A Note on Bible Translation Versions
--TLCMBC standard bible version is the Authorized KJV of 1611 as updated in 1769 to reflect a significant change in the English language as the English language has not changed that much since 1769. However, TLCMBC recognizes that numerous translations exist and are used by various persons due to clearer contemporary language constructs in some instances. Unfortunately, there exists some rather significant differences among the translations. For example, consider John 9:35 where in the KJV it says "... Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" but in the New International Version (NIV) it says "...Do you believe in the Son of Man?" such that God is changed to Man. Now we know in the scripture Jesus is referred to as both the Son of Man and the Son of God. Indeed, in Luke 19:10 Jesus speaks of himself as the Son of Man who comes to seek and save those that are lost; indeed, it was his humanity that was crucified and human blood that was shed/emptied (Luke 24:39; John 20:27) on the cross at the place called Calvary (Luke 23:33) and Golgotha (John 19:17). In Matthew 16:16-17 Jesus affirms that he is the Son of God in his response to Peter's declaration that Jesus is such. Also, Jesus implicitly speaks of himself as the Son of God in his reference to God the Father and himself as the Son (e.g., John 5:19; 14:13). In Matthew 3:17 God the Father himself speaks of Jesus as his Son. When combined with the observation that the NIV completely omits Acts 8:37 where it says "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.", then this change suggests a strategic satanic (whether intentional or unintentional) weakening of the explicit mentioning of the role of God in salvation. What if a later version of the NIV removes the explicit word God in other places so as to stepwisely overtime render Jesus as mere human in the NIV?
Also consider the New King James Version (NKJV). For Exodus 16:28, in the NKJV we have "And the LORD said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws?"; but in the KJV we have "And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?". In the NKJV one might get the impression that God is only talking about Moses disobedience since the word you might be considered singular there; but in the KJV it is clearly speaking about Moses and the nation of Israel as a whole since the word ye is always plural. Also for Hebrews 4:8 the NKJV says "For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day."; but the KJV says "For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.". In Hebrews chapter 3 and 4 the contrast is between Moses and Jesus not Moses and Joshua and not Joshua and Jesus saying that Jesus is superior to Moses. Thus, the idea of Hebrews 4 is that the unbeliever like those in Moses day did not labor in obedience to the the Word of God which Jesus is in the flesh and so we as believers must labor in the obedience to Jesus, the Word of God, to enter into the rest of God. So the KJV is right and the NKJV is wrong.
Also consider Psalm 8:5 where in the KJV it says "For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels..." but in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) it says "Yet You have made him a little lower than God" where the word angels is changed to God; note that the Hebrew word phrase used in Psalm 8:5 seems to modify Elohim (translated as God in Genesis 1:1) by preceding it with a Hebrew word meaning from or out of such that the KJV translators determined the phrase to mean angels; this is consistent with Hebrews 2:7 that uses the Greek word aggelos for angels in seemingly quoting from Psalm 8:5 so angels seems to be more appropriate in that it provides more details and consistency though both say man is made lower than God as angels are lower than God.
My point is that the NIV, NKJV, NASB and many if not all "newer" translations' introduction of such differences is totally unnecessary and detracts from unity of scripture although the NIV does explain such differences in the margin notes. But that is part of the spiritual warfare that none can escape no matter one's faith/religion for the Pharisee and Sadducee contrast will most likely persist in various forms until Jesus returns.
Therefore, TLCMBC officially considers non-KJV translations in the same sense of various commentaries that explain scripture using more contemporary language phrases/constructs; this includes the New KJV.
Therefore, TLCMBC officially requests that all persons reading or quoting scripture in the assembly from a non-KJV Bible to have when possible pre-compared the non-KJV scripture to the KJV to ensure doctrinal completeness and doctrinal consistency. In the final analysis seek God and let the Holy Spirit guide you in properly assessing the various translations available. The way TLCMBC ministerial staff handles such non-KJV translations presence in the assembly is when a doctrinal inconsistency is observed that is considered serious enough then the staff will point it out in the assembly not as a matter of intended harm to the reader but one of intended help to all. If desired, click Comparison of KJV to New Age Bibles for one comparison chart though the chart may not be exhaustive.
