Twelve chapters from the epistles bible study

 

Here are twelve selected chapters from the epistles chosen to help encourage and strengthen your walk with God in the hopes of encouraging spiritual growth and maturity, God could even use some of these to bring people to salvation, for nothing is too hard for Him, though the main purpose of this study is to feed the brethren the good word of God.

First chapter to be used in this study is Romans 12 which exhorts us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God and then explains how we are the body of Christ and the many varied ministry gifts out there, including teaching and serving.

(Romans 12:1)  Therefore, brothers, I exhort you through the compassions of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, well pleasing to God, which is your intelligent service.

 

(Romans 12:2)  And do not fashion yourselves after this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and well pleasing and perfect will of God.

 

(Romans 12:3)  For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself too highly, beyond what you should think, but to think soberly, as God has imparted to each one a measure of faith.

 

(Romans 12:4)  For just as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,

 

(Romans 12:5)  so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

 

(Romans 12:6)  Having then gifts differing according to the grace having been given to us, let us use them: whether prophecy, let us prophecy according to the proportion of faith;

 

(Romans 12:7)  whether ministry, let us use it in our ministry; whether teaching; in the teaching;

 

(Romans 12:8)  whether exhorting, in the exhortation; whether sharing, with simplicity; whether leading, with diligence; whether showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

(Romans 12:9)  Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

 

(Romans 12:10)  Be warmly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another;

 

(Romans 12:11)  not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

 

(Romans 12:12)  rejoicing in hope, enduring in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

 

(Romans 12:13)  sharing in the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality.

 

(Romans 12:14)  Bless those that persecute you; bless and do not curse.

 

(Romans 12:15)  Rejoice with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep.

 

(Romans 12:16)  Be of the same mind toward one another. Not minding the high things, but associating with the humble. Do not become wise in your own opinion.

 

(Romans 12:17)  Repay no one evil for evil; providing that which is good before all men.

 

(Romans 12:18)  If possible, as much as depends on you, keeping peace with all men.

 

(Romans 12:19)  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

 

(Romans 12:20)  Therefore "If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him drink; for by doing this you will heap coals of fire upon his head."

 

(Romans 12:21)  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12 the various spiritual gifts are listed and to some degree explained and again the pint is mad that we are all of one body, and are encouraged to seek the best gifts but also says there is a better way (love)

(Corinthians 12:1)  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

 

(Corinthians 12:2)  You know that when you were Gentiles, how you were led, being carried away to these speechless idols.

 

(Corinthians 12:3)  Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

 

(Corinthians 12:4)  Now there are varieties of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit.

 

(Corinthians 12:5)  And there are varieties of ministries, but the same Lord.

 

(Corinthians 12:6)  And there are varieties of activities, but the same God works all in all.

 

(Corinthians 12:7)  But to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the profit of all).

 

(Corinthians 12:8)  For to one is given a word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit,

 

(Corinthians 12:9)  and to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,

 

(Corinthians 12:10)  to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another discerning of spirits, and to another different kinds of tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues.

 

(Corinthians 12:11)  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

 

(Corinthians 12:12)  For just as the body is one and has many parts, but all the parts of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.

 

(Corinthians 12:13)  For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and we were all given to drink into one Spirit.

 

(Corinthians 12:14)  For in fact the body is not one part but many.

 

(Corinthians 12:15)  If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?

 

(Corinthians 12:16)  And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?

 

(Corinthians 12:17)  If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?

 

(Corinthians 12:18)  But now God has set the parts, each one of them, in the body just as He desired.

 

(Corinthians 12:19)  And if all parts were one part, where would be the body?

 

(Corinthians 12:20)  But now indeed there are many parts, but one body.

 

(Corinthians 12:21)  And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."

 

(Corinthians 12:22)  But to a greater degree the parts of the body which seem weaker are necessary.

 

(Corinthians 12:23)  And the parts of the body which we consider to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater propriety.

