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 ).  Acts 26:19-23 read as follows:

"19 'After that, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance.  21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.  22 To this day I have had help from God, and so I stand here, testifying to both small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would take place: 23 that the Messiah must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.'"

Here, Paul makes his defense before King Agrippa ( please read chapter twenty-five, verse one, through the end of chapter twenty-six, to get the immediate context ).

     He speaks of repentance and turning to God ( as is indicated in verse twenty, above ).  The Greek word ( Greek [ 3340 ] ) for the word "repent," in this passage in the King James Version ( KJV ) of the Holy Bible, is defined as follows: "to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (mor. feel compunction). . . ."  [  See Strong's EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, HENDRICKSON PUBLISHERS, PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS 01961-3473, ISBN 0-917006-01-1, ( A CONCISE DICTIONARY OF THE WORDS IN THE GREEK TESTAMENT; WITH THEIR RENDERINGS IN THE AUTHORIZED ENGLISH VERSION.  BY JAMES STRONG, S.T.D., LL.D., p. 47. ).  ]

The word "compunction," in the above-given definition, is defined as follows: ". . . n.  1  Self-reproach for wrong-doing; a sense of guilt; remorseful feeling. . . ."  [  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. 207.  ]

     Moreover, the Greek word ( Greek [ 1994 ] ) for the word "turn," in the same above-referenced passage in the King James Version ( KJV ) of the Holy Bible, is defined as follows: "to revert (lit., fig. [ sic ] or mor.). . . ."  [  See Strong's EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, HENDRICKSON PUBLISHERS, PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS  01961-3473, ISBN 0-917006-01-1, ( A CONCISE DICTIONARY OF THE WORDS IN THE GREEK TESTAMENT; WITH THEIR RENDERINGS IN THE AUTHORIZED ENGLISH VERSION.  BY JAMES STRONG, S.T.D., LL.D., p. 32. ).  ]

The word "revert," in the definition given immediately above, is defined as follows: ". . . v.i.   1  To go or turn back to a former place, condition, attitude, topic, etc. . . . ."  [  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. 828.  ]

Thus, Paul spoke of reconsidering one's sinful ( see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; and 1 John 3:4, for example ) actions, having remorse in response to them, and going back to God.

     Please click on the "Full Screen" symbol, at the lower right corner of the image below, to read today's bulletin regarding repentance and turning to God, for example:

Also, please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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: You will need to close the appropriate tab ( in your web browser ), with the name of the bulletin on it, 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 Revised Standard Version ( NRSV ).  Romans 13:8-10 read as follows:

"8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.  9 The commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet'; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law."

Abortion is murder, which is condemned in verse nine ( above ).

     All women who abort their unborn babies must be punished for doing so.  This heinous act is premeditated by the mother, and is performed by a doctor.  This means that the mother is a willing participant in this sin ( see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 17; Romans 4:13-15 ( especially verse 15, for example ); 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; and 1 John 3:4, for example ).

     The act of abortion is a direct violation of the statement "'Love your neighbor as yourself'" ( as we read in verse nine ).  A mother who aborts her unborn baby does wrong to her neighbor ( as is condemned in verse ten ) who was carried in her womb.  She must receive the maximum penalty for doing that ( see Genesis 9:1-17 ( especially verse 6, for example ); Matthew 1:16 ( ESV, for example ); 6:11; 26:47-56 ( especially verse 52, for example ); Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example; KJV, for example ); Romans 10:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ); 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ); Galatians 4:30; Colossians 2:6-19 ( especially verse 14, for example ); Hebrews, chapter 8 ( especially verse 13, for example ); chapter 9 ( especially verses 15-18, for example ); and Revelation 13:1-10 ( especially verse 10, for example ), for example ).

     Please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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 King James Version ( KJV ).  Proverbs 23:23 reads as follows: "23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."

Verse twenty-three ( above ), has a cross-reference to Matthew 13:44, which reads as follows:

"44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."

     Psalm 119:11 reads as follows: "11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."  This passage in the Holy Bible has two cross-references: (1) Psalm 37:31 and (2) Luke 2:19.  Psalm 37:30, 31 read as follows: "30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.  31 The law of his God is in his heart: none of his steps shall slide."

