The Birth of JESUS CHRIST

       This is how the birth of JESUS CHRIST came about: HIS mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through THE HOLY SPIRIT. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

       But after he had considered this, an angel of THE LORD appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from THE HOLY SPIRIT. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give HIM the name JESUS, because HE will save HIS people from their sins."

       All this took place to fulfill what THE LORD had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call HIM Immanuel"--which means, "GOD with us."

       When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of THE LORD had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave HIM the name JESUS.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 1, verses 18 - 25

The Birth of JESUS

   In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

       So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped HIM in cloths and placed HIM in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 2, verses 1 - 7

The Shepherds and the Angels

       And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of THE LORD appeared to them, and the glory of THE LORD shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; HE is CHRIST THE LORD. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

       Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising GOD and saying,

       "Glory to GOD in the highest,

          and on earth peace to men on whom HIS favor rests."

       When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which THE LORD has told us about."

       So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen HIM, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GOD for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 2, verses 8 - 20

JESUS Presented in the Temple

       On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise HIM, HE was named JESUS, the name the angel had given HIM before HE had been conceived.

       When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took HIM to Jerusalem to present HIM to THE LORD (as it is written in the Law of THE LORD, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to THE LORD"), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of THE LORD: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."

       Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and THE HOLY SPIRIT was upon him. It had been revealed to him by THE HOLY SPIRIT that he would not die before he had seen THE LORD'S CHRIST. Moved by THE SPIRIT, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child JESUS to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took HIM in his arms and praised GOD, saying:

       "SOVEREIGN LORD, as YOU have promised,

          YOU now dismiss YOUR servant in peace.

       For my eyes have seen YOUR salvation,

          which YOU have prepared in the sight of all people,

       a light for revelation to the Gentiles

          and for glory to YOUR people Israel."

       The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about HIM. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, HIS mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

       There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to GOD and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

       When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of THE LORD, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; HE was filled with wisdom, and the grace of GOD was upon HIM.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 2, verses 21 - 40

The Visit of the Magi

   After JESUS was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is THE ONE who has been born KING OF THE JEWS? We saw HIS star in the east and have come to worship HIM."

       When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:

       " 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

          are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

       for out of you will come a ruler

          who will be THE SHEPHERD of MY people Israel.' "

       Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

       After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with HIS mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped HIM. Then they opened their treasures and presented HIM with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 2, verses 1 - 12

The Escape to Egypt

       When they had gone, an angel of THE LORD appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and HIS mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill HIM."

       So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what THE LORD had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called MY SON."

       When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

       "A voice is heard in Ramah,

          weeping and great mourning,

       Rachel weeping for her children

          and refusing to be comforted,

       because they are no more."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 2, verses 13 - 18

The Return to Nazareth

       After Herod died, an angel of THE LORD appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and HIS mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

       So he got up, took the child and HIS mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "HE will be called a Nazarene."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 2, verses 19 - 23

The Boy JESUS at the Temple

       Every year HIS parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When HE was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. After the Feast was over, while HIS parents were returning home, the boy JESUS stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking HE was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for HIM among their relatives and friends. When they did not find HIM, they went back to Jerusalem to look for HIM. After three days they found HIM in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard HIM was amazed at HIS understanding and HIS answers. When HIS parents saw HIM, they were astonished. HIS mother said to HIM, "Son, why have YOU treated us like this? YOUR father and I have been anxiously searching for YOU."

       "Why were you searching for ME?" HE asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in MY FATHER'S house?" But they did not understand what HE was saying to them.

       Then HE went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But HIS mother treasured all these things in her heart. And JESUS grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and men.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 2, verses 41 - 52

The Fulfillment of the Law

       "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 5, verses 17 - 20

Murder

       "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

       "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

       "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 5, verses 21 - 26

Adultery

       "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 5, verses 27 - 30

Divorce

       "It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 5, verses 31 & 32

Oaths

       "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to THE LORD.' But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is GOD'S throne; or by the earth, for it is HIS footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of THE GREAT KING. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 5, verses 33 - 37

An Eye for an Eye

       "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 5, verses 38 - 42

Love for Enemies

       "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your FATHER in heaven. HE causes HIS sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your HEAVENLY FATHER is perfect.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 5, verses 43 - 48

Fasting

       "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your FATHER, who is unseen; and your FATHER, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 6, verses 16 - 18

Treasures in Heaven

       "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

       "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

       "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both GOD and Money.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 6, verses 19 - 24

Do Not Worry

       "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your HEAVENLY FATHER feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

       "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how GOD clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will HE not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your HEAVENLY FATHER knows that you need them. But seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 6, verses 25 - 34

Ask, Seek, Knock

       "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

       "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your FATHER in heaven give good gifts to those who ask HIM! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 7, verses 7 - 12

The Narrow and Wide Gates

       "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 7, verses 13 & 14

A Tree and Its Fruit

       "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

       "Not everyone who says to ME, 'LORD, LORD,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of MY FATHER who is in heaven. Many will say to ME on that day, 'LORD, LORD, did we not prophesy in YOUR name, and in YOUR name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from ME, you evildoers!'

