#Diligent Heart (Jude)

[talesofourworlds]

"I don't know whether I should be surprised or concerned that so many of you thought I dropped an f bomb once..."

[talesofourworlds]

"She doesn't live here in Leronde," Jude admitted, "so she isn't here today. But I could write to her. See if she could come for a visit." It wasn't exactly promising anything, but it was the best he could do. Though considering that Sharilton was a decent journey away from Leronde, it might still be a bit of time before Elize even could arrive.

One thing at a time, though, Jude told himself. He listened as Zack provided his answers. He wasn't wrong. Every action did have a consequence, even if it wasn't an immediate one. It sounded as though where Zack was from, those consequences were having a grave effect on the world around them. Not too unlike spyrix, then. He nodded his head in agreement.

"Fascinating... I've never heard of anything like materia before now," Jude confessed. The closest he could think of would be spirit fossils, but even then that wasn't a completely accurate comparison. At least, that was the case as far as Jude could tell.

"I guess it is, unfortunately," Jude agreed. "And the people that do give in return seem few and far between a lot of the time. So... the world needs people who can try and help others understand why they need to do their part. Otherwise..." A vague hand gesture was given. The world would fall apart, he supposed. That was why he was working as hard as he was. Why all of them needed to do what they could to use the time Milla had given them.

He still hoped it was enough.

"It would be a lot easier if people could all just come to an agreement. But you can't exactly force people to change."

"Is Elize, you know? Around?" Had she moved on to bigger and better things, broadened her horizons to beyond the familiar that she knew all too well?

"Everything we do has a consequence, though admittedly, some are graver than others." He frowned. "I guess it's easy to take things from granted, not think too deeply about the damage you're doing or about anything really beyond the moment." It wasn't like everyone who used Materia was in it to destroy the planet. It was just part of their daily living, like.... flipping on a light at home.

Even Avalanche used technology ShinRa created, even while the members of the group condemned them for their actions.

"Materia can be naturally grown or artificially developed. They're little orbs that contain spots of the magic plucked from the planet itself. Anything from healing to fire, water, wind, anything! I'm damn sure there are sorts that haven't even been uncovered yet." Especially in areas where mako had been permitted to linger without interference. As unlikely as such a thought was, he didn't doubt it still existed.

"I guess it's just human nature to take and not think about giving in return."

[kurishiri]

“Your hand please, my lady: the villainous butler vows loyalty only to you” preview

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but please don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— this is an upcoming collection event in the jp server with ★4 victor💀 and ★3 alfons🪞. in addition, there are stories for liam🐈, elbert🍎, william🌹, and jude⌛️.

Under the orders from an ‘evil king’s game,’ we became a butler and mistress.

Was this a fated mischief? Or perhaps an ingenious trap…?

Liam as a butler was reliable, his acting prowess almost overwhelming.

Liam: If you’re so close to me like that… I’m afraid that I can no longer stay a butler.

Lord Elbert as a butler was filled with an adoration as he diligently took care of you.

Elbert: Then, first, I will… I mean, please allow me to help you get undressed. [1]

William as a butler was flawless, leaving no room for a single error.

William: I apologize for having kept you waiting, my lady. I will prepare your breakfast. [2]

Alfons as a butler was purely upright in his duties. His extravagance having gone somewhere else, he never laid a finger on me.

Alfons: Would it be safe to say you wish for me, your butler, to do lewd things with you, my lady?

Jude as a butler spoke in a polite tone, without using his accent, but also wore a cold smile and seemed to always have a snide remark up his sleeve.

Jude: ——As you were late, I have come to pick you up, my lady.

Victor as a butler exuded a calm air with a sense of maturity.

And while being taken care of by him, I came to think that I wanted him to myself…

Victor: I may be a butler… but you mustn’t let your guard down, my lady.

V: If you say something too cute, I will end up wanting to shower you with kisses…

V: Do you happen to remember what I said when you dressed as a maid, Lady Kate?

V: That you should only give your heart and body to your partner if you think, ‘if it’s this person…’

V: If that’s the case… would it be alright to think that said person is myself?

——Just for today, he was an ever so slightly villainous butler. Now, who will you take to serve you?

NOTES:

[1] Since Elbert is a noble, he normally speaks using the “infinitive” or the dictionary form in Japanese, so that’s why he starts off saying [脱がせる] (nugaseru), which in this case means to help one undress — in the dictionary form. But since he is now a “butler,” he corrects himself from 〜る → 〜ます (masu), which is essentially like a bit of a ‘more socially respectful’ way for a butler to address a mistress.

[2] William speaks like Elbert under normal circumstances, but he does change his way of speaking as well to a more ‘respectful’ Japanese to denote that he is the butler and Kate his ‘higher standing’ lady.

[skylinesnsunshines]

Heyy! I loved your Jude reading as boyfriend! We’d love if if you did an ideal type plss 🫶🏽🫶🏽

Love your readings!

thank you <3 here is the reading! hope you like it. apologies for being mia recently, I've been dealing with health issues and have been struggling but hopefully am back now.

DISCLAIMER: this is all speculative and for entertainment purposes only, so take it with a grain of salt :)

personal readings

(italicised is the card on the bottom of the tarot deck which is meant to represent the subconscious/blind spot of the situation + rx means reversed)

8 of pentacles, 2 of pentacles, ace of swords, 3 of cups rx | oyster, poet, venus: give and receive love, find value and see beauty

now before i go further, i do wanna preface that jude's energy seems like he's still figuring it out and that this is his ideal type in the current moment. he's only 20 so it's natural that he is unsure of what he truly wants in a long-term partner, so this is subject to change as he continuously experiences life and figures out what he wants. i do feel that he is currently very focused on his career and being in a relationship isn't his priority, so this is just the energy that i am just picking up currently. the first feeling i get is that currently, he wants his person to be financially secure and can support themselves. although he does like providing for his loved ones, i see that he finds it attractive if his s.o is a go-getter and isn't solely dependent on him. pentacles represent earth energy, so jude could be looking for someone who is very grounded and rational. i can see that he models his ideal type after his mother (not in a freudian way), but him seeing his mother able to multitask by taking care of him and also working inspires him. i can see that jude would like to end up with someone patient and diligent when it comes to their personal and work life. by that i mean, someone who can multitask and have a healthy balance of both. 2 of pentacles can be someone resourceful, and adaptable. this card also tells me that he likes detail-oriented people, and always makes decisions concerning their future. i envision him as a perfectionist when it comes to his job and likes to meet someone who values their craft as much as he does. i feel that he is quite picky with who he wants to end up with long-term, as he can be prone to taking on the advice and energies of those around him. i feel that he prioritises having those who have a growth mindset around him, so that is one of the traits that he looks for. ace of swords tells me he likes it when his s.o is straightforward and able to articulate themselves, by this i mean explaining their thoughts, ideas, feelings and other things. ace of swords tells me that he likes people who have fresh ideas and creativity, as these ideas and creativity can be channelled into their work which inspires jude. i also see that one of his deal-breakers is honesty so if his person lies to him at any level, he might feel really betrayed and take it to heart. now 3 of cups rx is interesting, i think jude looks for someone who has a high level of independence. i envision that jude enjoys the chase of pursuing someone, and likes to keep that spark alive by playfully still "chasing" that person even though they are already in a relationship. i feel jude is more of an extrovert, and he wants someone that balances him out in that aspect as his gemini venus seeks someone with duality. now this other interpretation could be weird so bear with me, but if you follow jude you might notice that he always has his friends or family with him. while his friends hold significance to him, i feel that when he has a partner he will slowly integrate them into his family to always be there for him when it comes to his games. i feel like right now he could be overly dependent on others, and when he finds his person he will be more secure and put his emotional satisfaction into having his special person always there for him.

the oyster card describes someone patient, generous and masterful. if you envision an oyster they usually have a harder outer shell protecting an inner treasure, and i feel like this can describe his ideal person. someone who is independent and seems tough on the outside, but has an incredibly giving and beautiful nature that others can see. i have a feeling that jude finds beauty in little quirks and that he finds them endearing, so someone who is humble but has confidence in themselves would be very attractive to him. linking the poet card back to the ace of swords, he might feel enamoured if his person has a way with words. i'm getting the feeling that his top 3 love languages for receiving are quality time, physical touch and words of affirmation (due to his gemini placements). he finds inspiration in people who always know what to say, and offer comfort and encouragement with words. venus represents beauty and while it can easily be interpreted as him valuing physical beauty, jude finds having an emotional connection a large priority. i feel that jude finds people who carry and present themselves as a classic or timeless beauty very attractive. venus can also represent finances, so again this goes back to someone who has a stable income, and i'm hearing the word "self-made" which tells me he has a lot of admiration for those who can provide for themselves.

so that’s it for the reading! let me know if you have any feedback, questions or requests! my askbox is always open for a chat as well <3 sending you love and light always :) hope you enjoyed!