     Luke 2:19 reads as follows: "19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."  Taking all of these passages from the Holy Bible into consideration, it should be clear that verse twenty-three is not referring to a stock market, for example.  Moreover, with verses forty-four, eleven, thirty, and thirty-one, respectively, in mind, we find that the field represents one's heart, and the treasure hidden within it is God's law ( His word - see also Psalm 119:65-72 ( especially verse 72, for example ), for example ).
     Since this treasure is His law, and Jesus ( see 13:36; John 1:1, 14; 10:30; 14:6; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:8, 9, and 1 John 5:6, 7, for example ) said the kingdom of heaven is like unto it, this means that the kingdom of heaven is within the heart of every Christian.  Additionally, Luke 17:20:21 read as follows:
"20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."  The phrase "the kingdom of God is within you," in verse twenty-one, has a cross-reference to Romans 14:17, which reads as follows: "17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
     The phrases "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" are the same: they have the same meaning ( cf. Matthew 18:1-5 ( especially verse 3, for example ) and Luke 18:15-17 ( especially verse 16, for example ), for example ).  From the first verse seventeen ( above ), we also find that the kingdom of God is focused on the inner man, namely, righteousness, peace, and joy, being in the Holy Ghost.  The heavenly Father ( see Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14, for example ) gives the Holy Ghost to those who obey him ( see Acts 5:32, for example ).
     Thus, when one is baptized, by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of his or her past sins ( see Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example ); Acts 2:38; 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39, for example ); chapter 11 ( especially verse 26, for example ); Romans 3:21-31 ( especially verse 25, for example ); 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ); 12:1-5 ( especially verse 5, for example ); Galatians 3:26, 27; Ephesians 1:15-23 ( especially verses 22 and 23, for example ); Colossians 1:9-20 ( especially verse 20, for example ); 1 Peter 1:1-3 ( especially verse 2, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-5 ( especially verse 5, for example ), for example ), he or she has been given the earnest of the Spirit in his or her heart by God ( see 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22, for example ).  Therefore, the kingdom of God ( or heaven ) is given by God in the heart of every Christian through the Spirit: this is how we have righteousness, peace, and joy.  The Spirit is the truth, which is the heavenly Father's word ( see John 17:1, 3, and 17, for example ).
     Finally, as Christians, we must keep all the things concerning the heavenly Father's word, and ponder them in our hearts ( as taught in verse nineteen, above, and please read verses eight through twenty to get the immediate context ).  Please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:3, 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 ).  Ephesians 5:15-21 read as follows:

"15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."

The Old Testament became obsolete when Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, though we can still learn from it ( see Matthew 1:16; 6:11; Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example; KJV, for example ); Romans 10:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ); 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ); Galatians 4:30; and Hebrews, chapter 7 ( especially verse 11, for example ); chapter 8 ( especially verse 13, for example ), for example ): this means that the Jewish system of worship is no longer valid.

     Under the New Testament, we, as Christians ( see Galatians 3:26, 27, for example ), sing and make melody to the Lord with our hearts ( as is taught in verse nineteen, above ): God has not commanded the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship of Him ( see Matthew 4:10, for example ) under this covenant.  Please click on the "Full Screen" symbol, at the lower right corner of the image below, to read today's bulletin regarding references to mechanical instruments of music, for example, in the Holy Bible:

Also, please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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: You will need to close the appropriate tab ( in your web browser ), with the name of the bulletin on it, 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 REVISED STANDARD VERSION ( RSV ).  Romans 14:12, 13 read as follows:

"12 So each of us shall give account of himself to God.  13 Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother."

Verse thirteen ( above ) has two cross-references: (1) Matthew 7:1 and (2) 1 Corinthians 8:13.

     Matthew 7:1 reads as follows: "'Judge not, that you be not judged.'"  First Corinthians 8:13 reads as follows: "13 Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall."  In the first verse thirteen, the apostle Paul ( see 1:1 ) wrote ( see 7:1; 9:1; and 16:22, for example ) that we, as the heavenly Father's saints ( see Exodus 24:7, 8; Psalm 50:5 ( KJV, for example ); Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14; Mark 16:16; Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example; KJV, for example ); John 1:24-29 ( especially verse 29, for example ); Acts 2:38; 10:34-43 ( especially verse 43, for example ); 11:26; Romans 1:7; 5:1; 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ); 15:13; Colossians 1:15-20 ( especially verse 20, for example ); Hebrews, chapter 7 ( especially verses 22 and 27, for example ); 10:19-25 ( especially verse 22, for example ); 12:18-24 ( especially verse 24, for example ); 1 Peter 1:1, 2 ( especially verse 2, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-5 ( especially verse 5, for example ), for example ), are not to pass judgment on one another hypocritically ( keeping in mind the context of the first five verses of Matthew, chapter seven ).

     Additionally, Paul, here, is not writing that we are not to pass judgment on one another at all, for he also writes that we are to decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in our brother's way.  It is a sin ( see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; and 1 John 3:4, for example ), not only to be the source of spiritual stumbling or hindrance for a brother ( see 2 Corinthians 11:29, for example ), but also to judge that one for falling spiritually when we caused it ( see also the second verse thirteen ).  It is with this in mind, that we must remember that "each of us shall give account of himself to God" ( as we read in verse twelve ).

     Please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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 ).  2 Timothy 2:3 reads as follows: "3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus."

The phrase "a good soldier of Christ Jesus," in verse three ( above ), has a cross-reference to 1 Timothy 1:18: verses eighteen and nineteen read as follows:

"18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience.  By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith."

     Hebrews 10:22 reads as follows: "22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."  The phrase "sprinkled clean," in verse twenty-two, has four cross-references, one of which is to chapter twelve, verse twenty-four, which reads as follows: "24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."  Moreover, the phrase "washed with pure water," also in verse twenty-two, has a cross-reference to 1 Corinthians 6:11, which reads as follows: "11 And such were some of you.  But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

     The phrase "you were washed," in verse eleven, has three cross-references, one of which is to Acts 22:16, which reads as follows: "16 And now why do you wait?  Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name."  Therefore, the phrase "washed with pure water," in verse twenty-two, is a reference to baptism, and the phrase "sprinkled clean," here, is a reference to the effect of the sprinkled blood of Jesus ( such blood being implied in verse twenty-four, and cf. chapter 7 ( especially verse 27, for example ); 11:4; Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example; KJV, for example ); and 1 Peter 1:1-3 ( especially verse 2, for example ), for example ), with which one comes in contact through this act ( see also Colossians 1:15-23 ( especially verse 20, for example ), for example ).  Since, in this context, baptism results in one having a good conscience, and possessing faith and a good conscience are required in order to wage the good warfare, a good soldier of Christ Jesus is a Christian ( see Acts 11:26, for example ).