Opening Prayer
Oh God! Our Creator! We your people, the sheep of your pasture, have assembled here to worship you in spirit and in truth. For as Jesus said, you are a Spirit and true worshippers must worship you Father in spirit and in truth; for such you Father seek to worship you.
For you Oh God have created us and chosen us to be your witnesses and your servants. Thou hast loved us. Through thy Son Jesus Christ thou saves us and sanctifies us. Oh Blessed be they great and holy name.
We praise you Oh God. We thank you. Oh bless, Oh bless, your holy name.
We pray that you by your power, presence, perfect knowledge, and Holy Spirit accept and bless this assembly in Jesus name.
Prayer of Praise and Contriteness
Blessed be Thou, O Lord, our God and God of our spiritual fathers, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, the great, the mighty, and the fearful God—God the Most High—who bestows goodly love, grace, mercy, and kindnesses, and art the Creator and Owner of all.
O my God, my Creator, my King, my Lord, and my Saviour, my Redeemer, my Helper, and my Shield.
You who are infinitely good. You who are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. For you have made all things and for your pleasure, they are and they were, we are and we were indeed made.
For the earth is yours Oh Lord, and fullness thereof, the world and all that dwell therein.
Oh God, I come boldly before the throne of grace. I humbly bow at thy feet.
For I like all have sinned and come short of your glory.
For I like all have need of a Saviour. I receive and thank you for Jesus Christ, your only begotten Son as that Saviour.
With all my heart I am sorry for all my sins.
I am sorry for disobeying you. I am sorry that I have offended you in my talk and in my walk and lack thereof.
I right now right here recommit not to offend you again.
I right now right here recommit to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
I right now right here recommit to a life of repentant faith so that I glorify my heavenly Father.
Oh God,Blessed be Thou, forever and ever.
This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Saviour.
Selective Readings From Old Testament
- Gen 1:1-8
- Gen 1:9-13
- Gen 1:14-19
- Gen 1:20-23
- Gen 1:24-31
- Gen 2:1-8
- Gen 2:9-14
- Gen 2:15-17
- Gen 2:18-25
- Gen 3:1-7
- Gen 3:8-11
- Gen 3:9-16
- Gen 3:17-21
- Gen 3:22-24
- Gen 4:1-7
- Gen 4:8-15
- Gen 4:16-24
- Gen 4:25-26
- Exodus 20:1-7
- Exodus 20:8-11
- Exodus 20:12-17
- Exodus 20:18-26
- Psalms 107:9
Selective Element(s) of Jesus Prophetic Ministry
- Jesus birth is prophesized (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7)
- Jesus is born (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38)
- Jesus announces that he is the Messiah (Luke 4:16-21; John 4:25-26)
- Jesus Performs Miracles
- Jesus lived a perfect sinless qualifying life (John 1:29; 2 Cor 5:21)
- Jesus is condemned to death (Matthew 27:1-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-40; John 19:1-16)
- Jesus carries his cross (John 19:17-22)
- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross(Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26)
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27-31)
- Jesus clothes is taken away(John 19:23-24)
- Jesus acknowledges his mother at the cross (John 19:25-27)
- Jesus is nailed to the cross(Matthew 27:33-44; Luke 23:33-43)
- Jesus dies on the cross (Matthew 27:45-54; Luke 23:44-48; John 19:28-37) shedding his blood (John 19:32-34)
- Jesus is taken down from the cross (Matthew 27:55-58; Mark 15:40-45; Luke 23:50-52; John 19:38-40)
- Jesu is laid in the tomb(Matthew 27:59-61; Mark 15:46-47; Luke 23:53-56; John 19:41-42)
- Soldiers are positioned at the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66)
- Jesus is resurrected (Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 1:1-13; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10)
- Jesus meets with his disciples (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:13-18; Luke 24:13-50; John 20:11-31; John 21:1-25)
- Jesus tells his disciples he is sending them and to receive the Holy Ghost (John 20:21-23)
- Jesus tells them to not leave Jerusalem yet but wait for the promise of the Father (Acts 1:1-8)
- Jesus ascends (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51-53; Acts 1:9-11)
- On Salvation(Luke 19:10; John 3:16-18; Eph 1:7; Acts 4:14; Phil 2:9-11; Rom 10:8-13; 1 John 5:1-13)
- On Forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15;1John 1:9; Eph 1:7)
- On Repentance (Matt 4:17)
- On Love's Priority (Matthew 22:34-40
- On Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)
- On Treasurers (Matthew 6:19-21; 7:7; 10:16; Prov 13:22; Luke 12:16-21)
Jesus Performs Miracles
- Jesus Turns Water into Wine at the Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11)
- Jesus Heals a Nobleman's/Official's Son at Capernaum in Galilee (John 4:43-54)
- Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit From a Man in Capernaum (Mark 1:21-27; Luke 4:31-36)
- Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law Sick With Fever (Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-31 Luke 4:38-39)
- Jesus Heals Many Sick and Oppressed at Evening (Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 1:32-34; Luke 4:40-41)
- First Miraculous Catch of Fish on the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1-11)
- Jesus Cleanses a Man With Leprosy (Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-14)
- Jesus Heals a Centurion's Paralyzed Servant in Capernaum (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10)
- Jesus Heals a Paralytic Who Was Let Down From the Roof (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26)
- Jesus Heals a Man's Withered Hand on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11)
- Jesus Raises a Widow's Son From the Dead in Nain (Luke 7:11-17)
- Jesus Calms a Storm on the Sea (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25)
- Jesus Casts Demons into a Herd of Pigs (Matthew 8:28-33; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39)
- Jesus Heals a Woman in the Crowd With an Issue of Blood (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:42-48)
- Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter Back to Life (Matthew 9:18, 23-26; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43; Luke 8:40-42, 49-56)
- Jesus Heals Two Blind Men (Matthew 9:27-31)
- Jesus Heals a Man Who Was Unable to Speak (Matthew 9:32-34)
- Jesus Heals an Invalid at Bethesda (John 5:1-15)
- Jesus Feeds 5,000 Men Plus Women and Children (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15)
- Jesus Walks on Water (Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21)
- Jesus Heals Many Sick in Gennesaret as They Touch His Garment (Matthew 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56)
- Jesus Heals a Gentile Woman's Demon-Possessed Daughter (Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30)
- Jesus Heals a Deaf and Dumb Man (Mark 7:31-37)
- Jesus Feeds 4,000 Plus Women and Children (Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-13)
- Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26)
- Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind by Spitting in His Eyes (John 9:1-12)
- Jesus Heals a Boy With an Unclean Spirit (Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43)
- Miraculous Temple Tax in a Fish's Mouth (Matthew 17:24-27)
- Jesus Heals a Blind, Mute Demoniac (Matthew 2:22-23; Luke 11:14-23)
- Jesus Heals a Woman Who Had Been Crippled for 18 Years (Luke 13:10-17)
- Jesus Heals a Man With Dropsy on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1-6)
- Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers on the Way to Jerusalem (Luke 17:11-19)
- Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead in Bethany (John 11:1-45)
- 34 Jesus Restores Sight to Bartimaeus in Jericho (Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43)
- Jesus Withers the Fig Tree on the Road From Bethany (Matthew 21:18:22; Mark 11:12-14)
- Jesus Heals a Servant's Severed Ear While He Is Being Arrested (Luke 22:50-51)
- The Second Miraculous Catch of Fish at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:4-11)
Selective Fathers or Older Men to Sons or Younger Men Scriptures
- Leviticus 20:17
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7
- Psalm 127:3-5
- Proverbs 1:8-9
- Proverbs 1:10-16
- Proverbs 10:1
- Proverbs 13:24
- Proverbs 15:19-20
- Proverbs 17:6
- Porverbs 17:21
- Proverbs 17:25
- Proverbs 19:13
- Proverbs 19:26-27
- Proverbs 20:20
- Proverbs 22:6
- Proverbs 23:13-14
- Proverbs 23:24-25
- Proverbs 23:26-28
- Proverbs 29:3
- Ezekiel 18:4
- Luke 11:9-13
- Ephesians 6:4
- Titus 2:1-2, 6
- Hebrews 12:5-8
- Hebrews 12:9-11
- 3 John 1:4
Selective Mothers or Older Women to Daughters or Younger Women Scriptures
- Proverbs 18:22
- Proverbs 19:13
- Proverbs 22:6
- Proverbs 31:10-12
- Proverbs 31:11-15
- Proverbs 31:16-22
- Proverbs 31:23-29
- Ezekiel 16:44
- 3 John 1:4
- John 16:21-22
- 1 Tim 5;14
- 2 Timothy 1:5
- Titus 2:3-5
Selective On Being a Child Scriptures
- Exodus 20:12
- Deuteronomy 5:16
- Psalm 27:3
- Proverbs 13:24
- Proverbs 17:6
- Proverbs 23:22
- Proverbs 29:15
- Ephesian 6:1-3
- 3 John 1:4
Family/Home Focus (Usually 2nd & 4th Sundays)
- As a Crucial Foundation of Quality Life, Church, and Society
- Manhood/Fatherhood
- Womanhood/Motherhood
- Childhood
***Start of Responsive Readings***
Responsive Reading (The Christian Home #1: Genesis 1:26-29; 9:1-4)
Genesis 1:26-29:
(26) And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
(27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
(28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
(29) And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Genesis 9:1-4:
(1) And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.
