The Words

of Jesus of Nazareth

Translated By Lee Cantelon

Contents

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 1

Who Do You Say That I Am

The Problem of Religion

The Light that Has Lighted the World

The Revelation

The Living World

The Father

The Good Shepherd

Food for the Soul

The Problem of Religion

Take heed, beware of living your life on religious "food."

By now you have certainly forgotten the five loaves that fed the five thousand, with twelve baskets left over, or the seven loaves that fed the four thousand and the plenty that remained. But I am not speaking to you about earthly food. No, I have come to warn you against feeding on the ideas and false teachings of those who market religion.

In vain such people worship me, teaching as doctrines what are merely the inventions of men. They're so busy clinging to their own superstitions that they have forgotten the commandments of God.

Beware of false teachers who stand before you wearing sheep's clothing. Beneath the disguise hides a ravenous wolf. They follow their real leader, the devil, and do what he wants. He was a murderer from the beginning, and never told the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks in character, for he is a liar, and the father of lies.

To these swindlers who set themselves up to be your judges I say: Judgment upon you, false religious leader and teachers, hypocrites! You bar the doors of the kingdom of heaven, closing the way to those who truly wish to enter. You don't enter yourselves; and you barricade the way to those who long to go in. You steal from poor widows; and then, to conceal your true intentions, you make long pious prayers. You will inherit great damnation.

You travel across land and sea to gain one proselyte; and when that person is won, you make him two times more the child of hell than yourselves.

You preach: "The temple is unimportant. What is important is the treasury of the temple!"

Which is greater: the gold in the treasury, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?

And you say: "The altar is not important; but the gift that is upon it is important."

You are both foolish and blind. Which is greater: the gift on the altar, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?

Whoever honours the altar, honours it and all things upon it. And whoever honours the temple, honours him who dwells within its walls. And they who honour heaven, honour the throne of God, and he who sits upon it.

You make ceremonial offerings of even the mint and herbs that grow in front of your house. At the same time you have forgotten the weightier matters of the law: judgment, mercy, and faith, that which should concern you.

Your vision doesn't extend one inch in front of your face. You strain a gnat from your wine, and proceed to swallow a camel. Then you clean the outside of your cups and bowls, while inside there remains a thick coat of extortion and the filth of excess. How blind can you be! First take care of the mess within; and then the outside will be clean.

You false teachers! In your hypocrisy you are no better than whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of death and dead men's bones. You may impress people by your outward show of righteousness, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and sin. How can you believe, you who live for your colleague's praise, and never seek the praise that comes from God alone?

You build monuments to the prophets, and put flowers around the tombs of the righteous, and say: "If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would never have allowed their innocent blood to be shed."

Witness your own inconsistency! You are the children of those that killed the prophets, and now you even surpass the deeds of your ancestors.

You snakes, generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell? Behold, I will send you prophets, and wise men, and teachers: and some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will beat, and persecute from city to city.

Such hypocrisy! Isaiah was right when he prophesied of you, saying: "These people approach me with their mouths, and honour me with their lips; but their hearts are far from me."

You justify yourselves in front of your congregations; but God knows your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed by man in repulsive in the sight of God.

Take heed: Many will come from the east and west, and sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But those who should have entered the kingdom will be banished to the darkness outside. Unless your righteousness exceeds the pseudo-righteousness of the so-called religious, you will never set foot in the kingdom of heaven.

The Light

That Has Lighted the World

I have come to be a light to the world, that whoever believes in me should not remain in darkness. I am the light that has lighted the world; they that follow me will never again walk in darkness, but live their lives in the light."

Here lies the supreme test: that such a brilliant light has come in to this dark world. Yet the inhabitants of this earth love darkness more than light, because their actions are blinded by selfishness and greed. So it is, those that give their lives to evil hat the light of truth, fearful that their actions will be witnessed and condemned; while they that do the truth step freely int o the light that their actions may be seen, for their works are pleasing to God.

Once, you went out into the wilderness to see the prophet, John the Baptist. He witnessed to you of the truth. He was a burning and shining light: and you were willing, at least for a while, to rejoice in his light. But I have a greater witness than John; the work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, proves that he has sent me.

If I do not do the works of my Father, then you are free to disbelieve. But, if I do his works, even if you don't believe in me, believe in the works that I do; that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in him. I must do the work of him who sent me while it is day: because the night is fast approaching when no one will be able to work.

The lamp of the body is the eye: if your eye is sound, your whole life will be filled with light, but if your eye be preoccupied with evil, your whole life will be infected with darkness; and if what illuminates your life is darkness, how great and terrible is that darkness.

Aren't there at least twelve hours of daylight? If you walk by day you don't stumble, because of the natural light around you. If, however, you walk by night, you will fall, because there is no light to guide you. Believe in the light that you may become "children of the light." Walk while you have the light, for the darkness is rapidly falling. They that walk in darkness are lost. If the blind are leading the blind, then both are destined to fall.

You don't light a candle and then cover it with a vase, or place it under a bed; instead, you set it on a candlestick, so that when you or your guests enter your house there is light to see by. Neither do you light a candle and then place it under a basket, instead, you set it on a candlestick to give light to all that are in the house. Don't you realize that you are the light of the world? You are like a city built on a hill that cannot go unnoticed. Let your light shine brightly before all people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. For that which you do in secret will eventually be revealed, and that which seems to be hidden will one day be broadcast far and wide. What I am telling you now in private, proclaim publicly, and what you hear whispered by the Spirit, should from the housetops.

The Revelation

The time is come that the Son of Man be revealed and glorified.

I did not come seeking my own glory; but there is One who seeks to exalt me, and he is the judge of those who reject me.

It is written in your earthly laws that the concurring testimony of two witnesses is true. Accordingly, I bear witness of myself, and the Father who has sent me also bears witness of me. I know that the witness that he has given of me is true. Because of this, I do not require the endorsement of any earthly authority.

He who speaks only his own ideas, does so to gain honour for himself. But he who works for the glory and honour of the One who has sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him.

I have not come to you on my own behalf, but have been sent by the One who is the truth. I have not come down from heaven to do my own will but the will of the Father who sent me. I was born and came into the world for this purpose: to be a living witness to the truth. Those who love the truth follow me.

I and my Father are one. In his name I have come to you that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly.

All authority is given to me, both in heaven and on earth. I give you eternal life, the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and power over all the powers of the enemy. So don't let your heart be troubled or afraid; my peace I give to you, a peace for surpassing that which the world is able to give. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free; and if the Son of God sets you free, you will be free indeed. I tell you this that you might have faith to believe, and be transformed.

This is the will of God who has sent me: that everyone who looks to the Son, and believes in him, receives everlasting life; and if you believe in me I will raise you up on the last day. Do you believe in the Son of God? It is he that is speaking to you.

The Living Word

The Father who sent me has instructed me as to what I should tell you. I know that his words lead to everlasting life; so whatever he tells me to say, I say.

These words that I speak are not my own, but come from the Father who has sent me. They that hear the words that I speak, and believe in him who has sent me, will have everlasting life; they will not be condemned but pass from death to life.

Listen: the hour is coming, and has already come, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and whoever hears his voice shall live.

You search the ancient prophetic writings because you long to find eternal life. All the while they testify of me; and yet you hesitate to come to me that you might find the life you are seeking.

Though not appearing to you personally, or speaking to you audibly, the Father has testified of me. But by refusing to believe me, the one sent to you by my Father, close your ears from hearing the very voice of God.

How is that some of you say, regarding the one whom the Father has set apart as his very own and sent into the world, "He blasphemes because he says, 'He is the Son of God'?"

I tell you now: I am the way, the truth, and the life; no on can know the Father, except by my introduction. Only the Spirit gives life. Your earthly body grows old and will eventually fail, but the words that I speak to you are spirit and are life.

I do not judge the one who hears these words and doesn't believe; for I have not come to judge the world, but to save it. Be warned, however; those that reject me and my words will be held accountable: the truth that I have spoken will stand as your judge on the last day.

Surely the heavens above you, and the earth beneath your feet, will one day pass away; but the words that I speak will never pass away.

The Father

What do you think of Jesus Christ? Whose Son is he?

No one knows who the Son of God is, except the Father in heaven: and no one can know who the Father is, except the Son; and those to whom the Son will reveal him. Until now you haven't known him as I do; but I have come, sent from him to you.

The One who has sent me is here with me now. He has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him. In fact, seeing me you have seen the Father; so why do you keep saying, "Reveal God to us?" Don't you believe that I am one and the same with my Father, and the Father one and the same with me?

