Titus 1 ~ To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.

Still part of Papyrus 46, and not found at all - just part of the list.


Titus 1

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

10 For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

 Crete

Titus is pure, uncorrupted and a believer. He is the second follower of Paul and as a gentile would not be acceptable to the Jews and unlike, Timothy, is never circumcised. Titus is not following the law to be a 'pleaser' of men. The rewards of being a man who pleases God - he lives to be between 95 and 107 years old. Paul finds Titus doing such a good job as Titus appointed himself Bishop of Crete, that Paul appoints Titus to the job Titus has already been doing.

Titus - is apparently - a patron saint of bringing the Gospel to hostile pagans and

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.


This chapter isn't politically correct. People are spoken of - in not glowing terms. When I was 8 and read the Old Testament for Children for the first time - I felt struck with fear - and embarrassed to be afraid of God - I was taught in parochial school - God is Love.

And as I read the Children's New Testament I had a question. I was fortunate my grandmother Anita was delighted I'd read the whole thing and and asked what I had to ask. I asked, "Grandmother, what God says is good - why do the Prophets tell of Him so badly?"

My Grandmother was outraged, ok, she was indignant. She fussed and had to leave the room. I felt indignant myself. She came back in and told me I had no respect. And left. I felt angrier. And for the first time, I made no reply to an adult, but I'm sure I looked angry. Apparently this was effective, because Grandmother Anita returned to ask why I thought the Prophets of God were poor educators.

I said - Because the people kill them. God makes sense. People belong to God. People should be told of God so well that they don't want to kill the people explaining God.

Grandmother Anita was quiet and then she burst into smiles. And she said, "You need to read the New Testament next."

Christianity in Crete comes from the sizable Jewish population, the basis of the early church there. Ancient historians have evidence that Crete's was a flourishing centers of the Diaspora. The Greeks who came to Jesus to ask about Him. I Macc. 15:23, for example, cites Gortyna as one of the cities to which the Roman Senate sent its proclamation of 139 B.C. warning against the molestation of Jews. Philo counted Crete among those regions of the Empire with important Jewish communities; and Judean General survivor of Masada, Josephus, who married a woman from a Cretan Jewish family, considered the Jews of Crete a large enough force to mention them as supporters of the imposter who sought to succeed Herod the Great.


What did Titus do to be a successful saint in the midst of opposition? And live to a ripe old age?

Blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

God sent messengers in two by two. Titus must have had some support. Spoke honestly. Kindly. Someone who loves good and likes to see good. Holding firmly to the principals of Jesus. An encourager. Refuting what is not good. That's honest too.

Father God, I'd like to be in that number, when the saints go marching in. Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves † 

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2 Timothy 2 ~ pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart

Papyrus 3535b- University of Michigan circa late first or second century. Depends on usage of verbs.

 Papyrus 46, within two generations of Jesus, lists this 2 Timothy 2 as part of the pages, but it's missing. It's interesting Papyrus 46  survived 1900 centuries in remarkable, miraculous condition.  Interesting - very - Papyrus 46 shows larger handwriting when Paul speaks of Paul's larger signature. The art is sometimes beautiful when the titles change and there are florid swirls just to be pretty.  Personality!

This 3535b is 1st or 2nd Century A.D.,still remarkable at this age, and the handwriting is far more relaxed. Where as Papyrus 46 is profoundly scholarly and perfect. The 1st Century saw Christianity widespread and accepted, the 1st Century needed to be precise to be clear.

2 Timothy 2

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.

6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.


14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue
righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

The Word of God Stands

When my cousin Maxine died at age 94, she had 23 strokes removing her short term memory and a lot of her long term memory. At her funeral, she had been in the Memory Ward for 12 years. We asked her Pastor, who had been appointed in the interim during these away years, why Maxine had suffered and why God would want or work these years. And instead of quoting 2 Timothy 2, he said he would personally take on the challenge to think about these years. This man of God stood in the rain to give a eulogy for a member of his flock he had never met. He started by saying Maxine had joined his church, way back about 1917 and here was 2010. (Maxine was Methodist and in a Methodist facility.)

