UNDERSTANDING THE TWO COVENANTS- THE TEN COMMANDMENTS VERSUS THE TWO COMMANDMENTS

 A covenant is a legally binding agreement or contract that once entered into by the concerned parties is unalterable, it cannot be changed in any way.  The old covenant GOD made with the nation of Israel was the Ten Commandments.  These Ten Commandments were the statutes or law for the Israelites.  This contract or covenant demanded the death of anyone who violated or broke the Ten Commandments.  The only way out of this contract / covenant was to be purchased or bought out by someone who would pay the price demanded by the Ten Commandments requirement of death.  This person would have to be completely without sin and be willing to give their sinless life in exchange for the lives of sinners or the people that broke the Ten Commandments contract / covenant.  

An example of this would be a person who would co-sign a loan that you make so that if you failed to pay the loan then the co-signer would have to pay.

GOD made the Ten Commandments covenant with Israel but all Israel violated the covenant and sinned.  Indeed the whole world has sinned and has broken the Ten Commandments.  The fact of the matter is that the Ten Commandments are a contract or covenant that we can’t keep.  Israel made a covenant of death when they entered the Ten Commandments covenant.  How can Israel and the rest of humanity escape the righteous condemnation to death because of breaking the Ten Commandments ?   As mentioned, if someone who was pure and sinless would be willing to give their life as a substitute sacrifice and pay your penalty for you then this would be purchasing you out of the covenant of the Ten Commandments, you would be bought with a price, the payment being the death of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus announced another covenant , the new covenant, made possible by his blood being shed instead of ours.  GOD through Jesus causes the converted saints to Passover from the Ten Commandments into the Two Commandments .  The condemnation to death is removed and no new condemnation remains.  Only the people who understand these things and have entered into the new contract / covenant experience the benefits of the new covenant.  The saints are the only people on earth that are not condemned to death by the Ten Commandments covenant.  The saints are not under the old covenant Ten Commandments but under the new covenant Two Commandments.  

It is very sad that so many people believe that they must keep the Ten Commandments and the actual truth is that the unconverted are still required to keep the Ten Commandments because they have not been purchased out of the Ten Commandments.  If you are not in Christ then you are still under the Ten Commandments and condemned to death.  The many false Christians who think they are in Christ know nothing about what I have written here therefore they are not in Christ if they don’t even know these things.

The Ten Commandments are not evil, they are holy, just and good.  The problem is humanity that is evil, the Ten Commandments only point this fact out and are to show the need for a messiah.  

Once you enter the new covenant and are in agreement with GOD and Christ in its terms and conditions then you are bound by them and totally released from the Ten Commandments covenant.  You are no longer under the Ten Commandments, you are now in grace and faith with access to repentance and forgiveness, mercy and justification, the blessings of GOD and Christ that the Ten Commandments never gave.  You no longer try to overcome sin by observing the Ten Commandments but by GODS love that will fulfill the Ten Commandments whereas the Ten Commandments only killed you.  When purchased or bought out of the old covenant Ten Commandments you are never to return to them.  In the analogy of the loan I gave once the co-signer pays off the loan you don’t continue making payments.  Your debt to the Ten Commandments has been paid you are now free from that debt but if you go back to the Ten Commandments you deny all that Christ did for you.  It is like the dog eating its own vomit or the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.  

The message to you in this article is that if you are unconverted you must keep the Ten Commandments in the hope GOD will lead you to repentance and conversion but if you are a babe in Christ and still try to keep the Ten Commandments then you must stop this and learn the lessons of the schoolmaster.  Ask GOD in sincere humility to teach you about the difference between the Ten Commandments and the Two Commandments.  If it is GODS will for you at this time then HE will but if not HE won’t.  You may have to wait until the millennium or second resurrection.   

THE GIFTS AND FRUIT OF THE FATHERS HOLY SPIRIT TO HIS CHURCH

 

Scripture tells us about fruits and gifts that are given by GOD to HIS elect saints.  During the first century in the organized church these gifts and fruits were seen in the Apostles as well as regular church members. 

Today some of these gifts are no longer given; tongues and interpretation of tongues and miracles are not needed.  The two gifts of tongues are not needed because in the first century after Pentecost many of the 3,000 converts did not have the same language and that tongues was a tool used to preach the gospel in others lands with different languages.  Since the church is scattered today and exists only in small groups with everyone in the group speaking the same language both tongues gifts are not necessary.  Since the true church is unknown and invisible to the world miracles would attract unwanted attention.  Everything that happened in the life of the earthly Christ, as far as the circumstances of his being the messiah , will not be the same in ours because Jesus was the messiah and he faced issues that were directly connected with that.  We will not face all of those circumstances but do have the example of how Jesus faced all circumstances. 

 We have no idea what the future will bring in each of our lives and the circumstances we will face but GOD does and GOD Will work in us to guide us through them HIS way.  If we attempt to do this ourselves it will fail but by willingly submitting to the FATHERS spirit everything will work together for good, even though it may not always seem to at first by us.  This is what walking in faith means.  

Abraham did not lead the way when told by GOD to leave his home, it was GOD who led Abraham who didn’t know where he was going.  Our lives are the same as Abraham's.  Planned works are our works but unplanned works, works we do not know, are GODS work in us.  This my fellow elect saints is trusting in GOD and Jesus, walking by faith and not by sight, walking in the spirit, walking in the light, walking in GODS love.

  The "Fruits of the Spirit" are nine positive Christian virtues described in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23) as the result of living a life guided by the FATHERS Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience (or forbearance), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  

These qualities are seen as divine characteristics that grow in believers' lives, contrasting with the "acts of the flesh," which is evil, and reflect GODS own nature of love and righteousness, forming a foundation for a GODLY character. The saints are being recreated in the image of Jesus Christ who was created in the image of GOD. 

