Christian Mysteries and Salvation

Guide to Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

Note: A bunch of different bible verses that helps you be a better disciple of Jesus Christ

And Please God while making self-sacrifices to become content and more Godly. Basically Do what is said in the bible verses.

The yellow shaded areas are the main important parts to focus on with notes and guide lines and the red is another important part to show that God’s words and commands are revealed.

Greatest Commandments:

1. Love God with all your Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength,
2. Love your neighbor as yourself

New Commandment: 1. Love one another

Note: These two great commandments fulfill the law and complete the ten commandments by one action Love

Warning about the world:

1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

Following Christ

1Peter 4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will. For there has already been enough time spent in doing what the Gentiles choose to do: carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.

They are surprised that you don’t join them in the same flood of wild living and they slander you. They will give an account to the one who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead, so that although they might be judged in the flesh according to human standards, they might live in the spirit according to God’s standards.

Children and Parents

Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Note: Even though Adults no longer have to obey their parents when living on their own, they still have to honor their parents.

Living the new Life

Ephesians 4:25-32 Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity. Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. No foul language should come out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for redemption. Let all bitterness, anger, wrath, shouting, and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. Note: List of changes in your life that should occur

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you. Note: This is how you should act towards one another

Continuation of instructions of living the new life

Ephesians 5:1-5 Therefore, be imitators of God,(loving, Kind, Forgiving, Patient, Merciful) as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. For now, and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Note: The old ways a person used to act like and speak like has to change to a godly way in a new way.

Light versus Darkness

Ephesians 5:6-12 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient because of these things. Therefore, do not become their partners. 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 of all goodness, righteousness, and truth testing what is pleasing to the Lord. Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is even shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. Note: Darkness conceals sins until light reveals the sins and is exposed. We should not participate in the works of sin and evil no matter how persuasive it is.

Consistency in the Christian life

Ephesians 5:15-21 Pay careful attention, then, to how you live not as unwise people but as wise making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. Note: It’s all about living a wise life and using the time you have on Earth wisely.

Wives and Husbands

Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. Note: Just as the church submits to Christ, so must a wife submit to and respect her husband. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word.

He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle, or anything like that, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, since we are members of his body.

For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the Church. To sum it up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband. Note: Just like marriage started with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, now a new marriage has emerged which is between Jesus Christ and the Church for Jesus is the bridegroom and the Church is the Bride.

Carrying one another’s burdens

Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burden; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Note: We should help others who can’t get out of a sin without being tempted ourselves if you are spiritual.

A word to the unmarried

1Corinthian 7:8-9 I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain as I am. But if they do not have self-control, they should marry, since it is better to marry than to burn with desire.

About Married People

1Corinthians 7:10-16 To the married I give this command not I, but the Lord a wife is not to leave her husband. But if she does leave, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband and a husband is not to divorce his wife. But I (not the Lord) say to the rest: if any brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. Also, if any woman has an unbelieving husband and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce her husband. For the unbelieving husband is made holy by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy by the husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is they are holy. Note: The believing spouse would provide a covering for the unbelieving spouse and children

But if the unbeliever leaves, let him leave. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace. Wife, for all you know, you might save your husband. Husband, for all you know, you might save your wife.

About the unmarried and widows

1Corinthians 7:25-28 Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I do give an opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is faithful. Because of the present distress, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. However, if you do get married, you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But such people will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you. Note: Paul is trying to spare us the pain that is in marriage and that life brings because of it.

1Corinthians 7:32-35 I want you to be without concerns. The unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord how he may please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the things of the world how he may please his wife and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy both in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the things of the world how she may please her husband.

I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but to promote what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distractions.

Note: There’s a difference between the married and unmarried people lives in devotion to the Lord.

The Way of Love (This is how we should know we love one another)

1Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind, Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Notes: The yellow highlights represent what love is and does and the blue color represents what loves does not do

Sermon on the Mount (Jesus Teachings)

Matthew 5:1-12

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted

Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs

You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Note: These are true blessings that show if a person is truly blessed.

Believers are salt and the light

Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose it tastes, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.

Murder begins in the heart

Matthew 5:21-30 You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgement. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgement. Whoever insult his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says you fool will be subject to hellfire. Note: Green means that murder starts with anger first, as it did with Cain when his offering was rejected. Get rid of anger as soon as possible so you won’t face judgement due to angry actions.

