NT: Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 2

Hebrews 2:1-18

2:1 One of scripture's greatest and most frequent implorations is for each soul to be present, to be focused, to be passionate and unwavering. We are each called to determine and establish our values, rooted in the foundation of compassion, and to defend, promote, inspire, encourage, ensure that those values are manifested on the earth. Do not drift away from this philosophy of faith, this philosophy which guides with humble wisdom and without selfish objective.

2:2 If the guideline of compassion existed even in the early days of humanity, certainly it exists now in these ages of spiritual awareness. This epistle to the Hebrews promotes the life of Jesus as being essential in the development of faith. The reason is because Jesus's philosophy brought to humanity a new and more comprehensive ability understand the spiritual, the life pre-dating and post-dating this one.

2:3 How shall we escape.... what? How shall we escape chaos, confusion, stagnation, ignorance, injustice? How shall we escape that which has power over us in the world if we do not acknowledge, claim and adhere ourselves to the power of Creation which is proffered to each of us?

Rather than a tiresome duty, spirituality is a personal and intricate gift. Spirituality is an intimate gift because its wisdom. comfort and power becomes tethered to our lives: joys, sorrows, tribulations, and experiences when we allow and welcome its presence.

2:4 Never doubt that signs, wonders, miracles and gifts still remain and are given. To those who are spiritually awakened, spiritually developing, spiritually listening and observing, creation is speaking. God is intricately intertwined in the lives of those who have invited Him in. No matter what conception of God you have, He, It is with you. Guiding. Gifting. Comforting. Loving.

2:5-8 We are redirected in this verse and Psalm 8:4-6 from worshiping saints (and angels) for we and even they are under the supreme and ethereal governance of Jesus, of the manifestation of compassion Itself.

2:9 The unprecedented and unmatched selflessness of Jesus' life have awarded Him reign over all life. There are no safer hands for life to be in.

2:10 For creation has determined that humanity could best be inspired by a life of complete humility, compassion and faith. Therefore, the master of humility, compassion and faith has been made the cornerstone of humanity.

2:11 Jesus is an inspiring guide because He navigated life with love rather than enforced-authority (although He certainly had both). Those who walk and bask under the warmth of His love become of Him, His spirituality.

2:12-13 Jesus, his followers and Creation are one in that we all are happily, humbly and proudly enveloped in the same philosophy of compassion. Borrowing from the Old Testament for corroboration as well as the uniting of the New and Old Testament, Psalm 22:22, 2 Samuel 22:3, and Isaiah 8:17-18 are referenced.

2:14 Jesus's life purpose was to exemplify to humanity that Life has power over Death, Good over Evil, Light over Darkness, Justice over Injustice. Jesus showed that complete humility and compassion lead inevitably to spiritual life.

2:15 Jesus's life purpose was to embolden us against fear, which only has power over us all long as we allow it to.

2:16 Jesus came in human form as we humans are his charges. He can relate to us because he has been where we are, as we are. Although it surely would have been easier and more pleasant to direct humanity from Spirit, Jesus sought the personal connection of having endured exactly as we endure. The reason is because Jesus was not here to help angels, he was here to help us specifically (the ancestors of Abraham -- which comprises now the world's population).

2:17 He did His research, so to speak. He immersed Himself in this vulnerable life so that He would be able to fairly and wisely lead all of us toward the invulnerable life.

2:18 Jesus experienced this life in human form on earth in order that He would be able to precisely understand and relate to our own lives here. Having been here Himself, He is informed of the challenges (as well as the joys) we have here and can therefore expertly navigate us through them.

NT: Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 1

Hebrews 1:1-14

1:1 Creation has at various times and in various ways spoken. Listening children of spirituality are capable of sensing and interpreting the frequency through which God speaks.

1:2 In the context of this time, God had reached out to humanity through the manifestation of compassion: Jesus. Jesus is referred to as the son of God but we must remember that every soul is a child of creation; claim the truth that you belong to nature.

