The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ( ESV ).  Matthew 9:9 reads as follows:

"9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'Follow me.'  And he rose and followed him."

The word "lead" is defined as follows:

". . . v.  led, lead-ing  v.t.   1  To go with or ahead of so as to show the way; guide."  [  See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY  10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 556.  ]

     Jesus does not merely show us the way, He is the way ( see John 14:6, for example ): He is the definition of leadership.  He is holy ( see Acts 2:22-28 ( especially verse 27, for example ), for example ): He does not lie ( see John 10:30, Romans 1:20 ( see Romans 1:20 ( KJV, for example; with center-column references, for example ) to get the equivalent translation for the word "Godhead" ), Colossians 2:8, 9 ( KJV, for example ), Titus 1:1, 2, and 1 John 5:6-8 ( KJV, for example ), for example ).  Leadership was crucified on the cross of Calvary ( see Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33 ( KJV, for example ), for example ), for example ): this world does not want leadership, it wants sin ( see Romans 6:1-4 ( especially verse 2, for example ) and Colossians 2:20, for example ).

     However, every Christian ( see Acts 11:26, for example ) who imitates Christ ( see 1 Corinthians 11:1, for example ) is a leader in this world: there is no such thing as a denominational leader, for example ( see Ephesians 4:5, for example ).  Jesus said, "Follow me" ( as we read in verse nine, above ): may we ever strive to do this.  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ).

     If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

     <rewillis1_1@juno.com>

     <Russell E. Willis>.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ( ESV ).  Matthew 12:22-32 read as follows:

"22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw.  23 And all the people were amazed, and said, 'Can this be the Son of David?'  24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, 'It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.'  25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.  26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself.  How then will his kingdom stand?  27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out?  Therefore they will be your judges.  28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.  29 Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man?  Then indeed he may plunder his house.  30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.  31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.  32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.'"

Jesus ( see verse fifteen ) teaches that Satan is a king, and that he has his own kingdom ( see verse twenty-six, above ).  Please read all of Matthew, chapter twelve, to get the immediate context.

     Moreover, anyone who is not a member of the New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:18, Acts 5:14; 6:1, 2; 11:19-26 ( especially verse 26, for example ), Romans 12:1-5 ( especially verses 4 and 5, for example ); 16:16, 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 ( especially verses 12-14, for example ), and Ephesians 1:15-23 ( especially verses 22 and 23, for example ), for example ), which is the earthly realm of the kingdom of God ( see Daniel, chapter 2 ( especially verse 44, for example ), Joel, chapter 2 ( especially verses 28-32, for example ), Luke 1:26-33 ( especially verse 33, for example ), and Acts, chapter 2 ( especially verses 14-21, 38, 41, and 47 ( KJV, for example ), for example )), is a member of the kingdom of Satan.  Perhaps, from this perspective, we are better able to see why the heavenly Father ( see Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14, for example ) will not bless denominational worship, or any other form of false worship such as Buddhism, Hinduism, or Islam, for example ( see Leviticus 10:1-11 ( especially verses 1 and 2, for example ), Psalm 115:12, 13, Matthew 4:10, John 4:24, Romans 10:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ); 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), and Colossians 2:6-15 ( especially verses 13 and 14, for example ), for example ).  Yes, the heavenly Father loves His enemies ( see Matthew 5:43-48, for example ), but He draws the line ( so to speak ) at false worship, for example: He will not tolerate it ( see John 1:1, 14; 10:30; 14:6, Romans 1:20 ( see Romans 1:20 ( KJV, for example; with center-column references, for example ) to get the equivalent translation for the word "Godhead" ), Colossians 2:8, 9 ( KJV, for example ), Titus 1:1, 2, Hebrews 1:1-9 ( especially verses 8 and 9, for example ), and 1 John 3:4; 5:6-8 ( KJV, for example ), for example ).  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ).

     If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

     <rewillis1_1@juno.com>

     <Russell E. Willis>.

NOTE:  Please see the Friday, April 17, 2015 posting to this weblog concerning the initial statement that the heavenly Father will not bless denominational worship, for example.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ( ESV ).  John 17:1-5 read as follows:

"When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, 'Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.  3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.  4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.  5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.'"

The answer to at least one significant question is found in the above-given passage from the Holy Bible.

