81 Bible Verses about Church

The Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the good news.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling. There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.

I am no more in the world but they are in the world. I come to you Holy Father. Keep them in your name, which you have given to me, that they may be one*, even as we are. *(Greek: heis; united in purpose and love)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. You were called in one body for this purpose. You be thankful.

For we being many are one-bread and one-body. We are all partakers of that one bread.

Having much affection for you, we were well pleased to impart the good news of God to you and also to share our lives with you. You have become very dear to us.

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love abides in death.

You have purified your hearts by obeying the truth. You have genuine affection for the brothers and sisters. So always love one another intensely (extremely) (deeply) from the heart.

Therefore, my beloved brothers I long to see you. You are my joy and crown. In this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

We have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love you have for all the holy ones.

They who trust in Jehovah are like Mount Zion. It is not shaken, but remains forever.

When you go through the sea, I am with you. When you go through rivers, they will not sweep you away. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you.

You will not be afraid of the terror of the night and arrows that fly during the day,

So that with good confidence (courage) we say: Jehovah is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do to me? (Psalm 56:11)

He is not afraid of bad news. His heart remains secure, full of confidence in Jehovah.

Those he first recognized, he ordained in advance that they be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me: Do not do that. I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers. You have the witness from Jesus: worship God! For the witness from Jesus is the spirit (mind-set) of prophecy.

This means that he had to become like his brothers in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, in order to offer a propitiatory sacrifice (pay atonement) (to make reconciliation) for the sins of the people.

Do not be called Rabbi (master) (teacher) (leader), for only one is your teacher. You are all brothers.

The King will answer: 'To the extent that you did it to one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me.'

I pray, not for these alone but for those who will believe in me through their word.

God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit (whole heart and mind) in the good news of his Son. Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.

I continually give thanks for you in my prayers.

For this cause I bow my knees to the Father.

I always offer prayer filled with joy for you,

The voice of Jehovah makes the deer to calve and strips the forests bare. In His temple everything says: Glory!

I have asked one thing from Jehovah. This I will seek: to live in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to look at Jehovah's beauty and search for an answer in his temple.

The lamp of God went out in the Temple of Jehovah. Samuel was lying down where the Ark of God was.

Two men went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw (discerned) Jehovah seated on a throne, high and exalted. The train of his robe filled the Temple.

The scriptures say: I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, chosen and precious (Isaiah 28:16). He who believes in him will not be disappointed (shamed).

Therefore this is what The Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation. It is a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.

Everyone who hears my words, and does them is like a wise man that builds his house on a rock.

You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus is the chief corner stone.

No other foundation can be laid than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. I do my share in behalf of his body, the congregation, to provide what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ.

Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son].

Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself up for it.

Jehovah their God will save them in that day like the flock of his people. They will be like the stones in a crown lifted high over his land.

He found his people in a desert land, in a barren place where animals howl. He guarded them, took care of them, and protected them because they were the precious apple (pupil) of his eye.

I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. I do my share in behalf of his body, the congregation, to provide what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ.

Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son].

Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself up for it.

Jehovah their God will save them in that day like the flock of his people. They will be like the stones in a crown lifted high over his land.

He found his people in a desert land, in a barren place where animals howl. He guarded them, took care of them, and protected them because they were the precious apple (pupil) of his eye.

By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and cried as we remembered Zion. In the midst of it we hung our harps on poplar trees. It was there that those who had captured us demanded that we sing. Those who guarded us wanted us to entertain them. They said: Sing a song from Zion for us! read more.
How could we sing Jehovah's song in a foreign land? If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget how to play the harp. Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.

Your servants find pleasure in her stones and feel pity for her dust.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you prosper.

For the sake of the house of Jehovah our God, I will seek what is good for you.

May Jehovah bless you from Zion so that you may see Jerusalem prosper all the days of your life. May you live to see your children's children. Let there be peace in Israel!

Over and above all this that I have provided, I have given silver and gold from my personal property because of my love for God's Temple.

Moses took the anointing oil to anoint the tent and everything in it and dedicate them. He sprinkled the altar seven times. He anointed the altar; it's utensils, the washbasin and its pedestal. This made them holy.

Moses finished setting up the tent. He anointed it and dedicated it and all the furnishings. He also anointed and dedicated the altar and all the utensils.