(2) And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
(3) Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
(4) But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
Responsive Reading (The Christian Home #2: Genesis 2:7-8, 15)
Genesis 2:7-8, 15:
(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 soul.
(8) And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
(15) And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Proverbs 6:6-11:
(6) Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
(7) Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
(8) Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
(9) How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
(10) Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
(11) So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
Other:
2 Thessalonians 3:10 - For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
1 Timothy 5:8 - But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Responsive Reading (The Christian Home #3: Genesis 2:18-25)
Genesis 2:18-25:
(18) And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
(19) And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
(20) And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
(21) And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
(22) And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto 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 shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
(25) And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Responsive Reading (The Christian Home #4: Deuteronomy 6:4-7; Ephesians 6:1-4)
Deuteronomy 6:4-7:
(4) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
(5) And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
(6) And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
(7) And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Ephesians 6:1-4:
(1) Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
(2) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
(3) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
(4) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Responsive Reading (The Christian Home #5: Ephesians 5:22-33)
Ephesians 5:22-33
(22) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
(23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
(24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
(26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
(27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
(28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
(29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
(30) For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
(31) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
(32) This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
(33) Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Responsive Reading (Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth: Psalm 95:6; John 4:19-26)
Psalm 95:6
(6) O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
John 4:19-26
(19) The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
(20) Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
(21) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
(22) Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
(23) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
(24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
(25) The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
(26) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Responsive Reading (Worshipping God Through Praise, Blessing, and Obedience:Psalm 145:1-5; James 1:22-25 )
Psalm 145:1-5
(1) David's Psalm of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
(2) Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
(3) Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
(4) One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
(5) I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
James 1:22-25
(22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(23) For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
(24) For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
(25) But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Responsive Reading (Paul Before King Agrippa: Acts 26:1-2, 12-29)
(1) Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
(2) I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
(12) Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
(13) At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
(14) And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
(15) And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
(16) But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
(17) Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
(18) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
(19) Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
(20) But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
(21) For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
(22) Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
(23) That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
(24) And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
(25) But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
(26) For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
(27) King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
(28) Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
(29) And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Responsive Reading (Am I My Brother's Keeper: Genesis 4:1-7)
(1) And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
(2) And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
(3) And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
(4) And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
(5) But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
(6) And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
(7) If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Responsive Reading (Encouraging and Equipping During These Difficult Times: Romans 8:18, 28; Matthew 18:15-17)
Romans 8:18,28
(18) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
(28)) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Matthew 18:15-17
(15) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
(16) But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
(17) And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Responsive Reading (The Commandment to Judge Good and Evil: Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1, 7-8)
Mat 18:15-17
Matthew 18:15-17
(15) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
(16) But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
(17) And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
1 Corinthians 5:1, 7-8
(1) It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
(7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
(8) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Responsive Reading (Saved By Grace Through Faith: Ephesians 2:5-10)
(5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
(6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
(7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Responsive Reading (God Provides Both Spiritual Food and Natural Food: Deuteronomy 8:1-6; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17)
Deuteronomy 8:1-6
(1) All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.
