy word needs not the torchlight glimmer of earth to make its glories distinguishable. It is light in itself--the glory of God revealed, and beside it every other light is dim. But there must be earnest study and close investigation. Sharp, clear perceptions of truth will never be the reward of indolence. No earthy blessing can be obtained without earnest, patient, persevering effort. If men attain success in business, they must have a will to do and a faith to look for results. And we cannot expect to gain spiritual knowledge without earnest toil. Those who desire to find the treasures of truth must dig for them as the miner digs for the treasure hidden in the earth. No halfhearted, indifferent work will avail. It is essential for old and young, not only to read God's word, but to study it with wholehearted earnestness, praying and searching for truth as for hidden treasure. Those who do this will be rewarded, for Christ will quicken the understanding.

    Our salvation depends on a knowledge of the truth contained in the Scriptures. It is God's will that we should possess this. Search, O search the precious Bible with hungry hearts. Explore God's word as the miner explores the earth to find veins of gold. Never give up the search until you have ascertained your relation to God and His will in regard to you. Christ declared, "Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:13, 14. Men of piety and talent catch views of eternal realities, but often they fail of understanding, because the things that are seen eclipse the glory of the unseen. He who would seek successfully for the hidden treasure must rise to higher pursuits than the things of this world. His affections and all His capabilities must be consecrated to the search. Disobedience has closed the door to a vast amount of knowledge that might have been gained from the Scriptures. Understanding means obedience to God's commandments. The Scriptures are not to be adapted to meet the prejudice and jealousy of men. They can be understood only by those who are humbly seeking for a knowledge of the truth that they may obey it. Do you ask, What shall I do to be saved? You must lay your preconceived opinions, your hereditary and cultivated ideas, at the door of investigation. If you search the Scriptures to vindicate your own opinions, you will never reach the truth. Search in order to learn what the Lord says. If conviction comes as you search, if you see that your cherished opinions are not in harmony with the truth, do not misinterpret the truth in order to suit your own belief, but accept the light given. Open mind and heart that you may behold wondrous things out of God's word.

    Faith in Christ as the world's Redeemer calls for an acknowledgment of the enlightened intellect controlled by a heart that can discern and appreciate the heavenly treasure. This faith is inseparable from repentance and transformation of character. To have faith means to find and accept the gospel treasure, with all the obligations which it imposes. "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. He may conjecture and imagine, but without the eye of faith he cannot see the treasure. Christ gave His life to secure for us this inestimable treasure; but without regeneration through faith in His blood, there is no remission of sins, no treasure for any perishing soul. We need the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit in order to discern the truths in God's word. The lovely things of the natural world are not seen until the sun, dispelling the darkness, floods them with its light. So the treasures in the word of God are not appreciated until they are revealed by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The Holy Spirit, sent from heaven by the benevolence of infinite love, takes the things of God and reveals them to every soul that has an implicit faith in Christ. By His power the vital truths upon which the salvation of the soul depends are impressed upon the mind, and the way of life is made so plain that none need err therein. As we study the Scriptures, we should pray for the light of God's Holy Spirit to shine upon the word, that we may see and appreciate its treasures.

    Let none think that there is no more knowledge for them to gain. The depth of human intellect may be measured; the works of human authors may be mastered; but the highest, deepest, broadest flight of the imagination cannot find out God. There is infinity beyond all that we can comprehend. We have seen only the glimmering of divine glory and of the infinitude of knowledge and wisdom; we have, as it were, been working on the surface of the mine, when rich golden ore is beneath the surface, to reward the one who will dig for it. The shaft must be sunk deeper and yet deeper in the mine, and the result will be glorious treasure. Through a correct faith, divine knowledge will become human knowledge. No one can search the Scriptures in the spirit of Christ without being rewarded. When man is willing to be instructed as a little child, when he submits wholly to God, he will find the truth in His word. If men would be obedient, they would understand the plan of God's government. The heavenly world would open its chambers of grace and glory for exploration. Human beings would be altogether different from what they now are, for by exploring the mines of truth men would be ennobled. The mystery of redemption, the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice, would not be as they are now, vague in our minds. They would be not only better understood, but altogether more highly appreciated.

    In His prayer to the Father, Christ gave to the world a lesson which should be graven on mind and soul. "This is life eternal," He said, "that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3. This is true education. It imparts power. The experimental knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, transforms man into the image of God. It gives to man the mastery of himself, bringing every impulse and passion of the lower nature under the control of the higher powers of the mind. It makes its possessor a son of God and an heir of heaven. It brings him into communion with the mind of the Infinite, and opens to him the rich treasures of the universe. This is the knowledge which is obtained by searching the word of God. And this treasure may be found by every soul who will give all to obtain it. "If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." Prov. 2:3-5.
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


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    Post  orthodoxymoron Wed Aug 28, 2019 4:11 am

    http://www.ellenwhite.info/books/books-by-egw-col.htm The blessings of redeeming love our Savior compared to a precious pearl. He illustrated His lesson by the parable of the merchantman seeking goodly pearls "who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." Christ Himself is the pearl of great price. In Him is gathered all the glory of the Father, the fullness of the Godhead. He is the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His person. The glory of the attributes of God is expressed in His character. Every page of the Holy Scriptures shines with His light. The righteousness of Christ, as a pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain. No work of man can improve the great and precious gift of God. It is without a flaw. In Christ are "hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Col. 2:3. He is "made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." 1 Cor. 1:30. All that can satisfy the needs and longings of the human soul, for this world and for the world to come, is found in Christ.

    Our Redeemer is the pearl so precious that in comparison all things else may be accounted loss. Christ "came unto His own, and His own received Him not." John 1:11. The light of God shone into the darkness of the world, and "the darkness comprehended it not." John 1:5. But not all were found indifferent to the gift of heaven. The merchantman in the parable represents a class who were sincerely desiring truth. In different nations there were earnest and thoughtful men who had sought in literature and science and the religions of the heathen world for that which they could receive as the soul's treasure. Among the Jews there were those who were seeking for that which they had not. Dissatisfied with a formal religion, they longed for that which was spiritual and uplifting. Christ's chosen disciples belonged to the latter class, Cornelius and the Ethiopian eunuch to the former. They had been longing and praying for light from heaven; and when Christ was revealed to them, they received Him with gladness.

    In the parable the pearl is not represented as a gift. The merchantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many question the meaning of this, since Christ is represented in the Scriptures as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those who give themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him without reserve. We are to give ourselves to Christ, to live a life of willing obedience to all His requirements. All that we are, all the talents and capabilities we possess, are the Lord's, to be consecrated to His service. When we thus give ourselves wholly to Him, Christ, with all the treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us. We obtain the pearl of great price. Salvation is a free gift, and yet it is to be bought and sold. In the market of which divine mercy has the management, the precious pearl is represented as being bought without money and without price. In this market all may obtain the goods of heaven. The treasury of the jewels of truth is open to all. "Behold, I have set before thee an open door," the Lord declares, "and no man can shut it." No sword guards the way through this door. Voices from within and at the door say, Come. The Saviour's voice earnestly and lovingly invites us: "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich." Rev. 3:8, 18.

    The gospel of Christ is a blessing that all may possess. The poorest are as well able as the richest to purchase salvation; for no amount of worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained by willing obedience, by giving ourselves to Christ as His own purchased possession. Education, even of the highest class, cannot of itself bring a man nearer to God. The Pharisees were favored with every temporal and every spiritual advantage, and they said with boastful pride, We are "rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing"; yet they were "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Rev. 3:17. Christ offered them the pearl of great price; but they disdained to accept it, and He said to them, "The publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you." Matt. 21:31. We cannot earn salvation, but we are to seek for it with as much interest and perseverance as though we would abandon everything in the world for it.