 

(Corinthians 12:24)  But our presentable parts have no need. But God united the body, giving greater honor to the part being inferior,

 

(Corinthians 12:25)  lest there be divisions in the body, but the parts care the same for one another.

 

(Corinthians 12:26)  And if one part suffers, all the parts suffer together; or if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice together.

 

(Corinthians 12:27)  Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

 

(Corinthians 12:28)  And those whom God has appointed in the church are: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues.

 

(Corinthians 12:29)  All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

 

(Corinthians 12:30)  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

 

(Corinthians 12:31)  But strive for the better gifts. And yet I make known a more excellent way.

 

1 Corinthians chapter 13 then goes on to talk about and explain love, for this is the love chapter of the bible

(Corinthians 13:1)  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clashing cymbal.

 

(Corinthians 13:2)  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

 

(Corinthians 13:3)  And though I give away all my possessions to feed the poor, and though I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

 

(Corinthians 13:4)  Love is patient, love is kind; love does not envy; love does not boast, is not puffed up;

 

(Corinthians 13:5)  does not behave disgracefully, does not seek its own, is not provoked to anger, thinks no evil;

 

(Corinthians 13:6)  does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

 

(Corinthians 13:7)  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 

(Corinthians 13:8)  Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they shall pass away; whether there are tongues, they shall cease; whether there is knowledge, it shall pass away.

 

(Corinthians 13:9)  Now we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

 

(Corinthians 13:10)  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is partial shall pass away.

 

(Corinthians 13:11)  When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child; but when I became a man, I put away the things of the child.

 

(Corinthians 13:12)  For now we see through a mirror by reflection, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

 

(Corinthians 13:13)  And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

Galatians chapter 5 then encourages people to live and walk in the spirit, listing the various  fruits of the spirit but also warns against giving in to and living in our flesh and its traits which also are listed so one knows what to not do.

(Galatians 5:1)  Stand fast therefore in the freedom in which Christ has made us free, and do not be loaded down again with a yoke of bondage.

 

(Galatians 5:2)  Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.

 

(Galatians 5:3)  And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.

 

(Galatians 5:4)  You have become estranged from Christ, you who are justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

 

(Galatians 5:5)  For we by the Spirit eagerly await for the hope of righteousness by faith.

 

(Galatians 5:6)  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

 

(Galatians 5:7)  You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?

 

(Galatians 5:8)  This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.

 

(Galatians 5:9)  A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

 

(Galatians 5:10)  I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will be intent on nothing else; but he who troubles you will bear his judgment, whoever he may be.

 

(Galatians 5:11)  And I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been done away with.

 

(Galatians 5:12)  Oh that those who disturb you would even castrate themselves!

 

(Galatians 5:13)  For you, brothers were called to freedom; only do not use freedom for an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

 

(Galatians 5:14)  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

 

(Galatians 5:15)  But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another!

 

(Galatians 5:16)  I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall by no means fulfill the lust of the flesh.

 

(Galatians 5:17)  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these things oppose each other, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

 

(Galatians 5:18)  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

 

(Galatians 5:19)  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are: adultery, fornication, immorality, lewdness,

 

(Galatians 5:20)  idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,

 

(Galatians 5:21)  envies, murders, drinking bouts, revelries, and the like; which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

(Galatians 5:22)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

 

(Galatians 5:23)  gentleness, self-control--against such things there is no law.

 

(Galatians 5:24)  And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

 

(Galatians 5:25)  If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

 

(Galatians 5:26)  Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

 

Galatians chapter 6 contains varied exhortations including bearing others burdens and also warns against sowing to the flesh for one reaps what one sows, be it to the flesh or the spirit

(Galatians 6:1)  Brothers, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness, looking out for yourself lest you also be tempted.

 

(Galatians 6:2)  Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

 

(Galatians 6:3)  For if anyone thinks that he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

 

(Galatians 6:4)  But let each person examine his own work, and then he will have boasting in himself alone, and not in the other.

 

(Galatians 6:5)  For each one shall bear his own load.

 

(Galatians 6:6)  Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

 

(Galatians 6:7)  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for what a man sows, this also he will reap.