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Ikemen Villains (JP)

Bond Story: Roger & Jude

Spoilers!! Spoilers!! Spoilers!! Spoilers!!

Roger Barel

Roger: "Yo. Viktor told me you had something you wanted to ask me."

Roger: "Okay, I've got time now. So, what do you wanna know?"

MC: "About the curse."

Roger: "My curse is the hunter of betrayal. Ah, right, they say this curse was the model for that story."

Roger: "But I won't betray you or the Crown. It'd be stupid to give in to a curse."

Roger: "Well, I'll find out about you next. Hm? There's nothing funny about that."

Roger: "Asking for one person's information is the same as revealing one of your own, right?"

Roger: "This place you got into, Crown, is full of dudes who are really good at taking stuff away."

Roger: "If you don't want to lose your heart and soul, you've got to be careful, okay?"

Jude Jazza

Jude: "Hey, get outta the way, commoner. What do ya want from me? You didn't make an appointment, did ya? We're closed, so scram."

MC: "Why are you so potty-mouthed?"

Jude: "Isn't it your job to think about that, or whatever?"

Jude: "Hey, you're done. Now back off before I kick yer ass."

Jude: "Pretty sure Viktor told ya to ask for my personal information."

Jude: "You were brought here by force, so why do ya have to do this ridiculous job so diligently?"

Jude: "Well, if ya want to quit and run away, I'll at least help you negotiate with Viktor."

Jude: "For a fee, of course."

--

>> Alfons & Elbert

[tipsygnostalgy]

On Grandpa/Jake Harley

you know shits about to be long as fuck when i add the keep reading line like four lines in lol

anyway anon all this is 4 u!! feel free to talk ab this by just tagging instead of rb i dont want 2k words to be posted over n over again

Grandpa Harley being some kind of pseudo-omnipotent deity figure who somehow figures out/guesses (my money's on guesses) extremely intricate details about the game and does everything he can to make things go right is something that we don't talk about enough. It's one of the only plans in Homestuck made that are orchestrated entirely by one person then ends up going right. It's that pattern of hoping that the cards fall into place in the right way (unless we're taking the Grandpa is practically God perspective, which is interesting in its own right)—but notably, he makes a lot of preparations beforehand. He's so... active. It fascinates me. I'll have to talk about this on the Jake English as Jesus Christ trope post (it's coming, I swear, brainrot's a bitch) but the sheer amount of things he does is astounding. But, lo and behold, he wasn't always like this. Cue: the Skaianet Systems Incorporated texts.

Quick note about all that. A very large portion of the things Hussie wrote for SSI is 1) dubiously canon, and 2) a bunch of anti-semitic bullshit that he probably never should have fucking released to the public, at least not like that. Like, holy shit, keep that and your weird comments about sexual slavery in your Notes app dude, we don't need to hear it. For this reason I suggest reading the actual material with extreme caution. Cool? Cool. On with it. Here's a lil' review of Jake Harley before the session.

Funny enough, Jake had always been kind of pathetic in the Beta session as well.

So Skaianet was actually established by HIC as a front for laundering technology from Alternia and Sburbian ruins. The key of SN was not to actually develop tech, but make it look like it so that people will believe you when your company just re-defined gravity for the hundredth time. Jake has to play the "famous genius shtick," but he doesn't do so well. When he fully inherits SN at 21 he runs it hands-on, and "believes" his success is due to hard work and diligence. He also "believes SN is now a considerably more distinct entity from Crocker Corp, and his leadership of the company is a result of his hard work and competence. Neither is true." He's manipulated by his at-the-time boyfriend (Charlie Chaplin, somehow) into letting a rebel force into the Crocker manor, though the effort is ultimately thwarted by HIC.

He also has a disastrous love life. His relationship at sixteen with Chaplin consists of Chaplin finding him "obnoxious and thoughtless" though he "can't seem to quit him," and Jake ultimately "[toys] with his heart, and [abandons] him." This later (much later, think decades) manifests into something way worse when Chaplin appears in an outing Jake has with one of his families (he's had many, though not at once) and tries to kill Jake for not just his involvement with SN/HIC, but for breaking his heart as well. Notably, in this scene, upon having a gun aimed at him Jake reflexively hides behind his wife, who ends up being shot in his stead. He's out-strifed so badly that he'd have died in the jungle (oh yeah he takes his wife and 5yo son to a jungle btw) if Chaplin didn't have a divine intervention moment afterwards.

At 32 he also abandons his post at SN for fucking around Europe. "[H]e's out exploring and adventuring, completely oblivious to whatever's going on in Europe. He hops from site to site, looking for Sburbian ruins to plunder." One, the "whatever's going on" is WW2, again, somehow. Two, he has a daughter there that he "takes custody of, apprentices as an adventurer, and takes all over the place on his adventures." When he takes her to Hawaii she ditches him because she's sick of her "douchebag dad." And there's that Jude family too, obviously.

Oh, and all the Beta guardians are also meteor babies. It's how Jake ends up finding Dirk and Roxy to begin with—he sets them up with trust funds in Texas and New York so that they can be of use to SN later, though whether he knew their importance in the larger context of SBURB is unclear.

All caught up? Great.

The exact details of how every event goes down aren't as important as the lessons you can draw from it, namely: Jake Harley is an absolute fucking mess of a human being. He continuously creates families—notice how he keeps having children with his wive—then is bereaved of them. A few times he abandons them, a few times they abandon him, and sometimes they get killed by your ex-boyfriend. It's a neat little insight into just how neck-deep these commitment issues lie, but it's also fun to consider that he seeks it so desperately. This man has on record has had:

one wife be shot dead in front of him

a son who was technically kidnapped from him by the man who almost beat him to death (his ex-boyfriend)

a daughter ditch him in the middle of hawaii for being a shitty dad

a daughter (joey claire) be teleported by portal to alternia, who hated jake so much she took her dead mom's last name

said dead mom/wife whom upon her death leaves her children "Semi Orphans" because he just straight up ditches his kids to go work on hellmurder island

probably more

And he still considers himself a grandfather to Jade. TBF, I guess the easier way of explaining it is that it's simply the natural explanation—they are sort of related after all. But considering that he once sired an illegitimate daughter and not only took her into custody but tried to raise her as his liege, I still find it the fact that he tries over and over again to the point of rending the family meaningless interesting. I think it's viable that Jake wanted a family—not one where he and Jane were raised by HIC and poorly—but a real one. His attempt to raise that first daughter to mirror his habits reflects the way HIC raised Beta Jane to mirror her. Yet after relationship after relationship goes horribly wrong, this desire fades into a kind of apathetic unsureness to the point where this is what he says about his last "full" family, the Harley-Claires:

He's been making good headway on his quest for the mysterious island in the pacific. Once everything is taken care of here, he'll leave this family behind and set up shop on that island permanently. That's when the real work begins. The discoveries on that island will finally unite him with the destiny he's been in search of his whole life.

Two things of note. One, his first recorded instance of permanently setting up jackshit anywhere is at first with SkaiaNet then at Hellmurder island. Both locations share that theme of "destiny" in common—notice how he considers SN divorced from Crockercorp because of his efforts and tries to make the place overall less HIC-controlled, but ultimately fails. And sure, he later achieves this kind of destiny by having his Sburb plan go "right" but before this not a single "plan" he established went correctly. Jake in either timeline isn't a guy who regularly makes plans for multiple efforts—they zero in on one goal that appears as part of their calling and makes it happen, damn it. To him, that's a success. Whether he "actually does" is up for interpretation.

See, HIC actually wanted the Beta kids to play the game. She'd been using the Beta session as a "testing" timeline, knowing which events and people to avoid and keep in mind so that she can play everything out exactly the way she wants it to. Part of the reason why Crockertier Jane was so firmly for marrying Jake and having children was because that had been HIC's idea of what Beta Jake's purpose was once he landed on a Meteor (after B!Jane). So he saw the "big picture" in a bigger way than quite literally anyone else, but it still isn't enough, at least not in the way he thought it might be at first.

Prior to his discoveries on the island, Jake has no idea this will result in some kids using the software he's unearthing, which will destroy all life on Earth. Nor does he have any idea that those kids will be using this same software to reboot the universe with different starting conditions, thus ending this "trial run" timeline for HIC, and giving her a fresh start. Exactly as she planned.

This implies there is some moment that Grandpa Harley realized that everything he was doing would end up playing into the HIC's hands anyway. This also implies that he carried out those actions regardless, Hoping that Jade would someday win the game in the process. Are you seeing the parallel for my interpretation of Ult. Jake yet? Fuck.