(2) And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
(3) And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
(4) Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
(5) Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
(6) Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17
(15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Responsive Reading (The Genealogy of Jesus - All Are Welcome Into and In the Family of God: Matthew 1:1-6,16)
(1) The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
(2) Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
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(3) And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
(4) And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
(5) And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
(6) And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
(16) And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Responsive Reading (Chosen to be Witnesses and Servants of God: Isaiah 43:10-13; Matthew 10:32; Luke 19:10; John 10:10)
Isaiah 43
(10) Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
(11) I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
(12) I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
(13) Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
Matthew 10
(32) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Luke 19
(10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
John 10
(10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
***Start of Songs***
Song: Jesus Loves Me
Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! He who died,
Heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! He will stay,
Close beside me all the way;
He's prepared a home for me,
And some day His face I'll see.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so
Song: The B-I-B-L-E
The B-I-B-L-E
Yes, that's the book for me
I stand alone on the Word of God
The B-I-B-L-E
Song: Thank You Lord
Thank you Lord (3), I just want to thank you Lord.
You been so good (3), I just want to thank you Lord.
You forgive my sins (3), I just want to thank you Lord.
You saved my soul (3), I just want to thank you Lord.
You made a way (3), I just want to thank you Lord.
Thank you Lord (3), I just want to thank you Lord.
Song: Praise Him
Praise Him (4), Jesus blessed saviour; He’s worthy to be praised.
Love Him (4), Jesus blessed saviour; He’s worthy to be praised.
Trust Him (4), Jesus blessed saviour; He’s worthy to be praised.
Bless Him (4), Jesus blessed saviour; He’s worthy to be praised.
Thank Him (4), Jesus blessed saviour; He’s worthy to be praised.
Glory (4), Jesus blessed saviour; He’s worthy to be praised.
Song: Guide Me Oh Thy Great Jehovah
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing waters flow.
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar, Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, Strong Deliverer, Be Thou still my strength & shield
Song: Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus
Chorus 1: Can’t nobody do me like Jesus.
Can’t nobody do me like the Lord.
Can’t nobody do me like Jesus, He’s my friend.
Verse 1: Picked me up and he turned me around (3); He’s my friend.
Chorus 1: Can’t nobody do me like Jesus.
Verse 2: Healed my body and told me run on (3); He’s my friend
Chorus 2 (As many times as desired):
Lead: Cant’ nobody do me like Jesus;
Response: Cant’ nobody do me like Jesus
Chorus 3 (As many times as desired):
Lead: Nobody; Response: Nobody
Repeat Chorus 1
Song: The Reasons I Do Like I Do
The reason I do like I do, I don’t wanna be lost.
The reason I do like I do, I don’t wanna be lost.
The reason I do like I do, I don’t wanna be lost.
I don’t wanna be lost when Jesus comes.
The reason I sing like I sing, I don’t wanna be lost (3).
I don’t wanna be lost when Jesus comes.
The reason I pray like I pray, I don’t wanna be lost (3).
I don’t wanna be lost when Jesus comes.
The reason I live like I live, I don’t wanna be lost (3).
The reason I live like I live, I don’t wanna be lost.
The reason I give like I give, I don’t wanna be lost (3).
I don’t wanna be lost when Jesus comes.
Song: We've Come This Far By Faith
Chorus 1: We've come this far by faith; Leaning on the Lord.
Trusting in His holy word; He’s never failed me yet.
We’re singing oh oh oh oh oh oh oh.
Cant’ turn around; We've come this far by faith.
Repeat Chorus 1
Verse: Just the other day, I heard a man say.
He did not believe in the Lord.
But I can truly say, my Lord has made a way.
And he has not failed me yet.
Repeat Chorus 1
Chorus 2: I will trust in the Lord (3); Until I die (2)
-- I will trust in the Lord (3); Until I die (1)
Chorus 3: I'm gonna stay on the battlefield (3); Until I die (2)
-- I'm gonna stay on the battlefield (3); Until I die (1)
Chorus 4. I'm gonna treat everybody right (3); Until I die (2)
-- I'm gonna treat everybody right (3); Until I die (1)
Chorus 5. I’m gonna watch, fight, and pray (3); Until I die (2)
-- I’m gonna watch, fight, and pray (3); Until I die (1)
Song: What A Fellowship
What a fellowship, what a joy divine.
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine.
