1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus,

2 who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all His house.

3 For this Man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who hath built the house hath more honor than the house.

4 For every house is built by some man, but He that built all things is God.

5 And Moses verily was faithful in all His house as a servant, as a testimony of those things which were to be spoken thereafter;

6 but Christ was faithful as a Son over His own house, whose house are we if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of the hope, firm unto the end.

7 Therefore as the Holy Ghost saith: "Today if ye will hear His voice,

8 harden not your hearts as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness,

9 when your fathers tempted Me, proved Me, and saw My works forty years.

10 Therefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, `They do always err in their heart, and they have not known My ways.'

11 So I swore in My wrath, `They shall not enter into My rest.'"

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is still called "today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14 For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the confidence we had in the beginning steadfast unto the end,

15 while it is said, "Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts as in the provocation."

16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke, however not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

17 But with whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with those who had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?

18 And to whom did He swear that they should not enter into His rest, but to those who believed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

************************************************************

Paul is making it clear that our salvation and the way to enter into the kingdom of heaven is through faith.  Abraham had a strong faith in God and he was blessed because of it.  If we too hold onto our faith in Him and in Jesus who was sent by Him and was actually Him, then we can get into heaven.  We are first saved by faith but then there are certain works we are expected to do to maintain our faith so to speak.

As Christians we must support each other and help each other through times of temptation.  Are we truly saved if we just ignore our brothers and sisters in Christ during their times of need?  I don't think so.  I believe you are saved by Grace, that is God's love, through faith in Him, but that salvation only continues through the works you do to prove your faith and allegiance to the Lord. It is one thing to claim Jesus as Lord it is totally another to show your faith each and every day.

In other words, anyone can make a claim but if it is not shown continually by your actions are your claims real?

Have a wonderful day!

Blessings, Alice  

1 Therefore we ought to give even more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward,

3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by those who heard Him,

4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?

5 For it was not unto angels that He put in subjection the world to come, of which we speak.

6 But one at a certain place testified, saying, "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that Thou visitest him?

7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crowned him with glory and honor and set him over the works of Thy hands.

8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet." For in putting all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now as yet we see not all things put under him.

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

10 For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

11 For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of One, for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 saying, "I will declare Thy name unto My brethren; in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee."

13 And again, "I will put My trust in Him." And again, "Behold I and the children whom God hath given Me."

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same, that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death -- that is, the devil --

15 and deliver those who all their lifetime were subject to bondage through fear of death.

16 For verily He took not on Himself the nature of angels, but He took on Him the seed of Abraham.

17 Therefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that He Himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to succor those who are tempted.

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in times past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2 hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds,

3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

4 being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

5 For unto which of the angels said God at any time, "Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee"? And again, "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son"?

6 And again, when He bringeth in the First-Begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him."

7 And of the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire."

8 But unto the Son He saith, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy Kingdom.

9 Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows."

10 And, "Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thine hands.

11 They shall perish, but Thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment.

12 And as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed. But Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail."

13 But to which of the angels said He at any time, "Sit on My right hand until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool"?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation?

*********************************************************************

"In these last days",,,,  are these the last days as so many claim or were the last days when the bible was written?  I find myself asking this question over and over again.  Has Christ already returned for His church?  If He has, as some would suggest, around 70AD, then what now?  Is He reigning in His kingdom on a spiritual realm?  What then will come of us who live today?  Was there already a tribulation?  Is there still one to come?

It would seem to me, if we take the bible literally, and we read, especially in the New Testament as we have been doing the last several month, it would appear that the "last days" have indeed come and gone.  So just what would that mean to us if it were true?  I am not sure.  I am left with more questions than answers at this moment.  I guess we need to keep reading to get to the truth.

Many might think I am against the churches of today.  I would not say that I am against them but I do believe that just as the bible warns us, there are many false teachers and prophets.  Some intentional and some not.  I do believe that just as the bible tells us to do, we must seek the answers for ourselves, from God's word, which is the only pure truth.  To take someone else's word, especially when it comes to salvation is just plain foolish.  We are each responsible for our own salvation.

The comments I make here are not meant to lead or teach anyone but rather to get you to think and to seek out the truth for yourself.  I am sure I have as many questions as you do.  Doing this blog is both an adventure and a learning experience for me.  One chapter a day gives me plenty of time to think about it and pray about it and seek to gain greater knowledge.  I do believe the bible is God created and holds within its pages the TRUTH.

I am sorry I am late this morning making my posts.  I might be coming on a bit later than usual for a while as my home schedule has changed a bit.  Please bear with me.  Have a wonderful day!