What was the moment he realized? Did he power through anyway, hoping there was a bright light for Jade at the end of this all?

He's also a hoarder. He keeps items and objects instead of people. He hangs onto the past to the point where he's seemingly unable to let go of it—trophies, guns, artifacts—but throughout the entire Harley Manor there is not a single picture of his families. And that's where his dolls come in—dolls are just human enough but not too human, you can control them however you'd like yet delude yourself they are company. I'm not saying all doll-enjoyers are this way, but the specifics in which Grandpa (and Bro to an extent, for that matter) interacts with his dolls makes me believe he's turning them into pseudo-human entities because at the end of the day he again craves company. But, unlike Jake, Grandpa Harley's had a lifetime of experience reinforcing over and over again that this will never happen with a real person. And fuck, don't even get me started on the taxidermy—it's the very act of taking something, bereaving it of life and subjectivity, then keeping it for yourself. You can see how this has even affected Jade in the sense that she thinks about her taxidermied dead Grandpa (who she taxidermied himself, by the way) like a living, breathing person. And Jadebot? A robotic, perfect replica of his granddaughter, designed to monitor her at all times instead of him? And the parallels that has to Brobot. Ughghgh.

Also, quick digression. You know how Beta Dad & Mom were on the Battlefield? And how Grandpa landed just to recover Jade's dead dream body, then left Dad and Mom behind. Sorry, I'm just not normal about that at all. How did we collectively miss the sheer tragedy of that situation, God, I wonder what Roxy was thinking. Digression over.

All in all, what these files tell me is that the way Jake was written was no way accidental. Yeah he got fucked over in the Alpha session, yeah he's tragic, but he's tragic for a reason that I ultimately appreciate even as I clutch my heart and dramatically fall over from pain. He knows just enough about the meta-reality to cause feelings of absurdity but powers through it; he's supposed to be put in seemingly insurmountable situations and emerge, through one way or the other, victorious. He's supposed to have the strangest relationship known to man regarding other people and, as a result, try to find compromise between the two halves of "complete fuck-all isolation" and "the company of any developed adult human ever." He's goal-oriented only when it presents a clear-cut destiny to him, when he can see the significance of it, and otherwise floats around doing fuck-all in this world. This goal is, most of the time, people: Dirk for LE Jake, and Jade for Harley. It's also fun insight into where Jake could potentially end up going—as this post by Cooper already pointed out, Ult. Dirk's actions mirror Bro's need to micromanage and control everything in his life to the point where he, much alike Bro, secludes himself in an apartment while running his inner machinations unknown to most others. I wouldn't be surprised if Jake ends up in a similar way to Grandpa, giving his all to a dreary situation and maintaining Hope through it with the desire that it'll eventually succeed.

It would also be fun if his Hopes only came true after his death.

Alright, analysis over, everyone clock out. Good work, people. [Vaguely gestures to the reader.]

[talesofourworlds]

You have reached the GHS of Jude Mathis. Please wait for the tone to leave your message.

"Hey. Nice and polite Jude is not here. Please hang up and dial again." Beep.

...Was there a fight happening in the background of that message?

[childofchrist1983]

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. - Jude 1:21-25 KJV

Compassion makes a difference. As Christians, we must remember that we ourselves were once lost, strangers to God. But God’s mercy reached us and overcame our doubt. And now, we are bearers of this same light and mercy, so that we may be filled with compassion for those who still doubt. So that through our compassion, God’s mercy might reach and save the lost souls of this world.

Thank God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His great mercy, by which He has rescued all true Christians from the fire of Hell and its eternal damnation. Pray that He would fill our hearts with compassion for those who still struggle, still doubt, and are still lost. May God continue to use us to share and spread His Truth, love and mercy, so that others might see His light and love, know His grace and be rescued just as we have been rescued.

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful Lord, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[talesofourworlds]

Jude would freely admit that he thought Balan shouldn't be moving around just yet, but as the older of the two sat up it looked like there wouldn't be any stopping him. So Jude eased himself in an attempt to relax again. The situation could have been much worse, Jude would admit, but as Balan went on that sense of dread found its way back to him. What the thief could possibly have wanted with the device was still unknown. That much was true. The fact they knew what they were taking, though, didn't make him feel any better.

Slowly, Jude bobbed his head up and down in a nod. If only a handful of people knew about the device in question, it made the most sense to start there. Then they could progress from there if that didn't turn anything up.

"It's the best place to start that I could think of, Balan," he agreed. "All right. We'll start from there, and with any luck we'll be able to find our thief before too long." Then came the reveal of what sort of Spyrite they were earnestly trying to get back. A medical device. Of course Balan would want to come to him to test it on their patients. There was a soft warmth in Jude's eyes as a smile formed.

"Once we get it back, I'd be happy to help you make sure it works properly."

"All the more reason I'm glad I was trying to become a doctor before switching to helping out with Spyrites," he admitted. There wouldn't be long to dwell on that much, though. There was a thief to track down, so the sooner they went to their starting point the better. He went to open the door, holding it open and motioning for Balan to take the lead.

"I'm still just sorry you got ambushed in the first place," he said after a moment. "Then again, I guess neither of us could have been fully prepared for something like that."

"Ah, it is alright, Jude. Do not feel troubled by this. If anything, it is my fault for not waiting for Alfred to come and pick me up. I thought I'd deliver it faster if I went on ahead." disappointment colored his face briefly before he smiled again to reassure the other.

"Now, now. I want it back but that does not mean going on a wild goose chase." Balan moved the blanket off him, turned in his seat, and got up off the bed. He was feeling a little bit better now. Of course, despite Jude's endearing arm flailing at him.

"Not to burst your bubble but whoever attacked me knows exactly what they were taking." fixing his glasses, he looked at the young doctor. "It was a new Spyrites device--a test one, but nonetheless a new one." there was a pause before he continued. "Whoever ambushed me knew the path I would choose to go back, and knew how important the package was. I wouldn't want to point fingers but only a few people know about this device. We could start from there, yes?"

Even Jude was unaware of this new device so it shows how only a few know of its existence. "About the device, worry not. It is simply for medical purposes. I actually wanted it to deliver to the clinic in Triglyph. Medicine is your expertise that's why I wanted you to test it on the patients and see if it works properly or not." a low disappointed sigh followed.

[kurishiri]

03 . . . alfons main story (with letter)

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ @ notice ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱ this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties due to characterization or narrative flow purposes. if you enjoy, please consider reblogging, but don’t repost these or claim these as your own!

— cw: fluff?? in alfons route??? guys pigs might fly in the sky next- /lh

Ever since I had become Alfons’ ‘mission-only exclusive fairytale keeper,’ I put my energy into keeping as much distance as I could possibly get away from him.

(No Alfons to the right... and no Alfons to the left either. Which means I can get through the day without being found by him.)

Or, that would be nice, but he was also much like an apparition, appearing in the most unexpected times and places, so who knew where he’d pop up next...

Alfons: A very good day to you.

Kate: Eek!?

He didn’t make so much as a footstep as he popped up behind me, blowing into my ear and making me jump.

Kate: My heart was about to fly out of my chest, Alfons!

As always, I glared at him whilst hiding both my hands behind my neck, and he — as always — donned a smile laced with amusement.

Alfons: Hehe, but I do find it quite endearing, seeing you stand on your hair as you are doing now.

A: But worry not, my intentions are nothing short of pure now, so come here, won’t you?

Well, my trust in him was nothing short of nonexistent.

Kate: No thank you... and stop following me.

Alfons: Oh dear, your words ring so cold.

——Like that, while continuing to be bothered by Alfons,

I got to know the other members of Crown little by little in order to fulfill my duties as a ‘fairytale keeper.’

For example, let’s take Liam.

Although he was such a brilliant stage actor, very sensitive and a wonderful person to boot,

his Curse made it so he couldn’t suppress his curiosity, and he would occasionally go out with Alfons, whom he considered a friend, to do dangerous games.

(And when I say ‘dangerous games’... I’m not sure I want to know what that entails.)

As for Harrison,

I had come to realize that beneath his somewhat curt disposition was someone who would often lend a helping hand to those who needed it.

He was also quick-witted enough to slip past even Alfons’ eyes at times, too.

(I heard he had the Lying Fox’s Curse... which sounds about right.)

(But, his lies come from a kind place... at least, that’s what I think.)

And then there was Jude and Ellis, who were often absent from the castle due to their work at Jude’s company.

Jude was rather unapproachable with his sharp tongue, and he bore the Curse of the Thirteenth Fairy.

Meanwhile, Ellis, who was always gentle and kind, bore the Curse of the Thorns.