1:3 We talk about Jesus being the manifestation of compassion and it is described further in this verse: Jesus came as representation of what Life, Energy, Creation is made of: light and glory, power and mercy, wisdom and instruction.

1:4 From creation came to us a perfect soul. A humble and hardworking soul whose purpose and joy was to deliver hope and life to all who would adopt this philosophy. Jesus is also the example that the more we give ourselves to humility and compassion the more we inherit in return. We are given to in order that we may give, a concept we have previously studied. Jesus was given to and throughout His entire life, He gave. Yet He gave and not so that He would receive... His generosity and faith were authentic and selfless.  

1:5 In this and the following verses, the Old Testament will be tied with the new. From Psalm 2:7, Jesus is declared a manifestation of complete, pure Life and Compassion. From 2 Samuel 7:14, the prophecy of Jesus arriving on earth as a Child/Son of God.

1:6 Jesus' birth is referenced in Deuteronomy 32:43 and Psalm 97:7. Let all angels (and souls) life and proceed in awe and reference of such pure love and humility.

1:7 Through the compassionate philosophy of life and faith Jesus brought to the earth, he enabled humans to acknowledge and understand themselves as souls native to the eternal ethereal (heaven as it is often called) rather than earth; Psalm 104:4. Children of God are able to withstand the fire of God, the refining fire. Rather than eternal hell-fire, God's warm is tolerable to the kind... quick and efficient in eliminating of evil. 

1:8-9 The Psalm 25:6-7 explains to us why Jesus's arrival on earth was (and is) such a blessing. His righteousness is everlasting. He remains established and inspired in morality, humility and compassionate work with God for humanity.

1:10-12 The Psalm 102:25-27 proclaims what we have named "God" as our creator, as well as the creator of the earth and universe. Moreover, it is proclaimed that our creator is eternal (although the natural world around us may change, He never does).

1:13-14 Jesus's enemies were promised to be made His footstool in Psalm 110:1. This verse and chapter in particular seek to highlight and distinguish Jesus as the messiah. What is imperative is the philosophy the messiah has brought to the earth as well as the truth that all that opposes compassion will be diminished, disintegrated. 

NT: Epistle of Paul to Philemon

Philemon 1:1-25

1:1 Paul happily announces himself as a prisoner of God and therefore it benefits us to talk about servitude and imprisonment in relation to God. Those who are spiritually awakened developing realize that to be claimed by God is a blessing, a return to our natural state. The negative connotations of imprisonment thus can be shed: our work with God is a mutual effort, 1 Corinthians 3:9. From within the complete encasement of God's love and wisdom, his "prisoners" thrive. The bars of God's children's ensure an impenetrable, invulnerable infinity and abundance of love and life.

1:2-3 With a prayer for grace and peace, Paul writes specifically to Philemon, meaning "affectionate" in Greek. Paul includes a greeting to Apphia, "fruitful", and Archippus, "master of the horse".

1:4 Paul prays for the people in his life. Praying for others creates an extraordinary opportunity: as God waits for permission to enter the lives of others, your prayer invites His blessings into the lives of those who might not be giving Him that access.

1:5 Paul is warmed by Philemon's love and faith; he is grateful that Philemon is authentic in his kindness and spirituality and that Philemon uses it to encourage others.

1:6-7 Paul's gratitude toward Philemon's humble kindness invites us to discover a fact and opportunity of our lives here: how we live our individual lives impact the collective (humanity). We have the blessed opportunity to refresh, inspire, and encourage the people around us. Our faith becomes effective when it is 1) authentic 2) humble 3) focused 4) passionate 4) productive. Both consciously and subconsciously our words and behavior is acknowledged by others (and thus our philosophy of life is processed by them).

1:8-11 Paul begins a request from Philemon: he would like to remain in company with a man, Onesimus, who had been under Philemon's jurisdiction. Onesimus means "profitable" or "useful" and certainly Onesimus is. For Paul to make this request, we can understand that Onesimus became a beloved and studious student of Paul.