The Nine Fruits Explained:

Love (Agape): Unconditional, sacrificial love for GOD and others.

 

Joy: A deep, spiritual gladness in GOD, independent of circumstances.

 

Peace: Inner calm and tranquility that comes from being reconciled with GOD.

 

Patience (Forbearance): The ability to endure difficult situations or people with love and grace.

 

Kindness: Gentle, compassionate actions and a benevolent spirit.

 

Goodness: Moral and ethical excellence, reflecting GODS own goodness.

 

Faithfulness: Loyalty, reliability, and steadfastness to GOD and others.

 

Gentleness: Meekness, humility, and a calm, non-aggressive demeanor.

 

Self-Control: Discipline over one's own desires, impulses, and actions.  

  GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT 

The "gifts of the Spirit" refer to spiritual abilities given by GOD primarily outlined in the Bible (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12), with major categories including  gifts (wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation) and foundational gifts (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord.   These gifts equip believers for living righteously, differing from natural talents and abilities.

 From 1 Corinthians 12 

 

These are often seen as supernatural empowerments for service: 

Word of Wisdom: Insight to apply knowledge correctly in specific situations.

 

Word of Knowledge: Supernatural insight into divine truths that are revealed and taught by GOD through Jesus.

 

Faith: Extraordinary trust in GODS power, an unseen hope.

 

Gifts of Healing: Various ways to bring physical and spiritual wholeness.

 

Miraculous Powers: Performing miracles.

 

Prophecy: Speaking forth GODS message that may be of past, present or future events.

 

Discernment of Spirits: Distinguishing between spirits (GOD, human, Satan evil, truth or lie).

 

Tongues: Speaking in an unknown language understood by all hearing in their own native language.

 

Interpretation of Tongues: Interpreting what is spoken in tongues

 

These fruits and gifts come from a relationship with the FATHERS Holy Spirit, not self-effort.  All gifts and fruits are not natural to GODS people, They all come from GOD. James 1:17

Metaphor:

Like fruit on a vine, they are the natural outcome of being grafted into the "living vine" (Jesus) and nurtured by God's Spirit, (GOD prunes the vine).  There is also the olive tree analogy in Romans 11.

Contrast:

They stand in opposition to the "works of the flesh," which are selfish and worldly lust or desire.

The ultimate reason and purpose of everything GOD does is HIS love in us.  A person could have all these gifts and fruits but without the ultimate fruit of GODS love they would mean nothing.  1 Corinthians 13:2   GOD is creating HIS love in us and this is what makes us after HIS image and according to HIS likeness.  The example GOD gave us to demonstrate this love to us was Jesus.  The true image of GOD was not Adam, it was the second Adam.  

OUR EXAMPLE

 

Our Example

SRB 17 Dec 2025​

Growth and maturity take time to achieve. To get that growth, we must understand the model that Yeshua set for us. We are to be part of a community of other ‘spirit-filled disciples’ to help us to grow. We can learn from each other. Each conversation offers something to consider and sharing ourselves in these conversations can help others.

1Co 14:26 What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.

Yeshua gave us examples to follow. We can benefit from them by spending time discussing those examples. To that end, I’d like to mention them as topics to consider. This topic is huge when examined, and many of those examples blend together in events, but are still beneficial to examine.

There are also things that Yeshua did which modeled the behavior that we should focus on. Those that come to mind now are:

Humility

Meekness/Self Control

Compassion

Self-control

Forgiveness

Sacrificial Love

Righteous Anger

Let’s start with humility. If there is a huge challenge for us to consider, I think this is the largest for us. All our lives as children, we had heroes to emulate. For me, it was John Wayne. Now, he wasn’t the only one out there to consider, but he was mine. Pick your favorite and ask yourself, “was he or she humble?”

Then, consider the Son of God.

Do you remember the immediate reaction to the time when Yeshua washed the disciples’ feet?

John 13:4–8 He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”

Peter reacted humbly, (or so he thought) as he considered Yeshua very highly, but he missed the lesson. Would it be appropriate to consider that nobody is too high to perform a service for others? This tends to fly in the face of the idea of economic or social status and being better than others. What we may see as lowering ourselves to perform service, Yeshua didn’t see it that way.

See also: Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 4:10, Luke 3:10-11, Philippians 2:3-4, Ephesians 6:7-8

Some may not understand the term of meekness, as it has changed in our society. How many of us think of a wilting flower when we consider this word? To be open about this topic, it can be said that Meekness includes humility and self-control. As topics to consider, I list them separately.

The prophecy in the book of Isaiah describes the time of the crucifixion – and the books of Matthew, Luke, and John corroborate the prophecy. He was in total control.

Yet, consider the way that Yeshua dealt with the Pharisees when they attempted to trap Him, and how he suffered at the hands of the Romans during this crucifixion. We would scarcely recognize that time as the ultimate meekness. His responses and the evidence in scripture described a man in complete control.

When we are led by the spirit of God that He gives to His elect, we are to develop self-control and total faith in God. Those qualities allow us to be seen as unflappable and self-controlled and not into theatrics and attention-seeking.

Matt 11:28–29 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Eph 4:1–3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Throughout His time of ministry, we read of the compassion that Yeshua had for the masses around Himself. Whether it was those afflicted by illness or simply by hunger, He attended to their needs.

Matt 9:35–36 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

His care for others is reported in Matt 15:32 and Mark 6:34-37 as well.

There were several times when Yeshua had compassion on those who came to him for help – even those who were not Jews but had faith in Him. His concern for those who were around Him as He spoke to them led to His miracle with the loaves and fishes. He cared about people – He displayed both love and compassion – arguably two sides of the same coin.

It should be obvious that the trait of forgiveness is the overarching topic of the New Covenant. One could say that there are better words for it but let’s go with forgiveness for the moment. That is the one thing that Yeshua excelled at. Even while still hanging on the cross, He asked His Father to forgive the ones who put Him there – “for they know not what they do.”

