Jesus is the Light of the World

Footnotes:

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/what-does-the-bible-say-hell-will-be-like/#ixzz26CnYqI7J

Romans 8:1-6 The Christian and Sins of the Flesh
[Translate]
In the first few verses of Romans chapter 8, we discover some characteristics of those who have been justified by God’s grace. We find that Christians are no longer bound, or enslaved to fleshly sins as they were before their justification. Those who remain unsaved are still bound by the laws of sin. Let’s take a much closer look at verse 1 through 6 and find some amazing Biblical truths.

Through these verses, we find that there are two types of people in this world: those who walk after the flesh, and those who walk after the Spirit.

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

I want to point out a few key words and phrases in this verse.

now
condemnation
which are in
after
These are very important words in the context of this verse.

Now there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Once there was, but now there is not. When we become Christians, we are changed.

There is no condemnation. The Greek word used here is katakrima, and it is the same as a guilty sentence passed down from a judge. When we become Christians, go move from a condemned state to a not-guilty life.

There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. The Greek word for “in” here is en. Sometimes those who translated the Bible used the word “in” for this Greek word, and sometimes they used the word “by.” Those who are “in Christ Jesus” means those who have been redeemed through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus.

We walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The Greek word for “after” is kata, which means “according to”. In other words, those who walk according to the Spirit are freed from their guilty sentence.

Verse 2 continues to explain these two paths which we have a choice to follow. Each path has it’s own consequence.

law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus
law of sin and death
Notice they are polar opposites.

The law of the Spirit is life.
The other path is the law of death.

The law of the Spirit is in Christ Jesus.
The other law is one of sin.

In verses 3 and 4, we learn an incredibly great truth. These verses talk about the weakness of the flesh, and sin of the flesh.

Romans 8:3,4 “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Let’s break this verse apart so it is easier to understand.

a. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh…” The law was inadequate through (because of) the flesh.
b. “…God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh…” To “bridge the gap” due to the law’s inadequacy, God sent his own Son in a fleshly form.
c. “…and for sin…” God sent his own Son because of our sin. The Greek word for “for” is peri, which means “because of” or “on account of”.
d. “…condemned sin in the flesh:” God “condemned” sin in the flesh. God issued a judgment against, and conquered sin in the flesh by sending His Son in a fleshly form.
e. “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us…” This is the reason why God gave His own Son. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us. What does this mean? The phrase “might be fulfilled” is key. Paul used the Greek word pleroo here, and it means “to consummate, or to bring to fruition.” God gave His own Son to “bridge the gap” due to the inadequacy of the law of sin. Mankind was hopelessly lost. God gave His Son and completed the shortcomings man had due to the inadequacy of the law.
f. “…who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Again, the end result is that we are cleansed of fleshly sin. We do not conduct our lives as though we are enslaved to fleshly sin, but after the Holy Spirit.

Paul continues by repeating the two kinds of people in the world.

Romans 8:5,6 “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

The unsaved person is carnally minded. They conduct their life after (in agreement with) fleshly things. The end road to this carnality is spiritual death. Note that even though the sins Paul talks about here is fleshly sins, the result is spiritual death. What we do in this body today will impact our spiritual body.

The spiritual person allows the Spirit to guide their life. Their walk is one after (in agreement with) the Spirit. This person has an eternal spiritual life and lives in peace.

TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS

God and Video Games

Since the first video games appeared on the markets in the 1960's there has been a heated debate over if playing video games conflicted with Christianity. Video games began with "Pong," and have quickly progressed to the multi-platform games of today. Today's games are a far cry from the days of "Pong," and "Pac Man," they often boast impressive video technology and professionally recorded soundtracks. The video game business has become a multi-billion dollar industry that includes everything from small
one-man operations to international companies. With the growth of the industry the intensity of the debate has grown. Both sides have valid points of view but in the end each individual has to evaluate the affect that video games have on their walk of faith.
It is possible for Christians to play video games and still be strong in their faith.

Opposition to this point of view raise several issues that would seem to conflict with biblical teachings. A few of the more common arguments raised are that in most games a character must kill to advance. Another major argument against video games is that in some games characters use magic. Some opponents also claim that video games do not glorify God. While these are valid issues, the people that make these claims have usually been misinformed or more often do not know both sides of this argument.