    We are to seek for the pearl of great price, but not in worldly marts or in worldly ways. The price we are required to pay is not gold or silver, for this belongs to God. Abandon the idea that temporal or spiritual advantages will win for you salvation. God calls for your willing obedience. He asks you to give up your sins. "To him that overcometh," Christ declares, "will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." Rev. 3:21. There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up the cross and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost.

    The parable of the merchantman seeking goodly pearls has a double significance: it applies not only to men as seeking the kingdom of heaven, but to Christ as seeking His lost inheritance. Christ, the heavenly merchantman seeking goodly pearls, saw in lost humanity the pearl of price. In man, defiled and ruined by sin, He saw the possibilities of redemption. Hearts that have been the battleground of the conflict with Satan, and that have been rescued by the power of love, are more precious to the Redeemer than are those who have never fallen. God looked upon humanity, not as vile and worthless; He looked upon it in Christ, saw it as it might become through redeeming love. He collected all the riches of the universe, and laid them down in order to buy the pearl. And Jesus, having found it, resets it in His own diadem. "For they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land." Zech. 9:16. "They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels." Mal. 3:17.

    But Christ as the precious pearl, and our privilege of possessing this heavenly treasure, is the theme on which we most need to dwell. It is the Holy Spirit that reveals to men the preciousness of the goodly pearl. The time of the Holy Spirit's power is the time when in a special sense the heavenly gift is sought and found. In Christ's day many heard the gospel, but their minds were darkened by false teaching, and they did not recognize in the humble Teacher of Galilee the Sent of God. But after Christ's ascension His enthronement in His mediatorial kingdom was signalized by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost the Spirit was given. Christ's witnesses proclaimed the power of the risen Saviour. The light of heaven penetrated the darkened minds of those who had been deceived by the enemies of Christ. They now saw Him exalted to be "a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." Acts 5:31. They saw Him encircled with the glory of heaven, with infinite treasures in His hands to bestow upon all who would turn from their rebellion.

    As the apostles set forth the glory of the Only-Begotten of the Father, three thousand souls were convicted. They were made to see themselves as they were, sinful and polluted, and Christ as their friend and Redeemer. Christ was lifted up, Christ was glorified, through the power of the Holy Spirit resting upon men. By faith these believers saw Him as the One who had borne humiliation, suffering, and death that they might not perish but have everlasting life. The revelation of Christ by the Spirit brought to them a realizing sense of His power and majesty, and they stretched forth their hands to Him by faith, saying, "I believe." Then the glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to the uttermost bounds of the inhabited world. The church beheld converts flocking to her from all directions.

    Believers were reconverted. Sinners united with Christians in seeking the pearl of great price. The prophecy was fulfilled, The weak shall be "as David," and the house of David "as the angel of the Lord." Zech. 12:8. Every Christian saw in his brother the divine similitude of benevolence and love. One interest prevailed. One object swallowed up all others. All hearts beat in harmony. The only ambition of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ's character, and to labor for the enlargement of His kingdom. "The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul. . . . With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all." Acts 4:32, 33. "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:47. The Spirit of Christ animated the whole congregation; for they had found the pearl of great price. These scenes are to be repeated, and with greater power. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will be more abundant. The Spirit awaits our demand and reception. Christ is again to be revealed in His fulness by the Holy Spirit's power. Men will discern the value of the precious pearl, and with the apostle Paul they will say, "What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." Phil. 3:7, 8.

    The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind; which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." The casting of the net is the preaching of the gospel. This gathers both good and evil into the church. When the mission of the gospel is completed, the judgment will accomplish the work of separation. Christ saw how the existence of false brethren in the church would cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of. The world would revile the gospel because of the inconsistent lives of false professors. Even Christians would be caused to stumble as they saw that many who bore Christ's name were not controlled by His Spirit. Because these sinners were in the church, men would be in danger of thinking that God excused their sins. Therefore Christ lifts the veil from the future and bids all to behold that it is character, not position, which decides man's destiny.

    Both the parable of the tares and that of the net plainly teach that there is no time when all the wicked will turn to God. The wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest. The good and the bad fish are together drawn ashore for a final separation. Again, these parables teach that there is to be no probation after the judgment. When the work of the gospel is completed, there immediately follows the separation between the good and the evil, and the destiny of each class is forever fixed. God does not desire the destruction of any. "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?" Eze. 33:11. Throughout the period of probationary time His Spirit is entreating men to accept the gift of life. It is only those who reject His pleading that will be left to perish. God has declared that sin must be destroyed as an evil ruinous to the universe. Those who cling to sin will perish in its destruction.

    While Christ was teaching the people, He was also educating His disciples for their future work. In all His instruction there were lessons for them. After giving the parable of the net, He asked them, "Have ye understood all these things?" They said unto Him, "Yea, Lord." Then in another parable He set before them their responsibility in regard to the truths they had received. "Therefore," He said, "every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old." The treasure gained by the householder he does not hoard. He brings it forth to communicate to others. And by use the treasure increases. The householder has precious things both new and old. So Christ teaches that the truth committed to His disciples is to be communicated to the world. And as the knowledge of truth is imparted, it will increase. All who receive the gospel message into the heart will long to proclaim it. The heaven-born love of Christ must find expression.

    Those who have put on Christ will relate their experience, tracing step by step the leadings of the Holy Spirit--their hungering and thirsting for the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, the results of their searching of the Scriptures, their prayers, their soul agony, and the words of Christ to them, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." It is unnatural for any to keep these things secret, and those who are filled with the love of Christ will not do so. In proportion as the Lord has made them the depositaries of sacred truth will be their desire that others shall receive the same blessing. And as they make known the rich treasures of God's grace, more and still more of the grace of Christ will be imparted to them. They will have the heart of a little child in its simplicity and unreserved obedience. Their souls will pant after holiness, and more and more of the treasures of truth and grace will be revealed to them to be given to the world.

    The great storehouse of truth is the word of God--the written word, the book of nature, and the book of experience in God's dealing with human life. Here are the treasures from which Christ's workers are to draw. In the search after truth they are to depend upon God, not upon human intelligences, the great men whose wisdom is foolishness with God. Through His own appointed channels the Lord will impart a knowledge of Himself to every seeker. If the follower of Christ will believe His word and practice it, there is no science in the natural world that he will not be able to grasp and appreciate. There is nothing but that will furnish him means for imparting the truth to others. Natural science is a treasure house of knowledge from which every student in the school of Christ may draw. As we contemplate the beauty of nature, as we study its lessons in the cultivation of the soil, in the growth of the trees, in all the wonders of earth and sea and sky, there will come to us a new perception of truth. And the mysteries connected with God's dealings with men, the depths of His wisdom and judgment as seen in human life--these are found to be a storehouse rich in treasure.

    But it is in the written word that a knowledge of God is most clearly revealed to fallen man. This is the treasure house of the unsearchable riches of Christ. The word of God includes the Scriptures of the Old Testament as well as of the New. One is not complete without the other. Christ declared that the truths of the Old Testament are as valuable as those of the New. Christ was as much man's Redeemer in the beginning of the world as He is today. Before He clothed His divinity with humanity and came to our world, the gospel message was given by Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah. Abraham in Canaan and Lot in Sodom bore the message, and from generation to generation faithful messengers proclaimed the Coming One. The rites of the Jewish economy were instituted by Christ Himself. He was the foundation of their system of sacrificial offerings, the great antitype of all their religious service. The blood shed as the sacrifices were offered pointed to the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. All the typical offerings were fulfilled in Him.