What about the rest of us?

Lk 17:3–4 “Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Compare Luke 6:37, Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32

It should be obvious throughout the time of Yeshua’s ministry that He taught forgiveness by His actions. Hopefully, all those who are walking with the spirit of God do not carry a purse to hold grudges. We find peace in our lives by relinquishing our anger through forgiveness for others while we are to repent and confess our sins so that Yahweh will forgive us.

Some may think that anger is a sin. It can certainly lead to sin, but the emotion itself is not. Paul told us:

Eph 4:26–27 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil.

In scripture, there are a few ways that “anger” is translated. They all still refer to the same emotion but maybe they are translated based on the level of the anger. We know that Yahweh also feels anger:

Psalm 7:11 God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.

I think it is interesting that King David felt anger so strongly that he would condemn a man to death – not knowing that he was that man.

2 Sam 12:5 Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die,

We should take note that Yeshua exhibited anger as well, such as when He cleared the money-changers out of the Temple and when the Pharisees accused Yeshua performing miracles by the power of the prince of demons.

Mark 3:28–30 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Though I mentioned “righteous anger” as an example that Yeshua gave us, many think of it as a negative trait. It isn’t if we remember the source of that anger. It is love.

A most difficult lesson to learn is to obey the greatest two commandments. If there is one thing that we should grasp first when God offers us entry into His Kingdom and to receive His spirit, it is how to obey those two greatest commandments. All the other lessons depend on following those two.

Matthew 22:37-40 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

It was that love which gave us freedom from our sins and eternal life with Yahweh. It is the love that made Yeshua the perfect man and the spotless lamb worthy of being the sacrifice for us.

GOD DIRECTS YOUR WALK WITH CHRIST

 It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Jeremiah 10:23   Psalm 37:23  Proverbs 16:9  Isaiah 30:21  Isaiah 48:17  The same principle is in Philippians 2:13   2 Corinthians 3:5   John 15:5   

GOD sees the thoughts and intents of our human spirit / mind.  HE knows what is our true desire, HE knows if we love HIM or not.  GOD has known this about us from the foundation of the world because our names are written in the Lambs book of life.  Revelation 13:8   Matthew 25:34   Ephesians 1:4  

We know that salvation is not by our works but by GODS work in us.  When someone asks, “how do I walk with Jesus and live my life as Jesus did”, the answer is that GOD will direct your steps, HE works in us to walk as Christ walked.  The power of GODS love in us makes this possible.  Even Jesus had to rely on the FATHER for everything because of his own self he could do nothing. John 5:19,30   John 8:28-29   John 12:49-50   John 14:10  

In faith we trust GOD and Christ to guide us in all things.  The things Jesus said and did were actually of the FATHER. This will be the same for all of GODS chosen elect.  None of us should worry or doubt that GOD works in us.  Someone may ask, “how do I” , but you must leave the “I” out, it’s how does GOD. Salvation is not our works but GODS works in us.  We examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith or not.  Our minds are one with Jesus and his FATHER, they have made their home with us.  We are taught, empowered, guided, inspired and motivated by the FATHER.  For someone new to the faith it may take some time to realize this.  Jesus walked in his GODS love and this is how we walk with Jesus.  John 14:10 applies to us like it did to Jesus.   As Jesus was so are we on this Earth.  Love GOD, love Christ, love the brethren and love all other people, family, friends and strangers.  GODS love is the power, the key, the answer for this current world and when HIS saints willingly give themselves to HIM they will rule and reign with HIS son in the world to come.  The gift of GODS spirit was sown in perishable flesh but raised in imperishable spirit, sown in dishonor but raised in glory and sown in weakness but raised in power.  

In that tomorrow world we will be Elohim over the people that we serve as kings and priests and they may well be our unconverted loved ones of today. We need to be successful in our election for ourselves and for them.  Micah 4:1-5   John 10:34-36 Jesus was and is an Elohim and we are also Elohim Psalm 82:6   Hebrews 1:8  This is the future of GODS elect saints when in the kingdom of GOD.

OUR WORLDLY DUTIES BALANCED WITH OUR DUTY TO GOD AND CHRIST

 Luke 14:33  “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.”  

Some think this verse means that if you want to be a disciple of Jesus you must give away all your earthly possessions and follow Jesus, just as Jesus told the rich young ruler.  Matthew 19:21 “if you want to be perfect go sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.”  If Jesus asked you to do this you must then obey and do it.  Has Jesus asked you to do this ? 

In his encounter with the rich young ruler Jesus was making a point that being rich is a hindrance to the hope of salvation.  Matthew 19:23 “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”  The lesson to be learned is that we must never have anything in our lives that is more important than Jesus.  Jesus is not asking us to not love others or give up our earthly responsibility to our family but to place him first above all these things.  This is the same honor the FATHER has the right to demand of us.  “Love the Lord Your GOD”, we have no other God.  John 5:23 “that all may honor the son just as they honor the FATHER.”  We can live our lives with our families and friends to love and serve them but our highest love and service belongs to GOD and Christ.  In fact it is GOD and Christ who have made it possible for us to love and serve others.  The two greatest of all commandments, the FIRST is love toward GOD, the second is toward others.  If we love GOD and Jesus first then we are empowered by GOD with HIS love to love our friends, family and neighbors.  A major part in this love is to provide for our family and our neighbors the physical needs of this life within the limits of our ability.  I don’t think the FATHER or Jesus would ask us to do something that would go against the second of the two commandments but if GOD or Christ had some great reason or purpose for us to do I believe that somehow our families would still be taken care of in our absence.  When Jesus went into full time ministry I believe he made sure his mother was going to be cared for just as he did while dying on the cross by telling John, John 19:25-27 “behold your mother”  Even while serving his GOD and loving his GOD above all else Jesus still loved and cared for his mother. I believe his FATHER was pleased with that.  