The Eulogy said that in Genesis, God's Spirit hovers over the water. His presence is there. In life, the presence of God gives proof to His children even in mist. God is at work, even unseen.

We thought about who we are when we arrive in Heaven, in 2008, when our stillborn daughter, Isabelle, arrived in Heaven, smiling to see Jesus Christ the Lord.

When we arrive in front of Jesus in our Homecoming, we will give account of our choices we made to become who we are.

The Homecoming, of course is - we died with Him,
we will also live with Him.

We will be confessing the name of Christ Jesus as Lord for His grace. Adopted into the Family of God for only what Jesus did for us, for Love.

We have been entrusted with the Gospel and have worked to ensure the people around us have been reliably given Love, Mercy, Grace and Truth in Jesus.

We will be talking with Jesus about our suffering, like He had.

In Jesus, we will receive a victor’s crown for competing according to the rules. Jesus came to fulfill the Law.

We will be talking about our talents and gifts like a hardworking farmer holy, and being useful to our Father God and prepared to do good work.

In Jesus! We will present ourselves confidently in front of God, present ourselves to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of Truth.

We will know who we are. 
Grateful to have our being! The Bible states this beautifully. 
Jesus knows who we are, of course. So really what we are saying is that our brain - is no doubt - dead.

The insight is our souls have thoughts, memories and are rather more important than a brain. We put so much emphasis in our brains in this life.

I prayed recently, and for a couple of years where I volunteer, and in our healing group at HopePointe Church - for a loved one with an injured brain. A few weeks ago I was speaking with my friend Dee and I said - why don't we pray for the brain to be powered by the soul - fed by the soul. And we began to see results. The loved one has returned to being more the essence of the soul. Father Francis MacNutt, says by video, when we have healings, people have anxiety like a new born colt. For a few days the healed person tries out new limbs, seeing if the healing has taken, i.e. if the healing is permanent. We would think that if we have any doubt, the faith required for a healing would fall to ashes. Instead - God has blessed us and as a mother horse with a foul looks with love to see the progress of the process. Just identically, Jesus had compassion on the father who had faith and cried out for more.

What else would we compare the soul feeding and directing us?

Daniel 1:9
Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel

Luke 24:32
They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Wouldn't we want God to feed us insight in wisdom. Once we have accepted God to dwell within us - surely the possibilities are limitless.

When...
we call on the Lord out of a pure heart - earnestly, confidently seeking His Will.

 

Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Father God, You are the One who is Good. Your plans for us are for Good. We trust You. Remember us as You would want us to act, guide us and lead us in Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves † 

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Philippians 3 ~ righteousness based on the law, faultless.

Papyrus 46, 2 or 3 generations from Jesus. Near perfect condition for 1,900 years later.

Philippians 3

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!


It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision,
we who serve God by his Spirit,
who boast in Christ Jesus,
and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law,
faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss
because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,
for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow,
attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,
but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.
But one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

20 But our citizenship is in heaven.
And we eagerly await a Savior from there,
the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Colossians


3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,
set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears,
then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these:
anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

9 Do not lie to each other,
since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,
but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

14 And over all these virtues put on love,
which binds them all together in perfect unity!

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Romans 8
6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Jesus Christ has power that enables Him to bring everything under His control.

When people confront Colossal things - time has to be taken to register the reaction.

All things are possible to those who believe -  Jesus made Abraham righteous just for believing God.


And yet and yet when we consider our parallel readings we are told - not to hang on for the miraculous.



Abraham counted on the Righteousness of God. And believed his citizenship was Heaven living in a tent under Oak Trees. Abraham was willing to live out what God called him to do.

God is with us always. In the odd places He will go where needed - profound gratitude is felt. Lives change.

