Christians should accept each another just as Christ accepted us (Rom 15:7). Yet we are also commanded not to yoke ourselves with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14) or those with defiant sin (1 Cor 5:11,13 and 2 Tim 3:1-5). How do we determine with which groups we can share Christian fellowship? We can be arbitrary about this, or else we can try to use Biblical methods. Which way do you and your group use as a test for fellowship?

1. If they love (a) Jesus and claim to follow the Bible. As 2 Cor 11:4 and Matt 24:24 show, its not enough to love a Jesus; you have to love the real Jesus. Of course many claim to follow the Bible: This would be an OK test if people never deceived others or themselves. Even David Koresh claimed to follow the Bible....

2. If they really follow the Bible. This is an excellent test the Bereans used in Acts 17:11. This is the most sure method, but do you sit down with other Christians and go through every key verse of Scripture?

Since these simplistic methods have difficulties, some just give up obeying God in this area. However, God was serious when He gave us Rom 15:7 and 2 Cor 6:14.

3. If they share a common creed: A creed outlines beliefs, and as long as the creed is based on the Bible, clear enough, and detailed enough, this method is OK. A problem can arise though; does this mean your faith is based on the creed or based on the Bible? If the creed is imperfect, do you follow the creed or follow the Bible? If the creed misses an important point, is it OK to believe wrong on that point?

4. If they share a common confession: A confession does not define our faith, it is merely a fallible expression of the Scripture that defines our faith. It potentially still has the shortcomings of being in error, unclear, not being detailed enough and skipping primary doctrines, and being filled with extra-Biblical opinions. We hope and pray this confession will avoid those shortcomings.

So if the Bible is your only Cor eed, you can still have a confession. This confession is a non-authoritative, non-binding fallible, means of rapidly communicating to others the many beliefs, experiences, and practices you have.

Statements of claimed truth may be Scriptural, anti-Scriptural, or extra-Scriptural. The Bible repudiates anti-Scriptural statements. Extra-Scriptural statements are neither proven or disproven by the Bible, and they may be true, false, or a mixture. Christians not only disagree on what is true and false, they often fail to distinguish between what is Scriptural and what is extra-Scriptural, i.e. Scripture's words vs. their interpretation. In 1 Cor 15:1-3 Paul talks of some primary things; other matters are only of secondary importance. In Romans 14:1 Paul also talks of disputable matters of little importance. Two problems are that some think primary matters are only of secondary and trivial importance, and others think secondary and trivial matters are of primary importance.

Seeing a need for true Christians to visibly show their unity, the criteria of this confession was chosen with great care and after much prayer. Only beliefs that can be proven from Scripture are used; other beliefs held in common by most Christians but not demonstrably proven by Scripture are not included and probably not essential. On the other hand, we have tried to include as many Scripture-proved beliefs as we could, whether they be of essential or only of secondary importance.

This confession has three parts: Believing God’s Word, Experiencing Life in the Spirit, and Obeying God’s Commands. Regular print verses prove the statement. Italicized verses show the statement by example. Tilde "~" verses support but do not prove. The length of this confession indicates how many beliefs true Christians hold in common. This itself is a demonstration that although there are many assemblies and groups of Christians, there is only one Christian Church: His church, or which all true Christians are members.

Christians who agree with this confession do not necessarily agree it encompasses all they believe to be important, nor that its wording is exactly as they would have chosen. The do agree with all of the confession's contents, they agree that the essential beliefs required to be a Christian are within the confession, and they agree they accept others, per Romans 15:7, who believe, experience, and obey the Scriptural truths outlined in this confession.

As of July, 1994, the following groups at the University of Texas at Austin endorsed pages 2 through 4 as an expression of the Christian faith.

Austin Chinese Campus Christian Fellowship

Chinese Bible Study

International Student Friendship Ministries - UT

Longhorn Life Campus Mission

Navigators - UT

God knows all; the end from the beginning, & who the elect were before any were born. 1 Jn 3:20; Isa 46:10; Ps 139:16; ~Acts 13:48; Rom 9:10-23; 8:29; Eph1:4; ~Pr5:21; 15:3

God fills the heavens yet also has a local presence on His throne. Jer 23:24; Isa 6; Rev 4-5

God is Almighty. Rv1:8; Jer 32:17,26, but He cannot be contrary to His nature (lie, sin, be tempted by evil). He doesn't do what He chooses not to do.Heb 6:18; Jms1:13

We don’t know all about infinite God, but we proclaim what He has revealed.Ec3: 11; 11:5; Dt29:29; Rom 10:14-5; 11:33-4; 15:14; 1 Cor 2:9-16; Job 38-42:6; Eph 1:9; 1 Jn 5:20; Mt 28:20

God has a holy name, Yahweh, also rendered Jehovah. Ex3:14; Dt5:6; 6:4-5; Jn 8:58

The Living God is spirit & unchangeable in essence, character, & knowledge. Heb 9:14; Jms1:17; Ml3:6; Jn 4:24; 1 Tim4:10. Jesus never changes. Heb 13:8; 1:12; ~7:3

God does not change His mind & He is sovereign. God's decrees certainly happen. Nu23:19; 1 Sam15:29; Ezk 33:12-20; Jer 26:13. He is the King of Kings. 1 Tim1:17; 6:15

God is in general the King of the universe and in particular the King of His People.

We have freedom to do many things outside of God's desired will. Ezk 8; Mt 23:37-39

God is responsive; His revealed will, actions, feelings, & love toward people may change when their will & actions change. Eze33:12-20; Gn20:3-7,22; Acts 27:10,24; Jonah 3:4,10

God is love. 1 Jn 4:7-10. He hates sin. Jer 12:8; Rom 11:22 & becomes angry. Jer 30:24; Re14:19-20

Even God's wrath brings Him praise. Ps76:10; Ex9:16; ~10:1-2; 14-15; Jg5; Rom 9:17~Ex10:1-2

God does not delight in the death of the wicked, but rather desires that they turn from their wickedness & live. Ezk 18:23,32; 33:11; 2 Pet3:9; 1 Tim2:4-5; Mt 18:14

He has compassion, mercy, & is generous. Jms5:12; 2 Cor 1:3-9; Ps91:4; Ezk 20:44; Mt 20

God is good.Jms1:16-17; Mk 10:18; 1 Pet2:3& trustworthy.Pr30:5-6; Jn 17:17; 1 Sam15:29

To say God tells lies is a serious sin. Heb 6:18, 1 Jn 1:4; 5:10; Nu23:19; Tt1:2

There is & forever will be only One inseparable True God, existing in Three distinct persons: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. Jms2:19; Joe2:27; Jn 5:9; 17:3; Ps83:18

One God. There is none in the universe before, after, or besides Yahweh. Dt4:35-9; 6:4; 2Sm7:22; Mk 12:29-33; Isa 43:10-2; 44:6-8,24; 45:5-14; 46:9; 1 Tim1:17; 6:15-6

Inseparable. Mt 28:19; Jn 10:27-30; 12:44-6; 14:9-11; 23; 15:26; 16:15; 17:10; Rom 8:9-11

Distinct. Mt 3:6-17; Mk 1:10-11; Lk 3:21-22; Jn 14:31; 15:26; 16:28; Acts 5:31-32

The Father is God. 1 Pet1:3; Tt1:4; Eph 1:3; 3:14; 4:6; 5:20; Php 2:11; Jn 8:54; Phm 3; 1 Th 1:3

Son is God. Heb 1:8-9; Jn 1:1,18; 20:28; Hos 1:7; Isa 7:14; 1 Jn 5:11,12,21; Co2:9; Mt 1:23

Spirit is God. Rom 8:9-16; Lk 1:35; 1 Jn 4:12,13,15-16; 1 Cor 3:16+6:19; Acts 5:3-4

Co-equal in nature/essence like a father & son. Co2:9-10; ~1:19; Php2:6-7

Differ in role/rank like a father & son. 1 Cor 11:3; 15:28; Mt 12:18; Eph1:17; Jn 14:28

The Father is (even now) Jesus' God. Jn 20:17; 1 Cor 11:3; 2 Cor 1:3; Rom 15:6; Eph1:3; Heb 1:9; 1 Pet1:3; Re1:6; 3:2,12. All must honor the Son just as the Father. Jn 5:18,23

The NT says some OT commands have been fulfilled and are not to be done.(eating pork, sacrifices, etc.) Acts 10:9-16; 15:1,5-29; Mk 7:19; Gal 5:2-4; Heb 9:9-10; 10:18; Ps 119:74,81,89, 92,105

The entire Bible is authoritative, trustworthy, primary, complete. Pr 30:5-6; 2 Tim 3:16

Every word in the 66 books is true in all it affirms, & all scripture is uniquely God -breathed. This includes all Gen, Ps & Rev. 2Sa22:31; Ps33:4; 119:151; Pr30:5-6

The Apocrypha has errors (Nebuchadnezzar in Judith not an Assyrian king, etc.)

We should interpret the Bible the way God meant the words to be understood. Don't twist, trivialize, or ignore any of it. 2 Pet3:16; Mk 7:13; Jn 8:37; 12:48-50; 14:23; ~Acts 13:48; ~Col3:16; Ps56:10; 119:16. It's most precious to us. Ps119:72,97,105,120

Don't add to or go beyond God's Word. Pr 30:5-6; 1 Cor 4:6-7; Dt 4:2; Rev 22:18; Ecc 12:12

God's Word is true in its original manuscripts; truth is not contradictory, but it may be imprecise (i.e. Mt 28:1; Mk 16:1; Lk 24:1& Jn 20:1, Ezr2; Neh7). The NT. has the exact substance of Jesus' teaching, not exact words.Mt 22:37; 13:22; Mk 12:30; 4:19

God allowed some transmittal errors, but His Word stands forever. Isa 59:21; 40:8; Ps 119:89. His Word is preserved infallibly (without significant error) up thru today. Isa 55:11; 1 Pet 1:23-5; Ps 119:89,91,144,160. Our hope is in it.Ps119:74,81

We're saved by Jesus, not by studying scripture. Jn 5:39-40; Ja1:22-5; 1 Cor 13:2; Lk 11 : 52

Some feelings in Ps35:5-8; 42:11a; 7:8; 69:22-28; 109; 137:9 show we should pray what's on our hearts; Christians are to love their enemies. Mt 5:43-8; Lk 6:27-35

Genesis is a pre-scientific, yet trustworthy & true, account of Cor eation.Pr30:5-6.etc.