So then, does Jesus ask you to become a pauper or to abandon your family and friends in order to serve and obey him ?  If Jesus did I believe your loved ones would yet have no lack. There have been prophets and Apostles that Jesus and the FATHER did ask to give their all for GODS great will and purpose.  The prophets before Jesus were killed by their own people as were many of the Apostles. These all had a very special role in GODS will in human salvation.  The members of GODS church were not called and chosen to suffer wrath but to obtain salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:9  Romans 5:9  1 Peter 1:3-5  “shielded by GODS power for salvation revealed in the last time”  shielded; to protect from harm and danger.  

There were certain men who were called into the church to serve in leadership as Apostles and to do this had to have a greater anointing of the Holy Spirit.  To whom much is given more is expected from them.  All but 1 of the 14 Apostles were as far as we know murdered, John being the only exception.  The prophets of old fell under the same category.  Today we have No Apostles, the gospel has been preached, it’s in the scriptures for all to read but requires the teaching of GODS spirit through Jesus to understand it.  The church today is not trying to fulfill the great commission but rather is in the process of having restored what was lost due to the great deception that began after Apostle John died.  The Elijah to come that Jesus said would RESTORE ALL THINGS, is at work in the 12 tribes scattered abroad and the saints are now learning the restored truths.  Matthew 17:11  Those saints are all called and chosen at different times and at different stages of spiritual growth.  This process has been ongoing since the close of the first century AD. 

The process will end just before the great tribulation begins with the sealing of all 144,000 of the elect saints.  The living and the dead saints all being sealed together but all not alive together.  There will only be a small remnant of the elect still alive and remaining when Jesus returns and only then will all the elect receive the promises.  There will be another  group called the Laodiceans who must be martyred during the tribulation who will also be in the first resurrection but are not part of the 144000 elect.  

So then, during the tribulation there will be an innumerable multitude that GOD and Christ will indeed require to give their lives, love not their lives unto death, because of their lack of total commitment to GOD and Christ prior to the tribulation.  

There have been certain people over all of time that have been required to give ALL for GOD and Christ but these are a minority compared to the total number that will be in the first resurrection.  

None of the saints today are Apostles or an ancient prophet although we all are new covenant prophets and prophetesses who are subject to the ancient prophets and the Apostles who were subject to GOD and Christ.  We have great respect and admiration for all these who gave their ALL for GOD and Christ but we have not been called and chosen for those offices but do greatly benefit from them.  We live to become like Christ, but we are not the messiah.  We are willing to obey GODS will in all things we have been chosen to do and that is love GOD and neighbor, work out our own salvation in fear and trembling, live in this world as shining lights to those in darkness and in patience wait for the kingdom to come.  

JUST WHAT ARE WE SAVED FROM

People say they have been saved from their sins. Just what is it that defines what sin is ?  By the law is the knowledge of sin, I would not have known what sin is except the law said, thou shalt not covet.  Do you see that what Jesus saves us from is the Ten Commandments. Jesus saves us from the old covenant, the Ten Commandments are the old covenant.  People say the Ten Commandments were only for the Jews and that Gentiles are not under the Ten Commandments, this is a lie.  All have sinned. This lie would mean the Gentiles couldn’t sin because their not under the law. There is none righteous no not one.  Most people will admit that keeping the Ten Commandments will not give salvation .  

Scripture says we are bought with a price, we are a purchased possession. This means a price had to be paid to purchase us out of the old covenant and into the new covenant.  That price was paid for by Jesus Christ.  Ignorant people think they need to keep the Ten Commandments when no one can.  They confuse scriptures by trying to mix the old and new covenants together.  The old covenant, the Ten Commandments, is a covenant of death, the Ten Commandments are the ministry of death engraved on stone.  There is no life in the Ten Commandments only death.  The people who say we must keep the Ten Commandments continue in death having no life in them at all.  The very thing that kills them they embrace when they should embrace Jesus Christ.  Law keepers deny what Christ did.  Jesus gave his life to buy us out of a covenant that kills us and provided a new covenant that gives us the hope of life rather than death.  Law keepers are dead in their sins and don’t even know it.  If you are not in Christ then you are still under the Ten Commandments, the schoolmaster, but when GOD draws you to Christ then your no longer condemned to death by the Ten Commandments.  The Ten Commandments commanded us to perform what we are unable to do because we have a defiled spirit, a sinful nature.  Once in Christ we undergo a transformation of nature, we partake of the divine nature that doesn’t need to be commanded to not sin but is sinless because it is our nature to be sinless.  GOD, by HIS spirit in us gives us HIS divine nature of love that is the opposite of our defiled human nature and this causes spiritual warfare in us because we must kill our old self to become the new man in Christ.  This will be a lifetime process that is completed in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

All of you who read this blog I do hope you will be given the eyes to see , to understand, what I have written here.  I can’t give you the understanding, I can’t teach you, GOD must do that.  

The Commandments true Christians keep are the two Jesus gave us, love GOD and neighbor, and GOD works in us to both will and do this. We have no works of our own, salvation is not by our works, we are GODS workmanship and we by our free will choice submit to this.  To be very clear about what we are saved from I write it again.

JESUS CHRIST SAVES US FROM THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, THE OLD COVENANT.

STUDY NOTES FOR LETTER OF JAMES

Verse 1.  James confirms he is a servant of GOD and Christ.  In his greeting he writes to the 12 tribes scattered abroad.  This opens up vistas of knowledge and understanding to GODS people.  The 12 tribes is the complete church from righteous Able to whoever is the last elect to be called and chosen.  Tie together Hebrews 11,  Romans 11 and Revelation 7 & 14.  

Verses 2-4 James says trials should be a joy.  It’s taking up our own cross.  Example, Acts 5:40-41 Matthew 5:11,12   1 Peter 4:12-16  

Verses 5-8. James wrote about wisdom and faith.

