Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Access to God » Admission into God's presence
Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his Holy Place? The one who has innocent hands and a pure heart; the person who does not delight in what is false and does not swear an oath deceitfully.
Open your gates, so the righteous nation that safeguards its faith may enter.
I'm the gate. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved. He'll come in and go out and find pasture.
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Verse Concepts
Accepting ChristBaby JesusAbundant LifeJesusAbsolute TruthAccess To God, Through ChristCoolDeath Of A Loved OneFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsBecoming A Christianethics, basis ofeternal life, nature ofeternal life, gift ofAccess To God, By Means OfClaimsGospel, Essence OfLife, Of FaithMediationOrthodoxy, In NtHighwayRevelation, In NtSociety, Negative Aspects OfUniquenessWay, The
TruthSpiritual Life, Nature OfNames And Titles For ChristThe I Am's Of ChristChrist The DoorAdmission Into God's PresenceAsking In Jesus NameNew Birth, Necessity OfComing To GodLife In ChristOnly OnceLife Is In ChristThe FatherEternal lifenatural LifeThe ResurrectionAccess to GodAnxiety And StressGoing To HeavenTelling The TruthLiving For GodLife Purposechristreality
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace by which we have been established, and we boast because of our hope in God's glory.
For through him, both of us have access to the Father by one Spirit.
in whom we have boldness and confident access through his faithfulness.
Verse Concepts
AssuranceAdoption, Results OfAccess To God, Through ChristFaith, As Basis Of SalvationAssurance, By Faith In ChristAccess To God, The Characteristics OfAssurance, nature ofMission, Of Jesus ChristOptimismPrayer, And FaithPrayer, As A Relationship With GodReconciliation, Of The World To GodAdmission Into God's PresenceBenefits Of Faith In ChristBeing Strong
Therefore, my brothers, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus,
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
"I know what you've been doing. Look! I have put in front of you an open door that no one can shut. You have only a little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name.
exclusion Admission » Admission into God's presence
Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his Holy Place? The one who has innocent hands and a pure heart; the person who does not delight in what is false and does not swear an oath deceitfully.
Open your gates, so the righteous nation that safeguards its faith may enter.
I'm the gate. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved. He'll come in and go out and find pasture.
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Verse Concepts
Accepting ChristBaby JesusAbundant LifeJesusAbsolute TruthAccess To God, Through ChristCoolDeath Of A Loved OneFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsBecoming A Christianethics, basis ofeternal life, nature ofeternal life, gift ofAccess To God, By Means OfClaimsGospel, Essence OfLife, Of FaithMediationOrthodoxy, In NtHighwayRevelation, In NtSociety, Negative Aspects OfUniquenessWay, The
TruthSpiritual Life, Nature OfNames And Titles For ChristThe I Am's Of ChristChrist The DoorAdmission Into God's PresenceAsking In Jesus NameNew Birth, Necessity OfComing To GodLife In ChristOnly OnceLife Is In ChristThe FatherEternal lifenatural LifeThe ResurrectionAccess to GodAnxiety And StressGoing To HeavenTelling The TruthLiving For GodLife Purposechristreality
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace by which we have been established, and we boast because of our hope in God's glory.
For through him, both of us have access to the Father by one Spirit.
in whom we have boldness and confident access through his faithfulness.
Verse Concepts
AssuranceAdoption, Results OfAccess To God, Through ChristFaith, As Basis Of SalvationAssurance, By Faith In ChristAccess To God, The Characteristics OfAssurance, nature ofMission, Of Jesus ChristOptimismPrayer, And FaithPrayer, As A Relationship With GodReconciliation, Of The World To GodAdmission Into God's PresenceBenefits Of Faith In ChristBeing Strong
Therefore, my brothers, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus,
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
"I know what you've been doing. Look! I have put in front of you an open door that no one can shut. You have only a little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name.
Conduct » Christian conduct
But as for you, teach what is consistent with healthy doctrine. Older men are to be sober, serious, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. Likewise, older women are to show their reverence for God by their behavior. They are not to be gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to be examples of goodness. read more.