 

(Galatians 6:8)  For he who sows to his flesh, from his own flesh will reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap everlasting life.

 

(Galatians 6:9)  And while we do good, let us not lose heart, for in due season we shall reap if we do not become weary.

 

(Galatians 6:10)  So then, as we have opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those who are of the household of faith.

 

(Galatians 6:11)  See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!

 

(Galatians 6:12)  As many as wish to make a good showing in the flesh, these compel you to get circumcised, only so that they should not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

 

(Galatians 6:13)  For not even those who are circumcised keep the law themselves, but they wish you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.

 

(Galatians 6:14)  But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

 

(Galatians 6:15)  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but a new creation.

 

(Galatians 6:16)  And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

 

(Galatians 6:17)  Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

 

(Galatians 6:18)  Brothers, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

 

Ephesians chapter 4 also lists ministerial giftings like evangelists and apostles states that we are under one baptisms and and also gives various encouragements and things to avoid doing, as well

(Ephesians 4:1)  Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

 

(Ephesians 4:2)  with all humility and meekness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

 

(Ephesians 4:3)  being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 

(Ephesians 4:4)  There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;

 

(Ephesians 4:5)  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

 

(Ephesians 4:6)  one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all.

 

(Ephesians 4:7)  But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the free gift of Christ.

 

(Ephesians 4:8)  Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."

 

(Ephesians 4:9)  But that "He ascended"--what it is but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?

 

(Ephesians 4:10)  He that descended, He is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.

 

(Ephesians 4:11)  And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

 

(Ephesians 4:12)  for the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,

 

(Ephesians 4:13)  until we all arrive to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

 

(Ephesians 4:14)  that we may no longer be infants, being tossed as by waves, and being carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in regard to deceitful scheming,

 

(Ephesians 4:15)  but speaking the truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ;

 

(Ephesians 4:16)  from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the working of the measure of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the edification of itself in love.

 

(Ephesians 4:17)  This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

 

(Ephesians 4:18)  having been darkened in understanding, being estranged from the life of God, because of the ignorance which is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;

 

(Ephesians 4:19)  who, having become callous, gave themselves over to debauchery, for the working of uncleanness with utmost greediness.

 

(Ephesians 4:20)  But you did not thus learn Christ,

 

(Ephesians 4:21)  if indeed you have heard Him and were instructed by Him, just as the truth is in Jesus:

 

(Ephesians 4:22)  that you put off, concerning your former way of life, the old man which is being corrupted according to the deceitful lusts,

 

(Ephesians 4:23)  and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

 

(Ephesians 4:24)  and that you put on the new man which was created in the likeness of God, in true righteousness and holiness.

 

(Ephesians 4:25)  Therefore, having put off falsehood, "Let each one speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

 

(Ephesians 4:26)  "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun set on your anger,

 

(Ephesians 4:27)  nor give opportunity to the devil.

 

(Ephesians 4:28)  Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working that which is good with his hands, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.

 

(Ephesians 4:29)  Let no corrupt word proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for edification, that it may give grace to them that hear.

 

(Ephesians 4:30)  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

 

(Ephesians 4:31)  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and blasphemy be removed from you, with all malice.

 

(Ephesians 4:32)  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ forgave us.

 

Philippians chapter 4 has a good many powerful verses and promises, as well as exhortations, reminding us we can do all through Christ who strengthens us, focus on the good, to rejoice in the Lord and to trust God as provider

(Philippians 4:1)  Therefore, my beloved and longed for brothers, my joy and crown, in this way stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

 

(Philippians 4:2)  I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

 

(Philippians 4:3)  Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women who labored together with me in the gospel, and with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

 

(Philippians 4:4)  Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

 

(Philippians 4:5)  Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

 

(Philippians 4:6)  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, along with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

 

(Philippians 4:7)  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

 

(Philippians 4:8)  Finally, brothers, as many things as are true, as many as are honorable, as many as are just, as many as are pure, as many as are lovely--if there is any virtue and if there is any praise--meditate on these things.