     Please click on the "Full Screen" symbol, at the lower right corner of the image below, to read today's bulletin regarding military concepts in the Holy Bible, for example:

Also, please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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: You will need to close the appropriate tab ( in your web browser ), with the name of the bulletin on it, 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 REVISED STANDARD VERSION ( RSV ).  2 Timothy 2:15 reads as follows:

"15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

Moreover, John 17:17 reads as follows: "17 Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth."

     Jesus said to the heavenly Father ( see verses one through three, and see also 1:1, 14; 3:16, 17; 8:26; 10:30; 14:6; Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14; 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 ); and 1 John 5:7 ( KJV, for example ), for example ) that His word is truth ( as indicated in the first verse seventeen, above ).  Therefore, the phrase "word of truth," in verse fifteen, is a reference to God's word, the Holy Bible.  Please click on the "Full Screen" symbol, at the lower right corner of the image below, to read today's bulletin regarding 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, for example:

     Also, please read the Holy Bible ( see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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: You will need to close the appropriate tab ( in your web browser ), with the name of the bulletin on it, 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 King James Version ( KJV ).  1 Peter 2:21 reads as follows:

"21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps."

The phrase "leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps," in verse twenty-one ( above ), has a cross-reference to 1 John 2:6: verses one through six read as follows:

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.  3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."

     The apostle Peter ( see 1:1 ) wrote ( see 5:1, 12, for example ) to Christians ( see 1:1-3, 23; John 3:1-5 ( especially verses 3 and 5, for example ); Acts 2:38; and Galatians 3:26, 27, for example ) to follow the steps of Christ ( see also Matthew 1:16, for example ): the apostle John ( see 1:1-3; 4:14; and John 1:1, 4, and 14, for example ) teaches the same concept in verses one through six ( above ).  It is in this context that we, as Christians, have no rights.  The words "liberty," "license," and "privilege," for example, are synonymous with the word "right."  Thus, we have no liberty, for example, to follow anyone's steps other than those of Christ.

     However, while following His steps, we do have rights: we have the right to suffer for His sake ( see Philippians 1:29, for example ), and we have the right, through Him, to "come to the Father in one Spirit" ( see Ephesians 2:18; NCV, for example ), for example.  See also John 10:9, for example.  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 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>.

NOTE: The synonyms for the noun form of the word "right" were taken from the 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. TH-71 ( THESAURUS )).  The first two passages, associated with the phrase "apostle John" ( above ), were taken from the Holy Bible: Containing The Old and New Testaments ( The New King James Version: RED LETTER EDITION, THE NEW OPEN BIBLE STUDY EDITION, THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS, Nashville, Copyright 1990, 1985, 1983 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., p. 1491 ).

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Ephesians 2:18-20 read as follows:

"18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 204 ] ) for the word "corner," in verse twenty ( above ), is defined as follows:

". . . used of Christ, 1 Pet. ii. 6; Eph. ii. 20; Sept. Is. xxviii. 16 . . . .  For as the corner-stone holds together two walls, so Christ joins together as Christians, into one body dedicated to God, those who were formerly Jews and Gentiles, Eph. ii. 20 [yet cf. Mey. ad loc.] compared with vss. 14, 16-19, 21 sq.  And as a corner-stone contributes to sustain the edifice, but nevertheless some fall in going around the corner carelessly ; so some are built up by the aid of Christ, while others stumbling at Christ perish, 1 Pet. ii. 6-8 . . . ."  [  See THE NEW THAYER'S GREEK-ENGLISH LEXICON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, Thayer, Joseph Henry, D.D., HENDRICKSON PUBLISHERS, PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS 01961-3473, Copyright 1979, 1981, by Jay P. Green, Sr., p. 24.  ]

     The apostle Paul ( see 1:1 ) wrote ( see 3:1 and 4:1, for example ) of Jesus Christ as "the chief corner stone" ( as we read in verse twenty ) and, in so doing, he condemned racism.  Please click on the "Full Screen" symbol, at the lower right corner of the image below, to read today's bulletin regarding the "foundation of the apostles and prophets" ( again, as we read in verse twenty ), for example:

Also, please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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: You will need to close the appropriate tab ( in your web browser ), with the name of the bulletin on it, to exit the bulletin back to this weblog.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the New Testament, known as The Expanded Bible; being entitled: New Testament: The [ expanded ] Bible: Study the Bible While You Read.  Matthew 6:19-24 read as follows:

"19 'Don't store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them.  20 But store *your [for yourselves] treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them.  21 Your heart will be where your treasure is.  22 'The eye is *a light [Lthe lamp] for the body.  If your eyes are *good [healthy; clear], your whole body will be full of light.  23 But if your eyes are *evil [unhealthy; bad], your whole body will be full of darkness.  And if the *only light you have [or light you think you have; Llight in you] is really darkness, then *you have the worst darkness [how great that darkness is!].  24 'No one can serve two *masters [lords].  The person will hate one master and love the other, or will *follow [be devoted/loyal to] one master and *refuse to follow [despise] the other.  You cannot serve both God and *worldly riches [money; Lmammon].'"

Jesus ( see 5:1 ) teaches, here, that, as Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), we are not to store for ourselves treasures on earth ( as we read in verse nineteen ).

     Furthermore, He does not simply change the subject and abruptly begin talking about our eyes ( as we read in verses twenty-two and twenty-three ), and then the following of one master and the despising of the other ( as we read in verse twenty-four ).  All of these verses form a complete context.  Specifically, if we store treasures for ourselves on earth, this means that our heart is with earthly treasures ( as implied in verse twenty-one ), because our eyes are evil ( unhealthy or bad ), which means that we have the worst darkness, because we serve worldly riches ( money or mammon ) and despise God.

     By contrast, if we store our treasures in heaven, this means that our heart is with God, because our eyes are good ( healthy or clear ), which means that our whole body is full of light, because we serve Him and despise worldly riches ( money or mammon ).  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 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>.

NOTE: Since in-line bullets are not available in the formatting of this weblog, asterisks "*" were used to "show where to begin the replacement of a word or words before the set of brackets with the word or words within the set of brackets."  [  See New Testament, The [ expanded ] Bible, THOMAS NELSON, NASHVILLE, DALLAS, MEXICO CITY, RIO DE JANEIRO, BEIJING, The Expanded Bible, New Testament, Copyright 2009 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., p. xi.  ]

Moreover, since the superscript function is also not available in the formatting of this weblog, the smallest font size was used for the character "L," associated with its respective marker ( or sigla ): the complete list of the ones employed in this weblog posting is provided below:

"[ ] EXPANSION: Other possible ways of translating a word, phrase, clause, or sentence. . . ."  [  Ibid.  ]
"[or] ALTERNATE: A different translation possibility that takes the meaning of the original language in a different direction than the base text does. . . ."  [  Ibid., p. xii.  ]

"L LITERAL: A more literal rendering of the original language, allowing the reader to see why translations make varying choices. . . ."  [ Ibid. ]

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ( ESV ).  Hebrews 6:4-6 read as follows:

"4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt."

The phrase "then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance," in verse six ( above ), has two cross-references, one of which is to Matthew 19:26, which reads as follows: "26 But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"

     Thus, if it is God's will ( see Acts 18:21, for example ), one who has fallen away will be restored again to repentance, since all things are possible with Him ( as we read in verse twenty-six, above, and see also Romans 9:1-18 ( especially verse 18, for example ), for example ).  Please click on the "Full Screen" symbol, at the lower right corner of the image below, to read today's bulletin regarding apostasy, for example:

Also, please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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: You will need to close the appropriate tab ( in your web browser ), with the name of the bulletin on it, 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 COMPLETE JEWISH BIBLE ( CJB ); being entitled: COMPLETE JEWISH BIBLE: An English Version by David H. Stern.  Ephesians 4:25 reads as follows:

"25 Therefore, stripping off falsehood, let everyone speak truth with his neighbor, because we are intimately related to each other as parts of a body."

Moreover, the following two quotations are taken from this version of the Holy Bible:

(1) "As a Messianic Jew (a Jew who honors Yeshua as the Messiah). . . ."  [  See p. xii.  ] and (2) "5 The abbreviations 'B.C.E.' and 'C.E.,' which mean 'Before the Common Era' and 'Common Era' respectively, are used by the Jewish community in place of 'B.C.' and 'A.D.,' which signify 'Before Christ' and 'Anno Domini' (Latin for 'in the year of our Lord')."  [  See p. xvii.  ]

     With regard to the first quotation, it is impossible to be a Messianic Jew.  To begin with, Judaism became obsolete when Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, though we can still learn from it ( see MATTITYAHU (MATTHEW) 6:11; LUKE 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example; KJV, for example ); ACTS 2:38, 41, and 47 ( KJV, for example ); ROMANS 3:21-26 ( especially verse 25, for example ); 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 4:30; COLOSSIANS 1:9-20 ( especially verse 20, for example ); 2:11-15 ( especially verse 14, for example; KJV, for example ); MESSIANIC JEWS (HEBREWS) chapter 8 ( especially verse 13, for example; NKJV, for example ); and REVELATION 1:1-8 ( especially verse 5, for example ), for example ).  Secondly, the word "honor" is synonymous with the word "keep," and the word "keep" is synonymous with the word "obey."  Thus, if one who claims to be a Messianic Jew truly honors Yeshua as the Messiah, that one would obey His command ( see YOCHANAN (JOHN) 3:16, 17; 7:16; 8:25, 26, for example ) to trust and be immersed ( see MARK 16:14-18 ( especially verse 16, for example ), for example; "believeth and is baptized" ( see Mark 16:16; KJV )); becoming a Christian ( see ACTS, chapter 11 ( especially verse 26; KJV, for example ) and GALATIANS 3:26, 27, for example ), not a Jew.