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Chorus: Leaning, Oh leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms.
Leaning, Oh leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way.
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how bright the path grows from day to day.
Leaning on the everlasting arms!
Repeat Chorus
What have I to dread, what have I to fear.
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near.
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Repeat Chorus
Song: Amazing Grace
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now I’m found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come.
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
Praise God...
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus (3) Just Now, Just Now
Come to Jesus (2) Just Now
He will save you (3) Just Now
He will save you (2) Just Now
Only trust him (3) Just Now
Only trust him (2) Just Now
You Can't Beat God Giving
You can’t beat God’s giving, No matter how you try.
And just as sure as you are living, And the Lord is in Heaven on high.
The more you give, the more he gives to you,
Just keep on giving, because it’s really true.
That you can’t beat God’s giving, No matter how you try.
Repeat
Jesus is on the Mainline
Chorus: Jesus is on the mainline, tell him what you want (3)
Call him up and tell him what you want
Verses:
If you want your sins forgiven, tell him what you want (3);
Call him up and tell him what you want
If you want the Holy Ghost, tell him what you want (3);
Call him up and tell him what you want
If you sick and you can’t get well, tell him what you want (3);
Call him up and tell him what you want
If you're feeling down and out, tell him what you want (3);
Call him up and tell him what you want
I Know It Was The Blood
Verse: I Know It Was the Blood (3) for me.
Chorus: (Do Chorus after each verse)
One day when I was lost; He died upon that cross.
And I know it was the blood for me.
Verse: It was my Saviour’s blood (3), for me.
Verse: They nailed Him to the cross (3), for me.
Verse: He never said a mumbling word (3), for me.
Verse: He hung His head and died (3), for me.
Verse: They pierced Him in His side (3), for me.
Verse: They buried him in a borrowed tomb (3), for me.
Verse: He came forth outta that grave (3), for me.
Verse: He sits at the right hand of the Father (3), for me.
Verse: He's coming back again (3) for me.
Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land
Chorus: Jesus is a rock in a weary land!
A weary land! A weary land!
Jesus is a rock in a weary land,
A shelter in the time of storm!
Repeat Chorus
Verse: I would not be a sinner,
I’ll tell you the reason why
I’m afraid my Lord might call my name
And I wouldn’t be ready to die.
Repeat Chorus
Verse: I would not be a backslider,
I’ll tell you the reason why
I’m afraid my Lord might call my name
And I wouldn’t be ready to die
He is a rock!
In a weary land!
He is a rock!
In a weary land!
He is a rock!
In a weary land!
A shelter in the time of storm!
Has He ever made a way, when you didn’t have a dime?
Has He ever stepped in just right on time?
Has He ever picked you up when you were down?
Has He ever placed your feet on solid ground?
Then you know He is a rock in a weary land!
Weary land! Weary land!
Then you know He is a rock in a weary land!
Shelter in the time of storm!
Closing Remarks and Exhortation
From the time of our conception in our mother's womb, we become involved in spiritual warfare though we don't know it at the time. Our number one enemy is Satan, the devil. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy.
He sometimes shows up in our homes, on our jobs,, and even at our church.
But the scripture says we are to be wise and not unaware of the devel's devices. So watch for the devil. Keep your mind, heart, and spirit tuned in to God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
We live in a world where things are moving so fast. The world often stresses us, pushing us much too fast. We think we ought to get everything now. We think we ought to do everything today. So we end up not having or doing the most important things in our hearts.
And we sometimes don't take the time to make sure our hearts line up with God's heart.
That our minds line up with God's mind. That our spirits line up with God's spirit.
We get ourselves in pits. Sometimes others put us in pits. We are sometimes pressured to climb out much too fast and in wrong ways. We sometimes behave like we can climb out without God.
We have faith in what Jesus did on the cross. But do we trust God for our livelihood?
Let us slow down for at least a few moments. Let us have some quiet time. Time for personal prayer. Time for personal meditation. Time for personal reflection.
Think on, how much do I love God? Think on, do I show him my love as he wants me to? Think on, do I show others how much I love God?
But don't stress. Breathe. Relax. Quietness. Meditation. Reflection. Think on God.
Let us so do while we are absence one from another! In Jesus Name!