Then dedicate the Tabernacle and all its equipment by anointing it with the sacred oil, and it will be holy.

Observe my days of worship and respect my holy tent. I am Jehovah.

That way you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. You are seen as lights in the world.

You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk (live) (be occupied) as children of light

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill may be seen by all.

For Zion's sake I will not remain silent. For Jerusalem's sake I will not rest until its righteousness shines like the sunrise and its salvation burns brightly like a torch.

May all your enemies die like that, Jehovah, may your friends shine like the rising sun! There was peace in the land for forty years.

([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me,

My future is in your hands. Rescue me from my enemies, from those who persecute me.

All your commandments are faithful. They have persecuted me with a lie; help me!

Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. Even so I do not turn aside from your law.

Powerful people persecute me without cause. Yet my heart stands in awe of your words.

Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears.

Although I wrote to you, I did not write for the sake of the one who did wrong, nor for the one who suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be made manifest to you in the sight of God.

Beside those things that are from the outside, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the congregations.

I am afraid that I may come and find you different from what I want you to be, and that you may find me different from what you want me to be. I fear that there may be rivalry, jealousy, hot tempers, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly conduct.

I fear for you, that I have labored for you to no purpose (and failed).

Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears.

Although I wrote to you, I did not write for the sake of the one who did wrong, nor for the one who suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be made manifest to you in the sight of God.

Beside those things that are from the outside, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the congregations.

I am afraid that I may come and find you different from what I want you to be, and that you may find me different from what you want me to be. I fear that there may be rivalry, jealousy, hot tempers, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly conduct.

I fear for you, that I have labored for you to no purpose (and failed).

While they talked and discussed together Jesus came near and walked with them.

I am a companion of all those who reverence you and keep your precepts.

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Those who respected Jehovah spoke to one another, and Jehovah listened to what they had to say. In his presence a memorial record was written down in a book listing those who reverence Jehovah and respect (esteem) (regard) his name.

They continued devoting themselves to doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Abraham came near and said: Will you destroy the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city. Would you also destroy the place and not spare it because the righteous people are there? Surely you would not do that! Would you slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked? Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? read more.
Jehovah said: If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, I will spare the entire place for their sakes. Then Abraham answered and said: Indeed now, I who am only dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to Jehovah: Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous. Would you destroy the entire city for lack of five? So He (God) said: If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it. Abraham spoke again: Suppose there should be forty found there? God replied: I will not do it for the sake of forty. Abraham then said: Do not be angry, and let me speak. Suppose thirty should be found there? God replied: I will not do it if I find thirty there. Abraham then said: Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to Jehovah: Suppose twenty should be found there? God replied: I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty. Abraham again queried: Please do not be angry as I speak once more: Suppose ten should be found there? God said: I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.

Then Jacob was by himself. A man was fighting with him till dawn. The man saw that he was not able to overcome Jacob. He gave him a blow in the hollow part of his thigh, so that his leg was damaged. He said to him: Let me go now, for the dawn is near. But Jacob said: I will not let you go till you have given me your blessing. read more.
Then he asked: What is your name? And he said, Jacob. The man said: Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel (He Struggles With God), because you have struggled with God and with men and you have won. Jacob said: Please tell me your name. The man answered: Why do you ask for my name? Then he blessed Jacob there. Jacob named that place Peniel (Face of God), because he said: I have seen God face to face, yet my life was saved.

David went into the tent he set up for the ark. Then he sat there and prayed: Jehovah All-Powerful, my family and I do not deserve what you have already done for us. Yet this was insignificant in your eyes, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah for you have spoken also of your servant's house in the distant future. And this is the law for man, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah. What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah. read more.
For the sake of your Word and according to your will you have done this great thing. You have made it known to your servant! For this reason you are great, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah. There is none like you. There is no God besides you according to all that we have heard with our ears. There is no other nation on earth like Israel. This is the nation you rescued from slavery in Egypt to be your own. You became famous by using great and wonderful miracles to force other nations and their gods out of your land, so your people could live here. You chose Israel to be your people from generation to generation! You have become their God. And now, Jehovah God, please do what you have promised. You will be famous for a very long time! Everyone will say: Jehovah of Hosts rules Israel. David's descendants are his chosen kings. Now therefore, may it please you to bless the house of your servant that it may continue a long time before you. You O Lord Jehovah have spoken. May the house of your servant be blessed from generation to generation. Lord Jehovah, you are God. You have promised me some very good things, and you can be trusted to do what you promise. Please bless my descendants and let them be your chosen kings for a very long time. You have already promised, and I am sure that you will bless my family from generation to generation.