William and Victor were both shrouded in mystery, and I could never seem to figure out what those two were thinking.

But when I had heard that these two were the cofounders of Crown, I was surprised, to be sure, but I also felt it was a strangely fitting narrative at the same time.

(Both of them give off the impression that they are the last two people in the world you would want as an enemy...)

And then, there was Alfons. If I had to say anything about him...

(Whenever I ask the others questions about him, they all say more or less the same thing...)

And that is, ‘He is someone who relishes in others’ reactions, and loves to do things that feel good.’

—— Time skip ——

(Hah... I’m so tired.)

Today as well, the sun had set as I was gathering information on Crown as the fairytale keeper.

(Nothing like a cup of tea for a break.)

As I was brewing a cup, all of a sudden a hand reached out from behind without any warning.

Alfons: I see you have worked diligently today as well. Good job.

Kate: Wh—Alfons!?

Alfons: For the hardworking little robin, how about I personally brew the tea for you?

(Okay, but when did he come into the kitchen...!?)

Kate: Thank you, but no thank you. I can do it myself...

Alfons: I daresay there are a great many other things those words are better suited for.

With that, Alfons took the teapot from my hands before he started to brew the tea with elegant mannerisms.

(Ah...)

His gestures were so refined that without thinking, I continued to stare at him.

Such refinement felt almost tangible enough to make me think that this was not a superficial act, but rather the real thing.

Alfons: Here, it’s done.

He placed the teacup and the saucer on the table, and in an attempt to hide the fact that I was bewitched by his elegance for a moment, I accepted it in haste.

Kate: T-thank you very much...

When I looked into the cup, though, my eyes widened.

Kate: Wait, what is this tea? It’s all blue...

Alfons: That blue color would come from a herb called blue mallow. If you let it sit, it will eventually and gradually turn purple.

As if to prove his words then and there, the deep blue color started to change color.

It was as though the deep blue of the dawn sky was being lightly blotted by vermillion.

Kate: You’re right... I’ve never seen anything like this before...

Alfons: Go on now, have a sip.

I took in the beautiful colors with my eyes before I brought the cup to my lips, taking a sip.

Just like that, the fragrance wafted up my nose and drifted apart.

Kate: ...It’s really good.

(How long has it been since I relaxed like this...)

Gradually, the feeling of caution I initially had seemed to loosen before I knew it.

Alfons: I am glad to hear. But there is one more possible but interesting change this tea can produce. Would you care to see it, by any chance?

Kate: An interesting change...?

With a few drops of whatever was in the small bottle he used, this time the blue mallow tea changed into a light pink color.

Kate: Oh my gosh... it’s so pretty...! It’s just like actual magic...!

The change was so vivid and beautiful, I felt in high spirits, as though I were a child again.

Alfons: Hehe.

Hearing stifled laughter, I looked at him to find him looking at me with a smile playing on his lips.

Alfons: I take it you feel a little more merry now, no?

Kate: Merry...?

K: ...Did you do all of this because I kept avoiding you?

Alfons: Why indeed, for you see, I was hoping to have more opportunities to talk to you.

Kate: ...!

He booped my nose, and my heart skipped a beat in response.

Kate: And you doing these types of things is exactly why I avoided you, so please stop.

Alfons: Now whatever could ‘these types of things’ be referring to is beyond me.

Kate: ...Actually, you know what, forget it.

The memories of the sweet sensations we exchanged as lovers was engraved in my body...

(So every time he touches me, my heart twinges...)

The suggestive traces of that troublesome illusion just would not disappear.

(But then he goes and touches me anyway, even though he probably knows... and it really is wretched.)

Alfons sat on the table as he drank his own cup of tea, and I gave him a fleeting look.

Kate: ...You do know it’s bad manners to sit on the table while drinking tea, don’t you?

Alfons: Oh? Did you perhaps expect better of me?

A: Am I to assume that you feel someone who deceived a girl the day after they met, namely myself, is the model of sincerity and manners?

I wanted to hide the turmoil broiling in me, so I tried to change the topic altogether, but Alfons just used my words to make fun of me instead.

[1] Don’t remind me of that night. (+4 / +4)

[2] Sincerity is anywhere but in you.

[3] That’s not very nice.

Kate: Please don’t remind me of that night...

Alfons: Oh please, I implore you to remember it every night.

A: After all, is it not better for your mind to be filled to the brim with pleasure and fun?

A: And I take it you have been conversing with the others, no? In which case, they must have mentioned that I very much fancy pleasurable things.

As though saying he had seen through what I’ve been doing, he flashed me a bright smile.

But——

(Hm? Wait a minute...)

When I looked at that smile as a whole once again, I suddenly remembered a feeling of unease.

(Up until now, I had been so dumbfounded by his words and actions that I hadn’t realized this, but...)

Kate: ...What you said just now... was that all true?

Alfons: Come again?

(Ah... just what am I asking?)

Even I thought it strange.

But, for some reason, I felt I couldn’t ignore this unease that suddenly bubbled from within my heart.

Kate: I don’t know, I mean, just now... you...

K: I felt you weren’t genuinely smiling.

Alfons: ......... [surprised]

Seeming taken aback, Alfons blinked for a moment.

(Ah... but this expression... feels more genuine.)

I leaned forward and stared into his eyes, as though I could reach somewhere further.

But before I could reach that point, it seemed to mysteriously crumble before me...

Alfons: ...Is that the me who you wish to see?

...and painted on his lips was that shady smile I was all too familiar with.

Kate: ...What?

Alfons: Would it be safe to assume you prefer the me who appears to be having fun, when in actuality I am but an empty shell of myself, who is not having fun at all?

A: Hmm... so I see.

Kate: Since when were we talking about my preferences?

K: Can you not dodge my ques...

My words were cut off by his lips falling on mine.

Kate: ...!!

Alfons: ...Hehe.

A: Like this, I do implore you to keep your mind filled to the brim with thoughts of me.

When his lips parted from mine with a small sound, I could only stare dazedly back.

With a charming smile, he left the kitchen just like that.

(Ugh, he’s the absolute worst! Bloody wicked! Lowest of the low!)

I wiped my lips from having just been kissed before downing the rest of the now-lukewarm blue mallow tea in one go.

(The whole ‘I very much fancy pleasurable things’... and that smile...)

(I do really feel like he did dodge the question about whether those were genuine or not.)

Kate: Forget it, I couldn’t care less anymore...

All I wanted at this point was to not be toyed around by Alfons anymore.

——But perhaps because I wished for this...

(...He’s not here today either...)

Alfons, who had — much to my chagrin — kept me company, suddenly disappeared off the face of the castle, and then several days had passed.

(It’s not as though I’m particularly worried about him or anything...)

Kate: ...Have any of you seen Alfons at any point these last few days?

Roger: Ahh, well this isn’t anything new.

Elbert: I believe he is somewhere in London... probably.

Hearing those uncertain words made me suck in a breath, and I remembered something Alfons had said before.

(I believe he said that he considered himself “something like Lord Elbert’s attendant”...)

...not that I knew what he was implying when he said ‘attendant.’

But if that meant something like a butler, then I could get past him being proficient at brewing tea.

Kate: I was under the impression that he was your attendant, Lord Elbert, so is it really alright to let him do as he wants like this?

His blue eyes slightly wavered, much like a sea being blown by the wind.

Elbert: I would not say ‘attendant,’ per se...

E: Al is more like a childhood friend with whom I spent time with since we were young... perhaps.

Kate: Oh, is that so?

Lord Elbert was an earl.

(And although I am not an expert when it comes to titles of nobility...)

(...he might have used the term ‘attendant’ because of Lord Elbert’s high social standing.)

Or maybe he has been with him like family or something along those lines?

Lord Elbert bore the Curse of the ‘Greedy Queen,’ and I came to know during my time getting to know the members that he was searching for beautiful things.

That, and Alfons was allegedly helping with that.

Lord Elbert always seemed to don a melancholy air about him, while Alfons seemed to have a perpetual smile plastered on his lips.

(These two are so opposite of one another that them being able to get along is a wonder.)

Elbert: So that is why... I hold no control over Al’s actions.

E: ...My apologies.

Kate: Oh, don’t worry about it! It’s fine, really. If he is not taking me along then I assume he’s not out on a mission right now.

K: But... about this ‘not being anything new’... does that mean you have some inkling as to where he is?

Roger: If I had to guess, probably either a pub, a social club, or some street corner.

Kate: Huh...?

Roger: His playmates could be women or men. Or something else entirely. ...What, you’re interested in that, lil lady?

Kate: N-not at all!

(It’s not as though I’m particularly worried or anything.)

But, I do find myself thinking.

