37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind. (Mat 22:)
"Do you realize how tedious that is?"
"What's that, Carol?"
"Your singing all the time."
"I'm not singing, I'm humming."
"Well, I wish you would cut it out. It gets on my nerves."
"I'm thinking the same thing, Jack. Your singing and humming does get to rattling the brain."
"Why Bill. You sing a lot yourself. You're always singing something you heard on the radio."
"Yeah, but that's different. I'm practicing to be a musician and a singer. That's my business you could say, Kind a'."
"Bill's right, Jack. Besides, it's not just your singing all the time. It's what you sing. It's always the same think, like you know, church songs and stuff."
"What's the matter with church songs? We just came from church, what else would you expect me to be singing?"
"Well, that's the point. We just came from church, we did our thing there, now it's time to get back to the living again."
"It sounds like you don't like church, Carol."
"Church is ok, I guess. I mean, you know, a couple hours a week isn't so bad, you know."
"What about you Bill, do you like church?"
"I gotta' go with Carol on that one. Sacrificing a couple hours a week ain't so bad. But I wouldn't want to make a habit of it like some folks I know."
"Like, who do you mean?"
"Like you for one is what I mean. You and your con-sarn church songs all the time."
"They bother you, do they?"
"Well, I have to agree with Bill. Being around you is like being in church all the time. I mean, it's not just your singing and humming that's annoying, but all you ever talk about is church things, like, you know, the Bible and Jesus and the Ghost thing. It gets on a persons nerves."
"Yeah, Jack, like what Carol just said. You're a regular preacher-man. And I got to say, I don't think the preacher goes around all day talking about God and stuff. Like, you got to get a life, man."
"It sounds to me like you two don't like church. If it bugs you so much, why do you bother to even go to church?"
"Well, it's the hell thing and all, you know. I don't want to burn for a long time like the preacher talks about, you know."
"Yeah, me too. Flames and me, we don't get along too good."
"And it's the Heaven thing too. I think I would like to kind of while away my time sitting on a cloud and playing a harp. Sounds kind of fun, you know."
"Now me, I'd be playing my ax, you know, my guitar. I wonder if they got any rock 'n roll bands up there I can gig with?"
"You mean to tell me that church to you two is just a kind of fire insurance? You spend a couple hours a week in a place you don't like because you think it will keep you out of hell and let you spend eternity playing in a band?"
"Well, when you put it that way...."
"Hold on now, Jack. Let's get down from off that high-horse you're ridin' on. Just because you like church and like to spout off with that Jesus stuff all the time, it don't make you no super-saint, you know. You don't want to go to that hell place any more than we do. An' all your sweet-mouthing church stuff ain't going to get you any better wings than the rest of us."
"What Bill just said I agree with, kinda', but not so crudely as he put it. But Jack, you know, I've been thinking about that Jesus stuff you talk about all the time. I don't think it's healthy to be stuck in a rut like you are. I mean, you know, life is about a lot of stuff, not just churchy things and all."
"Yeah, Jack, you're dug down deep in a rut. You got to go out and get yourself a life. You know what? I know a gal you'd like. She'd straighten you up right quick. That's it exactly, you need yourself a girl, sure as shootin'"
"You do need some thing, that's for sure. I saw a piece in a magazine the other day about people who's got what you've got. It's called obsessive something-or-other. It sounded serious the way they talked about it."
"Yeah, Jack. You need a Shrink."
"Obsessive-Compulsive disorders I think is what you mean Carol."
"Yeah, that's it, like you said. It sounded real bad. You ought to look into that, you know."
"Obsessive, like talking about the latest fashions and movie stars and keeping up with every little thing they do or say. You mean that kind of obsessive, Carol?"
"That's different. People are supposed to keep up with the times and all, you know."
"Yeah, Jack. That's different. That's not like you and your spouting that Jesus stuff no one wants to hear all the time."
"Obsessive. Like memorizing all the new songs and following the lives of the top musicians; night and day spent with one's mind in a musical cloud. Is that what you mean, Bill?"
"Watch it now, Jack. You're talking about my job, my career. It's not like you and your Bible thumpin'. You ain't no preacher-man. Besides, even if you was, preachers don't go around preachin' except in church where preaching is supposed to be preached. Music is different. Music is everywhere. Music is good for a fella. Not like the boring stuff you spout off with."
"You find God and the Bible, boring? Is that how you feel about it, Carol?"
"Well, kinda', I guess, you know. I mean, like, I read the Bible, like a chapter a day, sort of, when I get the chance. But it's not like, you know, interesting and all like a movie. I guess it's ok. But, I mean, come on, it's not like it's supposed to take over a person's life the way you've done. I mean, like, even God doesn't spend all His time on God stuff the way you do. I'll bet even He's got a life to live too."
"Yeah, right, Jack. Like God made all this stuff here, the world and us folks an' all, then He took off and got back to His own thing, like, maybe playing a harp like Carol said back a piece."