God took six of His days to create everything. Gn1,2 Pet3:8; Ps90:4; Ex20:11; 31:17

God created (not organized) all things.Gn1; Eph3:9; Heb 11:3; 2 Pet 3:5-8; Isa 45; Re10:6

All was made & is held together through Jesus. Jn 1:3,10; Heb 2:10; Co1:16-17;

Cor eation (man included) was originally good/delightful. Gn1-2; ~Rom 5:17-8; Pr8:30

Every human today, of all races, descended from Adam & Eve. Acts 17:26-8; Gn3:20

Cherubim, angels, Satan, demons are real, powerful, living beings the Father created through Christ to do His will.Co1:16; Heb 1:6-7,14; Ps104:4; 103:20; ~Ezk10:4; 41:18

Angels existed before the earth's creation. Job38:7. We shall judge angels. 1 Cor 6:3

Heavenly angels do not marry Mt 22:30; Lk 20:34-36; they can kill.Ps78:49; Nu22:33

Satan was originally a good guardian cherub; then he had sin & was cast out. Eze28:12-17; Isa 14:12-15. Satan is the father of lies. Jn 8:44; Re12:9; ~Acts 5:3

Satan is a being who stalks & schemes. Jb1:9-11; 2:4; Mt 44:1-11; Lk 4:1-13; 2 Cor 2:11

Satan & demons can't disobey God's decrees. Mt 12:27-9; Lk 4:34; 10:17-20; Jn 10:29

Some demons are currently bound. Jde6. Satan prowls looking to devour. 1 Pet5:8

Demon possession occurs. Mt 8:28-33; 9:32-33; 10:8; 12:28; 17:18; Mk 5:1-18; 9:14-27; Lk 9:37-43

Real demonic miracles/fortune-telling occur. Mt 24:24; Rv3:12-5; Acts 16:16-9; 2 Th2:9

We have a body, soul, & spirit. 1 Th5:23; Heb 4:12; Mt 10:28; 26:41; Mk 14:38; Isa 10:18

All without Jesus remain as objects of God's wrath.Rom 2:5-6; John 3:36; 5:9; 9:22; Eph2:3; 1 Th1:10; Jn 3:36

He has given value & sanctity to human life. Gn1-2; 9:6; Jms1:18; Ps8:4-8; Ps144:3

We're created to glorify.Isa 43:7; 62:3, live with God. 2 Cor 5:4-5,do good works.Eph2:10

Mortal life is fleeting. 1 Pet1:18,24-25; Ja1:11; 4:14; Isa 40:6-8,23-24; Ps39:4-6; 89:47-8; 119:3-4

The heart is deceitful beyond (our) cure. Jer 17:9; Pr16:25; it can be made wise. Pr23:12-5

Worldly wisdom is foolishness to God. 1 Cor 1:18-30; 2:14.; Mt 11:25-26; Col2:8; 1 Tim6:20-21; Rom 1:21-22

God cursed nature & humanity, bringing death to us. Gn3:17; 5:29; Rom 5:15-18,7-8

All sins are evil, but some are worse than others.Jn 19:11; Mt 10:15; Eze8:6,13,15; 16 :52; ; 11:21-24 Mark 3:28-29; 1 Jn 5:16-171 Jn 5:16-17. Defiant sin is worse than unintentional sin. Nu15:27,30; ~Rom 5:13

There's unforgivable sin & sin that leads to death. 1 Jn 5:16-17; Mt 12:31-32; Lk 12:10; Mk 3:29

God can totally change people's hearts & opinions. Ex3:21,12:36; Pr21:1; Jer 24:7

People can harden their hearts. Ex8:15,32; 9:17,34; Pr28:14; Rom 1:18-20; Heb 3:12-15; Zc7:12

God may further harden hearts. Ex4:21; 9:12; 10:1,20,27; 11:10; 14:4,8,17; Jms11:20; Rom 9:18

People make choices worthy of God's just judgment. Gn3:13-17; Mt 23:37; Rom 1:32

Jesus is the one & only: way to God, One who saves, mediates & redeems. Jn 8:24; 10:7-8,14-16; 14:6; 6:45; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim2:5; 2 Cor 11:1-5; Ga1:6-9; 1 Jn 5:12

Even sincere sacrifices to idols are for demons & not for God. 1 Cor 10:19-21; Dt32:17

; Ps135:18

God is just & fair to those who have not heard the Gospel. Rom 2:2,6-16; 5:13

God overlooked some past ignorance, but all must repent.Acts 3:19; 10:35; 17:30; 20:21; Rom 5:13

Sin exists, but is not taken into account when there is no law. Rom 5:13; 4:15; 3:20

It is better not to know the truth then to know & turn away. Jn 15:22-24; 2 Pet2:20-22

Only together with us are OT saints perfected. Heb 11:39-40; ~1 Pet1:10-12; Mt 13:17

Jews as well as non-Jews must repent/believe in Jesus.Acts 3:19; 20:21; Mt 23:29-33; Jn 8:24; 10:7-8,14-16

The law was to make us conscious of sin Rom 3:20 & lead us to Christ. Gal 3:23

Law was so that transgression might be shown until Jesus came. Rom 5:20; Ga3:19

Law not made for good men but for lawbreakers & sinners. 1 Tim1:9-10; Rom 2:12

Law could not give justification, righteousness, life, or perfection. Ga2:16,21; 3:11, 21; Php3:9; Heb 7:19; Rom 3:20; ~Acts 15:1-2. Christ was born under the law. Gal 4:4

Believers who try to be justified by law are fallen away from grace. Gal 5:4; ~Eph2:8

We receive the Spirit by believing, not by observing the law.Ga 3:2,12; Rom 10:11-14

NT believers uphold, not nullify the law. Love fulfills the law. Rom 3:31; 13:12

God has made many covenants. Gn9,15,17:2-14; 28:13-15; Ps105:8; Jer 35:18-19

Two are important enough to be called the 1st & 2nd. Heb 8:7,13; 9:15,18; 10:9; 13:20

The 2nd & better covenant may be called the eternal covenant. Heb 10:9; 13:20

The law is a shadow, not the reality, of the coming good things. Heb 8:5,13; 10:1

The law required sacrifices & offerings Heb 10:8. Christ was born under law Ga4:4.

The New Covenant was prophesied in the OT. Heb 8:8-12; Jer31:31-34; Joel 2:28-32

Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant. Heb 9:15; 12:24. It is superior. Heb 8:6

Jesus is not just God's son, but God's one & only begotten Son. Jn 3:16,18; 1 Jn 4:9

Jesus was and still is 100% God & man in one person.Php2:5-8; Rom 9:5; Heb 1:9; 2:17 -8; 4:15; 1 Cor 15:21. The Father is in Him yet didn’t become Him.Jn 14:10-26; 15:1

He never sinned. He submitted, was tested, suffered, tempted, & learned obedience. 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 2:10,18; 4:15; 5:7-9; 9:26; 12:2; Rom 1:3-4; 5:15-19; Jn 8:46; 12:49; Php2:8; 1 Pet1:19

He is the image of God. 2 Cor 4:4; Co1:15; 2:9. We see the Father thru Him.Jn 14:7-10

Jesus was anointed, filled, led, & empowered by the Holy Spirit. Lk 4:1,18; Acts 10:38

He is the firstborn of all believers, both as to precedence & as the first man resur-rected in glory. ~Ps89:27; Rom 8:29; Col1:15,18; Heb 1:6; 12:23; Rev 1:5; ~1 Cor 15:20-23

This same Jesus was physically resurrected and will physically, visibly, & personal-ly come again in power & glory. Mt 24:27-30; Jn 2:19-21; 20:26-7; Acts 1:9-11; Rev 1

The Lamb of God.Jn 1:29; 1 Pet1:19 came to serve, give His life as a ransom Mt 20:28, to reveal God, to taste death for all, to destroy Satan's work 1 Jn 3:8, give abundant life Jn 10:10, save sinners 1 Tim1:15, save the world Jn 3:17, be a sin offering Rom 8:3, reconcile.Eph2:13-18 thru His blood on the cross. Jn 1:29; Heb 10:19

testify to the truth Jn 18:37; atoning sacrifice 1 Jn 3:8; 4:10

Jesus purifies us from ALL unrighteousness 1 Jn 1:9, saving completely, not just spiritually, by the sacrifice of His body& blood. Heb 7:25; 10:14-20; Php 3:21; Rom 8:32

After completing His mission, Jesus ascended to heaven & is now at the right hand of God. Acts 2:33; 7:55-6; Col3:1; Heb 1:13; 1 Pet3:22; Ps110:1; Mt 22:44; 26:64

Christ tasted death for everyone (not angels though Heb 2:16). He is the Savior & ransom for all 1 Jn 2:2; Heb 2:9; 1 Tim 2:6. On the other hand, He saved & ransomed only the called. Heb 9:15,28; Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45; 1 Tim4:10

Mary needed a Savior too, & Jesus was Mary's savior. Lk 1:47

We call Mary blessed because she bore our Lord. Lk 1:42-48 Some overemphasize her blessedness.Lk 11:27-28. Mary was a virgin until after Jesus was born. Mt 1:25; Lk 1:34; 2:7. Scripture never said anything else extraordinary about Mary.

Jesus grew up with 4 called His brothers & some sisters. Mk 6:3; Mt 13:55-6; Lk 8:19

Never forget we were bought at a price, Jesus' blood. 1 Cor 6:20; 7:23; 2 Pet2:1; Acts 20:28

We must believe & confess that Jesus is Lord to be saved. Rom 10:9-13; 1 Pet1:23

We must call on the Lord to be saved. Acts 2:21; 22:16; Joe2:32; 1 Cor 1:2; Zp3:9

It is a gift of grace, not earned by works. No merit on our part can save us.Eph2:8-9; 2 Tim1:9; Tt3:5; Acts 26:20; Rom 3:23-24; 4:5; 6:14-15; 9:32; 11:5-6; Ga3:2,3,10-14

Real faith bears fruit, because faith without works is dead. Jms2:14-26; ~1 Jn 3:17-19

All true believers work to obey God & express love for God & people. 1 Jn 3:14-15

Believers can be confident of their eternal life. 1 Jn 4:17; 5:11-19; 3:24; 4:13; Eph 3:12

God not only saves us, He also seals & preserves us. Eph 1:13-14; Jude 24; 1 Tim 1:14

Believers must be diligent to the very end in order to make their hope sure. Heb 6:11

Some can have a false assurance of salvation Jer 17:10, even if they:

· Have the form of godliness; know the scriptures. 2 Tim3:5; Jn 5:39-47

· Believe (in an intellectual, not a saving sense), are baptized. Acts 8:13,20; Jms2:19

· At least themselves believed they prophesied in Jesus' name, drove out demons, & performed many mighty miracles. Mt 7:21-23; 2 Th2:9-10

· Once escaped the world's corruption by knowing our Lord & Savior.2 Pet2:17-22

The Holy Spirit was sent from heaven 1 Pet1:14 asked for by Jesus Jn 14:16, given & sent in Jesus' name by the Father Jn 14:16,26. The Holy Spirit goes out from the Father Jn 15:26, sent by Jesus from the Father Jn 15:26; 16:7.