(I wonder if Alfons shows a genuine smile in places like those...)

(Because if that’s the case, I wonder what it looks like——)

(...N-not that I’m really interested to know...)

Trying to calm my feelings, which wavered back and forth like a pendulum, I slapped my own cheeks a couple times.

Elbert: ...Are you alright, Kate?

Roger: You’re probably feeling a lot of things right about now, aren’t you? I’ll cut you a break.

Just like that, several days later, after being absent with not so much as a single word——

Alfons: It has been a long minute since we last saw each other, Miss Kate. How have you been faring these past days?

Having been notified by William that there was a mission, Alfons popped up in front of me, as though he hadn’t disappeared completely for some days right before.

to be continued…

It has been a while

What do you think of my strategy of pulling back if pressing you doesn’t work?

If the man who had been meddling you to the brink of annoyance suddenly disappeared just like that, I imagine you would think to yourself, ‘What happened to him?’ and your mind would become even more filled with thoughts of me, no?

Ahh, but by no means am I writing this letter as a means to shame you. Just that you seem to feel the tactics between men and women are a foreign concept, and you seem almost laughably inept at forgetting the partners with whom you spend a single night with, so worrying is but the natural thing you would do. I wanted to say these words to you, and that is ultimately what drove me to pen this letter.

By the way, word is that I have extremely bad handwriting... were you able to read through it?

Just imagining your face realizing that you struggled to read through this letter only to find out the contents are as nonsensical as my handwriting, brings me much amusement.

Well then, until next time.

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[pooma-bible]

Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second Peter: DIVISION 01 – The Great Salvation of God: Part (B) – The Great Things of the Believer’s Life!

Rhema Word: 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NKJV) “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”

Let us pray. Our Gracious Loving Father, thank You for giving us an opportunity to meditate Your Word today along with Your children who have been called to live a holy life, Father. I commit everyone who are all meditating this message into Your mighty hand Father. Bless them and give them the oneness of Spirit and make their heart as a good land to receive each Word which is living and active Father. Thank You Holy Spirit for helping us to understand the in-depth treasure of Your Word and helping us to live a life as per Your Word Lord. We give all the Glory and Honour to You only Father. We pray in the mighty Name of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduction: To Whom Written: “To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1). “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle” (2 Peter 3:1).

The epistle was apparently sent to the same believers who had received 1 Peter. Remember: they were scattered all throughout Asia. It was also probably written from the same place, Rome.

Purpose of this Letter: To combat and warn the church against false teachers and false doctrine.

Special Features of Epistle Second Peter:

(i) II Peter is “A General Epistle”. That is, it is not written to a specific church or individual, but rather, it is written to all Christian believers.

(ii) II Peter is “An Epistle Written to Combat False Teaching”. From its earliest days, the church had been born in controversy:

=> At first, it was the judaizing or legalistic problem which arose at Antioch (Acts 15:1).

=> Then there was the denial of the literal resurrection of the body by some in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 15:1).

=> There was also arising the corruptible beginnings of antinomianism and gnosticism. These false doctrines were appearing all throughout the Roman empire. They were appearing all throughout the Roman empire. They were using God’s grace as an excuse for sinning. They were using God’s grace as an excuse for sinning. The epistles of II Peter, I, II and III John, and Jude were written to combat such errors as these.

(iii) II Peter is “An Epistle Stressing the Importance of Knowledge”. The words know, knowing, and knowledge are used ten times. Knowing the truth is the answer to false teaching.

(iv) II Peter is “An Epistle Verifying the Inspiration of the Scripture”. Peter says in 2 Peter 1:20-21 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” Peter’s statement that Paul’s writings were Scripture shows that the canon was already being formed by the early church even while the early apostles were still alive (2 Peter 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16). The word “canon” simply means a collection of the writings considered to be inspired and breathed forth by God.

(v) II Peter is “An Epistle of the Missionary Apostle to the Jews”. Peter was given the primary responsibility of reaching the Jews throughout the world. He was the apostle to the Jews (Galatians 2:7-8; 11-21).

We have been meditating II Peter in following Three Divisions since last week:

DIVISION 01 – The Great Salvation of God: Part (A) – The Great Gift of Christ the Messiah: Salvation!

DIVISION 01 – The Great Salvation of God: Part (B) – The Great Things of the Believer’s Life!

DIVISION 01 – The Great Salvation of God: Part (C) – The Great Proof of Salvation!

DIVISION 02 – The Warnings Against False Teachers: Part (A) – The Description & Judgement of False Teachers!

DIVISION 02 – The Warnings Against False Teachers: Part (B) – The Character & Conduct of False Teachers!

DIVISION 03 – The Coming Again of Jesus Christ & The End of the World: Part (A) – The First Thing to Know: Scoffers Shall Come!

DIVISION 03 – The Coming Again of Jesus Christ & The End of the World: Part (B) – The One Thing Not to Be Ignorant About: Why Christ Has Not Yet Returned!

DIVISION 03 – The Coming Again of Jesus Christ & The End of the World: Part (C) – The Things Believers Must Do Since Jesus Christ is Coming Again (Part I)!

DIVISION 03 – The Coming Again of Jesus Christ & The End of the World: Part (D) – The Things Believers Must Do Since Jesus Christ is Coming Again (Part II)!

Let us try to meditate the Second topic in Division 01 - DIVISION 01 – The Great Salvation of God: Part (B) – The Great Things of the Believer’s Life! today on the following, with the help of our Holy Spirit:

Introduction: This is one of the most important passages in all of Scripture for the believer, a passage that must be studied and heeded time and again. It covers the great things (qualities and virtues) which are to be in the life of the believer. The great importance of these things is seen in three facts that are forcefully stressed by Peter.

First, a person is to give make every effort, to add “these things” to his faith and life. As Scripture says, the believer “is to work out his salvation” (Philippians 2:12).

Second, the great power of “these things” stresses their importance. These things work within the life of the believer to meet five desperate needs of man, five things for which the soul of the believer aches and longs. Glancing at the five points of verses 8-11 will again show the great importance of these things in the believer’s life.

Third, Peter’s heavy stress upon the importance of “these things” is phenomenal:

Note v.12: Peter says that he is going to always preach these things even though the believer already knows them. But this is not all.

Note v.13: Peter says that as long as he is living, he is going to stir up the believers by reminding them of these things. But this is not all.

Note v.14-15: Peter says that these things are so important that he is going to see to it that the believers are reminded of them even after his death.

What more could Peter say?

Another way to look at this passage is this: verses 1-4 are God’s part in salvation. God’s part includes faith and righteousness (v.1); grace and peace (v.2); life and godliness everything we need for life and godliness (v.3); and the divine nature or new self (v.4). Note that God’s part in salvation involves seven things.

Now note that man’s part in salvation involves seven things (v.5-7). The things of the believer’s life are of critical importance:

(01) The Charge to Add These Things:

(02) The Great Power of These Things:

(03) The Great Importance of These Things:

(01) The Charge to Add These Things:

The Bible says in 2 Peter 1:5-7 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”

There is the charge to add these things to one’s life. The word “add” (epichoregein) means in addition to God’s great salvation - right alongside of what God has done – add these things. And make every effort to add them. Hasten, jump, act now to add them; don’t wait. Be energetic and earnest, strenuously work to add these things to your faith and salvation.

(i) Add “goodness” (areten): moral excellence and goodness of character; moral strength and moral courage. It means manliness; being an excellent person in life, a real man or a real woman in life; living life just like one should, in the most excellent way. It means always choosing the excellent way.

Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honour, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.”

Apostle Paul further says in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 “That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.”

(ii) Add “knowledge” (gnosin): practical intelligence, practical wisdom, practical insight. It means knowing what to do in every situation and doing it; it is practical, day to day knowledge that sees situations and knows how to handle them. It is seeing the trials and temptations of life and knowing what to do with them and doing it.

Remember the charge: we must add knowledge to our faith. We must give diligent attention to the situations of the life and figure out how to conquer them.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 8:31-32 “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 1:5; Colossians 2:3 “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” … “That you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge.” … “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Apostle James says in James 3:13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.”

The Bible says in Proverbs 2:3-5; 15:14; 23:23; Hosea 6:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” … “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.” … “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” … “Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth.”

(iii) Add “self-control” (egkrateian): to master and control the body or the flesh with all of its evil desires. It means self-control, the master of desire, appetite and passion, especially sensual urges and cravings. It means to be strong and controlled and restrained. It means to stand against the lust of the flesh, (sinful nature) and the lust of the eye and the pride of life, the boasting of what a person has and does (1 John 2:15-16).