    Christ as manifested to the patriarchs, as symbolized in the sacrificial service, as portrayed in the law, and as revealed by the prophets, is the riches of the Old Testament. Christ in His life, His death, and His resurrection, Christ as He is manifested by the Holy Spirit, is the treasure of the New Testament. Our Saviour, the outshining of the Father's glory, is both the Old and the New. Of Christ's life and death and intercession, which prophets had foretold, the apostles were to go forth as witnesses. Christ in His humiliation, in His purity and holiness, in His matchless love, was to be their theme. And in order to preach the gospel in its fullness, they must present the Saviour not only as revealed in His life and teachings, but as foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament and as symbolized by the sacrificial service. Christ in His teaching presented old truths of which He Himself was the originator, truths which He had spoken through patriarchs and prophets; but He now shed upon them a new light. How different appeared their meaning! A flood of light and spirituality was brought in by His explanation. And He promised that the Holy Spirit should enlighten the disciples, that the word of God should be ever unfolding to them. They would be able to present its truths in new beauty. Ever since the first promise of redemption was spoken in Eden, the life, the character, and the mediatorial work of Christ have been the study of human minds. Yet every mind through whom the Holy Spirit has worked has presented these themes in a light that is fresh and new. The truths of redemption are capable of constant development and expansion. Though old, they are ever new, constantly revealing to the seeker for truth a greater glory and a mightier power.

    In every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation. The old truths are all essential; new truth is not independent of the old, but an unfolding of it. It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend the new. When Christ desired to open to His disciples the truth of His resurrection, He began "at Moses and all the prophets" and "expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. But it is the light which shines in the fresh unfolding of truth that glorifies the old. He who rejects or neglects the new does not really possess the old. For him it loses its vital power and becomes but a lifeless form. There are those who profess to believe and to teach the truths of the Old Testament, while they reject the New. But in refusing to receive the teachings of Christ, they show that they do not believe that which patriarchs and prophets have spoken. "Had ye believed Moses," Christ said, "ye would have believed Me; for he wrote of Me." John 5:46. Hence there is no real power in their teaching of even the Old Testament. Many who claim to believe and to teach the gospel are in a similar error. They set aside the Old Testament Scriptures, of which Christ declared, "They are they which testify of Me." John 5:39. In rejecting the Old, they virtually reject the New; for both are parts of an inseparable whole. No man can rightly present the law of God without the gospel, or the gospel without the law. The law is the gospel embodied, and the gospel is the law unfolded. The law is the root, the gospel is the fragrant blossom and fruit which it bears.

    The Old Testament sheds light upon the New, and the New upon the Old. Each is a revelation of the glory of God in Christ. Both present truths that will continually reveal new depths of meaning to the earnest seeker. Truth in Christ and through Christ is measureless. The student of Scripture looks, as it were, into a fountain that deepens and broadens as he gazes into its depths. Not in this life shall we comprehend the mystery of God's love in giving His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. The work of our Redeemer on this earth is and ever will be a subject that will put to the stretch our highest imagination. Man may tax every mental power in the endeavor to fathom this mystery, but his mind will become faint and weary. The most diligent searcher will see before him a boundless, shoreless sea. The truth as it is in Jesus can be experienced, but never explained. Its height and breadth and depth pass our knowledge. We may task our imagination to the utmost, and then we shall see only dimply the outlines of a love that is unexplainable, that is as high as heaven, but that stooped to the earth to stamp the image of God on all mankind. Yet it is possible for us to see all that we can bear of the divine compassion. This is unfolded to the humble, contrite soul. We shall understand God's compassion just in proportion as we appreciate His sacrifice for us. As we search the word of God in humility of heart, the grand theme of redemption will open to our research. It will increase in brightness as we behold it, and as we aspire to grasp it, its height and depth will ever increase.

    Our life is to be bound up with the life of Christ; we are to draw constantly from Him, partaking of Him, the living Bread that came down from heaven, drawing from a fountain ever fresh, ever giving forth its abundant treasures. If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts will burn within us as He draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. When this is in truth the experience of the Christian, there is seen in his life a simplicity, a humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart, that show to all with whom he associates that he has been with Jesus and learned of Him. In those who possess it, the religion of Christ will reveal itself as a vitalizing, pervading principle, a living, working, spiritual energy. There will be manifest the freshness and power and joyousness of perpetual youth. The heart that receives the word of God is not as a pool that evaporates, not like a broken cistern that loses its treasure. It is like the mountain stream fed by unfailing springs, whose cool, sparkling waters leap from rock to rock, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the heavy laden. This experience gives every teacher of truth the very qualifications that will make him a representative of Christ. The spirit of Christ's teaching will give a force and directness to his communications and to his prayers. His witness to Christ will not be a narrow, lifeless testimony. The minister will not preach over and over the same set discourses. His mind will be open to the constant illumination of the Holy Spirit.

    Christ said, "Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life. . . . As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. . . . It is the Spirit that quickeneth; . . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:54-63. When we eat Christ's flesh and drink His blood, the element of eternal life will be found in the ministry. There will not be a fund of stale, oft-repeated ideas. The tame, dull sermonizing will cease. The old truths will be presented, but they will be seen in a new light. There will be a new perception of truth, a clearness and a power that all will discern. Those who have the privilege of sitting under such a ministry will, if susceptible to the Holy Spirit's influence, feel the energizing power of a new life. The fire of God's love will be kindled within them. their perceptive faculties will be quickened to discern the beauty and majesty of truth. The faithful householder represents what every teacher of the children and youth should be. If he makes the word of God his treasure, he will continually bring forth new beauty and new truth. When the teacher will rely upon God in prayer, the Spirit of Christ will come upon him, and God will work through him by the Holy Spirit upon the minds of others. The Spirit fills the mind and heart with sweet hope and courage and Bible imagery, and all this will be communicated to the youth under his instruction. The springs of heavenly peace and joy, unsealed in the soul of the teacher by the words of Inspiration, will become a mighty river of influence to bless all who connect with him. The Bible will not become a tiresome book to the student. Under a wise instructor the word will become more and more desirable. It will be as the bread of life, and will never grow old. Its freshness and beauty will attract and charm the children and youth. It is like the sun shining upon the earth, perpetually imparting brightness and warmth, yet never exhausted.

    God's holy, educating Spirit is in His word. A light, a new and precious light, shines forth from every page. Truth is there revealed, and words and sentences are made bright and appropriate for the occasion, as the voice of God speaking to the soul. The Holy Spirit loves to address the youth, and to discover to them the treasures and beauties of God's word. The promises spoken by the great Teacher will captivate the senses and animate the soul with spiritual power that is divine. There will grow in the fruitful mind a familiarity with divine things that will be as a barricade against temptation. The words of truth will grow in importance, and assume a breadth and fullness of meaning of which we have never dreamed. The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on mind and character. The light of heavenly love will fall upon the heart as an inspiration. The appreciation of the Bible grows with its study. Whichever way the student may turn, he will find displayed the infinite wisdom and love of God.

    The significance of the Jewish economy is not yet fully comprehended. Truths vast and profound are shadowed forth in its rites and symbols. The gospel is the key that unlocks its mysteries. Through a knowledge of the plan of redemption, its truths are opened to the understanding. Far more than we do, it is our privilege to understand these wonderful themes. We are to comprehend the deep things of God. Angels desire to look into the truths that are revealed to the people who with contrite hearts are searching the word of God, and praying for greater lengths and breadths and depths and heights of the knowledge which He alone can give. As we near the close of this world's history, the prophecies relating to the last days especially demand our study. The last book of the New Testament scriptures is full of truth that we need to understand. Satan has blinded the minds of many, so that they have been glad of any excuse for not making the Revelation their study. But Christ through His servant John has here declared what shall be in the last days, and He says, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Rev. 1:3.

    "This is life eternal," Christ said, "that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3. Why is it that we do not realize the value of this knowledge? Why are not these glorious truths glowing in our hearts, trembling upon our lips, and pervading our whole being? In giving us His word, God has put us in possession of every truth essential for our salvation. Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life, yet there is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and by beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within them as they speak of His character, telling what Christ is to them, and what they are to Christ. But these searchers have not exhausted these grand and holy themes. Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation.

