Small Town W/Matt Gaff

Matthew 21:12-17 (NASB2020) Cleansing the Temple

12 And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. 13 And He *said to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” 14 And those who were blind and those who limped came to Him in the temple area, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, 16 and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus *said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?” 17 And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

Mark 14:32-42 (NASB2020) Jesus in Gethsemane

32 They *came to a place named Gethsemane; and He *said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” 33 And He *took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. 34 And He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” 35 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began praying that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. 36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” 37 And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Keep watching and praying, so that you will not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to say in reply to Him. 41 And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? That is enough. The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let’s go; behold, the one who is betraying Me is near!”

Luke 10:30-37 (NASB2020) The Good Samaritan

30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he encountered robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by coincidence a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan who was on a journey came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.’ 36 Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed compassion to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”

Nehemiah 4:9-23 (NASB 2020) Discouragement Overcome

9 But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.  10 And so in Judah it was said: “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubble; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see until we come among them, kill them, and put a stop to the work.” 12 When the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times, “They will come up against us from every place where you may turn,” 13 then I stationed men in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, the exposed places, and I stationed the people in families with their swords, spears, and bows. 14 When I saw their fear, I stood and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

Luke 5:17-25 (NASB2020) A Man Lowered Through a Roof

17 One day He was teaching, and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the Law sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. 18 And some men were carrying a man on a stretcher who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. 19 But when they did not find any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. 20 And seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 The scribes and the Pharisees began thinking of the implications, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, except God alone?” 22 But Jesus, aware of their thoughts, responded and said to them, “Why are you thinking this way in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say: ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher, and go home.” 25 And immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26 And they were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God. They were also filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today!”

Peter walked on water (Matthew 14:28-31).

All believers spoke in foreign languages (Acts 2:4).

Many signs and wonders performed (Acts 2:43; 5:12).

Peter & John healed the lame man (Acts 3:1-11; 3:16).

Peter's shadow fell on the sick, healing them (Acts 5:15-16).

Stephen performed amazing miracles and signs (Acts 6:8).

Philip cast out demons and healed the lame (Acts 8:7; 8:13).

Peter & John laid hands-on believers who then received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).

Peter heals lame Aeneas in Lydda (Acts 9:32-35).

Paul cursed and blinded the blasphemous Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:11-12).

Paul & Barnabas performed signs and wonders in Iconium (Acts 14:3).

Paul & Barnabas healed the crippled man who had faith (Acts 14:8-10).

Paul & Silas cast a demon out of a fortune telling slave girl (Acts 16:16-18).

Paul given extreme power for many unusual miracles. People touched him with aprons and handkerchiefs and laid the cloths on the sick and demon-possessed, who were then healed (Acts 19:11-12).

Paul raised Eutychus from the dead after a terrible accident (Acts 20:9-12).

Paul unharmed by poisonous snake bite in Malta (Acts 28:3-6).

Paul healed Publius' father of fever and dysentery (Acts 28:7-8).

Paul healed all sick people on the island of Malta (Acts 28:9-10).

Peter raised Tabitha, aka Dorcas, from the dead (Acts 9:36-43).

Acts 9:39-40 (NASB 2020)

39 So Peter got ready and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the room upstairs; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Psalms 23:4 (NASB2020)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalms 119:76 (NASB2020)

May Your favor comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant.

Matthew 11:29 (NASB2020)

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Proverbs 1:33 (NASB2020)

But whoever listens to me will live securely And will be at ease from the dread of evil.”

Revelation 17:14 (NASB2020)

These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NASB2020)

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NASB2020)

But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

John 3:16 (NASB2020)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

Romans 8:39 (NASB2020)

nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 22:37 (NASB2020)

And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

Philippians 4:13 (NASB2020)

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

1 John 4:4 (NASB2020)

4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Acts 2:1-13 (NASB)

The Day of Pentecost

1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.

5 Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together and they were bewildered, because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty deeds of God.” 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others were jeering and saying, “They are full of sweet wine!”

Acts 2:14-16 (NASB)

14 But Peter, taking his stand with the other eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, know this, and pay attention to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you assume, since it is only the third hour of the day; 16 but this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:

Acts 2:36-43 (NASB)

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on urging them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

Matthew 28:16-20 (NASB 2020)

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. 17 And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Luke 24:50-53 (NASB 2020)

50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising God.

