11/27/12

John 14:15-28 The Promise of The Holy Spirit

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

 

 

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

 

 

22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

 

 

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

 

 

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

 

28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

 

 

“Come now; let us leave.

Footnotes:

John 14:1 Or Believe in God
John 14:7 Some manuscripts If you really knew me, you would know
John 14:17 Some early manuscripts and is

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Biblica – Learn more about our Ministry and Outreach programs.

11/19/12

The Importance of Wisdom Revisited

     “And He said to the human race, “The fear of the LORD–that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”   Job 28:28 NIV

 


This roller coaster ride on planet Earth is a temporary one. You get on the ride at birth and you get off the ride when you die. For those of us who believe in life after death, the way that we live out our time here determines whether we enjoy the ride and/or make the ride unbearable for ourselves and others around us. It determines whether we achieve Heaven or Hell. It determines whether we dwell in the New Heaven and the New Earth.

 

A New Heaven and a New Earth

 

 

1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

 

 Revelation 21: 1-4

 

 As we see events unfolding around violent natural and man-made disasters,we are reminded that life is fragile. Nothing is permanent on this earth–all is subject to change.  The earth revolves day after day, and mankind hurries about doing what mankind loves to do most–learn and progress, yet this is not permanent; it can change. New ways of doing things emerge everyday, and unique, never-presented ideas are an everyday occurrence also. Searching for new methods and ideas is a good thing as long as it is in the area of  true progress–for to invent something new based on a proven standard has no merit of its own if the original invention is still highly functional. Why reinvent the wheel?

 

     Nothing that we do on this earth is going to stand forever. Landmarks crumble and fade away; civilizations rise and fall, and mankind still struggles on in the hope that the next era or the next invention is going to secure peace and prosperity for generation after generation to come. Each new government enters into existence with high ideals considered new and different from the former ruling state. They quickly discover that there is a reason why events unfold in a certain way. It is called lack of wisdom or poor foresight.

 

 

“For The LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”

 

Proverbs 2:6


      Notably, because of both the human tendency to desire change, and the natural progression of life on earth as witnessed in natural disasters, everything has a season. This has been recorded throughout history and in Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8.

 

 

1 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

 

 

Nothing remains the same, especially in this 21st century that welcomes new innovations that come and go so rapidly. As an example, Windows 8© is now on board. Many people have not completely grasped Windows 7© yet. Each new technology eventually brings about the demise or retirement of the previous technology.  Planned obsolescence works. Vinyl records bowed out to the tune of eight track tapes to cassettes to CDs to Midis to MP3 players; VCR tapes gave way to DVDs of many varied types.  Now we are seeing 33 rpm records returning.

 

 

     Life is hurrying along so fast that it leaves us breathless and unsure whether to jump on board the new train or to remain on the old train.  I get the impression that this may not result in our own choice–life is hurrying each one of us along on a swift track that may become dangerous at any moment. It is so swift that we have forgotten how to pay attention to the important things, such as the state of our souls and spirits, as each new adventure rushes by. We get so caught up into what everyone else wants for us that we forget to think about what we want for ourselves. So here comes the question. Exactly what do  we want for ourselves? This is undeniably an individual thing. Everyone, from the time that they begin to perceive the way of the world, starts to weigh and evaluate what portion is most interesting and advantageous for them. Where do I fit in? Why am I here? What’s in it for me?

 

 

      It is your own attitude, perceptions, and choices that fix a value to your experiences. Even negative events are teachers. They help  you to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again. If you choose to learn from past mistakes you can make an effort to dodge those obvious pitfalls that make life hard to bear and which may have an everlasting influence on your future.

 

 

     The concept here is of using wisdom, which is knowledge gained through either your own experiences, or the experiences of others. Wisdom guides through understanding into application. When we speak of wisdom, we speak of making wise choices based on the direct observation or engagement, or the influence of those who have gone before us. Unwise choices can lead to destruction or death. At the very least,  unwise choices can cause us to have to suffer the painful consequences of our actions. Responsible people think and act responsibly.