In the presence of the people Solomon stood in front of the altar. He raised his arms and prayed: Jehovah God of Israel, there is no god like you in heaven above or on earth below! You keep your covenant with your people and show them your love when they live in wholehearted obedience to you. You kept the promise you made to my father David. Every word has been fulfilled. read more.
Jehovah, God of Israel, I pray that you will also keep the other promise you made to my father when you told him there would always be one of his descendants ruling as king of Israel, provided they obeyed you as carefully as he did. So now, O God of Israel, let your word come true that you promised to my father David, your servant. Can you, O God, really live on earth? Not even heaven or the heaven of heavens is large enough to hold you. How can this Temple I have built be large enough? Jehovah my God, I am your servant. Listen to my prayer. Grant the requests I make to you today. Watch over this Temple day and night. For this is the place where you have chosen to be worshiped. Hear me when I face this Temple and pray. Hear my prayers and the prayers of your people. In your home in heaven hear us and forgive us. When a person is accused of wronging another and is brought to your altar in this Temple to take an oath that he is innocent, O Jehovah, listen in heaven and judge your servants. Punish the guilty one, as he deserves. Justify the one who is innocent. When your people Israel have sinned against you their enemies defeat them. They can turn to you and come to this Temple, humbly praying to you for forgiveness. Listen to them in heaven. Forgive the sins of your people and bring them back to the land that you gave to their ancestors. When you hold back the rain because your people have sinned against you. And when they repent in this Temple, humbly praying to you, listen to them in heaven. Forgive the sins of the king and of the people of Israel, and teach them to do what is right. Then, O Jehovah, send rain on this land of yours, which you gave to your people as a permanent possession. When there is famine in the land or an epidemic or scorching winds or swarms of locusts, or when their enemies attack your people, or when disease or sickness among them destroys the crops, listen to their prayers. If any of your people Israel, out of heartfelt sorrow, stretch out their hands in prayer toward this Temple, hear their prayer. Listen to them in your home in heaven, help them and forgive them. You alone know the thoughts of the human heart. Deal with each person, as he deserves, so that your people may obey you all the time they live in the land you gave to our ancestors. When a foreigner who lives in a distant land hears of your fame and of the great things you have done for your people and comes to worship you and to pray at this Temple, For they will have news of your great name and your strong hand and your out-stretched arm. When he comes to pray in this house: Listen to him and give him his desire. Let all the peoples of the earth know about your name. Let them worship you as your people Israel, and that they may see that this house which I have built is truly named by your name. When your people go to war against their enemies, they pray to you, O Jehovah, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I built for your name. Hear their prayer for mercy in heaven, and do what is right for them. They may sin against you, for everyone sins. You may become angry with them and hand them over to an enemy far or near who takes them to another country as captives. If they come to their senses and are sorry for what they have done, and plead with you in the land where they are captives, saying: We have sinned. We have done wrong. We have been wicked. If they change their attitude toward you in the land of their enemies where they are captives, if they pray to you toward the land that you gave their ancestors, and the city you have chosen, and the temple I have built for your name, then in heaven, the place where you live, hear their prayer for mercy. Do what is right for them. Forgive your people, who have sinned against you. Forgive all their wrongs when they rebelled against you. Cause those who captured them to have mercy on them. They are your own people. You brought them out of Egypt from the middle of an iron smelter. May your eyes always see my plea and your people Israel's plea so that you will listen to them whenever they call on you. You Jehovah set them apart from all the people of the world. They are your own as you promised through your servant Moses when you brought our ancestors out of Egypt. When Solomon finished praying this prayer for mercy to Jehovah, he stood in front of Jehovah's altar, where he had been kneeling with his hands stretched out toward heaven. Then he stood and in a loud voice blessed the entire assembly of Israel: THANKS TO JEHOVAH! He has given his people Israel rest, as he has promised. None of the good promises he made through his servant Moses has failed to come true. May Jehovah our God be with us as he was with our ancestors. May he not leave us or abandon us. May he bend our hearts toward him. Then we will follow him and obey his commands, laws, and rules, which he commanded our ancestors to obey. May these words I have prayed to Jehovah be near Jehovah our God day and night. Then he will give his people Israel and me justice every day as it is needed. In this way all the people of the earth may know that Jehovah is God and there is no other god. Let your hearts be committed to Jehovah our God. Then you will live by his laws and keep his commands as you have today.

