CRC Religion Relating to Religion

Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.

Blessed are you by Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.

Yes, though you offer me your burnt offerings and meal offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat animals.

"Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying,

The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says Yahweh of Armies; 'and in this place will I give peace,' says Yahweh of Armies."

"You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall not murder;' and 'Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.'

They said therefore to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees.

The disciples therefore said one to another, "Has anyone brought him something to eat?"

I sent you to reap that for which you haven't labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

The Jews therefore said among themselves, "Where will this man go that we won't find him? Will he go to the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?

We know that God has spoken to Moses. But as for this man, we don't know where he comes from."

His disciples didn't understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him.

If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

"This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.

"I command these things to you, that you may love one another.

Some of his disciples therefore said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;' and, 'Because I go to the Father?'"

They said therefore, "What is this that he says, 'A little while?' We don't know what he is saying."

Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;

but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter.

but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

All who believed were together, and had all things in common.

They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.

Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles.

For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered,

"Can any man forbid the water, that these who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we should not be baptized?"

He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.

When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.

But they, passing on from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.

After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak."

Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.

We bring you good news of the promise made to the fathers,

Be it known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man is proclaimed to you remission of sins,

Beware therefore, lest that come on you which is spoken in the prophets:

Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

It happened in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.

confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into the Kingdom of God.

When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.

When they had arrived, and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations.

They stayed there with the disciples for a long time.

Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some others of them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.

They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all things that God had done with them.

The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.

After they were silent, James answered, "Brothers, listen to me.

Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers.

They wrote these things by their hand: "The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law,' to whom we gave no commandment;

it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words, and strengthened them.

After they had spent some time there, they were sent back with greetings from the brothers to the apostles.

But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's return now and visit our brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing."

but Paul chose Silas, and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.

He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.

Paul wanted to have him go out with him, and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered the decrees to them to keep which had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem.

On the Sabbath day we went forth outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down, and spoke to the women who had come together.

They went out of the prison, and entered into Lydia's house. When they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them, and departed.

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.

Then the brothers immediately sent out Paul to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there.

But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.

So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met him.

He came to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;

It happened that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper country, came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples.

He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They said to him, "No, we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

He said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism."

Paul said, "John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus."

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

He entered into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for a period of three months, reasoning and persuading about the things concerning the Kingdom of God.

This continued for two years, so that all those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

But these had gone ahead, and were waiting for us at Troas.

On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and continued his speech until midnight.

A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead.

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the elders of the assembly.

how I didn't shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house,

testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.

You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.

When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.

When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers, and stayed with them one day.

Coming to us, and taking Paul's belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit: 'So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.

When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.

The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.

But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality."

Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.

but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.

From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage.

But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."

"Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations. They will also listen."

And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"

Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no other God but one.

For if a man sees you who have knowledge sitting in an idol's temple, won't his conscience, if he is weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols?

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

But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.

Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that, since you are partakers of the sufferings, so also are you of the comfort.

you also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed on us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on your behalf.

For we write no other things to you, than what you read or even acknowledge, and I hope you will acknowledge to the end;

as also you acknowledged us in part, that we are your boasting, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not "Yes and no," but in him is "Yes."

Now he who establishes us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God;

Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.

Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as do some, letters of commendation to you or from you?

For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and not in heart.

Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia;

For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.

This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace.

I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing.

But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.

but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality.

Not only so, but who was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this grace, which is served by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and to show our readiness.

We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.

We have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he has in you.

As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ.

Therefore show the proof of your love to them in front of the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty works.

Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you?

Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

to whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:

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

I thank my God whenever I remember you,

for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now;

It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.

and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.

but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.

having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.

If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers,

remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.

We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen,

and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.

You became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.

For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God,

I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;

Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away.

how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation--which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard;

And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.

But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

They said to you that "In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts."

and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand.

saying, "What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."