BIBLE VERSES TO LIVE BY BIBLE VERSES T O L I V E B Y: A Topical Concordance for Followers of The Way We dedicate this book to you – the reader. “My child, listen to me and do as I say and you will have a long, good life... Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go! Guard them, for they are the key to life.” Proverbs 4: 10,13 (NLT) The Books of The New Testament and the abbreviations used in the text. Matthew Matt. Mark Mk. Luke Lk. John John Acts Acts Romans Rom. 1 Corinthians 1 Cor. 2 Corinthians 2 Cor. Galatians Gal. Ephesians Eph. Philippians Phil. Colossians Col. 1 Thessalonians 1 Thess. 2 Thessalonians 2 Thess. 1 Timothy 1 Tim. 2 Timothy 2 Tim. Titus Titus Philemon Philemon Hebrews Heb. James James 1 Peter 1 Pet. 2 Peter 2 Pet. 1 John 1 John 2 John 2 John 3 John 3 John Jude Jude Revelation Rev. xi CONTENTS Foreword xvii Acknowledgements xix A Note to the Reader xxi Baptism 1 Church: 1. Who the Church are 6 2. Spiritual Gifts to the Church 10 3. Instructions to Elders 14 4. How to conduct meetings 19 5. Harmony in the Church 23 6. Love for Brethren 27 7. Mutual Aid 31 8. Conduct: do’s and don’t’s 37 Commands 51 Commissioning 56 Communion 59 xiii Contents Discipleship: 1. Right Attitude 63 2. Right Behavior 70 3. Right Action 80 Discipline under God 87 Elders and Deacons: Qualities Required 89 Evangelism: Sharing the Good News 93 False prophets 102 False teachers 105 Holiness 110 Judgement 116 Loyalty and Allegiance 121 Marriage and children 126 Obedience 130 Perseverance 134 Prayer 143 Promises 149 The Rapture 152 Salvation: God’s Rescue Plan 162 Scripture 171 xiv Contents Temptation 176 Vigilance 180 Warnings 183 Wealth and Possessions 191 Wisdom 196 Afterword 201 xv FOREWORD In the New Testament, God has given us commandments to be obeyed, and instructions to be followed, through Jesus Christ – his Son. Clearly, God intends that we should obey and follow, as directed. But unfortunately, “obeying” and “following” have been side-lined in favor of “just believe”. This book aims to re-direct our thinking towards what God requires of those who call themselves Christian, and it aims to do so entirely through his words to us in the New Testament. It is our sincere hope and prayer that this book will reach you, and be a blessing to you on your spiritual journey. Because of its potential use as a pocket-reference, we have taken great pains to make this book as complete and accurate as possible, but apologize for any shortcomings it possesses. God bless you! Followers of The Way. xvii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This concordance is based on the New Living Translation (NLT) of the Holy Bible, published by Tyndale. Other works consulted which have been instructive are: • The New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible. • The Amplified New Testament (AMP), by the Lockman Foundation. • The Holy Bible from The Peshitta, by George M Lamsa. • Zondervan’s NIV Exhaustive Concordance (NIVEC), 2nd Ed. by Edward W Goodrick and John R Kohlenberger III. xix A NOTE TO THE READER Scripture References and Notes can be found at the end of each topic: Scripture References are indicated in the text by small, superscript numbers; and Notes are indicated in the text by an *, or by *1, *2, or *3 where a verse has several notes. We have inserted words in square brackets [ ] in the text to provide context, aid in the flow of sentences, provide an alternative New Testament reading, or – occasionally – as a paraphrase. Wherever this has been done, it has been carefully considered with the aim of giving clarity and a smooth flow to God’s word, and we sincerely hope you will find, on reflection, that we have achieved our goal of correctly explaining what God requires. We suggest that each section be read in its entirety because each section has a definite objective – which we believe is imposed upon it by God, since this is his word. Failure to read the Concordance in this way would mean failure to fully comprehend what God says about each topic dealt with, just as xxi A Note To The Reader failure to read the New Testament through, book by book, will also result in a lack of understanding (and misunderstanding, too) to your loss. On the subject of Bible versions, if you want a clear and simple translation, may we recommend to you the New Living Translation, as used here? The NLT “Life Application Study Bible” in particular is very useful. A version of the Bible is reliable as a transmitter of God’s will if it leads to Christ-like behavior in a transformed life, in which you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and follow his example and obey his commands faithfully. God’s word isn’t just for our information – it’s for our transformation! (consider Galatians 5: 19-25) God bless you, and lead you into a full understanding of his perfect will for you! xxii BAPTISM 1 [Jesus says,] ...“I have been given all authority in Heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all peoples, Baptizing them [in water] in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new [followers]* to obey all the commands I have given you....” 2[About Baptism Jesus says,] “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires”....