=> The believer is to know that self-control is of God, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul says in Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

=> The believer is to proclaim self-control to the lost. The Bible says in Acts 24:25 “Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”

=> The believer is to control his sexual desires. Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:9 “But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”

=> The believer is to strenuously exercise self-control, just as an athlete control himself. Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:25 “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

=> The believer is to grow in self-control. Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 1:6 “To knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness.”

=> The avenged believer is especially to be on guard to control himself. Apostle Paul says in Titus 2:2 “That the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.”

(iv) Add “perseverance” (hupomonein): endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, constancy. The word is not passive; it is active. It is not the spirit that just sits back and puts up with the trials of life, taking whatever may come. Rather it is the spirit that stands up and faces life’s trials, that actively goes about conquering and overcoming them. When trials confront a man who is truly justified, he is stirred to arise and face the trials head on. He immediately sets out to conquer and overcome them. He knows that God is allowing the trials in order to teach him more and more to persevere.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Luke 21:19 “By your patience possess your souls.”

Apostle James says in James 1:2-4; 5:7 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” … “Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:12 “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”

The Bible says in Hebrews 10:36 “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”

(v) Add “godliness” (eusebeian): Godliness is living like God and being a godly person. It is living life like it should live. God gave man life; therefore, God knows what life should be, and above all things, life should be godly just like God. The word “godliness” (eusebeian) actually means to live in the reverence and awe of God; to be so conscious of God’s presence that one lives just as God would live if He were walking upon earth. It means to live seeking to be like God; to seek to possess the very character, nature, ad behaviour of God. The man of God follows and runs after godliness. He seeks to gain a consciousness of God’s presence – a consciousness so intense that he actually lives as God would live if He were on earth.

Note: godliness means to be Christlike. Godliness is Christlikeness: it is living upon earth just as Christ lived.

Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18; Titus 2:12-13 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” … “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 3:11 “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.”

Now note the verse 2 Peter 1:3 “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

Two significant points are made, points that are absolutely essential for us to heed if we wish to have real life.

(a) Note where life comes from. It does not come from man himself; life is not in and of man himself. Man dies. He is a dying creature, always in the process of dying, always moving onward toward the grave. Man is as good as dead. And in the process of dying, he experiences all kinds of trials and sufferings such as sickness, disease, accident, emptiness, loneliness, corruption, evil, shortcomings, failures, lies, thefts, killings, wars, and death after death of friends and loved ones.

Man has anything but life; at best he only exists for a few years that are ever so short and frail. Where then can man find life? Who has the power to stop the process of death and to deliver us from death? No man has such power. But note this verse: there is “divine power”, the very power of Christ Himself that can stop death and give us life – life abundant, life now and life eternally. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to earth…

=> to secure the perfect and ideal life for us;

=> to die for our sins in order to free us from sin so that we could stand sinless before God, perfectly righteous in the eyes of God.

This is the power of Christ, the power to save us from death and to give us life and godliness.

(b) Note how we receive life and godliness: by the knowledge of Christ. We must know Christ personally. We must know Him as our Saviour and Lord, surrendering all that we are and have to Him. We must be willing to walk and share with Him all day every day, serving Him as the Lord or our lives. We must be willing to know Him by living a godly life, by actually experiencing the life of God as we walk day by day.

Note: Christ has called us to glory and virtue. This is the very life to which He has called us: a life of glory and moral excellence both here on this earth and in heaven. We are to live pure and righteous lives, glorious lives; and when we do, He promises to give us a place in the glory and perfection of heaven. Note that this may read in the Greek: “Christ has called us by His own glory and goodness”. That is, it is His own glory and goodness (moral excellence) that attracts man and pulls man to seek life and godliness in Him.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:11; Philippians 1:21 “ For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” … “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 3:24 “Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”

(vi) Add “brotherly kindness” (Philadelphian): The very special love that exists between brothers and sisters within a loving family, brothers and sisters who truly cherish one another. It is the kind of love…

=> that binds each other together as a family, as a brotherly clan;

=> that binds each other in an unbreakable union;

=> that holds each other ever so dearly within the heart;

=> that knows deep affection for each other;

=> that nourishes and nurtures each other;

=> that shows concern and looks after the welfare of each other;

=> that joins hands with each other in a common purpose under one father.

How can people possibly love one another like this when they are not true blood brothers and sisters? Here is how. The Greek word “brother” (adelphos) means from the same womb. The word used for love is “phileo” which means deep-seated affection and care, deep and warm feelings within the heart. It is the kind of love that holds a person near and dear to one’s heart. Now note: the two Greek words are combined together to convey what he means by brotherly love.

=> People who have brotherly love have come from the same womb, that is, from the same source. They have been born again by the Spirit of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When they receive this new birth, God gives them a new spirit – a spirit that melts and binds their hearts and lives in love for all the family of God.

Believers may not even know each other. They may even be from different parts of the world, but there is a brotherly love between them because they have been given a new birth and a new spirit of love by God. They are brothers and sisters in the family of God – the family of those who truly believe in God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ – the family who has received a new spirit that binds them together in brotherly love. This new spirit, of course, comes from the Holy Spirit of God Himself.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 13:34-35; 15:12; 17 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” … “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” … “These things I command you, that you love one another.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 5:5; 12:10; Galatians 5:22 “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” … “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.” … “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 3:8 “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.” … “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 3:14; 18-19; 5:1 “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.” … “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him.” … “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.”

(vii) Add “love” (agapen): the love of the mind, of the reason, of the will. It is the agape love of God, the love that goes so far…

=> that it loves regardless of feelings – whether a person feels like loving or not;

=> that it loves a person even if the person does not deserve to be loved;

=> that it actually loves the person who is utterly unworthy of being loved.

Note four significant points about agape love:

(a) Selfless or agape love is the love of God, the very love possessed by God Himself. It is the love demonstrated in the cross of Christ.

=> It is the love of God for the ungodly. The Bible says in Romans 5:6 “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

=> It is the love of God for unworthy sinners. The Bible says in Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

=> It is the love of God for undeserving enemies. The Bible says in Romans 5:10 “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

(b) Selfless or agape love is a gift of God. It can be experienced only if a person knows God personally – only if a person has received the love of God, that is, Christ Jesus, into his heart and life. Agape love must be shed abroad poured out, (flooded, spread about) by the Spirit of God within the heart of a person.

Apostle Paul says in Romans 5:5 “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

(c) Selfless or agape love is the greatest thing in all of life according to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Mark 12:29-31 “Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

(d) Selfless or agape love is the greatest possession and gift in human life according to the Scripture.

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

(02) The Great Power of These Things:

The Bible says in 2 Peter 1:8-11 “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things, you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

There is the great power of these things. Note how the great needs of man’s heart and life are covered in these verses:

=> Man is ineffective and unproductive in life (v.8).

=> Man is blind, cannot see the purpose, meaning, and significance of life and cannot see how to be absolutely sure of tomorrow, much less the distant future (v.9).

=> Man forgets, does not know how to deal with sin. Or if he knows how – knows the gospel – he is unwilling to give up his sin (v.9).

=> Man does not know how to keep from falling in life, from failing and coming short. He does not know how to mee his full potential; how to control the problems of life; to bring love, peace, and joy to himself and his loved ones and the world (v.10).

=> Man does not know how to gain and be perfectly assured of eternal life; he does not know how to receive an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Christ (v.11).

But note: all these needs can be met perfectly. They are met if these things of verses 7-8 are added to our lives in abundance. The term “increasing measure” (pleonazonta) means to increase and grow; to overflow and be filled with more and more, ever learning how to increase these things in our lives. In other words, do not be satisfied…

=> with your life as it is;

=> with present growth;

=> with staying where you are spiritually;

=> with just knowing Jesus;

=> with doing no more than what you are.

To have the needs of our hearts and lives met, we have to continue on in these things. We have to grow and grow in them; given them utmost attention; go after them ever so diligently, never slackening. If we about in them, then the needs of our hearts and lives will be met to the fullest.

(i) We will not be ineffective and unproductive:

=> The word “ineffective (argous) means idle and slothful; being empty and useless. It is the very opposite of being fruitful and productive in life. Therefore, if we do these things, if we really work at our salvation, we will not live a barren, dry life. We will not be unfruitful nor live a life that is empty and useless, idle and slothful. On the contrary, we will live a life that flows with nourishment and that bears the ripest of fruit: love, joy, and peace.