"Let me see if I hear you right. You two are saying that God made this world, put us here on it, then left to do His own thing? And you say if a person goes to church once in a while they will get to go to Heaven and live forever on a cloud, and those who don't go to church will burn in hell forever? What about all the people who spend their whole life doing good things for other people like the poor and the starving, will they go to hell too because they didn't go to church like you do? How about those who go to church, but also do the good things I just said, don't they get any more than you will since you're just going for fire insurance?"
"I don't know what's going to happen to other people, Jack. I just know I'm doing what the preacher said. Maybe those people that are extra good will get an extra set of wings and a prettier harp. I don't know."
"Yeah, like Carol says. Besides, we're not the ones with the Problem, Jack, You are. And I think you're just trying to take the saddle off your problem and put it back on us guys. We're doing what we're supposed to be doing, like normal folks do. You gone off the deep end and need a Shrink, and I bet any preacher will tell you just what I done told you."
"Maybe your right. There might be something in what you say. I'll look into it and see what I can come up with. Now are you happy?"
"Yer darn tootin' we're right, Jack. You just do that. You look into it real close, hear?"
It appears that Bill and Carol have a pretty clear view of what they see as "church." And from what I have seen, their opinion is probably the most popular opinion held by a majority of church goers. I doubt there's very many people who would put their view as bluntly as has Bill and Carol; but when boiled down to the bone, I think all bones would look pretty much alike.
Not all church goers are the "Sunday go-to-meetin'" kind. Some people take their church and their purposes as they are affected by the church a lot more seriously. There are those who, as Jack mentioned, care a great deal about the hurting of this world and are willing to sacrifice themselves to help in whatever way they are able.
Jack, as he has promised his friends, is about to take his next step toward learning what it means to be a "Christian."
"Reverend, I wonder if I might have a word with you, if you're not too busy."
"Why certainly, my son. How can I help you?"
"Well, you've been a Pastor at this church for quite a while, haven't you?"
"Yes I have. And for much longer at other churches as well."
"Then I suppose you've learned a lot about churches and the Bible."
"Yes, quite a bit. In fact, before I became a Pastor I earned a Th.D. in Religious Science as well as a Masters in the field of Human Psychology."
"Good. Then I'm sure you're just the one who can answer my question."
"I will certainly try. What seems to be on your mind?"
"Well, the other day I was talking to a couple friends of mine about church and what it is all about. They said it's mostly about keeping out of hell and getting to go to Heaven. I said I think it's more than that. So I thought I would ask you what you think church is about. Are they right?"
"Yes, they are. Of course their reason for going to church is pretty much the same as many other's. But there is much more than just fire insurance that can be found in church. For instance there is the social aspect of church. Some people find a family here, or at least a circle of friends with which they have a common interest. This is one reason why we have a place for such activities like the coffee room."
"Then, what I am hearing you say is that church a place for people to meet, like a family get-together."
"No, what I am saying is there are some who come to church for just such a reason. I'm not implying that church is only about the social aspect."
"Then, what else is church for?"
"There are many worthy pursuits that may be undertaken by those who wish to do more than merely satisfy their personal needs. For instance there is hospital visitation, or distributing food to the hungry. We also have a quilting bee where the ladies make blankets and such for the poor and needy, though I doubt you would be interested in that activity."
"Those certainly are good things to do, for sure. But they all sound so, so....Worldly. I mean, there's other groups that do those things, and they aren't part of any church. I was thinking more in line with, well, like God and all."
"I see, why certainly the church has a definite place for those who wish to move on with their Spiritual endeavors. For instance you could become a youth pastor, or an Elder of the church, or a Sunday School teacher. Some church members prefer to be more physical or behind the scene, like perhaps keeping the lawn mowed, or janitorial work. Or perhaps you would rather be an usher, or in the choir, or perhaps you play an instrument and would like to be in the band. We have a very fine Christian Punk-Rock band here at the church you know. There's always a place for those industrious young people who want to move on with the Lord."
"Well, no, I wasn't thinking about any of those things. They sound very fine and all, but I was thinking more along the line of, maybe, growing in the Lord. I mean, isn't there some way a person can become more of a Christian than just church-type stuff?"
"I believe I see what you are getting at. Yes, it's all very clear to me now. What you are looking for is a Spiritual Awakening. I assume you have fulfilled the basic prerequisites, by that I mean you have prayed the Sinner's Prayer, been Baptized and signed a membership pledge."
"Yes, I did all those when I was just a little kid."
"Very good. Then what I would suggest is obtaining a list of good books on the subject of Hermeneutics, eschatology and Christian history. In fact, I have a list of some excellent books right here in my desk I can give you. I would also highly recommend this Commentary on the Bible which well set you on a straight course toward understanding the Doctrines of the church. I also suggest this book, which I have memorized by heart myself, on church organization and promotion. Then, if you should decide to further your education in the things of the Lord, I can suggest an excellent Bible College and even a Seminary that will be glad to have one such as yourself as a student. In fact I will even give you my personal referral to aid you in such a pursuit. How does that sound?"