The H.S. can pray, be grieved, & know the innermost thoughts of God Eph 4:30; Isa 63:10; 1 Cor 2:10-11. Eph 4:30

God's power is working today. Mt 28:20; 2 Tim3:5

Christ baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, who is alive with mind, feelings, & will. He indwells believers that we may live a holy life. 2 Tim1:9,14; Rom 8:9-17; Gal 4:6-7

The Holy Spirit seals believers until the day of redemption. Eph1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Cor 5:5

All believers have the Holy Spirit; those who do not are not God's. Rom 8:9-17

God commands us to be filled with the Spirit. Eph5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8,31; 9:17

Unbelievers can resist the H.S Acts 7:51. One can receive God's grace in vain. 2 Cor 6:1

All who have a saving faith have eternal life, are glorified, belong to Christ, will be with Jesus, & are Sons of God.Jn 3:16; Rom 8:29-30; 9-10; Acts 13:46-48; Gal 3:7,26-29

All those in Jesus, not just some, are born again of God. Jn 3:3,5; 1 Jn 5:1,5

All male & female believers are Christ's body, His bride, sons of God. Ga3:26-29

We are new creations in Christ; we are born again. Jn 1:13; 3:3-8; Rom 6:4; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 4:29; 6:15; Col 3:9-10; Eph 4:22-24; 1 Pet 1:23; 2:2; 1 Jn 2:29; 3:8-9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18

Don't bypass but renew your mind.Rom 12:2; 8:6-7; 1 Pet1:13; Php4:7; Heb 8:10; Mk 12:30

We are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices; our bodies are God's Temples & collectively His Temple. Rom 2:1; 1 Cor 6:19; 3:16-17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:21-22; Rev 3:12

We're creatures, not the Cor eator; we're not to be worshipped. Rom 1:23-5; Acts 14:11-8

We are no longer under God's wrath Rom 2:5-11; 5:9-10; 9:22-23; Eph 2:3; 1 Th 1:10; 5:9. God still disciplines His children. Heb 12:5-10; Dt8:5; Ps 39:10-11; 1 Cor 11:32; Rev 3:19

Both believers' kids & unbelieving spouses are in some way sanctified. 1 Cor 7:14

All true believers together are Christ's body on Earth, the Church. 1 Cor 12; Eph 4:16

The Church is founded on the apostles & prophets of the Bible, with Jesus as the only cornerstone. Eph 2:19-22; 1 Pet 2:6-8; Mk 12:10-11; 1 Cor 3:11; ~Mt 16:16-19

Religion as in Mt 15:3-9; Mk 7:6-12 can be bad. Religion as in Jms 1:27 can be good.

Even good church leaders can be wrong & need rebuke. Gal 2:11-16; Acts 15:7

OT said both godly & evil went to the grave/Sheol/Hades. Ezek 32; Ps 55:15; Ps 49:14-5

OT said dead knew nothing; didn't praise God. Ps 6:5; 115:17; Ecc 9:5-6,10; Isa 38:18

For a believer, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Cor 5:6-8; Php 1:21-23; Rev 6:9-11; Lk 23:43; Acts 7:59. Believers exist after death.Lk 20:38

All die once & then are judged; reincarnation's false. Heb 9:27-8; ~2 Sam 12:23; Jb20:21

There is no 2nd chance after death. Heb 9:27. All, even Jews, who reject Jesus will die in their sins. Jn 8:24; 12:47-48; 6:45; Acts 3:23; 13:45-46+48; 20:21; Rom 9:1-2; 10:1; 11:23

Rapture, tribulation, & Armageddon occur, in some order. Rev 16:16; 20; Mt 24:39-44

The will be one Antichrist, & already many lesser antichrists. 1 Jn 2:18,22:4:3; 2 Jn 7

The Sea Beast will have power to war against & conquer the saints. Rev 13:7

Believers' resurrection & Jesus' return has not happened as of today.~2 Tim 2:17-18

We've varying heavenly rewards.Mt 5:12; 10:42; 6:19-21; Lk 6:23; 1 Cor 3:12-5; Rev 22:12

The lost have varying severity of judgment.Mt 10:15; 11:22-24; Mk 12:40; Lk 12:47-48

Martyrs who refused beast worship reign with Christ for a 1,000 years. Rev 20:4-6

The rest of the dead are resurrected after the 1,000 years. Rev 20:5

All appear before the judgment seat of Christ. 2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:12; 1 Cor 3:5

The full consummation of God’s kingdom awaits the future return of Jesus.Rev 20:1-8

Our life in heaven is eternal & imperishable. Lk 20:35-36; Jn 3:16; 1 Pet 1:23; Ps 41:12

People after death do not turn into angels. Heb 2:5+2:16; ~1 Cor 6:3

Our bodies will be like Jesus' glorified body. 2 Cor 3:18; Php 3:20-1; 1 Jn 3:2-3; 1 Cor 15:49

Saints will reign with Christ on Christ's throne. Eph2:6-7; Rev 3:21; also Rev 20:4-6.

God restores youth.Ps110:3. In heaven we will not be married.Mt 22:30; Lk 20:34-36

There will be a new heaven, earth, & Jerusalem.Rev 21-22; 2 Pet 3:10,13; Isa 65:17; 66:22; Eze 47:1-12

God's Judgment is final & the Lake of Fire is eternal. Rev 20:10 (Mt 25:46); 2 Th 1:9; Heb 6:2; Jude 7

Non-believers have painful consciousness after death. Rev 20:10; Lk 12:5; 13:28; 16; Ezek 32:31-32; Mt 3:12; 5:21; 13:42,50; 22:13; 25:41; Isa 50:11

Non-believers will perish.Lk 13:3,5; Jn 3:16; 2 Th2:9, be no more on earth. Ps104:35; Dt29:20, be destroyed. 2 Th 1:9; 2 Pet 3:16; Mt 10:28; 1 Cor 3:17; Php 1:28; Jms4:12; Re11:18

Destruction does not mean non-existence; Satan, beast, & false prophet will suffer forever in the lake of fire. Lk 21:16+18; 2 Th 2:8; Rev 19:20; 20:10.

Unbelievers are eternally punished there too. Mt 25:41,46; Rev 14:9-11; ~19:3; ~22:15

Mk 16:16, Heb 11:6, & Rom 10:9-10 show you must believe to be saved. Acts 8:13-26, Jms 2:14-16, & 1 Cor 13:2 show that intellectual belief alone is not sufficient.

We worship no other, nor belong to temples (or lodges) that worship other gods. Mt 4:10; Rom 1:23-25; We mustn't have idols.Ex20; Isa 55:3; 1 Jn 5:21; 1 Cor 6:16; Jn h2:8; Hk2:18-19; 1 Jn 5:21

We are devoted to God; we do not have the same devotion, either in degree or kind, to angels, Mary, or any human except Jesus. Co2:18; 2 Cor 11:2-3; Dt5:7-10; Ps44:20

God's servants in earth & heaven worship Jesus. Heb 1:6; Jn 9:38; Lk 2:11-14,26-32; Mt 28:9; 1:11-12; Rev 5. We honor Jesus as we honor the Father.Jn 5:23; ~Rom 15:17

The way we worship the eternal God matters.Dt12:31; Co2:23; Heb 8:5; 11:4; Ge4:3-7

We worship noisily with joy.Ps100; & in silence. Zp1:7; Zc2:13; Hk2:20; ~La3:28

We worship with reverence & awe. Heb 12:28-9; Ml2:5; Hk3:2; Acts 2:43; 1 Pet1:17; Ps47:2

Lift hands, clap, shout.Ps63:4; 47:1. -No grudges against others. 1 Cor 13:5; Mt 5:23-4

Worship both together& individually. Heb 10:25; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16; Ps 116:14-18; 1 Cor 11:33

We worship with songs, hymns & spiritual songs with gratitude. Col 3:16; 1 Cor 14:26

We do not observe OT. regulations such as diet & sacrifices. Acts 10:10-16; Heb 10:18

Meaningless repetition is useless. Mt 6:7. Meaningful repetition can be good. Ps136

Prophesying or speaking in tongues when it is not God's will, is not necessarily inspired by Satan. Rather, it may be "out of order" or "disorderly". 1 Cor 14:26-33

The Spirit's gifts are for the strengthening of the church. 1 Cor 12:7; 14:12; ~Pr25:14

Our disciples are baptized in the name of the Father, & Son, & H.S. Mt 28:19, not just Jesus.Acts 8:16

Peter & Paul commanded their hearers to repent & be baptized. Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21; ~Mk 1:15; 16:16

We use water in baptism. Acts 1:22; 8:36-39; 10:47; 1 Pet 3:21; ~Heb 10:22

Baptism in Christ Jesus is a baptism & a uniting into His death. Rom 6:3-7

We're "circumcised" in/by Christ in the putting off the sinful nature, being buried with Jesus in baptism & raised with Him thru our faith & God's power. Co2:11-3

Water baptism "saves" us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not that the water cleanses us, but it is the pledge of a good conscience toward God. 1 Pet3:21

... We Worship & obey in the Lord's supper

All believers still do this in remembrance of Him. 1 Cor 10:24-6; Acts 20:7-11

Jesus said of the bread "this is my body", given/broken for us. Of the cup He said, "this is my blood", shed for the remission of sins. Mt 26:26-28; Mk 14:22-24; Lk 22: 19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26. Jesus was only sacrificed one time. Heb 9:12,25-28; 10:10, 12,~14. No sacrifice is now being made for sin. Heb 10:18

Like Jesus, we drink the fruit of grapevines (not water).Mt 26:29; Mk 14:25; Lk 22:18

We examine ourselves before partaking. 1 Cor 11:28-32. Partaking unworthily is sin-ning against Jesus' body & blood. Unbelievers/disobedient believers must not par-take. 1 Cor 11:27-34. We're strengthened by grace, not ceremonial foods. Heb 13:9-10

Fast to pray for help.Isa 58:3-9; Acts 14:23; Ps35:13; Ne1:4; Es4:3,16; 1Ki21:27; Ezr8:232Sm12:16,22 & for individual & corporate repentance. Ne9:1; Da9:3; Joe1:14; 2:12-5; Jonah3:5

Be devoted to prayer. Co4:2-4,12; Ps109:4; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18-20; Php 4:6; 1 Th 5:17

Pray to the Father; praying to Jesus is OK too. Mt 6:9; Lk 11:2Acts 7:59-60; Rev 22:20

Jesus is with us even now. Mt 29:20; Jn 14:23; Rom 8:10; in the midst of us. Mt 18:20

Continually offer to God praise. Heb 13:15; Ps119:164; 171-172; Isa 63:7; 1 Tim 1:17

Continually give God thanks. Ps106:1; 1 Th5:18; Eph5:4,20; Co2:7; 3:15,17, for others.Phm 4

Confess personal & corporate sins.Da9:3-20. Pray for ourself.Php 4:6; Neh 1:4-11; 2:4

Remember others in prayer always. 1 Sam12:23; Rom 1:10; Php1:3; Co1:9-10; 1 Th 1:2-3; 2 Th 1:3; 3:1-2; 2 Tim 1:3-4. Pray for Jesus' coming. 1 Cor 16:22; Rev 22:17,20

Pray for others, kings, governments.1 Jn 5:16; Jms5:16; 1 Tim 2:1-3. & leaders.1 Th 5:25

We sometimes pray for rain.Zc10:1

Do not pray for things God told us not to pray about. Jer 7:16; 11:14; 14:11; 1 Jn 5:16

We are to pray in the spirit & in the name of Jesus.Co3:17; Jn 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:26

For effective prayer have self-control/clear mind.1 Pet4:7. Persist. Lk 11:5-10; 18:1-7

Cherishing sin. Ps66:18-19,wickedness. Pr15:29; 1 Pet3:12; Isa 1:15; Jer 11:14; 14:12; Mic 3:4, inconsiderate of wives.1 Pet3:7; ~Ml2:13-5, wanting to spend on passions. Jms 4:3-4, ignoring: God. Zc7:13, law.Pr28:9, cry of the poor.Pr21:13 -hinder prayer.