 

(Philippians 4:9)  The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

(Philippians 4:10)  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now once again you have revived your mindfulness on my behalf, inasmuch as indeed you were mindful, but you lacked opportunity.

 

(Philippians 4:11)  Not that I am speaking with respect to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am.

 

(Philippians 4:12)  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. In every place and in all circumstances I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.

 

(Philippians 4:13)  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

(Philippians 4:14)  Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my affliction.

 

(Philippians 4:15)  Now you Philippians also know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I went out from Macedonia, no church shared with me in an accounting of giving and receiving except you only.

 

(Philippians 4:16)  Because even in Thessalonica, both once and again you sent for my need.

 

(Philippians 4:17)  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit which is increasing to your account.

 

(Philippians 4:18)  And I have all things and abound. I have been made full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

 

(Philippians 4:19)  And my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

 

(Philippians 4:20)  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

(Philippians 4:21)  Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.

 

(Philippians 4:22)  All the saints greet you, but especially those of the household of Caesar.

 

(Philippians 4:23)  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

 

Colossians chapter 3 lists a variety of things that people are encouraged to do and also encouraged to avoid doing, then also speaks of everyone compensated for things whether right or wrong for the Lord is not partial

(Colossians 3:1)  If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

 

(Colossians 3:2)  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

 

(Colossians 3:3)  For you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God.

 

(Colossians 3:4)  Whenever Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

 

(Colossians 3:5)  Therefore put to death your members on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.

 

(Colossians 3:6)  Because of which things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience,

 

(Colossians 3:7)  in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

 

(Colossians 3:8)  But now you yourselves are to put off all these: wrath, anger, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

 

(Colossians 3:9)  Do not lie to one another, since you have stripped off the old man with his practices,

 

(Colossians 3:10)  and have put on the new man who is renewed in full knowledge according to the image of Him who created it,

 

(Colossians 3:11)  where there is not Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

 

(Colossians 3:12)  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience;

 

(Colossians 3:13)  forbearing one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone should have a complaint against any; just as Christ forgave you, so you also do.

 

(Colossians 3:14)  But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

 

(Colossians 3:15)  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

 

(Colossians 3:16)  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

 

(Colossians 3:17)  And whatever you may do in word or deed, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

 

(Colossians 3:18)  Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

 

(Colossians 3:19)  Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

 

(Colossians 3:20)  Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing in the Lord.

 

(Colossians 3:21)  Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

 

(Colossians 3:22)  Bondservants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.

 

(Colossians 3:23)  And whatever you may do, work it from your soul, as to the Lord and not to men,

 

(Colossians 3:24)  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ.

 

(Colossians 3:25)  But the one doing wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is not partiality.

 

1 Thessalonians chapter 5 first starts off with end times prophecies then goes on to give a good list of things to do like praying continuously and lifting one another up and encouraging them

(1 Thessalonians 5:1)  But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I should write to you.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:2)  For you yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:3)  For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, just as labor pains upon the woman that is pregnant, and they shall by no means escape.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:4)  But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:5)  You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:6)  Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:7)  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those getting drunk, are drunk at night.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:8)  But we, since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on a breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:9)  For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:10)  who died for us, in order that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:11)  Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:12)  And we request of you, brothers, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and instruct you,

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:13)  and to regard them beyond all measure in love, because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:14)  Now we exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the discouraged, be supportive of the weak, be patient toward all.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:15)  See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue that which is good, both for one another and for all.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:16)  Rejoice always!

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:17)  Pray without ceasing!

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:18)  In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:19)  Do not quench the Spirit.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:20)  Do not despise prophecies.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:21)  But test all things; hold fast that which is good.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:22)  Abstain from every form of evil.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:23)  Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:24)  He who calls you is faithful, who also will do this.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:25)  Brothers, pray for us.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:26)  Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:27)  I adjure you by the Lord for this letter to be read to all the holy brothers.