Jesus was praying. When he finished one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples. He said: When you pray say, 'Father holy (sacred) (sanctified) (blessed) (consecrated) is your name. Let your kingdom come. Give us day-by-day our daily bread. read more.
Forgive us our sins. For we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And keep us from temptation. He also said: Which of you have a friend you would approach at midnight and say lend me three loaves. This is because a friend of mine is visiting and I do not have any food to feed him. You hear a voice from the house say, 'The door is shut, my children are in bed, do not bother me. I cannot rise and help you.' I tell you even if he will not rise and give you what you need because he is your friend, he will arise and give you what you need because you keep asking. I say to you: Ask and it will be given you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you. Every one who asks receives. Everyone who seeks will find. It will be opened to everyone who knocks. What father would give his son a stone when he asked for a loaf? What father would give a serpent when his son asked for a fish? If he asked for an egg would he give a scorpion? If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?

There shall be abundance of grain throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field.

You will summon nations you do not know. Nations that do not know you will run to you, because of Jehovah your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.

He will not lose hope or courage. He will establish justice on the earth. Distant lands eagerly wait for his law.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will accomplish this.

For you will spread out to the right and to the left. Your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.

There shall be abundance of grain throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field.

You will summon nations you do not know. Nations that do not know you will run to you, because of Jehovah your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.

He will not lose hope or courage. He will establish justice on the earth. Distant lands eagerly wait for his law.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will accomplish this.

For you will spread out to the right and to the left. Your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests. He asked them: What are you willing to give me to deliver him to you? They paid him thirty pieces of silver. He continued to seek opportunity to turn him over to them.

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might betray Jesus to them. They were glad to hear it and promised to give him money. He looked for ways how he might conveniently deliver Jesus to them.

Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot. He was one of the twelve. He went away to discuss with the chief priests and captains, how he might deliver Jesus to them. They were glad, and pledged to give him money. read more.
He consented and looked for a way to deliver him to them in the absence of the crowd.

It will be like people, like the priests. I will punish them for their ways, and will repay them for their actions.

I said: Please listen, you heads of Jacob, and rulers of the house of Israel: is it not your responsibility to know justice? You hate good and love evil! You rip off their skin and their flesh from off their bones! You eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them! You break their bones, and chop them in pieces similar to the contents of a pot or a caldron. read more.
They will cry to Jehovah but he will not answer them. In fact, he will hide his face from them at that time because they have done evil things.

If you do, you will no longer belong to Jehovah's people.'

They answered: You were born in sin and you teach us? Then they threw him out.

You will eat unleavened bread for seven days. The first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day until the seventh day will be cut off from Israel.

The person who eats the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings that belong to Jehovah, in his uncleanness, that person will be cut off from his people.

but do not bring them to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to offer them to Jehovah. They must be excluded from the people.

I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. I do my share in behalf of his body, the congregation, to provide what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ.

not holding fast to the head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, grows with the growth from God.

This is for the perfecting (equipping) (preparing) of the holy ones, for the work of ministering, for the building up of the body of Christ:

These many members are one body in Christ, and every one, individually, is a member one of the other.

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

I tell you that Elijah has come. They did not know him and treated him badly as they pleased. They will do the same with the Son of man.

He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments. I will not blot out his name from the book of life. In fact I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

I counsel you to buy gold from me, gold purified by fire, so that you may be rich; and white clothing, so that you may be clothed. In this way the shame of your nakedness will not appear. And anoint your eyes with eye salve, so that you may see.

Around the throne were twenty-four elders sitting on thrones. They were dressed in white with crowns of gold on their heads.

After this I saw a great crowd that no man could number. It was from all nations, and tribes, and people, and tongues. It stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes. They had palm branches in their hands.

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil (false accuser) (Devil) is about to throw you into prison, that you may be tested. You will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful even if you must die, and I will give you the crown of life.

People will cause you tribulation, and kill you. You will be hated by all the nations for my name's sake.

Beware of men! They will take you to court! They will have you beaten in their meeting places.