... Meditation on God

Meditate on God & His word, laws, promises, ways, wonders. Ps104:34; 1:2; 119: 15,23,27,48,78,97,99,103,140,148; 39:3; 2 Cor 7:1; 2 Pet1:4, & works. Ps77:12; 143:5

-morning/night. Ps5:3; 16:7; 63:6; 119:55,148; 92:2; 42:8; 77:6; Isa 26:9; Job 35:10; Gen 24:63

meditating on God pleases Him.Ps19:14; 5:1; 104:34 & enriches us. Js1:8,Ps1:2-3

... We Call Upon the Lord

We live trusting fully in God. Gen 4:26; Ps 18:3; 28:1; 40:4; 55:6,23; 62:8; 116:1-4,17; 122:1; Isa 25:9; 26:4; Zeph\3:2; Joel 2:32. Dying people can get saved. Lk 23:40-3; ~Heb 4:7

Believers still call upon God for help for ourselves & others.Ps 7:6; 18:3; 41:4; Jnh 2:2

Don't trust in man.Pr16:20; 21:19; 26:12; 28:26; 29:5; Ps 118:8; Jer 2:13; 9:23-4; 17:5-6; Hab 1:11

Wait upon the Lord. Ps27:14; 33:20; 37:7,34; 38:15; 40:1; 119:166; 130:5-6; Isa 26:8; 30:18; 40:31; 64:4; Lam 3:24-26; Hos 12:6; Mic 7:7; ~Zeph p3:8; Jde 21

Call on God for wisdom, knowledge & help. Jer 33:3; Jms 11:1:5; Eph 1:17-18; Co1:9-11

... Intimacy and Abiding in Christ

We delight ourselves in the Lord. Ps37:4. God delights Himself in us. Zp3:17

Intimate friendship.Jb29:1-4.Draw near to God. Zeph 3:2,17; Heb 10:22; Jms 4:8; Isa 28:13

Have an affection & devotion to Jesus. Lk 7:36-50; 2 Cor 11:2-3

Abide & be nourished by Jesus, the Vine & Bread of Heaven.Jn 6:50-1,57; 15:1-8

We thirst for God. Ps42:1-2; 63:1; 143:6; Isa 55:1-2; Jn 4:13-15. We have hearts close to God.Mk 7:6; Mt 15:8. Jesus gives Living water. Jn 4:10-14; Rv22:17; ~Jer 2:13

Love Jesus for who He is, not just what He provides. Mk 6:14-15,26-35; ~2 Cor 11:2-3

God strengthens us. Eph 3:16; 2 Th 2:17; Col 1:11; Acts 9:31; Isa 41:10; 58:11; Neh 6:9; Ps 89:21; 119:28; 1 Pet 5:10; 2 Tim 4:17; Php 4:13

Refresh/encourage each other. Phm 7,20; Rom 15:32; 1 Cor 16:18; 2 Cor 7:13; 2 Tim 1:16

We must keep ourselves in His love. Jde 21; 2 Pet 3:17; 1 Jn 2:24,27; 1 Tim 1:14; ~Rev 2:4-5

Obedient get needed guidance.Isa 30:21; 58:10-1; Jn 14:16-8,25-6; Lk 12:11-2; Jer 33:3; Ps 73:24

God is emotional, He feels for us deeply. Rom 8:27; Mt 23:37; Isa 61:5; 62:4; 63:9

We praise God for His greatness, kindness, & character we still see in fallen creation. Rom 1:19-20; Acts 14:17; Ps8; 19; 104; 119:64; Job38-41

We love God's word.Ps119:97; Jer 6:10, we take pleasure in it. Jer 6:10, that we not sin against God. Ps119:11. It is a light & a lamp to us. Ps119:105; Pr66:23

... Repentance & Forgiveness

Salvation involves life-changing repentance. Lk 5:32; 3:8; Acts 2:38; 11:18; 20:21; 2 Tim2:25; 1 Pet3:21

We are to keep a clear conscience. 1 Tim 1:5,19; Heb 9:14; 10:22; 13:18; 1 Pet3:16,21; 2 Pet3:14; Acts 23:1; 24:16; 2 Cor 1:12; 2 Tim1:3

Not that it was always clean, but Christ cleanses it. Heb 9:14; ~1 Jn 2:28; 3:20-21

God's forgiveness is thorough. Ps 103:12; Isa 1:18; 38:17; 43:25; Mi7:19; Jer 50:20. It is so complete that even Paul could say he was innocent of all men's blood. Acts 20:26

If we do wrong or leave where God wants us to be, we may suffer. God may still greatly bless us when we repent and return. Ruth,~2 Cor 2:5-11; Re3:15-21

Even believers let us down. 1 Cor 9:3-6; 2 Cor 6:12; 10:1; 12:20; 2 Tim4:16; Ga~2:13; 4:19-20

Forgive our brothers as Jesus forgave.Mt 6:12,14-5; 18:21-35; Lk 17:3-4; 2 Cor 2:7,10; Eph 4:32; Co3:13. Don't hold anything against anyone.Mk 11:25-26; Mt 5:43-48; Lk 11:4; 1 Cor 13:5

An unloving/unforgiving heart is a symptom of not being heaven-bound. Lk 7:47

No believer on earth is without a sinful nature or no longer commits sin. 1 Jn 1:8-10

Don't be deceived sin's strength or the goodness of God. Jms1:13-18; 1 Cor 6:9-11

Flee immorality, idolatry,greed,evil youth desires. 1 Cor 6:18; 10:14; 1Ti6:11; 2 Tim2:22

Always remember that God, angels, demons, & perhaps departed believers watch us. Jer 23:24; Heb 4:13; Pr 5:21; 15:3; 49:10; Rom 2:16; Ec12:14; Ps139; Job1:8-10; 2:3; ~Heb 12:1

We have no temptation that others don't have. God won't let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. 1 Cor 10:13. Resist the devil & he will flee from you.Jms4:7; 1 Pet5:9

Sin's deceitfulness can harden people. Heb 3:12-13; Pr 28:13-14; ~Rom 1:21-32

At times we mourn. Jms 4:8-10; Mt 5:4; Lk 6:21; Jer 4:19; 9:1; 13:17; Lam 1:16; Ezek 9:4; 20:43; 21:6

Our God is a healer. Ps 30:2; 41:3; 103:3; Isa 53:4-5; 58:8; Jer 3:22; 17:14; 33:6; Dt32:39

God not only forgives, He is in the process of transforming us. Rom 12:1-2; Isa 57:18-9

God also heals us physically. Rom 8:26-27; Mt 8:17; Isa 53:4; 1 Pet 2:24; Ps 41:3; 103:3

We pray for healing as well as seek natural cure. Jms 5:15-16; 2 Chr 16:12; 1 Tim 5:23

Church elders pray/anoint sick believers to be healed/forgiven. Jms 5:14-16

The obedient still get sick. Gal3:13; Ph2:26-27; 1 Tim5:23; 2 Ki 13:14; Ps 6; Dan 8:27

We are called to be peacemakers for God.Mt 5:9; Pr12:20; 2 Cor 5:18-20; Ps34:14

God has ultimate control of the world & everything else though. Jn 19:11; 10:29

We mustn't be of it, love it, or be friends with it.Jn 17:14,16; 2 Tim 4:10; Jms 4:4; 1 Jn 2:15-17; 3:13

In the world we're strangers, aliens, overcomers. 1 Pet 1:1; 2:11; 1 Jn 5:5; Heb 11:13-16; 13:14

Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. Jn 18:36. We're citizens of heaven. Php 3:20

We are to still be in the world though. Jn 17:15,18; 2 Cor 10:3

Our mind is to be on heavenly things, not earthly things. Php3:19; Co3:1-3

Live new lives.Acts 5:20; 2 Cor 5:17,in awe of God. Jer 2:19; 5:22; Isa 29:23; Ecc 5:1-7; Heb 12:28-9; 1 Pet 1:17

We desire Christlikeness, that our belief, love, walk be like Christ's.1 Jn 2:6; Dt30:16

Jesus is our way, truth, life, vine, God, & priest. Jn 14:16; 15; 20:28; Heb 4:14-5:10

We clothe ourselves with Christ. Rom 13:14; Ga3:27, & with humility.1 Pet5:5

It is Jesus Christ who baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 3:16; Jn 1:33

God is our hope.Ps52:8-9, 1 Cor 13:13. We need to grow up in our salvation.1 Pet2:3

Take God seriously, seek first God's Kingdom. 1 Cor 9:24; Mt 6:33; ~Jn 12:43; 2 Tim2:15

As soldiers of Christ we fight the good fight of faith.1 Tim1:18; 6:12; 2 Tim4:7; Heb 12:4

Out of compelling concern.Acts 5:42, we take seriously the command/responsibility/ debt from God to actively share our faith. Rom 1:14-15; Mt 28:19-20; Phm6; 2 Tim4:2

Die to self & take up our cross daily. Co2:20; 3:3-5; Ga6:14; Lk 9:23-4; Mk 8:34-5

Glory in Jesus' cross. 1 Cor 1:23; 2:2; Ga6:14; Rom 15:17. We're devoted to Him. 2 Cor 11:3

Our identity is Christ's ambassadors. 2 Cor 5:20, Christ's aroma. 2 Cor 2:14-16; a letter for Christ. 2 Cor 3:3; God's priests, kings & people.1 Pet2:5,9-10,16

We're precious treasures & jewels to God. Zc9:16; Ml3:17; Dt32:10; 33:12; Ps17:8

All belongs to God. Ps24:1; 50:9-12; Lev 25:23. Excel in giving. 2 Cor 8:7; Ps37:21-26