 

(1 Thessalonians 5:28)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

 

Hebrews chapter 12 then encourages us all to run the race with patience and also to not despise the chastising of the Lord, and also that the Lord is a consuming fire

(Hebrews 12:1)  So therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every impediment, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

 

(Hebrews 12:2)  looking unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

(Hebrews 12:3)  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you be weary and discouraged in your souls.

 

(Hebrews 12:4)  You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed, struggling against sin.

 

(Hebrews 12:5)  And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the discipline of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are reproved;

 

(Hebrews 12:6)  For whom the LORD loves He disciplines, and scourges every son whom He receives."

 

(Hebrews 12:7)  It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?

 

(Hebrews 12:8)  But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.

 

(Hebrews 12:9)  Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we respected them. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?

 

(Hebrews 12:10)  For they indeed for a few days were disciplining us, as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, in order to partake of His holiness.

 

(Hebrews 12:11)  Now no discipline seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, later it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those having been trained by it.

 

(Hebrews 12:12)  Therefore strengthen the hands which are weakened, and the feeble knees,

 

(Hebrews 12:13)  and make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be turned aside, but rather be healed.

 

(Hebrews 12:14)  Pursue peace and holiness with all people, without which no one shall see the Lord:

 

(Hebrews 12:15)  looking diligently lest anyone fall from the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness growing up cause trouble, and through this many be defiled;

 

(Hebrews 12:16)  lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who in exchange for one meal gave up his birthright.

 

(Hebrews 12:17)  For you know that indeed afterward, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, having sought it out diligently with tears.

 

(Hebrews 12:18)  For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and to a whirlwind,

 

(Hebrews 12:19)  and to a sound of a trumpet and to a voice of words, which those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them.

 

(Hebrews 12:20)  For they could not bear that which was commanded: "And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned."

 

(Hebrews 12:21)  And so fearful was the spectacle, that Moses said, "I am greatly afraid and trembling."

 

(Hebrews 12:22)  But you have come to Zion, to the Mountain and city of the living God, to a heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,

 

(Hebrews 12:23)  to the general assembly and church of the firstborn in the heavens, to God the Judge of all, and to spirits of just men made perfect,

 

(Hebrews 12:24)  and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling which speaks better things than the blood of Abel.

 

(Hebrews 12:25)  See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape, having refused Him who warned them, how much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who warns from heaven;

 

(Hebrews 12:26)  whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also the heaven."

 

(Hebrews 12:27)  Now the phrase, "Yet once more," signifies the removal of the things being shaken, as having been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

 

(Hebrews 12:28)  Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

 

(Hebrews 12:29)  For our God is a consuming fire.

 

In 1 John 3 it discourages us from practicing sin for we are children of God and also wants us to live our brother and not hate him for those who hate their brothers are essentially murderers and we need to love one another

(1 John 3:1)  Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! On account of this the world does not know you, because it did not know Him.

 

(1 John 3:2)  Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.

 

(1 John 3:3)  And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

 

(1 John 3:4)  Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

 

(1 John 3:5)  And you know that He appeared that He might take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.

 

(1 John 3:6)  Everyone who abides in Him does not sin; everyone who sins has not seen Him nor has he known Him.

 

(1 John 3:7)  Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

 

(1 John 3:8)  He who practices sin is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this reason the Son of God appeared, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

 

(1 John 3:9)  No one who has been born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

 

(1 John 3:10)  By this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Everyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

 

(1 John 3:11)  Because this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

 

(1 John 3:12)  not as Cain who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his works were evil and the works of his brother were righteous.

 

(1 John 3:13)  Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you.

 

(1 John 3:14)  We know that we have passed over from death to life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

 

(1 John 3:15)  Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

 

(1 John 3:16)  By this we have come to know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives in behalf of our brothers.

 

(1 John 3:17)  But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother having need, and shuts off his compassion towards him, how does the love of God abide in him?

 

(1 John 3:18)  My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

 

(1 John 3:19)  And in this we know that we are from the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

 

(1 John 3:20)  Because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows all things.