I and my Father are one. Everything that the Father has is mine. I have come from the Father to this world; I will leave this world again, and return to my Father.

For the Son can do nothing on his own, but does only what he sees the Father do. The Father loves the Son, and has revealed his universal plan to him; and you will witness even greater miracles than those which you have already seen. Even as the Father raises the dead, and gives new life, so the son will give new life to whomever he will.

Still, I can do nothing on my own; I judge only as God guides me; and my ways are perfect, because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who has sent me. As the Father has the power to give life, so the Son has the gift of life, and has been given the authority to execute judgment, because he is the Messiah, the Son of Man.

I have said this from the beginning: there is so much in your lives that I could condemn, but I have come with another message, given to me by the One who is the truth. This is the message that I speak to the world.

When at last you life up the Son of Man (on the cross), you will know who I am, realizing that I did nothing according to my own plan or authority, but delivered to you the words which my Father instructed me to proclaim.

The Good Shepherd

Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's pleasure to give you the kingdom.

I am the good shepherd. I know my flock and they know me, even as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I am willing to give my life for the sake of the sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them each by name, and they follow me. I give them eternal life. They will never be destroyed, nor can anyone tear them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than any kingdom or power; and no force is able to pluck even the weakest of my sheep from his mighty hand. Still, there are many sheep that belong to me that are outside the fold: I must gather them as well. They too will rejoice at the sound of my voice; and will become members of one great fold, with one shepherd to care for them night and day.

He that enters in by the front door of the fold is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens the door, and the sheep thrill to the sound of his voice. He calls them each by name, and leads them out to green pastures. When he leads the sheep out to graze, he goes before them. They follow him, comforted by the words that he speaks. They will not follow a stranger; instead, they will run away from the sound of an unfamiliar voice.

I am the good shepherd who gives my life for the sheep. The hired hand is not a true shepherd. He doesn't look after the sheep as if they were his own; and when he sees the wolf coming he runs, leaving the sheep unprotected. The wolf catches them, and they are scattered.

I am the door to the sheepfold. Those who attempt to enter this fold by any other way are nothing but thieves and robbers. Many imposters have come before me, but the sheep did not recognize or follow them. I am the door. Enter by this door and you will be safe, free to go in and out, and find food.

This earth is plagued by insatiable corruption, death and destruction; but I have come to reverse this terrible tide. I have come that you might discover the true meaning of life and be blessed.

Food For the Soul

It is written: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out from the mouth of God."

I am the bread of life: if you come to me, you will never again hunger spiritually; and if you believe in me, you will never again thirst spiritually. Rise up! Take hold of the living bread which has come down from heaven: if you eat this bread, you will live forever. The bread that I offer you is my life, which I give for the life of the world. I am the bread of life come down from heaven, that you may feast on spiritual food, and because of this receive spiritual life and not die.

You spend all of your energies for food which perishes; instead, seek after food that will endure forever. This is the food that I long to give you, for God the Father has given me this power.

You have heard how your ancestors ate manna when they were in the desert; but that was long ago, and now they are dead. Moses could not give you the true bread from heaven which my Father offers you. For the bread of God is he who has come down from heaven, and gives life to the world.

If you understood the gift of God, you would ask that I give you living water as well; for whoever drinks natural water soon thirsts again, but whoever drinks of the water that I give will discover a well that springs up within, overflowing with eternal life.

Do you thirst spiritually? Come to me and drink; for they that believe in me, as it has been written, "Out of their innermost being will flow rivers of living water."

Part 2

The New Kingdom

The New Kingdom

The Royal Commandment

The New Kingdom

Since the time of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and great is the number that eagerly, and in desperation, have seized hold of its truth!"

The kingdom of heaven is like a farmer's wheat field, planted with good seed. One night, while the farmer slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds among the wheat, and then fled. When the first blades of what finally pushed up through the earth, the weeds appeared as well. Seeing this, the servants of the farmer came, and with distressed voices said to him: "Sir, didn't we sow good seed in your field? Why then are there so many darnel weeds?"

The farmer answered: "An enemy must have done this."

"Shall we try to remove them?" the servants asked.

"No," the farmer replied. "If you pull up the weeds, you will uproot the wheat as well. Let them both grow together until the harvest time; and at the time of the harvest I will instruct the reapers: 'Gather first the weeds, and bind them into bundles for burning. Then gather the wheat into my storehouse.'"

He that sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seed represents the children of the kingdom, while the weeds represent those deceived by the wicked one. The enemy that planted the weeds is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels. Just as the darnel weeds were gathered and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather everything that has caused mankind to stumble, and those who live lawlessly outside of his kingdom, and will exile them to a place of weeping and torment. Then the righteous will shine as bright as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. If you have ears to hear, then listen to these words.

Every kingdom that is divided against itself is doomed; and every city or house divided against itself will eventually fall. Likewise, if Satan is fighting Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom last much longer?

One cannot take from Satan's kingdom without first binding Satan. If I cast out devils and perform signs and wonders as an ally of Satan, then by what power do your children do the same? Let them be your judges: they can settle that question for you. If, however, I and your children cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come to you.

Did you never read in the scriptures: "The stone which the builders have rejected has become the honoured cornerstone; this is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes?" Behold, the kingdom of god will be taken from you, who listen and do nothing, and be given to a people working to bring forth fruit in their lives.

Beware of how you treat this message: for all the sins of men can be forgiven, along with all their blasphemies. But there is no reconciliation for those who, seeing evil as good, and good as evil, blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. This transgression is eternal. Heed these words: for evil men and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of heaven ahead of you. They have heard the call to life and have turned to God. Pious men, on the other hand, have heard the call, and have deliberately turned away.

It is not by repeating, "Lord, Lord," that you will enter in to the kingdom of heaven, but by doing the will of my Father who is in heaven.

What would happen if you went to the door of one of your city's prominent houses late at night, after the owner had gone to bed, knocked loudly, and cried: "Open the door, I want to come in?"

The owner of the house would answer: "Go away, I don't know who you are."

If you continued protesting, "But I have eaten at the same restaurants as you, and I have heard you teach in our streets," he or she would only answer, "Get this straight; I have told you that I don't know you. Leave me in peace!"

On the judgment day many will come saying, "Lord, Lord, haven't we prophesied in your name, and in your name cast out devils, and in your name done many wonderful works?"

Then will I have to tell them: "Depart from me, I never knew you. You have lived your whole lives doing evil."

I teach you with these parables. It is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

Here is another story to illustrate the kingdom of heaven: Once there was a rich investor, who was preparing to depart for a distant country. Before leaving he called together his three associates, and put them in charge of managing his investments while he was gone. He gave five accounts to one, two lesser accounts to another, and to the third he gave one small account. He gave them each responsibilities according to their talent.

The associate who had been given the five accounts immediately began to buy and sell, and before long had doubled the investments and had ten accounts. The second associate did the same. He invested the two accounts entrusted to him, and he too was able to double their worth. But the third associate was fearful. He place his account in a box, and buried it in the ground. There he left it for fear that it might be lost or stolen.

Many months later the rich man returned from his trip. Immediately he summoned his associates to give account of their management of his money.

The first associate told how he had invested the five accounts, and now had ten. At this the rich man said: "You have done very well and been faithful. Because you have been trustworthy with these five accounts, I will put many more important ones under your trust. You may begin today to enjoy these responsibilities."

Then he called the second associate, who said: "You put two accounts into my care; now I have four."

Hearing this, the rich man repeated what he had told the first associate: "Well done, you have been faithful in managing two minor accounts. I will put you in charge of many. Go to your task with happiness."

Finally, the third associate was called. He said: "I've always thought of you as a hard man. You collect profits on other people's money, and I figured that you would only take back whatever profits I would make with my one small account. So I buried it in the ground, and left it there until you returned."

To this the rich man answered: "You foolish associate. You know the manner in which I conduct business. At the least you could have put the money in the bank to gain interest. You had only one account in your care and you buried it in the ground. Now even this will be taken from you and given to the one who did wisely. What is left to you but sorrow and regret?"

In the kingdom of heaven, those who use what they possess, no matter how seemingly insignificant, will continue to receive more and more, and have abundance; but those who act out of fear, or are unfaithful even in the least of matters, will eventually lose all.

Another example can be drawn from the story of the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. Finding skilled labourers, he agreed with them on a wage of one silver coin per day. Then he sent them into his vineyard.

Later that morning, about nine o'clock, he returned to town, and seeing a group of unemployed labourers standing idle in the marketplace, he said to them: "Go work in my vineyard, and I'll pay you a fair wage."