Give generously, cheerfully, & according to our means. 2 Cor 8:1-9:11; Php4:16

It is evil to show special attention to the rich in church. Jas2:1-11

Our giving is to be in secret, otherwise God may not reward us. Mt 6:1-4

We are not to be proud; we have no good thing that was not given by God. Ps16:2

We are not to "walk by their own light", & have confidence in ourelves. Ps52:7

Obedient believers can be confident & content that they will be effective doing God's will. 2 Pet1:5-8, -without comparing themselves to others. 2 Cor 10:12; ~Php2:3

A men is tested by the praise received.Pr27:21. Don't seek own honor.Pr25:27; 27:2

Fear none but God.Hg2:5; 1 Jn 4:18; Ps118:6; Rv2:10. Be bold. Acts 4:13,29-31; Eph 6:19; Php1:14. Be strong & courageous. 1Ch22:13; 1 Cor 16:13; Rv21:8; Josh

There is great authority when believers use the name of Jesus. Jn 15:16; Acts 10:13-8

Believers should feel a confidence in their own salvation; yet we should examine ourselves that we be not deceived. 1 Jn 4:17; 1 Tim3:13; 2 Cor 13:5

We wait for eternal life. Jude21

Cast your cares upon God; He cares for the lonely. Ps68:6, & for us. 1 Pet5:7; Na1:7; Mk 6:34

He at times sends us into distress.Acts 20:22-4,38; Mt 14:22-33; Mk 6:45-52; Jn 6:16-21

We receive genuine comfort from the Spirit. We comfort others. 2 Cor 1:3-11; ~Mt 5:4; ~Ps119:50,52

We also suffer/agonize for others' sake. Rom 9:1-3; 2 Cor 2:4-5; 7:7; Ga4:19-20; Eph3:13

Believers have to persevere in suffering.Rom 8:17-18; 2 Cor 1:8-9; 4:8-12; 6; 2 Tim2:3; 4:5

All who want to live a godly life will be persecuted. 2 Tim3:12; Php1:29; 2 Pet5:9-10; Rom 8:35-39

God disciplines us for doing wrong. 1 Cor 11:32; Heb 12:5-11; Dt8:5; Ps39:10-11; Jn h2:2

We suffer consequences of wrong & foolishness. 1 Pet4:15; Rom 13:4; Pr19:3,5,9; 15-19

We suffer from evil people. 2 Tim3:10-13; 1 Pet4:12-19; Jn 16:2; Lk 21:16; Mt 24:20-2

We suffer, like Job, to test our faith, refine us, & glorify God. 1 Th3:3-4; Zc13:9

We suffer for others. Ga4:13; Co1:24, & for Christ. Rom 8:17; 1 Pet4:14-6; 2 Th1:4-7

We suffer for Christ. Mt 24:9; Lk 21:12-18. It helps us rely on God. 2 Cor 1:9; 12:8-10, & conquer sin. 1 Pet4:1-2. Precious in God's sight is a saint's death. Ps116:15

We know that God can use all things, even bad things for good. Rom 8:28; Ge50:20

Count on justice from God, not necessarily from people.Pr29:26; Ec7:15; Hk1; Na1:3

... Experiencing the Joy of God's Pleasure

Experience now God's great love. Isa 58:13-4; Jn 14:23; 16:27; 17:26; ~13:1; 1 Jn 3:1,17

Please God first. Eph5:10; Jn 12:43; Ga1:10; 6:8; 1 Th2:4; Co1:10; Heb 11:5-6; 13:16,21; Hag 1:8; Isa 65:12; Rom 2:29; 8:8; Php 4:18; 1 Jn 3:22; Pr 16:10. Live for God's will.1 Pet 4:2

Don't give God less than your best. Mt 6:33; 2 Cor 13:9,11; 1 Cor 9:24; 15:58; Php 3:12-6; 2 Tim 2:15

He is guiding, correcting, comforting us.1 Th 4:8; Jn 14:15-8; 25-6; 16:12-5; Rom 8:9-16

We have His anointing, testimony, & confidence in our hearts. 1 Jn 2:20,27; 5:10,13

He strengthens/encourages. 2 Th2:17; Eph6:10; Php 4:19; Co1:9-11; 1 Tim 1:12; Isa 28:6; 2 Tim 4:17; Isa 41:10

The Holy Spirit's gifts are given for the common good. Heb 2:4; 1 Cor 12:7; ~Eph 4:15-16

Be cheerful. Pr15:15; 17:22. Release your stress to God. Php4:4-7; 2 Pet 5:7; Jn 14:27

... the Loving Fellowship of Church Life

We live a life of love. 1 Cor 16:14; Eph5:1; 1 Jn 3:10-18,23; 4:7-13; 5:2; 2 Cor 8:24; ~Jn 17:26

Love each other deeply. 1 Pet1:22; Jn 13:34-5; Heb 13:1-3; 2 Jn 5; 3 Jn 6; Eph1:15; Php1:8; Phm4

Sadly, godly believers can still have sharp disagreements. Acts 15:36-41; Php4:2-3

Internal & visible unity of believers; not yoked with unbelievers. 1 Cor 6:7-18; 1 Pet3:8

Every true believer is God's priest, king, ambassador, & witness. 1 Pet2:9; 2 Cor 5:20

Hell's gates shall not prevail against Jesus' Church. Mt 16:18. The one church’s foundation is the Biblical apostles/prophets; its head is Jesus. Eph2:20,Rev 21:12-14

We should confess our sins to other believers. Jms5:15-16; Acts 19:18; Pr28:13

Elders & deacons are examples & must meet Biblical qualifications. 1 Tim3; Tt1:5-9

False teachers can be inside the Church. Acts 20:28-30; 1 Jn 2:19; Ga2:4; 3 Jn 9; 2 Pet2:1

In the OT few were filled with the Holy Spirit. Joe2:28-9; ~Acts 2:17-8; Ps 51:11

Women must pray or prophesy with their heads covered. 1 Cor 11:3-16

Women do not have religious authority over or teach men.1 Tim2:11-15, or speak in church. 1 Cor 14:33-38. Political/ military authority like Deborah's is OK. Jdg4-5

Speaking in tongues is both useful & necessary. 1 Cor 12:7,10; 14:4,5,26. It's not to be forbidden, but desired; prophesy is more desirable though. 1 Cor 14:39; 1 Cor 14:5

Tongues & prophesies in church are only to be 1 at a time. 1 Cor 14:27-33

Without an interpreter, tongues should not be publicly given. 1 Cor 14:7-13,27-28

Prophecy,tongues, knowledge will all pass away in the future. 1 Cor 13:8-13; Zc13:2-6

Eagerly pray for the speedy coming of God's kingdom. 1 Cor 11:7; 2 Pet3:12,14; Mt 6:10; Lk 11:2; 1 Cor 16:22; pray/await Jesus's return. Rev 22:17,20; 1Co1:7; 1 Th1:10; Tt2:13

Beware false prophets. Mt 7:15; 24:11,24; Rv2:20; 19:20; Dt13:1-11; 18:20-2; 2 Pet2:1-3; Mc3:5-7

Do not be deceived by false Christs. Mt 24:5,11,23-25; Mk 13:5,21-22; Lk 17:23; 21:8

Nobody knows the hour, including Jesus while on earth. Mt 24:36; 25:13; Mk 13:32

To be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord. 2 Cor 5:8; Php1:23; Rv6:10

After death we have a rich welcome into heaven. 2 Pet1:11; Php2:21-23

Desiring crowns is OK. Rev 2:10; 3:11; 1 Pet5:4. Cor owns will be cast before God's throne. Re 4:10. Believers will sit with Jesus on His throne. Eph2:6-7; Re3:21

No eye has seen, no one has imagined what God has prepared for us. 1 Cor 2:9

Some musical instruments will be used in worship in heaven. Re5:8; ~14:2; 15:2

There are rewards in Heaven; these can be lost by our actions on earth. 1 Cor 3:13-15; 9:27; 2 Jn 8; Re11:18.Being with love ones is 1 type of reward. Php4:1; 1 Th2:19

We are preserved in God's presence forever. Ps41:12; Jn 6:58; 3:16; 1 Th4:17

There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. Rev 21:4; Isa 25:8

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Rom 8:29-39; 2 Cor 5:5; 1 Th4:17; 5:10

Bel'vrs are never under God's wrath. Rom 2:5-11; 5:9-10; 9:22-23; Eph2:3; 1 Th1:10; 5:9

True Christians may suffer, be persecuted, killed by evildoers. Rom 8:35-39; 1 Pet5:9

There will be a falling away before the end. Mt 24:10-12; 1 Tim4:1-3; 2 Tim3:1-5; 4:3-4

The Millennium will be a time of peace, prosperity, sacrifices, & the righteous rule of Christ. Rev 20:1-7, ~Ezk 45-48; Isa 11:6-12:6; 65:20. We'll eat in heaven.Lk 22:30

The new Jerusalem will be most beautiful, with a brilliance of jewels. Rev 21:2-22:6

The glory of God & the Lamb gives the New Jerusalem light. Rev 21:23; 22:5

There will be the river of water of life, tree of life, the light of God. Rev 21-22

Co3:3,Php3:18-19,Jn 14:16-18,Rom 8:9-16 teach all true believers experience now live in the Spirit. Mt 7:21-23,2 Pet2:20 show that experiences alone are insufficient.

God is our master.Ml1:6; Jn 14:23-24; Mt 7:21-23; Dt 30:16; Eph 6:9; 2 Tim 2:21; Acts 22:10

Faithfulness; living consistent with beliefs; no hypocrisy. Mt 23:3,25-27; 24:51; Lk 12:1-2

To love Jesus is to obey Him; we must walk as Jesus did. Jn 14:23-24; 1 Jn 2:3-6; 5:2-3

All must learn the Bible & be equipped for good works. Eph 2:10; 4:12; 2 Tim 3:16-17

Don't bow to carved images or stones. Lev 26:1; Ps31:6; 115:1-8; Ex 20:3-5; Isa 44:12-19

Set no idols before you (at home, work, life). Ps 101:2-3; 1 Cor 10:14; Zeph 1:4; Dt 30:17-8

Don't try to communicate with the dead. Dt 18:10-2; Isa 8:19; 1 Sam 28:3,7-12+Lev 20:6-8

Have nothing to do with magic & the occult, such as channeling, witchcraft,astral-projection,mediums,fortune-tellers,astrology,tarot cards,oujia boards, TM, EST, Qi-gong. Lev 19:26,31; 20:6-8,27; Acts 19:19; Eze13:18; 22:18; Dt18:9-14; Mic5:12; Re9:21

Likewise for horoscopes, eastern or western astrology, luck & superstitions.