It is true that the Exodus 20:13 plainly reads "Thou shall not Kill," but we have to ask ourselves what is killing? Webster’s defines murder as “the crime of unlawfully
killing a person especially with malice aforethought.” A game spite (non-player character) is a graphic representation of complex mathematical equations. The “life,” of the sprite is nothing more than a number attached to a variable. The game sprite itself has no soul nor is it living so this means that it cannot be considered a person. This leaves the question pending, “is the player guilty of murder on a spiritual level”? Most biblical scholars believe that killing is justified in God’s eyes in lawful wars and in self-defense. In most games the player character is being actively attacked and must defend himself. There are notable exceptions to this. Games like “Grand Theft Auto,” and “Mafia,” involve killing innocent people and glorify criminal behavior. These games are easily avoided by checking the ESRB rating or reading the box to check for content.

Another common issue is that some games require the character to use magic. Exodus 22:18 states “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live,” and Leviticus 19:31 reads "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neitherseek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God." Like the killing question one has to recognize the “magic,” for what it really is. It is a particle effect that is a representation of a physics expression. On a spiritual level this imaginary spellcraft should not have any more affect on that person than reading a fantasy novel or watching a movie with special effects. Most people who are grounded in their faith and in reality will recognize the magic in the game cannot affect reality.

Video games offer a unique opportunity for Christians to fellowship and witness. With the addition of network connectivity to games the opportunity exist for Christian players to connect with others across the globe. Most churches now sponsor youth and young adult athletic programs such as summer softball teams and after school basketball programs. These have been proven to be effective community outreach programs and have brought many people into the church. A video game ministry has the potential to reach groups that might not normally play sports. A few Christian gamer fellowships have made their appearance recently. The Tribe of Judah (www.toj.cc ) is one such group. It offers Christian gamers a forum to organize competitions and fellowship with other Christians. This group also offers more traditional programs to its members such as mentorship and message boards so that members can discuss issues and request prayer.

Perhaps the entire debate over Video Game’s affect on a Christian’s spiritual life can be summed up in Romans chapter 14. In this chapter the apostle Paul writes about a debate over whether or not Christians should eat meat. Paul tells us that what might be right for one man may not be right for another and that we should not judge each other’s decisions. Video games offer a unique opportunity to fellowship with other Christians and to witness to those who need to hear God’s word. Each Christian has to evaluate the their own spiritual life and what affect playing video games will have and make their own decision to game or not. It is possible to play video games and still walk close with God.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:1-7

Cooper Abrams

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Introduction: In 1947, an Arab boy threw a rock into some caves to ride out his goats who had wandered into them. When the rock hit he heard the sound of breaking pottery and found clay jars containing ancient scrolls. Called the Dead Sea Scrolls.

This was the most valuable Biblical archaeological find probably ever made. The oldest Old Testament manuscripts up to that time dated at around 800 AD, yet these ancient manuscripts dated to 200 years before Christ. Liberal unbelieving textual critics and scholars before this had denied the accuracy of the Old Testament saying the true text had been lost over the past ten centuries in the process of copying and recopying the text. However, amazingly these manuscripts that were a 1000 years older than the Masoretic text, that was text currently available, was literally identical proving that God had preserved His word and we today have an accurate Bible.

This ancient manuscripts were truly "treasure in earthen vessels."

What is treasure? A treasure is a quantity of precious metals, gems, or other valuable objects or a very valuable object. Something of great worth to be sought after.

The question were need to ask in studying this passage of God's word is "What was the "treasure" Paul spoke of?" What was this treasure in earthen vessels and why did he say it was in "earthen" vessels. Things of great value are normal housed in special and expensive boxes, cases or containers. If you had a very expensive diamond would you have the jeweler set it on a ring made of iron or tin? Of course not it would be set in a gold ring or some precious metal.

Yet, the Lord is telling us in verse 7, that we have this great treasure in and it is in an earthen vessel. That would mean a ordinary container made of clay, not some beautiful porcelain or China vessel. Wouldn't it be a tragedy to have a great treasure and not know it? Wouldn't it be a gross misfortune to have something of great value and not use it or derive the benefit of it?

His description is important to understanding the meaning of the passage. Let's examine the passage and find the treasure.

I. PAUL HAD A GOD GIVEN MINISTRY. 2 Cor. 4:1
A. Have you considered that you too have a ministry that God has given you?
1. Most people feel that the work of the ministry is the work of a Pastor. Often the idea is that pastors minister, but not ordinary Christians. A minister is someone who "ministers" is one who gives care, service, and aid to another. He is one who attends to the necessities of others. Paul's ministry was twofold. One, he preached and taught the Gospel that sinners might hear the good news that Jesus Christ has come and through simple faith and belief in Him a person can have all their sins forgiven, be given eternal life, heaven when they die. Second, Paul sought to edify, meaning to build up and grow those who believed in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, to help them mature and live righteous lives overcoming sin that we all are faced with. That was Paul's ministry.
2. Have you considered what is your position in God's plan of salvation? What happens after salvation? Then what follows?