At noon the landowner went back into town, and again at three in the afternoon, each time hiring the unemployed to work in his vineyard. Finally, at about five o'clock in the afternoon, he went one lat time into the town. There he met a few stragglers that remained unemployed. He asked them: "Why did you stand here idle all day?"

They responded: "Because no one hired us."

He said: "Go on, I still have work for you in my vineyard."

When evening fell, the landowner said to the manager of the vineyard: "Call the workers in from the vineyard, and give them their wages, beginning with the last through to the first that I hired today."

Those that were hired at five that afternoon stepped forward, and each received a silver coin. Seeing this, those hired early that morning imagined that they would receive more. When they stepped forward, however, they too received one silver coin each.

Immediately they began complaining to the landowner: "Those hired late this afternoon barely worked one hour, and you have paid them the same wages. We have done most of the work during the hottest hours of the day."

But the landowner answered them: "Friends, I have done you no wrong. Didn't you each agree on a day's wage of one silver coin? So take what is yours, and go your way. I have chosen to pay those hired at the end of the day the same wage as you. Have I not the right to do with my money as I see fit? Are your eyes full of envy because you see me being generous and kind?"

This, too, is a parable about the kingdom of heaven; for I tell you, the last will be first and the first last. Many are called, but few are elected.

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that lay buried in a field. One day a man discovered it. Immediately he covered it back up. Joyfully, he sold everything he possessed, considering it a small sacrifice, in order to buy himself that field.

Those who enter the kingdom of heaven have not allowed any earthly concern to hold them back. Like the merchant who searched his entire life for the pearl of great price, they have joyfully sacrificed all in order to take hold of such a priceless treasure -- new life, a new way of thinking, hope in this world and the world to come.

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. Though it is one of the smallest seeds, from it grows a large plant, becoming nearly as tall as a tree, a place where the birds can perch and find shelter. It is like a pinch of yeast one uses to make bread. Even when mixed into a great amount of flour, it leavens every part of the dough.

Finally, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a fisherman's net that is lowered in to the water, and catches every kind of fish. When it is full, the fishermen drag it up onto the shore. There, they collect the good fish into baskets, discarding the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the children of God, casting the wicked into the fire, a place of suffering and sorrow.

I sent you out to bless others, without material goods, money, or support to depend on. Did you once lack anything? Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Truly, there is enough to concern you each day, without fretting about the future. Which of you by mental exercise can add one inch to your height?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not fly about worrying! They do not stay up late at night thinking about the day to come, for your heavenly Father makes sure they are fed. Don't you know that you are cared for as much as the birds?

Are not two sparrows sold in the marketplace for a few pennies? Still, one of them cannot fall to the ground without your heavenly Father knowing it! So stop being afraid. You are of more value than uncounted flocks of sparrows. Even the hairs of your head are numbered.

Why do you worry about what you will wear? Look at the lilies growing wild in the field. They grow naturally, without effort. Even King Solomon in all of his glory was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. If God has so cared for that which grows wild in the field, which is here today and tomorrow is used for kindling, will he not care for you much more? How can you have such little faith?

Therefore stop saying: "What will we eat? What will we drink? Will we have enough to clothe ourselves?" This is the way the faithless think, always anxious. Relax! Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things, and more.

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all your needs will be provided.

The Royal Commandment

The most important of all of the commandments is this: You will love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.

Let the second commandment be: You will love your neighbour as you love yourself.

This is my commandment: That you love one another as I have loved you! There are no commandments greater than these. No one possesses greater love than the one who is willing to lay down his life for his friends!

Whoever lives contrary to even the least of these commandments, will be the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever abides by them, and teaches others the joy of following them, will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. I have told you all of these things, that my joy might remain with you, and that your joy be complete.

Surely you have heard people say: "It is natural to love your neighbours, and hate your enemies." But I say, love your enemies.

Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you. Pray for them that despise and persecute you. By doing this, you will be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. If you only love those that love you, what good is that? Even the corrupt behave in a similar manner. If you are hospitable only to your friends, what reward is there?

Instead, love one another as I have loved you. By doing this, everyone will see that you are my disciples, because you are full of such selfless love. Don't be deceived; if someone truly loves me, you will know it. That person will live life according to my words; honoured by my Father, and blessed with the presence of his fellowship. If you listen to what I am saying, and do it, and love me, you will be loved by my Father, and by me. We will come and make our dwelling within you in the house of your heart.

My Father loves you because you have believed me, and believed that I have come from God. Continue in that love. Keep my words, and you will live in this love; I keep my Father's commandments, and by doing so abide in his love.

A certain man travelled from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the road he was attacked by thieves, who stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and left him half dead. By chance, a priest was walking the same way. But seeing the poor man, he crossed over to the other side of the road.

No long afterwards, a religious man passed by. He looked down on the victim, and then hurried away.

Finally, a Samaritan, a man despised because of his race, approached. When he saw the injured man, he immediately felt compassion for him, and, tearing his own coat into strips, he bandaged his wounds, dressing them with oil and wine. Then he laid him gently over his mule, and brought him to an inn. There he made sure that the man was well taken care of.

In the morning before he departed, he paid the in keeper, and said: "Attend to him; and when I come again, I will reimburse you."

Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell among thieves?

Go, live your lives doing the same as the good man from Samaria.

Part 3

The Great Lessons

The New Doctrine

The Blessings

The Power of Prayer

The Treasures in Heaven

Faith that Moves Mountains

Patience, Mercy and Forgiveness

On a Fruitful Life

Health and Healing

The New Doctrine

Whoever hears my words, and acts upon them, is wise, and builds on a foundation made of stone.

The rains descend, and floods rise. Hurricane winds beat against the house, and still it stands: for it is built on solid rock.

But whoever hears my life-giving words, and rejects them, builds on a foundation of sand. The rains descend, and the floods rise. Hurricane winds beat against the house, and the foundation crumbles. The house collapses, and great it its fall.

Two men went into the temple to pray, one a proud, self-righteous man, the other a tax collector known for his dishonesty. The proud man prayed this prayer: "Thank God I am not a sinner like everyone else, especially that cheating tax collector I see in the corner. I never cheat, or commit adultery. I fast twice a week, and I give the temple a tenth of all that I earn."

But the tax collector remained in the back of the temple, and dared not lift his eyes toward heaven as he sorrowfully prayed, "God, please be merciful to me, an unworthy sinner."

I tell you that the tax collector who recognized his need of God's mercy, returned to his house lighthearted, free from anxiety, and forgiven. Those who, in their pride, exalt themselves, will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will soar above the cares of this world to a place of blessing and honour.

Let even the little children come to me, and don't hold them back. For the kingdom of God belongs to hearts so trusting; for without a childlike faith you will never enter the kingdom.

If any person chooses to do my Father's will, he will easily discover whether my teaching is of God, or whether I am just preaching my own ideas. My doctrine is not mine, but of him who sent me.

The world worships blindly. At least as Jews, we know what we worship, and that the world's salvation is born from among us. Believe me: the time is coming, and has already come, when people who would worship God won't run here or there, looking for the place where God is supposed to be saying: "Here He is! This is where we should pray."

True believers will worship God in spirit and reality. God the Father seeks those who offer this kind of sacrifice, of worship and of praise. If you were to keep silent, then the very stones would shout out.

Perhaps you have read that, when King David and his soldiers were hungry, they entered the temple and at the holy bread reserved for the priests, an act that was forbidden by the religious laws.

If you were a student of the Hebrew laws, you would know that on the Sabbath days the priests that work in the temple desecrate the Sabbath, yet are counted blameless. I tell you there are more important things than the laws of the temple. If you had grasped the meaning of the scripture, "I would rather have mercy than sacrifice," you would have ceased condemning the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day.

Suppose an animal you cared for fell into a ditch on the Sabbath, wouldn't you make every effort to pull it out? Isn't your life more valuable? You think nothing of spending the Sabbath performing long ceremonies and observing religious liturgies, how is it then that you criticize me for healing on the Lord's day? When will you stop judging by mere appearances, and begin to make right judgments? The Sabbath was created for you. You were not created for the Sabbath.

I have come into this world that the blind might see, and they that boast of their vision might become aware of how blind they truly are.

The Blessings

Blessed are you who hear the word of God and follow it.

Doing so, you will be like the servant who, when the master comes, is found doing right.

Blessed are you who put your whole trust in God, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you who are acquainted with sorrow, for you will be given comfort and courage.

Blessed are you who have the humility to recognize your own need, for the whole earth will be yours.

Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for you will be satisfied and filled.

Blessed are you who are merciful, for you will receive mercy in return.