In regard to evil we are to be infants. 1 Cor 14:20; Mt 10:16 yet be on guard. Mt 10:16-7

Love others as ourselves.Mt 22:39-40; Lk 12:31; Jms2:8; Co3:13-14; 1 Jn 3:16-8; 2 Cor 2:4

We show love for God by loving others. 1 Jn 2:9; 3:10,14-19; 4:19-21; Ga5:6,13-14

Be rich in good deeds. 1 Tim5:10; 6:18; 1 Pet2:12,15,devoted to do good.Tt3:14; Ja4:17

Aid, care, protect, help, & don't cause harm to others. 1 Cor 13:7; Rom 13:10; 14:19-21

Be kind to people & animals. Pr 12:10; Heb 13:3; to kill/eat animals is OK.Acts 10:10-5

Be hospitable to one another. 3 Jn 8. Be hospitable to all. 1 Tim 5:10; Heb 13:2; Tt 1:8

Don't be self-seeking or just look after own interests. Rom 2:8; Php2:3-4,20-1; Jms 3:14-16; 1 Th 4:11-12; Ps 119:36; Isa 56:11

Do not insult others, or even return insults. 1 Pet2:23; 3:9; ~Mt 5:11,22; Lk 6:22; Jms 2:6

We overlook insults. Pr 12:16; 19:11; ~1 Cor 13; 5. Be civil, not rude. 1 Cor 13:5; Col 4:6

Have no malice to others. Gal 5:18; Eph 4:31-32; Tt3:3; Mt 5:43-48; Lk 6:27-36; Lev 19:17

Don't even plan or think evil. Ps 119:150; Pr 30:32; 12:20; 14:22; 16:27,30; 24:1-9; Ec 7:29; 8:11; Isa 29:15; 32:6-7; 33:15; 55:7; Jer 11:15; Na1:9; Rom 1:30; 13:14; Zc8:17; Mi2:1; Dt15:9

We do everything for God's glory, not our own. Php 2:21; Col 3:17; 1 Cor 10:31

We’re like soldiers & athletes for Christ. 2 Tim 2:3-5; Php 2:16; Lk 17:7-10; 1 Cor 9:24-7

Proud are opposed, the humble given grace. Jms 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5; Pr 3:34; 1 Cor 13:4; Ob 3-4

Zph2:3

Humble yourself before the Lord & He will lift you up. Jms 4:10; 1 Pet 5:6; Mic 6:8

Humble towards others. Pr11:2; 22:4; Ps25:9; 75:9; Acts 20:19; Eph 4:2; Jms 3:13; Pt 3:8; 5:5

Value others as more important than you. Php2:21; Mt 23:11-2; 1 Cor 10:33; Rom 12:10

No dissensions, jealousy, or quarreling. Rom 13:13; 1 Cor 3:3; 2 Cor 12:20; Gal 5:20-21,26

Do not be conceited, envying or gloating over others. Ga5:26; Mk 7:22; Rom 1:29; 1 Cor 13:4; Tt 3:3; 1 Pet 2:1; Pr 3:31; 23:17; 24:1,17. Envy is unhealthy. Pr 14:30; Job 5:2.

Don’t covet fame or have selfish ambition. Jms 3:14-16; Php 2:3; 1 Th 4:11-2; Ps 119:36

We're willing to die & suffer for God.Mt 10:39; Dan 3,6; Heb 11:35-7; Rom 8:35-9; 14:7-8; Php1:20; Heb 12:4; ~Rev2:10,13; Acts 15:26; Rev 12:11

We are putting to death our old sinful nature. Col 3:1-5; Rom 6:6,11; 8:13; Gal 5:24

We deny ourselves & take up our cross daily. Mt 10:38; 16:24; Mk 8:14; Lk 9:23; 14:27

Peacemakers pray for peace.Jms3:17-8; Mt 5:9; 1 Tim2:1-2; 1 Pet3:11; Heb 12:14; Rom 12:18

God's servants do not proselytize by arms/holy wars. 2 Cor 10:3-5; ~Jn 18:36; Mic 3:5-6

Don't murder; in OT executions & just wars OK.Gn9:6; Jsh, Heb 11:34; Lev 24:13-17

Don’t endanger others' lives; don’t hate others or seek revenge. Lev 19:16-8; 1 Jn 3:15

Think on what is pure.Php4:8. Do not crave violence/horror. Ps 11:5; Pr 2:14; 3:31

The holy life is a command. 2 Tim 1:9; 2:21; 3:2; 1 Tim 1:8; 1 Pet 1:15,16; Lev 20:7; 22:32

The process of holiness is not easy, we struggle to achieve it.Rom 7:14-25; Heb 12:4,11

Holiness is a gift, position, & reward. It is a goal. Rom 6:22; 1 Cor 9:24-27; 1 Th 4:1-7

It is required; without holiness none will see the Lord. Heb 12:14; ~Mt 5:8; 1 Cor 6:9-11

Be pure. Isa 52:11; Gal 5:16-21; Eph 4:19; 5:3-5; Col 3:5-6; 1 Th 4:3-5; Rev 9:21; 21:8. Have pure & holy hearts. 2 Tim 1:9; 2:22,1 Tim2:8; 5:22,1 Pet1:22; 1 Th3:13, & discipline. Pr 5:12,23; 6:23; 9:13; 23:23; 25:28; Jb31:1; 1 Th5:6; 2 Tim1:7,10; Tt1:8; 2:6; 1 Pet4:7; 2 Pet1:6

Say no to worldly passions & pleasures Tt 2:11; 3:3; 1 Tim 5:6; 2 Pet 2:13; Jms 4:3; Heb 11:25

Guard heart, have pure thoughts. Pr 4:23; 6:14,25; 11:20; 12:8; 15:26; Jer 4:14; Ps 141:4

Avoid even appearing evil. 2 Cor 8:21; 1 Th 5:22; Eph 5:3; ~Php 2:15; Php 3:17; Rom 12:17-8; 1 Tim 4:12

The immoral, impure, & greedy are idolaters. Eph 5:3,5; Col 3:5; 1 Cor 6:10; Lk 12:15-21

Have integrity in your whole life. Pr 11:1,3. Do not break pledges to God. 1 Tim 5:12

Ask for & have wisdom/good judgment. Pr 6:23-24,32; 7:4-5,7; Jms 1:5; Eph 1:17; Co1:9

We must not bear false witness or lie to each other.Pr 19:9; Co3:9; Eph 4:25; 1 Tim 1:10; Rev 21:8,27; Lev 19:11-12; Ps 35:20; Zech 8:16-7; Zeph 3:9,13. Teach with integrity. Tt 2:7-8

Believers do not need to have "loose lips" on every question. 1 Sam 16:1-5; Pr 12:23

Don't deceive, be dishonest, swear by things, use foul talk, use God's name in vain. Eph 4:29; 5:12; Jms3:5-12; 1 Pet 2:1; 3:10; Pr 12:19-22; Isa 59:13; Isa 5:18; Mt 15:19; Ps 15:4; Mic 6:12; Isa 58:13

Don't gossip.1 Tim5:13; Pr11:13; 16:28; 17:9; Rom 1:29 or betray confidence. Pr 25:9-10

No slander.Ps15:3; Rom 1:30; 1 Cor 6:10; Eph 4:31; Col 3:8; 2 Tim 3:3; Tt 3:3; Lev 19:16; Pr 30:10

Speak the truth in love. Eph4:15. Don’t grumble. 1 Cor 10:10; Php 2:14; 1 Pet 4:9; Jde 16

Build up, don't destroy believers. 2 Cor 10:8; 12:10; Pr 11:9,11; 12:14; 1 Th 5:11; Rom 14:19

Speak to destroy pretensions that set themselves up against God. 2 Cor 10:4-5

We are responsible to watch our life & doctrine closely. 2 Tim 1:14; Col 1:23; Pr 22:5

Not to follow wisdom of this world. Co2:8-9; Jms3:15; 1 Cor 1:17-27; 2:6,8,14; 2 Cor 1:12

Persevere. Heb 10:23,36; 12:1,12-13; 1 Jn 2:24; 1 Cor 13:7; Rom 5:3-4; Jms 1:3-4,12; 5:11; 2 Pet 1

Don't be drunk/intoxicated.Eph5:13; Pr23:20-1; 25-39; Mic2:11; Mt 24:49; 1 Sam 1:12-7

Drinking can be ok.Jn 2:10; 1 Tim5:23; Ecc 9:7.but no addiction.1 Tim 3:3; Tt 2:3; ~Isa 5:22

Don't carouse/party wildly.1 Pet4:3-4; Gal 5:21; Rom 13:13; Pr 23:19-21; Isa 5:11-2; 1 Cor 10:7

Treat our bodies as God's pure temple, honor Him with your body 1 Cor 3:16; 6:18-20

Don't be ashamed of your body, which God wonderfully made. Ps 139:14; SofS 4

No lust / sex outside of heterosexual marriage. Avoid looking & being in situations that incite lust. Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9-10,18; Lev 20:13; Gen 19:5-7; Ezk 16:50; Jude 7

Sexual immorality involves, desiring, planning, immodest: behavior, dress, talk, looking, or touching outside of marriage. Jms 1:15; Ezk 3:3,21; Mt 15:19

You must control your body; not vice versa. 1 Th 4:3-7; Col 3:5; Tt 2:12; 1 Cor 9:25-27

No homosexuality.Lev 18:22; 20:13; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9; Gn19:5-7; Ezk 16:50; Jde 7; 1 Tim 1:10

Have pure lips / speech.Pr 4:24; 6:12; 8:13; 10:31-2; 12:13-4; 19:1; 22:11; Zeph 3:9; Eph 5:4

-pure eyes.Pr 4:25; 6:13; Jb31:1; Ps 101:3; 119:37; Isa 29:20; Mt 5:27-29; 2 Pet 2:14; 1 Jn 2:16

Avoid a crooked path. Pr 4:26; 5:6-8; 6:13; 2:7,13,15-20; 7:25; 10:9; 16:17; 21:8

Avoid tempting places & situations.Pr 4:27; 2:18; 5:8; 7:8; 7:27; 1 Cor 10:14; 2 Sam 11:1-4

Have modesty. Pr 7:10; 1 Tim1:9; Ezk 16:43,58; 23:18-24:13; ~1 Cor 11:5-16; Mk 7:22

Don't listen to seducing or evil talk (1-900...). Pr 6:24; 7:14-21

Marriage should be honored, when the two become one; don't abuse it only as a convenience (taxes, etc.). Singleness is OK too. 1 Cor 7:1,8-9,27-36; Mt 19:11-12

Nothing is evil, impure, or sinful with marital sex. Pr 5:15-19; 18:22; 1 Cor 7:28; SofS

Don't withhold marital rights, except briefly by mutual consent for prayer. 1 Cor 7:2-6

No sex or marriage with close family. Lev 18:6-18; 20:11-12,17-21; 1 Cor 5:1-5

The husband is the head of the family. Eph5:22-24; 1 Cor 11:3; 1 Pet3:1-6; Gn3:16; Nu30