B. Paul says he has a "treasure" in an earthen vessel. What is he referring too?
1. Verse one says what it is..the ministry that God gave him. Paul was a man, that God made of the dust of the earth, made of clay. Like us all he was frail human being. We often think too highly of ourselves and that we are in control and have great ability to direct out lives. But in truth we actually little power to change anything. Do we really have control over our lives....maybe we thing we do, but what about diseases that can effect us and even take our lives. Even with the best diets can we real prevent cancer and heart attacks and disease?
Ewell Gibbons was an avid naturalist. Exercised, ate a careful diet, but at 64 he died of hardening of the arteries which caused a heart attack. He thought he had his health under control. Sadly, he learned the truth that ultimately we can do nothing to prevent our deaths. With all our effects and good intentions there are many things that are simply beyond our ability to change.

In spiritual terms the Bible says we have no righteousness of our own and we are truly earthen vessels, subject to the things of this sinful earth. 2. Can we relate these verses to ourselves? Do these verse mean anything to us? We can say, Paul was a special minister called by God to spread the Gospel and quite different from us. Paul tells us plainly in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 what was the Gospel that he preached after Christ's ascension in to heaven. Can we too tell people about the Lord Jesus Christ? Can we tell people who He is and what He did for us? Can we not explain that all men are sinners and under the condemnation of our sin?

But some Christian seek to make excuses for us today by claiming that, "Paul was different from us. He was special. We do not have to have the zeal he had, or the dedication, or the faithfulness. He is one class of Christian and we are in another." But what did Paul have that we do not have? The answer is nothing. He had a calling of God to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, and we too have the calling to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those around us.

3. Some use the names "clergy" and "laity" in identifying the classes of Christians. Others have added special classes in their false churches. ILLUS: A perfect example is the Roman Catholic Church. The have invented a special order of church members. It starts at the top with a pope who is infallible meaning perfect without mistakes. The then descend down through there ranks of church officials all have special authority that the "laity" or common people do not have. I am amazed at the audacity of the RCC presently running an ad on TV called "Catholics Come Home" promoting their church and trying to get former Catholics to return. One of their claims is they compiled the Bible, which is historically not true. The RCC church for centuries would not allow the common people to have access to the Bible. They declared your had to have a priest or some church official tell you what the Bible says. That my friend is absolutely not biblical. Why? You do not find that in God's word.

4. Look at Paul's zeal. Paul says he "having received such a wonderful ministry by the mercy of God he faints not"

Paul saw what God had appointed to him as important and because it was important to God he did not faint, or in other words quit.

5. As a result of having been given the task of spreading the Gospel Paul describes his zeal in being committed to the ministry.

He wanted it to be proper, done right, done in truth, without error and everyone could outward see this was his devotion and intent.

a. He denounced secrecy. His life was an open book. He did not try to hide things and be dishonest.
b. He did not manipulate the Word of God to fit his own selfish desires, or to have power, or receive any personal benefit.

c. He preached and lived the Bible in the truth that the Bible teaches. He did not water it down, nor spice it up. He preached and taught it as God gave it in purity. He did not present the Gospel as a competing as entertainment.

ILLUS: Peter Jennings Special on TV, Thur. 3/16/95. ABC presented a program titled, "In the Name of God" on March 16, 1995. Peter Jennings analyzed some of the growing churches/movements in the U.S., and concluded with this question, "As these churches try to attract sell-out crowds, are they in danger of selling out the gospel?" Now years later we know the answer to Jennings statement. Yes, many churches, have sold out the Gospel in order to have large numbers and lots of money. A watered down gospel is not the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. This selling out of the Gospel was the foundation of the heretical movement today that is called the "emerging church."
Surveys show that today as much as 85 percent of church membership growth is made up of people who church-hop. In other words people are going from church to church seeking better entertainment and a more pleasing presentation. The pulpit has become a stage.

Other surveys show that there has been no real growth in church membership in recent years; increase in some denominations is simply offset by decrease in others.

d. Paul did not play the "mutual admiration society" game nor did he seek to entertain and make the Gospel more attractive by adding the leaven of the world to it. He was humble and sincere and very open to those who knew him.

THIS WAS NOT SELF-PRAISE, BUT THE STATEMENT OF A BELIEF IN A DEVOTION TO DOING WHAT IS RIGHT AND MAKING AN ASSERTION OF HIS CONSCIOUS COMMITMENT TO INTEGRITY.

C. Verse 3: Paul says that if people did not understand the Gospel he preached it was because they were lost!
The implication was that if anyone could not see that Paul held the Truth, lived it, and preached it...then he assumed they were lost because a saved person would be spiritual enough to recognize the Truth.