Blessed are you who are pure in heart, for you will see God.

Blessed are you who are peacemakers, for you will be called the children of God. Blessed are you who pursue salvation, for you will become the citizens of the kingdom of God.

Blessed are you when you suffer blame and are spoken evil of for doing my will. Rejoice, and leap for joy; for great is your reward in heaven. In the same manner they persecuted the great oracles of old.

How even more blessed are you who, not having seen me, believe, and keep your faith in me; blessed are your eyes, for they truly see, and your ears, for they truly hear.

Come, you who are so blessed by the Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.

The Power of Prayer

Up until now you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, and your joy will be full.

You go to a friend's house at midnight, and say: "Lend me three loaves of bread. I have visitors who have travelled far to see me, and my cupboards are bare."

The reply comes back: "Please don't disturb me now. The door is locked, and my children are asleep. I can't get up and help you." I tell you, though your friend will not get up and give you bread because of your friendship, he or she will eventually give in to your earnest persisting, and rise to give you as much bread as you need.

So continue. Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, those who seek find, and to those who knock, the door will be opened wide.

In a certain town, there lived a hard-hearted judge, who neither feared God nor cared about his neighbour. In the same town there lived a widow, who constantly harangued him for justice concerning a person who had harmed her. For long time he ignored her, and refused to hear her case. But finally he said to himself:

"Though I do not fear God, or concern myself with charity, I will see that this widow gets justice; for she wears me out with her constant appeals."

Will not God, then, bring justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Do you think he will put them off? I tell you: he will see that they receive justice, and quickly! Yet the real question raised in this story is this: When I, the Messiah, return, will I find many on the earth with such persevering faith?

I don't mean that you should let your prayer fall into a pattern of mindless repetition. The heathen pray this way, thinking they will be heard by the quantities of their prayers. You shouldn't imitate them. Remember, your heavenly Father knows what you need even before you ask.

The prophet Isaiah has written: "My house shall be called, by all nations, a house of prayer."

Pray then, to the Father, who hears your most private prayers and rewards them openly; and whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will provide. If you live your life in me, and let my words live in your hearts, ask what you wish and it will be given to you.

Pray in this manner: Our Father in heaven, may all the earth recognize that you are the only holy God.

May your kingdom come dwell among us, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day bread to sustain us, and forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Keep us from wandering into temptation, and deliver us from the evil one.

For to you belongs all power, and glory, eternally. So be it.

The Treasures in Heaven

Live your lives, doing towards others as you would have them do to you.

Once there was a rich man who dressed in purple and fine linen, and lived a life of extravagance.

In the same town there was a homeless man named Lazarus who sat near the gate that led to the rich man's house. He didn't ask fro much, only the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. The street dogs were his only friends, and they looked after him.

Finally, one day Lazarus died and was carried by angels to the arms of Abraham. Not long afterwards, the rich man also died, and was buried.

In hell he lifted eyes full of torment, and saw Abraham in the distance, and Lazarus in his arms. With all his strength he cried out: "Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus the beggar. Have him dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am in agony here in these flames."

But Abraham replied: "Remember, my son, in your lifetime you had your good things, while Lazarus knew nothing but misery. Now he is comforted, and you suffer torment. Besides this, there is a great chasm separating us, so that those who would come to you from this side cannot; neither can you cross over to us from there."

Hearing this, the rich man cried: "I pray, then, that you send Lazarus to my father's house. I have five brothers, and he must warn them, so that they don't end up in this hell."

To this, Abraham answered: "They have Moses and the prophets. Let them hear them."

"But surely," the rich man contested, "if one went to them from the dead, they would repent."

Abraham replied: "If they do not repent because of the words of Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded, even if one should rise from the dead to warn them."

There is no generosity in giving to those who can easily repay you. Even misers will lend money when they are sure of being paid back in full. I say: give to the person who comes to you in need, unable to repay you; and be forgiving, even if such a person takes advantage of you.

The poor, when they give, contribute more than all the wealthy donors combined, who give out of their abundance. The poor contribute from their need, and out of love often give what they cannot spare.

How nearly impossible it is for those who love money to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And yet, what is impossible for man is more than possible with God.

Don't stockpile treasures on earth where moths and rust corrupt, and where thieves break in an d steal. But store your treasures in heaven, where neither moths nor rust can corrupt, and where there are no hazards of thieves or devaluation. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Some do good only when they are sure of an appreciating audience. These will not be rewarded by your Father who is in heaven. When you give, don't be like the hypocrites, who ring bells in the temples and in the streets. Such have their own reward.

Don't even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give quietly and in secret; and your heavenly Father who sees such things will reward you openly.

Learn to give and it will be given back to you abundantly more than you can imagine, multiplied and overflowing. By the same measure that you distribute your generosity, your reward will be measured back to you.

Once the investment of a rich man returned a great profit. Considering his riches, he thought, "What will I do with my profits?" And so he came to this decision: "I'll pull down my old houses, and build ones that are greater; there I will store my treasures and spend my profits. I will be content and possess a fortune that will last many years. I will spend my time in ease, eating, drinking, and being merry." But God said to him: "You fool! Don't you know that this night your soul will be demanded of you! When you are gone, whose will all these things be?"

So it is with those who lay up treasure for themselves, and are not rich in the things of God. What profit is there in gaining all that the world can offer, if in doing so you lose your soul? And what would you give in exchange for your soul, or your place in the kingdom?

Faith that Moves Mountains

According to your faith, so you will receive.

Many will come in the last days, from every corner of the earth, and enter into the kingdom of heaven. But the self-righteous and pious, who thought they would be first, but lived their lives without faith, will not enter in.

If two agree on earth, in faith, regarding anything, their request will be granted by my Father who is in heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with them.

These signs will follow you who believe: In my name you will cast out devils, and speak with new tongues. Serpents, or deadly things, will not harm you. You will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.

Armed with faith as small as a mustard seed, you shall say to the mountains: "Be removed and cast into the sea."

If you believe this is possible, leaving no room for doubt, then what you ask or command will be done. This is why I tell you: whatever it is that you desire, when you pray believe that you will receive it, and you will.

As you are led by the Spirit, the things that you come against on earth will be confronted by heaven's power: and whatever you allow on earth will be that which is according to heaven's divine plan.

Don't be afraid any longer, but believe. Everything is possible to the one who believes.

Patience, Mercy and Forgiveness

When little is forgiven, little love is returned

A certain man was studying the accounts of two acquaintances who had borrowed money. One owed him five hundred pieces of gold, while the other owed him fifty. Knowing that neither had any way of paying him back, he compassionately forgave both of their debts. Which of these two men do you suppose would have been the most grateful?

Likewise, the time came for a certain king to review his records and accounts. During this process, one of his servants was brought before him, who owed the incredible amount of ten thousand gold pieces!

Since it was impossible for the servant to ever repay such a debt, the king consulted the law: it decreed that the debtor and his family be sold into slavery, and that their house and possessions be disposed of in a public auction.

Sorrowfully, the servant fell on his knees before the king, and cried: "My Lord and King, I beg you to have patience with me, and I will repay you all."

The king was so moved with compassion, he forgave the debt, and let the servant go free.

On his way home, this same servant encountered a friend who owed him a few coins. Instead of showing mercy, however, he seized his friend by the throat, and began shouting: "Give me back the money that you borrowed from me."

His friend fell down at his feet, and pleaded: "Please be patient with me, and I will repay you every last cent."

But the servant wouldn't listen, and had the man thrown into prison until he could repay the debt according to the law.

By chance, some of the king's servants saw what happened, and reported this back at the palace.

The king sent for the servant, and said: "You wicked servant. I forgave you your unpayable debt because you asked me to. Couldn't you have shown compassion to the friend who owed you such an insignificant sum?"

Having said this, the king turned the servant over to his prison guards, and commanded them to lock him up until all his debts be paid.

So will my heavenly Father judge you, if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from the depths of your hearts.

Don't be willing to forgive just seven times, but seventy times seven times. Make peace, even with you enemies. Constant striving will only lead to greater trouble: lawsuits, courtrooms, and perhaps prison, with no way of undoing the penalty except by serving your sentence.

Do you remember the saying: An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth? I tell you the opposite. If somebody slaps you on the right cheek, offer him your left; or if someone sues you and takes your coat, then offer him the shirt off your back as well. If someone makes you walk a mile, be willing to walk two. Give freely to those who ask of you, and never turn a deaf ear to one who comes to you in need.