Blessings, Alice 

1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, Unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,

2 and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house:

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

4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

5 having heard of thy love and faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints,

6 that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 

 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

8 Therefore, though I might be bold enough in Christ to enjoin thee to do that which is befitting,

9 yet for love's sake rather I beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds.

11 In time past he was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me.

12 I am sending him back. Thou therefore receive him, who is mine own heart.

13 I would have retained him with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the Gospel;

14 but without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy goodness should not be, as it were, of necessity but willingly.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him back for ever--

16 not now as a servant, but more than a servant: as a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account.

19 I, Paul, have written this with mine own hand: I will repay it; albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord; refresh my soul in the Lord.

21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

22 But besides prepare me also a lodging, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;

24 also Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow laborers.

25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work,

2 to speak evil of no man, not to be brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.

3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

4 But after the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

5 He saved us not by works of righteousness which we had done, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration, and by the renewing of the Holy Ghost,

6 which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I enjoin that thou affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain.

10 If a man is a heretic, after the first and second admonition reject him,

11 knowing that such as he is subverted and sinneth, being condemned by himself.

12 When I send Artemas unto thee or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me in Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.

13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

14 And let our own also learn to perform good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

1 But speak thou the things which befit sound doctrine:

2 that the older men be sober, serious, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience;

3 the older women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things,

4 that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5 to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed.

6 Likewise exhort the young men to be soberminded,

7 in all things showing thyself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing uncorruptness, seriousness, sincerity,

8 sound speech which cannot be condemned, that he that is of a contrary mind may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not gainsaying,

10 not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world,

13 looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ,

14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous for good works.

15 These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is according to godliness,

2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began,

3 but hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior,

4 To Titus, my own son in the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

5 For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

6 if any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot or unruly.

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, not selfwilled, not quick to anger, not given to wine, not violent, not given to filthy lucre;

8 but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate,

9 holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the Circumcision,

11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not for the sake of filthy lucre.

12 One among themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful gluttons."

13 This witness is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.

15 Unto the pure, all things are pure; but unto those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

16 They profess that they know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

******************************************************

Paul states again here the requirements for being a "bishop" in the church of God.  A man should have only been married once. His children should be well behaved and trained in a Godly manner.  They must not drink, or be violent.  The list goes on.

We read in many of the epistles of Paul how both men and women are to behave.  To set good examples for others to follow.  As Christians we can not and must not take the attitude of, "do as I say, not as I do."  One can not lead properly when setting a bad example.  We must separate ourselves from the temptations and down-fallings of this world.

Blessings, Alice 

1 I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom:

2 preach the Word; be instant in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts.

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned toward fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry.

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me on that Day -- and not to me only, but unto all those also who love His appearing.

9 Use diligence to come shortly unto me,

10 for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; the Lord reward him according to his works.

15 Beware thou also of him, for he hath greatly withstood our words.

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me. I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

17 Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

19 Salute Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I have left sick at Miletus.

21 Try with diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren.

22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

1 This know also: that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, without selfcontrol, fierce, despisers of those who are good,

4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. From such turn away.

6 For of this sort are those who creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth -- men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they shall proceed no further, for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11 persecutions, afflictions which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra -- what persecutions I endured. But out of them all, the Lord delivered me.

12 Yea, and all who will live a godly life in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing from whom thou hast learned them,

15 and that from childhood thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

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, thoroughly equipped for all good works.

*****************************************************

This to me is a powerful chapter.  It sounds like the times we are currently in and yet it also sounds like Paul is telling Timothy that he will be living in the end times.  Whether the trumpet has already sounded as some believe in 70AD or whether they are yet to come, this is sound doctrine that as Christians we should keep in the forefront of our minds.

Periless times, people will claim to be Christians but then not live a Godly life.  Are you prepared to live a true Godly life and not a life that is common in the world today?  It is not easy to put aside the things of the world as we are surrounded by them, but as Christians we must.  If we allow the ways of the world to distract us and corrupt us, we could lose our salvation.

All Christians will suffer with trials, tribulations and persecutions.  Can you except this?  If you are a true Christian, you have to!!

Blessings, Alice   

1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, commit thou the same to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.

3 Endure thou therefore hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man who warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

5 And if also a man strive for masteries, yet he is not crowned unless he strive lawfully.

6 The husbandman who laboreth must be the first partaker of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my Gospel,

9 wherein I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even unto bonds. But the Word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him;

12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

13 if we believe not, yet He abideth faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase unto more ungodliness,

17 and their word will eat as doth a canker -- among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

18 who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrowing the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal: "The Lord knoweth those who are His," and, "Let every one who nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honor and some to dishonor.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master's use, and prepared for every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they engender strifes.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not engender strife, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 in meekness instructing those in opposition. Perhaps God will give them repentance, that they may acknowledge the truth,

26 and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.