     What is the purpose of eternal life?  Jesus has answered this question for us in verses two and three ( above ), namely, that all those whom the heavenly Father has given to Jesus know Him ( the only true God ) and Jesus Christ whom He sent.  If we are not willing to know the heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ while on this earth, through studying the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 92:5; 111:2; 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 1:1, 14; 10:30; 14:6; 17:1, 3, 17, Romans 1:20 ( see Romans 1:20 ( KJV, for example; with center-column references, for example ) to get the equivalent translation for the word "Godhead" ), Colossians 2:8, 9 ( KJV, for example ), 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, Titus 1:1, 2, and 1 John 5:6-8 ( KJV, for example ), for example ) and living for Christ ( see Luke 8:21; 11:28, John 7:16, 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15 ( especially verse 15, for example ), and Revelation 1:3, for example ), then we should not expect to find ourselves in heaven: the purpose of eternal life is to spend eternity in heaven knowing the heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  See also Matthew 10:32; 11:15, Mark 16:16, Luke 13:3, Acts 2:38; 4:1-12 ( especially verses 10-12, for example ); 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39, for example; KJV, for example ), and Revelation 2:10, for example.

     If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

  

     <rewillis1_1@juno.com>

     <Russell E. Willis>.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION ( CEV ); being entitled: open hearts, open minds, OUTDOORS!  Psalm 12:1-4 read as follows:

"1 Please help me, LORD!  All who were faithful and all who were loyal have disappeared.  2 Everyone tells lies, and no one is sincere.  3  Won't you chop off all flattering tongues that brag so loudly?  4 They say to themselves, 'We are great speakers.  No one else has a chance.'"

David, here, writes of dishonesty and insincerity ( see verse two, above ).

     If we, as Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), are to be believable, we must avoid the sin ( see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and 1 John 3:4, for example ) of dishonesty, for example.  The apostle Paul ( see Ephesians 1:1 ) wrote the following concerning this sin in Ephesians 4:25:  "25 We are part of the same body.  Stop lying and start telling each other the truth."  Jesus told no lies, nor did He commit any other sins ( see Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22, for example ). 

     Moreover, insincerity is a form of dishonesty.  If we tell someone something, and we do not really mean what we said, we have told a lie.  May we strive to avoid these sins of the tongue ( and all other sins - see Romans 6:23, for example ).  Rash speech ( see Ecclesiastes 5:2, for example; KJV, for example ) is another sin of the tongue: please click on the link below to read today's bulletin regarding this subject:

<http://1drv.ms/1FgyjZI>.

     If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

     <rewillis1_1@juno.com>

     <Russell E. Willis>.

NOTE:  You will need to click on the back arrow ( on your web browser ) to exit the bulletin back to this weblog.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION ( CEV ); being entitled: open hearts, open minds, OUTDOORS!  Psalm 115:12, 13 read as follows:

"12 The LORD will not forget to give us his blessing; he will bless all of Israel and the family of Aaron.  13 All who worship the LORD, no matter who they are, will receive his blessing."

The heavenly Father ( see Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14, for example; KJV, for example ) said that the Israelites would serve Him as priests ( see Exodus 19:1-6, for example ):  Aaron, and his sons were chosen by Him; being of the tribe of Levi ( see Exodus 6:16-27 ( especially verse 23, for example ), for example ), "from Israel to serve as my priests" ( see Exodus 28:1 ).  They were "called of God" ( see Hebrews 5:4; KJV; with center-column references, for example ) and were ordained as His ( see Exodus 25:31 ) priests ( see Exodus 25:41 ).  They represented Israel in the sacred tent, for example ( see Exodus 28:43, for example, and please read all of chapter twenty-eight, and the first nine verses of chapter twenty-nine, to get the immediate context ).  [ See also BIBLE ALMANAC, PACKER, JAMES I., A.M., D.Phil., TENNEY, MERRILL C., A.M., Ph.D., WHITE, WILLIAM, JR., Th.M., Ph.D., THE OLD-TIME GOSPEL HOUR, LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA, Copyright 1980 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, p. 386. ]

     Under the New Testament, all Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ) are priests ( see Matthew 1:16; 16:16 ( KJV, for example ), Acts 2:38; 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39 ( KJV, for example ), for example ), Romans 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ); 10:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ); 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), Galatians 3:26, 27, Hebrews, chapter 10 ( especially verses 18-22, for example ), 1 Peter 1:1, 2, and Revelation 1:5, 6, for example ): the phrase "all of Israel and the family of Aaron," in verse twelve ( above ), is an Old Testament reference to the New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:18, Romans 16:16, and Ephesians 1:22, 23, for example ).  Thus, there is no such thing as a denominational Israel and family of Aaron ( see 2 Corinthians 4:13 and Ephesians 4:5, for example ): there is no such thing as a denominational Christian.

     Moreover, the context of verses twelve and thirteen teaches that all who worship the heavenly Father, regardless of who they are ( concerning all of Israel and the family of Aaron ), will receive His blessing: we can rightly conclude from this passage in the Holy Bible that He will not bless denominational worship, since He is not pleased with such ( see Psalm 119:65-73 ( KJV, for example ), 142, 151, Matthew 4:10, John 4:24; 10:30, Hebrews 1:1-9 ( especially verses 8 and 9, for example ), and 1 John 3:4, for example ), for example.  This is what the sacred text of the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION ( CEV ) of the Holy Bible teaches.  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ).

     If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

     <rewillis1_1@juno.com>

     <Russell E. Willis>.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the New Revised Standard Version ( NRSV ).  Genesis 19:24-29 read as follows:

"24 Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven; 25 and he overthrew those cities, and all the Plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.  26 But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.  27 Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD; 28 and he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the Plain and saw the smoke of the land going up like the smoke of a furnace.  29 So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the Plain, God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had settled."

The above-given passage from the Holy Bible reveals the heavenly Father's ( see Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14, for example ) hatred of the sin of homosexuality ( see also Leviticus 18:22, Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 10:30; 17:1, 3, 17,  Romans 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), Hebrews 1:8, 9, and 1 John 3:4, for example ), for example: please read verses one through twenty-nine to get the immediate context.

     If the politicians, the media, and those in the legal system here in America do not repent of their sinful support of homosexuality, for example, then America can expect the heavenly Father, through His providence, to rain down more sulfur and fire ( as happened on September 11th, 2001 ).  I pray ( see Luke 18:1-8 ( especially verse 1, for example ), for example ) that this country will repent ( see Luke 13:3, for example ).  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ).

     If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

   

     <rewillis1_1@juno.com>

     <Russell E. Willis>.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REVISED EDITION ( NABRE ); being entitled: THE NEW CATHOLIC ANSWER BIBLE.  John 14:6 reads as follows:

"6 Jesus said to him, 'I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

The Greek word ( Greek [ 3598 ] ) for the word "way," in this same passage in the King James Version ( KJV ) of the Holy Bible, is defined as follows:

"a road; by impl. a progress (the route, act or distance); fig. a mode or means."  [ See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 67. ).  ]

     Have you ever heard someone say, "All roads lead to heaven"?  Such a statement is rendered false teaching by the words of Jesus ( in verse six, above ).  Jesus clearly teaches, here, that He is the "road" by which one comes to the Father: He is the only mode or means by which one can do this.

     One cannot come to the Father through the Baptist "road" ( John Smyth, for example ), the Catholic "road" ( Ignatz von Dollinger, for example ), the Methodist "road" ( John and Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield, for example ), the Episcopal "road" ( George David Cummins, for example ), the Buddhist "road" ( Siddhartha Gautama ), the Confucian "road" ( Confucius ), or the Muslim "road" ( Mohammed, for example ), for example ( see Acts 4:1-12 ( especially verses 10-12, for example ) and Ephesians 4:5, for example ).  In order to be saved, you must be baptized, by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins ( see Matthew 1:16; 16:16 ( KJV, for example ), Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38; 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39 ( KJV, for example ), for example ), Romans 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ), and 2 Corinthians 4:13, for example ), and the Lord will add you to the New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:41, 47 ( KJV, for example ), Romans 16:16, and Ephesians 1:22, 23, for example ): start following Jesus, the way, now ( see Luke 5:22, 27, and 28, for example ).  See also Matthew 10:32; 11:15, Luke 13:3, and Revelation 2:10, for example.  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, and 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ).

     If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

     <rewillis1_1@juno.com>

     <Russell E. Willis>.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REVISED EDITION ( NABRE ); being entitled THE NEW CATHOLIC ANSWER BIBLE.  Luke 15:1-7 read as follows:

"1 The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, 2 but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'  3 So to them he addressed this parable.  4 'What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?  5 And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy 6 and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, '"Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep."''  7 I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."

Jesus ( see Luke 14:3 ) said there is joy in heaven when a sinner repents ( see verse seven, above ).

     If a terrorist, for example, repented of his or her sinful ( see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and 1 John 3:4, for example ) ways and was baptized by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of his or her sins ( see Matthew 1:16; 16:16 ( KJV, for example ), Acts 2:38; 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-69, for example ), and Romans 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ), for example ), would you feel joy, or would you have a sinful, self-righteous attitude as the Pharisees and scribes had ( see verses one and two, above )?  Please click on the link below to view today's bulletin regarding the subject of joy:

<http://1drv.ms/1CYDWce>.

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

     <rewillis1_1@juno.com>

     <Russell E. Willis>.

NOTE:  You will need to click on the back arrow ( on your web browser ) to exit the bulletin back to this weblog.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE REVISED EDITION ( NABRE ); being entitled: THE NEW CATHOLIC ANSWER BIBLE.  Acts 17:28, 29 read as follows:

"28 For 'In him we live and move and have our being,' as even some of your poets have said, 'For we too are his offspring.'  29 Since therefore we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the divinity is like an image fashioned from gold, silver, or stone by human art and imagination" ( please read Acts 17:16-34 to get the immediate context ).

     Paul made these statements while he "stood up at the Areopagus" ( see verse twenty-two ).  From these statements, we can rightly conclude that the number of people there are in this world today are how many brothers and sisters we have ( in terms of humanity ).  However, not all of these people are my brothers and sisters in Christ.  The apostle Paul ( see Galatians 1:1 ) wrote the following in Galatians 3:26, 27:

"26 For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.  27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."

Thus, all of us who have been baptized into Christ have clothed ourselves with Christ; being children of God in Christ Jesus.  This means that all who have been scripturally baptized into Christ are children of God in Christ Jesus: since we are children of God in Christ Jesus, we are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

     Scriptural baptism is by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins ( see Acts 2:38; 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39, for example ( KJV, for example; with center-column references, for example )), and Romans 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ), for example ): this is what the sacred text of the Catholic Bible teaches.  Moreover, denominational baptisms are not authorized in the Holy Bible.  2 Corinthians 4:13 reads as follows:  "13 Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, 'I believed, therefore I spoke,' we too believe and therefore speak."  With this passage from the Holy Bible in mind, if a person is raised from the watery grave of baptism saying that he or she is a Baptist, for example, then he or she demonstrates that he or she believes that salvation is in the name of John Smyth, for example: such a baptism is not valid.  Peter ( see Acts 4:8 ) said the following in Acts 4:10-12:

"10 then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed.  11 He is 'the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.'  12 There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved."

He clearly stated, in this passage from the Holy Bible, that salvation is only in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, which rules out salvation in the name of anyone else.  Therefore, there is no such thing as a denominational brother or sister in Christ Jesus, since there is no such thing as a denominational Christian ( there is only one faith - see Ephesians 4:5, for example ): again, this is what the sacred text of the Catholic Bible teaches.  Thus, only Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), members of the New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:41, 47 ( KJV, for example ), Romans 16:16, and Ephesians 1:22, 23, for example ), are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus: once again, this is what the sacred text of the Catholic Bible teaches.

     Finally, Paul "grew exasperated at the sight of the city full of idols" ( see verse sixteen of the initial passage of the Holy Bible referenced above ): this means that the apostle Paul was opposed to the concept of freedom of religion ( the justifying of false religion ).  Jesus is also opposed to this concept, for He said the following in John 14:6:  "'I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.'"  Based on this statement by Him, there is one true religion, which is Christianity: all other religions are ruled out, though we can still learn from Judaism as found in the Old Testament ( see Romans 10:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ); 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), and Colossians 2:9-15 ( especially verse 14, for example ), for example ).

     Although I may have billions of brothers and sisters in this world; some of them being members of terrorist organizations, some being Catholic, and some being Jewish, for example, none of them are my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus ( as has been demonstrated above ): only those who are Christians ( members of the church of Christ ) are my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.  The sacred text of the Catholic Bible teaches this, while also condemning the concept of freedom of religion.  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, and 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ).

     If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

     <rewillis1_1@juno.com>

     <Russell E. Willis>.