God tells us in 1 Corinthians, "But 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 Corinthians 2:14)

1. He further says the god of this world, that means Satan has blinded those who can not see it.
2. Satan's has blinded them that the wonderful and glorious Gospel, which is Christ Jesus should not be received by them.

D. Paul says he preached not to build himself up but to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and in serving Christ he served the people. For Christ's sake, he served the churches.
II. THE COMMISSION AND WILL OF GOD. 2 Cor. 4:6
A. Paul uses the illustration of God commanding light to shine where there was darkness in the Creation.
The comparison is that God who commanded the light to shine in the first day of Creation, has also shined in the hearts of those that believe God's word, and receive the truth of who He truly is and who put their faith in Him alone for their salvation.

It was the will of God that man overcome sin within men's heart. He wants us to receive the truth, God's truth and believe and obey it. That means we must reject the darkness of sin and false doctrine and beliefs.

1. This is the heart of the matter! God does not intend, or desire that men live in sin and darkness, but in the light of His truth.
2. God desires that all men everywhere come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

B. Paul states this light shined in his heart!
The implication is that the purpose for his ministry was that others may be saved. That the Lord would enlighten the hearts of others as well.

C. This is the treasure - he had received and experienced this treasure..the wonderful Good News that man can have his sin forgiven. He was then to share that Good News with others.

1. The earthen vessel is a transformed man. A sinner saved by God's Grace from sin.
2. Yet, to this frail and weak creature... God has chosen to be the bearer of the precious Gospel that brings light into to wicked hearts, and washes men as white as snow.

D. The ministry of telling others is intrusted to men. Men who have been saved, who have received the new birth, who have trusted in Christ as their Savior.
1. The implication is simple: Men and Women who have received Grace of God, who have received salvation are the examples of God's Grace.
2. Every saved man, women, boy or girl is supposed to be a picture of the truth of God's wonderful redemption and deliverance for sin!

3. Salvation is not of a man. Being a Born Again Christian is not a cause for being proud.

It is a public declaration of one being a sinner. That nothing to brag about. It is saying publicly I am a sinner! Yes, I am, but God in all his loving kindness and Grace and Mercy, loved me and forgave me a sinner. What was Paul's testimony?

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1 Timothy 1:15)

When the lost world looks on it sees not the accomplishment of a man or man's goodness, but the love of God to want to free a man from his sin and the power of God to change a life.

CONCLUSION:
1. What does all this mean? Was Paul special and unique, must different that you and I? Am I expected by God to have a ministry?
The question is: "Is this zealousness towards a ministry meant for me?" "Surely, isn't it more than I can do or that God expects of me?" Paul was a missionary to the Gentiles, am I to be a missionary also? 2. Look at 2 Corinthians 5:10

The context says all that Paul was saying in Chapter 4, was leading to the statements in Chapter 5.

a. Verse 10 refers to the BEMA judgment.
Paul is saying now...everyone who names the name of Christ will stand in judgment before God!

What will be judged by. What we did on earth for the Lord!

b. WHAT KIND OF MINISTRY DID WE HAVE?

Did we serve one another? Did we serve the lost by preaching the Gospel and witnessing to those around us? Did we live godly and upright lives. Were we faithful to attending all the services of the churches, did we study the Bible, did we pray, did we tithe and give sacrificially so the work of the Lord would be done.

c. Note again that this treasure is in a earthen vessel!

Folks God has chosen to use us, ordinary men and women, to spread this precious truth, this great treasure, that saved men's souls and gives them eternal life!

3. QUESTION FOR EVERYONE HERE SHOULD BE:
WHAT AM I DOING? WHAT DOES MY LIFE MEAN TO THOSE AROUND ME?
DO I HAVE A MINISTRY? THE BETTER QUESTION IS THIS. . . HAVE I ACCEPTED THIS MINISTRY THAT GOD HAS CHOSEN EACH SAVED MAN, WOMAN, BOY OR GIRL TO HAVE?

Matthew 28:19-20 is the Lord Jesus' commission to ever believer. "Go ye therefore and teach all nations."

How do we begin? First, by our faithfulness to the Lord, our purity in our lives.

Second by knowing the Bible, therefore being able to give every man a testimony of the faith that is in us.

Being baptized and the as a church baptizing those who believe in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

When a person submits to biblical baptism it means they have believed in the Trinity, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are not to baptize those who have not come to the truth of who God truly is and who have not accepted Him as their God and Savior.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you

You can not teach people to observe what you do not know or live your self.

