Loyalty

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Loyalty

24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Mat 6:)

During World War two it was fairly common to see acts of valor and courage on the battle front. Those men and women (and even children at times) who performed so courageously and unselfishly often found within themselves an element they didn't know existed until they were put in a position where they had to make a choice. Had they not been challenged as they were, they would have doubted that such a quality lay within themselves.

It is under fire, on the battle front where we learn who we really are at heart. It is easy to say: "I wouldn't have run from fighting like so-and-so. I would have stood firm and fought." How often is it that you hear the big talk from those who are sitting on the sidelines, or who somehow missed the opportunity to prove themselves?

We, as a nation, make it a practice to award those men and women who show exceptional courage. There are numerous medals and acknowledgments that have been presented to many people over the course of our existence. This is nothing unusual, since most, if not all countries do the same.

But not all acts of bravery are rewarded, or even recognized by this country. We, as a people and as a nation, have a way of intentionally turning our backs to some of the most courageous and dedicated of people. Were these heros merely overlooked? Were they missed somehow?

No, these heros were not missed or overlooked; they were overtly ignored and even vilified at times.

One example of this is a soldier on the front lines who ten times risked his life and saved his fellow soldiers. Because of his gallant heroism he was able to assist in saving the lives of over a hundred soldiers who were seriously injured and would have died alone on the field of blood. On two other occasions this young soldier singlehandedly rescued a trapped regiment of men, allowing thousands of trained soldiers to continue fighting the war, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of enemy infantryman. During his efforts this brave young warrior sustained over twelve wounds, two of which were near fatal.

This young soldier was never awarded a single American medal or any sign of official recognition from our government or our press. Even with all the wounds he suffered, he was not given a Purple Heart for his sacrifices.

Traitors and spies are looked down on by all countries. Usually traitors and spies are not only reprimanded when they are caught, but are executed. This nation is no different in that respect. Some of the most notable stories of the war are those involving spies.

But not all spies are executed. In fact, there is an example of the opposite being true, and this right here in our own country.

One of the most notorious and successful spies during the war not only escaped execution for his misdeeds, but was awarded one of the highest honors ever given by this country. This honor was not only bestowed upon one who betrayed his own nation, but unlike the young soldier above who saved many lives and destroyed the lives of many enemy soldiers; this traitor was responsible for the loss of thousands of lives of his own countryman.

Does this sound fair? What do you think of a country who would intentionally and overtly herald a traitor, while ignoring a hero? If you were running this country, would you have allowed such a miscarriage of justice to occur?

Yes, you would. And while all this happened before your eyes, you applauded the deed.

We, this nation, nor any other nation or people honor bravery or vilify treachery. It is not the good or the bad of an act we appreciate or notice. Good is only good as it effects us, and bad is only bad if it effects us adversely. For instance; lying is considered a "bad" thing. I think most of us would agree to that. If you learned that your child lied to his teacher, would you not consider that a bad thing? What if you were to learn that the lie he told was to confess to a deed he was innocent of in order to cover for his little sister who was actually the guilty party. Would you look upon the deed in the same light?

Good and bad is relative, in our eyes.

In the stories above: how could the good acts of one person be ignored, and the bad acts of another be awarded?

The young soldier who saved all those lives and cost the lives of so many of the enemy, was a German soldier.

And the "traitor" was a Japanese citizen betraying his own country for the good of the enemy of his country - America.

Good and bad is relative. We do not praise those who do well, if it hurts us. Nor do we condemn the guilty, if it benefits us.

The difference is - who is being served.

THE NOSE

"The cook has a big nose!"

"Yeah, you've got a big honker, Miss Smith. It's so big it takes a wheelbarrow to carry it."

"Doesn't that nose of yours get in the way when you fix our food? How do you see around it so you can tell what your fixing us?"

"You children are not nice at all. Do you think it's right to make fun of others?"

"You're just a cook around here, a servant. Who are you to tell us what we can do?"

"Why, I suppose you're right. I can't do much about the bad heart you have. And I suppose there is little I can do about your nasty attitudes. But you know what I can do? I can make it so the two of you go hungry for a long time."

"How? Just how can you make us go hungry?"

"Yeah, just how, Miss Big Nose?"

"Well, for one thing, how do you know what I put in the breakfast I just served you? I might have put poison in it, or maybe I put some soap in your eggs. How would you ever know?"

"You wouldn't do that. Our father would fire you if you did anything like that."

"Yeah, Big Nose. Besides, if you poisoned us, you'd go to jail. So see!"

"Maybe you're right. But then again. How would anyone know it was me who poisoned you? Or maybe I just put something in your food to make you sick Or, who knows, maybe I just stuck my big nose in your cereal. Wouldn't that be nice?"

"Would you do that to us?"

"Nah. She's just talkin'. She wouldn't do that to us. Would you?"

"You never can tell. Besides, have you ever considered that the better you treat me, the better I will like you, and the better I like you, the more effort I will put into making your meals and the better food I will serve you?"

.......

"She might be right. What do you think?"

"Might be. It's worth a try."

"Ok, Miss Smith. We'll be nice to you if you promise to make us good food like you said."

"Yeah. We'll be nice from now on."


From now on we will have nice children in this house - that is, as long as the children get what they want.

Nice children. But are they? Are they being nice for "Nice" sake? Are they being nice because it's the right thing to do? Are they being nice because it's just a part of their nature? who they are?

Or are these children being nice because it serves their purpose to be nice?

IN THE NATURE

"You know the old man down the street with the junk cars in his yard?"

"You mean that mean old man who shakes his cane at everybody who even touches his fence?"

"Yes, that's him. Well yesterday I saw him struggling with that old lawnmower of his, so I took ours over and mowed his lawn for him."

"You mowed his Lawn!? But that old man has been especially mean to you ever since you moved here. Why would you bother to lift a finger to help him? You know he wouldn't even give you a kind word if his life depended on it, least wise do something nice for you."

"Yes, I know. But doing good things isn't something you do because you will get nice things back. That's just trading, or buying friends. Good things should just be done because that's how you are. It should just be your nature, you know?"

"Well, that's easy for you to say. But it's easier said than done."


Being a good person. Isn't that a wonderful thing? And aren't good people nice to be around? Good people like to be around good people. It makes them feel, well - good.

But not all people like good people. Bad people, for instance, don't like good people because it makes them look that much badder, and it takes away their justification for being bad, which is: "every body is bad."

Another group of people who like good people are con men. Of course they don't like the good in them, but they like to take advantage of the good things they can get from them.

Good people. Giving, Loving, Thoughtful. Surely God must have a special fondness for "Good People."

In the story above we have a good person. It is his nature to be good. That is, doing other than be good is to go against that nature and cause him to feel bad about himself. Are you a good person? If so then you understand what I am talking about. If you are only good when good can come your way from your good deed, then you don't know what I am talking about.

Good people must be good. It is not only their nature, but it is their image. Should a person not be good on any occasion, they not only feel bad, but they have lost that image of being good. Good people have to be good all the time, or else they become like those who are only good when they can get something out of it.

Have you ever known someone who has to be right? They can't be seen to be wrong - no matter how wrong they are, or how many times it has been proven that they were wrong. They have to come out on top.

Our image and our nature are something that must be served, if we are to be comfortable with ourselves.

We serve that which gives us what we want. And what a good person wants is to see themself, and to be seen, as good.

The Pharisees that Jesus confronted had the same problem. They had an image of being "Good." And added to this image was that of being "Godly." As we read the Bible we see that these people had a very high image of themselves, and this image was supported by the masses of people. But Jesus put them down. These people were spending day and night in the service of God. At least so it seemed. But who were they actually serving? Weren't they serving themselves?

The children above were obviously serving themselves. In their minds, the nicer they are, the more they will get. It is much like Christmas - Santa brings more and better toys to "nice" children.


The soldier in the first story, although he was doing many great things, he was not doing them for us, he was not serving us, so we do not reward him. It is not only important that we do good things, and that we be good people, but that we do them for the right motives, and for the right cause. Of course this soldier was doing what he did for the right cause in his mind; but that doesn't count on our part if we are not the beneficiaries of his good works.


The traitor committed a despicable act; but because we benefitted from his wickedness, we praise him for it. Those who did the same as he, and did so against us, was despised and executed.

Even bravery, unselfish acts of heroism, and honest intent is not enough - if it done for the wrong cause.

The churches, from the most strict to the very lenient, all serve and teach us to serve one person. In the words we use, that one person is God. And in the minds of those who follow the doctrines of the various churches it is God they are serving. But what evidence is there that God is the one being served?

The Liberal churches hardly make a claim to do anything but serve themselves. Most of these churches freely admit they do not even believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and that God's entire purpose is to serve us if we say the right things, and give enough money to them, the "church."

In this respect the Liberal churches are really no different than all the religions of the world, including the Humanists and the Atheists whose sole purpose is blatantly to serve themselves. The only real difference between these and the Liberal Christians is in the fact that they recognize only their own ability to serve themselves, while the church believes that there is a God who will help them serve themselves.

Most religions, including all the Christian Denominations and sects believe that there is a god, that is, one who will reward them for doing good things. Like the Christmas songs, the better person we are, the more God will like us, so the more He will give us. So we be "good" in order to get that which we want.

We serve God for what we can get out of Him. If God was to say the better you are, and the more you serve Him - then the less He will Give you, and the harder He will be on you - what would be your reaction? Would you continue to serve Him anyway?

In other words: if you were to count the costs of serving God, would you wish to serve Him out of Love?

Conventional Protestant churches are more inclined to believe they are serving God, by teaching that they believe the Bible is the True Word of God. But beyond that, their directions take a sudden "U" turn back toward themselves. Without changing the Words in the Book itself, the Fundamental Protestant churches have distorted the meanings of God's Words so they point to verses not intended in order to make them read for Man's benefit, not God's.

From the very first "come-on," that is the invitation to be a Christian, the benefits point to Man. "Come and get Eternal Life. God loves you, come and experience His love."

Some churches add other tidbits like: "The better you are, and the more you read the Bible and come to church, the better God will like you and the more He will give you." And another: "Avoid hellfire, come and be saved. Save yourself." And this old sermon that is so popular with the TV Evangelists in particular: "The more you give, the more God will give you. Just look at me with my mansions and my expensive cars. You too can have all you want if you send me all your money."

Of course we have the opposite extreme as well. The Catholic church and many of the cults have a more "Works" based program they follow. That is, they have the: "Do this, and do that; and don't ever do the other." These have some very strict rules and rituals that must be followed in order to stay in good fellowship with the church. And if you fall out of fellowship with the church, then God will disown you and send you to hell (or purgatory).

The fear, in this case, is not of God, nor is the love, if any, exhibited for God's sake. It's all so the Man can stay in good standing with the church, and to reap the rewards.

Prayer, for instance, is something we particularly associate with Christianity. But why? Don't all religions pray to God? And if we pray to God, aren't all people praying to the same God, that is, the Creator, however we might see or call Him? How about an Atheist, who does he pray to? You mean you don't think Atheists pray? Let him get cancer or lose his job, and see if he prays are not. Of course he is only praying in case and in hopes there is a God. But isn't that actually what all the Christians are doing as well?

"Let us pray. Everybody bow their heads. Now, everybody on their knees at their pews. Now, come forward and pray at the alter. Be sure to pray at meal times and before going to bed. Pray before you read your Bible to get the most out of it. When you pray, these are the words to use."

Any of the above sound familiar? In many of the churches prayer is written out for you and you just read the prayers in unison. Or sometimes they are read for you and all you have to do is say "Amen."

I'm sure God is impressed with all this Righteous Sanctimony, aren't you?

"Daddy; I want something special for my birthday, and I want to ask you for it."

"That's fine son, what is it you want?"

"Um, just a minute, I have it here in my pocket. Yeah, here it is."

"What is that, son? Is it a list of things you want?"

"No, it's the words Bobby gave me that's supposed to get me what I want. Just listen while I read this: 'I- love- you- and- I- promise- to- be- a- good- box, I mean boy, and- to- do- my- homework- and- to- clean- my- room- if you will give me Red Ryder BB gun I want for my birthday.' There!, do I get it?"


Such heart-felt emotions poured out to the boy's father. Do you think the father was impressed or believed his son?

"We love our customers!" Ever see that sign on the wall of a store? How about this one: "I love everybody!" Or how about the lady who stands at the door with a big smile shaking people's hand while saying: "I love you!" as they enter. Did any of this convince you? Was you impressed? Did you believe any of it? If so, then you are either a very lonely person, or very gullible.

How do you suppose God reacts to our rehearsed and rote prayers, praise and supplications? Think He is wise enough to see through our facade?

Christianity is a religion, just like all the other religions and non-religions of the world. Christianity is designed to serve Man, and for Man to be served by God. That is the direction it is now taking, and is heading ever more so as time goes on.

Did Christianity start this way? Not a bit of it. In the beginning of Christianity those who chose to be Christians realized they were signing on to a life of heartache and misery here on earth. They knew that serving the Lord meant being shunned and condemned by the World and by their family, and by the established church of the day. They could see by the line of Christians waiting to be fed to the lions, and those burning on stakes along Nero's highways what the "cost" of serving the Lord was.

Do you think these early Christians prayed for a new computer or wide screen TV? Or do you think they were content to be alive and have their "Daily Bread" given to them? I highly suspect the prayers of these early Saints were listened to very attentively by God. What do you think?

The difference between Religion (including Humanism and the like) and True Christianity is the direction they take. Religion, as shown above, is directed toward serving oneself. The only reason for even acknowledging God is that He might do for us.

Christianity, on the other hand, is directed totally toward God. Christianity is the abandonment of one's self and the total commitment to the Lord. Christianity is exemplified by the soldier who knows full well that his life is nothing but one tiny segment in the total purpose of the Army and the Nation he is serving. Christianity is expressed in the Bible as a "Bondservant" who willingly chooses to serve his Lord and to do whatever he is told, just as with a slave, even though he had been given his freedom to do as he pleases.

In the Old Testament Christianity was exemplified by Daniel when he chose the lions over abandoning God. It is again portrayed with the three in the fiery furnace.

All through the Old Testament, as well as the New, Heros of the Faith chose to give up their own lives for the sake of the One they served. They were put to the test, and the outcome was their service, not to themselves, but to God in spite of the loss to themselves.

Israel is another example. When the nation of Israel sacrificed themselves for the Lord, they were a chosen people blessed by God. Did that mean they never saw death? Of course not. They did. Just as did the Apostles, and Jesus Himself see death. But in life they had a joy beyond understanding, notwithstanding whatever hardship they might suffer. Their joy was not in getting what the wanted, but in knowing they were fulfilling their purpose in the service of their Lord.

When Israel turned from serving the Lord to serving other gods (in essence serving one who they believed would give them what they wanted), God turned His back on them.

Again in the New Testament we see God taking care of those who joined His ranks, until they chose to serve themselves instead of God. Ananias and Sapphira are one example, and Judas is another.

Somehow, long ago, the Church began to turn its back on the true purposes of God that are clearly written in the Word, and has covered them with Fairy Tales that direct all attention off God and back onto Man. Of course the World eats up these Fantasies as it tells them God wants for them exactly what they want for themselves.

But dedicated service can not be directed in two ways. It either has to be toward ourselves, or to God. Jesus expresses it this way:


24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Mat 6:)


MASTERS G2962 ´? kurios koo'-ree-os From ? kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller; by implication Mr. (as a respectful title): - God, Lord, master, Sir.

SERVE G1398 ´? douleuo¯ dool-yoo'-o From G1401; to be a slave to (literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily): - be in bondage, (do) serve (-ice).

HATE G3404 µ´? miseo¯ mis-eh'-o From a primary word µ ? misos (hatred); to detest (especially to persecute); by extension to love less: - hate (-ful).

HOLD G472 ?´?µ antechomai an-tekh'-om-ahee From G473 and the middle of G2192; to hold oneself opposite to, that is, (by implication) adhere to; by extension to care for: - hold fast, hold to, support.

MAMMON G3126 µµµ ? mammo¯nas mam-mo-nas' Of Chaldee origin (confidence, that is, figuratively wealth, personified); mammonas, that is, avarice [greed](deified): - mammon.

References

8Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Mat 4:)

24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Mat 6:)

21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Mat 18:)

8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (Mat 23:)

14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Mat 25:)

7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. (Luke 17:)

11And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. (Luke 19:)

34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:)

23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:)

12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17These things I command you, that ye love one another. (John 15:)

36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (John 18:)

18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: (Acts 20:)

4My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. (Acts 26:)

6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:)

15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:)

21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Rom 7:)

1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. (Rom 9:)

1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:)

19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 23Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. (1Cor 7:)

10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Gal 1:)

1Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Gal 4:)

5Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. (Eph 6:)

5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:)

23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.(Col 3:)

11These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. 14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. (Col 4:)

1Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; (Titus 1:)

3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:)

1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, IF we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. (Heb 3:)

6Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: (Heb 9:)

14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Heb 9:)

25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29For our God is a consuming fire.(Heb 12:)

13Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (1Pet 2:)

17These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2Pet 2:)

1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (Rev 1:)

2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. 7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Rev 2:)

3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (Rev 7:)

13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Rev 7:)

5And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: 7But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. (Rev 10:)

17Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. 19And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. (Rev 11:)

3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Rev 15:)

5And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:)

1And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.(Rev 22:)

39And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: 40But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubilee: 41And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return. 42For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen. 43Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God. 44Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids. 45Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession. 46And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour. (Lev 25:)

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