Verses 9-11   The rich and the poor each should humble themselves.  

Verses 12. The conclusion of verses 2-11

Verses 13-15  The true cause of sin is lust or coveting.  Jesus said the same.  Evil thinking is sin. Hebrews 4:12

Verses 19-27  Hearing and doing,  Matthew 7:24-27  Romans 2:13  James later in chapter 4:17 says not doing good is sin.  This is the Christian definition of sin.  Sin is whatever is not of GODS love.

CHAPTER 2

Verses 1-13  Warning about favoritism.  Then, verses 14-26  faith without works 

CHAPTER 3

Taming the tongue, wisdom from above 

CHAPTER 4  Warning about pride, drawing near to GOD, no boasting

CHAPTER 5   Warning to the rich, patience in suffering, prayer of faith, restoring a sinning brother 

THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH BUT THERE ARE SINS THAT DO NOT LEAD TO DEATH - HOW CAN THAT BE ?

Romans 6:23 says “the wages of sin is death”, 1 Corinthians 15:56 says, “the sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law”.  The Ten Commandments define sin for the carnal unconverted mind.  Everyone who thinks they need to keep the Ten Commandments will die because no one can keep them, all have sinned.  In order to escape this condemnation to death a person must be called and chosen by GOD and drawn by GOD to HIS son the messiah Jesus Christ.  This provides an escape from the laws just condemnation to death because grace provides forgiveness of sin where the Ten Commandments did not.  This is why John said, “there is sin not leading to death”.  1 John 2:1  explains that any true Christian that sins has “an advocate with the FATHER, Jesus Christ the righteous one”.  Baptism symbolizes the washing away of our sins we have committed up to our conversion but this forgiveness of sins will continue over our lifetime upon true and sincere repentance.  Romans 3:25   The saints, even though in Christ, can still sin but these sins are not to death like under the Ten Commandments but because of grace these sins are forgiven.  This is why John says, “he that says he has no sin is a liar and the truth is not in him” , 1 John 1:10  Even though we are saints of GOD we are not yet perfect but are growing towards perfection which is achieved when we enter the kingdom at the return of Jesus.  Philippians 1:6  It is sad that so many people think they need to keep the Ten Commandments, the very thing that Jesus gave his life for in order to save us from which is the just condemnation of the Ten Commandments.  If we are saved by forgiveness of our sins committed while under the law then why would we return to the law after we have been saved from it ?  True Christians have new commandments, the two Jesus gave us, love GOD and neighbor.  This love, this “agape”, is a gift from the spirit of GOD that empowers us to begin to conquer sin in our lives and develop the divine nature of GOD, a nature incapable of sin.  2 Peter 1:4  Yes we will truly be recreated to be in GODS image as Jesus was and Jesus is our example of this. The Ten Commandments could never do this but GOD did through Jesus.  Romans 8:3  Should we hate the Ten Commandments ?  No we should love GODS Ten Commandments because they were the schoolmaster that GOD used to draw us to Jesus, but once in Jesus they are no longer needed.  Galatians 3:24, 25  We saints actually fulfill the intent of the Ten Commandments which failed due to our fleshly weakness but we do this in the spirit not in the flesh.  We are in Genesis 2 and just as GOD had to recreate the Earth for man now HE recreates man for a new heavens and new Earth.  We are a new creation in Christ the second Adam, not of this creation, the church is the new Eve being pregnant with the future sons of GOD.  This new creation is what the ultimate goal and will of GOD has been in eternity.  Revelation 3:14  “the beginning of the creation of GOD” , is misunderstood by the carnal false churches to say that Jesus was the creator of Genesis 1 , but this verse is saying that GODS son Jesus is the beginning of Genesis II , the second Adam.  

There are many wonderful things for the saints to learn when they are taught by GOD through Jesus. 

INSANE THINKING

There have been stories in the news for quite some time now that if you seriously think about them you realize how insane many people seem to be.  Recently comments have been made by main stream news and political figures about the destruction of boats Carrying drugs by the U.S. military.  The insane idea is that if one missile is fired but the target has not been completely destroyed another missile cannot be fired because this is considered by the insane people as a war crime.  These insane people promise to bring charges against all those involved once they regain power in the federal government.  Now, if any of you have ever been in any type of combat situation and you shoot an enemy soldier once but he is not killed then by this way of thinking you should not fire again because that would be a war crime and you would be prosecuted for it.  Anyone thinking this way would be dead before the battle was over.  Civil war general William T. Sherman said, “war is hell” ,  he is right and if it were fought with this insane idea the war would be lost.  This is why the U.S. hasn’t won a war since World War Two.  This has been one reason why nations have been conquered or destroyed in history.

Another insane idea involves illegal immigration. To allow millions of illegal aliens to remain in a nation will destroy that nation from within.  This is exactly what is happening in the U.S. and European countries.  Many nations took in refugees from Islamic countries in large numbers and now are paying the price for it and the price will be high.  Anyone familiar with Islamic beliefs should know this.  No kind of people should ever be allowed in any nation that refuses to be assimilated into that nation’s culture.  The negative impact of this has been felt in any nation that has made this mistake.  

I am addressing the people of the world, not the people of GOD in this article.  If you do not correct your insane way of thinking soon your nation is doomed.  I do not think you will until it is to late.  This has been the way things always played out as recorded in the history books.  You are being led by people who are idiots and they will destroy you with their insanity, but hey, you voted them in didn’t you. This means you only have yourselves to blame.

The carnal world is in very bad shape and soon events are going to lead to catastrophe.  There is a huge price to pay for being stupid so get ready to pay it.  There is only one answer to all the world’s problems but they haven’t a clue about what it is.  

We, GODS  elect saints, know the answer.  We have made a commitment and have dedicated ourselves to it.  We will escape the horrible times ahead but we sigh and cry for all the abominations we see being committed in this world.  The saints take no pleasure in the pain, suffering and death that is coming upon the carnal world but they have no excuse, they have brought it upon themselves.  The saints also know that even for the carnal world there is hope, a hope they know nothing about.  This insane thinking will continue only for a time but the time will come when sanity will be restored.  That will be some day.

THE CONFUSION CHAOS AND EVIL OF POLITICS AND RELIGION

 I am aware that the U.S. has had times in the past where there has been civil unrest; the civil war, organized crime, the 1960’s and others but today we have for the first time a divided government in all three branches.  What we have witnessed over the last decade has been an escalation of outright violence and hatred by the democrats against the republicans.  It has reached a point of ridiculousness when the democrats blame the republicans for things that the democrats are actually guilty of.  The democrats have lost all credibility along with the mainstream media for the abundance of lies they have been telling. The scary thing is that they have no intention of stopping and that many follow them. It is as if they have lost their minds and are driven by hatred and devastated by the loss of power.  If something doesn’t change soon we may find ourselves in another civil war.  

I do my best to see both sides of any issue and reach my conclusions after careful consideration and analysis.  I am apolitical, not interested in being involved in politics, but I do keep myself informed.  An honest unbiased appraisal of the situation leads me to conclude that the democrat party has become unhinged.  There are also some republicans who are no better.  I see Satans claw prints all over this insanity within the government.  It is not just the Federal but also State and Local governments that have lost their minds.   

I have also observed that the constitution that defines the government contains no provisions for the current violence involving Illegal immigrants and antisemitism which is escalating because violent protestors are not punished.  There are governors and mayors of blue cities and states that no only refuse to cooperate but are breaking federal law by aiding and abetting the criminals.  Response to this by federal authorities is limited because the U.S. constitution ties their hands.  The federal district court judges appointed by Obama, Clinton and Biden have made rulings that are obviously partisan favoring the democratic left.  

When evil people are not quickly punished they will be emboldened to do even more evil.  Ecclesiastes 8:11  Isaiah 26:10   The people involved in all of this from both sides are carnal evil unconverted people, children of the devil.  They are all under the law, the Ten Commandments , and should be punished for their actions by death.  Under the Ten Commandments the wages of sin is death.  The government if they enforced the Ten Commandments should kill all these people but the nation’s constitution will not permit this.  The very laws of this nation that were to guarantee freedom will lead to slavery and slaughter.  This has happened to many other nations in history.  Every great nation of the past has fallen and the U.S. will too.  Eventually all nations will fall when Christ returns and conquers them to set up the kingdom of GOD.  As politics is confusion and chaos so is religion, both are controlled by Satan.  Satan is the father of lies, chaos and confusion.  This is exactly what history has recorded about both.  The only hope the world has, that they know nothing about, is the return of Jesus and his GODS kingdom here on Earth.  

WERE YOU TOLD THE WHOLE TRUTH ?

 

Were You Told the Whole Truth?

SRB 30 November 2025​

Christianity, as described in local churches, is free, painless, and a solution to all problems – costing nothing.

And that is totally inaccurate. The message is presented in scripture, but rarely does anyone pay attention to the whole message given in scripture. They have their proof-texts, and that is where the “search for truth” stops.

Yeshua, the Son of Yahweh, told his followers that there is a cost to be carried as a result of being a disciple.

Lk 14:25–27 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

When have any of us Westerners seen churches paying a price for their salvation? Are not all our local churches focusing all their attention on décor, sound and video systems, children’s playgrounds, and banquets – and tithes ?   They are marketing themselves for popularity instead. Don’t they appear to ensure that there is little cost for their tickets to heaven ? Are their seats filled with true disciples?

I imagine that if any local church was filled with believers who endure the cost of discipleship as described by Yeshua, their doors would close. That is why I believe that those who truly are disciples meet in small group assemblies away from local churches that would not accept them because of doctrinal conflict. (To be sure, a true disciple would not willingly attend the local church which does not speak only God’s truth.)

Speaking only of we who have modern day viewpoints - and a serious culture shift from that of the Jews 2000 years ago – are easily deceived by our preachers and teachers who provide the comfort that we, the people, want. We are gullible.

I think it is important at this point to admit that there are those who have benefited from the church community. Their social programs have helped people handle their problems in life. That is not the subject of this post.

1 John 5:13: write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have everlasting life.

We should consider all that was taught in the scriptures regarding salvation, everlasting life, and all the conditions attached to being one with the Father and with His Son. It will shake our confidence – and it should.  There is one word in English that we tend to skip over that needs to be large font and bold: “if.”

1 John 1:8–9: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 2:23–25: Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—everlasting life.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2: Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast—unless you believed in vain.

Colossians 1:21-23: And you, who once were estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard . . .

2 Peter 2:20-22: For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first . . . It has happened to them according to the true proverb, the dog turns back to his own vomit, and the sow is washed only to wallow in the mire.

Heb 10:26–27: For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries

AT this point, one should wonder just who is being addressed in those verses. After all, did not your church teach you “Once saved; always saved ?” There would be no “if” statements if that were true.

Phil 2:12–15: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world

Now this is the tough part of this message. What should we think about the “if statements’ and the admonition to “work out our salvation ?” These things appear very complex for those who came to Yeshua without being called by His Father. My opinion is that many, who call themselves “Christians,” fit into that category. They liked the message, enjoyed the security offered by their local church message and now have confidence in their everlasting destiny.

So, I hope to stir some thought here.

If these quotes from scripture are valid, should we not question ourselves according to those “if” words ? If we have been chosen by Yahweh to come to His Son Yeshua and have submitted to the life changing baptism in “Jesus’ name,” then we should truly have God’s spirit within. We don’t need anyone to tell us that we do. Yahweh’s spirit tells us that we do. God will change us over time.