 

(1 John 3:21)  Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

 

(1 John 3:22)  And whatever we should ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and we do the things pleasing before Him.

 

(1 John 3:23)  And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and should love one another, just as He gave commandment.

 

(1 John 3:24)  And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, from the Spirit whom He gave us.

 

1 John chapter 4 is the final chapter in this bible study which encourages us to test all the spirits and to love one another for those who don’t love one another cannot know God because God is love

(1 John 4:1)  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

 

(1 John 4:2)  By this the Spirit of God is known: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

 

(1 John 4:3)  and every spirit which does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard that it is coming, and now is already in the world.

 

(1 John 4:4)  You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

 

(1 John 4:5)  They are of the world: on account of this they speak of the world, and the world hears them.

 

(1 John 4:6)  We are of God. He that knows God hears us; he that is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

 

(1 John 4:7)  Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; and everyone that loves has been born of God and knows God.

 

(1 John 4:8)  He that does not love does not know God, because God is love.

 

(1 John 4:9)  By this the love of God is manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, in order that we might live through Him.

 

(1 John 4:10)  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

(1 John 4:11)  Beloved, if in this way God loved us, indeed we ought to love one another.

 

(1 John 4:12)  No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

 

(1 John 4:13)  (By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.)

 

(1 John 4:14)  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.

 

(1 John 4:15)  Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

 

(1 John 4:16)  And we have come to know and believe the love which God has in us. God is love, and he that abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

 

(1 John 4:17)  By this love has been perfected with us: that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because just as He is, we also are in this world.

 

(1 John 4:18)  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment. But he that fears has not been made perfect in love.

 

(1 John 4:19)  We love Him because He first loved us.

 

(1 John 4:20)  If anyone claims, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how is it possible for him to love God whom he has not seen?

 

(1 John 4:21)  And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God should love his brother also.

 

I put this together in the hopes of maturing people for I sense the days are limited- only God knows exactly how many remain- before Jesus comes back to rapture His bride so take heed and love one another

I will wrap this up by giving a presentation on the rapture which I strongly urge all readers to pray to be ready for because you do not want to miss it and then have to face the seven year tribulations period which will be more terrible than any other time on the earth because you missed the rapture something you did not need to do so please call out to Jesus today so you do not miss this rapture

Rapture         

I will conclude and wrap this teaching up by saying that the way people are now(not too unlike the way they were at Noah’s time and also the time Sodom, which are things which Jesus prophesied about in scriptures in Matthew, Mark and Luke)and all the many other end times signs which are occurring currently(animals dying, food prices rising, wars, rumors of wars, crazy weather and so on) are birth pangs of the coming tribulation period and  sure signs the rapture is not far way, indeed, I still believe that the rapture could be any day at any time, of which the Heavenly Father only knows). So cheer up, your redemption is drawing closer and closer every day that passes. Also please remember that Jesus loves you more than You can possibly know, and also by posting this about the rapture, too, which does duplicate some of the scriptures, but that is for emphasis for the rapture is too important and you absolutely DO NOT want to miss it:

 

                                  THE RAPTURE IS IMMINENT!!! ARE YOU READY????

 

            I am very strongly led to believe the rapture is very imminent, and could happen any day at anytime at all. Nobody knows the exact time for the rapture but the Father God Himself. I cannot strongly enough advise all of you to get your hearts right with Jesus by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if there is any Sin /iniquity/ uncleanness in your heart, mind etc and repenting of any and all items brought to your mind right away, asking the Holy Spirit to cleanse you and your garments so that they are spotless, being washed by the blood of Jesus. I am a man, needing the blood of Jesus for cleansing as much as everyone else, and believe me I am doing the same thing. This repenting is a continuous process, not just a one time thing; I have found that I myself have been repenting several times throughout the day. I know that it will be God's grace and mercy ONLY that I make the rapture, not anything I do, I am well aware of the fact that grace alone being what saves, and not works lest any should boast, but also faith without works is dead so I am sharing this with everyone, in the hopes that a few, even just one person, would wake up in time, and repent, for the remaining time here is very short.