    As the life of Christ and the character of His mission are dwelt upon, rays of light will shine forth more distinctly at every attempt to discover truth. Each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. The subject is inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time shall last; and looking to heaven with its unnumbered years he will exclaim, "Great is the mystery of godliness." In eternity we shall learn that which, had we received the enlightenment it was possible to obtain here, would have opened our understanding. The themes of redemption will employ the hearts and minds and tongues of the redeemed through the everlasting ages. They will understand the truths which Christ longed to open to His disciples, but which they did not have faith to grasp. Forever and forever new views of the perfection and glory of Christ will appear. Through endless ages will the faithful Householder bring forth from His treasure things new and old.

    Christ was continually receiving from the Father that He might communicate to us. "The word which ye hear," He said, "is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me." John 14:24. "The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." Matt. 20:28. Not for Himself, but for others, He lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God He came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others. His words were given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He might speak in season to the weary and oppressed. "The Lord God hath given Me," He said, "the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth Mine ear to hear as the learned." Isa. 50:4.

    Christ's disciples were much impressed by His prayers and by His habit of communion with God. One day after a short absence from their Lord, they found Him absorbed in supplication. Seeming unconscious of their presence, He continued praying aloud. The hearts of the disciples were deeply moved. As He ceased praying, they exclaimed, "Lord, teach us to pray." In answer, Christ repeated the Lord's prayer, as He had given it in the sermon on the mount. Then in a parable He illustrated the lesson He desired to teach them. "Which of you," He said, "shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend. lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth." Here Christ represents the petitioner as asking that he may give again. He must obtain the bread, else he cannot supply the necessities of a weary, belated wayfarer. Though his neighbor is unwilling to be troubled, he will not desist his pleading; his friend must be relieved; and at last his importunity is rewarded, his wants are supplied.

    In like manner the disciples were to seek blessings from God. In the feeding of the multitude and in the sermon on the bread from heaven, Christ had opened to them their work as His representatives. They were to give the bread of life to the people. He who had appointed their work, saw how often their faith would be tried. Often they would be thrown into unexpected positions, and would realize their human insufficiency. Souls that were hungering for the bread of life would come to them, and they would feel themselves to be destitute and helpless. They must receive spiritual food, or they would have nothing to impart. But they were not to turn one soul away unfed. Christ directs them to the source of supply. The man whose friend came to him for entertainment, even at the unseasonable hour of midnight, did not turn him away. He had nothing to set before him, but he went to one who had food and pressed his request until the neighbor supplied his need. And would not God, who had sent His servants to feed the hungry, supply their need for His own work? But the selfish neighbor in the parable does not represent the character of God. The lesson is drawn, not by comparison, but by contrast.

    A selfish man will grant an urgent request, in order to rid himself of one who disturbs his rest. But God delights to give. He is full of compassion, and He longs to grant the requests of those who come unto Him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister to others and thus become like Himself. Christ declares, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." The Saviour continues: "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"

    In order to strengthen our confidence in God, Christ teaches us to address Him by a new name, a name entwined with the dearest associations of the human heart. He gives us the privilege of calling the infinite God our Father. This name, spoken to Him and of Him, is a sign of our love and trust toward Him, and a pledge of His regard and relationship to us. Spoken when asking His favor or blessing, it is as music in His ears. That we might not think it presumption to call Him by this name, He has repeated it again and again. He desires us to become familiar with the appellation. God regards us as His children. He has redeemed us out of the careless world and has chosen us to become members of the royal family, sons and daughters of the heavenly King. He invites us to trust in Him with a trust deeper and stronger than that of a child in his earthly father. Parents love their children, but the love of God is larger, broader, deeper, than human love can possibly be. It is immeasurable. Then if earthly parents know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more shall our Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

    Christ's lessons in regard to prayer should be carefully considered. There is a divine science in prayer, and His illustration brings to view principles that all need to understand. He shows what is the true spirit of prayer, He teaches the necessity of perseverance in presenting our requests to God, and assures us of His willingness to hear and answer prayer. Our prayers are not to be a selfish asking, merely for our own benefit. We are to ask that we may give. The principle of Christ's life must be the principle of our lives. "For their sakes," He said, speaking of His disciples, "I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified." John 17:19. The same devotion, the same self-sacrifice, the same subjection to the claims of the word of God, that were manifest in Christ, must be seen in His servants. Our mission to the world is not to serve or please ourselves; we are to glorify God by co-operating with Him to save sinners. We are to ask blessings from God that we may communicate to others. The capacity for receiving is preserved only by imparting. We cannot continue to receive heavenly treasure without communicating to those around us. In the parable the petitioner was again and again repulsed, but he did not relinquish his purpose. So our prayers do not always seem to receive an immediate answer; but Christ teaches that we should not cease to pray. Prayer is not to work any change in God; it is to bring us into harmony with God. When we make request of Him, He may see that it is necessary for us to search our hearts and repent of sin. Therefore He takes us through test and trial, He brings us through humiliation, that we may see what hinders the working of His Holy Spirit through us.

    There are conditions to the fulfillment of God's promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. "If ye love Me," Christ says, "Keep My commandments." "He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him. Many are forfeiting the condition of acceptance with the Father. We need to examine closely the deed of trust wherewith we approach God. If we are disobedient, we bring to the Lord a note to be cashed when we have not fulfilled the conditions that would make it payable to us. We present to God His promises, and ask Him to fulfill them, when by so doing He would dishonor His own name. The promise is "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7. And John declares: "Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected." 1 John 2:3-5.

    One of Christ's last commands to His disciples was "Love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34. Do we obey this command, or are we indulging sharp, unchristlike traits of character? If we have in any way grieved or wounded others, it is our duty to confess our fault and seek for reconciliation. This is an essential preparation that we may come before God in faith, to ask His blessing. There is another matter too often neglected by those who seek the Lord in prayer. Have you been honest with God? By the prophet Malachi the Lord declares, "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from Mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings." Mal. 3:7, 8. As the Giver of every blessing, God claims a certain portion of all we possess. This is His provision to sustain the preaching of the gospel. And by making this return to God, we are to show our appreciation of His gifts. But if we withhold from Him that which is His own, how can we claim His blessing?

    If we are unfaithful stewards of earthly things, how can we expect Him to entrust us with the things of heaven? It may be that here is the secret of unanswered prayer. But the Lord in His great mercy is ready to forgive, and He says, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, . . . if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field. . . . And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." Mal. 3:10-12. So it is with every other one of God's requirements. All His gifts are promised on condition of obedience. God has a heaven full of blessings for those who will co-operate with Him. All who obey Him may with confidence claim the fulfillment of His promises.

    But we must show a firm, undeviating trust in God. Often He delays to answer us in order to try our faith or test the genuineness of our desire. Having asked according to His word, we should believe His promise and press our petitions with a determination that will not be denied. God does not say, Ask once, and you shall receive. He bids us ask. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks. Christ said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus, "If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God." John 11:40. But many have not a living faith. This is why they do not see more of the power of God. Their weakness is the result of their unbelief. They have more faith in their own working than in the working of God for them. They take themselves into their own keeping. They plan and devise, but pray little, and have little real trust in God. They think they have faith, but it is only the impulse of the moment. Failing to realize their own need, or God's willingness to give, they do not persevere in keeping their requests before the Lord. Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We shall receive increased blessings because we have increased faith. Our part is to pray and believe. Watch unto prayer. Watch, and co-operate with the prayer-hearing God. Bear in mind that "we are labourers together with God." 1 Cor. 3:9. Speak and act in harmony with your prayers. It will make an infinite difference with you whether trial shall prove your faith to be genuine, or show that your prayers are only a form.

    When perplexities arise, and difficulties confront you, look not for help to humanity. Trust all with God. The practice of telling our difficulties to others only makes us weak, and brings no strength to them. It lays upon them the burden of our spiritual infirmities, which they cannot relieve. We seek the strength of erring, finite man, when we might have the strength of the unerring, infinite God. You need not go to the ends of the earth for wisdom, for God is near. It is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you. Take the word of Christ as your assurance. Has He not invited you to come unto Him? Never allow yourself to talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If you do you will lose much. By looking at appearances and complaining when difficulties and pressure come, you give evidence of a sickly, enfeebled faith. Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The Lord is rich in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in faith. Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency. There is in genuine faith a buoyancy, a steadfastness of principle, and a fixedness of purpose that neither time nor toil can weaken. "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isa. 40:30, 31.

    There are many who long to help others, but they feel that they have no spiritual strength or light to impart. Let them present their petitions at the throne of grace. Plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bible in your hands say, I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." We must not only pray in Christ's name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that the Spirit "maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered." Rom. 8:26. Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." Eph. 3:20. Christ has said, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24. "Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:13. And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance: "If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will honor that name.

    The rainbow round about the throne is an assurance that God is true, that in Him is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. We have sinned against Him, and are undeserving of His favor; yet He Himself has put into our lips that most wonderful of pleas, "Do not abhor us, for Thy name's sake; do not disgrace the throne of Thy glory; remember, break not Thy covenant with us." Jer. 14:21. When we come to him confessing our unworthiness and sin, He has pledged Himself to give heed to our cry. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word unto us. Like Aaron, who symbolized Christ, our Saviour bears the names of all His people on His heart in the holy place. Our great High Priest remembers all the words by which He has encouraged us to trust. He is ever mindful of His covenant. All who seek of Him shall find. All who knock will have the door opened to them. The excuse will not be made, Trouble Me not; the door is closed; I do not wish to open it. Never will one be told, I cannot help you. Those who beg at midnight for loaves to feed the hungry souls will be successful. In the parable, he who asks bread for the stranger, receives "as many as he needeth." And in what measure will God impart to us that we may impart to others?

    "According to the measure of the gift of Christ." Eph. 4:7. Angels are watching with intense interest to see how man is dealing with his fellow men. When they see one manifest Christlike sympathy for the erring, they press to his side and bring to his remembrance words to speak that will be as the bread of life to the soul. So "God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19. Your testimony in its genuineness and reality He will make powerful in the power of the life to come. The word of the Lord will be in your mouth as truth and righteousness. Personal effort for others should be preceded by much secret prayer; for it requires great wisdom to understand the science of saving souls. Before communicating with men, commune with Christ.

    At the throne of heavenly grace obtain a preparation for ministering to the people. Let your heart break for the longing it has for God, for the living God. The life of Christ has shown what humanity can do by being partaker of the divine nature. All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ask and receive. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, claim for yourself all that God has promised. Let the glorious conceptions of God possess your mind. Let your life be knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus. He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness is willing to shine in your heart, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will take the things of God and show them unto you, conveying them as a living power into the obedient heart. Christ will lead you to the threshold of the Infinite. You may behold the glory beyond the veil, and reveal to men the sufficiency of Him who ever liveth to make intercession for us.
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


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    http://www.ellenwhite.info/books/books-by-egw-col.htm Unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others," Christ spoke the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee goes up to the temple to worship, not because he feels that he is a sinner in need of pardon, but because he thinks himself righteous and hopes to win commendation. His worship he regards as an act of merit that will recommend him to God. At the same time it will give the people a high opinion of his piety. He hopes to secure favor with both God and man. His worship is prompted by self-interest. And he is full of self-praise. He looks it, he walks it, he prays it. Drawing apart from others as if to say, "Come not near to me; for I am holier than thou" (Isa. 65:5), he stands and prays "with himself." Wholly self-satisfied, he thinks that God and men regard him with the same complacency. "God, I thank thee," he says, "that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican." He judges his character, not by the holy character of God, but by the character of other men. His mind is turned away from God to humanity. This is the secret of his self-satisfaction. He proceeds to recount his good deeds: "I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." The religion of the Pharisee does not touch the soul. He is not seeking Godlikeness of character, a heart filled with love and mercy. He is satisfied with a religion that has to do only with outward life. His righteousness is his own--the fruit of his own works--and judged by a human standard.

    Whoever trusts in himself that he is righteous, will despise others. As the Pharisee judges himself by other men, so he judges other men by himself. His righteousness is estimated by theirs, and the worse they are the more righteous by contrast he appears. His self-righteousness leads to accusing. "Other men" he condemns as transgressors of God's law. Thus he is making manifest the very spirit of Satan, the accuser of the brethren. With this spirit it is impossible for him to enter into communion with God. He goes down to his house destitute of the divine blessing. The publican had gone to the temple with other worshipers, but he soon drew apart from them as unworthy to unite in their devotions. Standing afar off, he "would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast," in bitter anguish and self-abhorrence. He felt that he had transgressed against God, that he was sinful and polluted. He could not expect even pity from those around him, for they looked upon him with contempt. He knew that he had no merit to commend him to God, and in utter self-despair he cried, "God be merciful to me, a sinner." He did not compare himself with others. Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, he stood as if alone in God's presence. His only desire was for pardon and peace, his only plea was the mercy of God. And he was blessed. "I tell you," Christ said, "this man went down to his house justified rather than the other."

    The Pharisee and the publican represent two great classes into which those who come to worship God are divided. Their first two representatives are found in the first two children that were born into the world. Cain thought himself righteous, and he came to God with a thank offering only. He made no confession of sin, and acknowledged no need of mercy. But Abel came with the blood that pointed to the Lamb of God. He came as a sinner, confessing himself lost; his only hope was the unmerited love of God. The Lord had respect to his offering, but to Cain and his offering He had not respect. The sense of need, the recognition of our poverty and sin, is the very first condition of acceptance with God. "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 5:3. For each of the classes represented by the Pharisee and the publican there is a lesson in the history of the apostle Peter. In his early discipleship Peter thought himself strong. Like the Pharisee, in his own estimation he was "not as other men are." When Christ on the eve of His betrayal forewarned His disciples, "All ye shall be offended because of Me this night," Peter confidently declared, "Although all shall be offended, yet will not I." Mark 14:27, 29. Peter did not know his own danger. Self-confidence misled him. He thought himself able to withstand temptation; but in a few short hours the test came, and with cursing and swearing he denied his Lord.

    When the crowing of the c0ck reminded him of the words of Christ, surprised and shocked at what he had just done he turned and looked at his Master. At that moment Christ looked at Peter, and beneath that grieved look, in which compassion and love for him were blended, Peter understood himself. He went out and wept bitterly. That look of Christ's broke his heart. Peter had come to the turning point, and bitterly did he repent his sin. He was like the publican in his contrition and repentance, and like the publican he found mercy. The look of Christ assured him of pardon. Now his self-confidence was gone. Never again were the old boastful assertions repeated. Christ after His resurrection thrice tested Peter. "Simon, son of Jonas," He said, "lovest thou Me more than these?" Peter did not now exalt himself above his brethren. He appealed to the One who could read His heart. "Lord," he said, "Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee." John 21:15, 17. Then he received his commission. A work broader and more delicate than had heretofore been his was appointed him. Christ bade him feed the sheep and the lambs. In thus committing to his stewardship the souls for whom the Saviour had laid down his own life, Christ gave to Peter the strongest proof of confidence in his restoration.

    The once restless, boastful, self-confident disciple had become subdued and contrite. Henceforth he followed his Lord in self-denial and self-sacrifice. He was a partaker of Christ's sufferings; and when Christ shall sit upon the throne of His glory, Peter will be a partaker in His glory. The evil that led to Peter's fall and that shut out the Pharisee from communion with God is proving the ruin of thousands today. There is nothing so offensive to God or so dangerous to the human soul as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable. Peter's fall was not instantaneous, but gradual. Self-confidence led him to the belief that he was saved, and step after step was taken in the downward path, until he could deny his Master. Never can we safely put confidence in self or feel, this side of heaven, that we are secure against temptation. Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or to feel that they are saved. This is misleading. Every one should be taught to cherish hope and faith; but even when we give ourselves to Christ and know that He accepts us, we are not beyond the reach of temptation. God's word declares, "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried." Dan. 12:10. Only he who endures the trial will receive the crown of life. (James 1:12.)