Even before all these things, they will capture you, and persecute you. You will be delivered to synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.

Remember the word I said to you. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours also.

I am afraid that I may come and find you different from what I want you to be, and that you may find me different from what you want me to be. I fear that there may be rivalry, jealousy, hot tempers, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly conduct.

The house of Chloe told me, my brothers, that there are disputes among you.

You are still fleshly! There is envy, strife, and divisions among you. Do you not walk as ordinary men?

But brother goes to court against brother, and this before unbelievers.

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.

But as God has distributed to every person so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the congregations.

If any man is hungry let him eat at home. That way you come together without condemnation. I will give direction to care for other matters when I come.

If therefore the whole congregation comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and the unlearned, or unbelievers, come there will they not say that you are out of your mind?

Let all things be done decently and in order.

I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you should correct the things that were defective, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave you orders.

But as God has distributed to every person so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the congregations.

If any man is hungry let him eat at home. That way you come together without condemnation. I will give direction to care for other matters when I come.

The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.

if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the congregation of God?

I will rejoice greatly in Jehovah. I will exult in my God for he has clothed me with garments of salvation. He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

I put on righteousness and it clothed me. My justice was like a robe and a turban.

I will clothe its priests with salvation. Then its godly ones will sing joyfully.

Awake, awake, O Zion, put on your strength. Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again.

He spoke to those who stood before him: Take the filthy garments from him. Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you and I will clothe you with rich apparel.

But as God has distributed to every person so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the congregations.

If any man is hungry let him eat at home. That way you come together without condemnation. I will give direction to care for other matters when I come.

The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.

if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the congregation of God?

The hired man owns no sheep. He is not the shepherd. He sees the wolf coming and abandons the sheep. The wolf snatches them, and scatters them.

When he saw the large crowds of people, he was moved with compassion for them. He knew they were distressed and scattered like sheep not having a shepherd.

Jesus said to them: All of you will fall away because of me tonight. It is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says concerning the shepherds who are tending my people: You have scattered my flock and driven them away. You have not attended to them. I am about to attend to you for the evil of your deeds, says Jehovah.

As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for my sheep and will deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.

A divisive and dissentious man should be admonished, and after two times have nothing to do with that man.

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander. I handed them over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you.

Deliver this one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

I told you in advance as if I were present the second time. Being absent now I write to those who have sinned and to all others. If I come again I will not spare you.

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

The Spirit and the bride say: Come And let him who hears say: Come. And let him who is thirsty come. And whoever will, let him drink the water of life freely.

For I am zealous over you with a godly fervor (ardor) (zeal)! For I promised you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Your sons will marry you like a young man marries a woman. Your God will rejoice over the same way a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.

Let us be glad, rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife made herself ready.

([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah, who may stay in your tent? Who may reside on your holy mountain?

A tabernacle was set up. The first room was called the Holy Place. It contained the lamp stand and table and the consecrated bread.

Construct the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material. Make them with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman.

Christ came as the high priest of the good things that are now here. He also went into a much better tent that is not made by humans and does not belong to this creation.

I will live among you in my sacred tent, and I will never turn away from you.

He is the head of the body, the congregation. He is the beginning (commencement), the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence (first place).

He (God) put all things in subjection under his feet, and made him head over all things to the congregation,

By speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in all things to him. For he, Christ, is the head.

For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the congregation, he being the savior of the body.

not holding fast to the head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, grows with the growth from God.

Or are you ignorant to the fact that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or people of the nations, whether we are bond or free; we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

For as many of you who were baptized into Christ put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.

You have been buried with him in baptism. You were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

This was a symbol pointing to baptism, which now saves you. It is not the washing off of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God for a good conscience. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

How blessed is the one you choose to bring near to you, to dwell in your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy Temple.

My life was leaving me and I remembered Jehovah! My prayer came to you, into your Holy Temple.

In him each building fits together and grows into a holy Temple for Jehovah. (Zechariah 6:12)

But as for me, by your abundant loving kindness I will enter your house. At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence of you.

Jehovah is in his holy temple. Jehovah's throne is in heaven. His eyes see. They examine the sons of men.

There will be a day when watchmen on the hills of Ephraim call out: 'Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to Jehovah our God.'

By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and cried as we remembered Zion.