They should encourage the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible and pure, to manage their households, to be kind, and to submit themselves to their husbands. Otherwise, the word of God may be discredited. Likewise, encourage the younger men to be sensible. Always set an example for others by doing good actions. Teach with integrity and dignity. Use wholesome speech that cannot be condemned. Then any opponent will be ashamed because he cannot say anything bad about us. Slaves are to submit to their masters in everything, aiming to please them and not argue with them or steal from them. Instead, they are to show complete and perfect loyalty, so that in every way they may make the teaching about God our Savior more attractive. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to renounce ungodly living and worldly passions so that we might live sensible, honest, and godly lives in the present age as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. He gave himself for us to set us free from every wrong and to cleanse us so that we could be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good deeds. These are the things you should teach. Encourage and refute with full authority. Do not let anyone look down on you.
They should encourage the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible and pure, to manage their households, to be kind, and to submit themselves to their husbands. Otherwise, the word of God may be discredited. Likewise, encourage the younger men to be sensible. Always set an example for others by doing good actions. Teach with integrity and dignity. Use wholesome speech that cannot be condemned. Then any opponent will be ashamed because he cannot say anything bad about us. Slaves are to submit to their masters in everything, aiming to please them and not argue with them or steal from them. Instead, they are to show complete and perfect loyalty, so that in every way they may make the teaching about God our Savior more attractive. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to renounce ungodly living and worldly passions so that we might live sensible, honest, and godly lives in the present age as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. He gave himself for us to set us free from every wrong and to cleanse us so that we could be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good deeds. These are the things you should teach. Encourage and refute with full authority. Do not let anyone look down on you.
Finally, all of you must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love as brothers, and be compassionate and humble. Do not pay others back evil for evil or insult for insult. Instead, keep blessing them, because you were called to inherit a blessing. "For the person who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. read more.
He must turn away from evil and do good. He must seek peace and pursue it. For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
He must turn away from evil and do good. He must seek peace and pursue it. For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
Eye » Anthropomorphic uses of
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
Indeed, the LORD watches those who fear him; those who trust in his gracious love to deliver them from death; to keep them alive in times of famine.
The LORD looks on the righteous, and he listens to their cries.
He will never let your foot slip, nor will your guardian become drowsy. Look! The one who is guarding Israel never sleeps and does not take naps. The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your right side.
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I'll hide my eyes from you. Even though you pray repeatedly, I won't listen. Your hands are full of blood, your fingers drenched with iniquity."
"For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen, because what they say and do opposes the LORD; they keep defying him.
Look! The eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom. I will destroy it from the face of the earth; but I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob," declares the LORD.
Your eyes are too pure to gaze upon evil; and you cannot tolerate wickedness. So why do you tolerate the treacherous? And why do you stay silent while the wicked devour those who are more righteous than they are?
God » Hand of » Hearing of
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
Before they call, I will answer, while they are still speaking, I'll hear.
Look! The wages that you kept back from the workers who harvested your fields are shouting out against you, and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of the Heavenly Armies.
The one who formed the ear can hear, can he not? The one who made the eyes can see, can he not?
The LORD looks on the righteous, and he listens to their cries.
"See, the LORD's hand is not too short to save, nor are his ears too dull to hear.
I cried out to the LORD in the middle of my troubles; I cried out to my God. He listened to my voice from his sanctuary, and my call for help was heard.
Hearing » Careless, characteristics of » Divine, God attentive to the prayers of the saints
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
Before they call, I will answer, while they are still speaking, I'll hear.
Look! The wages that you kept back from the workers who harvested your fields are shouting out against you, and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of the Heavenly Armies.
The one who formed the ear can hear, can he not? The one who made the eyes can see, can he not?
The LORD looks on the righteous, and he listens to their cries.
"See, the LORD's hand is not too short to save, nor are his ears too dull to hear.
I cried out to the LORD in the middle of my troubles; I cried out to my God. He listened to my voice from his sanctuary, and my call for help was heard.
Opposition » Who the lord opposes
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
"But Zion said, "The LORD has abandoned me, and my God has forgotten me.' "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or have no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these mothers may forget; But as for me, I'll never forget you! Look! I've inscribed you on the palms of my hands, and your walls are forever before me. read more.