"That sounds like more than I can handle at this time. Maybe in the future. Thank you though. But what I was wondering about has more to do with the day-by day things in life, like thinking and praying and things like that. Well, to come right out with it, what my friends said is that I talk to much about Jesus and God and the Bible and stuff like that. I was wondering if you could tell me if they are right, or if thinking about Jesus all the time is a good thing to do. Do you know what I mean?"
"I believe I see your problem now. And I do believe I can help you. I did tell you I have a Masters in Psychology, did I not?"
"Yes, you did. That's why I...."
"It is a good thing to study the Bible. Getting a good education in whatever field is a worthy quest. And there is certainly no better field to devote one's study than that of Theology. I would suggest you learn all you can, and as I told you earlier, I have a fine list of books that will lend itself to just such a study. Praying is also an excellent way to develop your Spiritual maturity and your closeness with God. I would highly recommend you pray as often as you feel comfortable."
"I pray all the time. I mean, all I ever think about is Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I talk to God all the time, just like He was right here beside be right now. In fact, when you talk, I ask God what He thinks of what you are saying. That's why I talk about Him all the time, because it's all I ever think about."
"I see. Yes, I see what your problem is now. You have driven yourself into what is called an Obsessive, Compulsive disorder. That means you are slowly but surely being taken over by one single train of thought and interest. In some circles what you are experiencing would be called 'Demon Possession'. I do not see that it has reached that point with you as yet, but I would highly recommend you see a specialist in the field of Psychoanalysis without delay. In the meantime I would suggest you find other interests and dedicate just as much time and energy toward them as possible. The more interests the better. Diversifying your thoughts and energies will keep you from focusing on any one topic. You see, young man, you have what is called an 'Obsessive Personality', and due to this, whatever you do to the exclusion of anything else will become your downfall. So, my advise, as I said, is keep diversified."
"Then you think it's not good to dedicate one's life to the Lord? You think it's best to keep some Worldly interest so I don't get too much involved with God?"
"In your case, yes, that is what I would recommend. Most people would not be pulled under the spell on any one thing as you have become. You see many of them right here in our church. They dedicate a period of time to doing God's work, but they have a life of their own outside the church as well. With you, you have no life that is your own. You are, in a word, becoming something other than yourself. In any other area we would consider this Possession. That is, you become what you dedicate yourself to. For instance, someone who dedicates their life to witchcraft, becomes a witch. And a person who dedicates there life to, let's say, demonology is likely to become a demon themselves. Do you understand, son?"
"I think so. It's like someone who dedicates their life to law becomes a lawyer?"
"Well, loosely put, yes. But in your case you will certainly not become God, but you may well think you are God if you do not diversify your thinking."
"I see what you mean. That does sound dangerous. I was wondering though, do you have any interest outside of the church?"
'Oh my, yes! I am a great hockey fan. I follow every game and buy season tickets every year. I drive my wife crazy sometimes because all I talk about or watch on TV is hockey. Why I....."
"I think I get the picture. I think I had better go now, and if you don't mind, I would like that list of books you recommended."
"Why certainly son, here we are. And I hope you gained some insight from our little talk. And remember...diversify."
34But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Mat 22:)
34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Mat 10:)
The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:)
34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:)
5Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (2Thes 1:)
4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Rev 3:)
8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Rev 5:)
26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (Luke 14:)
10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Eph 4:)
8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:)
17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Rom 16:)
4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (1John 3:)
21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:)
28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (John 8:)
18Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. (1Cor 3:)
5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. (Eph 5:)
Psalm 1
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
8And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Luke 4:)
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:)
22Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 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:)
5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. (1Tim 5:)
3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; (2Tim 1:)
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. (Rev 7:)
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:)
[I don't know about you, but it seems to me that Jesus is rather obsessive, and expects us to be obsessive as well. How do you read His Words?
Possessed. This sounds evil in our ears. Is possession a bad thing? Consider if you will that what we buy, we own, that is, it is our "possession." Those who are slaves have been purchased, and are therefore "possessed" by their owner. They are a possession and must serve their owner at any time and in any way their owner sees fit.
Soldiers and prisoners are other groups of people who fit into this category (anyone remember Cool Hand Luke and his strawboss?).]
18And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
(Gen 14:)
2Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt. (Psalm 74:)
44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Mat 13:)
19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1Cor 6:)
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:)
1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (1Peter 2:)
13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:)
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; (Psalm 103:)
67And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, (Luke 1:)
13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Gal 3:)
9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Rev 5:)
1And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. 2And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. (Rev 14:)
11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Heb 9:)
12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Eph 1:)
27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:)
OBSESSED UNTIL POSSESSED