So, if you are offering a gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come back and offer your gift. Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you are on the way with him to the court, or adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

Divorce Practices Censured

Matthew 5:31-32 It was also said, whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce. But I tell you, everyone who divorces his wife, except in a case of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Adultery begins in the heart

Matthew 5:27-30 You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you 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. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Go to the second mile

Matthew 5:38-42 You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. As for the one who wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to from you.

Love your enemies

Matthew 5:43-48 You have heard that was said Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? Note: Instead of hating your enemy we are commanded to love them, pray for them, and do good to them as said in the gospel of Luke

And if you greet only your brother and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect.

How to Give ( Practicing righteousness)

Matthew 6:1-4 Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in Heaven. So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

How to Fast

Matthew 6:16-18 Whenever you fast, don’t look gloomy like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to anyone to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

God and Possession

Matthew 6:19-24 Don’t store up 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 neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Note: Don’t store up earthly things for yourself that perish or can be stolen rather store up treasure in heaven where things are eternal and are kept safe. Whether your heart is focused on heaven or on earthly things or worldly matters.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye healthy, your whole will be full of light. But if your eye is bad your whole body will be full of darkness. So, if the light within you is darkness how deep is that darkness!

No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

The Cure for Anxiety (Worrying)

Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can you add one moment to your life span by worrying? Note: Trust in your heavenly Father for your true needs and that he will provide for you.

Stop Worrying about clothes

Matthew 6:28-32And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he do much more for you; you of little faith? So don’t worry about saying, What will we eat? Or What will we drink? What will we wear? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Note: Our heavenly Father will take care of our needs.

Seek God’s Kingdom First

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Don’t Worry about tomorrow

Matthew 6:34 Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Don’t Judge other people

Matthew 7:1 Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use.

Entering the Kingdom

Matthew 7:13-21 Enter through the narrow gate (Jesus). For the gate is wide and the road broad is the gate that leads to destruction(religions), and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life and few find it. Note: Jesus is the Narrow gate and religions are the gate that leads to destruction. Note 2: Yellow means salvation and green means destruction Note 3: Being a Christian (Believer in Jesus Christ) does not mean that you are in a religion but in fellowship and in a eternal relationship with the almighty God after being reconciled through Jesus Christ.

Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.

Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and do many miracles in your name? Then I will announce to them, I never knew. Depart from me, you law-breakers! Note: Do the will of the Father in Heaven to get into the Kingdom of heaven.

The unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Don’t know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be deceived, No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or males who have sex with males(homosexuals) no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom.

Separation to God (Separating yourself from the unholy and giving your whole self to God)

2Corinthians 7:14 Do not become partners with those who don’t believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What agreement does Christ has with Belial? Or what does a believer have with an unbeliever? And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the Living God.

Fruit of the Holy Spirit (The good fruit)

Galatians 5:22-23 Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Note: This is the good fruit Jesus was talking about

The Life of the New Man

Seek what is above

Colossians 3:1-4 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Note: The green represents your life raised with Jesus Christ and the yellow is the instructions.

Putting to death your earthly nature

Colossians 3:5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. Note: The yellow is the instruction and the blue is what to put away. Note: These things are what you need to get rid of out of your life

Colossians 3:8 But now put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Note: The yellow is the instruction and the blue is what to put away. Note: These things are what you need to get rid of out of your life

The Christian Life

Colossian 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love which is the perfect bond of unity. Note: Yellow mean instruction, green is what to put on, and the blue is the continuity of what to do. Note: These qualities and virtues are what you need for your new life in Christ.

Call to Sanctification

1Thessalonians 4:3 For this is God’s will, your sanctification: that you keep away from sexual immorality that each of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passions, like the Gentiles who don’t know God.

Christian living among outsiders

Titus 3:1-3 Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful detesting one another.

Asking For Wisdom

James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly and it will be given to you.

Do no evil

1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.

Confession of sin

1John 1:9-10 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned we make him a liar and his word is not in us.

A Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Christian Ethics (morals)

Romans 12:9-21

Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; patient in affliction; persistent in prayer. Share with the saints (believers) in their needs; pursue hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those whose who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. Note: The yellow is the instruction of what to do the blue represents peace with others and the green means special things you ought to do.

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me: I will repay, says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. Note: Same as above except we should live at people with everyone and let God take care of the Vengeance on others who do you wrong. Plus we should treat our enemies with Kindness and goodness.