When you stand in the place of worship praying, do so with a heart full of forgiveness, even as your Father in heaven offers forgiveness to you. And should you bring an offering to the place of worship, only to remember an unresolved disagreement between you and another, leave your gift at the altar. Go first and be reconciled with that person, and then return and offer your gift. If a brother wrongs you, go and discuss it with him in private. If he listens to you, you will have gained a friend.

Find forgiveness for the wrongs that people have inflicted on you, and your life will be overwhelmed with mercy and grace.

On a Fruitful Life

You will know people by the fruit that grows in their lives.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt has lost its ability to purify, flavour and preserve, how can it be made salt again? It is good for nothing, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot.

Do you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from among thistles? A healthy tree cannot produce unhealthy fruit; neither can a rotten tree produce healthy fruit. Likewise, every good tree produces good fruit, and every rotten tree produces rotten fruit. Every tree that produces rotten fruit is cut down and used as wood for the fire.

By the fruit of people's lives, you will know what kinds of life they have chosen to live.

Once a man planted a fig tree in his vineyard. For three years he waited for it to bear fruit, but none came. At last he said to the chief gardener: "Three years I have come, each year expecting to see fruit on this fig tree; and still it is barren. Why should it take up space on my grounds any longer? Cut it down."

But the gardener answered: "Allow one more year, until I've had the chance to dig around it, and nurture it some more. Perhaps then, it will bear fruit; and if not, then you would do right in cutting it down."

When your lives bear fruit, my Father is glorified, and you are my true disciples. For a good person produces good from the good that is stored within; while an evil person, out of the evil within, produces a hollow fruitless life.

A farmer went into the field to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside; and the birds flocked down and are them. Some of the seeds fell on stony places, where there wasn't much earth. They sprouted quickly in the shallow soil; but, lacking roots, were scorched by the sun and withered away. Some of the seeds fell among the thorn bushes; and the thorns grew and choked them.

But certain of the seeds fell onto good earth, and these made up for the lost seeds, yielding a good crop; some multiplied by a hundred times, some sixty, and some thirty.

When one hears the word of the kingdom, and fails to understand it, the enemy comes and steals away the seed that was planted in the heart. This is like the seed that feel by the roadside.

The seed that was scattered on stony ground represents those who hear the word of God, and eagerly accept it, but without the roots of inner conviction. Their experience endures for a time; but when trouble or persecution arises resulting from their decision to follow the word of truth, they become discouraged and fall away.

The seed that was sown among the thorn bushes represents those that hear the word, but allow the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, to overwhelm them. The word is choked, and their lives become unfruitful.

The seed that fell on good earth represents those that hear the word and understand its message. Their lives will yield accordingly an abundant harvest: one hundred, sixty, or thirty times the good that was planted.

Health and Healing

Those that are healthy do not need a doctor; but those that are ill do.

You should understand this: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance. Shouldn't the sick in body, whom the devil has bound, be set free?

Is it easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven," or, "Rise and be healed"?

That you might know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins, I say to the sick: "Rise Up! Be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven. Go your way; as you have believed, so will you receive. Your faith has made you well!"

What shepherd, having one hundred sheep and losing one, wouldn't leave the ninety-nine safely grazing, and go in search of the one that was lost? When the lost sheep was found, wouldn't he lay it across his shoulders, his heart full of gladness? On the way home he would call out to his friends and neighbours, saying: "Rejoice with me. I have found my lost sheep."

I tell you this truth: there is more joy in heaven over one who repents, than over ninety-nine persons who need to repentance.

Who among you, having ten pieces of silver and losing one piece, does not light a candle, and sweep the house, and search diligently until it is found?

When at last you have found it, you call your friends and neighbours together, saying: Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece that was lost.

Likewise, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over even one sinner that repents.

Part 4

The Call to a New Life

The Call

On Being Born a Second Time

Disciples and Servants

The Great Commission

Christ's Prayer for his Disciples

The Call

You have not chosen me. I have chosen you, and appointed you to go and bring forth good fruit in your lives, fruit that will last.

A man had two sons. He told the elder: "Son, go and work today in my vineyard."

"I will not," the son answered; but later he had a change of heart, and went to the fields to work.

Then the father told the younger son: "You go into the fields as well."

Immediately he answered: "I will." But he remained at home, and ignored his father's command. Which of these two sons fulfilled his father's command?

Why do you call me good, unless you believe I am God? You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery; Do not kill; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness; Honour your father and your mother. Do this, and you will have treasures in heaven. Still you fail in this by honouring me with your words alone, and not using everything -- your wealth, your possessions, and your life -- to help those in need.

If you wish to follow me, you must first put aside your desires and selfish way of living. Make this sacrifice and follow me. For those who wish to have eternal life must first set aside their old life. All who do this for my sake will discover new life -- both here on earth as well as in heaven.

Once there was a king who organized the wedding of his son, the prince. When all was ready, he sent his servants out to the provinces of his kingdom to summon those that were invited to the wedding, but the guests refused to come.

So the king sent out his servants, saying: "Tell those invited to the wedding, I have prepared a great dinner. My oxen and best calves have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding."

But the subjects made light of this invitation as well, and returned to their work, some to their farms, others to their businesses in town. Those who lingered behind took hold of the king's servants and beat them to death.

When the king learned of what had happened, he was enraged. He sent out his palace soldiers. They caught the murderers, executed them, and burned their houses to the ground.

Then he said to his servant: "The wedding is ready, but those that were invited were not worthy to attend. Go, then, to those that you meet on the street corners and on the road outside the city, and invite them to the wedding celebrations."

So the king's servants went to the street corners of the city, and then out along the highways, and invited everyone they encountered, both the good and the bad; and the wedding hall was filled with these guests.

That evening, the king came in to see his guests. He was shocked to see one at the table eating with the wedding garment that had been provided. He asked: "How is it that you came in to the feast without your wedding garment?" But the man could give no answer.

Then the king said to his servants: "Bind this man and have him removed." I will add this: many are called -- into the kingdom -- but few are chosen. The time has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. I have called you from the world's way of living life. Repent, put on the garments of salvation, and believe this good news.

No one can come to me unless the Father, who has sent me, draws him; and I will raise up that person on the last day. All of you whom the Father has given me will come to me: and whoever comes to me, I will never, even refuse.

Because I have told you such things, do you believe? Truly, you will see even greater things that these.

Enter therefore through the narrow gate; for wide is the path, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many go that way; but narrow is the gate and the path, which lead to life, and there are few that find it. Make every effort to go through the gate that leads to life. One day, many will suddenly want to change their way for the right way, and it will be too late.

On Being Born a Second Time

Don't be amazed that I say you must be born again.

Truly, I tell you this: unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God. Except you are born of water and the Holy Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of Spirit is spirit. The wind blows where it wishes, and we hear the sound it makes; but we cannot tell from where it comes, or where it will go. So it is for everyone that is born of the Spirit.

Consider these examples: No one weaves a piece of new cloth into an old rotting garment, for the new which is woven in will just pull the old cloth apart, and the tear will be made worse. Neither do you put new wine into old wine barrels. The old barrels might burst, the new wine run out, and the investment would be lost. Instead you put new wine into new barrels; and both are preserved.

How is it that, with so much learning, you still aren't familiar with the most basic truth? If I have told you such things, using earthly examples, and you fail to understand, how will you understand if I tell you of heavenly things?

God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Whoever believes in him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe stands condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of God's only Son.

I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die on this earth, will live again. They will be give eternal life and not perish! I have told you so, many times: If you believe you will see the glory of God.

My mission is to accomplish the purpose of him that sent me, and to fulfil his work; and this is God's will: That you come to truly believe in the Messiah, whom the Father has sent.

Hear this story: A man had two sons. One day the younger son said to his father: "Father, give me my part of the inheritance." So the father gave him his share.

Not long afterwards this same son gathered his possessions, and journeyed to a far country. There he wasted his wealth in reckless living. When his last penny was gone, a terrible famine swept across the land. He was destitute and without friends.

Finally he found work tending pigs. In his desperation, he was about to eat the corn husks that he was given to feed the pigs; when, coming to his senses, he thought: My father's servants have more than enough bread to eat, with much left over; while I am about to eat pigs' food, in order not to perish! I will go back to my father, and will say: 'Father, I have sinned against you and heaven. I am no longer worthy to be called your son, but let me at least be one of your hired servants.'"

With this plan in mind, he rose from the dust, and began the long trip back to his father.

When he was still a great way off, his father saw him, and having compassion on him, ran out to meet him and embraced him tenderly.

The son began: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son."