In faith, in the Gospel Jesus would go where ever He wanted. Locked rooms, walking on water, Jesus could even suddenly disappear. God took a physical body - the body of Jesus - died - and make Spirit saying, "Don't touch me I have not yet ascended." (A Spirit). And God remakes a physical body again. Jesus takes this miracle to do the Prophet Micah's reminder:

We struggle with this passage as human beings - God puts Himself through death - sacrifice - to bridge our gaps. At great cost. And the triumphant Jesus did not dash into the Temple to proclaim Himself to the Holy of Holies. Jesus was humble, showing Thomas His wounds and private. Jesus made breakfast. And Jesus appeared to 500. Not really the wide highway, even in victory, Jesus was choosing the meaningful path. 500 believers to carry the Light of Jesus to the Nation of Israel and too the world. This is how far the Light of God can travel in Love.


Lord God, help me today to be one of the number of God - You call Child of God in Jesus the Lord. Know me fully and all of my thoughts and aspirations. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves † 

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Hebrews 8 ~ Jesus has Something to Offer

Papyrus 46 has several pages of Hebrews 8, this photo is amazing papyrus that is two or three generations after Jesus.


Hebrews 8

Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being!

3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.

4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said:

“The days are coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
and with the people of Judah.

9 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
and I turned away from them,
declares the Lord.

10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.

I will be their God,
and they will be my people.

11 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.

12 For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”

13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

Jesus provides the Holy Spirit in this life to believers. Not after we are part of Heaven. Now. Today.

We can be in the Word of God. And find Peace.

Apply scriptural truth so you won’t drift away from God’s will. God's will is Joy.

Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Psalm 36:9
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Nehemiah 8:10
The joy of the Lord is our strength

Pay attention to your prayer life to God. Seek to see good. I saw good today and goodness. I was privileged to see a husband finding a way to have healthcare for his wife. Using communication and diligence. Seeing them agree this is not a big deal in three years, but a baby is. I saw a child provide empathy in vast reservoirs, making her life meaningful. I saw a parent provide his time to enrich his two children for an hour. I saw a Bishop, who is busy, counsel two people with great care and kindness. I say a husband really apologize to his wife and forgiveness is given. And he was asked for forgiveness as well from his wife.


John 1
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

Real life provides Circumstances. Circumstances will be difficult. Saw those today too. Talk will circle. God is faithful. I'm resting there. We have a choice sometimes to continue the nit pick or quit and have peace. The Bible tells us not to to become easily unsettled or alarmed. Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.


Jesus tells us the Word of God is alive today. If He asks us to stretch out our hand for goodness. He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. We will be restored in providing goodness.

Father God. I'm praying for solutions and peace in my life and in my family. I expect You and we shall see You. I give You thanks. In Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves † 

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Hebrews 7 ~ through Abraham

Papyrus 46 Hebrews 7 within two or three generations of the life of Jesus

1880s Mount of Olives overlooking the Temple in Jerusalem

Hebrews 7


This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.

4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.

 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?

12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”

18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
‘You are a priest forever.’”

22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.




Jesus Christ
God’s power.
God’s wisdom
A mystery - for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—

These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Like Hebrews 7,  this cannot be understood unless discerned through the Spirit.

The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things.

Jesus was asked specifically, as The Lord sat opposite of the Temple on the Mount of Olives, when Victory would be obtained. In Mark 13, Jesus didn't explain all of the question - He said endure until the end. Father God works that way in our lives, changes happen, events unforeseen. We just know we want to be in His Plan. God has not brought us so far, to drop us on our heads.



1 Corinthians 8:6
Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

Ephesians 4:6
One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Father God, Zechariah was greeted by Gabriel and told amazing events of God. Instead of believing, Zechariah wanted the details. Help us to hold on to the Altar of Mercy when we want to bolster our faith. Help us to be like the Centurion,being where Jesus chose to dwell, as an adult in Capernaum, knowing God's Word is sufficient.

You are Good, Father, and merciful. Zechariah was welcomed again as he stood in awe to see the Word of God fulfilled. Father God, you forgave and used Zechariah as a messenger of Your Word.