     Concerning the second quotation, it is a footnote at the bottom of that page.  Again, if one who claims to be a Messianic Jew truly honors Yeshua as the Messiah, that one would not use the abbreviations "B.C.E." ( Before the Common Era ) and "C.E." ( Common Era ), showing disregard for Him.  Rather, one would use the abbreviations "B.C." ( Before Christ ) and "A.D." ( Anno Domini ): thus, all those who claim to be Messianic Jews are liars and hypocrites ( see LUKE 12:1 and REVELATION 21:8, for example, and cf. Luke 12:1 ( KJV, for example ), for example ), they do not speak the truth with their neighbors, regarding their claim of honoring Yeshua as the Messiah, for example.

     Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see TEHILLIM (PSALMS) 119:65-73, 142, and 151; YOCHANAN (JOHN) 17:1, 3, and 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>.

NOTE: "In order to highlight the connection between the New Testament and the Tanakh, on which it builds, Tanakh verses cited in the B'rit Hadashah are printed there in boldface and their sources given in footnotes at the bottom of the page."  [  See p. lv.  ]

This explains the use of boldface text in the first verse twenty-five ( above ).  The use of the names "TEHILLIM," "MATTITYAHU," "YOCHANAN," and "MESSIANIC JEWS," in this weblog posting, indicates the Jewish names of those books in the COMPLETE JEWISH BIBLE ( CJB; with their respective Christian names in parentheses ).  [  See pp. x and xi.  ]

     The word "Tanakh" is the COMPLETE JEWISH BIBLE's ( CJB's ) name for the Old Testament, and the words "B'rit Hadashah" are its name for the New Testament.  [  See p. iii.  ]

The word "Yeshua" is the Hebrew term for the name "Jesus."  [  See Pronouncing Explanatory Glossary, p. 1600.  ]

The words "Messiah, Mashiach" are associated with the name "Christ," where the word "Mashiach" is the Hebrew term.  [  See "Reverse" Pronouncing Glossary, p. 1605.  ]

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the REVISED STANDARD VERSION ( RSV ).  1 Corinthians 4:8-13 read as follows:

"8 Already you are filled!  Already you have become rich!  Without us you have become kings!  And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you!  9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men.  10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ.  We are weak, but you are strong.  You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.  11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands.  When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things."

In this context we see that the apostles were not doing well financially: they were ill-clad and homeless, for example ( see verse eleven, above ).

     As Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), we must be careful to strive to imitate the apostle Paul ( see 4:16; 9:1; 11:1; and 16:21, for example ), realizing that true success in this life means doing the will of the heavenly Father ( see Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14; 7:21-23; and John 8:28, 29, for example ).  We need not be deluded into thinking that achieving the American dream, that of having a nice home, a nice automobile, and a nice job, for example, equates to spiritual prosperity.  This can only be accomplished by being rich toward God ( see Luke 12:13-40 ( especially verses 21, 32-34, for example ) and James 2:5; 5:1-6, for example ).

     Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 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 REVISED STANDARD VERSION ( RSV ).  Acts 4:5-12 read as follows:

"5 On the morrow their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family.  7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, 'By what power or by what name did you do this?'  8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, 10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well.  11 This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner.  12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'"

When one is baptized in the church of God religious denomination, for example, and confesses that Jesus Christ is the Son of God prior to being baptized, that one is correctly confessing that salvation is in the name of Jesus Christ ( see John 3:16, 17 and verses 8-12, above, for example ).

     However, when that one is raised from the watery grave of baptism stating that he or she is a member of the church of God religious denomination, that one is demonstrating that he or she believes that salvation is in the name of the Tomlinson family, for example ( see 2 Corinthians 4:13, for example ).  Thus, we have one making a sinful ( see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; and 1 John 3:4, for example ) claim that salvation is in two names, Jesus Christ of Nazareth and the Tomlinson family, for example.  Religious denominations, therefore, have taken something holy ( see also 2 Timothy 3:14, 15, Titus 1:1, 2; and 1 Peter 1:16, for example ), baptism, and turned it into a sinful mess of confusion ( see James 3:16, for example; KJV, for example ).

     Moreover, since that one actually believes that salvation is in the name of the Tomlinson family, for example, this means that his or her confession that salvation is in the name of Jesus Christ was insincere ( see Philippians 1:10, for example; KJV, for example ).  It is evident that that one intended, prior to being baptized, to call himself or herself a member of the church of God religious denomination.  Furthermore, this means that that one told a lie ( see Ephesians 4:25, for example ) prior to being baptized.

     Since a similar argument can be used for all other denominational baptisms, it is clear that all denominational baptisms are not valid, they do not save the ones who receive them.  It is not possible to be saved outside of the New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:13-18 ( especially verse 18, for example ); Acts 2:38, 41, and 47 ( KJV, for example ); Romans 16:16; and Ephesians 1:15-23 ( especially verses 22 and 23, for example ), for example ).  Please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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 read the Saturday, February 27, 2016 entry to this weblog to find the source of information regarding the church of God religious denomination and the Tomlinson family, for example.  Also, the word "lie" is defined as follows: ". . . v.i. . . . 2 To give an erroneous or misleading impression: Figures do not lie. . . ."  [  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. 565 ( see homograph "lie2" ).  ]
Thus, the person referenced above told a lie prior to being baptized, in the sense that he or she gave an erroneous or misleading impression that he or she believed that salvation is in the name of Jesus Christ.  To be sure, it is certainly true that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the REVISED STANDARD VERSION ( RSV ).  Genesis 38:12-19 read as follows:

"12 In course of time the wife of Judah, Shua's daughter, died; and when Judah was comforted, he went up to Timnah to his sheepshearers, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.  13 And when Tamar was told, 'Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,' 14 she put off her widow's garments, and put on a veil, wrapping herself up, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she had not been given to him in marriage.  15 When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a harlot, for she had covered her face.  16 He went over to her at the road side, and said, 'Come, let me come in to you,' for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law.  She said, 'What will you give me, that you may come in to me?'  17 He answered, 'I will send you a kid from the flock.'  And she said, 'Will you give me a pledge, till you send it?'  18 He said, 'What pledge shall I give you?'  She replied, 'Your signet and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.'  So he gave them to her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him.  19 Then she arose and went away, and taking off her veil she put on the garments of her widowhood."