    Those who accept Christ, and in their first confidence say, I am saved, are in danger of trusting to themselves. They lose sight of their own weakness and their constant need of divine strength. They are unprepared for Satan's devices, and under temptation many, like Peter, fall into the very depths of sin. We are admonished, "Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." 1 Cor. 10:12. Our only safety is in constant distrust of self, and dependence on Christ. It was necessary for Peter to learn his own defects of character, and his need of the power and grace of Christ. The Lord could not save him from trial, but He could have saved him from defeat. Had Peter been willing to receive Christ's warning, he would have been watching unto prayer. He would have walked with fear and trembling lest his feet should stumble. And he would have received divine help so that Satan could not have gained the victory.

    It was through self-sufficiency that Peter fell; and it was through repentance and humiliation that his feet were again established. In the record of his experience every repenting sinner may find encouragement. Though Peter had grievously sinned, he was not forsaken. The words of Christ were written upon his soul, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Luke 22:32. In his bitter agony of remorse, this prayer, and the memory of Christ's look of love and pity, gave him hope. Christ after His resurrection remembered Peter, and gave the angel the message for the women, "Go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him." Mark 16:7. Peter's repentance was accepted by the sin-pardoning Saviour. And the same compassion that reached out to rescue Peter is extended to every soul who has fallen under temptation. It is Satan's special device to lead man into sin, and then leave him, helpless and trembling, fearing to seek for pardon. But why should we fear, when God has said, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me?" Isa. 27:5. Every provision has been made for our infirmities, every encouragement offered us to come to Christ.

    Christ offered up His broken body to purchase back God's heritage, to give man another trial. "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them." Heb. 7:25. By His spotless life, His obedience, His death on the cross of Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost race. And now, not as a mere petitioner does the Captain of our salvation intercede for us, but as a Conqueror claiming His victory. His offering is complete, and as our Intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, these ascend to God as a sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, and pardon covers all transgression. Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. He who could not see human beings exposed to eternal ruin without pouring out His soul unto death in their behalf, will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realizes that he cannot save himself. He will look upon no trembling suppliant without raising him up. He who through His own atonement provided for man an infinite fund of moral power, will not fail to employ this power in our behalf. We may take our sins and sorrows to His feet; for He loves us. His every look and word invites our confidence. He will shape and mold our characters according to His own will. In the whole Satanic force there is not power to overcome one soul who in simple trust casts himself on Christ. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength." Isa. 40:29.

    "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The Lord says, "Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God." "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you." 1 John 1:9; Jer. 3:13; Eze. 36:25. But we must have a knowledge of ourselves, a knowledge that will result in contrition, before we can find pardon and peace. The Pharisee felt no conviction of sin. The Holy Spirit could not work with him. His soul was encased in a self-righteous armor which the arrows of God, barbed and true-aimed by angel hands, failed to penetrate. It is only he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save. He came "to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." Luke 4:18. But "they that are whole need not a physician." Luke 5:31. We must know our real condition, or we shall not feel our need of Christ's help. We must understand our danger, or we shall not flee to the refuge. We must feel the pain of our wounds, or we should not desire healing.

    The Lord says, "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." Rev. 3:17, 18. The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love. Only this can bring us into harmony with God. We may be active, we may do much work; but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of heaven. No man can of himself understand his errors. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" Jer. 17:9. The lips may express a poverty of soul that the heart does not acknowledge. While speaking to God of poverty of spirit, the heart may be swelling with the conceit of its own superior humility and exalted righteousness. In one way only can a true knowledge of self be obtained. We must behold Christ. It is ignorance of Him that makes men so uplifted in their own righteousness. When we contemplate His purity and excellence, we shall see our own weakness and poverty and defects as they really are. We shall see ourselves lost and hopeless, clad in garments of self-righteousness, like every other sinner. We shall see that if we are ever saved, it will not be through our own goodness, but through God's infinite grace.

    The prayer of the publican was heard because it showed dependence reaching forth to lay hold upon Omnipotence. Self to the publican appeared nothing but shame. Thus it must be seen by all who seek God. By faith--faith that renounces all self-trust--the needy suppliant is to lay hold upon infinite power. No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul. It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely. The nearer we come to Jesus and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves. Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ's church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory.

    None of the apostles or prophets ever claimed to be without sin. Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God had honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ. At every advance step in Christian experience our repentance will deepen. It is to those whom the Lord has forgiven, to those whom He acknowledges as His people, that He says, "Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight." Eze. 36:31. Again He says, "I will establish My covenant with thee, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; that thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God." Eze. 16:62, 63. Then our lips will not be opened in self-glorification. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone. We shall make the apostle's confession our own. "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing." Rom. 7:18. "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Gal. 6:14. In harmony with this experience is the command, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Phil. 2:12, 13. God does not bid you fear that He will fail to fulfill His promises, that His patience will weary, or His compassion be found wanting. Fear lest your will shall not be held in subjection to Christ's will, lest your hereditary and cultivated traits of character shall control your life. "It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Fear lest self shall interpose between your soul and the great Master Worker. Fear lest self-will shall mar the high purpose that through you God desires to accomplish. Fear to trust to your own strength, fear to withdraw your hand from the hand of Christ and attempt to walk life's pathway without His abiding presence.

    We need to shun everything that would encourage pride and self-sufficiency; therefore we should beware of giving or receiving flattery or praise. It is Satan's work to flatter. He deals in flattery as well as in accusing and condemnation. Thus he seeks to work the ruin of the soul. Those who give praise to men are used by Satan as his agents. Let the workers for Christ direct every word of praise away from themselves. Let self be put out of sight. Christ alone is to be exalted. "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood," let every eye be directed, and praise from every heart ascend. (Rev. 1:5.) The life in which the fear of the Lord is cherished will not be a life of sadness and gloom. It is the absence of Christ that makes the countenance sad, and the life a pilgrimage of sighs. Those who are filled with self-esteem and self-love do not feel the need of a living, personal union with Christ. The heart that has not fallen on the Rock is proud of its wholeness. Men want a dignified religion. They desire to walk in a path wide enough to take in their own attributes. Their self-love, their love of popularity and love of praise, exclude the Saviour from their hearts, and without Him there is gloom and sadness. But Christ dwelling in the soul is a wellspring of joy. For all who receive Him, the very keynote of the word of God is rejoicing. "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isa. 57:15.

    It was when Moses was hidden in the cleft of the rock that he beheld the glory of God. It is when we hide in the riven Rock that Christ will cover us with His own pierced hand, and we shall hear what the Lord saith unto His servants. To us as to Moses, God will reveal Himself as "merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." Ex. 34:6, 7. The work of redemption involves consequences of which it is difficult for man to have any conception. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." 1 Cor. 2:9. As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches the uplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it, there is a new creation. A new heart is given him. He becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. Holiness finds that it has nothing more to require. God Himself is "the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Rom. 3:26. And "whom He justified, them He also glorified." Rom. 8:30. Great as is the shame and degradation through sin, even greater will be the honor and exaltation through redeeming love. To human beings striving for conformity to the divine image there is imparted an outlay of heaven's treasure, an excellency of power, that will place them higher than even the angels who have never fallen. "Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, . . . Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and He shall choose thee." Isa. 49:7. "For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

    Christ had been speaking of the period just before His second coming, and of the perils through which His followers must pass. With special reference to that time He related the parable "to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." "There was in a city," He said, "a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man; and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." The judge who is here pictured had no regard for right, nor pity for suffering.