But the father didn't let him finish his confession. He turned to his servants and said: "Bring out my best clothes, and dress my son. Put my signet ring on his hand, and my finest shoes on his feet. Bring our fattest calf from the field, and kill it, and let us eat and be merry. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and now is found." In a few hours there began a great celebration.

Towards evening his older brother returned from working in the field; and as he came near the house he heard the music and dancing. He called one of the servants, and asked: "What is the meaning of such celebration?"

The servant replied: "Your brother has come home; and your father has killed the fattest calf, because he has returned safe and sound."

At this the brother became very angry, and refused to go in to the banquet; so that his father came out, and begged him to come in.

But he answered: "Behold all these years I have served you, never breaking one of your commandments; yet you never offered me parties to celebrate with my friends. Now my wandering brother returns, who has no doubt wasted his inheritance on prostitutes, and you kill the prized calf to celebrate."

The father said: "My son, you have always been with me, and you know that all that I have is yours. It is right that we celebrate, and give thanks; for your brother was dead, and is alive again, was lost, but now is found."

Except you be converted, and become as a little child, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. The Son of Man is come to save those that are lost: for it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that even the least among you should perish.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that whosoever believes in him should not die but have everlasting life. Do you believe this?

Disciples and Servants

You cannot allow two masters to rule your life. You will either hate one, and love the other; or else cling to one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and remain a slave to the gods of this world.

Which one of you, planning to build a tower, wouldn't first sit down and estimate the cost, making sure there was enough money to finish it? Otherwise you might lay the foundation, and then be forced to abandon the project. Those who had been observing your progress would laugh at you, and say: "He began to build, but now he is bankrupt."

A king who wants to wage war must first sit down with his military advisors to consider whether his army of ten thousand is capable of defeating the enemy's force of thirty thousand. If his advisors see no chance of victory, he will have to send his ambassadors out to meet the enemy, and attempt to negotiate peace before the battle begins.

Thus you must first examine what you consider as your own: family, money, earthly possessions. Unless you are willing to count the cost, and make a total commitment, even of these things, you cannot truly follow me.

Let me remind you: the person who is diligent in small things will also be trusted with much; and the person who is dishonest with little things will also be dishonest with much. If you can't be trusted with earthly riches, how can you be trusted with spiritual riches? And if you haven't been faithful with what belongs to another, who will offer you riches of your own?

I send you out as sheep among wolves: so be as wise as serpents, but harmless as doves.

You have seen how the kings and rulers of the earth exercise their authority, and lord it over the poor that are beneath them. This is not true for you who belong to the kingdom of God. Whoever would be great among you, must first be your servant. And whoever of you would be the greatest, must first be servant of all. Even so I, the Messiah, came not to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many. If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.

Continue in the light of my word: then you are truly my disciples.

Don't be like the falsely pious, inventing laws and ordinances. They glory in their rules, and don't follow even one of them. They lay burdens of legalism on the necks of their followers, while they wouldn't dream of observing such rules. They go to great lengths to be seen, wearing extravagant clothing, behaving with great ceremony; they love to sit at the head tables and on the front row. They love to be called esteemed and learned teacher. But you shouldn't be called esteemed or master; for you have only one master, and you are all his brothers and sisters.

Refrain from calling men your spiritual father; for you have one Father in heaven. Neither allow anyone to call you learned teacher; for there is one teacher, Christ. The one who is greatest among you must first be your servant; and all those who humble themselves will be exalted.

When the Messiah returns in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, he will sit on the throne of his heavenly glory. Before him will be gathered all nations; and he will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. The sheep he will set on his right hand, and the goats on his left.

Then the King will say to those on his right hand: "Come, blessed by my Father; enter into the inheritance of the kingdom, prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you offered me food. I was thirsty, and you brought me cold water to drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me in. I was without clothes, and you clothed me. I was ill, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me."

Then the righteous will answer in amazement: "Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger, and give you shelter; or needing clothes, and clothe you? Did we ever see you will, and take care of you; or in prison, and visit you?"

The King will reply: "Truly, I tell you now, inasmuch as you have done these things for the least of my brothers and sisters, you have done the same for me."

But to the ones on his left, the King will say: "Depart from me! For I was hungry, and you gave me no food. I was thirsty, and you offered me nothing to drink. I was a stranger, and you turned me away. I was naked, and you gave me no clothes. I was sick, yet you didn't care for me. I was in prison, but you didn't visit me."

Then they will answer him: "Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not comfort you?" The King will answer: "Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you have failed to do these things for the least of my brothers and sisters, you have failed to do them for me."

These then will be sent away into eternal darkness, but the righteous will be ushered in to the place of life.

You call me master and Lord, and you are correct, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and master, am willing to be your lowest servant, then you too should be willing to serve one another. I have given you an example; you should do the same as I have done for you.

The Great Commission

Let those who are spiritually dead attend to their earthly concerns; but you go and proclaim the coming of the kingdom of God to the waiting world.

There is a great harvest before you; but, sadly, the labourers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest that he will send more labourers to collect his harvest. No one who puts his hand to the plough and then looks back is suitable for the kingdom of God.

You who believe in me will do the same works that I do, and greater; for I must return to my Father in Heaven. If you wish to serve me, follow me; and where I am, there you, my servant, will be as well, and honoured by my Father.

Go announce: "The kingdom of heaven has come to you."

Heal the sick, restore the lepers to health; raise the dead; cast out devils! Remember what I have told you: "Freely you have received this new life. Freely give!"

If you are not for me, you are against me; and they that do not gather with me scatter.

Whenever you are invited into a house, offer a blessing, and say: "Peace be to this house." If those in the house be for peace, your blessing will be accepted, and they will be benefited. If not, the benefits of your blessing will return to you.

Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, yet remain purposeful, and resist wandering about aimlessly. Enjoy whatever food and drink is offered you, for one that labours is worthy of his wages.

Those who receive the person I send out with this message, also receive me, and they that receive me receive the Father who sent me.

Be warned: there are some who would attempt to silence your voices; who would take you to court, and deal unfairly with you, even seek your imprisonment. Because of my message, you will be called to testify before those who do not believe: rulers, governors, and kings.

If you are accused and brought to court, don't fear for your lack of words. They will be given to you in that instant. You need not rely on your words alone, for the Spirit of your Father will speak through you. Remember that in the earthly kingdom no servant is greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you, punishing you for my cause, not realizing who it was that sent me into the world. If, however, they accept and follow my message, they will accept and follow yours as well.

If I had not come with the message of truth, the inhabitants of the world would not have been aware of their failings and sinful behaviour. Now they are unable to hide behind their former ignorance of the truth. If I had not performed such mighty miracles among them, they would not have realized their shortcomings. But now those who have rejected the truth have seen the miracles, and hate me and my Father. This is come to pass, that the prophecy might be fulfilled: "They hated me without a cause."

It is a fire that I have come to bring upon the earth. How I long to see it ablaze! Did you imagine that I had come to bring calm and tranquillity to earth? No, I tell you, I have come to bring division: For from now on there will be five in one house, divided on what they should believe, three against two, and two against three. When you are confronted by the world's hatred, remember how it hated me before. And when they persecute you in one place, move on to the next. You will not have reached all the cities of the world before the Messiah returns. If a city refuses to accept you, or listen to your message, shake the dust of that city from your feet as you leave. Believe me, in the day of the final judgment, it will have been better to be from the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than from that city.

Whoever hears the words that you speak, hears me; and those that despise you, because of your true words, despise me. In rejecting me, they reject the Father who sent me. Endure the criticism of sceptics and doubters for my name's sake. Stand firm; in so doing, you will be saved.

These words I have spoken to you, that in me, and in following my words, you might find peace. In the world you will have pain and trouble; but be happy, for I have overcome the world.

Christ's Prayer for his Diciples

Father, the hour is come. Glorify your Son, so that he can bring glory to you; for you have given him authority over every man an woman on earth, that he might give eternal life to those you have given him.

And this is life eternal: That they might know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have glorified you on earth by completing the work that you gave me to do. Now, Father, reveal my glory as I stand in your presence, the glory I had wit you since before the world began. I have revealed you to those that you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have accepted your eternal words. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. I have faithfully delivered to them the words that you gave me; they have believed them, and have come to know in their hearts that I have come from God, sent by you to them.

I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me; for they truly are yours. All of these who have believed in me are yours; and they do honour me. I am returning to you in heaven; but those that believe in me remain behind. Father, keep them by the power of your name; that they all may be one, as we are one.