Mark 16:19-20 (NASB 2020)

19 So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.

Acts 1:9-11 (NASB 2020)

9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, then behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, 11 and they said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

John 20: 19-29 (NASB) Jesus among His Disciples

19 Now when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were together due to fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and *said to them, “Peace be to you.” 20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be to you; just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

26 Eight days later His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be to you.” 27 Then He *said to Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side; and do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus *said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you now believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”

John 21: 1-25 They were fishing and not catching anything Jesus told them to try the right side.

But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus *said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish to eat, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find the fish.” So they cast it, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great quantity of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved *said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea.

Matthew 27:50-54

50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 Also the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

John 20:11-18

11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb, weeping; so as she wept, she stooped to look into the tomb; 12 and she *saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 And they *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She *said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they put Him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and *saw Jesus standing there, and yet she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Thinking that He was the gardener, she *said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you put Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus *said to her, “Mary!” She turned and *said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). 17 Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene *came and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.

1 Corinthians 11:3 (NASB2020)

But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.

John 14:27 (NASB2020)

Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.

John 16:33 (NASB2020)

These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

John 15:19 (NASB2020)

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.

Isaiah 41:10 (NASB2020)

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Genesis 15:1 (NASB2020)

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”

1 Peter 1:5 (NASB2020)

who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Psalms 35:3 (NASB2020)

Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me; Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”

1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NASB2020)

But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB2020)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Revelation 19:21 (NASB2020)

And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Psalm 43:3 (NASAB2020)

3 Send out Your light and Your truth, they shall lead me; They shall bring me to Your holy hill And to Your dwelling places.

John 16:13 (NASB2020)

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Philippians 3:8-9 (NASB2020)

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

Jeremiah 23:6 (NASB2020)

In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will live securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, ‘The Lord Our Righteousness.’

Psalms 29:11 (NASB2020)

The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.

John 14:27 (NASB2020)

Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.

The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints, 19 and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

John 1:1 (NASB1995)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

1 Peter 1:25 (NASB1995)

But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you.

James 1:22 (NASB1995)

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

2 Timothy 4:3

KJV-King James Bible

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

NIV-New International Version

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

NASB-New American Standard Bible

For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires,

GWT-GOD'S WORD® Translation

A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will follow their own desires and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear.

NKJV-New King James Version

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

The Message-You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.

The Passion-For the time is coming when they will no longer listen and respond to the healing words of truth because they will become selfish and proud. They will seek out teachers with soothing words that line up with their desires, saying just what they want to hear.

The Living Bible-For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

John 14:6 (NASB1995)

Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

John 8:32 (NASB1995)

and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Ephesians 6:14 (NASB1995)

Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

John 17:17 (NASB1995)

Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

2 Corinthians 13:8 (NASB1995)

For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.

Zechariah 8:16 (NASB1995)

These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates.

2 Timothy 2:3 (NASB1995)

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 6:4 (NASB1995)

but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,

2 Timothy 4:5 (NASB1995)

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 (NASB1995)

For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

Nehemiah 9:32 (NASB1995)

Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness, Do not let all the hardship seem insignificant before You, Which has come upon us, our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers and on all Your people, From the days of the kings of Assyria to this day.

James 1:12 (NASB1995)

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Philippians 4:13 (NASB1995)

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Ephesians 6:4

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Psalms 144:12

12 Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants,

And our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace;

Proverbs 27:18

18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit,

And he who cares for his master will be honored.

Luke 3:8

8 Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.

Deuteronomy 32:1-4 (NASB1995)

1 “Give ear, O heavens, and let me speak; And let the earth hear the words of my mouth.2 Let my teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, As the droplets on the fresh grass And as the showers on the herb.  3 For I proclaim the name of the Lord; Ascribe greatness to our God!  4 The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

2 Timothy 4:2 (NASB1995)

2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (NASB1995)

5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.

1 Peter 2:2 (NASB1995)

2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

Psalms 25:9 (NASB1995)

He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.

1 Peter 5:6 (NASB1995)

Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

Matthew 11:29 (NASB1995)

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Proverbs 11:2 (NASB1995)

When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.

Matthew 18:4 (NASB1995)

Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NASB1995)

and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

John 14:6 (NASB1995)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

John 9:5 (NASB1995)

While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”

Isaiah 43:11 (NASB1995)

I, even I, am the Lord, And there is no savior besides Me.

1 Corinthians 10:16 (NASB1995)

Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?

Colossians 3:15 (NASB1995)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB1995)

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Hebrews 6:19 (NASB1995)

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,

Romans 5:5 (NASB1995)

and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

1 Peter 1:3 (NASB1995)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Psalms 42:5 (NASB1995)

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.

Psalms 31:24 (NASB1995)

Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord.