 

 

     It can be frustrating to share your life experiences with someone in an attempt to help them to avoid some of life’s obvious traps–then have them declare that they would rather learn through their own mistakes. They are not wrong in this choice, they are simply opting to disregard the wisdom born of trial and pain that is meant to be shared as a witness to others.  Joy is also meant to be shared. We walk this journey in the company of others, and whatever we can do or say to make that load brighter and lighter will be beneficial.

 

 

     You are never alone in this journey through life. You did not come here alone, and you will not leave alone. Why is this? Each one of us is tied into each other’s existence as either family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. Everything that we say or do affects those around us even if we imagine that our actions influence no one but ourselves. It is possible to be alone physically or mentally while performing an action, yet it does affect others because it becomes a part of who you are. You carry that knowledge or revelation wherever you go, good or bad, and others are influenced by it.

 

 

     This is a generation that prides itself on being mentally and physically independent. That independence extends to all areas of life. Older mores and values are considered out-moded; new ways of thinking and doing things predominate. While mankind continues to seek and pursue avenues of life that are self-centered and not for the common good, we are faced with a growing disregard for what will help our neighbors to thrive and survive in a world that is shrinking every day and providing little hope for the masses.

 

 

     Do we have an individual right to have our own way in all things? I think not. Earth has many inhabitants and there is no room for one or two individuals to dictate to all the rest. We are all in this together. What is crucial is that we seek truth, for truth sets us free. The argument could be, “what is truth?” Truth is found in undeniable standards, methods, and ideologies that have stood the test of time as producers of  a happy-spirited people [if they have been willing to embrace that truth]. This truth manifests itself in a personal relationship with us all. GOD is Truth. Does this mean that every day in Christ is flooded with joy? Is there never a moment when our world seems threatened by all of the chaos around us? Absolutely not. The Christian walk can be painful. There are no guarantees found in the Word of GOD that state that sorrow, tragedy, loss, sickness, or death will not touch us. What we do find are scriptural passages that speak of a Savior who has sent The Comforter to walk with us throughout this earthly existence.

 

 

“And I will ask The Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever; The Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him, nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”

                                                               

                                                           John 14:16  NIV

 

 

 To Be Continued…

 

 

All scripture quotes retrieved from Bible Gateway.com via the world wide web. 

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide

 

 

 

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012-2013 Charlene Kirst
11/12/12

November 11th, 2012 In Honor of Veterans Day

In Honor of  Veterans Day

 

It is so easy to overlook and forget yet another government holiday. If you are not a veteran, Veterans Day may come and go with the only reminder being no mail delivery. Veterans are a special people, and there are many activities to honor their sacrifice at home and abroad.  Cemeteries and memorials abound with the remains of those who have ensured your and my way of life for many centuries. Not only do veterans deserve our thanks and respect–they also deserve more recognition from us. Some are still actively engaging in warfare all over the world on repeated tours of duty.

 

 

I cannot imagine how it must feel to have hopes and dreams with no guarantees of ever achieving them.Those who are Blessed to return to home and family must treasure this miraculous gift.  For those who have no home or family to embrace–our special prayers go out to them today.

 

 

A sincere Thank You to all of our Veterans everywhere. May you stay safe under the shadow of His wings.

 

 

Picture credits:  roysrantswordpress.com

Charlene

 

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Charlene Kirst

11/11/12

1 John 2 (New King James Version)

1 John 2

 

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

2 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

 

The Test of Knowing Him

 

3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

7 Brethren,[a] I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.[b] 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

 

 

Their Spiritual State

 

12 I write to you, little children,
Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.
13 I write to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
Because you have overcome the wicked one.
I write to you, little children,
Because you have known the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.

 

 

Do Not Love the World

 

 

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

 

 

Deceptions of the Last Hour

 

18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the[c] Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.[d] 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

 

Let Truth Abide in You

 

 

24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.

26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will[e] abide in Him.

 

 

The Children of God

 

 

28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when[f] He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.