* 3...“I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say ‘you must be born again’.” 4 ...“I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 5[Through Peter, God said:] “Each of you must [turn from your sins] and turn to God and be Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 6(...who is given by God to those who 1 Baptism obey him.) 7Those who believed what [God said through Peter] were Baptized and added to the Church that day.... 8...To all who believed and accepted him, [Jesus] gave the right to become Children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 9 [In the book of Acts we read that] ...Philip told [the eunuch] the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along [together], they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be Baptized?”* “You can,” Philip answered, “if you believe with all your heart.” And the eunuch replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” ...and they went down into the water, and Philip Baptized him. 10 ...We were joined with Christ Jesus in Baptism.... 11 And all who have been united with Christ in Baptism have [clothed* themselves with Christ]. 12 ...When we were joined with Christ Jesus in Baptism, we joined him in his death: for we died and were buried with Christ by Baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives... Consider yourselves to be dead to 2 Baptism the power of sin, and alive to God through Christ Jesus! 13[So] let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts, fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 14...[God] has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 15 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ! 16 ...Only eight people were saved from drowning in [The Flood], and that water is a picture of Baptism, which now saves you: not by removing dirt from your body, but as [your] appeal to God for a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 17What are you waiting for? Get up and be Baptized! Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of The Lord! 3 Baptism Scripture References and Notes to: Baptism 1. Matt. 28: 18,19,20; *Greek: Mathetes = follower; disciple; student. 2. Matt. 3: 15; *When we get ourselves Baptized, as God requires, he: • cuts away our sinful nature, and brings us to life [spiritually.] (Col. 2: 11-13) • adopts us as his own Children (Eph. 1: 5), and... • gives us his Holy Spirit to be our advisor, counselor, comforter, and encourager as we journey through this world on our way home to him. (John 14: 16; Greek: parakletos = advisor, counselor, comforter, and encourager.) Baptism and the Breaking of Bread (communion) are the dividing line between The Church and the world. (see “COMMUNION”, Scripture References and Notes; Note #6.) 3. John 3: 5,6,7 4. John 3: 3 5. Acts 2: 38 6. Acts 5: 32 7. Acts 2: 41 8. John 1: 12,13 9. Acts 8: 35,36,37,38; *Philip’s explanation of the Good News must have included the requirement for Christ’s followers to be Baptized – because the eunuch requests it. 10. Rom. 6: 3 11. Gal. 3: 27; *Greek: endyo = to clothe; dress. 4 Baptism 12. Rom. 6: 3,4,11 13. Heb. 10: 22 14. Eph. 2: 10 15. Eph. 1: 3 16. 1 Peter 3: 20,21 17. Acts 22: 16 5 CHURCH 1. Who the Church are 1 Christ is... the head of the Church, which is his Body.* 2The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body, [and] so it is with the Body of Christ: some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been Baptized into one Body, by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 3 Those who [accepted the Good News] were Baptized and added to the Church* that day.... 4 If one part [of The Body] suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you, together, are Christ’s Body, and each of you is a part of it. 5“...And all of you are equal as brothers and sisters”, [says Jesus.] 6 God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and has made him head over all things 6 Church 1. Who the Church are for the benefit of the Church – and the Church is his Body.... 7[Christ] makes the whole Body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts [to] grow, so that the whole Body is healthy, and growing, and full of love. 8Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s Body: we are many parts of one Body, and we all belong to each other. 9[Jesus says,] “...If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in Heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” 10 I am writing to God’s holy people... who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. 11Don’t you realize that all of you, together, are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple, for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple! 12 ...Christ... is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests: through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer 7 Church 1. Who the Church are spiritual sacrifices that please God.* 13...You are a chosen people: you are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession! As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. [And] 14...No one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have – Jesus Christ.