Wives must submit to their husbands. Husbands must be considerate of their wives & love them as Christ loves the Church. Eph5:22-33; 1 Pet3:1-7; Co2:18-19; Tt2:5

2 become 1 in this partnership; each must submit to the other. Eph5:21-31; Ge2:23-4

Believers mustn't wed unbelievers. Don't divorce though. 2 Cor 6:14-18; Ml2:11-12

God hates divorce; remarriage is OK if your spouse has died. Ml2:13-16; Mt 5:31-32; 19:1-9; Mk 10:11-12; Lk 16:18; Rom 7:3; 1 Cor 7:10-13,39; 1 Tim5:14

Elders & deacons must not have more than one wife. 1 Tim3:2,12; Tt1:6

Honor parents; no worship. Dt5:7-16; 26:14; Ex20:3-12; Lev 20:9; Pr20:20; 30:11,17

Obey, respect, & don't backtalk parents, both Christian & non-Christian. Don't exasperate kids.Mt 15:4; Eph6:1-4, rather train kids in the Lord.Eph6:1-4; Rom 1:30; Pr22:6; 28:24; 30:11; Co3:20-1; Dt6:7,20; ~Lk 18:15-7.Kids are God's gifts.Ps127:3

Obey & love God above family. Lk 21:16; Mt 10:20-21,34-37; 12:46-50; Lk 12:52-53

Parents must love & discipline kids.Pr13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13; 29:15-7; Heb 12:9-10

Materially care for our family. 1 Tim 5:3-4,8,16; Pr 31:12-15,21,27; Tt 3:14; Mk 7:10-3

Believers must persevere even if forsaken by parents. Ps27:10; Mt 10:34-9: Lk 12:52-3

Never use litigation to exploit those with less money. Pr22:22-23; ~24:28; Jms2:6

Be generous to poor. Pr19:9-10; 22:9; Isa 58:7-8,10. Don't make unjust laws. Isa 10:1-2

Don't make exorbitant interest. Pr28:8. Be wise in who you hire. Pr 26:6,10; 10:26

No have favorites on wealth, race, or gender. Men & women have been given dif-ferent roles though. Jms2:1-7; Ga3:28; 1 Tim5:21; Pr17:23.Treat all fairly. Pr 17:15; 28:21; 29:14; 31:5,8-9; Jms2:1-7; 3:17; Lev 19:15,33-34; 24:22; Ml2:9; Job13:10

Honor God with our wealth; He gives wealth.Pr 3:9-10; 10:22; 13:21; 31:11-27; Dt 8:18

Keep free from the love of money & things.1 Tim6:9-10; 2 Tim3:2; Heb 13:5; ~Rom 1:29; Mt 6:24-26

Do not serve money or wear yourself out to get rich. Mt 6:24-34; Pr23:4; 1 Tim6:9-10;

Do not covet money, things, or other's spouses. Ex20:17; Dt5:21; Rom 7:7-12

Don't trust in wealth but in God. 1 Tim6:17; Ps49:6; Pr11:4,28; 18:10-11; Lk 12:15-21

No bribes; they corrupt hearts. Dt16:19; Pr15:27; Ps15:5; Ecc 7:7; Isa 5:13; 1 Sam 4:3-4; Pr 29:4

Be skilled in your work; work hard. Pr22:29; 1 Cor 4:12; Eph 6:5-8; Col 2:22-24

Don't steal directly or indirectly (work, software piracy). Eph4:28; Tt2:10; Mt 15:19

Do not use differing measures in commerce.Pr11:1; 20:10,23; Lev 19:35-36; Dt25:13-15

We pay taxes. Rom 13:6-7; Mt 17:24-27; 22:15-21; Mk 12:13-17; Lk 20:22-25

Make every effort to timely repay debts. Ps37:21; Rom 13:8; Jms5:4; ~Pr22:7; ~Dt28:12

Be wise; be wary to put up security for debts for others. Pr11:15; 20:16; 6:1-3

Hold on to heavenly treasures. Re3:11; 1 Tim6:17-19; Eph1:3; Col1:12. don't be afraid to lose your earthly ones. Heb 10:34; Mt 6:19-21; 19:21; Lk 12:15-18; 33-34; Php3:7-9; Acts 4:32-37

God does not accept offerings if: we don't respect the Lord's house. Ml1:10-14, you need to be reconciled with others.Mt 5:23-24, a gift is ill-gotten. Dt23:18; ~Pr10:2

Be kind & compassionate to others. Co3:12; 1 Cor 13:4; Eph4:32; Pr11:16-17; 1 Th5:15

We give to full-time godly workers & the Lord's people. 1 Cor 9:7-14

Give generously for God's work.Pr3:9,10; 11:24; 1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 8:1-8; 9:6-12; Hg1:3-11

Don't oppress.Eze22:7,13,29; 45:9; Pr14:31; Jer 7:6; 22:16defend the oppressed.Isa1:17

Help the poor.Isa1:17; 58:6-10; Jer 5:28; Ga2:10; Ps41:1; Pr14:21; 24:11-2; 29:7; 31:9,20; Eph4:28; 1 Tim6:18-9; Jms1:27; Lev 25:35-37.Don't help those who refuse to work.2 Th 3:6-15

We should especially help widows & orphans. Jms1:27; Dt15:11; Ps68:5, other be-lievers. 1 Jn 3:17-19, sick, hungry, naked, & imprisoned. Mt 25:34-46; Zach 7:9-10; Isa 58:10-11; Ps 69:33

We should plan & save for the future. Pr 6:6-8; 10:5; 31:16; Lk 15:18-30; Tt 3:14

All our plans are contingent on God's will. Jms4:13-16; Pr 27:1; 16:9; Lk 12:15-21

Be careful how you spend your time; work hard for the Lord.Eph5:15-16; Php 2:20-1

Don't be idle or lazy.1 Th5:14; 2 Th3:6-12; Pr6:6-11; 12:24,27; 15:19; 31:27; Ecc 11:6; Tt 3:14

Work is good & given by God. Gn2:15. Painful toil was a curse though. Gen 3:17-19

Don't waste your life with luxury & self-indulgence. Ja5:5; Mt 21:34; 23:25; Am6:4-7

Keep the Sabbath or, believe all days are the Lord's. Isa 56:2,6; Rom 14:5-6; Heb 4:8-11; Eze 20:13-24; Jer 17:21-27

If someone is rich, that does not automatically mean they are displeasing God by oppressing the poor as in Jb 29:12. Abraham was wealthy (Gen 13:2-6), yet he would not be called righteous in Rom 4:3 and Jms 3:21, if he oppressed the poor.

Don't be apathetic toward the poor Ezk16:49; ~Lk 16:19-20, or ignore them.Pr 21:13

Remember the poor Gal 2:10. Helping them is like helping Christ. Mt 25:34-46

Some, such as Joseph and Mary (Lk 2:24+Lev 12:8), are poor through no fault of their own, Ru1:6; 2:2 or from injustice Pr13:23. Care about justice for the poor. Pr 29:7; 31:9. Jesus, John the Baptist, & Paul were poor.

Others are sluggards, Pr6:9-11; 10:4; 12:24, made rash vows, Pr 22:26-27; 6:2-3, put up collateral for others, Pr 6:1,3; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 27:13, spent money on pleasure, Pr 20:21; Jms5:5; Mt 23:25; Am6:4-7), or neglect.Pr27:23-24

Our ideal should be to eliminate poverty Dt 15:4, yet we should realize that the poor will always be among us. Dt 15:11; Mt 26:11; Mk 14:7; Jn 12:8

Do not oppress the poor. Pr 22:16; 28:3; Jb20:19; Ezek 18:12; 22:29; Am2:7; 4:1; 5:11

Don't exploit with unjust laws, Isa10:1-2, courts.Pr 22:22-23; ~24:28; Jms2:6; Am5:12. Do not charge exhorbitant interest. Pr 28:8

No partiality to the rich or poor. Ex23:3; Lev 19:15; Pr 29:14

Don't try to rid the poor from the land Am8:4; Ps109:16, or destroy them. Isa 32:7

Do not preach helping the poor and not practice what you preach. Jms 2:15-17

Be generous to the poor (Pr 19:9-10; 22:9; Isa 58:7-8,10) and kind to them. Pr 28:8

Give to the poor. Isa1:17; 58:6-10; Jer 5:28; 22:16; Gal 2:10; Psalms 41:1; Pr 14:21; 24:11-2; 28:27; 29:7; 31:9,20; Eph 4:28; Acts 9:36; 1 Tim 6:18-9; Jms 1:27, even in business.Ex23:11; Ru2:2,6,15. Rescue the poor. Jb 29:12; Lev 25:35-37

Especially widows, orphans.Jms1:27; Dt15:11; Ps68:5.believers.1 Jn 3:17-19; Rom 15:26

Especially help the sick, hungry, naked, and imprisoned. Mt 25:34-46; Zech 7:9-10; Isa 58:10-11; Ps 69:33

Do not give food to someone who refuses to work. 2 Th 3:10; Pr 16:26

Do not help those who are doing wicked work, 2 Jn 10-11, or would be foolish with the money Pr 1:16. Realize that some falsely claim they are poor. Pr 13:7

Pray for government leaders, 1 Tim 2:1-2, and honor them. Rom 13:7; 1 Pet 2:17.

Obey to gov't. Rom 13:1-5; 1 Pet2:13-16, but God's law is higher.Acts 4:19-20; Dan3:8-18.

Even in disobeying an evil king, one should still honor the king. Dan 6:4-21

We should not speak evil of the ruler of our people. Acts 23:2-5; Ex 22:28

It is OK to serve in secular gov't. Gen 41:41-44; Neh 1:11; Dan 6:4; 1 Ki 18:3-4,14

Hiding from evil gov't is OK.Pr 27:12; Am5:13; 1Ki17:2-10; 18:4,9-14; 1 Sam19:11-12

Don 't rebel, Pr 17:11; 28:2; Isa1:23; Jer42:10-11, unless due cause. 2 Ki 9; 1Ki11:29-40

Pay your taxes; it is proper for a government to collect them. Mt 22:17; Rom 13:7

Before a rule, do not exalt yourself, Pr 25:6,27, or be a glutton or greedy. Pr 23:1-3

Know that a crown (or political office) is never secure. Pr 27:24

Those who seek God fully understand justice (Pr 28:5), which gives stability. Pr 29:4

Gov't should value its people.Pr 14:28. It is founded on righteousness.Pr 16:10,12

As with ants & locusts, a ruler is not always key for things to get done.Pr 6:6-8; 30:27

Rulers, as well as others, should not be proud. Pr 3:5-6; ~11:2; ~13:10; 21:24; 30:29-31

A ruler should not be wise in his own eyes.Pr 3:7; 12:15; 26:12,16; 28:11

Women, Pr 31:3, & alcohol, Pr 31:4; 23:29-35, can ruin rulers.