1:12-14 Although our present day global-society is undoubtedly flawed, much of society has abandoned the use of slaves. However in the context of Paul's writing this epistle, slaves were kept. As Onesimus belongs to Philemon, Paul cannot allow him to remain with him.

Keep in mind: As Philemon was within the process of spiritual development, we can guess that he was kind with those in his service. The Bible impresses freedom and impartial love and compassion and it works to lead us through the societal constructions humankind has made (ie. slavery).

1:15-16 Paul's written hope to Philemon is that Onesimus' might be allowed to become a servant of God in faith rather than a servant of man. Paul hopes that Onesimus' freedom will be given.

1:17 Paul devotes his whole self to the case of Onesimus' freedom, for Philemon to see him as the equal that he is. We are here that when we have the means and opportunity to fight for and arranged another's freedom, we have the duty, the blessed responsibility to do so.

1:18 Paul offers to absorb any of Onesimus' debts (which may have perhaps arranged his enslavement). Essentially Paul requests freedom and forgiveness on Onesimus' behalf because Paul has power and clout that Onesimus does not. Paul had grown to know and understand Onesimus and became convinced that he deserved debt-forgiveness and freedom.

1:19 And certainly this can be applied figuratively: we all have debts that we have owed others (and not only monetary debts). When we learn and grow, we should have the opportunity to be reevaluated. We should not be held as slaves to our past debts or mistakes. Paul works to arrange this possibility for Onesimus and teaches us to do the same for others.

Paul reminds Philemon that even he has had debts (an injection of humility and awareness into his plea). As an act of faith, do the right thing and refresh all involved.

1:20 Paul requests from Philemon the joy of Onesimus' redemption and second chance.

1:21-22 Paul believes that Philemon will do the right thing but requests kindly anyway because God's children do not deal any other way but fairly and kindly.

1:23 Paul is confident of their continued friendship and hopes to unite with Philemon for a visit.

1:23-24 Greetings from some of Paul's coworkers (and your ancestral coworkers if you consider yourself a child and fellow-worker of God). Their name meanings:

Epaphras: lovely
Mark: defense
Aristarchus: best ruler
Demas: governor of the people 
Luke: light-giving
Jesus Christ: Yahveh (God) is salvation

1:25 "The grace of our Lord be with your spirit. Amen." Remember that you are your soul, your spirit... more than these limited and vulnerable bodies.

NT: Epistle of Paul to Titus, Chapter 3

Titus 3:1-15

3:1 To God's children: be respectful, follow just and fair rules, be prepared at all times to do good.

3:2 Do not tarnish the name of another person. Be amicable, gentle and humble to all people.

3:3 Remember always that we are all fallible. We are each on a journey of life and faith and we are each in different places on that spectrum (and that is perfectly fine and acceptable). We each learn and grow... none of us begins perfect or reaches perfection.

3:4-5 This philosophy of faith and spiritual presence in our lives was given to us freely, despite our short-comings. With the same wise patience and compassion go into the world.

3:6-7 We have been proclaimed by God as his beloved children. The love, eternal life-energy and wisdom He has is offered to us as the material with which we learn, grow, and thrive. Through Him we become instrumental creators of Light and Good in the world.

3:8 Maintain good works. Constantly. Good is the language of our creator, of nature of all manifestation of life. Develop and strengthen a relationship with spirit. Delve deeper than the superficial. Represent the faith. 

3:9 AVOID FOOLISH DISPUTES: Much of the world is obsessed with nonsensical rules, regulations, cultural customs, religious custom... and all of it is ruinous to God's truth. All that matters is compassion for all. Do not let superficial differences distract us from the truth that is we are all, at core (soul) the same. Of the same spiritual kin.

Foolish disputes are a waste of time, potential and energy. We have purpose here to dispute only evil. Differences are not evil. Injustice is evil. Greed is evil. Deception is evil. Focus! Identify the true enemy of the world, not difference but evil. Do not be distracted: identify and target the true enemy.