* 8 Church 1. Who the Church are Scripture References and Notes to: Who the Church are 1. Col. 1: 18; *The Church are people, not buildings – see “CHURCH: 4. How to conduct meetings”, Scripture References and Notes; Note #2. 2. 1 Cor. 12: 12,13 3. Acts 2: 41; *To be “added to the Church” means to be incorporated into the Body of Christ. 4. 1 Cor. 12: 26,27 5. Matt. 23: 8 6. Eph. 1: 22,23 7. Eph. 4: 16 8. Rom. 12: 4,5 9. Matt. 18: 19,20 10. Eph. 1: 1 11. 1 Cor. 3: 16,17 12. 1 Peter 2: 4,5; *“...let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good, and to share with those in need! These are the sacrifices that please God.” (Heb. 13: 15,16) and: “...give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” (Rom. 12: 1) 13. 1 Peter 2: 9 14. 1 Cor. 3: 11; *The test of a true Church is that they are distinct from the world and subject only to Christ, their head. 9 CHURCH 2. Spiritual Gifts to The Church 1 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God, or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only [Holy] Spirit who distributes all these gifts: he alone decides which gift each person should have. 10 Church 2. Spiritual Gifts to The Church 2 Are we all apostles*? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 3In his grace*, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 4God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts: use them well to serve one another! Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy God supplies. Then, everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. 11 Church 2. Spiritual Gifts to The Church 5 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 6 Now, these are the gifts Christ gave to the Church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the [shepherds to guard and care for the flock]*, and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the Church – the Body of Christ. 12 Church 2. Spiritual Gifts to The Church Scripture References and Notes to: Spiritual Gifts to The Church 1. 1 Cor. 12: 7,8,9,10,11 2. 1 Cor. 12: 29,30; *special messengers of God. 3. Rom. 12: 6,7,8; *kindness and favor. 4. 1 Peter 4: 10,11 5. 1 Cor. 12: 4,5,6 6. Eph. 4: 11,12; *The word “shepherds” (Greek: Poimen = shepherd; pastor) is a very appropriate one to describe the Elders of the Church, who are responsible for spiritually leading, feeding, guiding, guarding and caring for the flock. Each Church has its own Elders (notice the plural!), and these are chosen by the members from amongst themselves. For qualities required of Elders, refer to “Elders and Deacons: Qualities Required”. 13 CHURCH 3. Instructions to Elders 1 [Elders], care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example! And when The Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 2 [Jesus says,] ...“You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you, it will be different: whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you, must become your slave.” 3“The greatest among you must be a servant – but those who exalt themselves will be 14 Church 3. Instructions to Elders humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 4 [Be sure to] “teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you....” 5[But] “don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi’,* for you have only one Teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters.” 6“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these Little Ones*, for I tell you that in Heaven, their Angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” 7“...It is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these Little Ones should perish.” 8“...If you cause one of these Little Ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.” 9 [Brethren,] ...it certainly is your responsi- bility to judge those inside the Church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside: but as the Scriptures say, “you must remove the evil person from among you.” 10...Our purpose is to please God, not people.... 11...Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 12Make sure that no one is immoral or [worldly]*.... 13 If people are causing divisions among you, 15 Church 3. Instructions to Elders give a first and a second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them,* for people like that have turned away from The Truth, and their own sins condemn them. 14[Brothers], we urge you to warn those who are lazy, encourage those who are timid, take tender care of those who are weak, [and] be patient with everyone.* 15 Gently instruct those who oppose The Truth: perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn The Truth. Then they will come to their senses, and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 16 Remind the [brethren]*1 to submit to the government and its officers: they should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.*2 They must not slander anyone, and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle, [humble, kind, and considerate] to everyone.*3 17 [Jesus says,] “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the Great Time of Testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon.* Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown!” 16
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