Do not be a tyrant. Pr 28:15-16), unjust (Pr 17:10), deprive people of rights. Pr 31:5

Don't take bribes (Ps15:5; Pr 15:27; 17:23; 28:16; 29:4; Isa 1:23; 5:13; 1 Sam 4:3-4; 5:13; 12:3; Ex 23:8; Ecc7:7; Dt 16:19; Am 5:12). Don't drink while governing. Pr 31:4-5

Do not accept bribes. Pr 15:27; 29:4; Isa1:23.Don't drink while governing. Pr 31:4-5

Do not praise the wicked, but rather resist them. Pr 17:12; 28:4

Don't listen to lies. Pr 29:12; rather value those who speak the truth. Pr 16:3; 17:7,13

Caution is OK, but do not be swayed by the fear of others. Pr 29:25

Do not steal, rather defend orphans and widows. Isa 1:23

Do not give food to those who refuse to work. 2 Th 3:10; Pr 16:26

Do not hoard food when people need it. Pr 11:26

Don't oppress the poor (Pr 28:3; 22:16) or have exorbitant interest rates. Pr 28:8

Get rid of all the evil he sees (Pr 20:8,26, 25:4-5); punish false witnesses. Pr 19:5

Have people be reluctant to do him or his country wrong. Pr 19:12; 20:2

Gov't has a duty to maintain order, Pr 28:2. It is OK to train for war.Ps144:1; 149:6-8

Gov't bears the sword against evildoers, Rom 13:4, and external foes Dt20:1; Jdg3,4.

The rulers under you should be righteous and people of integrity. Pr 29:2; Neh 7:2

Women leaders, such as Deborah, are OK. Judges 4:4-10; 5:1

For waging war have many advisers. Pr 20:18; 24:6; ~12:15

Have skilled people working for you (Pr 22:29); don't have lazy messengers. Pr 10:26

Speak up for those who cannot, and defend the rights of the needy. Pr 31:8-9

Justice is based on God's standard, not man's, Pr 29:26. No foolish laws. Pr 8:15

Bring things quickly to court.Pr 25:7-8; don't accuse someone without cause. Pr 24:28

Don't sue another believer, 1 Cor 6:1-8. Don't betray a friend's confidence. Pr 25:9-10

Do not call the guilty innocent or the innocent guilty. Pr 24:23-25; 17:15; Dt 25:1

Judge poor & non-citizens fairly,Pr 29:14; Dt24:17-18, don't exploit. Pr 22:22-23

Do not mock at justice, Pr 19:28. Do not hold court judges in contempt. Dt 17:12 Do not punish parents for their kids or vice versa. Dt 24:16; Ezek 18:13-14; 17-20

Working as a lawyer is OK, Tt 3:13. Do not bear false witness. Ex 20:16; Dt 5:20

Treat unintentional wrongs less than intentional ones. Nu35:18-28; Ex21:12-14

There are examples to disobey laws that are against God. Ex 3-12; Dan3,6; Acts 4:19

Respect elderly.Lev 19:32; 1 Tim5:2.Give proper respect. 1 Pet 2:17; 3:16; Eph 6:1-5; Tt 2:10

Don’t let go of God's commands for tradition. Mt 15:3-9; Mk 7:1-13; Isa 29:13; 1 Pet 1:18

We must not to judge, condemn, or pass sentence on others' souls or eventual salvation. Mt 7:1-5; Lk 6:37; Rom 2:1-4. God is the One Judge of that. Jms4:11-12

Do not judge other believers on their serving God. Rom 14:4,10,13; Jms2:4; 4:11-12

Do judge people's actions & words & those inside the church. 1 Cor 4:1; 5:1-2,11-13; 6 :1-6; Php2:29; 1 Th5:12-14; 2 Th3:14-15. Judge right/wrong for all things. 1 Cor 2:15

We are not ignorers of evil, but salt & light in this world. Mt 5:13-6; Php2:15-16

We resist the wicked. Pr 28:4. We testify against evil & evildoers. Lev 5:1

The church expels defiant sinners. 1 Cor 5:9-11. We warn of people.3 Jn 9-10; 2 Tim2:17

Our enemies are not people, but dark spiritual forces. Eph2:12; 2 Cor 10:3-5

Don't approve of evil. Rom 1:32

When insulted, wronged/persecuted, we respond with blessings/prayers.Lk 6:27-34; Mt 5:43-7

Do not hold grudges. 1 Cor 13:5-6; Eph4:26; Mt 18:21-22; Eze25:15; 35:5; Lev 19:18

Don't pay back evil for evil, but overcome evil with good; feed & give drink to your enemies and pray for them. Rom 12:17-21; Pr 25:21-22; Lk 6:35; ~Mt 5:44

We obey God & preach the word, & not just live a godly life.2 Tim4:2,5; Mt 28:19-20

We demonstrate the Gospel with our lives, & not just share words.1 Th1:5,6; 2:7-10

We should (without distortion) all make God's teaching attractive. Tt2:10; 2 Cor 4:2

Be sincere & don't use flattery or deceit.1 Th2:3-5; 1 Tim2:7; Tt2:7-8; 2 Cor 7:19; 1 Pet2:1

Jesus gave requirements to being His disciple.Lk 14:26-35; Jn 13:34-35; 15:8; 8:31-32

In an appropriate way, patiently correct, rebuke, encourage. 2 Tim4:2; 1 Th5:14

Persuade/correct/teach people. 2 Cor 5:11; 10:4-5; Acts 2:40; 26:28-29. We should have an answer "full of salt" for all, with gentleness & respect. Co4:6; 1 Pet3:15-16

Rebuke/warn/correct as John the B., Jesus, Paul, James, Peter & Jude. Mt 3:7-10

Comfort/encourage/honor. 2 Cor 1:4-5; Heb 3:13; 10:24-25; 1 Th4:18; Php2:29; 1 Tim5:17

Preach helpful & sound (not questionable) doctrine. Acts 20:20; Tt2:1; 2 Tim4:3-4

Grow in grace & knowledge 2 Pet3:18. Build ourselves up in faith Jude20; 1 Pet2:2

Spur others to love & good deeds. Heb 3:13; 10:24-25; 1 Th3:2; 4:18; 5:11; ~Rom 12:8

Don't stumble them.Ml2:8; Mt 18:6-7; Mk 9:42; Rom 14:13-21; 1 Cor 8:7-13; 10:32; 2 Cor 6:3

Bring back wanderers.Jms5:19-20.Rebuke should be Biblically patterned.Mt 18:15-7

Teach/encourage others to remain faithful. 2 Pet11:10-11; 3:14,17; 1 Jn 5:21; Jude3,21

We should try to guard our disciples from going astray.

Unity in Christ is spiritual/internal Eph 4:3, relational/cooperative Ps133, worshipful Rom 15:5-7, a witness Jn 17:23, & to stand against opposition. Php1:27-28

Preserve unity in Christ & help others to do so. Eph 4:3; 1 Cor 1:10; Rom 15:7; Php 4:2-3

Don't stir dissension among believers. Pr 6:19; 28:25; 29:22; ~Col 2:18-9; Gal 4:17; 5:10

No lawsuits against believers; believers should arbitrate disputes. 1 Cor 6:1-8; Jms2:6-7

Acts cept as bros. all who Jesus does. Rom 15:7; Php 4:21; 1 Th 5:26; Heb 13:24; Mk 9:38-41

Greet all God's churches & believers.Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Pet5:14; 2 Jn 9-10

No unity with unbelievers 2 Cor 6:14-18; defiant Christians & who deny God's power 1 Cor 5:11,12; 2 Tim3:1-5, warned, divisive people Tt3:10-11, & idle. 2 Th3:6,14-15

We should use our gifts & desire the greater gifts. 1 Pet 4:10; 1 Cor 12:31

All must pray, be holy, etc.1 Tim2:8; Heb 12:14; 2 Tim 3:17; James 2:17

Some have special roles.Eph4:11-13. No believer has all spiritual gifts. 1 Cor 12:29-31

Consider their lives; imitate their faith. Heb 13:7; 1 Pet 5:3; Php 3:17; 4:9; 1 Tim 4:12; 2 Th 4

Obey/submit to our shepherds' authority, as they follow Christ. Heb 13:17; 1 Cor 11:1; 2 Pet 2:10

Leaders must not lord over the flock, who belong to Jesus. Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:3; 2 Cor 1:24

Honor & do not despise elders, paid leaders & others in the church. 1 Th 5:12-13; Gal 6:6; Php 2:29; Tt 2:15; 1 Cor 9:3-14; 16:18; 1 Tim3:1; 5:17-18; Mt 10:10

Leaders should train others. 2 Tim2:1-2. Don't lightly accept accusations. 2 Tim 5:19

Test. Rev 2:2,20; Mt 7:15-20; 2 Cor 11:2-6,13-5; Php 3:2; 2 Th 2:3; 2 Tim 3:5,9; 2 Pet 3:17; 1 Jn 4:1

Guard that they not lead you & others astray. 1 Jn 2:26; 3:7; 4:1; 2 Jn 7-8; Rev 2:16; 2 Pet 2:2; Acts 20:28-29. Rescue strayers. Jude23; ~Jms5:19; Ga3:1-5; 4:9-23; 5:2-7

Do not welcome false teachers 2 Jn 8, or even tolerate them. Rev 2:2,6,20; ~Pr 25:26

contend for the faith.Php1:27; 4:3; refute false teachers.1 Tim1:3; Tt1:9-11; Jd3; Mt 23

OT believers obeyed the entire OT Law: moral, ceremonial, & judicial. ~Jms2:10

No sexual intercourse during wife's monthly period. Lev 18:19; 20:18; Eze18:6; 22:10

Don't eat idol-gifts,blood,strangledMeat. Gn9:4; Lev 17:10-4,19:26; Acts 15:19-29; 21:25; Ezk 33:25

Do not to worship any other, or receive the beast's mark.Re13:16-17; 14:9-11; 19:20

Do not be deceived by false Christs. 1 Jn 2:18,22-27; Mt 24:4-5,11,23-26; Lk 21:8

Believers are to be alert, & not be caught spiritually sleeping. Lk 21:34-35; 1 Th5:4-8

All Christians should leave Babylon, a spiritual prostitute drunk on the blood of the saints. Re17:4; 18:4-24; 19:2; ~Isa 52:11,~Jer 50:8; 51:6; 45-47; ~Zech 2:7; ~2 Cor 6:14-18

Titus 1:16, John 14:23-24, James 2:14-26, & other verses show that obedience to the Lord & works are an essential result of salvation. 1 Cor 13:3 shows that the greatest actions, without love, are nothing. Eph 2:9-10 show that works are not a means (or input) that saves us, but rather a purpose for which we are saved.