Your builders are working faster than your destroyers, and those who devastated you go away from you. Lift up your eyes and look around they have all gathered together and are coming to you. "As surely as I live," says the LORD, "you will clothe yourself with all of them like ornaments, and tie them on like a bride. Indeed, your ruins, your desolate places, and your devastated land will now be too crowded for your inhabitants, while those who swallowed you up will be far away. "The children who are grieving at present will yet say in your hearing, "This place is too crowded for me; make room for me, so I may have a place to live.' Then you'll ask in your heart, "Who bore these children for me, although I was childless and barren, and an exile and cast aside? Who brought these up? Look! For my part I was left all alone; but as for these, where have they come from?' "For this what the LORD says, "Watch! I'll lift up my hand to the nations and raise my banner to the nations. They will bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters will be carried on their shoulders.' "Oh, yes! Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens will be your nursing mothers. They will bow to you with their faces to the ground, and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed. "Can they seize plunder from warriors, or can the captives of tyrants be rescued? But this is what the LORD says: "He will seize even the warriors' plunder, and the captives of tyrants will be rescued. I myself will quarrel with those who have a quarrel with you, and I myself will save your children.
Your builders are working faster than your destroyers, and those who devastated you go away from you. Lift up your eyes and look around they have all gathered together and are coming to you. "As surely as I live," says the LORD, "you will clothe yourself with all of them like ornaments, and tie them on like a bride. Indeed, your ruins, your desolate places, and your devastated land will now be too crowded for your inhabitants, while those who swallowed you up will be far away. "The children who are grieving at present will yet say in your hearing, "This place is too crowded for me; make room for me, so I may have a place to live.' Then you'll ask in your heart, "Who bore these children for me, although I was childless and barren, and an exile and cast aside? Who brought these up? Look! For my part I was left all alone; but as for these, where have they come from?' "For this what the LORD says, "Watch! I'll lift up my hand to the nations and raise my banner to the nations. They will bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters will be carried on their shoulders.' "Oh, yes! Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens will be your nursing mothers. They will bow to you with their faces to the ground, and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed. "Can they seize plunder from warriors, or can the captives of tyrants be rescued? But this is what the LORD says: "He will seize even the warriors' plunder, and the captives of tyrants will be rescued. I myself will quarrel with those who have a quarrel with you, and I myself will save your children.
The face of the LORD is set against those who do evil, and he will remove people's recollection of them from the earth.
"Therefore, look, I'm against the prophets," declares the LORD, "who steal my words from each other. Look, I'm against the prophets," declares the LORD, "who use their tongues to issue a declaration. Look, I'm against those who prophesy based on false dreams," declares the LORD, "and relate them and lead my people astray with their lies and their recklessness. I didn't send them; I didn't command them, and they provide no benefit at all to these people," declares the LORD.
"This is what the Lord GOD says, "How terrible it will be for the false prophets who walk according to their own wrong inclinations and see nothing. Israel, your prophets have become like foxes among ruins. You didn't go up to repair the breaches in the walls and you didn't build the walls so Israel's house would be able to endure battle on the Day of the LORD. read more.
Instead, they crafted false prophecies and divination. ""They say, ""declares the LORD," even though the LORD didn't send them. And they hope for the fulfillment of their message. You've crafted a false prophesy and spoken deceptive divination, haven't you? But then you say, ""declares the LORD," although I haven't spoken a single word. ""Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says, "Because you've spoken falsehood and deceptions, I am therefore opposing you," declares the Lord GOD.
Instead, they crafted false prophecies and divination. ""They say, ""declares the LORD," even though the LORD didn't send them. And they hope for the fulfillment of their message. You've crafted a false prophesy and spoken deceptive divination, haven't you? But then you say, ""declares the LORD," although I haven't spoken a single word. ""Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says, "Because you've spoken falsehood and deceptions, I am therefore opposing you," declares the Lord GOD.
Opposition » Who cannot be opposed
They'll fight against you, but they won't prevail against you, because I am with you," declares the LORD, "to deliver you."
What, then, can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong." Who will harm you if you are devoted to doing what is good? But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. "Never be afraid of their threats, and never get upset.