3:10-11 REJECT A DIVISIVE HUMAN: Do not give power or ear to a divisive human because their intentions and motivations are corrupt, selfish and regressive. Be vigilant against people who have not developed spiritually in compassion. Be able to identify a hypocrite, a greedy person, a deceptive person so that they never gain the power to do their dirty works.

3:12-13 Paul sets Timothy and other apostles on a mission. Paul has much to accomplish before his departure from earth. Before he leaves, he and God work to establish kind, just and faithful people in positions where they can do much good for humanity. 

God's children act with passion and good-intention. God's children do not hesitate. The preparedness and faith of God's children allow them to be sufficiently equipped for their every mission.

3:14 Some final directives: Learn. Maintain Good Works. Do good without hesitation. Be fruitful: productive, purposeful, necessary.

3:15 Grace be with you all. Amen.

NT: Epistle of Paul to Titus, Chapter 2

Titus 2:1-15

2:1 "But as for you," Paul first instructed Timothy but now instructs you, be:

2:2 ... present in life. Give the earth and humanity your clear and focused presence of mind. Revere creation, discover the miracle and wonder that are the true uber-elements of all life in order to remain grounded and simultaneously inspired. Be serene, allowing faith, love and patience manifest in every of your thoughts, words, and actions.

2:3 Act, speak and think always through compassion (the foundation of this faith). Be truthful and respectful of others and all manifestations of life. Be sober and strive for good in every opportunity and experience presented to you.

2:4 Love your family (be attentive and respectful, present and joyful with them). The nuclear family is a unit, and we should all use that opportunity to use the unit as a foundation and a propeller, a cheerleader, an adviser, a home at all times.

2:5 Be humble. Be loyal. Be productive in your life (in home and career and relationship).

2:6 Passionately encourage the humans around you; insist on their purpose and their potential, the ability of their natural minds.

2:7 Be a display, an organized pattern and expression of good. Use your life as a platform, show the world what you believe it should value and strive for through the way that you live. Show integrity (honest and morality), faith, incorruptibility (be bold and unwavering against injustice).

2:8 Firm, just and consistent speech and behavior defends itself (and cannot be accused of wrong-doing). Live and express in a way that reiterates your innocence. Do not give anyone the material to accurately accuse you of any evil. Be blameless, as Paul taught us in the previous chapter.

2:9 At home, at work, at school... wherever you are, do what you are supposed to do and do it well. Show the world how a child of God does things: completely, readily, properly, passionately, patiently, calmly, kindly. After all, if you are innocent... what argument can anyone have against you?

2:10 Do not pilfer; be honest. Be loyal. Represent this faith well.

2:11 This philosophy of faith is available to all of humanity (in various forms, not always the Bible; spirituality supersedes religion).

2:12 This philosophy of faith teaches us how to become (and continue as) honorable souls.

2:13 This philosophy of faith gives us hope and joy in the inevitability of the unification of earth and Spirit. Hope in the promise of our Creator.

2:14 The beauty of this faith is its core selflessness. Faith gives us its devotion and constant presence. Spirituality manifested as a guide and pillar for us to find comfort and direction in. Life on earth is complex, sometimes difficult and our Creator reaches toward each of our souls to help us navigate.

Our creator is zealous for good. Our greatest blessing is the compassion from which we originate and journey again toward.

2:15 Paul's advice continues: Speak these truths of justice and compassion, honest and kindness. Passionately encourage good. Passionately discourage evil with the support of God. Be innocent.

NT: Epistle of Paul to Titus, Chapter 1

Titus 1:1-16

An introduction to this epistle to Titus from Kregel's  King James Version Companion Bible:

The apostle Paul had no more highly esteemed fellow laborer than Titus, yet his name is not mentioned in the Acts. It has been suggested that this is owing to his being the authority to whom Luke is indebted for various portions of the book. A Gentile (Gal.2) and possibly a native of Crete, the words "Titus, mine own son after the common faith" (Tit. 1) indicate that he was led to the truth by Paul himself. The two were companions in Antioch prior to the Council assembled at Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 15, for to this Council he accompanied the apostle (Gal 2). Titus is repeatedly referred to in the two Epistles to the Corinthians, to which church he was apparently sent on two occasions. From this epistle we learn that after Paul's release from the Roman prison, the two journeyed together and preached in Crete, where the apostle left him to "set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city". Later, he was instructed to join Paul at Nicopolis, and it is probable that from there he went to Dalatia. The apostle's affectionate regard for him is shown in 2 Cor. 2. The Epistle was one of the latest written by Paul, probably in the end of A.D. 67.