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 7, verses 15 - 23

The Wise and Foolish Builders

       "Therefore everyone who hears these words of MINE and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of MINE and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

       When JESUS had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at HIS teaching, because HE taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 7, verses 24 - 29

Submission to Rulers and Masters

       Submit yourselves for THE LORD'S sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is GOD'S will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of GOD. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear GOD, honor the king.

       Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of GOD. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before GOD. To this you were called, because CHRIST suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in HIS steps.

       "HE committed no sin,

          and no deceit was found in HIS mouth."

When they hurled their insults at HIM, HE did not retaliate; when HE suffered, HE made no threats. Instead, HE entrusted HIMSELF to HIM who judges justly. HE HIMSELF bore our sins in HIS body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by HIS wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to THE SHEPHERD AND OVERSEER OF YOUR SOULS.

1 Peter: chapter 2, verses 13 - 25

The Cost of Following JESUS

       When JESUS saw the crowd around HIM, HE gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to HIM and said, "TEACHER, I will follow YOU wherever YOU go."

       JESUS replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but THE SON OF MAN has no place to lay HIS head."

       Another disciple said to HIM, "LORD, first let me go and bury my father."

       But JESUS told him, "Follow ME, and let the dead bury their own dead."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 8, verses 18 - 22

The Cost of Following JESUS

       As they were walking along the road, a man said to HIM, "I will follow YOU wherever YOU go."

       JESUS replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but THE SON OF MAN has no place to lay HIS head."

       HE said to another man, "Follow ME."

       But the man replied, "LORD, first let me go and bury my father."

       JESUS said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of GOD."

       Still another said, "I will follow YOU, LORD; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."

       JESUS replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of GOD."

Gospel of Luke: chapter 9, verses 57 - 62

The Cost of Being a Disciple

       Large crowds were traveling with JESUS, and turning to them HE said: "If anyone comes to ME and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be MY disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow ME cannot be MY disciple.

       "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

       "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be MY disciple.

       "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.

       "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Gospel of Luke: chapter 14, verses 25 - 35

JESUS Sends Out the Twelve

       Then JESUS went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to HIM, HE sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.

       These were HIS instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."

       They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 6, verses 6 - 13

JESUS Sends Out the Twelve

       When JESUS had called the Twelve together, HE gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and HE sent them out to preach the kingdom of GOD and to heal the sick. HE told them: "Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

       Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see HIM.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 9, verses 1 - 9

JESUS Sends Out the Seventy-two

       After this THE LORD appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of HIM to every town and place where HE was about to go. HE told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask THE LORD of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into HIS harvest field. Go! I AM sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

       "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

       "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of GOD is near you.' But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of GOD is near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

       "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.

       "He who listens to you listens to ME; he who rejects you rejects ME; but he who rejects ME rejects HIM who sent ME."

       The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "LORD, even the demons submit to us in YOUR name."

       HE replied, "I saw satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

       At that time JESUS, full of joy through THE HOLY SPIRIT, said, "I praise YOU, FATHER, LORD of heaven and earth, because YOU have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, FATHER, for this was YOUR good pleasure.

       "All things have been committed to ME by MY FATHER. No one knows who THE SON is except THE FATHER, and no one knows who THE FATHER is except THE SON and those to whom THE SON chooses to reveal HIM."

       Then HE turned to HIS disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

Gospel of Luke: chapter 10, verses 1 - 24

The Day of THE LORD

   Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our LORD and SAVIOR through your apostles.

       First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by GOD'S word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

       But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With THE LORD a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. THE LORD is not slow in keeping HIS promise, as some understand slowness. HE is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

       But the day of THE LORD will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

       Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of GOD and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with HIS promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

       So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with HIM. Bear in mind that our LORD'S patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that GOD gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

       Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter: chapter 3

The Seventy "Sevens"

       While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to THE LORD my GOD for HIS holy hill--while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision: 

      "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint THE MOST HOLY.

       "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until THE ANOINTED ONE, THE RULER, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two 'sevens,' THE ANOINTED ONE will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."

The Book of Daniel: chapter 9, verses 20 - 27

Signs of the End of the Age

       JESUS left the temple and was walking away when HIS disciples came up to HIM to call HIS attention to its buildings. "Do you see all these things?" HE asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

       As JESUS was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to HIM privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of YOUR coming and of the end of the age?"