But note the source of such a life: the source is our Lord Jesus Christ. We must know Him and grow in the knowledge of Him. The knowledge of Him must be our aim and purpose in life. Only as we know Him can we overcome being ineffective and unproductive. He and He alone can give us real life. Therefore, we must do these things – really work at our salvation – really seek fellowship and communion with Christ moment by moment and day by day – in order not to be ineffective and unproductive in the knowledge of Him. We must learn to pray all day long and to take set times for prayer every day, set times for concentrated prayer. We must learn to keep our minds on Christ.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 13:23; John 15:5-6 “But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” … “I am the vine you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”

The Bible says in Psalms 1:1-3; Galatians 5:22-23 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” … “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

(ii) We will not be near-sighted and blind. Without Christ men are blind. They do not see…

=> the purpose, meaning, or significance of life;

=> the importance of morality and goodness, love, joy, peace, and the goodness of God and Christ;

=> the way to conquer sin and evil, trials and suffering, life and death;

Men are pictured as being unable to see afar off, as being near-sighted. They are pictured as keeping their eyes only on the earth and its pleasures and possessions, only upon enjoying life now, only upon living as they want and doing their own thing. They give little if any thought to the eternal consequences of their behaviour and actions. The result is devastating: they are blind and shortsighted. They lack real and permanent purpose, meaning, and significance in life. They experience ever so much emptiness and loneliness, often wondering…

=> what is life all about?

=> what is its purpose and end?

=> what is there after death?

=> is there meaning to this life at all?

But note: if we do these things, if we work at our salvation, we will not be blind or unable to see ahead. We will not lack purpose, meaning, or significance in life. These things, the things of salvation, will not only give us purpose in this life, they will give us eternal purpose .We will understand life, what life is all about. We will know the purpose, meaning, and significance of life. .We will never be empty or lonely, or without purpose in life.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 6:23; John 8:12; 12:35 “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” … “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” … “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.”

Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:4,6; Ephesians 4:18; 5:8,14; Philippians 2:15 “Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” … “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” … “Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” … “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” … “Therefore, He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” … “That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

The Bible says in John 1:4; Isaiah 9:2 “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” … “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”

(iii) We will not forget that we have been cleansed from our sins. Very frankly, the person who fails to do these things, who fails to work out his own salvation, soon forgets the death of Christ. He forgets the great price that Christ paid to forgive his sins. The person becomes a backslider. How can we say this? Because a person is either moving ahead in Christ or else sliding back from Christ. And the person sliding back thinks little about sin and the consequences of sin. His thoughts and actions are in the world, and he is focusing upon the world and its pleasures and possessions. He has just forgotten that Christ purged him from his sins. He has slipped away from Christ and slipped back into the world.

The point is this: we must do these things, work out our salvation, or else we will backslide. We will forget Christ and His death and the glorious fact that He has forgiven our sins. These things, the wonderful things of salvation, have the power to keep us near Christ and to keep us from ever backsliding.

Apostle Paul says in Galatians 4:9; 1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:15 “But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? … “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.” … “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The Bible says in Hebrews 6:1; 10:38 “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” … “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 2:2-3; 2 Peter 3:18 “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” … “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”

(iv) We will never fall. How often we come short, stumble, and fall. We just do not do what we should. If there is any single trait that runs through human life, it is stumbling, coming short, and falling. People stumble and come short and fall in marriage; in family duties; in relationships; in work; in school; in responsibilities; in life; in promises; in planning; in behaviours; in resolutions; in the Christian life; in devotions; in witnessing; in serving Christ; and in worship.

How can we keep from stumbling and falling? God has called and elected us to live a rich and fruitful life and to be rich and fruitful for all of eternity. How can we live such a rich, fruitful life? Note the verse 2 Peter 1:10 “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things, you will never stumble.”

Yes, we must be diligent in doing these things. We must give ourselves totally to the things of salvation. We must work and work at them. If we do, then we shall never stumble and fall, not in a tragic, devastating or destructive sense. On the contrary, we will live the most abundant and fruitful life imaginable.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 6:11 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” … “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end.”

Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 1:10; 3:13-14 “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things, you will never stumble.” … “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”

(v) We will be given eternal life and more. We will receive a rich welcome into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We will be richly and gloriously welcomed into heaven. The idea is that there will be different degrees of reward, of richness and wealth in heaven. Some of us will not inherit the kingdom, wealth, and service that others will inherit. How can we be sure of receiving the richest entrance into heaven? By being diligent in doing these things, in working out our salvation.

The Bible says in Matthew 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’”

The Bible further says in 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 1:3-4; 2 Peter 1:11 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” … “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” … “For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

(03) The Great Importance of These Things:

The Bible says in 2 Peter 1:12-15 “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover, I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.”

The great importance of these things. What Peter now does is most interesting. He tells us how important he considers these things:

(i) They are so important that he is always going to preach and teach these things. He is going to remind and remind believer of them. Genuine believers know them and are even established in these things. But Peter says he is going to repeat and repeat them. He will not neglect them.

One thing is sure: Peter thought that these things, the things of salvation, were essential. How much more should we stress them! But note the next point. Peter has even more to say about these things.

(ii) They are so important that he is going to stir believers to do them as long as he is alive. He is going to remind and remind them of these things as long as he is in “this tabernacle”, the tent of this body. Peter has to repeat and repeat these things. Why? Because it is right (dikaion), the only right thing to do. Believers must do these things in order to experience the rich and fruitful life Christ gives. Therefore, he must stress them and drive them home to the hearts of his dear people. But note: this is not all that Peter has to say about these things.

(iii) They are so important that Peter is going to see that believers are stirred to do these things even after his death. Peter apparently knew that he was soon to be taken on home to heaven. But these things were so important that he was going to make arrangement with those left behind to teach these things.

Lesson: How important are these things? How important is it that we preach these things? Few Scriptures are stressed and emphasized as much as these. Peter says he is going to see to it these things are taught to believers; he says this three times. This alone should stir us to preach and teach them – always – ever so diligently and faithfully.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; John 20:21; 21:16 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” … “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” … “So, Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” … “He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

The Bible says in Acts 1:8; 4:20; Isaiah 43:10 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” … “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” … “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.”

Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:6 “And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak.” … “For you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” … “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.”

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 5:2 “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.”

Let us introspect ourselves.

Shall we submit ourselves to be earnest and strenuously work to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and agape love to our faith and salvation?

Shall we thank our God for making it very clear that when we work on adding these things to our faith and salvation, we WILL NOT BE ineffective and unproductive, near-sighted and blind in seeing the purpose, importance, the way to conquer sin and evil of our life, stumble and fall?

Shall we thank our God for making it very clear that when we work on adding these things to our faith and salvation, we will be given a rich welcome into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?

Shall we be established in this truth and stir believers to do them by preaching and teaching them again and again?

Let us Pray: Our Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank You for helping us to understand about “Second Peter: DIVISION 01 – The Great Salvation of God: Part (B) – The Great Things of the Believer’s Life”, today, Father. Father, please help us to submit ourselves to be earnest and strenuously work to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and agape love to our faith and salvation, Father. We thank You Father for making it very clear that when we work on adding these things to our faith and salvation, we WILL NOT BE ineffective and unproductive, near-sighted and blind in seeing the purpose, importance, the way to conquer sin and evil of our life besides we stumble and fall, Father. We thank You Father, for making it very clear that when we work on adding these things to our faith and salvation, we will be given a rich welcome into the kingdom of You and Your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Father, please us to be established in this truth and stir believers to do them by preaching and teaching them again and again as long as we live in this world, Father. We thank You Father for filling us with Your joy, peace, and hope, for accepting us when we approach You through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ besides being merciful on us and loving us so much and predestined us to receive Your promise of glory through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, Father. We give all praise, glory, and honour to Your Holy Name. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

God bless you all.

[bills-bible-basics]

STUDY THE WORD -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Scriptures #BibleStudy #BibleVerses Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11, KJV "Again, 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 . . . Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old." Matthew 13:44, 52, KJV "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." John 5:39, KJV "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." Acts 6:1-4, KJV "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." 1 Timothy 5:17, KJV "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 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. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few." Acts 17:10-12, KJV "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." Romans 14:5, KJV "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 1:3, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/study-the-word-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=219388&STUDY%20THE%20WORD%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[talesofourworlds]

Oh! Well, that was easy! Jude smiled.

"Then we should probably get started. I'm ready whenever you are." Easy enough to get prepared when he relied on his hands and feet as his weapons. First, though, he did a brief bit of stretching. Just to keep himself limber.

“You don’t say.” Yuri smiled a bit he always wonder how well Jude can fight. “Well if you’re up for it I won’t say no!”

[crossoverglobaloutreach]

FAITH COUPLED WITH LOVE

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” - Jude 1:3

God is always calling us to new levels of faith - that assurance which translates to action. However, coupled with and foundational to faith is His love. Faith comes with knowing and experiencing the love of the Lord which far outweighs mere knowledge. Hear Paul’s prayer from Ephesians 3:17, 19: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you being rooted and grounded in love…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

To know the love of Christ is the only knowing worth knowing! As stated, it’s the source of the fullness of God. Isn’t that what we want and need above all else? However, there’s a discipline involved, far different than picking up our Bibles for an early morning devotion and moving our bookmarks along another few pages. This love springs from waiting before the Lord in the stillness of His presence, felt or unfelt - not petitioning or trying to do anything that justifies time well spent. An exercise that won’t fit into a timetable of accomplishments. The labor is to enter into His rest; lingering with God to love and be loved. Let’s not come short of it. Since our love is as imperfect as it is, we must learn to receive and live by God’s love, exuding what is “shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 5:5). From that earnest contending will arise faith:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).

Faith is the essential means to pleasing the Faither… oops, Father. (Was that typo a Freudian God-slip?!). Anyway, sometimes folks consider having faith or stepping out in faith as being risky, way out there, i.e., rather unstable. If you think about it though, the word faithful comes from faith. Faithful is being reliable, stable, solid, trustworthy and true. So also, the root word, faith, must actually be the faithful confidence the thesaurus will tell you it is – a dependable, reliable, solid assurance. Nothing sounds flaky or shaky about that.

The hitch is real faith trusts in things that are invisible, that cannot be grasped by our natural hand or mind. And so, we must experience the heart and love of God to provide us divine, invincible proof. My Spirit Filled Life Bible defines the agape love of God as “undefeatable benevolence and an unconquerable goodwill.” That is the solid substance we need for our faith to refute any disbelief - those inner and outside hecklers ready to rob us of our conviction.

I believe this is the faith Jude wrote of “which was once for all delivered to the saints” and must be earnestly contended for - a faith, which is undergirded by knowing the love of Christ. Jude later writes in vv. 20-21: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. "Don't miss how Jude endearingly addresses his audience again as "beloved," just like he opened his letter in v. 3 above (he also slipped another in v. 17). Even in this stern letter, a warning to actively check and fortify our faith, the Lord graciously and clearly conveys heartfelt affection for His saints.

To wait, watch, soak, linger, continue… all are descriptions “to keep yourselves in the love of God,” and will also align the weakness of our flesh with the willingness of our spirit. Let’s return, find again and afresh where our Beloved abides; hold Him and never let Him go. 

– Elese

[wutbju]

Charles Lee Britt, a dedicated minister and cherished member of his community, passed away on November 21, 2023, at the age of 87.

Born on March 25, 1936, in Thomaston, Georgia, Charles lived a life filled with faith, service, and love. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over four decades, Charles touched countless lives with his ministry work and left an indelible mark on the communities he served.

After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Bob Jones University, Charles continued to pursue his academic aspirations and earned a Master’s degree. Recognizing his unwavering commitment to spreading the word of God and his exceptional contributions to the field of ministry, Bob Jones University bestowed upon him an honorary doctorate degree.

Charles’s dedication to his calling as a minister was truly awe-inspiring. For 45 years, he tirelessly served numerous Baptist churches across Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. His sermons not only inspired those who listened but also instilled hope and faith in their hearts. His profound spiritual insights resonated deeply with congregations far and wide.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Charles exhibited remarkable versatility in his ministry work. For over three decades, he hosted the Pastor Study Radio Show, where he offered guidance and encouragement to listeners seeking solace in their spiritual journeys. In recent years leading up to his passing, Charles also served as Chaplain for Marketplace Ministries—an organization dedicated to providing support and spiritual guidance to those in the workplace.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charles found immense joy in being a loving husband and a doting grandfather. On December 13th, 1958, he married the love of his life, Gail Hamrick Britt—a union that remained strong for over six decades. Together they shared a bond built on love and mutual respect that served as an inspiration to all who knew them.

Charles’s true calling was helping others, and his kind and welcoming nature made everyone feel at ease in his presence. Known for his great sense of humor, he could uplift spirits with a well-timed joke or a warm smile. Charles’s infectious laughter filled the room, brightening the lives of those around him.

Woodworking and art were among Charles’s favorite hobbies. In his spare time, he would meticulously craft intricate pieces and create beautiful works of art that reflected his creative spirit. He also found great fulfillment in participating in the Senior Olympics, where he demonstrated his athleticism and determination.

Throughout his lifetime, Charles achieved many notable accomplishments, but nothing compared to the day he received Jesus as his savior at the age of 17. This transformative event set the course for his life’s work and shaped him into the compassionate and dedicated minister he became. Another noteworthy accomplishment was his role as President of the Golfview Estates Home Owner’s Association, where he worked diligently to foster a strong sense of community among its residents.

Charles Lee Britt is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Hamrick Britt, who stood by his side through thick and thin, supporting him in all his endeavors. He is also survived by their three children: Adina (Dennis) Sparks, Charles (Daphne) Britt Jr., and LeeAnne (Joe) Blair. His memory will be cherished by his grandchildren: Laura (Patrick) Callan, John (Christina White) Sparks, Matthew (Rebekah) Britt, Cade (Lizzy) Blair, Jude Blair, Quinn Blair, and Tate Blair.

Charles was predeceased by his father William P. Britt, mother Roberta Lee Landrum Britt, sister Mary Britt, and brother Billy Britt. Their loving memories will forever be etched in the hearts of those who mourn their loss.

In addition to being a devoted husband and father, Charles was an active member of Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, where he and Gail wholeheartedly contributed to the spiritual growth of their community. Charles’s selflessness and unwavering faith will continue to inspire the congregation, ensuring his legacy lives on.

The loss of Charles Lee Britt leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his spirit will forever shine brightly in the memories of all whose lives he touched. His ministry, love, and unwavering commitment to serving others have left an indelible impact on countless lives. May we find solace in the knowledge that his soul finds eternal peace in the embrace of God, whom he faithfully served throughout his remarkable life.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Fellowship Bible Church-Franklin Campus ,1725 Columbia Ave, Ste 100 Franklin, TN 37064. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1:00 PM until Service time at the church. The service will be Live Streamed via the Fellowship Bible Church YouTube page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Baptist Church Building Fund, 1018 Parkway Dr, Spring Hill, TN 37174.

[lindajenni]

aug 26

another bible quiz

"be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 tim 2:15 or "study to shew thyself approved unto God."

__ is referred to as the "father of faith"? a) isaac, b) abraham, c) joseph, d) benjamin

who was referred to as the man after God's own heart? a) isaac, b) abraham, c) joseph, d) david

who became king after david? a) adonijah, b) solomon, c) josiah, d) ahab

who was referred to as the supplanter? a) isaac, b) esau, c) joseph, d) jacob

who did the angel of the Lord call "blessed among women"? a) hannah, b) ruth, c) mary, d) rebecca

Jesus said "I am the vine, you are the _)? a) roots, b) stem, c) leaves, d) branches

what was Jesus crown made of? a) gold, b) silver, c) diamond, d) thorny vines

how many books are there in the new testament? a) 33, b) 67, c) 27, d)12

who did moses drown by closing the red sea? a) the egyptians, b) the israelites, c) the ammonites, d) the moabites

who was the first murderer? a) cain, b) abel, c) jacob, d) david

who replaced judas iscariot as a 12th apostle? a) agrippa, b) jude, c) matthias, d) stephen

__ without works is dead. a) love, b) peace, c) faith, d) righteousness

out of the _ of the heart the _ speak. a) abundance/mouth, b) mouth/glory, c) living/revive, d) soul/spring

for where your treasure is, there will your __ be also. a) heart, b) mind, c) soul, d) desire

who pleaded with God to save sodom and gomorrah? a) abraham, b) saul, c) lot, d) isaiah

john 4:35 - "do you not say, ‘there are still _ months and then comes the harvest’? behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! - a) two b) three, c) four, d) five

according to proverbs 10:5, what does a son that sleeps during harvest bring? - a) poverty, b) shame, c) rottenness, d) wrath

in what book wil you find, "the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved - a) isaiah, b) lamentations, c) song of solomon, d) jeremiah

these should be fairly simple, but you may check your answers below. i know many of these might seem like small, insignificant things, but nothing in the bible is insignificant. it is the living, breathing word of God, able to change and influence lives. God's purpose and desire is the cleanse and make ready a people for His self by "the washing of the water of the word." eph 5:26

if you truly love your Lord, you will want to make yourself presentable to Him that we might not be ashamed at His appearing.

ANSWERS:

b) abraham, 2. d) david, 3. b) solomon, 4. d) jacob, 5. c) mary, 6. d) branches, 7. d) thorny vines, 8. c) 27, 9. a) the egyptians, 10. a) cain, 11. c) matthias, 12. c) faith, 13. a)abundance/mouth 14. a) heart, 15. a) abraham, 16. c) four, 17. b) shame, 18. c) jeremiah - jer 8:20