1:1-3 By now we are lovingly familiar with Paul's spiritual character and letter-writing. First and foremost Paul proclaims himself a servant of God, a student of the philosophy of compassion Jesus manifested in the earth. He proclaims his belief in these faithful truths; he proclaims his dedication to God's children through preaching.

1:4 This epistle is written to Titus who Paul reveals to us is a beloved and studious child of God. With a pray for grace, mercy and peace he begins this letter first written to Timothy but now belonging to us.

1:5 Paul appointed Timothy as a preacher in Crete because Paul trusted Timothy's dedication to this faith. Timothy's job in Crete was to assign other authentic, compassion teachers of this faith to places where their guidance would be helpful. God ensures that each of His children who request His presence in their life receive and feel that presence at all times. God has fellow-workers and messengers place throughout the earth to be there for you as soon as you ask.

1:6 Paul's advice to Timothy in choosing preachers is to find humans who are honest and kind, and who care compassionately for their family. Humans whose children are gentle and precocious (living examples of present, patient, and attentive parents). 

1:7 In describing to Timothy the qualities which enabled a person to be capable and worthy of teaching this philosophy, Paul describes to us the type of people we should work to be (by listing the type of qualities we should not have). We should be work to be:

• Blameless: If we walk through life always acting only on our good-intention, we render ourselves innocent. Although we are fallible manifestations of life, when we do our best in every moment, we are blameless.
• Humble: The purpose and motivation of our lives should be to create a more joyful, just world for all of humanity. When we focus too heavily on just ourselves, we love sight of the core values of this faith.
• Serene and Patient: Our best chance at navigating life with both logic and compassion is to not react explosively to unforeseen or undesirable circumstances. When we fill our heads with anger and chaos we miss opportunities, chances of fixing our problems or escaping tribulation. We deprive ourselves of perspective when we are quick-tempered. Having perspective is essential in today's world, one must be able to think beyond themselves in order to fully understand circumstances (and thus deal with them appropriately).
• Sober: Value the beautiful, capable, miracle of a brain our creator has given. Not only does our brain expertly operate our own complex bodies but it also works tirelessly to help us operate through a complex life. Allow your brain to do its best job, unencumbered by unnatural influences. Let your brain be.
• Gentle: Although anger tries to persuade us differently, violence does not solve problems. Logic solves problems and logic works best under gentle conditions.
• Do Not Be Avaricious: A life focused on procuring material wealth is a life wasted. Contentment and happiness cannot be bought with money. What we should value is our interaction with other manifestations of life: nature, animals, humanity.

1:8

• Hospitable: Be a home for others, literally if you can and they require it but also figuratively. You are a vessel through which God's love and compassion can enter the world and the lives of others.
• Good: Do not be cruel. You have the blessed opportunity to Light this earth. Promote, support, create, defend, allow good in all of its forms to abound in the earth.
• Sober-minded + Self Controlled: Do not allow yourself to be ruled by the ideas of another person or by your emotions. Be able to  think clearly and independently, uninfluenced by potentially-corrupted external factors.
• Just: Be fair and be honest. In this frequently disparate world, humanity requires all of the justice it can get. Be fair in your life, in your expressions, actions and interactions with others.
• Holy: Do not taint yourself with evil and its qualities of vengeance and greed, impatience and violence. Do not contribute to the detriment of the world.

1:9 

• Faithful: Passionately maintain your relationship with Spirituality. Our God, our creator is your comfort, your guide, your source of wisdom and ability to discern. He is your pillar and protector. Your faith is your lifeline with the energy that can wisely propel you through the circumstances of your life with peace, justice and clarity.