In this passage from the Holy Bible, we have a case of mistaken identity.

     Judah thought Tamar was a harlot, and went in to her ( see verses thirteen through eighteen ).  Tamar gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah ( see verses twenty-seven through thirty, and please read all of chapter thirty-eight to get the immediate context ).  Please click on the "Full Screen" symbol, at the lower right corner of the image below, to read today's bulletin regarding prostitutes, for example:

     Also, please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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: You will need to close the appropriate tab ( in your web browser ), with the name of the bulletin on it, 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 REVISED STANDARD VERSION ( RSV ).  Below it is a copy of the Handbook OF Denominations IN THE UNITED STATES: NEW TENTH EDITION ( by FRANK S. MEAD, REVISED BY SAMUEL S. HILL, Abingdon Press, NASHVILLE, Copyright 1985, 1990, 1995 by Abingdon Press ).  Romans 6:1-4 read as follows:

"What shall we say then?  Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?  2 By no means!  How can we who died to sin still live in it?  3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

     Moreover, Colossians 1:9-20 read as follows:

"9 And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  13 He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  15 He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; 16 for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities-all things were created through him and for him.  17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent.  19 For in him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Jesus ( cf. verse thirteen, above, and Matthew 16:16; 1:16, for example ) is the head of the church ( as we read in verse eighteen ).  When one is baptized into His death ( see verse three ), he or she is baptized into the death of the head of the body.

     This is one of the basic concepts that the Holy Bible teaches regarding baptism.  When one is baptized in the church of God religious denomination, for example, he or she is baptized into the death of the head of that body, which is the Tomlinson family, for example ( see pages 108 and 111, for example, of the handbook pictured above ).  Since the Tomlinson family did not die on the cross of Calvary ( see Luke 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example; KJV, for example ), for example ) for the sins of all men ( see Romans 6:5-11 ( especially verse 10, for example ), for example ), such a baptism does not save the one who receives it ( see also Acts 2:38, 41, and 47; Colossians 1:15-20 ( especially verse 20, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-5 ( especially verse 5, for example ), for example ): a similar argument can be used with regard to all denominational baptisms, they do not save the ones who receive them.

     To wrongly claim that a denominational baptism is acceptable is to wrongly claim that there is more than one baptism, by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of one's past sins ( see also Acts 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39, for example; KJV, for example ); Romans 3:21-31 ( especially verse 25, for example ); and Ephesians 4:5, for example ).  Those who have received denominational baptisms ( having been baptized into the death of a human head of a denominational body ) must be rebaptized into Christ ( see also Acts 19:1-7 and Galatians 3:26, 27, for example ).  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 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>.

NOTE: Please read the Thursday, October 29, 2015, Friday, October 30, 2015, and Saturday, October 31, 2015 entries to this weblog to find additional facts concerning why denominational baptisms do not save anyone.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the New Testament, known as The Expanded Bible; being entitled: New Testament: The [ expanded ] Bible: Study The Bible While You Read.  John 8:1-11 read as follows:

"Jesus went to the Mount of Olives [Ceast of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley].  2 But *early in the morning [at dawn] he went back to the Temple [courts; 2:14], and all the people came to him, and he sat and taught them.  3 The *teachers of the law [scribes; Cexperts in the law of Moses] and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery.  They forced her to stand *before [or in the midst of] the people.  4 They said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught *having sexual relations with a man who is not her husband [in the very act of committing adultery].  5 The law of Moses commands that we stone to death every woman who does this [compare Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22-24].  What do you say we should do?'  6 They were asking this to *trick [trap; test] Jesus so that they could have some *charge [accusation] against him.  But Jesus *bent over [stooped down] and started writing on the ground with his finger [Cwe do not know what he is writing though there has been much speculation].  7 When they continued to ask Jesus their question, he *raised up [straightened] and said, 'Anyone here who *has never sinned [is guiltless; Tis without sin] can throw the first stone at her [Deut. 13:9; 17:7; comp. Lev. 24:14]."  8 Then Jesus *bent over [stooped down] again and wrote on the ground.  9 Those who heard Jesus began to leave one by one, first the *older men [elders] and then the others.  Jesus was left there alone with the woman standing before him.  10 Jesus *raised up [straightened] again and asked her, 'Woman [Ca respectful term of address in Greek; see 2:4], where are they?  Has no one *judged you guilty [condemned you]?'  11 She answered, 'No one, sir.'  Then Jesus said, 'I also don't *judge you guilty [condemn you].  *You may go now, but don't sin anymore [TGo, and sin no more].'"
If you, the reader, will notice, the references at the end of verse five ( above ) teach that both the man and the woman who engaged in the sin of adultery ( see also Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 17; Romans 13:9; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17; and 1 John 3:4, for example ) were to be put to death.
     The teachers of the law and the Pharisees ( see verse three, above, and note the expansion and the comment, here, which describe who the teachers of the law were ) misinterpreted the law of Moses regarding this issue, since the necessary question would be, "Where is the man?"  The teachers of the law should have known better.  Perhaps the motivation for this misinterpretation was gender discrimination.
     To be sure, the heavenly Father ( see Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14, for example ) commands ( see Ecclesiastes 12:13, for example ) equity, for Solomon ( see Proverbs 1:1 ) wrote the following in verses one through six ( RSV ):
"The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 That men may know wisdom and instruction, understand words of insight, 3 receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 that prudence may be given to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth- 5 the wise man also may hear and increase in learning, and the man of understanding acquire skill, 6 to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles."
Please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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: Since in-line bullets are not available in the formatting of this weblog, asterisks "*" were used to "show where to begin the replacement of a word or words before the set of brackets with the word or words within the set of brackets."  [  See New Testament, The [ expanded ] Bible, THOMAS NELSON, NASHVILLE, DALLAS, MEXICO CITY, RIO DE JANEIRO, BEIJING, The Expanded Bible, New Testament, Copyright 2009 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., p. xi.  ]