Proverbs 27:24 (NASB1995)

For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

Matthew 19:23 (NASB1995)

And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Ephesians 1:18 (NASB1995)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

Matthew 6:19-21 (NASB1995)

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 7:15-23

15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits.

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.

Matthew 2: 1-12

The Visit of the Magi

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:

6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

Luke 2:1-20

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”  15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Matthew‬ ‭1:18-25‬ ‭NASB2020

“Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN WILL CONCEIVE AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL NAME HIM IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus.”

Job 1:9-12  9 Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.

Job 1:21-22  “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

And naked I shall return there.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

1 TIMOTHY 3

Overseers and Deacons

1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Titus 1: 5-9

Qualifications of Elders

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

John 4:24 (NASB1995)

God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Psalms 2:11 (NASB1995)

Worship the Lord with reverence And rejoice with trembling.

Exodus 34:8 (NASB1995)

Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship.

Psalms 99:9 (NASB1995)

Exalt the Lord our God And worship at His holy hill, For holy is the Lord our God.

Psalms 47:6 (NASB1995)

Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises.

1 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB1995)

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.

1 Chronicles 29:13 (NASB1995)

Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

Isaiah 42:12 (NASB1995)

Let them give glory to the Lord And declare His praise in the coastlands.

2 Samuel 22:50 (NASB1995)

Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Your name.

Matthew 5:44 (NASB1995)

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Luke 5:16 (NASB1995)

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

Jeremiah 29:12 (NASB1995)

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

Matthew 14:23 (NASB1995)

After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was

there alone.

James 5:16 (NASB1995)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of

a righteous man can accomplish much.

Philippians 4:6 (NASB1995)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known

to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NASB1995)

pray without ceasing;

1 Timothy 2:8 (NASB1995)

Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Romans 12:12 (NASB1995)

rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

Ephesians 2:8 (NASB)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help

in time of need.

John 1:14 (NASB)

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father,

full of grace and truth.

Matthew 6:15 (NASB)

But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

1 John 1:9 (NASB)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Luke 17:3 (NASB)

Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.

Romans 2:4 (NASB)

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God

leads you to repentance?

Matthew 3:8 (NASB)

Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NASB)

and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked

ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Luke 13:5 (NASB)

I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Mark 4:14 (NASB)

The sower sows the word.

Galatians 6:8 (NASB)

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from

the Spirit reap eternal life.

The Mustard Seed

Matthew 13:31-32 (NASB) 31He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard

seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; 32 and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is

larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”

The Sower Explained

Matthew 13:18-23 (NASB) 18 “Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and

does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom

seed was sown beside the road. 20The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the

word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when

affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 And the one on whom seed was sown

among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth

choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man

who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and

some thirty.”

Malachi 4:5-6 (NASB) 5“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible

day of the Lord. 6He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers,

so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.”

Matthew 3:13-17 (NASB) 13 Then Jesus *arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. 14

But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15 But Jesus

answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he

*permitted Him. 16 After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were

opened, and [a]he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and [b]lighting on Him, 17 and behold, a voice out of the

heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Mark 1:4 (NASB)

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

John 3:28 (NASB)

You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’

John 7:42 (NASB)

Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where

David was?”

Matthew 2:1 (NASB)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,

saying,

Matthew 2:6 (NASB)

‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth

a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

For a little town it was blessed don’t let your location dictate what you do.

2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, “Go up and spy out the

land.” And the men went up and spied out Ai.

2 Kings 2:23

New Revised Standard Version

23 He went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and

jeered at him, saying, “Go away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!”

Nehemiah 9:7 You are the Lord God, Who chose Abram And brought him out from Ur of the Chaldees, And gave him the

name Abraham.

Genesis 15:7 And He said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to

possess it.”

Hebrews 5:9 (NASB)

And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation,

Job 36:4 (NASB)

For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NASB)

The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright

is He.

God is perfect we can all try but without Christ we will always fall short.

Have you ever watched a movie and wanted that feel?  Well listen up and I will guide you to it.

Proverbs 12:26 (NASB)

The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Romans 2:19 (NASB)

and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

Colossians 3:17 (NASB)

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in

righteousness,

Proverbs 1:8 (ESV)

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching,

1 Timothy 4:13 (ESV)

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

Colossians 1:28 (ESV)

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in

Christ.

Luke 14:13 (NASB)

But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,

Job 20:10 (NASB)

His sons favor the poor, And his hands give back his wealth.

Psalms 37:21 (NASB)

The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives.

Ephesians 6:8 (NASB)

knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

1 Corinthians 13:4

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

Romans 12:10

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

1 John 3:18

Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

Ephesians 3:17

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,