Praise be to the Lord, He has come to his people and redeemed them.
God has shown mercy to our ancestors
and remembers His Holy Covenant,

Father God, in my life, earnestly and truthfully guide me to stay in Your Way,
Thank You for being in these generations of salvation
Through the forgiveness of my sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
guide our feet into the path of peace.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Hebrews 5 ~ Jesus became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him

Papyrus 46 is a collection of 104 pages of early Scripture from the late first or early second century - depending on the way it's punctuated. The collection, shown Hebrews 5 above, has similarities to other Scripture the reader wanted to be close to.



Hebrews 5

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,

“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;

6 as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.


11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.

14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

1 Thessalonians 2

3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.

Similar to the milk in Hebrews 5 above.. Here new Christians are spoken of - this is a journey. Milk seems harsh, and yet is a request to grow up and go forth.   

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.


1 Thessalonians 2
Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 
encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches

Papyrus 46 was entrusted to someone who took great care of the 104 Chapters of Scripture Papyrus. God entrusted that person wisely. And in this care, 1800 year old Scripture is in flawless condition for this age.Telling us - Scripture goes back to the time of Jesus' natural lifespan. Enabling us to see this as a seamlessly woven robe in time sequence.

A Word so true - we would reach for His hem - to be made whole.


Seamless Scripture helps us to recall what the Prophet Joel told us in Chapter 3.

We are all headed to God's Mansion of many rooms. Multitudes and multitudes will arrive where every knee will bow to Jesus Christ - God's Son.

We will be asked how are you caring for what is entrusted to you.

We would want to do what Jesus teaches us.

To deal gently
Not exalt ourselves
Offer prayer for the people entrusted to you
Obey God
To work to listen
Know the basic principals of God, the Word of Righteousness
Discernment of good and evil

Not to lead in error or impurity or any attempt to deceive
Please God who tests our hearts
Not flattery, or a pretext for greed
Like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.
A father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you To walk in a manner worthy of God
Tell them who calls you into His own Kingdom and Glory.
Accept the Word of God, which is at work in you believers
Endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire
To see you you are our hope, glory and joy.


I have a good true Texas story for you. A huge Church had a roster of a few people who were allowed to be Assistants to the Service of God. Attendance in the summer was iffy. And a new "High Priest" arrived, if you will. The new Priest was discouraged to learn of the small number of assistants. And learned more did - indeed  -want to be of service.

In an effort Jesus would applaud, the new Priest called for banners, new Huge bibles, things to polish, even streamers on poles. And the Priest stood to greet people as they left the Church Service - of all the people the Priest asked - if they would help proceed into the Church - none refused. Church attendance didn't flag. Forgive the pun. And people could be heard explaining in the large hallways - of course - they would be attending - they had to carry their banner - their huge Bible - their flag - their streamers into the Church.

We all want God to entrust us!

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"

And I said, "Here am I. Send me!!!"

We just need to remember at our Homecoming - God will ask us - did we care for what was entrusted to us?

What we long to hear Father God say is:

"Beloved, Child, Well done! I have run to meet you!!! Welcome Home!"

Thank You, Father GOD, we are five pounds of soul.
When our brain no longer functions,
when our breathe departs,
when the plans of our mind perish,
You have ensured we are really an eternal Soul.
We will live believing, praising, telling Father God "Thank You, I have my being."

Mankind and all the Glories You have given us there, will not save us in wisdom.

We are blessed and privileged to call upon Jesus saving and helping us.

Lord God with only Your Word,
You established the stars and heavens.
Your Word calls the earth, the sea,
and all of your Creation - Good.

You alone, Father God, are to be believed to be forever.
You keep faith in us as we trust in You
Your throne is Justice, Splendor, Majesty,
Strength and Beauty before You.

Blessed are we whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord our God,

The Lord and His Word sets us free;
the Lord opens ours eyes again.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
The Lord ends suffering.
the Lord Loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the sojourners of this life;
The Lord upholds the widow and the fatherless,
and the way of the wicked You bring to nothing.

The Lord Will Reign Forever,
We cast our cares upon You. You care for us.
Praise the Lord! Who saves us and daily lifts us up.

This IS our God.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †