(Deuteronomy 4:2 [KJV]) Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I
command you.
(Proverbs 30:5, 6 [KJV]) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
(Isaiah 28:10 [KJV])
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
(Isaiah 28:13 [KJV])
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
(2 Peter 1:20 [KJV])
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
All of the studies, book or topical, found here, are done with research with mainly two things: The KING JAMES BIBLE and a plain old, 1828 Webster's Dictionary. Why? Outside of actually studying secular and Jewish history, archaeology, one needs nothing more. You do not need foreign, dead languages that no one speaks, lexicons, concordances or commentaries, because they differ not only with one another and with the KING JAMES BIBLE, but they create division, confusion, debate, and unbelief. We do not need them. That Word of God written and preserved for us in our own language is supposed to be enough, like the Old Testament was for the Jews, and the New Testament for the early Christians in Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, German, etc. There are studies within as tangents on words, subjects found within the two testaments, as to broaden the scope of the study, to learn more, deeper truths. This is not an intellectual site with PhDs, theologians, and no worldly wisdom.. Check everything out, everything. Not just here, but with everything you read and see and hear. Be Bereans:
(Acts 17:11 [KJV])
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Always research for yourself, use all of the context, and never privately interpret!
HEBREWS CHAPTER 13:
(Hebrews 13:1 [AKJV/PCE])
Let brotherly love continue.
Love is an action verb, not just a noun. If it is not an action verb, it is not a noun
It is not a feeling alone; it is what we do, and the way we show that we love is by doing
Sometimes, we are accused of being unloving when we are trying to teach truth and correct error in someone who does not want to hear it, at which time we should ignore that, knowing that it is in them who has the unteachable spriti, not us, where the lack of love lies
It is the same with a child who needs to be chastened out of love, for their good, from a parent, and does not want to be chastened
(Romans 12:10 [AKJV/PCE])
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
(1 Peter 1:22 [AKJV/PCE])
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
(John 13:34-35 [AKJV/PCE])
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
(1 John 4:20-21 [AKJV/PCE])
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
(Hebrews 13:2 [AKJV/PCE])
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
At some point in our walk with the LORD, we may have done this, unknowingly, and will find out on the other side
This is hard to do when often the strangers are maybehiding that they are actually thieves, criminals, only looking for the opportune time to do harm
But, if it is safe, possible, then we should, until such time as we discover they have an ulterior motive, are not willing to help themselves, but are merely wasting our time and resources as lazy, abusing one's hospitality, etc.
(Hebrews 13:3 [AKJV/PCE])
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
This is called empathy because, when one part of the body of Christ suffers, we all suffer
One Blood, One Body, many suffering, worldwide, under all sorts of hellish means; we need to pray
It can be us at any time, and most certainly will be soon
(Hebrews 13:4 [AKJV/PCE])
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Marriage is God's institution, in order to do several things: multiply ourselves and replenish (fill) the earth and,
It represents the relationship of Christ and the church, husband as head over the wife, loving the wife as Christ loves the church, wife submitting to the husband as the church submits to the LORD
This is the world, now more than in a very long time, as in before the Flood of Noah
(Genesis 8:17 [AKJV/PCE])
Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.
(Hebrews 13:5 [AKJV/PCE])
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Conversation here is behavior, not just words, but words and deeds
Being content is hard for Americans, having this world's goods and trappings
The congregational buildings have great sound systems, streaming audio, video, nice lights, seating, etc. and, inside are, too often, dead men's bones
This is because there is a famine of the Word of God, but lots of programs, events for all ages, all year around...fun fun fun!
This was the case for the leaders in Jerusalem; woe betide the congregations that are like that here today!
Sometimes it is merely to "Keep up with the Joneses" (other congregations nearby)
One merely needs to go on a mission to a third or fourth world country and come home, look at what they have and start thinking, "Do I/we REALLY need all of this stuff for a good spiritual life?"
CONVERSATION, n.
General course of manners; behavior; deportment; especially as it respects morals. Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel. Phil 1. Be ye holy in all manner of conversation. 1 Pet 1.
A keeping company; familiar intercourse; intimate fellowship or association; commerce in social life. Knowledge of men and manners is best acquired by conversation with the best company.
Intimate and familiar acquaintance; as a conversation with books, or other object.
Familiar discourse; general intercourse of sentiments; chat; unrestrained talk; opposed to a formal conference. What I mentioned in conversation was not a new thought. [This is now the most general use of the word.]
Like Laodicea, Jesus knocks to get in; we merely must open the door and invite Him in, personally, corporately, whatever the case may be
(Matthew 23:27 [KJV])
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.
(Revelation 3:14-22 [KJV])
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
(Hebrews 13:6 [AKJV/PCE])
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
As it says in 1 Corinthians 15:19, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
It matters what happens to us eternally, which has already been determined, stated throghout Scripture, if we are saved, it only matters to us just what happens to us in this life and that only in this life will it matter, not after
Jesus literally tells us not to fear them, because our eternal destiny is secure, even if this life is brief
The ones who persecute, torture, enslave, kill others have no fear of God-UNTIL THAT DAY, and then too late, forever, if they do not repent
(Matthew 10:28 [AKJV/PCE])
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
(Hebrews 13:7 [AKJV/PCE])
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Remember the teachers and shepherds
This is not a blanket statement, this following, because of the context, so we follow them only as they follow Christ on the narrow, straight road with and to Him
If they do? We follow. If they stop, or do not? We do not follow them on the broad roads, the side roads, the parallel roads, the roads away
This is where discernment comes in, knowing the truth to spot a lie
(1 Corinthians 11:1 [AKJV/PCE])
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(Romans 13:12 [AKJV/PCE])
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
(Ephesians 5:11 [AKJV/PCE])
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
(Hebrews 13:8 [AKJV/PCE])
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Amen, unlike us, He never changes, never leaves us, never forsakes us, never veers in any direction, never will not fulfill and promises, and prophecies
Always God, always Holy, always the Saviour, always loving, always filled with grace, waiting and willing to forgive all sin
This goes for Him being the Living Word, and for His Word, the Word of God written
(Hebrews 13:9 [AKJV/PCE])
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
If we have no anchor for our belief, then we will be blown about, as all of us have a built-in masted sail, which will catch wind, is always up and extended
The winds of different doctrines never stop blowing, now in these last days more than ever
Different and strange, a perfect description of today
Saved Jews were being brought back into legalism a lot in the first century, with circumcision being required, eating certain things, visiting the temple, keeping the Sabbath, not keeping company with Gentiles, works salvation, on and on it went and goes
(Galatians 2:11 [AKJV/PCE])
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
(Galatians 2:12-14 [AKJV/PCE])
For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
(Acts 10:28 [AKJV/PCE])
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
(Hebrews 13:10 [AKJV/PCE])
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Because of trying to get to heaven by works and not grace through faith in Jesus Christ, they will not be at that altar, in heaven, unless they repent
Serving the tabernacle just means works salvation, nothing more, going to the temple to do works to get favor from God
The way had and has already been made for Jew and Gentile through the veil, the Body of our LORD Jesus Christ, to the heavenly altar
(Hebrews 13:11-12 [AKJV/PCE])
For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
These sacrifices were for a figure, a type, a representation of a future sacrifice on the Cross by the LORD, gained them fellowship with God, in His favor, but not salvation-THEY ONLY POINTED TO IT
It was then and is now and always was, is and always will be by faith, not works, for our justification before God
Sin was to be taken without the camp in two forms: Literal blood of the sacrifice, and in sin in the people, to be removed
Jesus became sin for us; therefore He had to be taken without the camp (Jerusalem) to be sacrificed for us
(Galatians 3:24-25 [AKJV/PCE])
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
SIN, WITHOUT THE CAMP
(John 19:16-17 [AKJV/PCE])
Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
(2 Corinthians 5:21 [AKJV/PCE])
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
(Exodus 29:14 [AKJV/PCE])
But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.
(Leviticus 4:12 [AKJV/PCE])
Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt.
(Numbers 19:1-3 [AKJV/PCE])
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke: And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face:
SIN IN THE CAMP
(Joshua 7:13 [AKJV/PCE])
Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.