Sing praise to Jehovah! He dwells in Zion! Tell every nation what he has done!

May Mount Zion be glad and the cities of Judah rejoice because of your judgments.

Remember your congregation, which you purchased long ago. For you have redeemed it to be the tribe of your inheritance, Mount Zion, in which you have lived.

Is any among you sick? Let him call the elders of the congregation. Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of God.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

They sent it to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.

I exhort the elders among you. I too am an older man and a witness of the sufferings of Christ. I am also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed.

I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you should correct the things that were defective, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave you orders.

Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

He who believes and is baptized will be saved. He who does not believe will be condemned.

Jesus responded: I tell you truth, except a man be born of water and the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!

Then Peter said: Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

How blessed is the one you choose to bring near to you, to dwell in your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy Temple.

They are planted in Jehovah's house. They blossom in our God's courtyards.

How I want to be there! I long to be in Jehovah's temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God.

One day in your courtyards is better than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Give to Jehovah the glory due to his name. Bring an offering and come into his courts.

As they praised God, they had favor with all the people. God added to the congregation daily those being saved.

If therefore the whole congregation comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and the unlearned, or unbelievers, come there will they not say that you are out of your mind?

You are Peter (Greek: petros: piece of rock), and on this rock-mass (Greek: petra: mass of rock) (referring to Jesus) I will build my congregation. The entrance to the grave (Greek: Hades) will not have power to stop it.

If he will not listen to them, let it come to the attention of the congregation. If he will not listen to the congregation, let him be to you as a heathen and a tax collector.

For first of all, when you come together in the congregation, I hear that there are divisions among you and I partly believe it.

As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it; and he gave to the disciples. Then he said: Take, eat; this is (represents) (means) (exemplifies) my body.

While they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it, he gave the broken bread to them, and said: Take it, this means (represents) my body.

The cup of blessing we bless, is it not the sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread we break, is it not the sharing of the body of Christ?

For I received from the Lord that which I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread.

Obey those who lead you. Submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your lives and must account for this. Obey them that their work may be a joy and not a burden; that would be without gain for you.

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy. Hold such in honor

We ask you, brothers, to appreciate those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. To esteem them very highly in love because of the work they do. And be at peace among yourselves.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

Remember those who are taking the lead among you, men that spoke the Word of God to you. Consider their behavior and imitate their faith.

Forgive sins and they are forgiven. Do not forgive sins and they are not forgiven.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is improper and unlawful in heaven, and whatever you declare lawful on earth must be lawful in heaven.

I tell you; whatever things are fixed by you on earth will be declared improper and unlawful in heaven. Whatever you make free on earth will be declared lawful in heaven.

They went through the towns and delivered to the believers the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. They told them to obey those rules.

Obey those who lead you. Submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your lives and must account for this. Obey them that their work may be a joy and not a burden; that would be without gain for you.

You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus is the chief corner stone.

You are Peter (Greek: petros: piece of rock), and on this rock-mass (Greek: petra: mass of rock) (referring to Jesus) I will build my congregation. The entrance to the grave (Greek: Hades) will not have power to stop it.

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the congregation of the Thessalonians united with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

though if I am delayed, so that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the household of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

And Herod with his soldiers despised him with contempt, and mocked him. They arrayed him in magnificent apparel. Then they sent him back to Pilate.

The Jews persecuted Jesus because he did these things on the Sabbath.

They rose up to drive him out of the city. They led him to the top of the hill where their city was built to throw him down the hill.

After that Jesus walked in Galilee. He would not walk in Judea because the Jews looked for ways to kill him.

I know that you are Abraham's seed. Yet you seek to kill me. That is because my word has no place among you.

According to the grace of God that is given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let every man take heed how he builds.

In him each building fits together and grows into a holy Temple for Jehovah. (Zechariah 6:12)

You are Peter (Greek: petros: piece of rock), and on this rock-mass (Greek: petra: mass of rock) (referring to Jesus) I will build my congregation. The entrance to the grave (Greek: Hades) will not have power to stop it.

You also as living stones are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

When they left Perga, they went to Antioch in Pisidia. They went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.

He left and went into their synagogue.

Jesus and his followers traveled to Capernaum. On the day of worship Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

Then he returned to Nazareth the place where he was raised. He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day. This was his custom. There he stood up to read.

Not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and even more, as you see the day approaching.