While I was with them in the world, I kept them by the power that you gave me; I guarded them, and not one was lost, except for the son of destruction, that the scripture might be fulfilled. Now I am coming to you; but I am requesting these things while I am still in the world, that they might experience and receive the full revelation of what is theirs.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, because they are no longer children of this dark and dying world, even as I am not. I am not asking that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them safe from the evil one; for they are no more children of darkness than I am. Make them holy by your truth; for your word is truth.

As you have sent me into the world, so I send them into the world. And for their sakes I consecrate myself, that they may be made holy, and grow in truth. I do nt pray for these only, but also for the future believers, who will come to believe in me because of the testimony that they give. Let them all be of one heart and mind, just as you and I are one: that as you are in me, and I in you, they will be in us; and the world will know that you sent me.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and you in me, being perfected into one, that by this the world will fully understand that you have sent me, and have loved them as much as you have loved me. May they one day be with me where I am, beholding my glory, which you have lovingly given me since the foundation of the world.

Father of goodness and truth, the world has not known you; but I have known you, and these who believe in me know that it is you who sent me. I have revealed you to them, and will continue to reveal you to them, that the love you have for me may dwell in their hearts, and that I may dwell there as well. So be it.

Part 5

The Promise

The Generation

A Place for You

The Promise of the Spirit

An Invitation to Life

The End Times

The Return

The Generation

Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in those days of sin and unbelief, of that person will the Son of Man be ashamed, when he returns in the glory of his Father and with the holy angels.

Still unbelieving, this recreant generation clamours for a sign; and no sign will be given other than the sign that was given to the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was in the great whale for three days and nights, so the Son of Man will be buried three days and nights in the earth.

Truly, there will come a day when the inhabitants of Nineveh, the City of Thieves, will stand in judgment of this generation, and condemn it; for they repented because of the preaching of Jonah, and now a greater than Jonah stands before you.

The Queen of Sheba will also rise in judgment of this generation, and condemn it; for she travelled a great distance to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, a greater wisdom than Solomon has come.

How can I describe this generation? They are like children sitting in the market place, calling to their friends: "We played merrily on our flutes; but you wouldn't dance, or sing. So we played a dirge; but you refused to be sad."

John, the forerunner, came and lived among you in austerity. Everyone said: "He must have a demon." Now the Son of Man has come to you, enjoying life to its full; and you say: "A drunkard and a glutton, the friend of low-life's and sinners!" With such brilliance you justify your own inconsistencies.

Oh generation, who live your lives based on lies: how can you, being truthless, say anything worth hearing? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

When it is evening, you say: "It will be fair weather, for the sky is red." And in the morning you say: "It will be foul weather today, for the sky is threatening." You can accurately forecast a change in the weather. Can't you discern the signs of the changing times?

Come, all you who are tired, oppressed, and sick of life, and I will give you wonderful rest! Receive my words, and let me teach you, for I am gentle and kind. At last you will find rest for your souls! For that which I ask of you is for your benefit, and that which I give you to carry is light.

Those of you who have chosen to follow me in this generation will one day sit upon thrones, and judge kingdoms and those who have hardened their hearts and turned away from these righteous words.

A Place for You

I go to prepare a place for you.

Know this: if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and take you to be there with me; so that where I am, there you may be also. Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I must go away, but I will come again to you. If you truly loved me, you would rejoice, because I go to the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

Do not wonder what I mean when I say: A little while, and you will not see me; and not long after that, you will see me again. You will weep and be sad; but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful; but your sorrow will be turned to joy.

A woman, when she is in childbirth, has pain and agony; but as soon as she has delivered the child she forgets the anguish, because of the joy that her child is born into the world. For a moment you may experience sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will be able to take your joy from you.

The Promise of the Spirit

It is the Spirit that has the power to give life.

If you love me, then keep my commandments. And I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Comforter to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world does not accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you will know him, for he will dwell with you, and will be in you.

I will not leave you comfortless. Now it is necessary for you that I go away; for if I do not leave, the Comforter, the Holy spirit, will not come to you. If I depart, I will send him to you.

When he has come, he will reveal to the world what is sin, and what is righteousness and judgment. Sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you will not see me; judgment, because the evil power of the prince of this world has been shattered.

I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot understand them now. However, when the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak of himself; but whatever he hears, that he will speak, showing you that which is to come.

He will praise me and glorify me, by revealing my glory to you. Remember: all the Father's glory is mine as well. This is why I am able to make this promise to you: the Spirit will reveal my divine nature to you. If your child asked bread of you, would you offer a stone? If your child asked for fish to eat, would you offer a snake? Would you give a scorpion to the little one who asked for an egg?

If you then, being earthly, know how to provide for your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?

When the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, whom I will send to you from the Father, has come, he will testify of me. He will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I have told you.

An Invitation of Life

Everyone who believes in the Son will have life everlasting.

A wealthy man planned a great banquet, and invited many guests. When the preparations were completed, he sent his servant to those who had been invited, announcing: "Come, for all things are now ready."

But all those who had been invited began to make excuses. The first replied: "I have just purchased a piece of land, and I must go and look at it again. Please have me excused."

The second said: "I have just purchased a herd of cattle, and I must go and examine it. Please have me excused."

A third answered: "I have just been married, and cannot attend."

Finally, when the servant returned and reported what had happened, his master commanded: "Go quickly into the streets of the city, and gather the poor, the lame, the ill and the blind."

The servant did this, and then returned, saying: "Sir, I have done as you commanded, and still there is room at the table."

"Go then," the rich man replied, "out along the highways and among the fields, and urge those that you meet to come in, that my table may be filled. For I say to you: none of those that were originally invited will taste of the banquet that I prepared for them."

Whoever hears my word and believes in him who has sent me will have eternal life and will not be condemned; but will pass from death to life. Do not be amazed at this; for the time is coming when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear his voice will live. In their graves, the dead will hear his voice and be raised up; those that have done good will be raised to new life, and those who have lived in sin will be raised to condemnation.

This is the way to eternal life: knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, the one sent down to earth! Take my words to heart. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son to die, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but be saved and have everlasting life. This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then will the end come.

The End Times

Truly I say unto you: this generation will not pass, until all these things are fulfilled.

There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, and on the grounds he installed a winepress. He built a tall fence around the property, and erected a watchtower. Then he rented it to vine keepers, and voyaged to a distant country. When the time of the harvest approached, the landowner sent his servants to the vine keepers to collect his share of the profits. But the vine keepers ambushed his servants, beat one, killed another, and drove the third off with stones.

A second time the landowner sent servants to collect his share; and though he sent a larger group than the first, they met with a similar fate.

Finally the landowner sent his only son, thinking, "At least they will respect my own son."

Yet when the vine keepers saw the son approaching, they plotted among themselves: "This is the heir. If we kill him, his inheritance will be ours."

So they took him, and dragged him out of the vineyard, and killed him. I ask you: when the landowner of this vineyard finally returns, what will become of the vine keepers?

My people, my people, you who killed the prophets, and spurned those who were sent to you, how often would I have gathered you, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and yet you would have none of it! Behold, your house is left desolate; and you will not see me until the time comes when all will say: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

If you had only known, in this your day, the eternal peace that was within your reach! But now it is hidden from your eyes. The powers of the heavens are shaken, and people's hearts fail them for fear, anticipating the calamities that are coming on the earth.

When the end time comes, and you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet "standing in the sacred place," then is the time for those that dwell in the cities to flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetops waste time coming down to take anything out of the house; neither let those working in the field return to fetch their clothes. Alas for women bearing children in those days! Pray that your flight will not be in winter, or on the Sabbath: for there will be great distresses, unequalled since the beginning of the world or ever again. Except those days be shortened, no one would survive: and yet those days will be shortened for the sake of God's chosen people.

For the day will come when your enemies will dig a trench around your walls, and hem you in on every side. They will hurl you down t the ground, and your children with you, and will not leave one stone standing upon another, all this misery because you failed to recognize when God himself was visiting you.

Do you see these magnificent temple walls? Truly I say to you, not one stone will be left standing! Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be completed.

When you hear of wars and the turmoil of destruction; don't let your hearts fill with fear: for these things must first come to pass; the end is not yet. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Fearful sights and great signs will appear in the heavens. There will be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars. On the earth will be great distress among the nations, and perplexity, roaring like the sea's mighty waves. Thee will be increasing famines, and plagues, and earthquakes. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Because sin will abound, the love of many will turn cold.

You will be betrayed, and condemned to die, and be hated by all nations for my name's sake. But remain watchful, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape these things that are coming to pass, and to stand, one day, before the Messiah, the Son of Man.

Learn what the fig tree can teach you. When its branches grow full of sap and produce new leaves, you know that summer is near. No man knows the exact day, or the precise hour of Messiah's returning; not even the angels in heaven, but only my Father. Yet when you see all these events begin to come to pass, you will know that the day draws near.