 

 

Footnotes:

 

 

1 John 2:7 NU-Text reads Beloved.
1 John 2:7 NU-Text omits from the beginning.
1 John 2:18 NU-Text omits the.
1 John 2:20 NU-Text reads you all know.
1 John 2:27 NU-Text reads you abide.
1 John 2:28 NU-Text reads if.

 

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

11/6/12

Ephesians 1: 9-10 New International Version

Ephesians 1

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

 

To God’s holy people in Ephesus,[a] the faithful in Christ Jesus:

 

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

 

 

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

 

11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

 

 

Thanksgiving and Prayer

 

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

 

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Ephesians 1:1 Some early manuscripts do not have in Ephesus.

  2. Ephesians 1:5 Or sight in love. 5 He

  3. Ephesians 1:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.

  4. Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he

  5. Ephesians 1:11 Or were made heirs

  6. Ephesians 1:17 Or a spirit

 

 

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide

10/26/12

Ezekiel 3 A Watchman On The Wall

Ezekiel 3

 

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

3 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.

 

3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

 

4 He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. 5 You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel— 6 not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.

 

7 But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate. 8 But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. 9 I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.”

 

10 And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. 11 Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.”

 

12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the Lord rose from the place where it was standing.[a] 13 It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against each other and the sound of the wheels beside them, a loud rumbling sound. 14 The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the Lord on me. 15 I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days—deeply distressed.

 

Ezekiel’s Task as Watchman

 

16 At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for[b] their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.

 

20 “Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. 21 But if you do warn the righteous person not to sin and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took warning, and you will have saved yourself.”

 

22 The hand of the Lord was on me there, and he said to me, “Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.” 23 So I got up and went out to the plain. And the glory of the Lord was standing there, like the glory I had seen by the Kebar River, and I fell facedown.

24 Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet. He spoke to me and said: “Go, shut yourself inside your house. 25 And you, son of man, they will tie with ropes; you will be bound so that you cannot go out among the people. 26 I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, for they are a rebellious people. 27 But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ Whoever will listen let them listen, and whoever will refuse let them refuse; for they are a rebellious people.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Ezekiel 3:12 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text sound—may the glory of the Lord be praised from his place

  2. Ezekiel 3:18 Or in; also in verses 19 and 20

Charlene’s Source: retrieved from www.biblegateway.com on October 26, 2012

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

10/20/12

121020 Walking By Faith and Experience Revisited

We are trained from early childhood to seek only those things that bring us joy and laughter. Sorrow is not considered a positive emotion. However, without a balance of both joy and sorrow, we are missing out on the fullness of life. Life will have unavoidable sorrows, but we can be assured of The LORD’s companionship in the midst of sorrow, and equally, of joy.

 

 

In Hebrews 13:5b KJV,  Jesus says, “I will never leave you or forsake you”. He is ever present in our joys, sorrows, and praise. Praise is good for our spirits and souls.

 

 

Many people go through life depending entirely on those around them to support and comfort them. While this can certainly work, what happens if you lose them? You are left floundering in a sea of pain where your reliance will be on the generosity of strangers. I personally choose to rely not only on my loved ones who surround me but also on a Living GOD who has walked and talked with me since childhood.

 

 

Yes, I know what others may say about this. I expect that they will not understand things of the Spirit because they do not possess His Spirit. Yet, Jesus loves them all equally, and because I am His –so do I. I do not require that everyone be just like me; only that I can be given validation for the things that I believe to be true and that have sustained me for decades.

 

 

It is in living life that ideas, concepts, and concretes become established. I have lived enough life while walking with my hand in His to have a knowledge of Christ’s heart. This gives me surety in a world of endless uncertainty.

 

 

“And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, GOD is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”  1 John 3: 19&20

 

 

Praise ye The LORD!!!

 

 

Charlene

Digiprove sealCopyright secured by Digiprove © 2012-2013 Charlene Kirst
10/14/12

Bishop Morton w/ Aretha Franklin – Seasons Change

 

I am able to fully identify with this song. I am at a changing season of my life–I will come out stronger in Christ after this season changes.