            I post and share this document for I deeply care for people and DO NOT want anyone to miss the rapture and find themselves left behind to face the 7 year tribulations which will follow the rapture which will be pure a horrific time on earth, the most horrific ever, in fact, where you will have to hide in caves or in mountains, away from all the evil and very selfish people, be an absolute survival expert, which many are not and absolutely refuse at all costs to take the mark of the beast(666).As a result of your refusal to take this mark, you won’t be able to buy or sell anything, work, eat, live in a normal way, and so on, and most likely you’ll be killed for it, but that is far better than taking the mark and ending up in the lake of fire for eternity, as each and every man and woman  who take the mark of the beast will end up in the lake of fire, where there will be absolutely no rest from their torment night or day(Revelation 14).  Even doing all the precautions, hiding by getting away from all population centers and into the mountains, and so on may not be enough because many if not most people, in fact will not survive the judgments that God will pour out on the world in this time period, in the seal, trumpet and bowl judgments as well as the judgment and destruction of the daughter of Babylon. All these events are described in good detail in the book of Revelation in chapters 6 through 18, which I strongly advise all to read. Here is a link an excellent animated video of the entire book of revelation for you to watch

 

 

 The tribulation period of seven years absolutely will make today's evil world seem like life in paradise by comparison. I very strongly suggest reading the book of Revelation chapters 6 through 18 which tell you specifically what sort of events and judgments the world will see during this tribulation period.

Here are some rapture related scriptures:

 (1 Corinthians 15:51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

 

(1 Corinthians 15:52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

 

(1Thessolonians 4:16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

 

(1Thessolonians 4:17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 

God wants to keep us from this tribulation by His love and mercy Because thou has kept the word of my patience, I ALSO WILL KEEP THEE FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."  The implication of this verse is obvious:  If the end-time Christian does NOT stay close to the Lord and endure to the end, HE WILL NOT BE KEPT FROM THE TRIBULATION HOUR Revelation 3 verse 10, so it is IMPERATIVE to stay close to the Lord in these last days. 

Now I have a very special warning message to all those who are lukewarm Christians to repent of this condition and to be on fire for Jesus or Jesus will surely spit you out of the rapture(see verse 16, below) and you will go through the seven year tribulation as it says in Revelation 3 14-22. There are FAR TOO MANY are in this condition the Holy Spirit warned me this AM. There are FAR TOO MANY LAODICEANS today. Please REPENT NOW of your lukewarmness and be on fire for the Lord before it is too late and you miss the rapture as a result of your being lukewarm!! Here are the verses in Revelation chapter 3 concerning the Laodicean church:

(Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

 

(Revelation 3:15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

 

(Revelation 3:16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

 

(Revelation 3:17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

 

(Revelation 3:18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

 

(Revelation 3:19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 

(Revelation 3:20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 

(Revelation 3:21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

 

(Revelation 3:22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

Summarizing, you MUST all be ready for this coming rapture, AND be on FIRE for Jesus, and not be at all lukewarm but loving Jesus with ALL Your heart, mind and soul as commanded in the bible, in several places in both the old and new testaments. If in case you need to receive the Lord please pray the following prayer (backsliders can also use this prayer to repent of their sin and lukewarmness and recommit their lives, and return to their first love, Jesus. Please do so NOW before it is too late)

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness. I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin. You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved. Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.

Amen.

 

Here are 10 steps that can be of help to be ready for the soon to come rapture:

1. Make sure that you have received Jesus Christ into your life as your PERSONAL Lord and Savior(see the salvation prayer above and use it if need be).

 

2. Examine your own heart for any signs of backsliding, worldliness, unwatchfulness, compromising, and lukewarmness.

 

3. REPENT (Turn COMPLETELY away from sin and turn COMPLETELY around towards Jesus).  Sin separates you from God, even as a Christian.