The Return

Watch therefore, for you know not the hour when your Lord will come.

Beware that no man deceive you; for in the end times, many will come using my name, saying, "I am Christ," and they will deceive many. False prophets will arise; and they too will lead many into believing their lies.

Don't believe them when they tell you: "Here is one like Christ, or a kin of Christ is over there." For there will arise many false Christs, and false prophets, exhibiting strange signs and wonders. Even the just will be deceived.

If they say, "Behold, he is in the desert," don't rush out looking for me; or if they say, "He is in a secret location that I alone know of," don't believe them. For as the lightning flashes across the sky, illuminating the heavens from the east to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

At the end time, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the heavens, causing the nations of the earth to tremble; for they will see the Messiah, the Son of Man, coming with power and great glory; and they will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the living God, returning on the clouds of heaven. And he will end his angels with a great sound of a trumpet; and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from the farthest ends of the heavens and earth, and reward everyone according to his works.

As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the time of the coming of the Son of Man. In the days that preceded the great flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, and carelessly celebrating, until the day Noah entered into the ark. They ignored the warnings of the approaching flood.

So it was in the days of Lot. They ate and drank, bought and sold, planted and built. But the day when Lot left Sodom, it rained fire and molten sulphur from heaven, and destroyed them all. So it will be on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.

Don't let your heart be overwhelmed by the pursuit of earthly pleasure, dissipation, or the anxieties of life. Don't allow my return to find you unprepared; for like the springing of a trap it will suddenly come upon all who dwell on the earth.

Two will be working in the field. One will be taken and the other left behind. Two women will be grinding at the mill. One will be taken, and the other left behind. Watch therefore: for you know not in which hour your Lord will return. But do know this: that if those int he house had known the hour that the thief planned to break in, they would have stayed up and waited, and would not have let their house be plundered.

I can assure you of this, many prophets and kings have desired to see the things that you now see, and did not have the opportunity to see them; and to hear those things that you now hear, and did not have the opportunity to hear them; while you have seen all of these prophecies come true.

Prepare your heart; for in the hour that you least expect it, the Son of Man will come.

Listen to the story of ten bridesmaids, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom, illuminating the way for his arrival. This group was comprised of five wise, and five foolish women. Those that were foolish took their lamps, but no extra fuel; while the wise took along extra fuel for their lamps. When the bridegroom's coming was delayed, they began to grow tired and fall asleep.

Then, at midnight, there sounded a cry: "Behold, the bridegroom approaches! The time has come to meet him."

Hurriedly, the bridesmaids arose, and began preparing their lamps. Then the foolish said to the wise: "Give us some of your extra fuel; for our lamps have all burned out."

"We cannot," the wise replied, "for there isn't enough fuel for both of us. Go quickly, wake those that sell fuel, and buy extra for yourselves."

But while they were off searching for fuel, the bridegroom came; and those who were ready went with him to the marriage celebration, and the door was shut.

Quite a long time later, the other bridesmaids returned and began calling: "Lord, Lord, let us in."

But he answered and said: "Truly I say to you, I don't know who you are."

Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord, when he comes, will find ready and looking for his arrival, even if he should come in the middle of the night, or at dawn. Truly I say, that he will put on his banquet clothes, and invite such servants to sit down with him at dinner, rising himself from the table to serve them as honoured guests!

So be alert and watchful; for you don't know the day or the hour when the Son of Man will return. And live your life in a prepared manner, with your lights burning brightly; like those servants who wait at the door, listening for the knock of the Lord, who will be found ready and full of anticipation when he returns.

It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one fragment of these words to fail.

Part 6

The Last Days of Christ on Earth

The Betrayal

The Trial and the Cross

Following the Resurrection

Always

The Betrayal

All things that were written by the prophets concerning the Messiah will be fulfilled. He will be delivered into the custody of the heathen, mocked, treated spitefully, and misused. They will beat him, and put him to death; but on the third day he will rise again.

Soon I must leave this earth. For the time being you cannot join me in the place where I am going. Let us eat one last Passover together before the time comes for me to suffer; for I tell you in truth: I will not celebrate the Passover again, until all that it signifies be fulfilled in the kingdom of God; nor will I drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God has come.

This bread represents my body, which is given for you. Eat it in remembrance of me. This wine represents God's new covenant of salvation, sealed by my blood, which I shed on your behalf.

I must give my life, as was foretold by the prophets. What sorrow comes upon the one who has betrayed the Son of Man. It would have been better if he had not been born. I am not saying this of all of you, for I know very well those whom I have chosen; but it has been written: "One who shares my bread will betray me." I tell you this now, before it comes to pass, so that afterwards you will believe in me.

Do you boast that you are willing to lay down your life for my sake? Sadly, you will all desert me on the night of my betrayal, as the prophets have written: "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered."

O, Father, hear my prayer! If it be possible, let this ordeal pass from me! Nevertheless not my will, but your will be done.

Behold, the hour has come for the Son of Man to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Beware, those who live by the sword will die by the sword.

Yet, how can it be that you betray the Son of Man with a kiss, arresting me as if I were a thief, carrying swords and clubs? Daily I was among you in the temple, and you never laid a hand on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness is at work.

Don't you realize that I could pray to my Father, and he could send down twelve legions of angels for my defense? But how then could the scriptures be fulfilled, that predict it must happen this way? Now the Son of Man will be glorified; and God will be magnified in him.

The Trial and the Cross

You have no power at all against me, unless it is given to you from above.

Why do you try me by asking these questions? You should be interrogating those who listened to me. They know very well the things I have said. I didn't spread my message in secret, but spoke openly for the world to hear. I taught publicly in the places of worship and the courtyards of the temple, where my followers gathered.

If what I have said somehow violates your laws, then give evidence of this. But if I have spoken the truth, then why do you strike me?

My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my followers would have taken up arms to defend it, that I should not be delivered into your hands. But mine is not an earthly kingdom.

Yet you were right when you accused me of being a king. To this end was I born, and for this purpose I came into the world: that I should be a witness to the truth. All who love the truth recognize my message.

Now will the prince of this world be overthrown; and if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to me.

This above all is why my Father loves me; for I lay down my life that I might take it up again. No man takes it from me; but I lay it down of my own free will. I have the power to lay it down; and I have the power to take it up again. The Father has given me this power and right.

Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani*

*My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Following the Resurrection

Oh fools, and slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Shouldn't Christ have suffered all of these things and then enter into his glory! Don't be faithless any longer, but believe.

This is what I was telling you, when I was among you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and by the prophets and the Psalmists, concerning me: that Christ must suffer, and rise from the dead on the third day; and that repentance and forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

I know where I have come from, and where I will go. You cannot tell where I have come from, or where I am going. You are from the earth. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world.

No one has ascended up to heaven, except he that came down from heaven, the Son of God who is in heaven. Go, tell my brothers that I will ascend to my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Why are you troubled, and allowing doubt to fill your minds? Be in peace. See my hands and my feet. Touch me, and witness my resurrection; for a ghost doesn't have flesh and bones, as you see I have. Because you have seen me, you believe. More blessed are you that have not seen me and believe.

In a little while, the world will see me no more; but my presence will remain with you; an because I live, you will live also.

Always

As my Father has sent me, so I am sending you.

Go therefore, and teach all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Go into all the world, and proclaim this good news to all people. Those that believe and are baptized will find salvation; but those that believe not will be lost.

Attend the promise of the Father, which you have heard from me; for John, the Baptist, baptized his followers in water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

You will receive new power when the Holy Spirit has come to you; and you will be my witness, starting here in Jerusalem, and Judea and Samaria, to the uttermost parts of the world. Receive the Holy Spirit.

Teach the people all the things that I have taught you; and remember...I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

Table of Contents

The Words

Contents

Part 1

The Problem of Religion

The Light

The Revelation

The Living Word

The Father

The Good Shepherd

Food For the Soul

Part 2

The New Kingdom

The Royal Commandment

Part 3

The New Doctrine

The Blessings

The Power of Prayer

The Treasures in Heaven

Faith that Moves Mountains

Patience, Mercy and Forgiveness

On a Fruitful Life

Health and Healing

Part 4

The Call

On Being Born a Second Time

Disciples and Servants

The Great Commission

Christ's Prayer for his Diciples

Part 5

The Generation

A Place for You

The Promise of the Spirit

An Invitation of Life

The End Times

The Return

Part 6

The Betrayal

The Trial and the Cross

Following the Resurrection

Always