Prayer » Private, of Christ » Access in
Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his Holy Place? The one who has innocent hands and a pure heart; the person who does not delight in what is false and does not swear an oath deceitfully.
Open your gates, so the righteous nation that safeguards its faith may enter.
I'm the gate. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved. He'll come in and go out and find pasture.
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Verse Concepts
Accepting ChristBaby JesusAbundant LifeJesusAbsolute TruthAccess To God, Through ChristCoolDeath Of A Loved OneFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsBecoming A Christianethics, basis ofeternal life, nature ofeternal life, gift ofAccess To God, By Means OfClaimsGospel, Essence OfLife, Of FaithMediationOrthodoxy, In NtHighwayRevelation, In NtSociety, Negative Aspects OfUniquenessWay, The
TruthSpiritual Life, Nature OfNames And Titles For ChristThe I Am's Of ChristChrist The DoorAdmission Into God's PresenceAsking In Jesus NameNew Birth, Necessity OfComing To GodLife In ChristOnly OnceLife Is In ChristThe FatherEternal lifenatural LifeThe ResurrectionAccess to GodAnxiety And StressGoing To HeavenTelling The TruthLiving For GodLife Purposechristreality
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace by which we have been established, and we boast because of our hope in God's glory.
For through him, both of us have access to the Father by one Spirit.
in whom we have boldness and confident access through his faithfulness.
Verse Concepts
AssuranceAdoption, Results OfAccess To God, Through ChristFaith, As Basis Of SalvationAssurance, By Faith In ChristAccess To God, The Characteristics OfAssurance, nature ofMission, Of Jesus ChristOptimismPrayer, And FaithPrayer, As A Relationship With GodReconciliation, Of The World To GodAdmission Into God's PresenceBenefits Of Faith In ChristBeing Strong
Therefore, my brothers, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus,
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
"I know what you've been doing. Look! I have put in front of you an open door that no one can shut. You have only a little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name.
Prayer » Whose prayer the lord hears
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
"LORD, you are my refuge!" Because you chose the Most High as your dwelling place, no evil will fall upon you, and no affliction will approach your tent, for he will command his angels to protect you in all your ways. read more.
With their hands they will lift you up so you will not trip over a stone. You will stomp on lions and snakes; you will trample young lions and serpents. Because he has focused his love on me, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him in his distress. I will deliver him, and I will honor him.
With their hands they will lift you up so you will not trip over a stone. You will stomp on lions and snakes; you will trample young lions and serpents. Because he has focused his love on me, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him in his distress. I will deliver him, and I will honor him.
The LORD is far away from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
"He is being reproved by painful bed rest, with continual aching in his bones. He cannot stand his food, and he has no desire for appetizing food. His flesh wastes away; his bones, which once couldn't be seen, are visible. read more.
His soul is getting close to the Pit; his life is approaching its executioner." "If there's a messenger appointed to mediate for Job one out of a thousand to represent the man's integrity on his behalf, to show favor to him and to plead, "Deliver him from having to go down to the Pit I know where his ransom is!' Let his flesh be rejuvenated as he was in his youth! Let him recover the strength of his youth. Let him pray to God and he will accept him; he will appear before him with joyful shouts!"
His soul is getting close to the Pit; his life is approaching its executioner." "If there's a messenger appointed to mediate for Job one out of a thousand to represent the man's integrity on his behalf, to show favor to him and to plead, "Deliver him from having to go down to the Pit I know where his ransom is!' Let his flesh be rejuvenated as he was in his youth! Let him recover the strength of his youth. Let him pray to God and he will accept him; he will appear before him with joyful shouts!"
Righteousness » They who walk in and follow » Are objects of God's watchful care
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
The LORD looks on the righteous, and he listens to their cries.
He won't stop looking at righteous people; he seats them on thrones with kings forever, and they are exalted.
The LORD won't cause the righteous to hunger, but he will reject what the wicked crave.
Righteousness » They who walk in and follow » Have their prayers heard
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
The LORD hears those who cry out, and he delivers them from all their distress.
The LORD is far away from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
Seeing » The eyes of the lord
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong."
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing both the evil and the good.