Our understanding of scripture will eventually change. Some of our beliefs will change. We will not fit into the community of the local church any longer because we are no longer of that fold. We will hear the scriptures calling us – the shepherd’s voice.  John 10:27

And now the difficult part – you may not soon find another true disciple to bond with. There are not many in this world. Pray for one and wait. We are out there hoping to find you, too.

And that is when Luke 14:25–27 becomes real. Then, you will understand. Relationships will change and not necessarily because you chose it. You may find that the others will choose it for you, as you become unacceptable to them. That is the cost you can count. It is well worth it.

If you are reading this and wonder about your status with the Only True God, then seek Him with all your heart.

MY PERSONAL MESSAGE TO ALL OF GODS ELECT SAINTS AROUND THE WORLD

It has been about a month since I wrote this article.  I haven’t had even one response.  I find it difficult to believe that there are no others of GODS saints out there.  Whatever reason you may have must be a valid one.  This article will remain here on the blog if you change your mind.

 Soon it will be 15 years that this blog has been online.  In that time I have received very little feedback or response in the way of comments.  This blog is my effort to communicate with others who are GODS elect saints.  According to my blog statistics there are people reading the articles from over 20 nations but the vast majority never respond in any way.  I am at this time asking everyone in this world who reads this blog to please respond.  Just tap the word comment at the bottom of each article and follow the directions.  Many biblical subjects are written about on this blog but if there is any subject that you would like to explore please let me know.  This blog is an attempt to fellowship with GODS scattered elect saints that I know are out there among the nations.  Fellowship is very important because the same spirit of GOD works in all of us and by communicating electronically we can share with each other what GOD has taught us.  Scripture says that the bride of Christ must make herself ready but since we are so scattered the only way to do this is by the internet.  It has been in this manner that I have found two more of GODS elect and I hope to find even more.  I am well aware that we are all at different stages of spiritual growth and the goal is for us all to be in the unity of the faith and that those among us who have been in the faith longer than others can and will by fellowship  help all grown to the same level.  When reading the experiences of the first century Christians this was a common thing. Paul phrased it as the strong bearing the weak with the goal being for all to measure up to the stature and fullness of Christ.   Some of you may or may not know that of all the people that have ever existed from Adam until just before the great tribulation, only 144,000, will be called and chosen by GOD to be HIS elect saints.  This is the time of the barley harvest but the great harvest will be in the future in which we will be kings and priests and reign on Earth with Christ.  Considering this great calling and election we all have been given wouldn’t you want to reach out to your brothers and sisters who are scattered to the four winds ?  I do hope that all of you out there are healthy and happy and growing in the spirit, that you will consider commenting if only just to let me know that you are there. 

Thank you, Lee

A CHRISTIAN USING FORCE TO SHOW LOVE TO BOTH THE VICTIM AND THE PERPETRATOR

This is a question that has been debated among GODS elect saints.  There have been extremes in both directions as to how a true Christian should respond to the violence of an evil person.  Some have thought to take no action at all except praying for GOD to do something while others take action of some kind to help the victim.  

James 2:15,16,17   James is saying that if anyone has any kind of need it is a Christians obligation out of love to help, if they are able,  rather than do nothing or faith without love, which is GODS work in you, is dead if it is not applied in any or all circumstances.  Love is a verb , it requires action to be proven.  Just saying you love is cheap talk, it’s hearing but not doing.

John says the same thing in 1 John 3:17,18  

The scriptures say that GOD knows the thoughts and intents of our human spirits.   Hebrews 4:12 HE will know what your true motivations are and HIS judgment is based on this criteria.  If you use violence it must only be used when all other options are exhausted and your frame of mind must be love for both the victim and the perpetrator. Use only enough force needed to stop the violence you have encountered and then call the proper authorities to report the incident.  If you happen to take the life of the perpetrator this is not murder, it is killing, there is a huge difference between the two.  Murder is done with evil intent killing is not.  Even the 6th commandment in the law should be interpreted, “thou shalt not do murder”.  

How can we be showing GODS love in us if we see an evil person hurting someone but do nothing ?  Even if the victim is ourselves we have options.  Once I was involved in a situation where a man was threatening me with bodily harm.  The first thing I did was silently pray asking GOD what should I do.  I heard a voice in my mind say, “tell him to go back into his house and stay there”, and so I spoke those words then to my surprise he did just that.  I had often wondered what would have happened if this man had actually attacked me.  I believe that GOD in that event would have given me the strength and ability to overcome the man without causing any serious injury to him.  

At the return of Jesus the then glorified saints will meet him in the air and a two edged sword placed in their hands to inflict vengeance on the nations, to execute the judgment written against them and this honor is for all GODS saints.  Psalm 149  In the future we will be given a major role, an honor, to be used as weapons in HIS vengeance.  When GOD said, “vengeance is mine, I will repay” this is how HE does it.  We need to have patience now and not seek vengeance before the time appointed and in this current life, even in defense of self or others, never do so with hatred or vengeance in our heart.  

Regardless of the specifics of any violent incident we must always call upon GOD for help. Never get yourself into something or anything alone, have GOD go with you.  Cast all your cares and needs upon HIM because HE cares for you.

Our prayers to GOD should include our sincere desire to never be in a situation where we would have to use violence but if it did happen that GOD would give us the victory.  Even Jesus used a whip to drive the money changers out of the temple showing that he used violence to promote good.  Abraham, Moses, king David and Elijah literally killed people as scriptures show but were never condemned for it by GOD.  There was one incident where king David murdered Uriah the Hittite and this was indeed a sin and when confronted with his sin repented. Psalm 51 is an account of David’s repentance.

This sort of issue is one requiring deep spiritual understanding but even if you happen to make a mistake and sin we yet have the ability to repent and be forgiven.  Taking a life is a very serious thing because you take everything away that a person is, good or evil.  This also has the potential to cause within us severe depression for quite some time but GOD will help us through this.