    The widow who pressed her case before him was persistently repulsed. Again and again she came to him, only to be treated with contempt, and to be driven from the judgment seat. The judge knew that her cause was righteous, and he could have relieved her at once, but he would not. He wanted to show his arbitrary power, and it gratified him to let her ask and plead and entreat in vain. But she would not fail nor become discouraged. Notwithstanding his indifference and hardheartedness, she pressed her petition until the judge consented to attend to her case. "Though I fear not God, nor regard man," he said, "yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." To save his reputation, to avoid giving publicity to his partial, one-sided judgment, he avenged the persevering woman. "And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." Christ here draws a sharp contrast between the unjust judge and God. The judge yielded to the widow's request merely through selfishness, that he might be relieved of her importunity. He felt for her no pity or compassion; her misery was nothing to him. How different is the attitude of God toward those who seek Him. The appeals of the needy and distressed are considered by Him with infinite compassion.

    The woman who entreated the judge for justice had lost her husband by death. Poor and friendless, she had no means of retrieving her ruined fortunes. So by sin, man lost his connection with God. Of himself he has no means of salvation. But in Christ we are brought nigh unto the Father. The elect of God are dear to His heart. They are those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, to show forth His praise, to shine as lights amid the darkness of the world. The unjust judge had no special interest in the widow who importuned him for deliverance; yet in order to rid himself of her pitiful appeals, he heard her plea, and delivered her from her adversary. But God loves His children with infinite love. To Him the dearest object on earth is His church. "For the Lord's portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste, howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye." Deut. 32:9, 10. "For thus saith the Lord of hosts: After the glory hath He sent Me unto the nations which spoiled you; for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye." Zech. 2:8. The widow's prayer, "Avenge me"--"do me justice" (R.V.)--"of mine adversary," represents the prayer of God's children. Satan is their great adversary. He is the "accuser of our brethren," who accuses them before God day and night. (Rev. 12:10.) He is continually working to misrepresent and accuse, to deceive and destroy the people of God. And it is for deliverance from the power of Satan and his agents that in this parable Christ teaches His disciples to pray.

    In the prophecy of Zechariah is brought to view Satan's accusing work, and the work of Christ in resisting the adversary of His people. The prophet says, "He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel." Zech. 3:1-3. The people of God are here represented as a criminal on trial. Joshua, as high priest, is seeking for a blessing for his people, who are in great affliction. While he is pleading before God, Satan is standing at his right hand as his adversary. He is accusing the children of God, and making their case appear as desperate as possible. He presents before the Lord their evil doings and their defects. He shows their faults and failures, hoping they will appear of such a character in the eyes of Christ that He will render them no help in their great need. Joshua, as the representative of God's people, stands under condemnation, clothed with filthy garments. Aware of the sins of his people, he is weighed down with discouragement. Satan is pressing upon his soul a sense of guiltiness that makes him feel almost hopeless. Yet there he stands as a suppliant, with Satan arrayed against him.

    The work of Satan as an accuser began in heaven. This has been his work on earth ever since man's fall, and it will be his work in a special sense as we approach nearer to the close of this world's history. As he sees that his time is short, he will work with greater earnestness to deceive and destroy. He is angry when he sees a people on the earth who, even in their weakness and sinfulness, have respect to the law of Jehovah. He is determined that they shall not obey God. He delights in their unworthiness, and has devices prepared for every soul, that all may be ensnared and separated from God. He seeks to accuse and condemn God and all who strive to carry out His purposes in this world in mercy and love, in compassion and forgiveness. Every manifestation of God's power for His people arouses the enmity of Satan. Every time God works in their behalf, Satan with his angels works with renewed vigor to compass their ruin. He is jealous of all who make Christ their strength. His object is to instigate evil, and when he has succeeded, throw all the blame upon the tempted ones. He points to their filthy garments, their defective characters. He presents their weakness and folly, their sins of ingratitude, their unlikeness to Christ, which have dishonored their Redeemer.

    All this he urges as an argument proving his right to work his will in their destruction. He endeavors to affright their souls with the thought that their case is hopeless, that the stain of their defilement can never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield fully to his temptations, and turn from their allegiance to God. The Lord's people cannot of themselves answer the charges of Satan. As they look to themselves they are ready to despair. But they appeal to the divine Advocate. They plead the merits of the Redeemer. God can be "just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Rom. 3:26. With confidence the Lord's children cry unto Him to silence the accusations of Satan, and bring to naught his devices. "Do me justice of mine adversary," they pray; and with the mighty argument of the cross, Christ silences the bold accuser. "The Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" When Satan seeks to cover the people of God with blackness, and ruin them, Christ interposes. Although they have sinned, Christ has taken the guilt of their sins upon His own soul. He has snatched the race as a brand from the fire. By His human nature He is linked with man, while through His divine nature He is one with the infinite God. Help is brought within the reach of perishing souls. The adversary is rebuked.

    "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel: and he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair miter upon his head. So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments." Then with the authority of the Lord of hosts the angel made a solemn pledge to Joshua, the representative of God's people: "If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by"--even among the angels that surround the throne of God. (Zech. 3:3-7.)

    Notwithstanding the defects of the people of God, Christ does not turn away from the objects of His care. He has the power to change their raiment. He removes the filthy garments, He places upon the repenting, believing ones His own robe of righteousness, and writes pardon against their names on the records of heaven. He confesses them as His before the heavenly universe. Satan their adversary is shown to be an accuser and deceiver. God will do justice for His own elect. The prayer, "Do me justice of mine adversary," applies not only to Satan, but to the agencies whom he instigates to misrepresent, to tempt, and to destroy the people of God. Those who have decided to obey the commandments of God will understand by experience that they have adversaries who are controlled by a power from beneath. Such adversaries beset Christ at every step, how constantly and determinedly no human being can ever know. Christ's disciples, like their Master, are followed by continual temptation. The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ's second coming. James the apostle pictures the greed and oppression that will prevail. He says, "Go to now, ye rich men, . . . ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton. Ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you." James 5:1-6. This is a picture of what exists today. By every species of oppression and extortion, men are piling up colossal fortunes, while the cries of starving humanity are coming up before God.

    "Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey." Isa. 59:14, 15. This was fulfilled in the life of Christ on earth. He was loyal to God's commandments, setting aside the human traditions and requirements which had been exalted in their place. Because of this He was hated and persecuted. This history is repeated. The laws and traditions of men are exalted above the law of God, and those who are true to God's commandments suffer reproach and persecution. Christ, because of His faithfulness to God, was accused as a Sabbathbreaker and blasphemer. He was declared to be possessed of a devil, and was denounced as Beelzebub. In like manner His followers are accused and misrepresented. Thus Satan hopes to lead them to sin, and cast dishonor upon God. The character of the judge in the parable, who feared not God nor regarded man, was presented by Christ to show the kind of judgment that was then being executed, and that would soon be witnessed at His trial. He desires His people in all time to realize how little dependence can be placed on earthly rulers or judges in the day of adversity. Often the elect people of God have to stand before men in official positions who do not make the word of God their guide and counselor, but who follow their own unconsecrated, undisciplined impulses. In the parable of the unjust judge, Christ has shown what we should do. "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him?" Christ, our example, did nothing to vindicate or deliver Himself. He committed His case to God. So His followers are not to accuse or condemn, or to resort to force in order to deliver themselves.