       JESUS answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in MY name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

       "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of ME. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

       "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand--then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.

       "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of THE SON OF MAN. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

       "Immediately after the distress of those days

       " 'the sun will be darkened,

          and the moon will not give its light;

       the stars will fall from the sky,

          and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'

       "At that time the sign of THE SON OF MAN will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see THE SON OF MAN coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And HE will send HIS angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather HIS elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

       "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words will never pass away.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 24, verses 1 - 35

The Day and Hour Unknown

       "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor THE SON, but only THE FATHER. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of THE SON OF MAN. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of THE SON OF MAN. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

       "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your LORD will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because THE SON OF MAN will come at an hour when you do not expect HIM.

       "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,' and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 24, verses 36 - 51

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

       "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet THE BRIDEGROOM. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. THE BRIDEGROOM was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

       "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's THE BRIDEGROOM! Come out to meet HIM!'

       "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

       " 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

       "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, THE BRIDEGROOM arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with HIM to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

       "Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

       "But HE replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

       "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 25, verses 1 - 13

The Parable of the Talents

       "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.

       "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'

       "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

       "The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'

       "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

       "Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'

       "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

       " 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 25, verses 14 - 30

The Sheep and the Goats

       "When THE SON OF MAN comes in HIS glory, and all the angels with HIM, HE will sit on HIS throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before HIM, and HE will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. HE will put the sheep on HIS right and the goats on HIS left.

       "Then THE KING will say to those on HIS right, 'Come, you who are blessed by MY FATHER; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave ME something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave ME something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited ME in, I needed clothes and you clothed ME, I was sick and you looked after ME, I was in prison and you came to visit ME.'

       "Then the righteous will answer HIM, 'LORD, when did we see YOU hungry and feed YOU, or thirsty and give YOU something to drink? When did we see YOU a stranger and invite YOU in, or needing clothes and clothe YOU? When did we see YOU sick or in prison and go to visit YOU?'

       "THE KING will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of MINE, you did for ME.'

       "Then HE will say to those on HIS left, 'Depart from ME, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave ME nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave ME nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite ME in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe ME, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after ME.'

       "They also will answer, 'LORD, when did we see YOU hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help YOU?'

       "HE will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for ME.'

       "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 25, verses 31 - 46

Salt and Light

       "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

       "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your FATHER in heaven.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 5, verses 13 - 16

Giving to the Needy

       "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your FATHER in heaven.

       "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your FATHER, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 6, verses 1 - 4

Prayer

       "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your FATHER, who is unseen. Then your FATHER, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your FATHER knows what you need before you ask HIM.

       "This, then, is how you should pray:

       " 'Our FATHER in heaven,

       hallowed be YOUR name,

       YOUR kingdom come,

       YOUR will be done

          on earth as it is in heaven.

       Give us today our daily bread.

       Forgive us our debts,

          as we also have forgiven our debtors.

       And lead us not into temptation,

       but deliver us from the evil one.'

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly FATHER will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your FATHER will not forgive your sins.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 6, verses 5 - 15

Judging Others

       "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

       "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

       "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 7, verses 1 - 6

Submission to the Authorities

       Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which GOD has established. The authorities that exist have been established by GOD. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what GOD has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is GOD'S servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is GOD'S servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

       This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are GOD'S servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

The Book of Romans: chapter 13, verses 1 - 7

Living as Children of Light

       So I tell you this, and insist on it in THE LORD, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of GOD because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

       You, however, did not come to know CHRIST that way. Surely you heard of HIM and were taught in HIM in accordance with the truth that is in JESUS. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like GOD in true righteousness and holiness.

       Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

       Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in CHRIST GOD forgave you.

       Be imitators of GOD, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to GOD.

       But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for GOD'S holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of CHRIST and of GOD. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things GOD'S wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

       For you were once darkness, but now you are light in THE LORD. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases THE LORD. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

       "Wake up, O sleeper,

          rise from the dead,

       and CHRIST will shine on you."

       Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what THE LORD'S will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with THE SPIRIT. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to THE LORD, always giving thanks to GOD THE FATHER for everything, in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

       Submit to one another out of reverence for CHRIST.

The Book of Ephesians: chapter 4, verses 17 - 32 & chapter 5, verses 1 - 21

PROLOGUE: PURPOSE AND THEME

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

       for attaining wisdom and discipline;

          for understanding words of insight;

       for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,

          doing what is right and just and fair;

       for giving prudence to the 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 discipline.

The Book of Proverbs: chapter 1, verses 1 - 7