This is why, in America today, the church is so helpless, ineffective, and getting the nation to do right and return to God-because the church has sin in the camp, like Achan was, and refuses to even acknowledge it, let alone remove it, so that God can work. She runs with and from her enemies instead of fighting the good fight of faith, and that because she is weak, and that because she has sin in the camp. This is why there are so many "revivals" and yet nothing is ever revived, so the hosts make money off of them, pack up, people thinking there was a revival, so they can do it again another time, or move to the next place to do it.
(Hebrews 13:13 [AKJV/PCE])
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Unity is great when there is one godly thing to unite around and about
Doctrine divides, and being the majority and being in the majority neither was nor is ever good
(Hebrews 13:14 [AKJV/PCE])
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Israel is God's chosen people; their given national land is Israel, their given national capital is Jerusalem
That city has been a continuing city since God founded it for His people Israel
The church was chosen by God; we needed only to believe by faith, accept that grace, that salvation and Israel, Jerusalem is not our home, not even Messianic Jews
Our home is not on earth, but in heaven
(Hebrews 13:15 [AKJV/PCE])
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Because we are in Christ, we can truly, truthfully, honestly, with a full assurance of faith offer a better sacrifice than the bodies of goats, oxen and bulls, fatted fowls
With Christ, while we are on this earth, we are outside the camp. In Christ, in Heaven, we are in the camp, with access to the Throne, boldly, while still on earth
Continually, non-stop praise of the praiseworthy God we serve and love
The praise is the vertical part of the Cross of the LORD Jesus Christ; the horizontal is help up by the vertical and represents our love towards the brethren, our service to others, the communication being both with encouraging words and with our actions
(Hebrews 4:16 [AKJV/PCE])
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 13:17 [AKJV/PCE])
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
The shepherds of sheep, the elders, overseers, as they follow Christ, we ought to follow them, and encourage them
It is very hard to be under such pressure, and to constantly hear harping, complaining from those under you who do not like how things go and want change, but want others to carry that load; others who always resist and oppose any change,
This is what voluntary service is about, unburdened help
SERVANTS OF THE LORD
(1 Thessalonians 5:12 [AKJV/PCE])
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
(1 Timothy 5:17-20 [AKJV/PCE])
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
(James 3:1 [AKJV/PCE])
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
(Hebrews 13:18 [AKJV/PCE])
Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
For abandoning legalism, Paul was not well liked among the Jews any more, speaking against the ritualistic, works salvation he had abandoned
This is to be our witness, our testimony, our legacy, to live honestly
"Pray for US", not just "Pray for me", caring for others, the flock, not just himself
MATTHEW HENRY:
"This is one part of the duty which people owe to their ministers. Ministers need the prayers of the people; and the more earnestly the people pray for their ministers the more benefit they may expect to reap from their ministry. They should pray that God would teach those who are to teach them, that he would make them vigilant, and wise, and zealous, and successful--that he would assist them in all their labours, support them under all their burdens, and strengthen them under all their temptations"
(Acts 24:16 [KJV])
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.
(Hebrews 13:19 [AKJV/PCE])
But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Prayers for safe passage back to them, for the purpose of ministering even more to and for the brethren, the flock
(Hebrews 13:20-21 [AKJV/PCE])
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Asks for prayers, gives prayers back, in reciprocation
Transparency and a lack of hypocrisy, right there
Our God is a God of peace, desiring peace, from the Prince of Peace
(Isaiah 9:6 [KJV])
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
(John 16:33 [KJV])
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
(John 14:27 [KJV])
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(Philippians 4:7 [KJV])
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(Hebrews 13:22 [AKJV/PCE])
And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
In the original Greek, that's, "Have a teachable spirit, always; I do not mince words, but I give it to you straight!"
Calls them brethren, familiarly
Wrote the letter to them personally
(Hebrews 13:23 [AKJV/PCE])
Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
Released from prison, able to bring the good news to the world once more, able to restore fellowship with the saints
(Hebrews 13:24 [AKJV/PCE])
Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
Paul may or may not have known them but, either way, all need a welcoming who do the work of God, as encouragement
He includes the members of the body as well as the leaders
(Hebrews 13:25 [AKJV/PCE])
Grace be with you all. Amen. ΒΆ Written to the Hebrews from Italy by Timothy.
Timothy being the writer, perhaps for Paul the apostle to the Gentiles