You can not teach even your children to be faithful to the Lord if you are not faithful. I am observed that unfaithfulness runs in families. Parents who are unfaithful to the Lord will have children that are also unfaithful.

You can not teach your neighbor, friend or passing acquaintance to live for the Lord if you don't.

You cannot teach men to turn from sin and live holy and godly lives, when you live a life of sin, of pride, selfishness.

The reward of our testimony for the Lord is that some will believe and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Some will accept God's truth. That is a great reward for us that we were able to used by God to save a sinner for hell. Those who use the great treasure God gives us reap the reward that comes from sharing the treasure.

The reward is that we will have accomplished the reason were we put on this earth the reason God saved us. God's will for our life would be achieved.

;We would be God's treasure in earthen vessels.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS....IF THOSE WHO PROFESS TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOR WON'T LIVE FOR THE LORD AND LET HIM USE THEM...WHO WILL BE A TESTIMONY TO THE UNSAVED?

Revelation 3
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Dead Church

3 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.[a] 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You[b] have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’

The Faithful Church

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:[c] 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it;[d] for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold,[e] I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’

The Lukewarm Church

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans[f] write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,[g] I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”

Matthew 5
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Beatitudes

5 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Believers Are Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Christ Fulfills the Law

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder Begins in the Heart

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[b] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

Adultery in the Heart

27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old,[c] ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[d] 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Marriage Is Sacred and Binding

31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality[e] causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

Jesus Forbids Oaths

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Go the Second Mile

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’[f] 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Love Your Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[g] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,[h] 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren[i] only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors[j] do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Genesis 1
New King James Version (NKJV)
The History of Creation

In Matthew 23:9, the Lord Jesus Christ told us that God the Father lives in heaven.....

"For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one."

The first heaven is what is called the firmament or sky that covers the earth. This is the realm of birds and clouds and surrounds the entire earth.

"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."

Isaiah 40:22 "It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;" "faith is the substance of things hoped for evidence of things not seen"

"He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands."

"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him."

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."God rules history and so accomplishes his plans without difficulty.

He Is with God Above the Heavens

He is also with God above the heavens. That he "passed through the heavens" calls to mind the ascension as Jesus rose through the clouds and through the sky into another realm, namely, the presence of God himself. Before Christ, the holiest place of the tabernacle or temple was entered once a year by the high priest. But that was just a shadow of the true Holy Place in heaven where God dwells. This is where our High Priest lives today. He has immediate access to God in heaven day and night. Hebrews 7:25 says, "He always lives to make intercession for [us]."

The Three Heavens

There are actually three heavens described in the Bible. The first heaven is what is called the firmament or sky that covers the earth. This is the realm of birds and clouds and surrounds the entire earth.

The second heaven is where the stars, the sun, and the moon reside. This is the space beyond the earth and it covers the entire universe. It is as far as the human eye can see with the help of gigantic telescopes such as the Hubble telescope.

The third heaven is unseen and is the residence of God, including Jesus Christ and is where the dead martyrs and saints are today. This is the location of the throne of God and where the holy angels surrounding His throne sing day and night, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord our God.thats where im going

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was[a] on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.

14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all[b] the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Genesis 2
New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

4 This is the history[a] of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; 6 but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground.

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Life in God’s Garden

8 The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

10 Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. 11 The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is Hiddekel;[b] it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.

15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

23 And Adam said:

“This is now bone of my bones
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.”
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Genesis 3
New International Version (NIV)
The Fall

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,

“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
16 To the woman he said,

“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”
17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’

“Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat food from it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return.”
20 Adam[c] named his wife Eve,[d] because she would become the mother of all the living.

21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 23 So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side[e] of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

Genesis 3 >>
New International Version 1984
The Fall of Man

1Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

4“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

11And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

12The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

13Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,

“Cursed are you above all the livestock
and all the wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspringa and hers;
he will crushb your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
16To the woman he said,

“I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing;
with pain you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”
17To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat of it,’

“Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat of it
all the days of your life.
18It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return.”
20Adamc named his wife Eve,d because she would become the mother of all the living.

21The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 23So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24After he drove the man out, he placed on the east sidee of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

John 9
New King James Version (NKJV)
A Man Born Blind Receives Sight

9 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I[a] must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.

8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind[b] said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?”

9 Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.”[c]

He said, “I am he.”

10 Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”

11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of[d] Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”

12 Then they said to him, “Where is He?”

He said, “I do not know.”

The Pharisees Excommunicate the Healed Man

13 They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees. 14 Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also asked him again how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”

16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.”

Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them.

17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your 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 who had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does 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 sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

24 So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.”

25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

26 Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”

27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?”

28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”