Just as for myself I pray for all of GODS elect saints that they never are faced with this situation but if they are GOD will be with them. 

JOHN 14:23 GOD AND JESUS MAKE THEIR HOME WITH US

John 17:3  1 John 3:24  1 John 4:12,13   In John 17:21KJV “that they all MAY be one as you FATHER are in me and I in YOU that they also MAY be one in us.” 

John 17:23 “I in them and YOU in me that they MAY be made perfect in one”

The FATHER and Christ dwell in the elect saints.  They make their home with us.  Then just as the FATHER dwelt in Christ and did all the works, the healings, the raising of the dead, calming the storm and walking on water and everything else that people saw Jesus do were actually done by the FATHER.  Even all the words Jesus spoke were his FATHERS words.  This same thing is now done in the elect saints because GOD and Christ dwell in us.  Now, “that they MAY be one as we are one”, the word “may” indicates a condition to becoming “ONE”.  Salvation requires that the elect submit to GOD and Christ and not quench or grieve the working of GODS spirit in us to do the works of GODS love.  This is related to the parable of the talents.  If we do not love we will not be yielding to the spirit and have buried our talent, the gift of the spirit in us.  If we submit to the spirit so that GODS work of love flows through us then we gain more talents, we grow in the spirit, we do not quench or grieve the spirit. GOD invested HIS spirit in us at the cost of HIS sons life and HE expects a return on HIS investment.  There is no excuse for not growing in the spirit because GOD will do all the works in you if you cooperate with HIM.  Noncooperation is a bad thing, cooperation is a good thing.  Do the good thing.  Never allow yourself to become luke warm like the Laodiceans.  GOD will, out of the blue, place you in a situation where you can apply HIS love to your neighbor and when this happens respond with that love.  You cannot plan these events, GOD does, and in this it is known that the works were not your own works but GODS works.  You can’t plan for something that you have no idea is coming.  It seems that in the minds of the unconverted in their churches, that they do the work of planning of things and thinking their works please GOD but they can’t because it was their works not GODS.  

When the FATHER and Christ dwell in you GOD has planned out the works,  Ephesians 2:10  notice, GOD prepared good works IN ADVANCE for us to do, so if GOD planned the works in advance how are we to know them until they come upon by surprise.  Christ and his FATHER desire to make us one with them, the “may” then is conditional upon us yielding to GOD. 

For myself and all of GODS elect I pray that the word “may” will be “make” in the day of Christ Jesus.  GOD, who began this work of HIS love in us is able to complete it at the return of Jesus.   Philippians 1:6  because, Philippians 2:13  Our part in all of this is to respond to GODS love by loving HIM back and submitting to HIS will, if we do this our calling and election will be sure.

 

ARE YOU IN THE TRUE CHURCH OF GOD ?

Did you know that in the United States there are over 200 churches all claiming to be Christian but with a variety of teachings ?  Did you know that worldwide there are over 45000 different churches all claiming to be Christian ?   How in the world would you ever find out which one is the true church ?  According to the scriptures there is only one body of Christ,  Ephesians 4:4  then how do we explain over 45200 different bodies ?  If you decided to spend just one day on each of these churches to study their teachings to determine which one was the true church it would take you about 125 years to complete your investigation.  You wouldn’t live long enough to finish.  You would never be able to identify the true church without examining them all, would you ?

So, the church you happen to be in now, did you choose to join it ?  If you did then I can guarantee you that you that you are not in the true church.  This is because GOD alone adds to HIS church such as should be saved.  Acts 2:47 (last sentence) you see GOD must put you in HIS church, you can’t join it.  It’s as many as the Lord our GOD shall call. Acts 2:39   However, many may be called but few are chosen, Matthew 22:14. You, just like the original disciples, must be chosen because you cannot choose Jesus, he must choose you.  John 15:16  When GOD and Christ choose you the rest of the unconverted world will hate you. John 15:19  Why ?  Because you will know the truth when they can’t even understand it.  You will have a confidence and boldness that the world will think is arrogance, conceit, haughtiness or hubris and falsely accuse you of being of the Devil.  You would no longer fit into this world because Christ did not fit either. John 8:23  You would be just like Jesus in this way,  John 17:14,15,16  Do you understand what Jesus is saying ?  The one and only true church of the living GOD is composed of both former Jews and Gentiles that have been called and chosen by GOD ALMIGHTY and by GODS spirit through HIS son will convert you, give you HIS Holy Spirit and teach you HIS truth.  Jesus said this very thing.  John 6:43,44,45  John 14:26   John 16:13   John 15:26  so did Paul, 1 Corinthians 2:10,11,12,13  and  1 John 2:27  and 1 Peter 1:12

I have given here absolute proof of what I am saying by the scriptures.  It should be obvious to any who is understanding that your current church, your current pastor or minister is a fraud.  Oh yes, they know some buzz words, they call Jesus Lord, Lord, have done many wonderful things in his name and they claim to be men of GOD but are wolves in sheep’s clothing, dark agents of Satan masquerading as ministers of light.  2 Corinthians 11:14,15    They lie to you then charge you for it and you have been paying them !  GODS truth is free because GOD paid the price for it with HIS sons life. 

If you are offended by what I have written here that is the normal and expected response from the unconverted mind.  If you have been enabled by GOD to begin to see the things I have shared with you then there may be hope for you if you continue to diligently seek GOD for the truth and not from men.  

Yes indeed, there is a true church of GOD but spiritually it is not of this world therefore all the churches of this world are not that one true church.  

My brother in the one true faith has an article below this one in which he explains to you the very things I have covered in this article.  He has a different method of delivery than I do but that doesn’t make his words any less powerful.  I encourage all readers to carefully read both articles in the spirit of the Bereans , with an open mind and check out the scriptures we have supplied.