 

4. Study end-time Biblical prophecy(Daniel 7-12, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, 21, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5, other places but the  book of Revelation in particular)  until you become completely convinced that His Coming is, indeed, AT THE DOOR.  This will help keep you from temptation and sin.  JESUS IS COMING VERY SOON!!! Lord help me be absolutely convinced YOU ARE at the door!!!!!

 

5. Do something for the Lord.  (Passing out tracts would be a good start.)

 

6. Examine your priorities, lest the CARES OF THIS LIFE cause YOU to MISS THE RAPTURE, as we are so adamantly WARNED about in Luke 21, and so many other Scriptures.

 

7. Draw closer to God by praying, reading His Word, attending a fundamental church as often as possible, and surround yourself with a Christian atmosphere (Christian friends, books, music, radio, TV, etc.)

 

8. PRAY DILIGENTLY.  ASK THE LORD TO REVEAL TO YOU ANYTHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT EVEN MIGHT KEEP YOU FROM THE RAPTURE.  PRAY THAT THE LORD WOULD GIVE YOU A PEACE, IF YOU ARE READY, AND AN UNREST AND UNEASINESS IN YOUR HEART, IF YOU ARE NOT READY.

 

9. Listen for His voice and then STAY OPEN TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

 

10. Act upon that which the Lord is calling you to do. DO IT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!

 

Please also pray and ask the Lord Jesus to see if you are indeed ready and to give you peace if you and If the Lord has planted even the least bit of doubt or uneasiness in your heart, will you swallow your pride and pray this prayer with me:

"Dear Lord, Thank you for preparing a WAY OF ESCAPE from the horrible Tribulation to come.  It is my sincere desire to be ready for your Soon Return, so that I can participate in the Rapture. Give me a COMPLETE PEACE IN MY HEART FROM YOU if I am, indeed, ready. Let there be no false sense of security in my heart concerning my readiness for Your Return.  Begin to reveal to me things in my life and in my heart that might keep me from the Rapture.  Show me what I need to do to BE READY and then give me the power to act upon that which you show me to do.  Draw me away from the world and closer to you every day.  Use me in whatever way you can to help others

who may not be ready for your Return.  Fill me with your peace when I am ready and fill me with YOUR POWER, for victory over sin and temptation, and for effective service for your kingdom.  In Jesus' mighty name, Amen

If, by an unfortunate chance, you are finding yourself reading this testimony after the rapture has happened, and you find that you have missed it, everything is not lost by any means, just please pray immediately to accept the Lord Jesus as savior and /or recommit your life to Him, repenting of anything  and everything that you have done that has caused you to miss the rapture, especially such things as being lukewarm and whatever else you may do during that time absolutely DO NOT TAKE THE MARK OF THE BEAST OR YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY IN THE LAKE OF FIRE!!!!!(taking the mark of the beast means you are essentially married to Satan, the antichrist, the beast and false prophet,  ALL OF WHOM ARE DESTINED FOR THE LAKE OF FIRE, AS ARE ALL WHO TAKE THEIR MARK ON THEIR FOREHEAD OR HAND). IT IS NOT AT ALL FORGIVABLE TO TAKE THIS MARK- so again you must avoid taking this mark AT ALL COSTS you won’t be able to buy, sell, work, and so on, you will have to hide, living in the forest and away from civilization, face jail, torture, and be executed for refusing the mark. If you do die for refusing to take the mark of the beast, if you are Jesus’ you will go to heaven immediately as a tribulation saint and martyr spoken of in the book of revelation. I cannot strongly stress the point enough to NEVER, EVER accept the mark of the beast, no matter what!!!! It will be well worth it to lose everything and everyone in this world, including your life so as  to not have to spend all eternity in hell and the lake of fire, where again there will be never any rest on your torment day or night.

 

Here is a video link for after the rapture http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbvC-9Ei83E&feature=youtu.be

 

And a link to another facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jay.dougherty.50?ref=tn_tnmn#!/notes/jay-dougherty/good-book-on-tribulations-and-end-times-please-share-aslo-video-link/10200133756520233

 

God bless you and yours