Moreover, since the superscript function is also not available in the formatting of this weblog, the smallest font size was used for the characters "T" and "C," associated with their respective markers ( or sigla ): the complete list of the ones employed in this weblog posting is provided below:

"[ ] EXPANSION: Other possible ways of translating a word, phrase, clause, or sentence. . . ."  [  Ibid.  ]
"[or] ALTERNATE: A different translation possibility that takes the meaning of the original language in a different direction than the base text does. . . ."  [  Ibid., p. xii.  ]

"T TRADITIONAL: Provides familiar terms and well-known renderings from past translations, especially those in the King James tradition. . . ."  [  Ibid.  ]

"C COMMENT: Briefly provides historical, cultural, theological, or other explanatory information to help readers better understand a verse or passage. . . ."  [  Ibid.  ]

"REFERENCE: Provides cross-references to parallel passages, quotations from or allusions to another part of the Bible.  These usually appear within a bracket. . . ."  [  Ibid., p. xiii.  ]

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the New Testament, known as The Expanded Bible; being entitled: New Testament: The [ expanded ] Bible: Study The Bible While You Read.  John 8:1-11 read as follows:

"Jesus went to the Mount of Olives [Ceast of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley].  2 But *early in the morning [at dawn] he went back to the Temple [courts; 2:14], and all the people came to him, and he sat and taught them.  3 The *teachers of the law [scribes; Cexperts in the law of Moses] and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery.  They forced her to stand *before [or in the midst of] the people.  4 They said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught *having sexual relations with a man who is not her husband [in the very act of committing adultery].  5 The law of Moses commands that we stone to death every woman who does this [compare Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22-24].  What do you say we should do?'  6 They were asking this to *trick [trap; test] Jesus so that they could have some *charge [accusation] against him.  But Jesus *bent over [stooped down] and started writing on the ground with his finger [Cwe do not know what he is writing though there has been much speculation].  7 When they continued to ask Jesus their question, he *raised up [straightened] and said, 'Anyone here who *has never sinned [is guiltless; Tis without sin] can throw the first stone at her [Deut. 13:9; 17:7; comp. Lev. 24:14]."  8 Then Jesus *bent over [stooped down] again and wrote on the ground.  9 Those who heard Jesus began to leave one by one, first the *older men [elders] and then the others.  Jesus was left there alone with the woman standing before him.  10 Jesus *raised up [straightened] again and asked her, 'Woman [Ca respectful term of address in Greek; see 2:4], where are they?  Has no one *judged you guilty [condemned you]?'  11 She answered, 'No one, sir.'  Then Jesus said, 'I also don't *judge you guilty [condemn you].  *You may go now, but don't sin anymore [TGo, and sin no more].'"

Moreover, Jesus ( see Matthew 5:1 ) said the following in verse seventeen: "17 'Don't think that I have come to *destroy [abolish; do away with] *the law of Moses or the teaching of  the prophets [Lthe Law and the Prophets; Creferring to the OT].  I have not come to destroy them but to *bring about what they said [fulfill/complete them].'"

     Furthermore, the apostle Paul ( see Colossians 1:1 ) wrote ( see 4:18, for example ) the following in ( 2:11-14; KJV; with center-column references, for example ): 

"11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.  13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 5498 ] ) for the word "handwriting," in verse fourteen ( above ), is defined as follows: ". . . metaph. applied in Col. ii. 14 [(where R.V. bond)] to the Mosaic law, which shows men to be chargeable with offences for which they must pay the penalty.*"  [  See THE NEW THAYER'S GREEK-ENGLISH LEXICON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, Thayer, Joseph Henry, D.D., HENDRICKSON PUBLISHERS, PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS 01961-3473, Copyright 1979, 1981, by Jay P. Green, Sr., p. 668.  ]

This means that Jesus, in bending over and writing on the ground ( as we read in verses six and eight, above ), was demonstrating that He is the fulfillment of the law of Moses ( as He stated in verse seventeen, above ).

     Additionally, His response to the teachers of the law and the Pharisees ( cf. verses three and seven, above ) was based on the law of Moses ( note the references at the end of verse seven ).  The prophets "based their teachings upon the laws of Moses."  [  See 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. 349.  ]

This means that Jesus, in giving His response to them, was demonstrating that He is the fulfillment of the prophets.  Therefore, these passages from the Holy Bible clearly reveal to us that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law of Moses and the prophets.

     Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 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>.

NOTE: Since in-line bullets are not available in the formatting of this weblog, asterisks "*" were used to "show where to begin the replacement of a word or words before the set of brackets with the word or words within the set of brackets."  [  See New Testament, The [ expanded ] Bible, THOMAS NELSON, NASHVILLE, DALLAS, MEXICO CITY, RIO DE JANEIRO, BEIJING, The Expanded Bible, New Testament, Copyright 2009 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., p. xi.  ]

Moreover, since the superscript function is also not available in the formatting of this weblog, the smallest font size was used for the characters "L," "T," and "C," associated with their respective markers ( or sigla ): the complete list of the ones employed in this weblog posting is provided below:

"[ ] EXPANSION: Other possible ways of translating a word, phrase, clause, or sentence. . . ."  [  Ibid.  ]
"[or] ALTERNATE: A different translation possibility that takes the meaning of the original language in a different direction than the base text does. . . ."  [  Ibid., p. xii.  ]

"L LITERAL: A more literal rendering of the original language, allowing the reader to see why translations make varying choices. . . ."  [  Ibid. ]
"T TRADITIONAL: Provides familiar terms and well-known renderings from past translations, especially those in the King James tradition. . . ."  [  Ibid.  ]

"C COMMENT: Briefly provides historical, cultural, theological, or other explanatory information to help readers better understand a verse or passage. . . ."  [  Ibid.  ]

"REFERENCE: Provides cross-references to parallel passages, quotations from or allusions to another part of the Bible.  These usually appear within a bracket. . . ."  [  Ibid., p. xiii.  ]

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ( ESV ).  1 Kings 16:29-34 read as follows:

"29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.  30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him.  31 And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him.  32 He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria.  33 And Ahab made an Asherah.  Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.  34 In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho.  He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun."

From this context, it is clear that the evil king Ahab reigned during the period of the divided kingdom: he began his reign over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Asa's reign over Judah ( see verse twenty-nine, above ).

     Please click on the "Full Screen" symbol, at the lower right corner of the image below, to read today's bulletin regarding the kings during the period of the united kingdom, for example:

Also, please read the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Luke 8:19-21 ( especially verse 21, for example ); 11:27, 28 ( especially verse 28, for example ); and Revelation 1:1-8 ( especially verse 3, for example ), 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: You will need to close the appropriate tab ( in your web browser ), with the name of the bulletin on it, 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 ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ( ESV ).  1 John 1:5-10 read as follows:

"5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  7 But 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.  8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

The phrase "If we confess our sins," in verse nine ( above ), has three cross-references, one of which is to Proverbs 28:13, which reads as follows: "13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."

     The Hebrew word ( Hebrew [ 5800 ] ) for the word "forsaketh," in verse thirteen of the King James Version ( KJV ) of the Holy Bible, is defined as follows: "to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc. . . ."  [  See Strong's EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, HENDRICKSON PUBLISHERS, PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS  01961-3473, ( A CONCISE DICTIONARY OF THE WORDS IN THE HEBREW BIBLE; WITH THEIR RENDERINGS IN THE AUTHORIZED ENGLISH VERSION.  BY JAMES STRONG, S.T.D., LL.D., p. 86. ).  ]

The word "relinquish," in the above-given definition, is defined as follows:

". . . v.t.  1   To give up; abandon; surrender.  2   To cease to demand; renounce: to relinquish a claim.  3   To let go (a hold or something held).   See synonyms under ABANDON, SURRENDER. . . ."  [  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. 817.  ]

The word "abandon," in sense one of the above-given definition, is defined as follows: ". . . v.t.   1   To give up wholly; desert; forsake, as an effort or attempt. . . ."  [  Ibid., p. 1.  ]

     The Greek word ( Greek [ 3340 ] ) for the word "repent," in Luke 13:3, 5 ( KJV ), for example, is defined as follows: "to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (mor. feel compunction). . . ."  [  See Strong's EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, HENDRICKSON PUBLISHERS, PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS  01961-3473, ( A CONCISE DICTIONARY OF THE WORDS IN THE GREEK TESTAMENT; WITH THEIR RENDERINGS IN THE AUTHORIZED ENGLISH VERSION.  BY JAMES STRONG, S.T.D., LL.D., p. 47 ).  ] 

The word "reconsider," in the above-given definition, is defined as follows: ". . . v.t.   1   To consider again, especially with a view to a reversal of previous action. . . ."  [  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, pp. 809, 810.  ]

Thus, to forsake ( relinquish, give up, or abandon ) one's sins implies that one must first repent ( think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider ( reverse one's previous action ))  regarding those sins.

     This means that repentance is implied in the concept of forsaking one's sins.  Therefore, the phrase "If we confess our sins," as referenced above, includes the concepts of repenting of, and forsaking, one's sins.  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151; John 17:1, 3, and 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>.