1:10-14 An important ability for the preacher and for any individual is to be wary of evil, hypocrites, deceivers, and gossipers. There are corrupt people here (even within religious institutions) who do things for the sake of their own dishonest gain. 

1:15-16 Children of God look for and find Light and goodness in any circumstance. However, disrespectful people, unkind people, unjust people respect nothing (not even themselves). They use people and manipulate circumstances for their own selfish benefit. Not only does Paul implore us not to be that type of person but he also encourages us to be vigilant of those types of people (so that they can never cleverly lead us astray).

NT: Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy, Chapter 4

II Timothy 4:1-22

4:1-2 Here we receive inspirational directives from Paul on what to do with our lives and our faith:

• Preach The Word: in whichever manner is unique to you and your expression, display and spread your faith and everything it stands for. Not everybody is an official teacher yet we are all teachers in that our behavior influences others.
• Be Ready: Always be and do your best so that at any moment you would be able to stand up confidentially for what you have represented and done. 
• Convince: Be convincing in that you are consistently sincere and passionate about your faith and values.
• Rebuke: Reject, oppose and deny injustice whenever you come into contact with it. Never allow it to continue unchecked, unchallenged by justice.
• Exhort: Emphatically encourage the souls around you to have hope, to have joy, to be purposeful and kind and courageous.
• Persevere: Be brave, be persistent, hold onto your patient hope. Trust in the love and wisdom of creation to guide you out of all suffering (with your permission, He will always help you).
• Teach: Literally for Timothy (who is a teacher of the faith) but it also applies to you. Let your behavior, your words, your thoughts, your relationships with others teach (by way of influence) the people around you.

4:3-4 In the previous chapter, Paul prophesied of a wayward condition of humanity. He continues here in explaining that as time goes on, in general, humanity will pull further away from this faith. Many religions today are full of hypocrisy (people who say one thing but do the opposite, and people who pretend to value compassion but really value material wealth).

4:5 Paul speaks to Timothy (and us) and implores us to be vigilant of the aforementioned, of humanity distancing itself from natural spirituality. Do good (compassionate) work and persevere against injustice. 

4:6-7 Paul worked closely with God throughout his life and therefore was able to spiritually-recognized when the time approached for him to leave the earth. Certainly Paul had fought the good fight, working arduously against injustice in the name of faith. He finished the race, his time in this classroom grew to a close and he was to graduate. He kept the faith.

4:8 Paul explained that he was about to experience something that all of God's children will experience: a rejoining with Him in Spirit. A joyous unification after a job of teamwork with God well done. It is an experience which all those who have loved and developed their relationship with spirituality will experience.

4:9-13 Paul has some requests for Timothy's help. Before his departure, Paul has a few more things to set in place for this ministry of faith to continue to thrive.

4:14-15 Be vigilant of deceitful and crooked intentions. And certainly we know that we do indeed reap what we sow. What we produce is given back to us (and that should be utilized as a blessing).

4:16 Paul prays for forgiveness for the people who worked against his good works because Paul is compassionate and also humble. Paul knows that all happiness and success in his life was made possible through God's forgiveness of his transgressions. 

4:17-18 Here is what our God will do:

• Stand With You: You will never be alone. You will never feel alone if you remember his presence and love and guidance in your life. Against any enemy and every tribulation He will stand firmly, boldly by your side at your defense.
• Strengthen You: He will fill you with the energy and ability to withstand every difficulty and difficult time. He will give you the tools and materials you need to thrive when something is working to demean or diminish you.
• Deliver You From Evil: He will guide you away from injustice and disparity if you reach out for His hand.
• Preserve You: He will help you to maintain and grow your faith, your happiness, your wisdom, the energy and life of your spirit.

4:19-21 Paul closes this epistle to Timothy, hoping for his timely help and updated Timothy on his condition. Paul prepares for his final few missions on earth before he rejoins God and with Timothy's help, will do so.

4:22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.