“Seasons Change”  Bishop Morton

 

[duet with Aretha Franklin]

 

SEASONS CHANGE

 

[Verse 1:]

In the snowy, cold of winter, underneath the cloudy sky,

In the middle of December, you share the thinking why;

Why do the leaves fall, why does the sky fill up with gray,

Where do the birds go, think about it seasons change.

 

[Verse 2:]

 

Sometimes life is gray like winter, and the tears fall from your eyes

Your heart is cold like December, you start to wonder why;

Where did my faith go, why don’t things ever go my way,

Why don’t my friends call, be encouraged ’cause seasons change.

 

[Bridge:]

 

Just like a bell has got to ring, just like a bird has got to sing.

Just like the sun has gotta shine, just like a poem has gotta rhyme.

Just like a river has to flow, just like the wind has gotta blow;

After the rain, after your pain,

(You won’t be the same), ’cause seasons change.

 

[Chorus:]

 

Jesus calmed the raging sea,

Jesus set the captives free,

Jesus gave sight to the blind,

Jesus turned water into wine.

Jesus broke the grip of sin,

Jesus died and He rose again,

He’ll do it for you, He’ll carry you through,

He’ll make you brand new ’cause seasons change.

 

[Bridge]

 

[Vamp:]

 

It’s good to know that You’re with me

In the passing of my seasons change.

 

credit: pcolson90+claudysp777+bibleprinciplestutor+

www.urbanlyrics.com

Charlene’s Source: youtube

Share This

10/6/12

Titus 3 Paul Instructs Titus

Titus 3

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

Saved in Order to Do Good

 

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

 

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

 

 

Final Remarks

 

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

 

15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

 

Grace be with you all.

 

Cross References:

 

  1. Titus 3:1 : Ro 13:1; 1Pe 2:13, 14
  2. Titus 3:1 : S 2Ti 2:21; S Tit 2:14
  3. Titus 3:2 : Eph 4:31
  4. Titus 3:3 : S Eph 2:2
  5. Titus 3:4 : Eph 2:7
  6. Titus 3:4 : S Lk 1:47
  7. Titus 3:4 : Tit 2:11
  8. Titus 3:5 : S Ro 11:14
  9. Titus 3:5 : S Eph 2:9
  10. Titus 3:5 : 1Pe 1:3
  11. Titus 3:5 : S Ac 22:16
  12. Titus 3:5 : Ro 12:2
  13. Titus 3:6 : S Ro 5:5
  14. Titus 3:7 : S Ro 3:24
  15. Titus 3:7 : S Ro 8:17
  16. Titus 3:7 : Ro 8:24
  17. Titus 3:7 : S Mt 25:46; Tit 1:2
  18. Titus 3:8 : S 1Ti 1:15
  19. Titus 3:8 : S Tit 2:14
  20. Titus 3:9 : 2Ti 2:16
  21. Titus 3:9 : S 2Ti 2:14
  22. Titus 3:9 : Tit 1:10-16
  23. Titus 3:9 : 2Ti 2:14
  24. Titus 3:10 : S Ro 16:17
  25. Titus 3:12 : S Ac 20:4
  26. Titus 3:12 : 2Ti 4:9, 21
  27. Titus 3:13 : S Ac 18:24
  28. Titus 3:14 : S Tit 2:14
  29. Titus 3:15 : 1Ti 1:2
  30. Titus 3:15 : S Col 4:18

 

 

 

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

10/2/12

Isaiah 6: Isaiah’s Commission

 Isaiah 6

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

Isaiah’s Commission

 

6 In the year that King Uzziahdied,I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:

 

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
    the whole earth is full of his glory.”

 

4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

 

5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined!  For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

 

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

 

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

 

And I said, “Here am I.Send me!”

 

9 He said, “Go and tell this people:

 

“‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
    be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’
10 Make the heart of this people calloused;
    make their ears dull
    and close their eyes.[a]
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.”

 

11 Then I said, “For how long, Lord?”

And he answered:

 

“Until the cities lie ruined
    and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted
    and the fields ruined and ravaged,
12 until the Lord has sent everyone far away
    and the land is utterly forsaken.
13 And though a tenth remains in the land,
    it will again be laid waste.
But as the terebinth and oak
    leave stumps when they are cut down,
    so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.”