    When trials arise that seem unexplainable, we should not allow our peace to be spoiled. However unjustly we may be treated, let not passion arise. By indulging a spirit of retaliation we injure ourselves. We destroy our own confidence in God, and grieve the Holy Spirit. There is by our side a witness, a heavenly messenger, who will lift up for us a standard against the enemy. He will shut us in with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Beyond this Satan cannot penetrate. He cannot pass this shield of holy light. While the world is progressing in wickedness, none of us need flatter ourselves that we shall have no difficulties. But it is these very difficulties that bring us into the audience chamber of the Most High. We may seek counsel of One who is infinite in wisdom. The Lord says, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble." Ps. 50:15. He invites us to present to Him our perplexities and necessities, and our need of divine help. He bids us be instant in prayer. As soon as difficulties arise, we are to offer to Him our sincere, earnest petitions. By our importunate prayers we give evidence of our strong confidence in God. The sense of our need leads us to pray earnestly, and our heavenly Father is moved by our supplications. Often those who suffer reproach or persecution for their faith are tempted to think themselves forsaken by God. In the eyes of men they are in the minority. To all appearance their enemies triumph over them. But let them not violate their conscience. He who has suffered in their behalf, and has borne their sorrows and afflictions, has not forsaken them. The children of God are not left alone and defenseless. Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. Prayer has "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire"--we shall know what it means when we hear the reports of the martyrs who died for their faith--"turneth to flight the armies of the aliens." Heb. 11:33, 34.

    If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying,"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." John 14:6. "He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper." Ps. 72:12. The Lord declares that He will be honored by those who draw nigh to Him, who faithfully do His service. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." Isa. 26:3. The arm of Omnipotence is outstretched to lead us onward and still onward. Go forward, the Lord says; I will send you help. It is for My name's glory that you ask, and you shall receive. I will be honored before those who are watching for your failure. They shall see My word triumph gloriously. "All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matt. 21:22. Let all who are afflicted or unjustly used, cry to God. Turn away from those whose hearts are as steel, and make your requests known to your Maker. Never is one repulsed who comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being. We pour out our heart's desire in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way, and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. They may be inaudible to any human ear, but they cannot die away into silence, nor can they be lost through the activities of business that are going on. Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the confusion of the multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.

    You who feel the most unworthy, fear not to commit your case to God. When He gave Himself in Christ for the sin of the world, He undertook the case of every soul. "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Rom. 8:32. Will He not fulfill the gracious word given for our encouragement and strength? Christ desires nothing so much as to redeem His heritage from the dominion of Satan. But before we are delivered from Satan's power without, we must delivered from his power within. The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character. He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier. Often we enter the furnace of trial with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we shall come forth reflecting the divine character. When His purpose in the affliction is accomplished, "He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday." Ps. 37:6. There is no danger that the Lord will neglect the prayers of His people. The danger is that in temptation and trial they will become discouraged, and fail to persevere in prayer.

    The Saviour manifested divine compassion toward the Syrophenician woman. His heart was touched as He saw her grief. He longed to give her an immediate assurance that her prayer was heard; but He desired to teach His disciples a lesson, and for a time He seemed to neglect the cry of her tortured heart. When her faith had been made manifest, He spoke to her words of commendation and sent her away with the precious boon she had asked. The disciples never forgot this lesson, and it is placed on record to show the result of persevering prayer. It was Christ Himself who put into that mother's heart the persistence which would not be repulsed. It was Christ who gave the pleading widow courage and determination before the judge. It was Christ who, centuries before, in the mysterious conflict by the Jabbok, had inspired Jacob with the same persevering faith. And the confidence which He Himself had implanted, He did not fail to reward. He who dwells in the heavenly sanctuary judges righteously. His pleasure is more in His people, struggling with temptation in a world of sin, than in the host of angels that surround His throne.

    In this speck of a world the whole heavenly universe manifests the greatest interest, for Christ has paid an infinite price for the souls of its inhabitants. The world's Redeemer has bound earth to heaven by ties of intelligence, for the redeemed of the Lord are here. Heavenly beings still visit the earth as in the days when they walked and talked with Abraham and with Moses. Amid the busy activity of our great cities, amid the multitudes that crowd the thoroughfares and fill the marts of trade where from morning till evening the people act as if business and sport and pleasure were all there is to life, where there are so few to contemplate unseen realities--even here heaven has still its watchers and its holy ones. There are invisible agencies observing every word and deed of human beings. In every assembly for business or pleasure, in every gathering for worship, there are more listeners than can be seen with the natural sight. Sometimes the heavenly intelligences draw aside the curtain which hides the unseen world that our thoughts may be withdrawn from the hurry and rush of life to consider that there are unseen witnesses to all we do or say. We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angel visitants. It would be well to consider that in all our work we have the co-operation and care of heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and seraphim and angels that excel in strength--ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands--stand at His right hand, "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Heb. 1:14.

    By these angel messengers a faithful record is kept of the words and deeds of the children of men. Every act of cruelty or injustice toward God's people, all they are caused to suffer through the power of evil workers, is registered in heaven. "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily." "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Heb. 10:35-37. "Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:7, 8. The long-suffering of God is wonderful. Long does justice wait while mercy pleads with the sinner. But "righteousness and judgment are the establishment of His throne." Ps. 97:2, margin. "The Lord is slow to anger;" but He is "great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet." Nahum 1:3. The world has become bold in transgression of God's law. Because of His long forbearance, men have trampled upon His authority. They have strengthened one another in oppression and cruelty toward His heritage, saying, "How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?" Ps. 73:11. But there is a line beyond which they cannot pass. The time is near when they will have reached the prescribed limit. Even now they have almost exceeded the bounds of the long-suffering of God, the limits of His grace, the limits of His mercy. The Lord will interpose to vindicate His own honor, to deliver His people, and to repress the swellings of unrighteousness. In Noah's day, men had disregarded the law of God until almost all remembrance of the Creator had passed away from the earth. Their iniquity reached so great a height that the Lord brought a flood of waters upon the earth, and swept away its wicked inhabitants.

    From age to age the Lord has made known the manner of His working. When a crisis has come, He has revealed Himself, and has interposed to hinder the working out of Satan's plans. With nations, with families, and with individuals, He has often permitted matters to come to a crisis, that His interference might become marked. Then He has made manifest that there is a God in Israel who will maintain His law and vindicate His people. In this time of prevailing iniquity we may know that the last great crisis is at hand. When the defiance of God's law is almost universal, when His people are oppressed and afflicted by their fellow men, the Lord will interpose. The time is near when He will say, "Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." Isa. 26:20, 21. Men who claim to be Christians may now defraud and oppress the poor; they may rob the widow and fatherless; they may indulge their Satanic hatred because they cannot control the consciences of God's people; but for all this God will bring them into judgment. They "shall have judgment without mercy" that have "showed no mercy." (James 2:13.)

    Not long hence they will stand before the Judge of all the earth, to render an account for the pain they have caused to the bodies and souls of His heritage. They may now indulge in false accusations, they may deride those whom God has appointed to do His work, they may consign His believing ones to prison, to the chain gang, to banishment, to death; but for every pang of anguish, every tear shed, they must answer. God will reward them double for their sins. Concerning Babylon, the symbol of the apostate church, He says to His ministers of judgment, "Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double." Rev. 18:5, 6. From India, from Africa, from China, from the islands of the sea, from the downtrodden millions of so-called Christian lands, the cry of human woe is ascending to God. That cry will not long be unanswered. God will cleanse the earth from it moral corruption, not by a sea of water as in Noah's day, but by a sea of fire that cannot be quenched by any human devising.

    "There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time Thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1. From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains and deserts, from the caves of the earth and the caverns of the sea, Christ will gather His children to Himself. On earth they have been destitute, afflicted, and tormented. Millions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy because they refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals the children of God have been adjudged the vilest criminals. But the day is near when "God is judge Himself." (Ps. 50:6). Then the decisions of earth shall be reversed. "The rebuke of His people shall He take away." Isa. 25:8. White robes will be given to every one of them. (Rev. 6:11.) And "they shall call them the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord." Isa. 62:12. Whatever crosses they have been called to bear, whatever losses they have sustained, whatever persecution they have suffered, even to the loss of their temporal life, the children of God are amply recompensed. "They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads." Rev. 22:4.

      Current date/time is Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:21 am