Love, our primary duty

Romans 13:8-10 Do not owe anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves one another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not covet; and any other commandment, are summed up by this commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Therefore, is the fulfillment to the law.

Put on Christ

Romans 13:11-14 Besides this, since you know the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, because now our salvation, is nearer than we first believed. The night is nearly over, and the day is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk with decency, as in the day time not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t make plans to gratify the desires of the flesh.

From slaves of Sin to Slaves of God

Romans 6:15-23 What then? Should we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Absolutely not! Don’t you know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey either of sin that leads to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? But thank God that although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over, and having been handed over, and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.

I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity, and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification. For when you were slaves to sin, you were free with regard to righteousness. So what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of?

The outcome of those things is death. But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved by God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification and the outcome is eternal life! For the wages of sin death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Warning of deliberating sinning

Hebrews 10:26-29

For if we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgement and the fury of fire about to consume the adversaries. Anyone who disregarded the law of Moses died without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, who has regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified and who insulted the spirit of grace?

Fatherly Discipline (When God the Father disciplines you)

Hebrews 12:3-13 For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that won’t grow weary and give up. In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:

My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or lose heart when you are reproved for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives.

Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline which all receive then you are illegitimate children and not son. Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we even submit to the Father of spirits and live?

For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share in his holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead. Note: God disciplines us for our good even though it has lasting consequences.

James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

The hope of the resurrection

1Thessalonian 4:13 And now dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him believers who have died.

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. Note: There’s no need to grieve over the Christian dead

Paul’s final Advice in 1Thessalonians

1Thessalonians 5:12-19 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and whole hearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.

Brother and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

See that no one pays back evil for evil but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.

Dangers of the Last Days

2 Timothy 3:1-9 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control.

They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that would make them godly. Stay away from people like that.

They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) Theses teachers oppose the truth just as jannes and Jambres opposed Moses.

They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday, everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres

Respecting People in Authority

1Peter 2:13-16 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.

It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God respect the King. Note: Respect every human authority, whether your boss at work, your parents, or your teacher and anywhere else where you have to obey the rules.

Don’t show favoritism 

James 2:1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism

Love Jesus More to be worthy of him

Matthew 10:37 Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

The one who truly loves Jesus 

John 14:23 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them

The one who truly loves God

1John 4:20-21 Whoever claims to love God yet hates his brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, who they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

All Christians

1Peter3:8-13 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God called you to do, and he will grant you a blessing.

“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil”.

The Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-17 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark work world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

In addition to all these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

God’s law reveals sin

Romans 7:7-25 Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never had known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” But sin used this command to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me!

If there were no law, sin would not have that power. At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, and I died. So I discovered that the law’s commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead.

Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good. But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my death? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation to death. So, we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God’s good commands for its own evil purposes. Notes:

Drawing close to God

James 4:7-8 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

Respect for Authority

Romans 13:1-7 Everyone must submit to the governing Authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted and they will be punished. For authorities do not strike fear into people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong.

Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

Pay taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those in authority. Note: You have to obey the government and authorities unless it goes against what God says.

Loving Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit

John 14:15-21If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate, who will never leave. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans I will come to you.

Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. Note: The commandments are mentioned in the beginning of this book the Greatest commands and Jesus new commandment love one another

Avoiding Sexual Sin

1Corinthians 6:12-20

You say, “I am allowed to do anything” but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach was made for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.)

But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.

Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually part of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scripture say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. Note: Stay away from sexual sin it not only messes with the mind it also messes up the soul.

Instructions for Households

Colossians 3:18-20 Wives submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, always obey parents, for this pleases the Lord. Note: These instructions for a Christian family Love Submitting and obedience

Encouragement for Prayer

Colossians 4:2&5-6 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert and a thankful heart. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Note: Devoting yourself to prayer and living wisely with speech that is appropriate pleases the Lord.

Living a life that pleases God

1Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. Note: This should be a way of Christian living

Do what is good

Titus 3:1-2 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Note: Instructions for doing good

Advice for Elders and Young Men

1Peter 1-11 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I too will share in his glory when he was revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.

Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for:

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.

Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in the eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered for a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, ad he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

Everything needed for a godly life

2Peter 3-9 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share in his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

What to know to avoid the Lake of Fire

Revelation 21:8 But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars their fate is in the fiery lake of burning Sulphur. This is second death.