 

Footnotes:

 

  1. Isaiah 6:10 Hebrew; Septuagint ‘You will be ever hearing, but never understanding; / you will be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / 10 This people’s heart has become calloused; / they hardly hear with their ears, / and they have closed their eyes

  2.  

Cross References:

  1. Isaiah 6:1 : S 2Ch 26:22, 23

  2. Isaiah 6:1 : S 2Ki 15:7

  3. Isaiah 6:1 : S Ex 24:10; S Nu 12:8; Jn 12:41

  4. Isaiah 6:1 : Isa 52:13; 53:12

  5. Isaiah 6:1 : S 1Ki 22:19; S Ps 9:4; S 123:1; S Rev 4:2

  6. Isaiah 6:1 : Rev 1:13

  7. Isaiah 6:2 : Eze 1:5; 10:15; Rev 4:8

  8. Isaiah 6:2 : Eze 1:11

  9. Isaiah 6:3 : S Ex 15:11

  10. Isaiah 6:3 : Ps 89:8

  11. Isaiah 6:3 : Isa 11:9; 54:5; Mal 1:11

  12. Isaiah 6:3 : S Ex 16:7; Nu 14:21; Ps 72:19; Rev 4:8

  13. Isaiah 6:4 : S Ex 19:18; S 40:34; Eze 43:5; 44:4; Rev 15:8

  14. Isaiah 6:5 : S Isa 5:8

  15. Isaiah 6:5 : S Nu 17:12; S Dt 5:26

  16. Isaiah 6:5 : Ex 6:12; Lk 5:8

  17. Isaiah 6:5 : Isa 59:3; Jer 9:3-8

  18. Isaiah 6:5 : S Ex 24:10

  19. Isaiah 6:5 : Ps 45:3; Isa 24:23; 32:1; 33:17; Jer 51:57

  20. Isaiah 6:5 : S Job 42:5

  21. Isaiah 6:6 : S Lev 10:1; Eze 10:2

  22. Isaiah 6:7 : Jer 1:9; Da 10:16

  23. Isaiah 6:7 : S Lev 26:41; Isa 45:25; Da 12:3; 1Jn 1:7

  24. Isaiah 6:8 : S Job 40:9; Ac 9:4

  25. Isaiah 6:8 : Jer 26:12, 15

  26. Isaiah 6:8 : S Ge 1:26

  27. Isaiah 6:8 : S Ge 22:1; S Ex 3:4

  28. Isaiah 6:9 : Eze 3:11; Am 7:15; Mt 28:19

  29. Isaiah 6:9 : Jer 5:21; S Mt 13:15*; Lk 8:10*

  30. Isaiah 6:10 : S Ex 4:21; Dt 32:15; Ps 119:70

  31. Isaiah 6:10 : Isa 29:9; 42:18-20; 43:8; 44:18

  32. Isaiah 6:10 : S Dt 29:4; Eze 12:2; Mk 8:18

  33. Isaiah 6:10 : S Dt 32:39; Mt 13:13-15; Mk 4:12*; Jn 12:40*

  34. Isaiah 6:11 : Ps 79:5

  35. Isaiah 6:11 : S Lev 26:31; S Jer 4:13

  36. Isaiah 6:11 : S Lev 26:43; Isa 24:10

  37. Isaiah 6:11 : Ps 79:1; S 109:11; Jer 35:17

  38. Isaiah 6:12 : S Dt 28:64

  39. Isaiah 6:12 : S Isa 5:5, 9; 60:15; 62:4; Jer 4:29; 30:17

  40. Isaiah 6:13 : S Isa 1:9; 10:22

  41. Isaiah 6:13 : S Isa 5:6

  42. Isaiah 6:13 : S Job 14:8

  43. Isaiah 6:13 : S Lev 27:30; S Dt 14:2

  44. Isaiah 6:13 : S Job 14:7

 

 New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.