If children, then heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. If indeed we suffer with him we may also be glorified with him.

In the place where it was said to them: You are not my people, they will be called Sons of the living God. (Hosea 2:23)

Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

I send Timothy, my beloved son faithful in the Lord, to you for this purpose. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ, just as I teach it in every congregation.

Why did you not eat the sin offering in a sacred place? It is very holy! Jehovah gave it to you in order to take away the sin of the community.

Tell the whole community of Israel: 'On the tenth day of this month each man must take a sheep for his family, one animal per household.

Take care of it until the fourteenth day of this month. Then at dusk, all the assembled people from the community of Israel must slaughter their animals.

There shall be no leaven found in your houses for seven days. Whoever eats what is leavened shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is an alien or a native of the land.

The entire community of Israel must celebrate the Passover.

I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those that have young.

Jehovah their God will save them in that day like the flock of his people. They will be like the stones in a crown lifted high over his land.

Do not fear little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those that have young.

Jehovah their God will save them in that day like the flock of his people. They will be like the stones in a crown lifted high over his land.

Do not fear little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the congregation of the Thessalonians united with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

though if I am delayed, so that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the household of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

Who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God! Jesus answered him: Bless you, Simon son of John. This knowledge came from my Father in heaven and not from man. read more.
You are Peter (Greek: petros: piece of rock), and on this rock-mass (Greek: petra: mass of rock) (referring to Jesus) I will build my congregation. The entrance to the grave (Greek: Hades) will not have power to stop it.

You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus is the chief corner stone. In him each building fits together and grows into a holy Temple for Jehovah. (Zechariah 6:12) In Christ you are assembled together as a place for God's Spirit to dwell.

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the people of the congregation in Thessalonica, who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender affection (tender mercy) and compassions,

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.

I always offer prayer filled with joy for you,

The congregation that believed was of one heart and mind. No one claimed his or her own possessions for everything was common property.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom. Teach and admonish one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs. Sing with gratitude in your hearts to God.

We have gifts that differ according to the grace that is given to us. Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

The person who speaks in an unknown tongue enlightens himself; but he who declares God's Word enlightens the entire congregation!

Let the one who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret what he says.

By speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in all things to him. For he, Christ, is the head. The entire body is properly framed and fitted together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in due measure of each individual part. It makes the body increase by building itself in love.

Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue of the Jews at Iconium. There they spoke to a great crowd of Jews and Greeks who became believers.

The congregations were made stronger in the faith and grew in numbers every day.

Some of them were convinced (believed) and joined with Paul and Silas. A large crowd of the devout Greeks and of the prominent women also joined.

Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord and so did his household. Many of the Corinthians who heard and believed were baptized.

Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue of the Jews at Iconium. There they spoke to a great crowd of Jews and Greeks who became believers.

The congregations were made stronger in the faith and grew in numbers every day.

Some of them were convinced (believed) and joined with Paul and Silas. A large crowd of the devout Greeks and of the prominent women also joined.

Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord and so did his household. Many of the Corinthians who heard and believed were baptized.

I am afraid that I may come and find you different from what I want you to be, and that you may find me different from what you want me to be. I fear that there may be rivalry, jealousy, hot tempers, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly conduct. I am afraid that the next time I come my God will humiliate me in your presence, and I shall weep over many who sinned in the past and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication and loose conduct that they have practiced.

The house of Chloe told me, my brothers, that there are disputes among you. Concerning that I say, that each one of you said, I follow Paul; and I follow Apollos; and I follow Cephas; and I follow Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul impaled for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

You are still fleshly! There is envy, strife, and divisions among you. Do you not walk as ordinary men? While one said, I belong to Paul; and another, I belong to Apollos; are you not fleshly human beings?

For first of all, when you come together in the congregation, I hear that there are divisions among you and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you that they that are approved may be made manifest among you.

Who is she who looks as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?

and to Apphia, our sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the congregation in your house:

I have fought the good fight! I have finished the course! I have kept the faith!

I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.

You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

The overseer must be blameless as God's steward. He must not be self-willed, not prone to anger, not a brawler, and not violent (quarrelsome) (pugnacious), not greedy of dishonest gain.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in union with Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and ministerial servants:

Faithful is the saying: If a man seeks the office of overseer, he desires a good work.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).

I will also raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, proclaims Jehovah.