The LORD's eyes keep on roaming throughout the earth, looking for those whose hearts completely belong to him, so that he may strongly support them. But because you have acted foolishly in this, from now on you will have wars."
The LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD's throne is in the heavens. His eyes see, his glance examines humanity.
Indeed, what a man does is always in the LORD's presence, and he weighs all his paths.
The LORD looks on the righteous, and he listens to their cries.
Look! The eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom. I will destroy it from the face of the earth; but I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob," declares the LORD.
Say to God: "How awesome are your works! Because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you." The whole earth worships you. They sing praise to you. They sing praise to your name. Interlude Come and see the awesome works of God on behalf of human beings: read more.
He turned the sea into dry land. Israel crossed the river on foot; let us rejoice in him. He rules by his power forever, his eyes watching over the nations. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Interlude
He turned the sea into dry land. Israel crossed the river on foot; let us rejoice in him. He rules by his power forever, his eyes watching over the nations. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Interlude
Indeed, the LORD watches those who fear him; those who trust in his gracious love
The LORD watches over anyone with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the unfaithful.
Yes, Job, his eyes constantly watch the behavior of human beings; he carefully observes their every step. There's no such thing as darkness to him not even deep darkness that can conceal those who practice evil. He won't examine mankind further, that they would go before God to judgment.
You, the great God, the mighty one, show gracious love to thousands and repay the parents' iniquity to their children after them. The LORD of the Heavenly Armies is his name. You are great in regards to your purposes and mighty in regards to your works. Your eyes are open to everything that people do, and will reward each one according to their ways and just as their actions deserve.
Suffering » Those that suffer for jesus Christ
For all who are led by God's Spirit are God's children. For you have not received a spirit of slavery that leads you into fear again. Instead, you have received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. read more.
Now if we are children, we are heirs heirs of God and co-heirs with the Messiah if, in fact, we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Now if we are children, we are heirs heirs of God and co-heirs with the Messiah if, in fact, we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Therefore, since the Messiah suffered in a mortal body, you, too, must arm yourselves with the same determination, because the person who has suffered in a mortal body has stopped sinning,
For as the Messiah's sufferings overflow into us, so also our comfort overflows through the Messiah.
For that reason, I endure everything for the sake of those who have been chosen so that they, too, may receive the salvation that is in the Messiah Jesus, along with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: In dying with the Messiah, true life we gain. Enduring, we with him will reign. Who him denies, he will disclaim.
"To the messenger of the church in Smyrna, write: "The first and the last, who was dead and became alive, says this: "I know your suffering and your poverty though you are rich and the slander committed by those who claim to be Jews but are not. They are the synagogue of Satan. Don't be afraid of what you are going to suffer. Look! The Devil is going to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested. For ten days you will undergo suffering. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the victor's crown of life.
Then I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. They came back to life and ruled with the Messiah for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were over. This is the first resurrection. How blessed and holy are those who participate in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them. They will be priests of God and the Messiah, and will rule with him for a thousand years.
But whatever things were assets to me, these I now consider a loss for the sake of the Messiah. What is more, I continue to consider all these things to be a loss for the sake of what is far more valuable, knowing the Messiah Jesus, my Lord. It is because of him that I have experienced the loss of all those things. Indeed, I consider them rubbish in order to gain the Messiah and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but one that comes through the faithfulness of the Messiah, the righteousness that comes from God and that depends on faith. read more.
I want to know the Messiah what his resurrection power is like and what it means to share in his sufferings by becoming like him in his death,
I want to know the Messiah what his resurrection power is like and what it means to share in his sufferings by becoming like him in his death,
For the Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers. But the Lord opposes those who do wrong." Who will harm you if you are devoted to doing what is good? But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. "Never be afraid of their threats, and never get upset. read more.
Instead, exalt the Messiah" as Lord in your lives. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have. But do this gently and respectfully, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak evil of your good conduct in the Messiah will be ashamed of slandering you. After all, if it is the will of God, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.
Instead, exalt the Messiah" as Lord in your lives. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have. But do this gently and respectfully, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak evil of your good conduct in the Messiah will be ashamed of slandering you. After all, if it is the will of God, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.